A study conducted in the People鈥檚 Republic of China focused on over 60 hospitals and 5,000 patients between the ages of 18-70 over a 5-year period. This study recently publishes its findings that the purified extract; Xuezhikang, which can be found in Chinese Red Yeast rice, is beneficial for preventing repeat heart attacks in patients with heart disease. With a 45% decrease in a repeat heart attack and decreased total mortality rate of 1/3 this study was more than successful with the research. People in China have been consuming Red Yeast rice through their diets for thousands of years, but this is the first time it has been clinically studied.

It is important to note here that for people in North America, many of聽the over-the-counter Red Yeast rice supplements cannot be trusted and are not what was used within this study. These supplements have not yet been regulated and it is impossible to know the amount of Xuezhikang within them. This study looked at patients who had experienced a heart attack within the year and provided them with dosages of two-300-milligram XZK capsules or a placebo per day to be tracked over a 5-year term. The goal of this study is to continue research to allow people throughout the entire world to utilize this natural ingredient to help control their heart disease.

Remember, not all Red Yeast supplements will produce the same results because not all brands are manufactured the same way. It is important to conduct your own due diligence prior to purchasing any supplement.聽If you are looking to help prevent repeat heart attacks within your future, there are many other natural supplements on the market today available to help keep your heart healthy without the long list of side effects found on prescription medications.

• Alpha-Lipoic acid helps to lower your high cholesterol levels with its antioxidant powers.

• Coenzyme Q₁₀ improves the function and strength of your heart muscle to prevent a second heart attack in the future. This should be taken in dosages of 100 mg daily.

• Grape Seed Extract is an essential antioxidant that聽prevents the risk of blood clotting, which can result in another heart attack.

• Potassium is required to maintain a regular heart beat rhythm and also aids in lowering your cholesterol levels.聽A potassium supplement is available in dosages of 99 mg. It is recommended to consume an adequate amount of potassium through food sources.

• Vitamin E has been proven to thin the blood and improve the circulation throughout your body. Be sure to purchase a natural form of vitamin E.

• Calcium and Magnesium when taken together can control your blood pressure and rhythm of the heart for proper functioning.

This is just a small list of the different natural methods you can utilize when it comes to treating and healing your heart after a heart attack. Repeated heart attacks do not have to be in your future when you visit a naturopathic professional to help you develop the perfect natural supplement regime for your current health and future health goals.

The FDA recently announced they were beginning further testing and investigating whether the top four arthritis drugs on the market today were causing cancer in patients. Over the past 10 years the FDA received 30 cases of children and adults suffering from cancer who were taking these arthritis medications. Currently, the FDA has stated that the benefits outweigh the dangers for most patients until further research can be completed. The drugs under scrutiny are Enbrel, Wyeth and Remicade.

Each of these drugs tries to reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis through the same methods. The goal is to block the specific protein called tumour necrosis factor. These drugs are used not only for arthritis but for Crohn鈥檚 Disease as well. Known as TNF blockers, these drugs have been revolutionary for those suffering from arthritis and have made more then 13 billion dollars in sales last year alone. Since the release of these drugs just a decade ago, half a million patients have been treated through this method.

Because these drugs block part of the immune system, it has been known since their release that there might be a higher risk of infection and cancer in the patients using them. Each of the drug鈥檚 labels contains a warning to this effect that the potential for developing lymphomas is much higher. Lymphomas are cancer cells within the immune system and over half of the cancer cases in children reported to the FDA were exactly this. A study was conducted on adults taking Humira or Remicade to treat their arthritis. The results showed these adults had a 2.4 increase rate of developing cancer then those adults in the testing with only placebos.

For children and adults suffering from arthritis, it is important to realize that prescription medications are not the only form of treatment at your disposal. Natural supplementation is a great way to control and manage your symptoms as well as reduce the risk of cancer. Each of the natural supplements listed below are聽safe and risk free when used as directed so you do not have to worry about developing cancer, only fighting the symptoms of arthritis.

• Bromelain is an enzyme, which reduces the inflammation and helps with the digestion of proteins when taken with meals.

• Essential Fatty Acids can help increase the production and activity of anti-inflammatories within the body. Controls arthritis pain when taken as directed.

• Sea Cucumber is a natural form of lubrication for the joints and tissues. May take up to 6 weeks to see results.
  聽
• Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant, which can protect not only your organs from free radicals but your joints as well.
  聽
• Boron is the number one mineral required for healthy and strong bones.

• Glucosamine is a natural topical cream used to relieve the pain of arthritis.聽

There are dozens more natural remedies and supplements, which can be taken on a daily basis to help reduce your arthritis pain and allow you to live your life the way you want to. Visit a professional naturopathic today for more information to help you create your natural supplement routine with success.

Australian researchers have recently released and published their study in the journal Cochrane Library, stating that Chinese herbs have a more beneficial effect on menstrual cramps and pain than acupuncture and prescription medications. All aspects of this research found that Chinese herbs and medicine was far superior for treating menstrual symptoms than any other form of treatment used in the past. A total of 3,475 women were involved in this study, divided into 39 trial groups for comparison and unique testing. 聽

The women involved in these trials were given different Chinese herbs including:

路聽Cinnamon bark

路聽Angelica root

路聽Fennel fruit

路聽Licorice root

路聽Szechuan lovage root

路聽Chinese motherwort

路聽Nut-grass rhizome

路聽Red peony root

These Chinese herbs were used in the traditional methods meant to control energy and blood levels as well as improve liver and kidney functions. The researchers found that the use of Chinese herbs greatly decreased the pain associated with menstrual cycles. In one study, 53% of the women reported a significant decrease in pain and only 23% of the women receiving the placebo reported these same results.

Although there is still no scientific identification of the cause of menstrual pain, it still affects more then 50% of women at the reproductive age. Teenagers experience a much higher and more common level of pain at 80% compared to the 50%. This is just another study that advocates the use of natural remedies versus the prescription medications we have come to rely so confidently in. More and more we are beginning to see the dangers and side effects associated with these pills and prescription medications and aren鈥檛 sure what to do about it. This study is telling women everywhere what is the best option; Chinese herbal treatments.

It can be hard to know where to start with this type of new therapy treatment, but visiting a natural health food store or herbal retailer is a great place to start. Here you will have the opportunity to speak with professional naturopathies regarding the use of Chinese herbs to help reduce your menstrual pains and therefore reduce any risk you may be inviting into your body through different forms of treatment and medications. Get back to the natural side of healing and use herbs instead of pills to treat your symptoms, worry free treatment and beneficial results.

Thousands of people suffering from diabetes use the drug Regranex gel to help prevent and treat serious leg and foot ulcers related to their severe case of diabetes. The FDA has recently released a warning on Regranex gel in regards to recent studies which have found a 5-fold higher risk of dying of cancer in patients using this drug. The FDA has asked the creator of Regranex gel, a division of Johnson & Johnson to put a Black Box warning label on this product. This is the highest level warning the FDA can release. Even with

this strong warning, the FDA still is advising health care professionals to weigh the benefits and the risks before prescribing this medication to anyone, especially those with common malignancies.

The FDA completed聽its own research study that concludes the increased risk of death by cancer in patients who use at least 3 tubes of Regranex gel was five times greater than within diabetes patients who did not use this drug. This study is based on four cases of cancer as a result of this drug but this is more than enough to warrant a Black Box warning label and advisories for anyone with diabetes. Regranex gel has been a successful resource for diabetics in the past to help speed up the healing of wounds that would generally take months if they would heal at all. Today, however the FDA has consulted with many studies in relation to the long term effects of this diabetic drug and is severely warning not only patients but health care professionals as well.

The key to Regranex gel is that it increases the speed of cell reproduction and consequently there are fears that this increase of cell production may in turn increase the speed of cancer cells. There is no consequential evidence that Regranex gel causes new cancers but on the other hand there is no evidence that it does not. With this being said, for anyone who currently does not suffer from diabetes, there are many natural ways you can keep it this way and avoid having to use this type of harmful drug altogether.

• Physical activity is by聽far聽one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetes. Be sure to get an adequate amount of exercise daily聽
• Garlic decreases your blood sugar levels and stabilizes the blood levels overall.
• A Zinc deficiency has been associated with diabetes and in order to avoid this make sure to take 50-80 mg of Zinc per day.
• Coenzyme Q10 improves your blood circulation.
• Magnesium can be taken in dosages of 750 mg daily and is meant to stabilize your pH levels and increase your energy.
• Vitamin A is an important antioxidant needed to maintain overall health.

Natural supplementation is a great way to help decrease your risk of diabetes and eliminate the unnecessary risk associated with many of the diabetic medications on the market today. By maintaining your health from a day-to-day basis you are making a conscious effort to avoid these types of life long conditions.

Consider the foods you eat and the nutrients you consume to make sure you are getting enough of all the vitamins and nutrients to keep your immune system strong. Visit your doctor today to learn more about your vitamin levels to learn if you are deficient of Zinc or any other essential nutrients. Take the precautions to eliminate the risk of diabetes today.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin have found that the chemical resveratrol has been found to decrease and even eliminate the age related changes, which can occur to your heart. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol, which can be derived from wine, grapes and pomegranates and this study suggests it is the reason for what is known as the French Paradox. The French Paradox refers to the French鈥檚 ability to live long and prosperous lives while still consuming a diet that is rich in fats, which are known to raise cholesterol levels and clog聽arteries.

The researchers from the University of Wisconsin have taken this plant derivative and tested it on mice. Although the aging process of the heart function is different for animals and humans there is a changing in the gene sequence, which is nearly the same for both; making this form of research possible. It was found that the mice who consumed resveratrol had fewer age related changes to the heart over time in comparison to the mice who did not consume resveratrol.

Dr Louise Connelly from Imperial College聽has examined聽the effects of resveratrol on lung disease.聽She聽said that resveratrol within聽the blood stream is聽eliminated聽from the body before it can have any effects. She also stated:

“The resveratrol molecule is very quickly removed from the bloodstream metabolised by the liver.

“In order to have any effect, you would have to drink literally gallons of wine, and that is not recommended.”

Coronary heart disease can also be lowered as a risk factor聽when you frequently consume levels of resveratrol through your diet. This is due to the decreased production of the 鈥渂ad鈥� cholesterol and increased production of the 鈥済ood鈥� cholesterol. Within this function lowered cholesterol levels and reduction in fats within the arteries can be experienced as well. It is important to remember and take note that not all wines are made the same or with the same ingredients and this should not be overlooked if you are looking to drink wine based on the results and benefits found within this study.

Merlot and Red Zinfandels have lower levels of resveratrol than Cabernet Sauvignon and white wines have very small if any levels of resveratrol to be seen. If you are not a wine drinker, resveratrol can be taken in the form of a natural supplement as well. Resveratrol has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties聽and for many people this is the optimal way to receive the heart and anti-cancer benefits from this ancient Chinese remedy. I recommend聽Nature’s Way resveratrol formula, which is a powerful and synergistic blend of red wine extract, red wine powder, Japanese Knotweed and Grape Seed Extract.

This study is not advocating anyone to drink large amounts of wine within their everyday diet to reap the benefits of resveratrol. It is only acknowledging there are benefits and a glass of wine in moderation聽may be聽a good way to obtain聽some of these benefits or through natural supplementation.

A study conducted by a professor from the University Of California Los Angeles School Of Public Health, has found that the use of cell phones during your pregnancy and allowing small children to use cell phones can increase behavioral problems at an early age. The results of this study come from a survey completed by the mothers of 13,159 Danish children. These children were 7 years old at the time the survey

was conducted. The study found that children whose mothers used a cell phone during the pregnancy had a 54% higher risk of behavior problems such as emotional problems, hyperactivity, conduct problems and problems socializing with their fellow peers.

On the other hand children who use cell phones themselves increased their risk by 18%. And the combination of both types of exposure to cell phones increased the risk to an astounding 80%. During the study the researchers were surprised to find the results they did and continued with their research to find more in depth answers to their questions. Although this study simply raises the suspicion that cell phones are the cause of the rising behavioral problems in children today, mothers-to-be should be taking this information seriously. The professors and researchers within the study state that even with the mother using a cell phone during pregnancy and the child using their own cell phone, the results found within this study are rare.

There has been a great debate over this type of study for years and this is not the first one conducted searching for the dangers associated with cell phone use. The developing fetus within a pregnant mother is far more susceptible to the outside world than you may think, which is why this study has stirred up so much controversy. The wireless world has become part of our everyday life and this type of study can not only harm the children involved but also the businesses, which sell this type of technology every day. This is where the controversy begins.

As a pregnant mother or a mother of a small child, it may be in your best interest as well as theirs to limit their cell phone use. Just like any form of technology, there should be a limit on how much it is used. This includes video games, watching TV, the computer, etc. Each of these generally has a time limit on them and the cell phone should be no different. This is not the only study conducted trying to prove their theories relating to the harm cell phones can do to an unborn fetus or small children and it should not be ignored.

Although we have lived for many years now relying on the capabilities of the cell phone, during the 9 months of your pregnancy you can more than definitely live without it. It is a convenience that has been used so often that now it is taken for granted. It can take some time to get used to living without your cell phone but remember that we did not always have them and we survived. Even if the reports state the effects are rare on an unborn fetus, is this a chance you are willing to take? Be cautious and get rid of your cell phone for the sake of your new baby.

The FDA has recently released a statement regarding mercury from amalgam dental fillings and its toxic affects on young children and fetuses, which are still developing. Experts have stated that there is no proof the mercury within the fillings is dangerous but on the other hand there is no proof that it is not either. The average amalgam dental filling is more than half made up of mercury; this is where the FDA has stepped in with their views. By viewing the FDA website today you will find any positive feedback regarding the amalgam filling has been deleted and there is now a warning in its place. 聽

The FDA has made the statement that amalgam dental fillings contain high levels of mercury, which may have toxic effects on the nervous systems of young children and even developing fetuses. In addition to this statement the FDA has added an additional warning for pregnant women and anyone who currently has high levels of mercury within their systems due to a pre-existing condition. This does not mean you should avoid taking care of your teeth and dental work, it only means you should discuss your options with your dentist before accepting an amalgam dental filling.

It will take approximately 1 year for the new rules, regulations and warnings to be properly posted within the dental industry but this turn around time is quite quick for this type of newly developing case. It can be hard to believe that a small dental filling can affect someone in such a serious way but if you think that millions of pregnant women and children receive dental fillings every day, thousands of these people are bound to be negatively affected. The amalgam fillings are made from liquid mercury, tin, copper, zinc and other metals. It was believed when this filling was first created that the mercury was trapped within the amalgam when it was developed; this is not true.

For those people with an amalgam filling, when you chew you are releasing mercury vapor, which is then absorbed by the body. Although this is a small amount of mercury released into your system it does not take long to build up with more fillings and the more we chew. It is important to understand this FDA warning is not trying to prevent you from seeing your dentist and properly taking care of your cavities. Instead, it is meant to educate you on what these fillings can do to your health and the health of your unborn child. There are other options; amalgam fillings are not the only way to treat cavities today.

I have been talking about the dangers of these toxic mercury fillings for quite some time now. If you currently have an amalgam filling I strongly聽encourageyou to visit your dentist today and learn about your alternative options and have these fillings removed and replaced immediately, as I did. You also have the option of visiting a holistic dentist to get these fillings replaced. You do not have to be a pregnant woman or a small child to be concerned about the risks associated with mercury in the fillings because only time will tell how many other people are being affected through this form of dental work. Take this opportunity to remove these dangerous fillings and make sure nothing toxic is being put into your mouth through dental treatment.

If you love cooking Italian food it is time to learn what garlic can really do for you and the differences between fresh and bottled garlic. A new study was published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrating that fresh garlic may actually be better for you than bottled garlic. Some scientists and researchers from Japan have been analyzing the differences between fresh

garlic and the garlic which is preserved in water, vegetable oil or alcohol. Specifically they are looking at Allicin, which is the main chemical component of garlic, the component that provides the smell.

Allicin has been studied on more than one occasion due to its amazing anti-bacteria properties. Some studies have found this chemical can help fight infections and even prevent the onset of dangerous conditions such as food poisoning. The point of this research is that the chemical Allicin is quite delicate and disappears easily. Researchers are wondering whether long-term storage (bottled garlic) affects the levels of Allicin within the garlic.

The researchers within this project found that fresh garlic offers higher levels of Allicin than bottled garlic and therefore more healing and health properties to offer as well. Although the research did find that if you are going to use bottled garlic it is best to find a brand, which preserves their garlic in water versus vegetable oil. Their studies found that garlic kept in vegetable oil lost more levels of Allicin than in water. This study provides you a great deal of information so you can make a well-informed decision about the garlic you use during the creation of your recipes. Now let鈥檚 go through the health benefits of garlic to give you a better idea of what you are missing.

路聽Treatment of the common cold.
路聽The strengthening of our immune system to fight conditions such as cancer.
路聽Battles heart disease.
路聽Lowers high blood pressure.
路聽Anti-bacterial properties to fight infections.

This is just a small list of conditions that聽garlic聽can help to improve. If you are someone who is constantly battling high blood pressure and taking pills several times a day to control it, why not give the natural healing powers of garlic a try? The one benefit of this natural form of medication people today cannot overlook is the lack of side effects. When you choose a natural healing power like garlic there are no side effects to fear, only great results.

As far as supplementation, there’s only one garlic supplement I use and highly recommend: Kyolic by Wakunage of America. This is a high-quality聽organic garlic supplement, which is aged.聽It contains聽the health-boosting compound Allicin. I take聽1800 mg聽of Kyolic every single day.

	Study: Consuming Seven or More Eggs a Week Increases Mortality Risk When it comes to the natural foods of the earth 鈥� the ones that haven鈥檛 been reformulated or processed 鈥� virtually no food is off limits, so long as they鈥檙e eaten in moderation. But could eggs be the 鈥榚gg鈥檆eption? 聽
Eggs are chock-full of quality protein for muscle building, have quality nutrients like folate and choline for pregnant women, and are rich in carotenoids like lutein, which promotes eye health. On the other hand, other studies suggest that eating eggs increases the likelihood of death!

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a study conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School followed over 21,300 middle-aged male physicians, all of whom agreed to have their lifestyle habits documented over a 20-year period.聽 Over the 20-year period of observation, approximately 5,000 of the men died.聽 And in the researchers鈥� analysis, middle-aged men who ate more than seven eggs a week were at a 23 percent higher risk of mortality than those men who ate six or fewer eggs per week.聽 A more startling finding was that there was an increased risk of death among physicians who had diabetes; they were twice as likely to have died in the 20-year period if they consumed eggs at all 鈥� whether it was one a week or seven a week.

Though over 1,500 men suffered a heart attack in the 20 years of observation, the researchers don鈥檛 believe egg consumption played a role in the prevalence of heart attacks among the men observed.聽 The researchers advise further study among the general population, as this study was relegated to physicians.

So, where does this study leave us?聽 Well, for one thing, it certainly adds to the conflicting bodies of evidence about eggs and whether or not they are, in fact, healthy.聽 As far as I鈥檓 concerned, even though these doctors鈥� research advises against eating more than seven eggs per week, it鈥檚 not enough to swear off eggs entirely.聽 Not enough for the former president of the American Heart Association, either.

鈥淓ggs are like all other foods 鈥� they are neither good nor bad,鈥� writes former AHA president Dr. Robert Eckel.聽 鈥淸Eggs] can be part of an overall heart-healthy diet.鈥�

I support the good doctor鈥檚 thoughts (though I would argue there are some foods worth calling 鈥渂ad鈥�).聽 After all, the study does not indicate a causal connection between death and egg consumption.聽 For instance, the men who consumed the most eggs were also heavier in weight, exercised infrequently, were more likely to smoke, more likely to drink alcohol and ate less cereal 鈥� a great food source for whole grains.

As usual, more research needs to be conducted, but at the very least, this study supports perhaps the wisest phrase in the American lexicon regarding what it takes to remain healthy:聽 Everything in moderation.聽 I repeat my original assertion:聽 virtually no natural food is off limits, so long as they鈥檙e consumed in moderation and are minimally processed.聽 And it doesn鈥檛 get more natural or more unprocessed than the good, old-fashioned egg.

Research Indicates why Diet Pills Deserve Scorn聽 According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, after 25 years, a disturbing trend may have finally leveled off. The disturbing trend? Obesity in children. That鈥檚 right. Since 1980, there鈥檚 been a steady increase in the number of children classified as 鈥渙bese,鈥� which is anyone that has a body mass index over 30. Since 2004, the 11 percent of children who are severely obese and the 16 percent of children who are obese has not increased. 聽

Researchers and doctors, when asked about the leveling off, believe much of the credit goes to policies schools have taken in the cafeteria encouraging more nutritious meal options while discouraging the availability of vending machines that are so often frequented by children during lunch hours or at school day鈥檚 end.

If this is indeed the case, our children are all the better for it and our schools deserve a round of applause.聽 But if the leveling off has more to do with diet pills than better exercise and eating habits, then the round of applause will be drowned out by a chorus of boos aimed at drug companies.

While I鈥檓 all for supplementation, I am avowedly against diet pills, particularly when it comes to children.聽 Not only do they not work, but according to a recent study, they may adversely affect a child鈥檚 brain development.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) investigated a new drug that鈥檚 widely available in Europe.聽 This drug, apparently, contains a chemical that 鈥渂locks鈥� neurons in the brain from reaching brain receptors that signal to the body when it鈥檚 hungry.

To determine whether this drug adversely impacted the brain, mice were given a version of the weight loss pill that contained a compound similar to the one found in the weight loss pill called Acomplia.聽 The doctors then closed one of each of the mice鈥檚 eyes, then had the mice go through an obstacle course to see how their actions adapted to seeing out of only one eye.聽 Due to the chemicals鈥� blocking the brain鈥檚 receptors, called cannabinoid receptors, the mice acted as though both their eyes were open.聽 This indicated to the researchers that their brain was not able to adapt to visual changes, and that this was due to the rimonabant-like compound in the drug they鈥檇 ingested (Rimonabant is the compound in Acomplia that 鈥渂locks鈥� the cannabinoid receptors).

Acomplia has not been sanctioned for use in the United States due to observed psychiatric issues 40 percent of heart patients had with the drug in testing.聽 Nevertheless, the maker of the drug, Sanofi, say it鈥檚 safe for use in adults and stand behind its effectiveness.

Quite simply, there鈥檚 only one truly effective 鈥� and safe 鈥� way to keep our children鈥檚 weight in check:聽 a nutritious diet combined with regular exercise.聽 As adults, we ought to take the same advice.