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Herbal Remedies Natural Health Newsletter, November, Issue 238

Herbal Remedies November 2004 Natural Health Newsletter Issue 238 Sponsored by www.HerbalRemedies.com Toll Free for orders 1-866-467-6444 Issue Editor - Heather Bowman

Herbs - Vitamins - Minerals - Magnetics - Candles - Aromatherapy - Holiday Gifts - Bath & Beauty - Essential Oils - Condition & Ailment Guide - Women's Health - Men's Health - Weight Loss - Health Books Easy Green: Chlorella's Many Benefits - Click here for full story. Tremors & Aftershocks: With Vioxx Off The Market, An Inexpensive Joint Pain Alternative - Click here for full story. Study Finds Vitamin C May Help Prevent Damage From Secondhand Smoke - Click here for full story. Study Finds Five Supplements Could Save The Government Billions - Click here for full story. Holiday Stress - Click here for full story. Our Sponsors Enter coupon code "NL112804" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from http://www.HerbalRemedies.com

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Easy Green: Chlorella's Many Benefits Reprinted with permission from www.hsibaltimore.com, Health Sciences Institute e-Alert, September 27, 2004 Being green may not be easy – even if you're an internationally famous frog puppet. But when it comes to the "green food" supplement called Chlorella , being green is a very good thing to be. On the HSI Forum, a member named Gidget asks if anyone has used chlorella, wonders what sort of results they had, and adds this question: "Has anyone done any research on chlorella?" The quick answer to that last question: Yes, we've seen some research. But not nearly enough for a supplement that shows tremendous promise as a natural detoxifier, immune system booster, and perhaps even a cancer fighter. Pain relief In the e-Alert "Giving and Taking Care" (9/16/04), a member asked for advice on how to help her father get some much-needed nutrition after his appetite was suppressed by radiation treatments for lung cancer. HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., suggested chlorella, which he described as nutrient dense and easily digested (not to mention "inexpensive and excellent"). Chlorella is a freshwater algae that contains such a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that it's considered to be a nearly perfect whole food. Chlorella is also the richest source of chlorophyll on earth. In the e-Alert "Supplement From the Sea Can Treat Many 'Incurable' Conditions" (12/6/01), I told you how animal studies have revealed that chlorella may stimulate the production of immune system factors like macrophages, leukocytes, and interferon. But in recent years, chlorella research has moved beyond animal trials with studies that have examined the therapeutic effects of chlorella on fibromyalgia. The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia involve inflammation or pain in joints and muscles, often accompanied by fatigue. This chronic condition is difficult to diagnose and not easy to treat. In two separate clinical trials conducted in Japan, researchers found that daily therapy with 10 grams of chlorella in tablet form and 100 milliliters of chlorella liquid extract brought improvements in pain, sleep, and anxiety - all common measures of fibromyalgia severity. After three months, 62 percent of the fibromyalgia patients taking the chlorella scored better on pain assessment measures - an improvement that was not seen when the same patients took a placebo. Overall, 71 percent of the participants said that chlorella helped to improve their fibromyalgia symptoms, with no side effects. Inflammation relief In the 2001 e-Alert, I also told you about chlorella research on patients with ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine, characterized by abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea). In a study of eight people with ulcerative colitis, researchers found that chlorella significantly improved patients' symptoms. Each subject took 10 grams of chlorella in tablet form and 100 milliliters of chlorella liquid extract daily. After two months, the subjects completed a 32-question survey, noting the supplement's effect on four areas: symptoms related to the primary bowel disturbance, systemic symptoms, emotional impact, and social impact. The results showed strong improvement across the board. The participants also reported that the severity of their attacks lessened considerably soon after they began taking chlorella, and that their symptoms continued to reduce or remained stable over the course of the study. Cancer and chemo Chlorella's use as a cancer-fighting agent is still relatively unexplored. According to The Cancer Chronicles – published by the renowned cancer researcher Ralph Moss, Ph.D. – chlorella has been shown to significantly prolong the lives of mice implanted with cancer cells. In one study, the benefits of chlorella were particularly strong when chlorella was given before the cancer was introduced, indicating a potential course of cancer prevention. Dr. Moss also reports that more than 40 years ago researchers found chlorella to be effective in reversing the fatigue associated with chemotherapy. Chlorella has been shown to quickly restore white blood cells that are killed by chemotherapy, without affecting the potency of the chemo. When using a natural agent such as chlorella as a therapy for cancer, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia or any other health problem, it's always best to consult a doctor or a trusted health care professional. Chlorella is not known to cause side effects, but its use may be associated with mild adverse reactions triggered by the detoxification of pesticides and heavy metals stored in the body. For more information and list of helpful products Chlorella / Spirulina / Blue Green Algae / PhytoNutrients / Super Green Foods

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Tremors & Aftershocks: With Vioxx Off The Market, An Inexpensive Joint Pain Alternative Reprinted with permission from www.hsibaltimore.com, Health Sciences Institute e-Alert, October 18, 2004 When the pharmaceutical giant Merck removed Vioxx from the market earlier this month, I had a hunch there would be aftershocks as more details emerged. And that hunch was correct: aftershocks have been arriving right on schedule. For anyone who's been using either Vioxx or Celebrex (the COX-2 inhibitors that relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis), these aftershock reports carry some sobering news. But for anyone who's looking for an alternative to these drugs, I have some new information about an alternative treatment that's not only safe, but also provides some of the healthiest nutrients you can find in any dietary supplement. The alarm that failed This should be a bombshell, but I doubt it will get much attention from the mainstream media. When Merck pulled the plug on Vioxx, we found out that the FDA had known for years that the drug was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. And as unsettling as that is, that's not the bombshell. This is the bombshell: In early September, the FDA approved the use of Vioxx for kids. Amazing, isn't it? And according to WebMD Medical News, this approval was based on a trial that lasted only three months. Not exactly what you'd call a "long-term" study. Meanwhile, several reports have been touting Celebrex as a safe alternative to Vioxx. For instance, in August, a study led by an FDA researcher estimated that more than 27,000 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths might have been avoided if the patients had been using Celebrex instead of Vioxx. Okay. Celebrex may be safer. But is it safe? The Celebrex information flyer tells us that liver and kidney problems are among the most serious side effects – just as they are (were) with Vioxx. But what about heart attack risk? According to a long-term study of more than 8,000 subjects that appeared in a 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the heart attack rate among both Vioxx and Celebrex users was "significantly higher" compared to placebo. And while the study indicated that Vioxx was the more dangerous of the two, Celebrex was by no means risk-free. Expert advice In the wake of the Vioxx controversy, we're told that many "experts" and doctors recommend using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can be purchased over-the-counter. But NSAIDs present plenty of problems of their own. As we've discussed in e-Alerts and Members Alerts, all NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, have been shown to contribute to liver and kidney impairment, an increased risk of hypertension, and gastrointestinal conditions such as bleeding and ulcers. Fortunately there's a natural alternative to these drugs. In the e-Alert "Grandma Knew the Secret for Relieving Arthritis Pain" (2/27/02) I told you about research that shows how Cod Liver Oil may reverse the actions of the enzymes that break down cartilage. In fact, studies suggest that taking cod liver oil can even prevent the development of arthritis, while reducing symptoms in those already afflicted with the disease. Now we have some new evidence that confirms the conclusions of the 2002 study. In research that was reported earlier this year, scientists at Cardiff University in Wales recruited more than 30 subjects who were scheduled to have knee joint replacement surgery. For a period of 10 to 12 weeks before surgery, half the subjects took high doses of cod liver oil (2,000 mg per day), and half took a placebo. During each patient's surgery, doctors removed samples of joint tissue and cartilage. When the Cardiff researchers analyzed the samples, more than 85 percent of the cod liver oil group had significantly reduced the amount of enzymes that are known to trigger the cartilage damage typical of osteoarthritis. In some of the patients there was no trace of the enzymes. Only 26 percent of the placebo group showed reduced enzyme levels. Take care For many people, cod liver oil provides an inexpensive and effective way to relieve the pain of arthritis. In addition, this supplement is one of the very best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D; two of the most potent nutrients in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. But a word of caution: Because cod liver oil is a natural anticoagulant, those who use blood-thinning medication like warfarin should not take it. Cod liver oil may also raise blood sugar levels in some patients, so diabetics should monitor its use very carefully. And, as always, check with your doctor or health care professional before adding cod liver oil to your daily supplements. Sources: "Vioxx Was Okd for Kids" Delthia Ricks, Newsday, 10/11/04, www.newsday.com "Safety of Arthritis Drugs in Question" Steve Mitchell, WebMD Medical News, 7/10/01, www.my.webmd.com "Risk of Cardiovascular Events Associated With Selective COX-2 Inhibitors" Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 286, No. 8, 8/22/01, www.jama.ama-assn.org "Science Backs Old Wives' Tale – Cod Liver Oil Helps Slow Osteoarthritis" NutraIngredients.com, 2/13/04, www.nutraingredients.com

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Study Finds Vitamin C May Help Prevent Damage From Secondhand Smoke By Greg Arnold, DC, August 25, 2004, Abstracted from “Vitamin C supplementation decreases oxidative stress biomarker f2-isoprostanes in plasma of nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke” in the August 1, 2003 issue of Nutrition and Cancer No one denies the harm smoking does to the public. But in addition to the more than 400,000 Americans who die from cigarette smoking each year, being responsible for one out of every five deaths in the U.S.,(1) is the harm of secondhand smoke (SHS). SHS is the third leading cause of preventable death in this country, killing 53,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. each year. For every eight smokers the tobacco industry kills, it takes one nonsmoker with them.(2) In fact, nonsmokers regularly exposed to SHS suffer death and illness rates 30% higher than those of unexposed nonsmokers.(3) Vitamin C has repeatedly shown to be help prevent the cell damage that plays a part in chronic disease(4) and has now been shown to help prevent the damage imposed by SHS. One study(5) investigated the effect of vitamin C and other antioxidants on SHS. Researchers gave 78 nonsmokers either 500 mg vitamin C, a mixture of antioxidants (that included 400 mg tocopherol and 100 mg alpha lipoic acid), or placebo for two months. Although cell damage was reduced in both the supplement groups, it was vitamin C that proved most effective. For the researchers, “this suggests that vitamin C is the effective antioxidant, the so-called ‘first line of defense’”. Unfortunately, the RDA for vitamin C is only 60 mg for women and 90 mg for men,(6) leaving many people inadequately protected. Supplementation with vitamin C can be a great way to protect yourself from cell damage imposed by the environment, be it from SHS or other forms of pollution. Click here for more information on Vitamin C and helpful products References: 1 Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website: “Cigarette Smoking-Related Mortality” www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/health_consequences/mortali.htm 2 Glantz S.A. Passive Smoking and Heart Disease: Epidemiology, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Circulation 1991; 83(1): 1-12 3 Otsuka R. Acute Effects of Passive Smoking on the Coronary Circulation in Healthy Young Adults. Journal of the American Medical Association 2001; 286: 436-441 4 Padayatty SJ. Vitamin C as an antioxidant: evaluation of its role in disease prevention. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2003; 22(1): 18-35 5 Dietrich, M., et al., Vitamin C supplementation decreases oxidative stress biomarker f2-isoprostanes in plasma of nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Nutr Cancer, 2003. 45(2): p. 176-84 6 Levine M. A new recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C for healthy young women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science U S A 2001; 98(17): 9842-6

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Study Finds Five Supplements Could Save The Government Billions By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, September 27, 2004, abstracted from “FACT SHEET - Improving Public Health, Reducing Health Care Costs: An Evidence-Based Study of Five Dietary Supplements” released September 22, 2004 by the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau The government’s emerging insistence that Americans take dietary supplements to fulfill their daily nutrition requirements is the result of research showing the failure of the typical American diet to provide adequate nutrition.(1) Now a new study, released by the Lewin Group and commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA), has determined that five different supplements have the potential to save the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars. The five supplements are: Calcium. The five-year savings by supplementing 1200 mg of calcium with vitamin D is $13.9 billion. The calcium supplementation would primarily be used to help fight the 734,000 hip fractures that are projected over the next five years. Folic Acid . Fortification folic acid has been effective in helping reduce neural tube defects by twenty-three percent. But for those babies born with NTD’s the medical costs total over a half million dollars.(3) If 15 percent of women of childbearing age take 400 mcg of folic acid daily around the time of conception, the study estimates $322 million in savings due to the reduction of babies born without NTD, with a total savings of $1.3 billion over the next 5 years. Omega-3 Fatty Acids . The consistent research showing omega-3 fatty acids’ benefit in helping prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) has led to the FDA’s qualified health claim for EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.(4) The Lewin study “found consistent evidence” of the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce deaths from CVD as well as possibly may helping lower blood pressure, may reduce the risk of re-blockage after an angioplasty and may reduce the risk associated with irregular heartbeats. Glucosamine . Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease in the world. Research on Glucosamine has been promising with 1500 mg of daily glucosamine helping slow the joint degeneration that is the hallmark of OA.(5) With the use of complementary and alternative therapies becoming more widespread in the treatment of OA,(6) Glucosamine’s effectiveness needs to be taken seriously. Saw Palmetto . Citing studies showing saw palmetto to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), increase urinary flow, improve the quality of life all the while being well tolerated,(7) the Lewin group concluded that saw palmetto “should be considered a viable first-line therapy for treating lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH.” The suggested dose of saw palmetto is 160 mg twice daily.(8) Reference: 1 US Department of Agriculture, US Department of Health and Human Services.(2000). Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Washington DC 2 Dietary Supplement Information Bureau press release on September 22, 2004: “FACT SHEET - Improving Public Health, Reducing Health Care Costs: An Evidence-Based Study of Five Dietary Supplements” 3 Spina Bifida Association of America. Spina Bifida – The Facts. Available at: www.sbaa.org. Accessed April 24, 2004 4 USDHHS: FDA. FDA Announces Qualified Health Claims for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. FDA News –Sept 8, 2004 5 Pavelka, K., et al., Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis: a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Arch Intern Med, 2002. 162(18): p. 2113-23 6 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/c/w1b/show/NCT0003715 accessed August 2, 2004 7 Gerber GS, Fitzpatrick JM. (2004). The role of a lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU; 94(3) August: 338-344 8 Dull, P., R.W. Reagan, Jr., and R.R. Bahnson, Managing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am Fam Physician, 2002. 66(1): p. 77-84

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Holiday Stress By Allison Tannis, BSc., MSc., Nutritionist Ho, ho, hold the stress! The holiday season is supposed to be full of laughter but, many find it full of stress. It has been estimated that about ¾ of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. The result of chronic stress to our bodies is disastrous. This holiday season reduce the impact of stress by eating right and practicing some easy stress management tools. Despite the myths, according to the October 1999 Psychology Report, there is no increase in the number of psychiatric admissions in the holiday month of December. Of course, many of us would disagree - particularly as a snow storm rolls in and cuts off the electricity and the dog gets a hold of the turkey. Oh, the memories of holidays past. How they can make us laugh. But, with the hustle and bustle of trying to see so many family and friends we find our stress levels rising and our eating habits turning into gobble, gobble, gobble. Stress is a complex chain of events, involving psychological, environmental and physiological factors. Stress damages the body. Prolonged stress has been linked to hypertension, fatigue, heart disease, gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g. ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome), cognitive dysfunctions (e.g. reduced memory or learning), insomnia and skin rashes. (Neuroscience Biology Review, Summer 1992) Stress can be detrimental to mental health. Ever noticed mental glitches in the holiday season, such as your aunt always calling you the wrong name or the hostess wearing her shirt on backwards? Simple things can help us retain our mental health. 1) Practice 10 minutes of deep breathing each day. 2) Plan some time alone. Tip - find a good book. It will lour you to take a break. Preliminary research in the May 2004 Psychoneuroendocrinology found positive effects with the use of mindfulness therapy on stress factors in the body. 3) Tell the family to take a hike. Exercise has been shown to improve mental wellness by decreasing stress and depression. (Journal of Psychosomatic Research, September 1993) 4) Have a sense of humor – particularly when Uncle Ralph falls asleep with his face in the squash. Despite the lack of scientific evidence that humor is helpful, many doctors use humor as a form of therapy. (Journal of Psychosociology, March 2004) 5) Eat right! What you eat can help your brain function better. Some of the damaging effects of stress may be due to a deficiency in Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). During stress, enzymes involved in the formation of polyunsaturated fatty acids are inhibited. This is problematic as EFAs give rise to less damaging inflammation mediators than other forms of fat. Therefore, EFAs are beneficial as the underlying damage that results in the health problems associated with stress (e.g. diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease). EFAs have also been shown to help with mental dysfunctions. If they’ve been shown to reduce hostility and stress in students during exams (Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 1999) imagine what they can do to your family at Christmas. Ever said, “this is going to give me an ulcer”? Or, “this is going to give me a heart attack”? It just may. Stress can cause serious damage to the body. Luckily, studies have shown that GLA can protect against ulcer formation by inhibiting the damaging effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, cortisol and bacteria. (Gut, July 1987; Food Chemistry Toxicology, August 1997) And, a multi-center clinical trial reported that supplementation with fish oil lowered mortality rates from cardiac causes. (Lancet, October 1999) This holiday try to spruce up your plate. Don’t let it look like the snow outside. Have a rainbow of colour. Fruits and vegetables are great stress busters. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can help your immune system stay strong through the ‘cold’ season. In the June 2004 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition measurable signs of oxidative stress were reduced with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Cherries are one fruit that is particularly good for holiday stress as it contains melatonin. Melatonin can help improve sleep quality according to the December 1995 Lancet study. Also, in the January 1998 Psychiatry Research, melatonin was found to reduce winter depression. Even though cherries are not available in Canada in December, cherry juice is, and it’s a festive looking treat. This holiday season eat right for mental health. Practice mental health skills such as relaxation and exercise. And, remember to laugh at Uncle Vernon’s camp stories you’ve heard over a hundred times, and to be patient with little Timmy the terror. You only get to see them once a year. Wishing a happy and healthy holidays to all. Click here for more information on Edible Oils & Essential Fatty Acids - Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9. and helpful products Do you have a question for us? If so please send in your questions to newseditor@herbalremedies.com We will answer all email ASAP!

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For assistance or to purchase products by phone call toll free in the USA 1-866-467- 6444 or World Wide 1-307-577-6444 or e-mail your questions to newseditor@herbalremedies.com. We will answer e-mails in the newsletter as space allows. Our Sponsors HerbalRemedies.com Get the finest all natural health products, get the best service, and low cost worldwide delivery. Enter coupon code "NL112804" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from www.HerbalRemedies.com