While studying the relationship between vitamin A and lung inflammation, researchers at Kansas State University made a surprising discovery — they found a link between vitamin A, cigarette smoke and emphysema, a lung disease found primarily in smokers. Richard...
Blog
Selenium boosts immune function
In a British study from the University of Liverpool, researchers looked at whether selenium given to healthy individuals could improve immunity and help the body cope with a polio vaccine. In this double-blind study, 22 adults with low selenium concentrations received...
Get a good night’s sleep naturally
One in three people complains about insomnia, which includes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking earlier than planned. In some cases, insomnia is a short-term problem caused by stress or excitement. However, it may also linger for years and become a...
Enzyme may hold hope for asthma
According to a researcher from the University of Connecticut Health Center, the enzyme bromelain appears to reduce inflammation associated with asthma. Dr Eric Secor tested three groups of mice with acute asthma over eight days with either a placebo or two doses of...
Older women need calcium and D
Deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D are common in older individuals, particularly those who live in nursing homes. These deficiencies increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Recent studies show supplementation can decrease this risk and provide...
Whey protein gives immune boost
Whey protein is one of the highest quality proteins available. It is quickly digested, and increases fat burning while simultaneously decreasing appetite. Due to its rich content of L-cysteine, whey protein may boost immune response by up to 500%. A study from Ohio...
SAMe effective as drug for arthritis
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a natural compound produced by the body from amino acids. It is found in most body tissues and is linked to folic acid and vitamin B-12. Deficiencies of either of these nutrients may also lead to lower levels of SAMe, which may worsen...
Fainting spells in elderly: try B-12
If you feel faint when you stand up from a chair or bed, you may be low in vitamin B-12, according to new research. “Orthostatic hypotension” (OH) is a loss of blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or laying down position. Experienced by many older people,...
Beating bad breath and gum disease
If you notice people tend to step back when you speak, or if you often have a “bad taste” in your mouth, its likely that you have bad breath. In most cases, bad breath (or “halitosis”) is caused by odour-causing bacteria in the mouth. Impacted food, dry mouth, a...
Nutrition Notes: Cut colon cancer risk
A new blood test for colon cancer risk may be on the horizon that measures levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is produced by the liver during periods of acute inflammation. High levels of CRP in the blood are regarded as an inflammatory marker. They are also...