Mens Health, Prostate and Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)

DESCRIPTION:

Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the West Indies and the Atlantic coast of America. Traditionally, this herb is used for male reproductive health.

HERBAL USES

This herb is stated to possess diuretic, urinary antiseptic, endocrinological and anabolic properties.

SUGGESTED INTAKES

Part of the plant used: FRUIT.
Herb powder 0.5-1.0 g three times daily.

SUPPLEMENTAL USES

Saw palmetto has been used for chronic and acute cystitis, Inflammation of the membrane in the genito-urinary tract, diminution in size and function of the testis, for sex hormone disorders and prostate enlargement.

Sex Hormone Problems:Saw palmetto extracts can inhibit the production of androgens (male sex hormones) (1). High levels of beta-sitosterol within saw palmetto gives this herb oestrogenic (female hormone) properties (1). This is useful for people with over secretion of male hormones.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy - Prostate Enlargement:This is caused by a build up of the testosterone-derivative "dihydrotestosterone" in the prostate. Saw palmetto extracts can inhibit the formation and build-up of dihydrotestosterone thus helping to maintain normal prostate size and function (2,3). It has also been shown to alleviate BPH symptoms, such as difficult and frequent urination. Usually, signs of improvement take 4 to 6 weeks to appear. Saw palmetto has also been shown to shrink enlarged prostate (4,5). A number of controlled studies have proven saw palmetto to be effective for the treatment of prostate disease (6,7).
Frequent and Painful Urination:Studies into prostatic hypertrophy have also found that saw palmetto statistically decreases both frequency of urine production and pain during urination (8,9).
Fluid Retention:Studies have shown that saw palmetto can reduce fluid retention caused by histamine release (allergic-type reactions) (10) and due to hostile chemicals.
Anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties have also been noted for saw palmetto extracts (11,12).

SIDE-EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS

Saw palmetto is well tolerated. Human studies have shown that one man reported gastric side-effects when taking this herb.
Pregnant and lactating women should consult with a qualified medical health professional before taking saw palmetto.
Saw palmetto is not suitable for use by children.
N.B. Clinical research shows that the results of standard blood chemistry tests were normal following saw palmetto therapy.

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Saw palmetto should not be taken by those on hormone therapy. Due to the anti-androgen and oestrogenic activities of saw palmetto it may interact with oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy.

TOP 10 HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS

1. Move More.

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat.

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking.

The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress.

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution.

If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt.

Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth.

Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking.

While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook.

There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well.

The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

TURMERIC Anti-Ulcer and Anti- Inflammatory

Turmeric General Information

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.) is a herb which has been used as a spice, or flavouring in Asian countries for thousands of years. It forms part of the Zingiberacease (ginger family) and the root and Rhizome is crushed and powdered into ground turmeric which is commercially available. However, fresh turmeric leaves are also used as flavourings in some regions of Indonesia.

Apart from its use as a spice during cooking many studies have confirmed that turmeric has beneficial medicinal properties as well. This is largely thought to be down to a group compounds called curcuminoids, of which curcumin is present in the highest quantities.

It has been discovered that curcumin is the most biologically active compound in turmeric which has prompted numerous scientific studies as to its use in a medicinal context.

Anti-Ulcer Activity and H.pylori Inhibition

• Curcumin has been studied and emphasised its benefits for reducing the growth (inhibiting) of H. pylori



• Curcumin has been shown to prevent gastric an colon Cancers. Many mechanisms have been proposed for the chemo preventative effects. H. pylori is a Group 1 Carcinogen and is associated with the development of gastric and colon Cancer. Data from many studies has shown that curcumin inhibits the growth of H. pylori strains in vitro, and this may be one of the mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its chemo preventative effects. (anticancer Res. 2002 Nov-Dec;22(6C):4179-81.

Turmeric as an Anti-Inflammatory.

• Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory disorders including arthritis. In the western world dietary supplements containing turmeric rhizome and turmeric extracts have been used for the treatment and prevention of arthritis.


• A commercial sample containing 94% of the three major curcuminoids was found more potent in preventing arthritis than the essential oil-depleted turmeric fraction when compared by total curcuminoid dose per body weight. In conclusion, this data suggests that the three major curcuminoids are responsible for the anti-arthritic effect, with curcumin thought to be the most effective.

Turmeric 2000% more effective with Piperine

• Turmeric has real power. However studies have now proven that by taking this traditional herbal remedy alongside Piperine (black pepper extract) the bioavailability increases by 2000%



• In studies serum levels of healthy individuals were tested once they had consumed a dose of 2g of carcumin alone. This is quite a high dose however serum levels were either undetectable or very low. This means that the liver would not process the curcuminoids present in the Turmeric. The Liver basically rejected the herbs active properties resulting in the low levels found in the blood. For Arthritis sufferers this may be bad news, especially for those still taking this type of supplement. However a further study went on to show the increased benefits of Turmeric if combined with Piperine.



• Concomitant administration of piperine 20mg produced much higher concentrations of the active compounds found in curcumin if taken 15 mins to 1 hour after administration. The increase in the bioavailability was 2000%.



• The study showes that in the dosages used, piperine enhances serum concentration, extent of absorption and bioavailability of curcumin in humans with no adverse effects.

Side Effects or Interactions

• Research has shown that much of the ingested curcumin is poorly utilised by the body due to its rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall.



• Curcumin belongs to the family of compounds called curcuminoids which are derived from Turmeric. The study showed that the activity of all curcuminoids increased with the presence of the other curcuminoids when compared to them being administered alone. Also serum levels tested higher when Piperine was administered at the same time as compared to taking it alone. the Increase was 2000%.



• There are no known contra-indications associated with Turmeric.



• Piperine has been shown to interfere with the metabolism of some pharmaceutical drugs.



• It is advisable to AVOID PIPERINE if other medications are being taken.



• Piperine increases the permeability of all cells in the body and is not specific. This therefore means that Piperine could also be taken by humans to aid or increase the absorption of nutrients from food. However care is still needed when on prescribed medication. If users are not on prescribed medication this simple product "piperine" or commonly called Black Pepper could be facilitate all alternative medication and improve bioavalability.

Turmeric is safe at doses as high as 2.5grams. In studies it showed no adverse effects.

For more information on Turmeric please click here

Aged Garlic Extract may help prevent heart attacks

UK scientists investigating how aged garlic extract reduces platelet aggregation say the supplement could significantly reduce the chances of heart attacks in heart patients.
Dr Khalid Rhaman and colleagues from a nutraceutical research group at Liverpool John Moores University have previously demonstrated in a clinical trial that a daily supplement of Kyolic brand aged garlic extract inhibits platelet aggregation in healthy people. In a second trial reported two years ago they showed that it also reduces oxidative stress in smokers, people at high risk of heart disease.
“Cardiovascular disease has so many factors. We are trying to see if garlic can affect each of these,” Dr Rahman told NutraIngredients.com.
"We have found that aged garlic extract helps platelets to become less 'sticky' hence decreasing the chances of a clot formation," he added.
Dr Rahman’s team is now investigating the mechanism behind the extract’s impact on platelet aggregation to support its use as a preventative measure by heart patients.
“We already have an idea about the mechanism. We think it may affect the pathway that is also targeted by aspirin. But most likely it is probably doing something to the receptors on the platelets, perhaps changing them or covering them somehow, which would stop the molecules that lead to aggregation from binding to them,” he said.
If the new clinical trial, planned to start in February, confirms a mechanism for the inhibition of platelet aggregation, the findings would offer significant support for use of aged garlic extract to help prevent heart attacks by reducing the chances of blood clots forming.
These clots can be fatal as blood vessels surrounding the heart can become blocked, causing parts of the heart to die because of lack of blood.
Dr Rahman is currently in the middle of an in vitro study to test the mechanism. The laboratory work has shown that different compounds in the aged garlic extract have a synergistic affect on platelet aggregation.
Unlike other garlic products that standardize the amount of allicin present, Kyolic aged garlic extract is standardized to SAC (S-Allyl Cysteine), a beneficial water-soluble sulphur containing compound. It does not contain any allicin, believed by other manufacturers to be garlic's most active compound. Kyolic producer Wakunaga maintains however that allicin is not bioavailable in the body.
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest cause of death around the world, and kills one in three people in the UK.

Boost for Health Food Industry

Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, has given support to the health food industry by claiming that complimentary medicine should be offered to patients as well as, or instead of, mainstream medicine. He says that the focus should be on the recovery of the patient only, and not on a monopoly of either medicine. Whichever form of medicine works for the patient, should be offered and tried.Mr. Hain said: "I believe this will make for better health and will ultimately reduce costs to the NHS by encouraging patients to take on a greater role in protecting their own health," he told a conference of experts at the Prince of Wales's Foundation for Integrated Health at St James Palace, London. Mr Hain, a firm advocate of greater use of complementary medicine himself, said the public had becme more and more receptive to its benefits, turning to them in their millions.

"That is why the work of the Prince of Wales Foundation is so welcome. His Royal Highness has long provided impressive leadership in the debate over complementary therapies and how they can work hand-in-hand with conventional treatments." Mr Hain said no-one was suggesting that complementary healthcare should somehow supplant conventional treatments. "For many serious diseases, like cancer, only conventional therapies are powerful enough to provide the life-saving treatment that such seriously ill patients require," he said."But complementary therapies, used in conjunction with conventional medicine, can both aid recovery and enhance the overall wellbeing of the patients."For example, if you break your leg, you will need surgery, but taking mineral supplements and homeopathic remedies as well can support the healing process and enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatment. It is the recognition that both sectors can co-exist that we must seek to build on, with the patient the winner. It is also vital that those of us who advocate greater use of complementary treatments are not seen to be pushing any and every alternative treatment on offer. The fact is that complementary medicine still has an image problem.

Too many people still dismiss those of us who use such treatments as wackos and pill-poppers, while practitioners are branded as quacks and confidence tricksters. This is a perception we must tackle head on. I would certainly never advocate the squandering of public money on so-called treatments that have no proven benefits and which take money away from existing therapies that are shown to work. Complementary medicine can only play a role in the NHS if it can be shown to benefit patients. But at the same time, critics of complementary medicine also need to change their attitude. The growing popularity of such treatments is ultimately down to the fact that they deliver real benefits and because patients welcome an approach which treats them holistically as a person, looking at their individual needs and not just the symptoms.

Conventional medicine needs to take this on board and stop being in denial," said Mr Hain."Thankfully, we are already seeing encouraging signs of progress. One in five Britons, myself included, now uses complementary health care; nearly half the GP practices in England provide some kind of access to complementary health care; and there are now nearly 50,000 complementary medicine practitioners. As Secretary of State for Wales, I am also delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government is looking into opportunities to support complementary therapies within the NHS in Wales. Working closely with the Department of Health and the Prince's Foundation, they are promoting a guide for patients on complementary health care across Wales.

In March this year, they launched, with the Foundation's support, the Complementary Treatment Award Scheme for Wales, which aims to recognise the best examples of integrated healthcare. At a primary care level, the Assembly is looking to build on its ability to gather evidence of effectiveness of complementary therapies by working with representatives of the professionals in the field. I am delighted that several GPs from Wales are with us today as a result of this initiative and I hope that these strong foundations will be built upon, both in Wales and the rest of the UK. Much more work needs to be done.

If we are to continue to make progress in integrating complementary medicine into existing healthcare provision, there is a clear need for further research. I welcome the Foundation's role in providing this and congratulate the Department of Health for its £900,000 grant. It is also essential that we carry out further studies into the effectiveness of such treatments. If we are to win over the sceptics, we need more hard evidence that complementary medicine works, to back up the huge amounts of anecdotal and other evidence that it delivers a real benefit. But this shouldn't be a question of conventional versus complementary treatments. It is a question of being open-minded about each tradition's value and contribution and of working in partnership. Ultimately the future will be driven by the patients. And patients want real choice: the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of both complementary and conventional treatment," said Mr Hain.

Babies Should Get Fish Oil in the Womb

Research in the Journal of Perinatology shows that children of mothers who consumed fish oil daily after the 18th week of pregnancy and during early breast-feeding performed better in terms of IQ at the age of four.

The researchers, who reviewed all the scientific evidence on the effects of fish oil during pregnancy and lactation, also found that eating fish significantly lowered the risk of the baby being born with cerebral palsy, therefore appearing to have a long-term positive impact on the central nervous system function of the child.

The health and well-being of the child in the short and long-term appears to be improved by adequate amounts of Omega 3 during foetal and post-natal, development; they concluded.
Omega 3 fatty acids play an important part in the development of the central nervous system in mammals. The last three months of pregnancy are thought to be a key time for intake of fish oil because there is a growth spurt in the human brain during the last trimester which carries on into the first few months of a babys life.

Fish oil taken during pregnancy may also reduce the risk of the baby developing Type 1 diabetes. But as well as the benefits to the child, the study found that fish oils could help mums-to-be in a number of ways, including reducing high blood pressure and easing postnatal depression.
Benefits
Around six per cent of women suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy, and research shows that pregnant women with the lowest levels of Omega 3 fatty acids were 7.6 times more likely to have pre-eclampsia than those with the highest levels. A 15 per cent increase led to a 46 per cent drop in risk.

Research also shows that Inuit women, with their high consumption of fish, have a very low incidence of pregnancy-related high blood pressure. Another study investigating seafood and risk of pre-term delivery found that women who never consumed fish had a 7.1 per cent chance of having a premature baby, while in those who ate fish at least once a week, the risk was 1.9 per cent.

Other research found that mothers-to-be who consumed 4g of fish oil a day from the 30th week lengthened the pregnancy and increased birth weight. Meanwhile researchers have found that women with lower levels of DHA, a compound found in fatty acids such as Omega 3, in their breast milk had a higher rate of depression.Studies have also shown that rates of post-natal depression in the UK are around six times higher than in Japan where fish consumption is high.
Current advice from the Food Standards Agency is that pregnant and breast-feeding women can eat between one and two portions of oily fish a week (a portion is 140g). The agency also advises pregnant women to avoid shark, marlin and swordfish, and not to eat large amounts of tuna. Potentially harmful contaminants such dioxins, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, have been found in some species of fish.

The researchers say there has been an 80 per cent decline in the average intake of fatty acids over the past century, a time when the prevalence of many childhood diseases has increased. They recommend that routine supplements of Omega 3 oils should be considered during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Heart, Blood, Lymph, Homocysteine, Diet, Exersise

FACTS

The Heart Is a powerful muscle that receives used, de-oxygenated blood from around the body and returns it to the lungs for oxygenation via the system of veins and the pulmonary artery.

TIP

A good balanced diet should provide a different range of nutrients to nourish the body, including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. We now understand that the ideal should be around 7-9 portions. Supplements are another way of increasing our intake and should be used to make up the shortfall in our diets. Not as a complete replacement.

FACT

Approximately 8% of body weight is blood

TIP

B Vitamins may be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. These are water soluble vitamins that the body does not store therefore its is vital we consume these from our food or from a good vitamin supplement on a daily basis.

FACT

Exercise also benefits the circulation, digestion and the lungs.

Ok where do I start?

I will begin with a brief outline on Homocysteine. One of the biggest factors affecting the heart and other major body systems is high levels of homocysteine in the blood.
An Important part of protein in many foods, it is essential that the diet provides METHIONINE, as the body cannot make it.

B VITAMINS

The are very important as they are involved in the conversion process of methionine to cysteine and other amino acids important to the body.

Homocysteine

The body produces this naturally as a bi product of methionine producing other useful components for the use in the brain and body, including the antioxidant GLUTATHIONE. However, a faulty DNA pattern or a lack of the essential B Vitamins (B2, B6, B12 or Folic Acid) will reduce the body's ability to convert HOMOCYSTEINE further.

Homocysteine Dangers

If Homocysteine accumulates in the bloodstream, the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems is increased. However High Homocysteine levels are reversible. DON'T PANIC!!
The metabolism of homocysteine depends on enzyme function within your body, lifestyle choices ( ie if you exercise or not), nutrition status (if you take supplements to make up any shortfall in your diet or not) and how effective your kidney is working.

ANTIOXIDANTS

These are vital.
Oxidation, free radical activity and oxidative stress sounds like someones else's problem. However this is very common and can go undetected. However if there aren't enough antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C, E, Co Q10 and minerals selenium, Zinc, manganese and copper coming in to the body from a Healthy diet or from supplements then oils and fats in the cell membranes begin to oxidise and deteriorate.
To give you a crude example, it would be like a bottle of oil going rancid. The result in the body would be premature ageing of the cells, not just in the skin as wrinkles, but weakening of the muscle power and structure of bones.

We can put all of this right by changing many factors in the way we behave. What we eat and drink, and what social activities we choose to do. I will post some great ways to help keep your Hear healthy. Most of them are common sense but others are not. For example, we take for granted the level of nutrients obtained from our food is sufficient to maintain our body, unfortunately In my opinion most of us are running on empty. If you spoke to a mechanic and asked if it was wise to run your brand new Car on empty for long periods he would most certainly encourage you to run the car with a full tank.
Your body is your car so look after it and eat sensibly and healthy, if you cant or don't have time then supplements are GREAT!!
A good MULTIVITAMIN is a starting point. I would recommend Quest Super One A Day Multivitamin, from independent Health Foods Stores all over the Country. I would avoid Holland and Barratt at all costs and search out your local Health food retailer. The advice and knowledge offered is well worth the trip. I would say 99.9% of Independent Health Food Shops offer better value for money on a constant basis, all year round if you like. They have offers and deals on a regular basis.