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If you eat broiled or baked fish daily, what effect does it have on your brain? Scientific ethics prohibits a study in which subjects in one group of people would be fed fish for the last two decades of their lives while another group would be deprived of fish in order to eventually examine their brain tissue for differences.

This is where we call in laboratory mice to help us get a better idea of how a daily intake of fish might help our brains stay healthy and free of amyloids, the proteins that collect in strands of waxy fibers that are believed to be responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD). There was a Canadian study from the University of Guelph that found Alzheimer's patients and elderly patients with various types of dementia all had lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an omega-3 fatty acid found most abundantly in fish) than subjects with normal cognitive functioning.

In a press release, Julie Conquer, director of the University of Guelph's Human Nutraceutical Research Unit said, "Low DHA levels are already affiliated with several disorders. Given that our research indicates that decreased levels of DHA also appear to accompany cognitive impairment with aging, we think this is a sign we should all be eating more fish."

Fish was also on the menu in a more recent study from Tufts University where researchers analyzed ten years of data taken from more than 1,100 elderly men and women who had participated in the Framingham Heart Study. The impressive results showed that those who had high levels of DHA and who also ate about three fish meals each week, had nearly 50 percent reduced risk of developing AD.

The research from Tufts and Guelph demonstrates that DHA appears to help prevent Alzheimer's disease. But these studies don't prove a clear cause and effect. For something closer to that type of evidence we'll take a look at new research from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

As the name implies, amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a protein that prompts the production of amyloid fibrils in the brain. To assess the effect of dietary DHA on the processing of APP, the UCLA scientists divided mice into three groups to receive different diets: a low-DHA diet, a high-DHA diet and a DHA- free diet. At the outset, the mice were about a year and a half old. They were fed the special diets for about three months. When the UCLA team analyzed tissue samples from different sections of the mouse brains they found that APP was significantly reduced in mice on the high-DHA diet, while total amyloid accumulation was more than 70 percent less in mice that received a high-DHA diet when compared to those in the DHA-free group.

For researchers, proof that DHA intake prevents Alzheimer's disease is still a long way off. But for most of us out here in the real world there appears to be no downside to keeping DHA levels high. Dietary sources like walnuts and flaxseed deliver omega-3 fatty acids, but only fish contains both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). When combined, these two essential fatty acids have been shown to help prevent depression, as well as heart disease, arthritis, influenza, hyperactivity and even some forms of cancer.

For those who don't feel comfortable eating fish for fear of mercury or other toxins, fish oil and cod liver oil supplements also provide good sources of omega-3 EPA/DHA. Unfortunately, some of these supplements may also contain traces of mercury and other pollutants. To insure the highest quality of uncontaminated fish oil, look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil that's been molecularly distilled. The molecular distillation process effectively separates toxic heavy metals from the oil.

Arctic Cod Liver Oil- Nordic Naturals

Nordic Naturals' Arctic Cod Liver Oil is a virgin cod liver oil from Arctic Norway, one of the cleanest and most nutritional bodies of water in the world. This Arctic Cod Liver Oil flavored with 100% natural orange essence is an excellent source for DHA & EPA and contains no added vitamins, only naturally occurring A & D. All Nordic Naturals products are doctor recommended, pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled, and third party tested to document the absence of all environmental pollutants (No PCBs, dioxins, pesticides or heavy metals).

Ingredients: Purified Arctic cod liver oil, vitamin E, natural orange essence.

Each teaspoon provides:

DHA: 700 mg
EPA: 450 mg
Other Omega-3: 250 mg
Vitamin A: 875-1950 IU
Vitamin D: 5-40 IU
Vitamin E: 8 IU

NO209 Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil, Orange, 8 oz. $13.96

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Complete Omega Formula 60 softgels

Nordic Naturals' Complete Omega Formula delivers the most important essential fatty acids in one capsule: EPA & DHA from fish oil, and GLA & oleic acid from organic borage oil. Molecularly distilled for purity, the Complete Omega Formula is an ideal supplement to ensure adequate intake of essential fatty acids from both fish and plant source. Advanced lipid antioxidants have been added for freshness and natural lemon oil for great taste.
The Omega-3 long chain fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are found almost uniquely in foods of marine origin. It is the long chain Omega-3s that the body needs to synthesize and ensure proper body function. Clinical studies in the past 30 years have regarded Omega-3 fatty acids as protective, therapeutic and essential for growth and development throughout the human lifecycle. Studies have shown Omega-3 oils to have and anti-inflammatory effect on tissues.

Borage oil, an Omega-6 fatty acid derived from the plant, Borage officinalis, is the most concentrated source GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is beneficial for skin moisture and has been popularly used by women suffering from PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Ingredients: Purified deep sea fish oil, borage oil, lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin E, natural lemon oil.

Each 1000 mg. capsule contains:

DHA: 98 mg
EPA: 148 mg
GLA: 44 mg
Other Omega-3: 73 mg
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 13.5 IU

NO205 complete Omega Formula 60 softgels $11.50

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Omega-3 Liquid 4 oz.

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed daily and must be obtained from our diet. Nordic Naturals' Omega-3 Formula is a great tasting, fresh and pure source of Omega-3s and vitamin E. Omega-3 supports proper cellular flexibility and cardiovascular health.

Ingredients: Purified deep sea fish oil, lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin E, natural lemon oil.

Each 1/2 teaspoon provides:

DHA: 300 mg
EPA: 450 mg
Other Omega-3: 125 mg
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 35 IU

NO200 Omega-3 Liquid Lemon, 4 oz. $12.96

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ATP Charge 120 tabs.

Ultimate Nutrition's ATP Charge provides a stable form of ATP that can be used to boost your energy level without the jitters. Adenosine Tri- phosphate (or simply ATP) is the energy-rich chemical compound that provides virtually all the energy needed by your body. ATP is the chemical produced at the mitochondrial cell level that powers our every thought, movement and action- it is literally the energy of life. ATP supplements can increase physical energy levels, and improve muscle strength and endurance. The sublingual delivery system allows for faster uptake into the bloodstream, resulting in better absorption and increased effectiveness.

UN308 ATP Charge 120 sublingual tabs.- Buy- One-Get-One 50% Off- $9.38 each/2 for $18.75

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Diet Ripped 120 caps.

Weight loss is one of the most talked about health issues, as losing weight can significantly improve your health and lower your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. Ultimate Nutrition’s Diet Ripped is formulated to suppress your appetite and increase your energy levels, resulting in weight loss. This natural diet product contains a unique proprietary blend of dietary fiber, botanicals and antioxidants, which work together to curb your appetite.

Ingredients: Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride), Diet Ripped Blend (Glucomannan, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Gymnema Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid). Other ingredients: gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate and magnesium stearate.

UN123 Diet Ripped Ephedra Free 120 caps. $11.25

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Ultra Ripped 90 and 180 caps.

Ultimate Nutrition's Ultra Ripped is designed not only to stimulate the metabolism to burn fat but also to promote good health over the long run. It is comprised of powerful ingredients that are proven to jumpstart even the most sedentary metabolism. It contains Guarana, which acts as a source of energy preventing fatigue. Guarana helps athletes break down lactic acid from muscle stress. For those with weight problems, Guarana suppresses appetite and, therefore, regulates weight naturally.

Active ingredients: Proprietary blend (guarana seed extract, green tea extract, and white willow bark), chromium, garcinia, and bitter orange.

UN121 Ultra Ripped Ephedra Free 90 caps. $8.00
UN122 Ultra Ripped Ephedra Free 180 caps. $15.00

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This page was last modified on Saturday December 08, 2007

Health & Sport Nov. News-Flu Fighters

Health and Sport November 2005 Newsletter

Flu Fighters

Nov. 2005

In this issue

Oregacyn Oil

Oregacyn Vegi Caps.

Olive Leaf Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Pure-Gar 900 mg.

Kyolic Garlic Formula 105

Kyolic Reserve Garlic

Sambu Guard

Here comes the season to get up your guard... against colds and flu, that is. During the next few months, it seems that we are bombarded more so than the rest of the year with stresses to our immune system. Now we have one notable flu that may cause some serious health issues around the globe, the avian flu.

First: What's a pathogen? The word comes from the Greek and literally means "birth of pain" - a good way to describe a disease-causing microorganism that may arrive in the form of bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.

Four excellent Pathogen Destroyers were featured in a recent issue of Baseline of Health, a weekly e-letter published by HSI Panelist Jon Barron. When I asked Jon about the Pathogen Destroyers (we'll call them PDs to keep it simple), he told me he always keeps several bottles on hand so he'll be prepared fight off infection.

Jon added: "If you catch a cold or flu at the first sign and hit it hard, you can stop it. Like most illnesses, if you wait until it's fully established, it's harder to get rid of it. And one other note, after you get rid of it, keep hammering for another 2-3 days to make sure it's really gone and not still lurking around."

PD #1: Oil of Wild Mountain Oregano

The most exotic sounding of the four PDs is oil of wild mountain oregano (OWMO), which is produced from oregano that grows in remote mountain regions north of the Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Greeks put wild oregano to medicinal use long before scientists discovered the herb to be extremely rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese and others) and vitamins C and A. Jon notes that OWMO is "antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It also has strong antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects. The key components, the isomeric phenols, in dilutions as low as 1 to 50,000, destroy a wide range of pathogens. Another phenol constituent, thymol, actually helps boosts the immune system."

PD #2: Olive Leaf Extract

"Olive leaf extract (OLE) has a long history of being used against illnesses in which microorganisms play a major role," writes Jon. OLE is a member of a group of antioxidant plant compounds called flavonoids. In one laboratory test an OLE effectively eliminated a wide range of organisms, "including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and yeast/mold/fungus." In a previous e-Alert, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., wrote this about OLE: "I'd add some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of OLE. The situation here is that OLE is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the 'good guy' bacteria that we need in our gastrointestinal tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established."

PD #3: Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural antibiotic, which Jon describes as a "broad spectrum anti- pathogen." And he offers this impressive benefit list: "Internally grapefruit seed extract can help with gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, food poisoning, parasites (single and multi-celled), candida yeast infections, thrush, oral infections, colds and flu, sore throats, strep throat, and sinusitis." GSE can also be used to treat various skin conditions (nail fungus, cold sores, warts, athletes foot, infections, rashes, acne, etc.), and is sometimes used by campers to add to water of questionable quality.

Jon adds one word of warning: "Grapefruit seed extract MAY increase the effect of a number of medications."

PD #4: Garlic

The most familiar item on the PD list is garlic, which Jon calls his favorite because it's the "kindest" to the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Jon writes: "The olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, and grapefruit seed extract can all destroy your beneficial bacteria if taken in sufficient quantity. Garlic is kinder to probiotics. In addition, garlic is one of the best infection fighters available for both bacterial and viral infections."

Other garlic benefits:

Stimulates the activity of macrophages (which engulf foreign organisms)
Helps clear mucous from the lungs, making garlic particularly effective in treating upper respiratory viral infections
Effective against strep and staph bacteria

You can find more information about all four of these Pathogen Destroyers as well as other natural ways to enhance immune function at Jon's Baseline of Health Foundation web site: jonbarron.org.

Oregacyn Oil

Oregacyn is a potent multiple spice extract containing wild oregano, wild cumin and wild sage which boosts the body's natural defense mechanisms against germs. This potent formula by North American Herb and Spice supports the respiratory and immune systems. OregacynTM is the only researched, tested wild oregano and spice extract for boosting immunity and supporting respiratory health. Research shows that spice extracts kill germs, including bacteria, molds, yeasts, and fungi. Oregacyn is completely edible and is made from natural spices and herbs, including proprietary P73 wild oregano blend. Oregacyn products are for anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti- bacterial, anti-parasitic and anti-spasmatic uses. It is the most concentrated of all the oregano oils; more concentrated than Oil of Oreganol and Super Oil of Oreganol.

Oregacyn oil is the most readily absorbable version of oregacyn available because of the quick absorption into the blood stream that results when taking the drops under the tongue.

NAH403 Oregacyn Oil P73, 1 oz. Sale price $42.25

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Oregacyn Vegi Caps.

Oregacyn Vegi Caps. contain 450 mg of the proprietary blend, P73 Wild Oregano that has been shown to kill germs, including bacteria, molds, yeasts, and fungi. The vegi capsules are an alternative to Oregacyn oil liquid, which may have a strong taste.

NAH40 1 Oregacyn P73 Vegi Caps. 30 capsules Your price $22.50

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Olive Leaf Extract

Medical experts have discovered the wonders of a phenolic compound extracted from the olive tree leaves known as Oleuropein. It is a natural, safe and effective herbal with unequalled health-giving properties. d-Lenolate is a patented extract by the outstanding supplement company East Park Research that works by “neutering” the reproductive systems of every-present viruses and germs-- they die without creating progeny.

EPR471 Olive Leaf Extract (d-Lenolate) 500 mg. 60 caps. Your price $27.95

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Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a broad spectrum antimicrobial compound synthesized in a unique process from the seeds and pulp of grapefruits.

In 1979, Dr. Jacob Harich documented the extraordinary anti-microbial properties of a certain fraction of the seeds and membranous material of grapefruits. Further research by prestigious independent laboratories confirmed its ability to combat a broad range of bacteria, yeast (including candida), parasites, (Amoeba, Giardia, etc.) and even some viruses.

Proseed Grapefruit Seed Liquid Concentrate offers support for stomach and intestinal problems, may be used as a sore throats gargle, dental rinse, for skin and scalp conditions, and may also be used to clean vegetables, fruits, meat, and poultry.

Ingredients: Grapefruit Seed Extract (60%), Vegetable Glycerine and (40%) Citricidal. Contains no excipients.

PR405 Proseed Grapefruit Seed Extract, 2 oz. Your price $7.96

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Pure-Gar 900 mg.

Garlic has been shown to support a healthy immune system. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against:

Hypertension
Inflammation
Cancer
Virus replication and proliferation
Free radical damage
Vascular calcification/atherosclerosis

Life Extension's Pure-Gar garlic supplement is a strong supporter of the immune system. Each capsule contains 900 mg of garlic bulb powder extract standardized to supply 9 mg of allicin. Serving size is 2 capsules.

LE356 Pure-Gar 900 mg. 200 caps. Sale price $15.90

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Kyolic Garlic Formula 105

Kyolic Garlic Formulas contain aged garlic. Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract begins with 100% organically grown garlic bulbs. They are then aged to perfection in a unique extraction process to eliminate odor and create beneficial compounds found only in Kyolic.

Kyolic Garlic Formula 105 contains: Aged Garlic Extract Powder (bulb) 400 mg, Vitamin A (100% B-carotene) 2500 IU, Vitamin C (Ester-C®) 30 mg, Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol succinate) 15 IU, Selenium (L-selenomethionine) 35 mcg, Green tea powder 75 mg, Milk Thistle extract (Silymarin 80%) (fruit) 50 mg, L-Glutathione 25 mg, Pine Bark extract 7.5 mg, Grape Seed extract 7.5 mg

KY214 Kyolic Garlic Formula 105, 200 capsules Your price $17.21

Kyolic Reserve Garlic

There are more published studies substantiating the multiple benefits of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract than any other brand. While some other garlic preparations may work as well as Kyolic, the sheer volume of studies highlighting Kyolic’s benefits makes it the garlic supplement of choice.

Each capsule contains: Aged Garlic Extract (Special Garlic Preparation) Powder (bulb) 600 mg.

KY402 Kyolic Reserve 600 mg. 120 caps. Your price $18.56

For more information

Sambu Guard

A natural herbal formula, Sambu Guard has several ingredients that have been used for years to maintain the health of the upper respiratory tract. It is formulated with well-known immune system enhancers: elder flowers, elderberries, Echinacea and vitamin C.

Sambucol (black elderberry) extract has been shown to have antiviral properties in various strains of influenza, including A and B. Sambucol extract is used as an herbal remedy for colds and flu. Although the bottle suggests that the formula be taken in doses of 1 tbsp. 4 times per day, some clinicians have advised that it is more effective if taken every 3 hours within the first 48 to 72 hours of onset of flu-like symptoms until the bottle is finished. (The herb is more effective at inhibiting viral replication if the virus has not multiplied excessively).

L E573 Sambu Guard 6 oz./175 mL Your price $10.80

For more information...

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Health & Sport Oct. News-Tips for Stress Management

Health and Sport October 2005 Newsletter

Healthy Tips for Stress Management

Oct. 2005

In this issue

L-Theanine

Melatonin 3 mg.

Natural Sleep Melatonin

Super Vitamin B-Complex

Stress is a bad word. It does damage to our health yet we cannot seem to avoid it in our daily lives. The effects of stress on our bodies are far-reaching and can cause premature aging.

Too much stress is not good and sustained stressors often cause adverse effects. There is ample evidence that living a highly stressful lifestyle damages the heart, raises blood pressure, and can contribute to digestive problems. Not surprisingly, stress can also be damaging to the brain, even leading to premature brain cell aging (Uno et al. 1994; Sapolsky 1996a, 1996b; Lombroso et al. 1998). Most people are familiar with the adrenaline rush response to an emergency. The heart pounds, the muscles constrict, and the lungs expand; and while this is happening, we are capable of greater than normal strength and speed. This response is the body's way of rescuing itself when faced with an emergency. We don't have to think about it to make it happen. It's automatic.

The same can be said of the stress response. Whether we're stuck in traffic, about to give a speech in front of a group, or sitting in the waiting room at a doctor's office, the human stress response happens automatically. The difference between the two is that the adrenaline response in an emergency starts and resolves itself quickly. The response to being stuck in traffic may not. The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, secrete adrenaline until the emergency passes. Then the body returns to its normal function. However, the stress response is more complex and can last longer. Studies have shown that long-term, chronic stress may cause neural damage (McEwen 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000; Uno et al. 1994; McEwen et al. 1997). Just as prolonged increased levels of adrenaline result in adverse physiological effects, it has been less appreciated that excessive stress can also compromise the nervous system and the immune system. physical stress and psychological stress set off a chain of events in the brain and body. Adrenaline is released for quick energy to the muscles. More importantly, a small part of the brain, the hypothalamus, sends a signal to the pituitary gland to start adding a hormone called corticotrophin into the bloodstream. In turn, corticotrophin tells the adrenal glands to release other stress hormones--the glucocorticoids.

In the short term, glucocorticoids are beneficial to the body. Glucocorticoids electrify the hippocampus-- the part of the brain related to memory, helping you remember stressful encounters, so you can deal with a similar situation the next time it occurs. After glucocorticoids flood the bloodstream, the hippocampus signals the hypothalamus to stop releasing corticotrophins, ending the stress response.

However, in those individuals who repeatedly experience stress, this feedback loop degrades. Memory worsens, energy levels diminish, and other health problems emerge (McCraty et al. 1998). The stress response turns on, but does not automatically turn off. Weeks of exposure can wither connections between neurons. Studies on rats indicate that continued stress will eventually destroy brain cells in the hippocampus. The good news is that alterations in dendritic atrophy can return to normal when stress is removed (Sousa et al. 2000). The key is to learn how to deal with daily stress to allow the body to return to its normal state (McCraty et al. 1998).

It should be noted that although our involvement in situations considered stressful may sometimes be beyond our power to control, our reaction to the situation, i.e. our perception of stress, can be modified.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Stress:

Diet

Eating small frequent meals consisting of whole foods will help replenish nutrients and normalize blood sugar levels. Consuming sugary foods will result in the blood sugar spike followed by the blood sugar low, which may make you feel sluggish and/or depressed and moody.

Avoid Stimulants

Try to avoid foods or beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. Many anxious people are sensitive to caffeine.

Get Enough Sleep

Of course, this seems like common sense, but studies demonstrate that the consequences of not getting enough sleep are anxiety and irritability, along with a host of other unpleasant side effects. Avoid stimulating activities before going to be such as exercising or watching TV. This will help train your body to prepare for sleep the moment you lie down. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes before going to bed. Although alcohol may have an initial relaxing effect, it interferes with sleep patterns. Some dietary supplements that are helpful in establishing sleep are melatonin and kava kava.

Exercise Regularly

By exercising you are doing something physical that gets you thinking about something other than stresses you may be under. It gets the heart pumping, muscles contracting and results in a relaxing feeling when you are finished. Research indicates that light-impact exercise on a regular basis is actually more effective than high-intensity exercise for relieving stress.

Breathing

This is the one involuntary body function you can consciously control. The first step is to simply bring your breathing under control:

Exhale completely.
Slowly take a deep breath in through your nose.
Expand your diaphragm/belly to bring air into the lower portion of your lungs.
As you gradually fill your lungs from bottom to top, expand your chest.
Even lift your shoulders for a last bit of fresh air.
Then relax and let the air flow smoothly out of your body.
Pull in your stomach at the end to expel the last bit of stress.
Then begin another breath.

Supplements

Deficiencies of many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids can imbalance the nervous system. You can take a high-quality multivitamin and mineral formula and consider adding a B-complex supplement along with extra calcium and magnesium at a one to one ratio. This will ensure you are getting enough of these essential nutrients you may not be receiving from your diet alone. One supplement that has been shown to safely induce a relaxed state without side effects is Theanine.

Take a Break

Take a mental break from your busy routine. Smell a rose, take a walk, look at your favorite picture, listen to soothing music or take a bath.

Meditation

Meditation relaxes body, mind, and spirit. A variety of techniques can induce a meditative state: silently repeating a mantra or a prayer, gazing at a lit candle, or focusing on your breathing. Research shows that other benefits of this type of meditation include reduction in blood pressure, pain, and insomnia.

You may be thinking that you don’t have time to implement any of these lifestyle changes. If this is the case, then you are someone who needs it most. Try just one a day at first. You may be surprised at what a difference it makes.

L-Theanine