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If you are receiving this newsletter as text only, you can now view the full online version by clicking here. You can also access our entire archive of newsletters by clicking here. |
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| Once
again the change of seasons is almost upon us - time to take inventory
The first is www.sportsbase.co.uk, a website created with the purpose of motivating people throughout the UK and Ireland to get out of their armchairs and start participating in their favourite sporting activities. Next we have free nutrient deficiency testing online - courtesy of longstanding health company G&G vitamins. Last, and by no means least, is the new booklet with a focus on healthy digestion - The Inside Out Diet. Following the great response to our segment on using essential oils in homemade household cleaning products, this month we have included details on five handy and often overlooked essential oils. And remember
to take the time to check out our
latest homepage - where have everything from an incredible
new superfood from the Amazon with more health
properties than you can dream of, to a sponsored parachute
jump which provides opportunities for people with disabilities. |
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The 'Cheers' report from the Mental Health Foundation warns too many of us are drowning our anxiety, stress and depression in booze, leading to changes in brain chemistry - and increased vulnerability to mental decline. The good news is that there are natural dietary supplements which can help to alleviate the problem at the source by curbing binge-drinking habits, and helping the liver to deal with its effects. Researchers
have re-established the prowess of Kudzu in curbing
binge-drinking. The Maximum Milk Thistle, is a breakthrough herbal product that protects the liver and boosts its ability to deal with alcohol. Formulated to support liver function more effectively than any previous milk thistle product. With potent key antioxidant ingredient, Silymarin, a powerful protective and detoxification agent for the liver. Maximum Milk Thistle costs £35.95 for 90 capsules.
As evidence begins to build against the use of conventional anti-inflammatories, Daniel Reeds asks the question - could nature provide us with a better solution? Anti-inflammatories
are some of the most commonly used drugs available Perhaps most worryingly, the British Medical Journal report showed that even Ibuprofen, the most commonly available anti-inflammatory drug, could increase the risk of a heart attack, vascular disease, or stroke by up to 40%. Another concern is the effect that these drugs may have on impotence. Arthritis has been linked to an increased risk of impotence for some time, but a report in the Journal of Urology suggests that instead of the actual disease being the culprit the anti-inflammatories used to 'help' the condition may play more of a role. On top of this, several anti-inflammatories are associated with more common problems such as stomach irritation and ulcers. Many arthritis sufferers rely heavily on anti-inflammatories to control pain as do those who suffer from everyday aches and pains along with sports men and women, but if this increasing body of evidence proves to be accurate then we need to look for alternatives. Here we look at nine natural remedies that have been advocated by many experts as being equal to, if not better than, drugs such as ibuprofen.
Emu
oil - unlike glucosamine, emu oil is thought to
be a direct anti-inflammatory and is Boswellia
- from a purified resin extract taken from an Indian tree; studies
have shown MSM
- Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring,
organic, sulphur-containing Turmeric
- one of the key ingredients in many curries, the root and rhizome
(underground Bromelain
- this is a digestive enzyme derived from the stem of pineapples.
Much of Chondroitin
sulphate - much like glucosamine sulphate, the
main anti-inflammatory effects New
Zealand green-lipped mussels - green lipped mussel
extract has been shown in Arnica
- arnica is from the alpine plant Arnica Montana
and research has shown it to have
Tea
Tree:
The only piece of first aid you'll need! This oil is a powerful
antiseptic and Black Pepper: If you're feeling a little weary, try using a drop of this oil in a carrier oil and using it in a mini-massage. It's great for easing aching muscles. Citronella: Keep those pesky insects at bay as the evening draws in with this citrusy scent. It's also an antiseptic and has a deodorising action. For an insect-repelling lotion add a few drops to a hypo-allergenic lotion and apply. Grapefruit: The perfect tonic when your spirits are flagging. This oil is stimulating, refreshing and uplifting, giving you an added boost when you need it most. Peppermint: Add a few drops of essential oil of peppermint to water and decant into a spray bottle - the perfect way to soothe tired feet and keep them fragrant.
Designed to treat the effects of Tinnitus, which is becoming an increasingly common condition (affecting over 13 million people in the UK alone), TinniTool is one of the first devices designed to present permanent relief of symptoms. The prevalence of Tinnitus in today's society can be attributed to our contemporary lifestyles. Addiction to noise and the effects of our noisy environment have taken its toll and one in ten of the world's population suffer from Tinnitus and although the precise cause is still not fully understood, it is certainly encouraged by exposure to loud noise. Tinnitus can also be caused by catastrophic emotional events such as death, redundancy or severe illness. What is certain is that in 99.9% of cases, Tinnitus has a benign cause - it is either triggered by ones' environment/lifestyle or by emotion/shock. Therefore medication or surgical treatment has little or no effect. The key symptoms such as ringing, whistling, hissing and roaring sounds in the head are exacerbated when the sufferer is in a quiet place or trying to sleep. The effects of Tinnitus can be extremely disruptive. In less severe cases it can affect concentration and cause insomnia. But in more chronic cases, Tinnitus can cause great anxiety and depression, and in rare cases leading to suicidal tendencies. Research has proved that Tinnitus can be caused by a lack of adenosine triphosphate (ATP cellular power stations). When body cells lose energy that is not being replaced simultaneously (typically in the ageing process), cells are damaged and eventually destroyed. TinniTool
uses soft laser technology to re-create the natural
photosynthesis occurring in The laser beam penetrates the deep subcutaneous layers and acts as a powerful healing bio-stimulation. Used directly onto the metabolism in the ear, TinniTool encourages cell division, stimulates the immune system and activates certain defence molecules. TinniTool is available from Sensorcom: www.sensorcom.com, or by calling on 0870 901 6070.
Warm water, which is constantly re-used, creates the perfect breeding ground for legionnaire's disease and folliculitis - an inflammation of the hair follicles - as well as the spread of other bugs. The traditional method of disinfecting spa water is chlorine, a chemical that irritates skin and eyes; damages spa equipment and can harm the lungs when handled incorrectly. However, a recent campaign has raised the awareness of non-chlorine water disinfectants led by Pristine Blue. The pioneering formula uses copper-sulphate to repel harmful bacteria, whilst keeping water safe enough to drink. It has been used to purify drinking water in the third world and is already used by over half-a-million pool and spa owners in America. Importantly, levels of Pristine Blue can be monitored with a special testing kit, ensuring water is safe up to two weeks after applications, unlike chlorine which requires frequent dosing using gloves and goggles. The
HPA's recommendations are that Spa users: For more information on Pristine Blue, including ordering details and prices, visit the website at www.pool-chem.co.uk or call 01708 860075. For more information on Pristine Blue visit www.pristineblue.co.uk.
If you are receiving this newsletter as text only, you can now view the full online version by clicking here. You can also access our entire archive of newsletters by clicking here. * Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine. |
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and
assess our lifestyles before the rest of the year slips away! This
month we highlight some wonderful free resources to
help you do just that. 
If
you suffer from tinnitus you will want to read
all about the latest advances in soft laser technology, and if you
are lucky enough to have your own swimming pool or jacuzzi
then check out our article on safer alternatives to chlorine treatment.
We also investigate the herbs used for alcohol recovery,
and those which are heralded as natural alternatives to
anti-inflammatory medication. 
centuries-old Chinese herb - referred to in Chinese text as 'drunkenness
dispeller' - is packed with isoflavones to block enzymes that
break down alcohol into toxic components. 
Planetary
Formulas costs £15.39 for 60 capsules.
today, with people using them for everything from 
inflammatory,
it is important in the maintenance and repair of joints. In this
respect it has been seen to have benefits for those who have swelling
in and around joints either through injury or conditions such as
arthritis. Several studies have shown that in the long run glucosamine
use is more effective then ibuprofen at reducing swelling and pain
associated with joints. Although vegetarian glucosamine is now available,
most comes from shellfish. 
now
registered as such in Australia. There are several published papers
showing emu oil reducing inflammation in arthritis models and it
has become a popular anti-inflammatory with many sports men and
women. An exciting study was completed at Victoria University last
year that showed emu oil significantly reducing pain and inflammation
in the hands of arthritis sufferers. Although the exact mechanism
by which emu oil works is uncertain, it is thought that the fatty
acids it contains help mediate the inflammatory process. Several
studies have shown emu oil to be more effective than ibuprofen,
but it is important to buy high quality emu oil as studies have
shown that the lower the quality of the oil the less its anti-inflammatory
properties (
that
boswellic acids have an anti-inflammatory action. The action is
thought to be due to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators;
that is, chemicals that lead to inflammation within the body. Long-term
use of boswellia does not appear to cause irritation or ulceration
of the stomach. 
compound
that is found in small amounts throughout nature and is seeing a
bit of a resurgence in popularity having fallen out of favour for
a while. The biochemistry of MSM and its actions are poorly understood,
but it is thought to have a two-fold action both helping with the
formation of connective tissue in the joints, plus having a more
direct anti-inflammatroy action of its own. Most MSM that can be
bought is a by-product from wood pulping
stem)
of the plant are used medicinally. Turmeric is thought to reduce
inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing
production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. A preliminary
trial in people with rheumatoid arthritis found curcumin, contained
within turmeric, to be somewhat useful for reducing inflammation
and symptoms such as pain and stiffness. A separate double-blind
trial found that curcumin was superior to placebo or phenylbutazone
(an prescribed anti-inflammatory) for alleviating post-surgical
inflammation. Unlike some other anti-inflammatories, turmeric has
been seen to help with some stomach complaints. 
bromelain's
anti-swelling effect is thought to be due to activating compounds
that break down a substance called fibrin. Fibrin forms a matrix
that walls off an area of inflammation, resulting in blockage of
blood vessels, inadequate tissue drainage, and swelling. Double-blind
research has found bromelain effective in reducing swelling, bruising,
and it has been reported to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis
in preliminary research. One preliminary report however indicates
increased heart rate with the use of bromelain. In addition, some
people are allergic to bromelain. 
of
chondroitin are not thought to be direct, but rather chondroitin
sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage (the spongy bit that
protects bones at joints) and not only provides structure, but also
holds water and nutrients - vitally important as cartilage does
not have its own blood supply. It has been shown, in numerous double-blind
trials, to relieve the symptoms and pain associated with osteoarthritis
and there are few concerns over its safety, although there may be
an issue for men with prostate cancer. Unlike glucosamine, there
is no vegetarian source of chondroitin - it is only found in animal
cartilage. 
numerous
studies to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
Although the mechanism by which this may work is unclear, it is
thought that the mussels contain fatty acids and glycoproteins that
play important roles in the mediation of the inflammatory process.
Some people have been known to react adversely to certain types
of mussel extract and people with a shellfish allergy should be
wary. 
anti-inflammatory
properties. Again the mechanism behind any anti-inflammatory action
is unclear, but it is thought compounds within the plant may act
on inflammatory mediators. Arnica, however, has fallen out of favour
with many following a highly publicised study that showed homeopathic
arnica being no more effective than a placebo (an issue
also surrounding 
antifungal and can be dabbed on spots, scratches and grazes in an
emergency. 
Quinessence
Aromatherapy has a full range of essential oils which have
all been selected for their high quality. Qualitative testing helps
to determine what is present in an essential oil and details on
how much of a constituent is present in the oil. So you can be guaranteed
that you are getting some of the finest essential oils available.
Visit 
nature. Damaged sensory cells in the ear can be regenerated using
a concentrated supply of light energy from TinniTool's soft laser.
The
safety of the latest must-have household accessory has been called
into question, as the Health Protection Agency release a warning
to the UK's 100,000 spa and hot-tub users that their relaxing bathe
can harbour deadly bacteria.
