Thursday, September 4, 2008 Daily Tips

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[WeAreStardust] Thursday, September 4, 2008 Daily Tips

Fighting Fatigue Part 1: Nutrition Tips A healthy diet can help the body in its efforts to heal itself, and in some cases, particular foods can lessen the symptoms of disease. To help reduce the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome (such as debilitating fatigue, impaired memory, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, headaches and other maladies), try the following:

1.Decrease your protein intake to 10 percent of your daily calories.2.Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably organic) for their protective phytochemicals.3.Eat garlic regularly for its antibiotic effects.4.Incorporate immune-enhancing mushrooms into meals, including shiitake, oyster, enokidake and maitake mushrooms.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03003/Fighting-Fatigue-Part-1-Nutrition-Tips.html=====================Fighting Fatigue Part 2: Supplements Yesterday�s Daily Tip covered foods for energy; today we discuss energy boosting supplements. If you feel worn down or are lacking energy due to a hectic schedule and day-to-day stressors, learn how to fight fatigue naturally. Taking a few minutes for yourself and performing simple breathing exercises can be helpful, as can daily moderate physical activity and getting adequate rest. Certain nutrients, botanicals and other compounds can also help to ward off or lessen the effects of general fatigue. Experiment with the following, which can be found at Dr Weil�s Vitamin Advisor.

-Magnesium and calcium. Oral magnesium supplementation has been shown to help reduce symptoms of fatigue in persons with low magnesium levels.-Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Studies show that eleuthero can help enhance mental activity as well as physical endurance.-Coenzyme Q10. This vital nutrient is involved in cellular energy production throughout the body.-Ashwaganda, an Ayurvedic herb prized for its ability to help the body deal with stress.-Cordyceps, a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom that may help fight fatigue and boost energy levels.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03004/Fighting-Fatigue-Part-2-Supplements.html=====================Food Irradiation: Is Zapping Herbs Harmful?Recently, I read that herbs and spices are being irradiated. This sounds bad, but I've seen a report from England which maintains that light irradiation of herbs and spices makes these products safer by killing molds, bacteria, and other germs. Is this right or should I worry about the irradiation?

One of the first approved uses of food irradiation was to destroy insects, bacteria and other organisms in dried herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings. It has proved to be a very effective method of preventing spoilage and preserving flavors, nutrients and shelf life. Irradiation can also prevent food-borne illnesses caused by organisms such as Salmonella (responsible for the outbreaks of illness and some deaths due to tainted produce in the spring and early summer of 2008) and E. Coli. If I had a choice between herbs and spices treated with chemical preservatives or fumigants or those that had been irradiated, I wouldn't hesitate to go for the latter.

Unlike other irradiated foods, the labels of herb and spices aren"t required to note that these products have been "treated with radiation" or "treated with irradiation." However, I would assume that most of them have been, and I wouldn't worry about it - irradiation is the safest and most effective way to preserve and sterilize herbs and spices. Also, we consume herbs and spices in such small quantities that any potential threat would be minimal. And don't be concerned that irradiation makes these products radioactive; it doesn't.

While I'm satisfied that irradiation of herbs and spices is safe, I do have concerns about irradiation of other foods, especially regarding the changes it can cause in food chemistry. Treatment of meats and other foods high in protein, fats and water can result in the creation of "radiolytic products." The FDA takes the position that few of these compounds are unique to irradiated foods and that no evidence has suggested that they're harmful to health, but I'm not convinced that we've adequately studied the long-term consequences of eating large amounts of these altered foods over time to be certain they're entirely safe.

Weil, M.D.http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400443/Food-Irraditaion-Is-Zapping-Herbs-Harmful.html=====================Can Herbal Remedies Lose Their Power?I have read that 'exogenous' substances (those that don�t occur naturally in the body) lose their effectiveness after 6-12 months of regular use. Is this true of all medicinal herbs?

Yes, many herbs will lose their effectiveness if you use them all the time or too frequently, which is why they're best saved for when they're really needed. Medicinal plants are often dilute forms of natural drugs, not foods or dietary supplements. For that reason, you should not take them casually or for no good reason, any more than you would take a pharmaceutical drug casually or for no good reason. When using medicinal herbs, bear in mind that individuals vary in their responses, so it is best to let your experience be your guide and use only remedies and brands that give you consistent results.

The exception to the general rule about using medicinal herbs only when needed for a specific purpose are the tonic herbs, or adaptogens, such as ginseng, that can strengthen or invigorate the healing system, and Asian mushrooms that enhance immunity. I use and recommend a number of tonics including garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green tea for toning the cardiovascular system, reducing inflammation and lowering risks of cancer. Ginseng comes from several species in the genus Panax, whose name comes from the same root as "panacea" meaning "all-heal." Used regularly, ginseng increases energy, vitality and sexual vigor, improves skin and muscle tone, and helps build resistance to stress. I often recommend ginseng, especially the American species, to chronically ill patients and to those who are debilitated or lacking in vitality.

I also frequently use mushrooms, such as the Chinese caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis), as tonics for improving athletic performance and increasing energy, and species like reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinella edodes), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) to boost defenses against infections and cancer. Clinical research on medicinal mushrooms suggests that taking more than one species at the same time often gives better results.

Be sure to give any tonic a reasonable trial - take it regularly for at least two months. With some, you'll experience obvious effects - perhaps an increased sense of well-being and more energy. Or you may find that, over time, a tonic improves your response to both physical and emotional stress and decreases your susceptibility to illness.

Weil, M.D.http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400444/Can-Herbal-Remedies-Lose-Their-Power.html=====================A Spud for Better Blood Sugar?

Not all potatoes are created equal -- especially when it comes to controlling blood sugar. So what�s the superior choice for people hoping to sweep aside diabetes?

It�s the nutritious sweet potato, according to La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD�s Big Book of Culinary Medicine. This spud may actually help stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.

Sweet and SteadyUnsteady blood sugar is a big-time risk factor for diabetes. And, because of their high glycemic index, white potatoes -- be they russet or Idaho -- can send blood sugar levels soaring and then crashing. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand? They have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes. And the carotenoids in sweet potatoes may help your body use insulin better -- although further study is needed to confirm this. (Find out if white potatoes can have a place in a healthful diet.) http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/3354

Balancing ActYour choice of potato is only one small factor in the big picture of blood sugar control. Try these additional strategies for keeping it in check: -Get moving -- a little every day. Here�s how exercise benefits blood glucose. http://www.realage.com/ct/tips/3260-Eat your carbs with a bit of vinegar. Here�s how sour stuff steadies blood sugar. http://www.realage.com//ct/tips/2655-Load up on fiber. Both your waistline and your blood sugar will thank you. http://www.realage.com/research_library/searchResults.aspx?link=crsfiles/aha/aha_fiber_crs.htm

Recipe CornerCreamy never tasted so sweet. Try this recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk. http://www.realage.com/NutritionCenter/Recipes/Mashed_Sweet_Potatoes_with_Coconut_Milk.aspx

RealAge Benefit: Reducing your risk of diabetes by losing excess weight can make your RealAge half a year younger for each year you have tight control of blood sugar and blood pressure.

References Published on 09/03/2008. ChefMD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine. La Puma, J., New York: Crown Publishers, 2008. http://www.realage.com//ct/eat-smart/food-and-nutrition/tip/6786=====================Breed Profile: Meet the ish Fold -- CatAge Tip of the Week

Read the online version here.http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=ac-RbEtQ0UMm8ukpClPLW5zJSYV

With a thoroughly rounded head, equally rounded eyes, short neck, and crimped ears, the ish fold looks like an owl trapped in a cat's body.

Discovered in Coupar Angus, Scotland, in 1961, ish folds have since achieved worldwide notoriety, not only for their unusual looks but also for their affectionate personalities. Although adaptable and calm, folds prefer not to be left alone for long periods, and they play better with people than by themselves. Unfortunately, some folds -- if bred incorrectly -- are prone to a disabling joint disease that shortens and immobilizes the limbs and tail.

Check local shelters or rescue groups for cats of this breed.

More about the breed:http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/scottish.html

CatAge Quick Tip Learn about cat aggression at CatAge.com. http://www.catage.com/care/Facts.aspx/FF/I02

"The many blessings of Hugo be upon you." DesertWind - the "stealth-snagger" @->--We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children--<-@

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