The latest holistic health news and tips.

Holistic Health News...

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More than 23 million Americans suffer from asthma, many of them children. There is no known cure. But a study published in the journal Allergy in Sept. 2004 found that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be an effective and safe treatment option for people with seasonal allergies related to asthma. A more recent study in July 2007 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology also reported on the potential benefits of TCM treatment for asthma sufferers. Some TCM treatments that have been shown to be safe and effective for asthma include:

Conventional nail polishes contain an array of chemicals that have been linked to an array of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, hormone disruption and kidney and liver damage. Yes, really.

Polishes contain solvents, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and ethyl, butyl and amyl acetate, all of which can be inhaled and lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue and eye, nose and throat irritation. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Toluene can also be transmitted to infants through breast milk. There are more potentially harmful chemicals in polishes and removers including DBP, a member of the phthalate family, which has been linked to asthma, hormone disruption and obesity; coal dye tars, some of which may be carcinogenic; hydroquinone, a neurotoxin and allergen; and acetone, which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and in animal studies has been linked with liver and kidney damage and birth defects. Indeed, concern over the health effects of these chemicals led to the European Union to ban toluene, formaldehyde and DBP from use in cosmetics in 2004. No such ban exists in the United States.

The safest choice is to avoid wearing nail polish. The next best choice is to buy products from companies that have reduced the toxic load in their nail polish and remover formulations. See the link below for some suggestions. Finally, regardless of what kind of nail polish you choose, there are some precautions worth taking:

Well, it’s that time of year again—seems like everyone has a cold. Even if it’s going around your office or your house there are some simple things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting sick or, if you do catch a cold, to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Here they are:

1. Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

2. Keep your mucous membranes moist (it’ll help block viruses from entering your eyes, nose and mouth) by drinking plenty of water, wearing lip balm and using a humidifier during especially dry weather.

3. Sleep! Most people need 7-9 hours of shut eye. If you deprive your body of rest it will weaken your immune system and you’ll have a harder time staying healthy.

4. Gargle. Yes, really. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that people who gargled three times a day with plain water reduced the likelihood of getting a cold by 36 percent.

6. Try these herbs: ginseng, echinacea and andrographis paniculata: recent studies confirm that all can help keep colds at bay and/or reduce the amount of time you’re sick.

7. Relax. Stress is a major drain on your immune system. Try yoga, tai chi, meditation or sniff some essential oils. Sniffing essential oils of lavender or rosemary reduced the levels of a stress hormone, cortisol, in saliva by as much as 24 percent according to a recent study. High levels of cortisol have been associated with high blood pressure and a depressed immune system. To learn more about the negative health effects of stress click here.

The bark extract from a French pine tree, pycnogenol, contains antioxidant compounds that may reduce the inflammation behind asthma attacks. In a recent Loma Linda University study of 60 children, 60 percent of pycnogenol users discontinued their asthma drugs after a few months. And it’s safe to use in combination with traditional inhalants.

Several recent studies have revealed that what you eat and drink can significantly influence your risk of developing cancer. One study found that excess body fat increases risk for six types of cancer, especially if it’s in the abdomen where it affects hormone levels and growth factors that can influence the development of cancer. Specifically, researchers found a connection between excess fat and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, endometrium and kidney, and breast in postmenopausal women. Researchers also found that every additional 1.7 ounces of red meat consumed above 18 ounces a week increases cancer risk by 15 percent, while every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed a day increases cancer risk by 21 percent.

Another study of 40,000 women concluded that reducing dietary fat cut the risk of ovarian cancer. There was one catch—protection didn’t kick in until the women had eaten a low fat diet, 20-24 percent of calories, for four years. After eight years, women who continued with a low fat diet cut their risk of ovarian cancer by 40 percent. Scientists believe this effect might be linked to a rise in estrogen that results with fat intake. Ovarian cancer, while rare, is usually detected quite late, making it harder to treat. Only 45 percent of patients survive five years.

Finally, a report found that women who had one or two drinks a day increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 10 percent when compared to women who had less than one drink per week. Women who had more than three drinks per week raised their risk by 30 percent. The findings were consistent regardless of whether the women drank beer, wine or liquor.

Lousy personal relationships increase your risk for heart disease, researchers reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine. In a study of more than 9,000 British civil servants, those with the most troubled personal relationships were 34 percent more likely to have heart attacks and other heart trouble during the 12-year follow-up. Researchers studied relationships among partners, close relatives and friends. And, not surprisingly, researchers suspect that the reason for this might be related to the negative health effects of stress.

The more easily you can touch your toes the lower your blood pressure and heart disease risk are likely to be, Japanese researchers reported. The reason? Increased blood flow from stretching may expand arteries, keeping them in better working order.

Thinning hair? Try saw palmetto, massaging your scalp (to increase blood flow to the hair follicles), or an Asian herbal remedy such as Chinese knotweed, false daisy, gotu kola or poria.

With a few small dietary changes a man can greatly lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Here's how:

Italian researchers recently published a study linking aspartame, an ingredient in Nutrasweet and Equal, to increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer in rats. Researchers found a cancer risk at the very highest levels of consumption, or equal to 15 cans of soda a day for an adult or 5 cans a day for a child.

An ingredient in turmeric, a spice used in curry, may help stimulate the immune system cells that gobble up the brain-clogging proteins that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that an ingredient in curcumin, found in tumeric, boosted immune cells that cleared amyloid beta, which kills brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients. It is unclear if people can eat enough curcumin to get this same effect but researchers said it could be easily achieved by infusion.

Women who were active for an hour or more a day reduced their risk of uterine fibroids by 40 percent compared to sedentary women, according to researchers at George Washington University. Four out of five women may develop fibroids and about 25 percent opt for surgery to remove them. Any kind of physical activity counts—walking, gardening, cleaning—so start moving today!
Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Healthy grilling

It’s the time of year when many of us barbecue outside but did you know that charring the meat could be harmful to your health? Studies by the National Cancer Institute found that eating HCAs (heterocyclic amines), which form in the blackened meat, increases your risk of developing colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancer. To eliminate the risk, cook your meat in foil.
Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Blood pressure on the rise

A new study reported that almost one billion people worldwide have high blood pressure and the number is expected to rise to 1.56 billion in less than 20 years. High blood pressure contributes to heart disease and is the leading cause of strokes and kidney failure. It also contributes to blindness and dementia. In the United States, one in three adults has high blood pressure, but the rate is even higher for black Americans, 40 percent of whom suffer from the disease. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80. Risk factors include obesity, inactivity and eating too much salt. Keep your blood pressure in check by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily; eat plenty of fruits, veggies and whole grains and cut out unhealthy fats; consume less than 2,400 mg/salt daily and get plenty of sleep. Supplements—vitamins and herbs—may also help. Contact us if you’d like to set up a consultation.
Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Lower blood sugar

People with Type 2 diabetes who took 1 gram of fenugreek seed extract for two months reduced their blood sugar levels by about 20 percent, according to a small study in India. Fenugreek is safe for most people but don’t take it if you’re on blood thinners.

A new study has confirmed a link between high milk consumption and an increase in the risk of Parkinson’s disease in men, but not in women. The reasons for this relationship remain unclear but have been replicated in several studies. Men who consumed the equivalent of three to four glasses of milk a day were 60 percent more likely to develop Parkinson’s than those who consumed less milk. Although total dairy consumption was considered for the study, researchers reported that milk consumption, rather than consumption of yogurt and cheese, explained most of the association. The findings were reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

A separate study of farm workers detected a link between pesticide exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. In a study of more 80,000 people in North Carolina and Iowa, researchers at UCLA and the Parkinson’s Institute found that farm works exposed to the common weedkiller paraquat had two to three times the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, which effects more than one million Americans. It is caused by the death of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with movement. There is no known cure. A separate study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also found a link between another pesticide, dieldrin, and an increased risk of Parkinson’s.

Postmenopausal women who consumed smoked, grilled or barbecued red meat more than once a week over their lifetime had a 47 percent increased risk of breast cancer than women who ate it less than once a week, reported researchers at the University of South Carolina. And for women who ate the most red meat but ate less than five servings a day of fruit and vegetables, the risk of breast cancer increased a whopping 74 percent. Scientists are not sure what accounts for the increased risk, although there is some speculation that it may be related to known carcinogens produced by cooking meat at high temperatures. Researchers noted that these same risks did not apply to smoked, grilled or barbecued poultry

A separate study reported some potentially good news: black cohosh, used by many women to reduce the symptoms of menopause, may reduce breast cancer risk. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reported that women who took the herb had a 61 percent lower risk of breast cancer. Although the reasons for this effect are unclear, other studies have shown that black cohosh can block cell growth. It also acts as an antioxidant and has anti-estrogenic properties.

Several recent studies have concluded that baby boomers are the first generation to report declining health when compared to their parents and grandparents. It is a startling discovery, experts say, which points to a looming health crisis in America. Studies consistently show that self-health reports are powerful predictors of death. Yikes!

Although baby boomers smoke less, they describe themselves as less healthy than previous generations at the same age. They are more likely to report problems with routine activities, including climbing stairs, walking a few blocks, lifting a 10-pound weight and getting up from a chair, as well as chronic health problems such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, pain and diabetes.

Obesity is one main reason for their declining health. Baby boomers tend to be less physically active than their parents and grandparents with days dominated by desk jobs and lots of driving. The extra weight strains joints and raises the risk of a host of chronic health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.

Stress is another problem for boomers compared to earlier generations. The negative consequences of stress on health are well-documented and range from digestive problems, skin eruptions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, cancer, obesity, and depression to name a few. Indeed, the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, D.C. reports that up to 80 percent of all illness is related in some way to stress. To learn more about stress and what you can do to minimize its effects, click here.

What all this means in practical terms is an aging population that may require more assistance in daily living, which in turn may effect Social Security and Medicare, the government health insurance policy for the elderly. It may also mean a declining life expectancy.

It’s never too late, though, to adopt a healthier lifestyle or to encourage someone you care about to do so. Simple steps, such as walking and improving your diet, can go a long way to improving health and wellness. For more natural health suggestions take a look at our Top 10 Holistic Health Tips. We also offer Lifestyle Coaching and Wellness Consultations if you’d like some help along the way. We work with clients by email and phone and also offer Gift Certificates to make it easier for you to get back on the road to health and harmony.

If you’ve recently turned your health around we’d love to hear your story! Contact us.

It's that time of year again. Sneezing, itchy & watery eyes...pollen can make a person miserable. If you suffer from seasonal allergies there are some natural remedies that might work for you. Two herbs to try are nettle and butterbur. Here's how they work: nettle limits the release of compounds that cause inflammation when you're exposed to an allergen; butterbur has been found to be as effective as a prescription antihistamine at reducing allergy symptoms, according to Swiss and German researchers. You might also give yoga a try. It's proven effective at reducing stress, which can promote inflammation, worsening your allergic response. Some yogic breathing techniques also can help open nasal passages, while chest openers such as camel, bridge and fish pose, can expand your lungs.

Think you’re familiar with the signs of a heart attack? Think again. Most people have a Hollywood image a heart attack—clutching your chest, stumbling around the room and collapsing, says Duke University researcher Dr. Eric Peterson. Review the list below and become familiar with the warning signs. If you suspect someone is having a heart attack call 911 without delay. Note that symptoms are often less distinctive in elderly people, while diabetics might have no obvious symptoms beyond sudden exhaustion.

Dark greens, such as mustard and collard greens, contain a compound that seems to make tumor cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs, British researchers reported. In other studies, women who ate yellow, red and orange foods had a 43 percent lower risk of breast cancer recurrence; women who cut fat intake 10 percent reduced their risk of a certain estrogen-dependent type of breast cancer by 36 percent and women with breast cancer who maintained a healthy weight were 52 percent less likely to die from the disease within nine years. (Prevention, Feb. 2007)

In a study of 11 to 15-year-olds, 80 percent had multiple physical activity and dietary risk behaviors, according to a study published in the American Journal of Pediatrics. Among the findings: 55 percent of children didn’t meet physical activity guidelines; 30 percent watched more than two hours of television a day; two thirds did not meet recommendations for fat consumption and only 12 percent ate enough fruits and vegetables. Only two percent of the children in the study met all four health guidelines. Perhaps not surprisingly, the study found that parents’ health behaviors had an effect on their kids.

Psychology researchers at Harvard University reported that hotel housekeepers who were tutored on the health effects of their work experienced improved health without altering their diet, exercise or other lifestyle habits. Within a month of learning about the physical health benefits of their jobs, the hotel housekeepers lost 2 pounds, lowered their blood pressure by almost 10 percent and had reductions in body mass index, body-fat, and waist-to-hip ratio compared to housekeepers who were not told about the health benefits of their work.

Men who regularly nap are less likely to die from heart disease, according to a study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Among working men, those who napped had a 64 percent lower risk of death from heart disease; the figure was 36 percent for non-working men. Heart disease kills more than 650,000 Americans each year, making it the nation’s number one cause of death.

Daily antidepressant use doubled the risk of bone fractures, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, appeared to reduce bone thickness and bone strength. The study did not rule out the possibility that the underlying biology of depression might account for the increase in fracture risk. The study focused on SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft, which are prescribed for mood and behavior disorders such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Turns out the old adage, “You are what you eat” is true. Scientists are discovering that the properties of certain foods can reduce the blues, including brown rice, brewer’s yeast, whole-grain oats, cabbage and, best of all, omega-3 fatty acids. Found in oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, walnuts and flaxseed, omega-3s have been found to reduce anxiety, sleep disorders, sadness and suicidal thoughts by up to 50 percent, according to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry. They are also known to protect the heart and circulatory system. Raw cacao, dark molasses and brazil nuts received honorable mention. For an added boost, get some sunshine, exercise and laugh.

People with diets rich in fish have a significantly lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, researchers reported in the Archives of Neurology. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, appears to be important for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. In fact, people with high levels of DHA who ate fish two to three times a week, reduced their risk of dementia by about half. DHA also reduces the amyloid plaques that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Fatty fish, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines and salmon are all high in DHA. Albacore tuna is also plentiful in DHA but there are concerns about high mercury levels in this fish. Scientists believe that the same benefits can be gained from taking fish oil supplements.

Olive oil appears to reduce oxidative damage to cells’ genetic material. This damage can lead to cancer. Researchers, reporting in The FASEB Journal, believe that the monounsaturated fats in olive oil are responsible for the benefits. Olive oil also contains phenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Researchers also supported advice to replace saturated fats found in meat and butter with vegetable fats, including olive oil.

In a separate study, researchers found that people who ate the highest amount of onions and garlic had the lowest risks for developing a number of cancers including colon, ovarian, kidney and throat cancers. Reporting in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that people who ate seven or more servings of onions per week had less than half the risk of developing colon cancer than those we did not eat onions. Garlic lovers were 25 percent less likely to develop colon cancer. Sulfur compounds found in garlic and antioxidant flavonoids in onions are thought to account for these protective benefits.

Most women are mindful of the health and lifestyle decisions they make when they’re pregnant. But some toxins linger in the body so, ideally, if you’re planning to have a baby we recommend adopting healthier lifestyle habits right away. The following tips, which we also recommend to all of our readers, should help you get started. You might also want to check out our Top 10 Holistic Health Tips and Stress Busters for more information about living a healthier and happier life.

The American Dental Association is urging parents to avoid fluoridated water when reconstituting infant formula, warning that infants may get too much fluoride this way. Fluoride exposure may permanently damage teeth. There is also a growing body of evidence that links fluoride to weakened bones, reduced thyroid activity and possibly bone cancer in boys.

A series of studies out in recent days provides further evidence of a growing link between diet and cancer. One Harvard study found that women who regularly consumed 1.5 servings of beef, lamb or pork a day in their 20s, 30s and 40s had nearly double the risk of developing hormone-receptive-positive breast cancer compared to women who ate three or fewer servings per week. But in another study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the University of Hawaii, researchers found that girls who regularly consumed soy, such as tofu and miso, between ages 5 and 11 reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by 58 percent.

A second Harvard study found that men who ate fish five times a week or more had a 40 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to men who ate fish less than once a week. Previous studies have shown that eating fish also can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.

People who drink fizzy or syrup-based drinks at least twice a day ran a 90 percent higher risk of getting pancreatic cancer than people who never drank them, Swedish researchers reported. More than 200,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed each year worldwide, mostly in developed countries and in people aged over 60. Because it is often discovered late, prognosis is poor.

Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Veggies reduce cognitive decline

People who ate at least 2.8 servings of vegetables, especially leafy greens, a day reduced their rate of cognitive decline by about 40 percent, equivalent to five years of younger age, a team of researchers reported in Neurology.

Red wine compound makes fat mice healthy

Mice fed a high-calorie, high-fat diet lived longer, healthy and active lives despite being obese thanks to a substance called resveratrol, scientists reported in the journal Nature. Resveratrol is found in red wine, grape skins, peanuts and other plants. It has increased the life span of every organism scientists have tested it on, including yeast, worms, fish and fruit flies. The findings should not encourage anyone to eat, drink and be merry, though. To experience the same benefits the mice enjoyed, a person would have to drink hundreds of glasses of wine a day. Although available in supplement form, its potential benefits for humans have not yet been tested.

Exercise reduces risk of colds

Women who engaged in moderate exercise most days of the week caught fewer colds than women who only stretched, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle reported. Previous studies have shown that exercise enhances the immune system, which may explain the findings.

Better to eat fish

The U.S. government released a new report that concludes that eating two servings of fish a week provides important health benefits that outweigh any potential health risk from mercury or other contaminants increasingly found in fish. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help protect against heart disease and recent studies suggest it may help protect against diabetes and cancer, slow the progression of early Alzheimer’s and treat depression. Nevertheless, because of concerns over mercury contamination, current guidelines advise women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and children under 12 to avoid swordfish, shark, tilefish and King mackerel, all of which contain high levels of mercury. For more information on eating fish safely click here.

Mediterranean diet protective against Alzheimer’s

A recent study concluded a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, cereal and fish—the so-called Mediterranean diet—have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. “The diet could be helping avoid Alzheimer’s disease by protection from oxidative stress or by reducing inflammation in the brain,” said lead researcher Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, an assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. The study appears in the October issue of Archives of Neurology. The Mediterranean diet also offers protection from coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity, and certain cancers.

Drinking water contamination harms thyroid

Exposure to perchlorate, an industrial chemical found in U.S. drinking water, may prevent proper thyroid function in some women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The thyroid regulates body temperature, energy, weight and mood. Perchlorate is a component in rocket fuel and pyrotechnics. It has been detected in milk, vegetables, fruit, grains and in drinking water. In the study, women with higher concentrations of perchlorate in their urine had lower levels of thyroid hormones. Check with your local water company or have your home’s water tested to determine if you may be at risk.

Gum disease harms health

Four out of five Americans suffer from some type of gum disease and experts now caution that it can contribute to a whole range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, blood infection and low-weight babies. The reason is that gum disease is a chronic, low-grade infection in which bacteria from the mouth enters the circulatory system and travels to other parts of the body, causing widespread inflammation. Indeed, recent studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease and stroke in people with gum disease. What to do? Brush and floss regularly, avoid sugary drinks and snacks, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and visit a holistic dentist.

Soda consumption weakens bones

A Tufts University study concluded that women who drink soda daily had a lower bone mineral density in their hips than those who drank less than one serving of soda a month. The finding was true regardless of whether the soda was regular, diet, or non-caffeinated. The reason? Soda contains phosphoric acid, which inhibits calcium absorption and increases excretion of it. Caffeine has also been linked to osteoporosis. There was no similar effect recorded in men.

Tea aids recovery from stress

Men who drank black tea four times a day for six weeks recovered from stressful events more quickly than those who didn’t drink tea, researchers from University College London reported. The tea drinkers also reported feeling more relaxed. Slow recovery from stress has been linked to a greater risk of chronic illness, including coronary heart disease.

Heavy weight reduces mental function

Overweight, middle-aged adults scored more poorly on tests of memory, attention and learning ability than their thinner peers, researchers reported in the journal Neurology. Researchers speculated the cause may be a link to cardiovascular disease or diabetes, which are more common in overweight people, or a substance produced by fat cells that acts on the brain.

Lose sleep, gain weight?

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reports a direct correlation between a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and a lesser amount of sleep. A person’s BMI is the ratio of weight to height. Researchers speculated that shorter sleep cycles may affect the levels of two hormones related to weight control: a decrease in leptin, which is related to satiety and an increase in ghrelin, associated with hunger. See the BMI calculator below to calculate yours.

Calculate your Body Mass Index: BMI, the ratio of weight to height, is often used to calculate the risk of certain diseases including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is normal; 25 to 29.9 is overweight; 30 to 34.9 is obese and anything over 35 is considered morbidly obese.

o Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2

o Multiple your height in inches by 2.54 and then multiply that figure by 10,000

o Divide the first number by the second number

o This is your BMI

If it’s out of the normal range you should carefully consider making changes to your eating habits, exercise routine, stress reduction and possibly your lifestyle to bring your weight back into the healthy range. If you’re not sure where to start, contact us and we’ll help you put together a realistic plan that will set you up for success.

Weight gain between pregnancies risky

Women who gain as little as seven pounds between pregnancies may be putting themselves and their babies at increased medical risk. Reporting in the British medical journal The Lancet, researchers studied the Body Mass Index (BMI) of 150,000 Swedish women. They found that gaining one or two BMI points increased the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy by 40 percent. A gain of 3 or more points raised the risk of a stillbirth by 63 percent.

NYC proposes ban on trans fat

The New York City Health Department unveiled a proposal to ban food service cooks from using ingredients that contain artery-clogging trans fats, which show up on food labels as “partially hydrogenated oil.” Trans fats are found in some margarines, shortenings, and frying oils. They are often present in baked goods, including crackers, pie crust, french fries, cookies and doughnuts. A similar ban has been proposed in Chicago. Denmark has banned artificial trans fats in processed food. Our opinion: there are alternatives to unhealthy oils and we would encourage all food service establishments to voluntarily begin replacing them.

Children’s health

Pets cut allergy risk: Growing up with a pet trains the immune system to be less reactive to potential allergy triggers according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This supports earlier studies that showed children exposed to a cat or dog were less likely to develop allergies or asthma.

Too much TV affects grades: In a study published in the October issue of Pediatrics, researchers found that too many hours of television can lower children’s grades. In fact, the more television a child watched during the week, the lower his grades in school, especially for those kids with unrestricted access to television shows. The study tracked 4,500 children in grades five through eight. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average American child watches about four hours of television a day. Researchers found a negative impact on school work after watching more than one hour of television daily. Previous studies on younger children have linked television viewing to increased odds for obesity, aggression and high-risk behaviors.

Soft drinks linked with hyperactivity: A recent study of more than 5,000 15- and 16-year-olds in Norway found a direct link between soft drink consumption and hyperactivity and possibly a link to other mental and behavioral disorders. Teens who reported skipping breakfast and lunch were among the heaviest soft drink consumers. Those who drank four or more sodas a day showed the worst signs of hyperactivity.

Anger can make you sick

Anger and hostility can result in poorer lung function and more rapid decline among older men, according to a report in the journal Thorax. Anger, hostility and stress have also been associated with heart disease and asthma, among other ailments. Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Getting some ZZZs

A report published last week in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that more than 1.6 million Americans use some form of alternative medicine to help them sleep. Nearly 65 percent used supplements, such as vitamins and herbs, while 39 percent used mind-body therapies. Nearly one-fifth of the 31,000 adults participating in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey reported difficulty sleeping over the preceding 12 months. Researchers also reported a connection between sleep troubles and other health problems, including obesity, hypertension, congestive heart failure, anxiety and depression.

If you’re having trouble sleeping for anxiety-related reasons, we recommend you try relaxation therapies, including meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery or calming yoga poses. Lavendar or geranium aromatherapy can also be helpful. Don’t eat, exercise or watch stimulating television shows just before bedtime. If you wake up feeling tired in the morning you might try valerian, kava kava or melatonin before bedtime, but check with a health care professional first because of potential interactions with other prescription medications. Of course, you can always set up an appointment with us and we’d be happy to design a restful sleep plan just for you.

Interval training equally beneficial

In a study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Physiology researchers reported that interval training—periods of extremely intense exercise followed by several minutes of less intensity—resulted in the same improvements in muscle health as longer, more moderately paced workouts. For the study, 16 college-aged men were divided into two groups, both exercising on stationary bicycles three times a week. One group cycled for 30 seconds all-out, followed by four minutes of recovery, or pedaling at a slower speed, for a total of about 20 minutes a day. The other group cycled at a moderate pace for 90 to 120 minutes a day. At the end of the study both groups increased the ability of muscles to carry oxygen by the same 25-30 percent. Interval training has long been popular among athletes but less so among the general public. However you decide to workout, we recommend at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. In fact, our No. 1 Holistic Health Tip is exercise. Go to our Top 10 List. Comprehensive holistic wellness evaluations, information on natural health alternatives for specific ailments, yoga, Reiki, Quantum-Touch®, meditation and breath work available via email and/or telephone and in private sessions in our Washington, D.C. location.

Relief for hot flashes?

Researchers reported in the journal Fertility & Sterility that acupuncture reduced the number and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. An added benefit: the quality of sleep improved as the hot flashes diminished.