Hyvin
A Natural Health and Wellness Blog

Researchers are studying whether Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory agent, such that it will reduce blood clotting and inflammation in arterial walls (which are cardiovascular risk factors).

The results of the most recent study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition did suggest this protective effect, although some previous studies have shown conflicting data.

While this study was deemed inconclusive, I am so encouraged that this type of research is going on! Without the income potential of having a new drug or treatment to market, the costs of this type of research can stymie its advancement. Yet this information is so valuable, don’t you think?

OK, we learned earlier this week that work stress can contribute to the risk of heart disease. Now, it seems, the stress of noise might do the same thing! This stress business is serious… it seems to be coming in all shapes and sizes.

The study, found in the February 2006 edition of the European Heart Journal, was reported by Reuters Health:

Researchers in Germany found that urban middle-aged adults who lived near high-traffic roads were 46 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who lived in more peaceful neighborhoods.

Similarly, men whose jobs exposed them to high noise levels were about one-third more likely to have a heart attack than their peers in quieter workplaces.

The reason for these associations is not completely clear, but the stress of dealing with chronic noise may be involved, according to the researchers, led by Dr. Stefan N. Willich of Charite University Medical Center in Berlin.

Did you know you can blunt the physiological effects of stress using natural compounds? Seems like we better be doing all we can to minimize its impact, since it’s coming at us from so many different directions!

It’s spring!! Time for green growth. Time for spring cleaning. Time for beautiful color. Time for sunshine. Time for…allergies?!

Fox News reported last week on five spring allergy triggers:

1. Pollen
2. Mold
3. Dust mites
4. Animal dander
5. Stinging insects

I used to suffer from pollen allergies, and am very sensitive to mold. I’ve tested highly allergic to dust mites and animal dander, and I swell up like a red hot balloon when the bugs bite. Great — that’s five out of five.

However, I am very happy to report that I have eliminated any problems with four out of these five in my home with an amazing air purifier that does not rely on filters. It is SO nice to have a “safe” zone at home where these allergens are neutralized.

Now, if only I could insulate myself from bites and stings!

Stress at work is a common issue. Now, research findings suggest that if you are chronically stressed at work, you’re more likely to exhibit the early warning signs of diabetes and heart disease.

According to the Fox News report of the British study, “the researchers aren’t sure if chronically stressed workers are less likely to have healthy lifestyles, or if people with unhealthy habits tend to feel more stressed at work. Possibly, years of constant work stress chip away at a person’s health…”

Chalk up another strike for stress!

Schools are being told to prepare for it, Palestinians are on a state of alert over it, and the U.S. expects it this year.

It, of course, is the bird flu, also known as the H5N1 strain of the avian flu. Being faced with the possibility of a widespread virus of this strength, I am reaffirmed in all the things I do to try to maintain the health of my family. I do what I can to ensure that our immune systems are strong, primed and ready to fight: healthy diet, sugar control, supplements, eliminating toxins in the home. I’m so grateful that I was introduced to this approach. Do you feel armed and ready?

That recent article on nails as indicators of overall health status makes me revisit the topic of what you can do (other than be generally healthy ) to maintain healthy nails. Here are my top seven ideas. I’m no expert, but do have personal experience with healthy nails!

1. Wear rubber gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, or otherwise exposing your hands to ongoing water. I always do this; it takes just a moment to slip them on before standing at the sink.
2. Use hand lotion every night before going to bed. If you apply before bed, the lotion has maximum time to nourish without being inadvertently washed off. My favorite hand lotion is fortified with pro-vitamin b5, known to help strengthen nails and cuticles.
3. Of course, don’t pick at or bite your nails (this should go without saying!)
4. File correctly and regularly. Correctly means in one direction (not back and forth), with rounded edges. Regularly means not letting them get so long that they break from the pressure of use.
5. Remember to gently push back cuticles once a week or so after showering (that’s when it’s easiest).
6. Nourish your nails from the inside out with zinc (especially for slow growing, brittle nails) and the B nutrient biotin.
7. For colorful healthy nails, use a natural polish without formaldehyde, toluene, or phthalates

The United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition announced last week that it was expanding its view of malnutrition.

The U.N. panel concluded that “the overweight are just as malnourished as the starving, and nutritional programs in poor countries need to target rising obesity alongside hunger,” according to a Yahoo news report. It appears that even some in poor countries are eating the wrong foods, contributing to rising world obesity rates. Fast food, sedentary lifestyles, and population movement to cities were identified as contributing factors. Food quality, rather than food quantity is being targeted as the focus of malnutrition.

What a sad commentary on the state of nutrition in general. We are SO far from feeding our bodies the way God intended! I concur that the obese can be malnourished. And I appreciate that the U.N. officials are trying to heighten awareness of obesity as a serious concern, but it almost seems unfair to divert the focus from hunger. It’s theoretically not the fault of the hungry, while the factors listed above (contributing to obesity) are often a matter of choice.

A report from Dr. Frank M. Painter, D.C. (an all-round nice guy ):

A recent presentation at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society discussed the relationship of blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and a person’s mood.

In 2000, the American Heart Association revised its Dietary Guidelines to recommend that people eat at least two servings of fatty fish per week as a means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

While the cardio protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are well-established, other studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to a variety of psychological conditions, including major depression and bipolar disorder. Research presented at a recent meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society has strengthened this link, with the results of small trial suggesting that low blood levels of omega-3s may have a negative impact on a person’s mood and behavior.

In the study, researchers collected blood samples of 106 hypercholesterolemic people who had no history of depression or any other diagnosed mood disorder, and did not take fish oil supplements or psychotropic drugs. In addition to blood tests, all subjects completed a series of tests designed to measure mood, personality and levels of impulsive behavior.

Participants with low blood levels docosahexaeonic acid (DCA) were 42 percent more likely to report symptoms of mild to moderate depression, while patients with low levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were more likely to be in a negative mood, and were associated with high neuroticism scores. Low levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were associated with higher levels of impulsive behavior.

“In conjunction with published research, these data suggest that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be a determinant of normative variability in affect regulation, impulse control and personality,” the authors wrote in their conclusion. They added, “This study opens the door for future research looking at what effect increasing omega-3 intake – whether by eating omega-3-rich foods like salmon or taking fish oil supplements – has on people’s moods.”

If you’re like me, you wondered about the wisdom of taking fish oil because of reports of high chemical levels and toxins in waters, including PCB’s and heavy metals. Fortunately, I found an omega-3 supplement that is guaranteed to be completely pure and safe.

Study Citation: Conklin S, Harris JI, Manuck SB, et al. Plasma fatty acids are associated with normative variation in mood, personality and behavior. Abstract #1411. Presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society, Denver, CO, March 1-4, 2006

According to the March 2006 edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers have concluded that reductions in fine particulate air pollution mean a mortality rate reduction, specifically for deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

The Reuters Health report of these findings explains that a direct link between death rates and small airborne particles had previously been noted in numerous epidemiologic studies, but prior to this, it was unclear if a decrease in particle exposure would show a survival benefit across a population.

The research team analyzed data during a period when air pollution was declining in many of the cities studied. The urban areas included in the study were Watertown, Massachusetts; Kingston and Harriman, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Steubenville, Ohio; Portage, Wyocena, and Pardeeville, Wisconsin; and Topeka, Kansas.

If I lived in one of these cities, I’d be glad rates seem to be decreasing, but especially concerned that it’s polluted enough to study! I am very happy to have an air purification unit in my home as part of my natural health and wellness regimen… one that deals with fine air particulates, without the filters.

Have you ever noticed how appealing people can be when they laugh? Notice I didn’t say “attractive” (I’ve looked at myself in the mirror while laughing! ). But it not only feels good, it’s good for us!!

A week or so ago I referenced an article in the March/April edition of Positive Thinking magazine about the health benefits of music. Well, laughter gets equal billing. According to the article, laughter can alleviate pain, strengthen the response of the immune system, contribute to heart health, reduce stress, and promote general healing. These findings have been documented by both anecdotal reports AND research studies. And that’s no laughing matter!