Trying to Conceive? Eat Ice Cream.

If you're trying to get pregnant, you may want to give up the low-fat diet for awhile and take a trip to Ben and Jerry's. A recent study found that women who ate one or more servings of high-fat dairy foods--such as ice cream--every day decreased their risk of infertility from ovulatory disorders by 25 percent.

The opposite is also true, according to the findings published in the journal Human Reproduction. Researchers found that women who ate two or more servings of low-fat dairy foods per day increased the risk of anovulation (lack of ovulation) by 85 percent.

Several factors may be responsible for the dairy fat/fertility link, including high-fat dairy contains fertility-essential vitamin A from butterfat and helps make sex hormones that balance the chemicals in the reproductive system. Another possibility is that low-fat dairy products contain added whey protein, which is suspected of having a testosterone-like effect.

The bottom line is that if you're trying to get pregnant switching from low-fat dairy foods to the full-fat versions may help you achieve your goal.

Sources:
A prospective study of dairy foods intake and anovulatory infertility. J.E. Chavarro, J.W. Rich-Edwards, B. Rosner, and W.C. Willett. Advance Access published online on February 28, 2007Human Reproduction, doi:10.1093/humrep/dem019
Medicalnewstoday.com
Alternativemedicine.com

The ABCs of Checking for Skin Cancer

For us fair-skinned, frequently burned, sun-loving people, some goods news came out today on how drinking coffee--or any beverage containing caffeine--coupled with regular exercise may prevent skin cancer. This made my day since I drink a cup of green tea day every morning just before starting my exercise routine.

While I'm elated with the health update, it won't stop me from regularly inspecting those unsightly moles I have from head to toe. Being more susceptible than most people to skin cancer, I also plan to make my yearly appointment with my dermatologist for a skin screening.

For an at-home inspection, here are the ABCs of looking for abnormal and potentially cancerous moles:

A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides

B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged

C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray

D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter

E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface

In addition, look for moles that are:

Bleeding

Itching

Rapid growth

A sore or area that won't heal

A scaly or crusty growth

Rough patches that feel like sandpaper

After checking your moles, if you see anything suspicious, make sure you see a dermatologist right away. Otherwise, a cup of coffee and a good workout may be your new best bet to prevention after sunscreen.

Fire Up the Grill, but Hold the Carcinogens

My husband thinks he's the king of grilling with his new Weber charcoal grill. To be honest, he could go toe-to-toe with Bobby Flay. He's that good.

However, he's married to a woman who buys fresh, organic (and whenever possible local) fruits and veggies to cut down on pesticides and other toxins.

So it's not a surprise that I'm concerned about how he barbecues the burgers, steaks and chicken since searing meats at high temperatures can produce cancer-causing carcinogens called heterocylic amines (HCA), according to the National Cancer Institute.

And to make his charcoal grilling less enticing, the fat from the meat which drips off onto the coals can drift back up in smoke as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), a suspected toxin.

Fortunately, following a couple basic tips can make grilling tasty and healthy. First, select lean cuts of meat to minimize PAHs, and then marinate them with a combination of vinegar, olive oil, herbs and spices to reduce the HCAs by 92 to 99 percent.

Additionally, you can also briefly pre-cook your meat in a microwave so it spends less time over the flames, use a gas grill instead of charcoal, and flip your meat often over lower temperatures.

To be honest, the last three tips don't go over well with true barbecue connoisseurs. According to my husband, that just isn't real barbecuing. However, choosing lean meats and marinating them can substantially make grilling healthier and are both chef and wife approved.

Cloudy Apple Juice Packs More Antioxidant Power

The majority of us reach for the clear apple juice because it looks purer than the cloudy version, but that trend may soon be changing. A new study found that the unclarified apple juice packs four times the free radical-fighting polyphenols compared to the clear kind.

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants that help protect against heart disease, certain types of cancers and other degenerative diseases.

The disease-fighting polyphenols are believed to be removed from apple juice during the clarification process when an enzyme is added to remove the pectin and starch content of the cloudy juice.

To reap the most free-radical fighting benefits, be a healthy trendsetter and reach for the cloudy, antioxidant-rich juice the next time you have a choice.

Source:
Nutraingredients-usa.com

Reduce Bunion Pain and Swelling with Marigolds

The way Hollywood's leading ladies regularly grace the red carpet in their stilettos you'd think they were immune to developing the bunions that plague half of all American women. Those tight, pointed, high-heeled shoes may look stylish and sexy, but they are one of the main culprits for the red, painful, bony bump that protrudes from the side of the big or little toe joint.

Orthotics may slow a bunion's growth, and surgically shaving the bone will put the toe back in alignment, but your flower garden may contain a more natural way ease the inflammation and discomfort.

According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, marigold paste can reduce the size and pain of a bunion better than a placebo. This is not much of a surprise considering that the flower contains flavonoids, an inflammatory.

The study used a paste made of crushed marigolds of the Tagetes genus and alcohol. It was spread topically on each participants' bunion and then covered with a pad. Patients can see results in two weeks.

If you are in too much pain to wear your fashionable high-heels anymore, you may want to check out more information from England's Marigold Clinic at www.marigoldfootcare.com.

Sources:
Timesonline.co.uk
Natural Health, July/August 2007

Grass-Fed Cows Produce Healthier Milk

We've all heard the milk campaign's slogan that it does a body good, but not all milk is created equal. Milk from grass-fed cows is far superior for the body than the beverage that comes from grain-fed cows. The milk from pasture-raised cows, specifically the fat portion, contains about three to five times more of an essential fatty acid from the omega-6 family called conjugated linoleic acid.

CLA is an anti-inflammatory, which helps fight allergies and asthma. Additionally, more than a hundred test tube and animal studies have show that CLA stops cancer growth.

While CLA also can help with weight loss, you'll have to take it in supplement form to achieve that result. The CLA in milk contains an isomer that is best for fighting cancer. However, the supplement form has an equal ratio of two healthful isomers that when combined are better for losing weight.

Additionally, milk from pastured cows contains considerably more beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. However, to get the full benefits of milk from grass-fed cows you'll have to forgo the low-fat and non-fat stuff.

Not all organic milk is from cows that graze in green pastures. In fact, most cows are raised in confinement, so read the labels carefully. Also, to find a local farm that raises grass-fed cows, go to www.americangrassfed.org or www.eatwild.com.

Sources:
www.eatwild.com
Natural Health (July/August 2007)

Ahh...the Sweet Smell of Stress Relief

While aromatherapy has long been known to increase energy and reduce stress, a recent Japanese study now proves that you can alleviate stress in as little as five minutes from inhaling the essential oils of lavender or rosemary.

The study found that aromatherapy decreased cortisol levels in participants' saliva. This stress hormone is associated with increased blood pressure and blood sugar as well as suppressing the immune system.

Keeping a bottle of stress-relieving lavender or rosemary oils on hand can keep you relaxed at work or in traffic. Or put a sachet of lavender by your pillow to help you fall asleep. You can also find these essential oils in bags of beads, car diffusers, candles, roll-ons and balms.

Sources:
Natural Health (July/August 2007)
Wikipedia.com

Body Absorbs 5 lbs of Cosmetic Chemicals a Year

If your morning routine includes applying a number of beauty products and toiletries to your skin, you better take note of their ingredients. Over the course of a year, your body may be absorbing almost five pounds of chemicals that find their way into your organs.

Nearly 900 of the chemicals used in cosmetics are toxic, claims The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. They have been linked to side effects including skin irritation, premature aging and cancer.

Particularly troublesome is the wide use of parabens used as a preservative in may beauty products. Parabens have been found in breast tumor samples, however, the link to cancer is disputed.

And just because a product claims it's natural or organic, doesn't mean it really is because the federal government has no standards or official guidelines for beauty products. As a consumer, you need to look out for yourself and read the ingredients on the label.

Obviously, I'm a big fan of MyChelle Dermaceuticals. Besides delivering amazing results, MyChelle's skincare products are natural without parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, fragrances, particles and artificial colors. Additionally, they are not tested on animals.

And if you're looking for high-quality, natural make-up, my recommendation are Jane Iredale's mineral-based cosmetics. They are made without parabens, talc and other unhealthy ingredients.

To find out how pure or toxic your make-up and skincare products are, go to the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic data base, Skin Deep. It provides a complete analysis pairing ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases.

If you find your morning beauty potions are loaded with toxins, give yourself a beauty upgrade with natural, chemical-free products that are truly healthy for your face and body.

Sources:
Telegraph.co.uk June 22, 2007
www.mercola.com
GreenOptions.com May 24, 2007

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Supplements to Keep Away Mosquitoes & Sunburn

The summer's sunny days and warm nights draws everyone outside to enjoy the season. However, it's also a time for the not-so-fun side of summer: mosquito bites and sunburns. Fortunately, we have lots of natural options when it comes to protecting ourselves from these nuisances.

Recently, I wrote an article about catnip being better than DEET in combating mosquitoes (see post), but to add more protection against the pesky bugs, you may want to up your vitamin B1 (thiamine) intake. One study found that taking 100 mg of vitamin B1 a day keeps mosquitoes away, says Dr. Julian Whitaker, a leading alternative medicine practitioner. Other studies have found that thiamine also reduces itching caused by bites. Since vitamin B1 is good for your overall health, according to Whitaker, it's a good supplement to add especially during the warmer months.

Additional supplements to have on hand during the summer season are beta-carotene and vitamin E. They're internal sunscreens, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The participants in the study all had fair skin and a tendency to burn. They were given a combination of 25 mg (40,000 IU) of beta-carotene with mixed carotenoids and 500 IU vitamin E for 12 weeks. The combined supplements had a synergistic effect in protecting the participants from burning when exposed to ultraviolet light.

But before you throw away your bottle of sunblock, you'll still need the added protection if you're heading out for a day in the sun. The antioxidants are helpful, but not effective enough for a full onslaught of ultraviolet rays.

When buying sunscreen, steer clear of the ones made with chemicals, and instead look for ones made of zinc oxide and topical antioxidants (see recent post for more information).

Enjoy the warm weather, but don't forget to take your vitamins too!

Sources:
www.drwhitaker.com
CNN - Antioxidants help protect against sun's rays, study says

Must-Have Natural Health Resource Guide

Whenever a friend asks me for advice on natural remedies for their ailment du jour, if I don't have any suggestions on the top of my head, then I immediately consult my handy reference guide. Prescription for Nutritional Healingby Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., is my go-to book when I am searching for drug-free solutions for anything from an abscess to a yeast infection and everything in between.

My mother was the one who gave me my first copy may years ago. Now Prescription for Nutritional Healingis in it's 4th edition containing an up-to-date comprehensive self-help guide. It gives readers the option to look up an illness and find natural treatment options or to look up specific supplements to find out more about them.

Prescription for Nutritional Healingreally is a must-have book for anyone who prefers to use natural means for healing. Like me, you'll find you'll refer back to this book again and again.

Mother's Laughter Makes Breast Milk Healthier for Baby

Nursing mom's may want to watch the hilarious I Love Lucy sitcoms before feeding time. New research has found that a mother who laughs a couple of hours before breastfeeding her baby will pass on greater health benefits to her young.

The study determined that laughing mothers' breast milk contained higher levels of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin compared to those who did not laugh. In addition to bolstering relaxation, the increased levels of melatonin was found to alleviate symptoms of eczema and allergies in babies who suffered from these ailments.

However, laughter isn't just good for babies. As modern medicine has proven and the Bible makes clear, a merry heart is good medicine. It has numerous health benefits for everyone, including:

• protecting the heart
• reducing stress
• lowering blood pressure
• elevating mood
• boosting immune system
• improving brain functioning
• protecting the heart
• connecting you to others
• fostering instant relaxation
• decreasing stress
• strengthening the immune system
• making you feel good
  
  Sources:
  Journal of Psychosomatic Research June 2007;62(6):699-702
  NewScientist.com June 16, 2007
  Healthguide.org

Chia Seed: An Ancient Grain Becomes Today's Superfood

If you haven't heard of Salba,it's probably only a matter of time before it becomes the new darling of the health food industry. It's the nutrient-dense seed called chia, which was a staple food for the ancient Aztecs. Some believe that this wonder seed is the most nutritious and perfect food on the planet.

Chia is originally black, but Salba,the commercial variety of the seed, is white and the most stable source of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, it contains more omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed.

Salbaalso offers a full spectrum of antioxidants from chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and flavonols. It also boasts three times more antioxidants than blueberries.

Additionally, it has six times more calcium than milk, three times more iron than spinach, two times more potassium than bananas, two and a half times more protein than kidney beans and even more fiber than All Bran.

The humble seed gives energy, balances hormones, increases strength, bolsters endurance, balances blood sugar levels, induces weight loss and aids intestinal regularity.

While you can find Salbain a few health food stores and over the Internet. It won't be long before you'll find it popping up in a variety of foods. The Salbapeople have big plans to introduce it in salsa, cereal, baked goods, a nutrition bar and maybe even a Salbadrink. Already you can find it in tortilla chips and bread. Eaten one way or the other, this ancient superfood may be just what our modern diet needs.

Sources:
http://americanwellnessnetwork.com/29-1/Salba_Superfood_from_the_Aztecs.html
www.salbaus.com
www.redorbit.com/news/health/302229/seeds_of_wellness_return_of_a_supergrain/index.html?source=r_health

Is Your Fish Oil Supplement Measuring Up?

So you started taking fish oil because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains helps protect your body from everything from heart disease to macular degeneration. As a bonus, according to Dr. Perricone, it makes your skin look younger and more beautiful. But when it comes to the quality of the oil you take, you may wonder, how high is high and how pure is pure?

Frankly, you have reason to be concerned. If you're not buying from a reputable company, there's a good chance your fish oil has more saturated fat and less of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Here are two ways to know what kind of oil you're getting. First, check to see if the fish oil you take is processed by one of the supplement companies who have banded together to keep their industry accountable and ethical by forming a new omega-3 trade association called the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED Omega-3). A list of the companies can be found at their Web site at www.goedomega3.com.

Secondly, take one of your fish oil capsules and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. If the oil is still clear when you remove it, you have the high-concentrated EPA/DHA essential oils. However, if the oil looks cloudy, you have less of the heart healthy omega-3s and more saturated fat.

The good news is that 90% of American and European omega-3 fatty acid suppliers belong to GOED Omega-3. But you should still do your homework before buying your next bottle of fish oil. Your body will reap the most benefits with the true high quality and pure omega-3s.

Sources:
www.womenshealthletter.com
http://www.goedomega3.com/

Coca-Cola Turns to Natural Stevia to Sweeten Up

Finally, a new day may be dawning for those of us looking for a natural, sugar-free option in our beverages, yogurt, cereal, ice cream and other sweet treats. I was thrilled when I read the headlines that Coca-Cola teamed up with Cargill, one of the world's largest agribusiness and trading companies, to market the sweetest, best tasting part of the stevia plant.

Steviais a hit among the health nut crowd. While I've tried to make it a staple in my kitchen, I've never aquired a taste for the herb's bitter, licorice aftertaste (see my recent post on the natural sweeteners I recommend). However, the Coca-Cola/Cargill people have spent huge amounts of money and time to process the steviaplant into a good tasting, zero-calorie, natural sweetener, which they are calling rebiana.

Of course, they have some major hurdles to cross before we'll find it in our grocery stores. First, the FDA has only approved steviaas a food supplement, not as an additive, basing its decision on a 1985 study linking steviato liver damage.

However, in addition to Coca-Cola and Cargill doing their homework to prove stevia's safety in preparation to change the FDA's mind and expand stevia'suse, it's been consumed for centuries in South America without any negative side effects. In Japan, where steviahas been consumed for more than 30 years, their government reviewed and also confirmed that steviais a safe, sweet alternative.

Furthermore, studies have found that the sweet herb has numerous health benefits including, regulating blood sugar levels, lowering elevated blood pressure, inhibiting oral bacteria, aiding in weight loss and improving digestions.

Countries like Japan, which already allow steviaas a food additive, will be the first to enjoy rebiana. Since Coca-Cola and Cargill are industry giants with the cash and clout to influence the FDA, I have high hopes that one day in the next several years, we'll find steviain the foods and beverages we love and it'll quickly replace the toxic sugar substitutes found in most sugar-free products. Now that's a sweet dream!

Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118058140982419717-search.html?KEYWORDS=stevia&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118065662915120794-search.html?KEYWORDS=stevia&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month
www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=77035-coca-cola-cargill-stevia-rebiana
http://healing.about.com/cs/uc_directory/a/uc_stevia_jones.htm
www.happystomach.com/stevia.htm
www.stevia.net/fda.htm