01-08-2016

Natural Treatment and Prevention of Urinary Track Infection (UTI)

D-Mannose is by far the most effective supplement for both treatment and prevention of UTIs. Similar to glucose in structure, D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in a number of fruits, including apples, blueberries, and cranberries. This sugar is the reason that cranberry juice has been commonly recommended as a UTI treatment, though it is far easier to get the recommended dosage from a supplement. D-mannose is effective because it attaches to E. coli bacteria, causing them to stick to each other and preventing them from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. The bacteria can then easily be eliminated from the body during urination. D-mannose, even in large quantities, does not cause any adverse side effects, and cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for diabetics and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason. This treatment is also safe for children and the elderly. Symptom relief can be seen as quickly as the following day, and most symptoms are generally resolved after 48 hours of treatment. Additionally, taking D-mannose during a time where you feel you are most prone to UTIs, such as prior to intercourse or during prolonged antibiotic treatment, can help prevent a UTI from ever developing in the first place. This is especially helpful for those who are prone to chronic UTIs and want to be able to engage in normal life activities without fear of infection.

01-07-2016

Could sulforaphane be key in the fight against osteoarthritis?

Sulforaphane found in broccoli could help to prevent or slow the progress of one of the most common forms of arthritis, say researchers.

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06-03-2015

Omega-3 is a safe and effective therapy to prevent aging-associated decline in muscle mass and function

“Omega-3 is a safe and effective therapy to prevent aging-associated decline in muscle mass and function,” commented Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President, Nutrition, Science & Advocacy at DSM and Professor for Healthy Ageing at Groningen University. “Having meals with oily fish twice a week – such as salmon or sardines – provides a healthy dose of omega-3, but most adults don’t get nearly enough in their diets due to changes in modern eating habits. Taking purified, concentrated omega-3 EPA/DHA supplements and enriched foods are great ways of ensuring a healthy and consistent daily dose.”

05-18-2015

Omega-3s May Address Child Behavior Issues

Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve childhood behavior problems, according to research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial, a community sample of 8 to 16 year old children were randomized into a treatment group (N = 100) and a placebo-control group (N = 100). The supplementation consisted of a fruit drink containing 1 g/day of omega-3 or a placebo consisting of the same fruit drink without omega-3. Participants, caregivers and research assistants were blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome measures of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were reported by both caregivers and their children in a laboratory setting at 0 months (baseline), 6 months (end of treatment) and 12 months (6 months post treatment), together with the secondary outcome measures of parental antisocial behavior. Data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis including all participants. Significant group × time interactions were observed with the treatment group showing long-term improvements in child behavior problems. The average post-treatment effect size was d = −.59. Effects were documented for parent reports, but with the exception of proactive and reactive aggression, child-report data were non-significant. Parents whose children took omega-3 showed significant post-treatment reductions in their own antisocial and aggressive behavior. This improvement in caregiver behavior partly mediated the improvements observed in child behavior. Researchers concluded that findings provide initial evidence that omega-3 supplementation can produce sustained reductions in externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Results are the first to report improvements in caregiver behavior, and to establish this improvement as a part-mechanism for the efficacy of omega-3.

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05-07-2015

shiitake mushroom may help increase immunity

A University of Florida study published online in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed increased immunity among people who ate a cooked shiitake mushroom every day for four weeks. Of the thousands of mushroom species globally, about 20 are used for culinary purposes. Shiitake mushrooms are native to Asia and are cultivated for their culinary and medicinal value. In a 2011 study led by UF Food Science and Human Nutrition Professor Sue Percival, 52 healthy adults, age 21 to 41, came to the Gainesville campus, where researchers gave them a four-week supply of dry shiitake mushrooms. Participants took the mushrooms home, cleaned and cooked them. Then they ate one, 4-oz. serving of mushrooms each day during the experiment. Through blood tests before and after the experiment, researchers saw better-functioning gamma delta T-cells and reductions in inflammatory proteins.