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Archive for July, 2008

Pasadena Health Food

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Loretta Keller: Economic slump hits golden years hardSan Gabriel Valley Tribune, CA – Jul 25, 2008The next morning I went to the bank’s branch office in Pasadena and was not surprised to see quite a few customers there. Nor was I surprised that most of .

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Sunshine Health Food

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Sunshine Coast DailyOKA support Mental HealthSunshine Coast Daily, Australia – Oct 4, 2007The World Mental Health Day event takes place at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, October 10. To hear some of OKA’s laidback tunes, .

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Pet Health Food

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Packaged Facts: More Pets Getting A Raw (Food) DealMediaPost Publications, New York – Jul 7, 2008While the scientific validity of this premise is still very much in dispute, a growing number of producers and proponents of "fresh" pet food – meaning .

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Natural cures during cold and flu season

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Many are turning to natural cures to not only treat, but also to
prevent colds and flu.

Five natural cures

Before continuing with this article, it must be stressed that
the following is for general information only and is not
intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health professionals if you have any concerns about
your health–particularly during the flue season. These natural
cures may not be applicable to everyone and could be detrimental
to your overall health if not discussed with your physician as
to possible interaction with any prescribed medication you may
be taking.

Some of the time-honored natural cures that have been used for
centuries to prevent colds and flu, reduce symptoms, or shorten
the duration of colds and flu are showing promising results in
research studies. There are a variety of herbs, supplements, and
food remedies. Listed below are five that have received
favorable results.

1. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir, and Yogurt

Kimchi (pronounced kim’-chee) is a Korean spicy fermented side
dish that has been getting a lot of press since the BBC
published a report by scientists in Seoul, Korea who found that
11 of 13 chickens infected with the avian flu started to recover
after they were fed an extract of kimchi. It is important to
note that there have been no published reports of its effect on
people affected with the new strain of avian flu. The key
ingredient is thought to be a natural organic acid called lactic
acid, that’s also found in sauerkraut, milk, yogurt, kefir (a
yogurt-like effervescent beverage), meat, and beer. In fact
recent reports also show sauerkraut being used to treat chickens.

2. Elderberry

Another one of the natural cures that has attracted a lot of
attention is the berry extract from elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
which contains likewise than one compound that’s active against flu
viruses. One of the many ways it works is by preventing the
virus from attacking cells. A study found a 50% reduction in the
severity and duration of symptoms in adults and children after
taking an elderberry extract. Health food stores carry
elderberry juice, syrup, and capsules suitable for adults and
kids. Only commercially prepared elderberry products made from
the berry extract should be used, because the fresh leaves,
flowers,bark, young buds, unripe berries, and roots contain
cyanide and can result in cyanide poisoning. This is definitely
not a do it yourself natural cure that you can prepare!

3. Ginseng

The herb ginseng, used in Asia for over 2000 years, made
headlines recently after a double-blind placebo-controlled study
published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that
a ginseng extract reduced the number of upper respiratory
infections by 25% during a four month period. The treatment
group took two 200 mg capsules of a ginseng extract every day
for four months and reported reduced symptoms, duration of
infections, and infection recurrence.

Ginseng can have hormonal effects. Some studies suggest that
ginseng can boost estrogen levels, so it should not be on the
list of natural cures for women with breast cancer. Ginseng
should also be avoided by people taking blood sugar medication
or antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors, by children, people
with high blood pressure, or by pregnant or nursing women.

4. Astragalus

Astragalus doesn’t come with nearly as many warnings as ginseng.
The dried root of astragalus is a popular ingredient in
traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It’s now used in the United
States to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and
flu. Herbalists recommend it as an immune tonic for people who
tend to catch colds frequently.

Preliminary research has shown astragalus can stimulate immune
function in humans. It can be found in capsule form at health
food stores or as a dried root in Chinese herbal shops and some
health food stores. Because of its mild taste, the dried root
can be added to soups. The dried root is light yellow and the
size and shape of a tongue depressor. A typical daily dose is 9
to 15 g of the dried root, which equals about 3 to 4 slices.
Traditionally in Asia, people took astragalus soup once a week
throughout the winter. The dose is individual, and people with
increased exposure or compromised immune systems may require
in addition. Note: Herbalists do not recommend taking astragalus if
you’re already sick.

5. Ginger

Another on the list of popular natural cures: A cup of hot
ginger tea is not only invigorating , it is also a great cold
fighter. Ginger contains compounds that have been found to be
active against rhinoviruses, the most common group of cold
viruses. Ginger is a diaphoretic, meaning it fights colds by
gently raising body temperature and promoting perspiration.

Note: Ginger is also a blood thinner. Talk to your doctor before
taking it if you are taking blood thinners.

About the author:

Rita Hutner is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is
the Internet’s leading source for print and online catalog
shopping – and a growing hub of original content and “how to”
information at natural health food