Water Everyday
Besides being needed for your body's peak efficiency, water has many other benefits. For
instance, people trying to lose weight can safely use a glass of water to keep their mouth busy
and away from fattening foods. One new benefit was introduced in the May issue of the New
England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Dominique Michaud of Harvard School of Public Health
released results of a study on bladder cancer, which kills 12,000 Americans (75% men) every
year. The study examined the dietary questionnaires of 48,000 men involved in a larger study
and found that the incidence of bladder cancer fell 7% for every extra increment of 240ml of
water intake per day. This means that men who drank 10 or more glasses of water per day had a
49% lower risk of developing bladder cancer than men who drank 5 glasses per day. Another
risk factor for bladder cancer was smoking and the study concluded that smokers in particular
should drink more water.
Vitamin E vs. Stroke
Ischemic stroke is a condition that is often crippling or deadly and is caused by a blockage in the
blood flow in the brain. Recently, researchers at New York's Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
examined 342 stroke patients and 501 healthy people and found that Vitamin E in the diet,
especially when added to the diet as a supplement, could decrease the risk of stroke by 53%.
They deduced this figure by measuring each patient's Vitamin E intake and comparing that of the
two groups. Healthy patients were 46% more likely to be taking Vitamin E supplements and
their average daily intake was more than double the amount. Even the level of Vitamin E in a
multi vitamin, added to the diet, might be enough to dramatically reduce the risk of a stroke.
Vitamin News Flash
Vitamin D, long known as an essential nutrient, has now been positively linked with the
maintenance of bone density. Half of all participants in a study featuring older women who had
suffered from a broken hip were found to be deficient in Vitamin D. The study, published by the
Journal of the American Medical Association in April, concluded that 800iu per day of Vitamin
D was beneficial for avoiding fractures and that it was required for the proper absorption of
dietary Calcium.
Indigestion From Stress?
When your system is run down by stress, bad eating habits, or lack of sleep, your digestive
system will not be able to cope. Digestive enzymes like Papain, and Bromelain will help to ease
the burden on the digestive system and allow the related organs time to repair themselves. Once
your body is functioning correctly, then you are well on your way to feeling better. As a bonus,
certain enzymes make your vitamins and minerals absorb more effectively, kill parasites, and act
as anti-inflammatories.
PMS Treatments
Premenstrual Syndrome has always been a burden for many women to bear. Since it can affect
behaviour, there are often repercussions in the support network, including family and friends.
New research, including 9 different studies of 900 women published in May by the British
Medical Journal, indicates that 50mg to 100mg of Vitamin B-6 daily produced significant relief
of physical and emotional symptoms as compared to a placebo. This research reinforces
traditional natural PMS therapy, which includes Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Diuretics, Soy Isoflavones, Essential Fatty Acids, St. John's Wort,
Valerian Root, Dong Quai, and several other herbs. It is also a good idea to maintain a good
exercise regimen and to eat lots of complex carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains.
Exercise = Strong Bones
Earlier this tear, the American National Academy of Science warned that most Americans do not
consume enough Calcium to avert osteoporosis and recommended a daily intake of 1,000mg to
1,300mg. Since osteoporosis affects 28 million Americans (80% women), Calcium should be
considered to be a priority. Another way to strengthen bone is with Vitamin D and regular
exercise. High impact exercise or heavy weight training forces your body to develop stronger
bones much like they build muscle.
Health Tips
