Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases can be devastating, and both become more prevalent as we get older. Now, research shows that an omega-3 fatty acid found in the diet and available as supplements can help protect brain cells by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation.
On April 19, 2009, researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center presented research demonstrating that the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects cells from this misfolding defect. The experiments provide evidence of the principle that the neuroprotective effects of DHA may be useful against a range of neurodegenerative diseases, the researchers wrote.
This is yet more confirmation that omega-3 fatty acids, whether consumed in supplement form or from cold-water, oily fish, should be part of everyone’s diet. There is more on my website about how to get optimum results from these foods and supplements.
Omega-3s for Memory
Dr. Weil’s Condition Specific Memory Support Vitamin Pack is available exclusively in the DrWeil.com Marketplace. This formula provides ginkgo and DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid which may help support and maintain healthy brain function. Purchase it now, or visit Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor for your free, personalized supplement recommendation.
Folic Acid May Tone Down Allergy, Asthma Symptoms
The higher your blood levels of folic acid, the less chance you may have of developing allergies or asthma. While that conclusion needs to be confirmed by further studies, researchers from Johns Hopkins have reported that folic acid may help regulate immune system responses to allergens (ragweed pollen, dust and other substances that set off sneezing, wheezing) and also reduce the symptoms of allergy and asthma. The Hopkins team reviewed the medical records of more than 8,000 people ages two to 85, tracking the effect of levels of folate (the naturally occurring form of folic acid) on respiratory and allergy symptoms and on levels of IgE antibodies, the immune system proteins that rise in response to allergens. They found that individuals with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and a lower likelihood of asthma. The findings were published online ahead of print in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. The investigators are planning a study comparing the effects of supplemental folic acid and placebo in people with allergies and asthma.
Support for a Healthy Life
Do you need a little support in your efforts to improve how you eat, exercise and live your life? Take a tour of Dr. Weil's Optimum Health Plan. This online lifestyle plan is an effective, step-by-step way to change your life for the better. Visit today and get a free recipe!
Green Tea, Mushrooms May Protect Against Breast Cancer
Chinese women are four or five times less likely to develop breast cancer than western women, perhaps because of their traditional diets. Australian researchers have found that Chinese women who consume plenty of green tea and mushrooms seem to be at lowest risk. The investigators looked at the diets of 1,009 Chinese women who had breast cancer and an equal number of healthy women in the same age range, 20 to 87 years old. The Australian team found that women who ate the most fresh mushrooms, 10 grams or more per day, were about two-thirds less likely to develop breast cancer than women who ate no mushrooms. Those who ate four grams or more of dried mushrooms daily had half the cancer risk of women who ate no mushrooms. Women who ate mushrooms and also drank green tea daily had only 11 to 18 percent the breast cancer risk of women who consumed neither. Although the researchers said that their findings didn’t prove a cause and effect relationship, their study is the first to link diets high in mushrooms and green tea to a lower risk of breast cancer. The study was published in the March 15, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Cancer and online in October, 2008.
Support is Just a Click Away
Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging’s community of supportive and caring individuals provides tips and insights into the challenges and celebrations of aging. Plus it provides information to guide you and your loved ones on the path to aging gracefully and happily. Sign up for a free trial today and save 20%.
Don’t Miss Dr. Weil’s Head-to-Toe Wellness Guide!
This all new, interactive guide to natural health provides insight and guidance to lifestyle, nutrition and supplement choices. See it now, or join Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for an exclusive, enhanced version!
Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Couscous
Couscous is a pasta shaped like tiny spheres that comes from North Africa. It makes a great stuffing, especially for a small cavity like a mushroom, because it's so moist. When the stuffed mushrooms are baked, the full flavor of the couscous and the mushrooms really come through. These will go fast!
View Recipe
Healthy Aging Tip
Courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging
An Exercise to Do Every Day: Balancing Exercises. Balance problems are common among people over the age of 65 and falls are responsible for many serious injuries. To improve balance, Dr. Weil recommends practicing T’ai Chi, a gentle martial art has been proven to reduce the odds of falling as well as the risk of injury if you do fall. It is a completely safe and effective form of balance training, based on a series of slow-motion, patterned movements that are quite easy to learn.
Featured Discussion:
“Will I need a tummy tuck?” asks gemtag.
I'm 42. I'm 6 feet tall and weigh 230 pounds. I have a "spare tire". I decided to eat well, drink plenty of water, do abdominal exercises and (aerobic) exercises. As I replace abdominal fat with toned muscle, will (my) abdominal skin sag? If so, will it reach the point that I will need a tummy tuck? Would there be any other options in order to make sure that I have tight skin?
Sponsor
Are You Absorbing Your Vitamins?
Don’t take chances on low-quality vitamins, take ones that deliver the full benefits that supplements should provide. The vitamins and supplements in Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor use only the highest quality, readily-absorbable ingredients - visit today for your complimentary personal recommendation. Click Here!
What’s New
6th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference - Public Forum
Chicago May 10th, 2009
Come see Dr. Weil in Chicago on Sunday, May 10th for a discussion between today's top health, nutrition, and food authorities at this exciting public event! You're invited to be a part of the 6th annual Nutrition and Health Conference and to join Dr. Weil and a group of bestselling authors, health and nutrition experts, nutrition researchers and journalists for an exciting and informative discussion of what is "good" food - from the personal to the global. Our goal is to provide the general public with an understanding of how daily choices affect long-term health and well-being, and the information necessary to activate change, including the ins-and-outs of an optimum diet. Open to all.
6th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference - Health Care Professionals
Chicago, May 10-13, 2009
Expanding on the growing success of previous Nutrition and Health conferences, the 2009 meeting, co-directed by Dr. Andrew Weil, will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. The course provides essential information for health professionals who address issues of food and nutrition in their clinical practices, including the latest research findings, practical recommendations for clinical care, and challenging discussions of public policy. Register today!
Seattle Theatre Group Presents Andrew Weil, M.D.
Seattle, Wash. June 6th, 2009 8:30 p.m
Seattle Theatre Group presents Andrew Weil, M.D. Live at The Paramount Theatre on Saturday, June 6 at 8:30pm for a discussion on Optimal Health. Open to all. Ticketing and registration information available here.
Dr. Weil at the Napa Fresh Aire Festival 2009
August, 28 - 30, 2009, Napa, California
Celebrate at the Napa Fresh Aire Festival with three days of empowering programs and activities that purify the body, educate the mind, and renew the spirit all in the beautiful setting of Napa, California. Join Dr. Weil, and world-renowned wellness and eco-conscious living experts for inspiring lectures and activities devoted to outdoor experiences, yoga, nutrition, fitness, eco-conscious awareness, meditation, wine tasting, music, and more. Learn more.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Newsletters
