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Botanicals Fight Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a common complaint in examination rooms worldwide. Causes are tough to tease apart: stress, depression, lack of exercise, poor diet and existing medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancers, multiple sclerosis and more can all contribute to it. But while causes can remain mysterious, several treatments do offer hope. An article in the February, 2006 issue of Phytother Res. reviews laboratory, animal and human studies of several energizing botanicals. Some highlights:
For more safe, natural remedies that fight chronic fatigue and boost energy, look here. More Ways to Natural Health HEALTH NEWS Vitamin D for Breast and Colon Cancer Protection Two new studies suggest that up to half of all cases of breast cancer and two thirds of all cases of colorectal cancer in the United States could be prevented with vitamin D supplements and a little bit of sun exposure. For the breast cancer study, researchers at the University of California, San Diego pooled data from two big studies, the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study and the St. George’s Hospital Study, and found that participants with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had the lowest risk – half the cancer incidence of those with the lowest vitamin D levels. For the colorectal study the same investigators analyzed data from five studies. In all the studies, blood samples were taken from healthy volunteers who then were followed for up to 25 years. Here, too, those with the highest blood levels of vitamin D were half as likely to develop colorectal cancer as those with the lowest blood levels. Researchers projected that raising the vitamin D level even higher would cut risk by two-thirds. To cut your risks of both types of cancer the investigators recommended taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily and spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun daily when the weather permits. For some tips on getting sun without overexposure, look here. How much vitamin D should you take? Here’s a novel exercise strategy that seems to burn fat faster. Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia recruited 45 overweight women and assigned them to two exercise groups. The first group did 20 minute sessions on exercise bikes alternating eight seconds of sprinting with 12 seconds of exercising lightly. The second group exercised at a continuous pace for 40 minutes. Both groups cycled three times a week for 15 weeks. The end result was rather dramatic. The women who alternated between sprinting and light exercise lost three times as much fat as the women who rode their bikes at a regular pace. The researchers speculated that the intermittent sprinting yielded better results because it produces high levels of catecholamines, chemical compounds which allow more fat to be burned from under the skin and within muscles being exercised. This increases fat oxidation, which leads to greater weight loss, they said. Alternating sprinting with light exercise can be applied to swimming, walking and rowing, the researchers said. They presented their findings at recent meetings of Australia’s Heart Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine. No More Exercise Excuses RECIPE Sardine or Kipper Sandwich Spread This Scandinavian-inspired spread is wonderful on dense, thin-sliced pumpernickel bread or whole grain crackers. Sardines or kippers are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, known to help reduce risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. View recipe... Healthy Nutrition Tip COMMUNITY DISCUSSION “What could cause feeling cold when the weather is hot?” asks nameless. A friend of mine … in her early 70's started to feel very cold suddenly. She had blood work done, (which) came out fine…. The doc gave her a low dose thyroid medicine but that didn’t help. Today it is 86º F, and she is cold. (Has) anybody heard of this? WHERE IS DR. WEIL? The Dr. Weil Marketplace Visit the new Dr. Weil Marketplace and browse our vast selection of Dr. Weil’s books, CDs, DVD, supplements and more! Your Dr. Weil shopping is just a click away! Dr. Weil on PBS 4th Annual Nutrition and Health Conference Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health ~ Online Education from the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona FEATURED PRODUCTS
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Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. 
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