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New Chemical Is Said to Provide Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease

A chemical designed by doctors in Los Angeles could give earlier signals of Alzheimer’s disease and provide a new way to test treatments, a study has shown.

Currently, the only way to diagnose the disease is to remove brain tissue or to perform an autopsy.

The new study, to be published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, is by doctors at the University of California, Los Angeles, and is part of a larger quest to find a better method to diagnose the condition using tracers that can be detected with a positron emission tomography, or PET, scan.

The new chemical, called FDDNP, attaches to abnormal clumps of proteins called amyloid plaques and nerve cell tangles that develop in Alzheimer’s sufferers and inhibit messages being processed by the brain.

In the study, Dr. Gary Small and his colleagues discovered that the chemical allowed doctors to pick out which of 83 volunteers had Alzheimer’s, which had mild memory problems and which were functioning normally for their age.

It was 98 percent accurate in determining the difference between Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment, which surpassed the 87 percent success rate for a PET scan test that measured sugar metabolism in the brain, and the 62 percent accuracy rate when doctors used a magnetic resonance imaging.

The FDDNP signal can be seen in people years before they develop Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Small said.

Finding an easier way to track brain deterioration would also make it easier to assess experimental treatments, as researchers try to prevent or reduce the accumulation of plaques and tangles.

Dr. Small and 4 of the other 15 authors named in the research paper have a financial interest in FDDNP, which has been licensed to the German conglomerate Siemens AG. He said he hoped to see it on the market in three years.

About 4.5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, a number that is expected to grow as the population ages. About 15 million to 20 million more have the mild cognitive impairment that often leads to the disease.

Source:The New York Times

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Healthy Tips

A Basic Formula for Optimal Health

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One of the principal benefits that vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients provide is to safeguard health on a long-term basis — by helping to protect the human body against chronic, debilitating diseases that pose the most serious threat to longevity. But what is the best way to obtain this key preventive benefit? The advisory board for this book, headed by Dr. David Edelberg, suggests that everyone will profit by taking a daily high-potency supplement that contains approximately the amounts of the nutrients listed in the chart below.

This basic supplement formula contains vitamins and minerals in higher potencies than those found in typical “one-a-day” type formulas, which generally supply no more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, for each nutrient. (Levels that meet the highest RDA values are indicated on supplement labels by “100%” under the heading “% Daily Value” or “% U.S. RDA.” Those with an asterisk * have no RDA.) Think of RDA levels as the nutritional counterpart of accommodations in a budget motel: They are sufficient to prevent vitamin-deficiency diseases (they provide basic shelter), but won’t necessarily help against other types of disease (they don’t offer cable TV).

Because a high-potency combination, by contrast, contains relatively high levels of nutrients — in particular the antioxidant nutrients — it’s thought to combat tissue damage at the cellular level. Studies indicate that such levels are associated with preventing cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic illnesses that can hamper, and shorten, your life.

Choosing a brand
If you’re accustomed to taking a “one-a-day” type of supplement, you may be surprised to learn that a high-potency formula (with vitamins and minerals at higher levels) may require taking more than one pill a day. In fact, with some brands, you’ll need to consume anywhere from two to six tablets or capsules daily. Be sure to read the ingredients and serving size on any label carefully to calculate how many tablets are necessary to obtain the nutrient levels that are right for you.

When you are evaluating different brands, don’t worry if you can’t find a supplement that exactly matches the amounts shown in the chart, which are indicated in ranges. Unlike drug dosages, where exactness can be crucial, vitamin and mineral intakes need not be precise, because nutrients work far more gradually than drugs do. Also, these supplemental nutrients are interacting with, and building upon, the nutrients you obtain from food. Simply try to choose a supplement with dosages close to those that the chart recommends.

One other point: Some high-potency vitamin and mineral formulas have herbs and other nutrients added as general preventive “tonics.” If you choose this type of supplement, check the entries on those ingredients under Supplements to be sure that the levels don’t exceed recommended ranges.

How much to take
Use the chart below with these guidelines in mind:
If your diet is nutritionally excellent, take the amounts recommended in column A. These levels are sufficient if you regularly eat foods low in fat, get five to six generous servings of fruit and vegetables every day, and have meat, chicken, or fish several times a week in small portions.
If your diet is basically sound, take the amounts recommended in column B. They are intended for someone who usually eats three meals a day, with at least one or two servings of fruits and vegetables, and who doesn’t gorge on fatty foods — but who skips a lunch or breakfast in an average week and may grab one or two “fast food” meals.
If your diet is poor, take the amounts recommended in column C. These levels are intended for someone who routinely skips meals, who skimps on fruits, vegetables, and grains (the foods that are considered the richest sources of vitamins and minerals), and who normally eats a slice of pizza or a deli sandwich and a diet cola for lunch.
Special considerations

Another reason to increase your supplement intake may be your personal health history. For example, taking folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may help you prevent heart disease (see Heart Disease Prevention under Ailments).

Similarly, if you have a family history of high blood pressure, cancer, or another chronic ailment, additional supplements are recommended for preventive purposes (see the ailment entries for specifics). And while you may not be suffering from — or at risk for — a specific disorder, you may still have nutrient needs that can benefit from increased supplementation. If you fit into one of the categories listed on this and the opposite page, you should consider taking the suggested nutrient(s). The basic daily multivitamin and mineral formula you choose may supply part or even all of this additional supplementation. But in most cases, you will probably have to purchase individual supplements to take in addition to your basic daily formula.

If you are a woman
Beginning in their mid-20s, humans gradually lose bone mass — and in women, this process accelerates after menopause. If bone loss advances sufficiently, osteoporosis develops. To slow the loss of bone, adult women of all ages should include extra calcium in their daily supplement program.

Total daily calcium intake, from both diet and supplements, should total at least 1,200 mg and can safely be as high as 2,500 mg. (For additional recommendations on how to prevent osteoporosis, see Osteoporosis under Ailments.)

If you are a man over age 50
One condition common in older men is BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate (a walnut-size gland just below the bladder that produces seminal fluid). If this occurs, it can interfere with urination. Consider adding      saw palmetto — 160 mg twice a day — for prostate health. This herb helps relieve inflammation and affects prostate-related hormone levels .

If you are a vegetarian
Strict vegetarians — those who avoid all animal foods, including dairy and egg products — can eat a balanced diet if they consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. But one nutrient not supplied by these foods is vitamin B12, found in eggs, meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Over time, therefore, strict vegetarians can develop B12-deficiency anemia (see Vitamin B12 under Supplements). Be sure your basic daily formula supplement includes 100 mcg of vitamin B12.

If you exercise frequently
Regular exercise or athletic activity, especially if it is prolonged or intense, breaks down muscle fiber. This wear and tear, which can be accompanied by a loss of flexibility, gets worse as a person ages.

Consider adding creatine monohydrate –– 1 teaspoon (5 grams) a day — to help in muscle repair. Additional magnesium — 200 mg daily — is also helpful, because this mineral plays a key role in muscle contractions.

Other supplements that contribute to muscle endurance and energy are the amino acid-like substance carnitine (500 mg twice a day) and the nutritional supplement coenzyme Q10 (50 mg daily).

If you’re over age 50 and feeling a slow decline in energy levels despite exercising regularly, you can also add the herb Siberian ginseng (100 mg a day) or talk to your doctor about the hormone DHEA (25 mg daily). You’ll need to have your blood DHEA levels measured before taking the supplement.

If you are on a weight-loss diet
Dieting to lose weight can trigger hunger pangs and cause blood sugar levels to vacillate. Add chromium (200 mcg twice a day) to your basic formula; it can assist the body in using fat and prevent swings in blood sugar. The supplement 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day) can help stem urges to overeat (see Overweight, under Ailments).

If you smoke
Nutritional supplements will not appreciably reduce your risk of developing heart disease, lung disease, or cancer. But you may be able to combat some of the effects of smoking with extra antioxidants. Try taking grape seed extract (100 mg twice a day) or green tea extract (250 mg twice a day). See how to quit smoking.

If you consume alcohol
Drinking alcohol in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men, one for women — can actually be good for you, because it helps lower the risk of heart disease. But drinking more heavily — three or more drinks a day for men, two or more for women — can deplete certain nutrients. Excess alcohol is also associated with an increased risk of liver disease, as well as other health problems.

Help protect your liver with milk thistle (150 mg twice a day). Extra vitamin C (1,000 mg a day) and extra B vitamins (a single B-50 complex capsule, plus an extra 100 mg of thiamin) can also be beneficial.

A basic daily multivitamin and mineral formula
This chart shows the nutrients that a daily multivitamin and mineral should contain, the RDA for each nutrient, and the optimal levels for obtaining preventive benefits, which depend on your diet. The more nutrients you get from foods, the fewer you need from a supplement (see “How Much to Take” below to help decide which column applies to you). Because supplements vary greatly, just try to stay within the flexible ranges given here for each nutrient.

VITANINS:-

A stands for Excellent Diet,B for Sound diet and C for Poor diet
B1(Thiamin)…RDA..1.2mg..A..1.5-30mg…B…30-60mg…C…60-100mg

B2(Riboflavin).RDA..1.3mg..A..1.7-30mg..B….30-60mg…C..60-100mg

B3(Niacin)……RDA..16mg…A..20-30mg…B…..30-50mg…C..50-100mg

B5(Pantothenic acid) * ……A..10-60mg…B……60-100mg..C..100-200mg

B6………….RDA…1.7mg….A..2-25mg….B…….25-60mg….C..60-100mg

B12………..RDA….2.4mcg. A..6-100…B100-400mcg…B..C..400-800mcg

Beta-carotene *………A..5000-10000IU…B..10000-15000IU…C..15000-25000IU

Biotin………….*………A…30-100mcg…B..100-400mcg….C…400-600mcg

Folic Acid…RDA…400mcg…A…400mcg..B..400-600mcg…C…600-900mcg

Vitamin A..RDA..5000IU…A..2,500IU….B..2,500IU………C…2,500IU

Vitamin C..RDA..60mg…..A..60-300mg..B..300-600…..C…600-900mg

Vitamin D..RDA..400IU….A..400IU…..B…400IU…..C…400IU

Vitamin E..RDA…15IU…..A..30-200IU..B..200-300IU…C..300-400IU

A stands for Excellent Diet,B for Sound diet and C for Poor diet

MINERALS:-

Boron…..*…….A..100mcg-1mg…B..1-1-2mg….C….2-4mg

Calcium…RDA..1,200mg…A..50-150mg…B…150-200mg…C..200-300mg

Chromium…*….A…50-65mg….B…65-100mg…C…100-200mg

Copper……*…..A…1…..B…..1-1.5mg ….C1.5-2mg

Iron…** …RDA…10mg..A… 5-10mg…B…10-18mg…C…18mg

Magnesium..RDA..350mg…A..100mg…B100-200mg…C…200-300mg

Manganese..RDA..5mg…A…3-5mg…B…5-10mg…C…10-20mg

Molybdenum…*…A…25-65mcg…B…65-100mcg…C…100-200mcg

Potassium…*…..30-80mg….B…80-100mg…C…100mg

Selenium..RDA..70mcg…A…20-100mcg…B…100-200mcg…C..200mcg

Vanadium…*…A…10-50mcg…B…50-100mcg…C…100mcg

Zinc…RDA…15mg….A…15….B..15-20mg…C..20-30mg

* No RDA is established for these nutrients
** Iron recommendations apply only to younger women; men and postmenopausal women should not choose a supplement containing iron.

From:   Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs (Reader’s Digest)

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Suppliments our body needs

Arginine (an essential amino acid)

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What is arginine? Why do we need it?
Arginine is an essential amino acid produced naturally by the body. It plays several roles in the body, including an increase in protein synthesis (which promotes wound healing); removal of excess ammonia; stimulation of the immune system; and promoting the secretion of several hormones, including glucagon, insulin and human growth hormone. Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide, which keeps blood vessels dilated and allows the heart to receive an adequate oxygen supply……..click & see

Several tests have been conducted on arginine’s properties. Large amounts of arginine help wounds heal faster in both animals and humans. Some studies of men with low sperm counts have experience an increase in the number of sperm while taking arginine supplements. There is also preliminary evidence that arginine reduces angina pain and may help regulate blood cholesterol levels.

How much arginine should I take?
Normally, the body makes enough arginine, even when it is lacking in the diet. Most studies on arginine have used between 2-30 grams per day. Arginine is also sometimes combined with arginine prior to physical activity.

What are some good sources of arginine? What forms are available?
Dairy products, meat, poultry and dish are all excellent sources of arginine. Many nuts and chocolate also contain significant amounts of arginine. It is available in powder, tablet or capsule form, and is sold either alone or in conjunction with other amino acids.

What can happen if I don’t get enough arginine? What can happen if I take too much? Are there any side-effects I should be aware of?
Because arginine is produced naturally by the body, most people do not need to take extra supplements. However, during times of unusual stress or injury, the body may not be able to produce the necessary amount of arginine. Patients with such conditions should consult with a qualified health care practitioner about arginine supplements.

Individuals with kidney or liver disease should consult with a health care provider before taking arginine supplements. Patients with herpes should not take arginine because it may stimulate replication of the virus.

Large amounts of arginine may both promote and/or interfere with the growth of cancer. While preliminary research has shown that arginine stimulates the immune system, a high intake (>30 grams per day) has also bee associated with increased cancer cell growth in humans. As of this writing, it remains unclear whether arginine is helpful or harmful for people with cancer.

As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with arginine.

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Suppliments our body needs

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

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What is ALA? Why do we need it?
Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid that comes from plants. It is considered an essential nutrient, and is used as a source of energy by the body….click & see

ALA is considered a “parent” fatty acid; it is converted by the body into omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oils. Omega-3 fatty acids perform a number of regulatory functions in the body, including heart rate; blood pressure; immune response; and breakdown of fats. Essential fatty acids such as ALA are also used to make brain and nervous tissue.

Small studies have shown that ALA may prevent coronary heart disease and stop artherosclerosis. Other researchers have begun studying ALA’s anti-inflammatory and immunologic effects for conditions such as migraine headaches and depression. Currently, ALA is used to reduce cholesterol levels, treat allergic and inflammatory conditions, and fight autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.

How much ALA should I take?
There is no recommended daily allowance of ALA. However, a healthy diet should include less saturated fats and more essential fatty acids. Before taking ALA supplements, discuss the situation with your health care provider.

What are some good sources of ALA?
The following foods and oils are good sources of ALA:

Foods: Flax seeds, margarine (if based on canola or soybean oil), mackerel, pumpkins, salmon, walnuts

Oils: Canola oil, flaxseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil

What can happen if I don’t get enough ALA?
As previously stated, there is no recommended daily allowance of ALA. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your health care provider about ALA and ALA supplements.

What can happen if I take too much? Are there any side-effects I should be aware of?
ALA supplements are usually high in calories; excess amounts may lead to unwanted weight gain. Flaxseed oil (a source of ALA) may increase the body’s need for vitamin E. Make sure to talk with your health care provider for more information.

Source:ChiroFind.com

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Bad Breath

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This bothersome complaint affects literally millions of Americans and has fueled a billion-dollar-a-year industry. Strict oral hygiene and natural remedies can provide relief. And if bad breath persists, careful dental or medical detective work often uncovers a correctable underlying cause…..CLICK & SEE

Symptoms
Regularly experiencing a disagreeable taste is a sign that the breath leaving your mouth probably has an unpleasant odor.
Many people with bad breath don’t taste or smell it themselves, so look for possible clues from others: They step back when you speak, for instance. If you suspect a problem, ask someone you trust for an honest opinion.
Bleeding gums signal gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can sometimes cause bad breath.

When to Call Your Doctor
If bad breath does not improve despite self-care measures — your dentist or doctor can check for an underlying medical cause, such as gum disease or a chronic sinus infection.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

What It Is
Whether it’s called bad breath or halitosis, nobody wants an unpleasant odor emanating from his mouth. In the simplest cases, this problem can be traced back to smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating foods notorious for their lingering odors, including garlic, onions, and anchovies. But sometimes, the condition can become chronic, caused by an underlying medical condition.

What Causes It
Bad breath usually results from the multiplication of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. The drier your mouth, the more bacteria thrive. Any condition that reduces saliva production can contribute to bad breath — including Avancing age, breathing through the mouth, crash diets (the less food you chew, the less your salivary flow), certain medications, even the time of day (“morning breath” occurs because salivation is considerably reduced during sleep). Bacteria may also collect on the tongue, in food debris that accumulates on dentures, and on the teeth — especially when plaque or cavities are present. If bad breath persists, underlying gum disease or a chronic sinus infection is often the cause.

How Supplements Can Help
Natural strategies for bad breath work best in combination with regular and thorough oral hygiene, including flossing and brushing the teeth, as well as brushing the tongue (especially the back part), where odor-causing bacteria are likely to flourish.
Place just a drop or two of peppermint oil on the tongue a couple of times a day — larger amounts of the pure oil may cause digestive upset. Beyond its pleasant taste and aroma, peppermint oil is effective in killing bacteria. Drinking peppermint or spearmint teas, as well as plenty of plain water, may also help to fight bad breath by keeping the mouth moist.

Another approach is to chew on several fennel seeds, anise seeds, or cloves to freshen the breath; they can be conveniently carried in a small, sealed container. Fresh parsley has a similar effect; it’s also high in chlorophyll (the chemical that gives plants their green color), which has long been recognized as a powerful breath freshener. Chlorophyll is also found in commercially available “green” drinks containing spirulina, wheat grass, chlorella, or other herbs. These chlorophyll-rich liquids are best swished around the mouth, then swallowed. Alternatively, try spirulina tablets, which should be chewed thoroughly.

What Else You Can Do
Brush your teeth after each meal and floss at least once a day. When you can’t brush, rinse your mouth out with some water.
Use a moist toothbrush, a tongue scraper (available at some pharmacies and health-food stores), or a metal spoon held upside down to scrape off any coating on the back of the tongue and cleanse that area.
Avoid strong-smelling foods and alcohol; don’t smoke.
If a chronic sinus infection or postnasal drip is contributing to bad breath, consider using a sinus irrigator-a device found in most health — food stores that delivers a saltwater solution into the nostrils –to clean sinuses regularly.
Licorice-flavored anise seeds can easily be made into a breath-freshening mouthwash or beverage. Boil several teaspoons of seeds in one cup of water for a few minutes, then strain and cool.
Ensure that your toothbrush remains bacteria-free by storing it in grapefruit seed extract or hydrogen peroxide; rinse it well before brushing. An electric toothbrush sanitizer may also be effective.
Some practitioners believe that poor digestion may contribute to some cases of bad breath. They advise adding extra fluid and fiber (such as psyllium) to the diet to avoid constipation. Colon-cleansing herbal formulas, available at health-food stores, may


Supplement Recommendations
Peppermint
Fennel
Parsley
Spirulina

Peppermint
Dosage: 1 or 2 drops essential oil of peppermint, placed on tongue.
Comments: Drinking peppermint tea may also be helpful.

Fennel
Dosage: Chew a pinch of fennel seeds after meals or as needed.
Comments: Chew thoroughly for best effect. Anise seeds or cloves can also be used.

Parsley
Dosage: Chew on a fresh parsley sprig after meals or as needed.
Comments: Some natural breath fresheners contain parsley oil as a key ingredient.

Spirulina
Dosage: Rinse the mouth with a commercial chlorophyll-rich “green” drink (follow package instructions).
Comments: Alternatively, tablets can be chewed.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose..
Source:Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs (Reader’s Digest)

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