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By Kokot A.
Posts Tagged ‘effects’
alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone suppresses bleomycin-induced collagen synthesis and reduces tissue fibrosis in a mouse model of scleroderma: melanocortin peptides as a novel treatment strategy for scleroderma?
Sunday, December 20th, 2009Spices – 10 Reasons Why They Are Vital For Good Health
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009An interesting post at:
http://antioxidant-scleroderma.blogspot.com/2009/12/spices-10-reasons-why-they-are-vital.html
Heat It Up by littlebluepenguin on Polyvore.com Compelling scientific research over the past two decades shows that not only are spices good for us but the evidence indicates that they are actually essential components of a balanced diet. The health benefits of spices can be best appreciated by dividing them into 10 principal categories
Determination of Total Phenolics, Flavonoids and Antioxidant and Chemopreventive Potential of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum tenuiflorum L.)
Thursday, November 19th, 2009Read the original here:
http://antioxidant-scleroderma.blogspot.com/2009/11/determination-of-total-phenolics.html
By D. Gajula and Colleague Abstract: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.
Garlic inhibits free radical generation and augments antioxidant enzyme activity in vascular endothelial cells
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009Insightful post at:
http://antioxidant-scleroderma.blogspot.com/2009/11/garlic-inhibits-free-radical-generation.html
By Zhihua Wei M.D., M.S. and Benjamin H.
Autoantibody against caspase-3, an executioner of apoptosis, in patients with systemic sclerosis
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009The rest is here:
http://antioxidant-scleroderma.blogspot.com/2009/11/autoantibody-against-caspase-3.html
By Shihoko Okazaki and Colleague The objective of the study was to determine the presence or levels of antibodies (Abs) against caspase-3 and their clinical relevance in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Anti-caspase-3 Ab was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. IgG anti-caspase-3 Ab levels in SSc patients were higher than in normal controls.
Pathogenesis of scleroderma. Collagen.
Monday, August 10th, 2009View original here:
http://antioxidant-scleroderma.blogspot.com/2009/08/pathogenesis-of-scleroderma-collagen.html
By Jimenez SA, Hitraya E, Varga J. It is now evident that persistent overproduction of collagen and other connective tissue macromolecules results in excessive tissue deposition, and is responsible for the progressive nature of fibrosis in SSc. Up-regulation of collagen gene expression in SSc fibroblasts appears to be a critical event in the development of tissue fibrosis
Spices: 10 Reasons Why They Are Vital For Your Health
Friday, May 1st, 2009Over the past decade medical scientists have discovered that ordinary culinary herbs and spices contain a vast quantity of exceptionally important plant nutrients that can help to prevent and treat many of our most prevalent degenerative diseases. Here are ten convincing reasons why those of us who do not include spices in our meals are missing out on these protective compounds.
1. Anti-oxidant activity: An antioxidant is a substance that prevents oxidative damage by neutralizing the highly reactive and destructive free radical molecules that are produced during cellular energy production. Damaging oxidative stress occurs when there are insufficient antioxidants available to “mop up” excess free radicals. Oxidative stress can be caused by infections, drugs, smoking, pollution, radiation, excessive exercise, psychological stress and obesity. Damage caused by oxidative stress has been implicated in a range of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Some antioxidants are produced by the body, but these need to be supplemented by the antioxidants found in foods. The best way to do this is by regularly eating a variety of antioxidant-rich foods such as culinary herbs and spices.
Spices have the highest antioxidant activity of all food groups including fresh fruit and vegetables (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2006).
2. Inflammation: There is a pervasive type of systemic inflammation underlying a wide range of chronic diseases and causes damage to most tissues and organs. This type of inflammation may be caused by a number of factors including obesity, infection, gum disease, toxins and autoimmune disease.
The phytonutrients found in spices can reduce the pathological effects of inflammation by acting against each of these contributory factors as well as by direct anti-inflammatory action.
The most potent anti-inflammatory spices are bay leaf, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, thyme and turmeric.
3. Immune System: A healthy immune system is vital for the prevention of cancer, infections and other diseases. Although our immune systems weaken as we age we can counter this by eating a diet rich in spice-based immune boosting compounds. These will help aid our aging immune systems by helping to fight off cancer and infections and prevent the development of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc.
Spices particularly rich in immunomodulating phytonutrients are black pepper and garlic.
4. Toxins: We are continuously exposed to a number of toxins – from environmental pollutants to the cancer-causing chemicals found in certain foods, such as red meat. While the body has mechanisms to deal with a limited variety and quantity of toxins, it needs additional help to counter sustained levels of these substances.
Spice-derived compounds are extremely effective in augmenting the body’s mechanisms for combating toxins. Spices such as mustard, wasabi, caraway, citrus, coriander garlic, rosemary and turmeric neutralize a whole range of environmental carcinogens and toxins.
5. Cancer: The fundamental cause of cancer is DNA damage that can occur as a result of aging, genetic susceptibility, and exposure to an assortment of carcinogens.
Many of the phytochemicals found in spices act as potent preventive agents against cancer by defending DNA against free radicals and other toxins. They prevent the overproduction of toxic chemicals within the body, assist the body’s detoxification processes and modulate a range of mechanisms involved in the development of cancer.
Spices can also act as powerful treatments for certain types of cancer.
Some spices enhance the effects of the traditional cancer treatments of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as reducing the negative side effects of these therapies.
The most important anticancer spices are anise, basil, black pepper, caraway, clove, fennel, garlic, ginger, green tea, mustard, rosemary and turmeric.
6. Diabetes: The phytonutrients found in spices help to control many of the pathological mechanisms that underlie diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, coriander, ginger and caper are the spices most effective in lowering blood glucose and abnormal blood lipids.
The myriad of antioxidant compounds in spices also help to protect against the severe oxidative damage to which all diabetes sufferers are subject.
7. Alzheimer’s Disease: The precise cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. However several factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation and the accumulation of toxins in the brain are known to be associated with its development. Communities that include high levels of spices in their diets have lower incidences of Alzheimer’s disease than those who do not do so.
Turmeric, rosemary, ginger and garlic show impressive protective and curative effects against this disease. Their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory anti-toxin and other effects all contribute to their position as the most important food group in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Heart Disease: Cardiovascular disease is associated with a range of factors including raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, ’sticky’ platelets, obesity, smoking, diabetes and chronic systemic inflammation.
Spices are powerful preventative agents against cardiovascular disease as they modify most risk factors as well as other illnesses and pathological processes associated with this condition.
Caper, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, mustard, oregano, rosemary, thyme and others exhibit powerful, protective effects against the development of heart attacks and strokes.
9. Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration, also known as age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the macula of the eye that is found predominantly in elderly people and is the leading cause of central vision loss in the USA for those over the age of 50 years.
Several very large studies have shown conclusively that those individuals who eat a diet rich in antioxidants reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 35%.
10. Aging: Aging is a complex, multifaceted process that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The processes underlying aging such as oxidative stress and inflammation are common to many age-related illnesses such as those mentioned above.
Therefore the aging process can be retarded by foods, such as spices, that contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and other protective compounds.
Keith Scott is a medical doctor with a special interest in the healing properties of spices and phytonutrients. He has written several books including “Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices”. To download a free pdf copy of his book, “Medicinal Seasonings” and read more about the health benefits of spices go to: => http://www.medspice.com
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Arthritis Pain – Hot Tips To Help You Get Rid Of It Forever – By: Helen Hecker
Friday, May 1st, 2009I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain forever by doing one single thing – read on. Getting rid of my arthritis pain, without drugs, was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.
Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. The pain in arthritis can be moderate to severe. Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day progresses.
Cartilage contains a high percentage of water, but it decreases with age. It’s important to learn plenty of facts about joints and arthritis to help you understand how to treat arthritis better. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function.
As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Injuries sometimes can be the start in the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint.
An inflammatory response causes cytokines, to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells; it’s known to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune diseases.
For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours. Not a food, but many, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them.
Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement. Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of these supplements; it’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly.
I know quite a few people who are drinking tart cherry juice to relieve their arthritis pain; has to the tart kind though. If you’re not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet. One natural approach is to consume foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis. For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals.
Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Important exercises for arthritis are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight bearing exercises. Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner.
Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Exercise your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health.
Conventional doctors may suggest the standard protocol for your joint pain; they tell you to take over-the-counter NSAIDS or prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, of which all have side effects. Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset. For conventional treatment of arthritis – if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be very careful and read the labels thoroughly.
Arthritis pain relief is the ultimate goal – understanding arthritis is a good way to get there. I got rid of my arthritis pain years ago when I stopped eating dead food and changed my diet to all living foods; you can do it too. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast.
For more information on arthritis pain relief and arthritis treatments go to http://www.Fast-Arthritis-Pain-Relief.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in arthritis pain relief with tips, advice and resources, including information on arthritis diets and natural arthritis treatments
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