To Your Health!

[Karel]

... Blue Heron health wants their articles posted on social media so here is one of them! ...

Hi Phoenix, I can see why they want them posted (and then probably with a link to their site), but there are likely many sites that want that and the result would be very tedious. On our site, that is. Also, I have a dim view of these articles in general. Your disclaimer about consulting a physician is nice, but the article is still a bit strange. It might as well have been titled:

Hibiscus tea possibly dangerous to people with low blood pressure

While not factually incorrect, the article has the blithe 'this is so healthy' tone that can be so misleading.

I would suggest that future posts on health issues add something from personal experience with whatever is being advocated, and do not just pass on information found elsewhere on the web. A personal interest might add something for other readers of this forum. And when you find news that you just want to pass on anyway, do some research pro and contra first. It is more work than cutting and pasting, but you might learn something. And decide not to post the article after all (and make me happy).

Just a suggestion.

Regards,

Karel

[Phoenix7]

WARNING please consult with your physician before considering any of these health tips, because they may conflict with any medications you are currently taking!

A Tea To Lower Blood Pressure?

Blue Heron health wants their articles posted on social media so here is one of them!

"The tea I’m telling you about today is one of the most powerful natural things I’ve ever heard of to lower blood pressure.
In fact, two studies proved it as effective as blood pressure medications, without any side effects.
What’s more, this tea is very delicious and although it’s not as well known as many other teas, you should be able to get it in your local health foods store, wherever you are.
You might want to have a hibiscus bush in your garden – it’s not only decorative, but also useful! A new study has proven that a cup of hibiscus tea three times a day keeps blood pressure medications away.

In a study conducted in 2004 in Mexico, a team of scientists chose 75 patients with high blood pressure. Half were prescribed the blood pressure drug Captopril, while the other group drank hibiscus tea brewed from crushed, dried hibiscus flowers.
After four weeks, the blood pressure readings of all the patients were measured. The modest tea surprised the researchers by showing the same effect from drinking hibiscus as taking Captopril medication – both showed an 11 percent fall in blood pressure.
Another study compared hibiscus with a different blood pressure medication. Doctors looked at 193 participants who took part in the study and were prescribed either 10 milligrams of Lisinopril or 250 milligrams hibiscus capsule.
After four weeks, the medication caused a 15 percent reduction while hibiscus capsules followed closely behind with 12 percent reduction in blood pressure.
Hibiscus has anti-diuretic properties – that is, it can help relax the arteries. It is a natural ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitor – it slows down the release of hormones that cause blood vessels to constrict. Hibiscus is also good for improving immunity and has many natural antioxidants.
So you can reap the benefits from hibiscus by either drinking the tea or taking capsules. Be aware, however, that just like medications, hibiscus is not a permanent cure. As soon as the study participants stopped using it daily, their blood pressure began to rise again.
A more permanent way to lower blood pressure is to do these 3 easy blood pressure exercises. Unlike hibiscus or other remedies, these exercises tackle the underlying cause of high blood pressure; therefore, delivering permanent results."

BEET Juice can also lower blood pressure ....Look Here http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-hi...blood-pressure

Many may not like the taste of beet juice , but if you have Gold's Borscht a beet soup it may have similar effects. I like the UNSALTED Golds Borscht which tastes excellent cold with a table spoon of sour cream placed on top . It makes an excellent choice on a hot summer day. Gold's also makes a salted and Russian version of the Borscht. All are available at many super markets .

Article from WSJ about Gold's Borscht http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014...06000546981170

[Phoenix7]

Trouble with Blood Pressure ? You may wish to try this after consulting with your Doctor.

If we told you that one small vegetable could prevent over a million deaths a year in the US alone, you’d likely think we were off our rockers.
The truth is, though, that this little red root has the power to drop blood pressure by almost 10 points (systolic) within the first 15 minutes of drinking its fresh juice.
Study after study have extolled its virtues, and a new one out of Melbourne, Australia, have once again proven its effectiveness.
Scientists at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne have proven once again that beet juice is one powerful weapon in the war on high blood pressure.

They looked at men and women who either added 12 ounces of beet juice (mixed with 4 ounces of apple juice) or drank a placebo. They found what dozens of other researchers have already shown…that the beet juice group had significantly lower blood pressure after the 3-week study.
Beet juice is packed with antioxidants- more so than many other fruits, vegetables, or roots. However, it can be really strong when taken alone and is almost always mixed with juice from other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, blueberries, and/or carrots.
If you have a juicer, wash these ingredients and run them through it in the morning, twice a week:
– 1 large, red apple (any variety, but Red Delicious is great),
– 4 stalks of celery
– ½ fresh beet, peeled
– 3 medium carrots
– 1 cup fresh spinach
The carrots and apple help to temper the sting of the beet juice without adding too many calories.
The celery and spinach help to temper the color…beet and carrot juice both stain and can deposit pigment in the skin. Too much carrot juice will turn your palms orange and too much beet juice will flush your cheeks.
When taken in moderation with other healthy vegetables that also provide some bulk, you are practically insulating your body from most every disease by drinking beet juice.

[Phoenix7]

Yesterday, 12/3, was National PKU Awareness Day. My granddaughter Emily (age 15) has PKU. PKU is "phenylketoneuria".

Number of babies born with PKU = 1 in 10,000
Number of "silent carriers" of PKU gene = 1 in 50
Odds of two silent carriers having a baby together = 1 in 2500
Odds of carriers having a baby with PKU = 1 in 4

The following post on Facebook by my daughter yesterday was a copy of a letter I wrote to her in January 2013, and a follow-up by my daughter with a BMRN rep. (see below) that explains where we are now.

What is PKU? My Mom wrote this letter in January 2013 to explain Emily's PKU:

As you know, proteins are long strings of amino acids (polymers, like plastics). Phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) are both amino acids. When proteins are digested the Phe is converted to Tyr with the help of an enzyme "phenylalanine hydroxylase" also known as "phenylalanine lyase" (PAL). The enzyme enables a reaction where a hydroxyl (OH) group is added to the Phe to form Tyr.

People inherit a gene for the enzyme PAL from each of their parents. If they inherit a PAL gene from one parent that has a mutation, and that PAL doesn't work, it's okay because they almost always inherit a normal gene from the other parent that codes for a normal PAL that does all the conversion work. In Emily's case she inherited a mutated gene from each of her parents. They are different mutations but they each produce a defective PAL at the "active site" of the enzyme. Therefore, Emily can't convert Phe to Tyr because neither of her PALs work. This means that, unless Emily's protein intake is carefully controlled, the unconverted Phe builds up to high levels (in her blood and brain), causes retardation, and early death. Some of the Phe is excreted in the urine, hence "phenylketoneuria", PKU. (In the very early '60s when I was a newly minted med tech, a PKU test became available and from then on all newborns have been tested. That's how Emily's was found.) So Emily is a strict "vegetarian" and survives by eating a specially-formulated "medical food" made by Abbott Labs (ABT).

When she was born, we researched PKU and found out that doctors at McGill University in Montreal had isolated normal PAL (from plants I think) and got a patent on it. They licensed the patent to our favorite orphan-drug maker, BioMarin (BMRN) in Marin County near San Francisco. However, throughout all these years of trying, they (BMRN) kept running into immune responses (allergies) to the PAL so it couldn't be used for humans. A couple of years ago they attached PAL to an inert polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG), and now have "PEG-PAL". But they still ran into those pesky immune responses. But but but! They now are pretty sure they have solved the problem! (see end of this story below).

In the long meantime, it was discovered in Sweden that the normal PAL enzyme requires a "co-factor" to activate it. BMRN also licensed this technology and calls the co-factor "KUVAN". Now comes the fun biochemistry. Picture the PAL enzyme as a 3-D protein polymer that (because of interactions between the side groups, like OH, on the amino acids) is all folded up in a specific way. When the "active site" is hidden in the folding, the PAL is "inactive." But when the co-factor (KUVAN) attaches at a specific site on inactive PAL, it changes the 3-D configuration of the folding so that the "active site" is now exposed and the "activated" PAL can do its work. (The vitamins we eat work much the same way because they are also co-factors that activate their specific molecules).

KUVAN is now FDA-approved because of clinical trials that showed high levels of the co-factor alone produced improvement in the Phe levels of some PKU patients, presumably because their PAL mutations were at the "co-factor" site. Emily participated in this study, but dropped out because she was way too young to keep taking the foul-tasting liquid and it didn't change her Phe levels anyway. Not surprising -- her mutations are at the "active site" not the co-factor site. BUT, while she was taking it even short-term, there was an amazing side-effect! Her personality changed! She became more alert, began to do much better in school, became a cheerful optimist and no longer let the bullies bother her one bit. This amazing side-effect was also seen in other participants whose Phe levels were not improved. So BMRN sat up and took notice. They designed a double-blind clinical study to see if the personality-improvement effect was real. This was the study Emily just participated in (eleven 11 pills a day, psychological/cognitive testing and blood tests monthly). It went so well that halfway through they began to give the "placebo" controls KUVAN too. The KUVAN regimen costs $4,000 per month, but BMRN is giving one month free for time to find out if insurance companies will cover this "off-label" use. Cross all fingers please.

Now, back to PEG-PAL. This is the normal enzyme that would substitute for Emily's defective one. The newest clinical study at BMRN. They have noticed all Jamie Lee Curtiss' commercials for ACTIVIA!!! What if they gave PAL-genetically-engineered normal gut bacteria in yogurt??? AHA! Would it prevent those pesky immune responses? That is the newest clinical trial. They are only taking kids and adults over 16, so Emily might not be able to participate, but her doctor is trying to get her in anyway. If this approach works, Emily will have the best McDonald's hamburgers and ice cream Sweet 16 Birthday party ever!!! Please God!!!

The BMRN follow-up from yesterday: "Update since written: PEG-PAL is in Phase 3 for FDA approval as an injectable (for adults only). Once the drug is approved by the FDA, the "yogurt" can be made. In the interim, insurance has granted KUVAN for non-responsive individuals as it does affect mood, anxiety and depression."

River I hope the PEG-PAL Drug passes the FDA process......God bless you and your daughter.........Keep the faith!

[riverbabe]

Yesterday, 12/3, was National PKU Awareness Day. My granddaughter Emily (age 15) has PKU. PKU is "phenylketoneuria".

Number of babies born with PKU = 1 in 10,000
Number of "silent carriers" of PKU gene = 1 in 50
Odds of two silent carriers having a baby together = 1 in 2500
Odds of carriers having a baby with PKU = 1 in 4

The following post on Facebook by my daughter yesterday was a copy of a letter I wrote to her in January 2013, and a follow-up by my daughter with a BMRN rep. (see below) that explains where we are now.

What is PKU? My Mom wrote this letter in January 2013 to explain Emily's PKU:

As you know, proteins are long strings of amino acids (polymers, like plastics). Phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr) are both amino acids. When proteins are digested the Phe is converted to Tyr with the help of an enzyme "phenylalanine hydroxylase" also known as "phenylalanine lyase" (PAL). The enzyme enables a reaction where a hydroxyl (OH) group is added to the Phe to form Tyr.

People inherit a gene for the enzyme PAL from each of their parents. If they inherit a PAL gene from one parent that has a mutation, and that PAL doesn't work, it's okay because they almost always inherit a normal gene from the other parent that codes for a normal PAL that does all the conversion work. In Emily's case she inherited a mutated gene from each of her parents. They are different mutations but they each produce a defective PAL at the "active site" of the enzyme. Therefore, Emily can't convert Phe to Tyr because neither of her PALs work. This means that, unless Emily's protein intake is carefully controlled, the unconverted Phe builds up to high levels (in her blood and brain), causes retardation, and early death. Some of the Phe is excreted in the urine, hence "phenylketoneuria", PKU. (In the very early '60s when I was a newly minted med tech, a PKU test became available and from then on all newborns have been tested. That's how Emily's was found.) So Emily is a strict "vegetarian" and survives by eating a specially-formulated "medical food" made by Abbott Labs (ABT).

When she was born, we researched PKU and found out that doctors at McGill University in Montreal had isolated normal PAL (from plants I think) and got a patent on it. They licensed the patent to our favorite orphan-drug maker, BioMarin (BMRN) in Marin County near San Francisco. However, throughout all these years of trying, they (BMRN) kept running into immune responses (allergies) to the PAL so it couldn't be used for humans. A couple of years ago they attached PAL to an inert polymer called polyethylene glycol (PEG), and now have "PEG-PAL". But they still ran into those pesky immune responses. But but but! They now are pretty sure they have solved the problem! (see end of this story below).

In the long meantime, it was discovered in Sweden that the normal PAL enzyme requires a "co-factor" to activate it. BMRN also licensed this technology and calls the co-factor "KUVAN". Now comes the fun biochemistry. Picture the PAL enzyme as a 3-D protein polymer that (because of interactions between the side groups, like OH, on the amino acids) is all folded up in a specific way. When the "active site" is hidden in the folding, the PAL is "inactive." But when the co-factor (KUVAN) attaches at a specific site on inactive PAL, it changes the 3-D configuration of the folding so that the "active site" is now exposed and the "activated" PAL can do its work. (The vitamins we eat work much the same way because they are also co-factors that activate their specific molecules).

KUVAN is now FDA-approved because of clinical trials that showed high levels of the co-factor alone produced improvement in the Phe levels of some PKU patients, presumably because their PAL mutations were at the "co-factor" site. Emily participated in this study, but dropped out because she was way too young to keep taking the foul-tasting liquid and it didn't change her Phe levels anyway. Not surprising -- her mutations are at the "active site" not the co-factor site. BUT, while she was taking it even short-term, there was an amazing side-effect! Her personality changed! She became more alert, began to do much better in school, became a cheerful optimist and no longer let the bullies bother her one bit. This amazing side-effect was also seen in other participants whose Phe levels were not improved. So BMRN sat up and took notice. They designed a double-blind clinical study to see if the personality-improvement effect was real. This was the study Emily just participated in (eleven 11 pills a day, psychological/cognitive testing and blood tests monthly). It went so well that halfway through they began to give the "placebo" controls KUVAN too. The KUVAN regimen costs $4,000 per month, but BMRN is giving one month free for time to find out if insurance companies will cover this "off-label" use. Cross all fingers please.

Now, back to PEG-PAL. This is the normal enzyme that would substitute for Emily's defective one. The newest clinical study at BMRN. They have noticed all Jamie Lee Curtiss' commercials for ACTIVIA!!! What if they gave PAL-genetically-engineered normal gut bacteria in yogurt??? AHA! Would it prevent those pesky immune responses? That is the newest clinical trial. They are only taking kids and adults over 16, so Emily might not be able to participate, but her doctor is trying to get her in anyway. If this approach works, Emily will have the best McDonald's hamburgers and ice cream Sweet 16 Birthday party ever!!! Please God!!!

The BMRN follow-up from yesterday: "Update since written: PEG-PAL is in Phase 3 for FDA approval as an injectable (for adults only). Once the drug is approved by the FDA, the "yogurt" can be made. In the interim, insurance has granted KUVAN for non-responsive individuals as it does affect mood, anxiety and depression."

[Phoenix7]

DIET SODA NOT GOOD!

This article was on the web from "Blue Heron Health News".

" Here’s an easy way to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease – by 50%.
Just drink less of this popular refreshment (and most people think this drink is healthy!).
Really. That’s all you have to do. How neat is that?
A 10 year-long study, which looked at 60,000 postmenopausal women, concluded that diet sodas sweetened with aspartame sweetener have devastating effects on cardiovascular and overall health.


A research group from Iowa University observed drinking habits of 59,614 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study.
The average age of study participants was 62.8 and none had a prior history of cardiovascular disease.
According to follow up studies, a primary cardiovascular event occurred in 8.5% of women who consumed two or more diet beverages per day, compared to 6.9% in the 5- to 7-drinks per week group;
6.7% in the 1-to 4-drinks per week group; and 7.2% in the 0-to 3-per month group.
The connection between diet drinks and heart disease persisted after researchers adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities.
Researchers concluded that those who consume more than two diet beverages per day are 30% more likely to suffer from heart disease and 50% more likely to die from cardiovascular-related conditions than those who never consume diet drinks.
What is with this dangerous aspartame sweetener in diet sodas?
Aspartame is a neurotoxin, made of genetically engineered bacteria. It is not made of natural sugars, but artificially created lab chemicals.
The problem is that when aspartame is used in diet sodas it breaks down into dangerous chemicals including methanol, formaldehyde and formic acid.
A large number of side effects have been linked to the use of aspartame in diet drinks including nausea, severe headaches, insomnia, memory decline, allergies, seizures, blurred vision, and the list is goes on…
Another study linked regular consumption of diet sodas to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity in study participants.
Hopefully, the results of this study will serve as an eye-opener to most people who chose a diet beverage for health reasons, such as to avoid sugar.
Luckily, there are plenty of healthy beverage options available, such as hot and iced tea, mineral water, almond milk and so on…
Even regular soda drinks are healthier than diet ones, of course only when consumed in moderation. But water is best – so leave the rest."

[Phoenix7]

Oh great! Now there is a Cleveland connection to Ebola!

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/us/ebola-outbreak-texas.html?emc=edit_th_20141016&nl=todaysheadlines &nlid=47075250

With New Ebola Case Confirmed, U.S. Vows Vigilance


"...The nurse, Amber Joy Vinson, 29, was on the medical team that cared for the Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan after he was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 28 and put in isolation. Ms. Vinson should not have traveled on a commercial flight, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said after learning that she was a passenger on Frontier Airlines Flight 1143 on Monday, flying from Cleveland to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Officials at Kent State University in Ohio, where Ms. Vinson studied nursing and her mother and two other relatives work, asked the three family members to stay off campus for three weeks, “out of an abundance of caution.” Frontier Airlines said it had put the two pilots and four flight attendants who had worked on Flight 1143 on paid leave..."

River although acquiring Ebola is very remote .......RIGHT NOW! People are nervous! Friend of mine who goes on several cruises each year is now considering cancelling his cruise in Jan 2015 !
Perhaps SHORTING Cruise Lines and Air Lines could prove profitable.
River Stay Healthy, because if you don't have your health and family, what is all the rest worth?

[riverbabe]

Oh great! Now there is a Cleveland connection to Ebola!

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/16/us/ebola-outbreak-texas.html?emc=edit_th_20141016&nl=todaysheadlines &nlid=47075250

With New Ebola Case Confirmed, U.S. Vows Vigilance

"...The nurse, Amber Joy Vinson, 29, was on the medical team that cared for the Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan after he was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 28 and put in isolation. Ms. Vinson should not have traveled on a commercial flight, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said after learning that she was a passenger on Frontier Airlines Flight 1143 on Monday, flying from Cleveland to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Officials at Kent State University in Ohio, where Ms. Vinson studied nursing and her mother and two other relatives work, asked the three family members to stay off campus for three weeks, “out of an abundance of caution.” Frontier Airlines said it had put the two pilots and four flight attendants who had worked on Flight 1143 on paid leave..."

[Phoenix7]

Last checkup again a success. Lowest total cholesterol ever. Good cholesterol up, bad cholesterol down. Even if I had to buy raspberries year round it would be cheaper than buying cholesterol drugs. Previously took Lipitor and Zocor with bad reactions. Currently on low dose Zetia 10mg. May stop altogether soon.

---------------billy

Billie GREAT . I know a few people who had bad reactions to the cholesterol drugs!

[billyjoe]

Billie look forward to your reporting back to us. Jersey Blueberries have been great this year , and I remember going Blueberry picking with my children in Southern NJ . Needless to say great experience , had fun.

Last checkup again a success. Lowest total cholesterol ever. Good cholesterol up, bad cholesterol down. Even if I had to buy raspberries year round it would be cheaper than buying cholesterol drugs. Previously took Lipitor and Zocor with bad reactions. Currently on low dose Zetia 10mg. May stop altogether soon.

---------------billy

[Phoenix7]

15 FOODS FOR YOUR HEART! Interesting Slide Show . Please disregard the side ads ! Focus attention on the foods! http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/...heart/#slide=1

[Phoenix7]

An interesting Video that discusses the role of Vitamin C in treating Ebola and other viral diseases. Well worth it to watch this 8 Min Video! http://tv.naturalnews.com/v.asp?v=D0...982CEFE0BCEE9F

[Phoenix7]

According to an email I received from "Blue Heron Health News", the lowly ground black pepper spice you use does have many health benefits!
The health benefits are as follows:
Drives away depression – Pepper is a natural anti-depressant. The compound piperine in pepper increases cognitive brain function, beats depression, and helps the brain function properly.
Ensures better nutrition – Pepper helps the body absorb nutrients quickly. It also enables drugs to function more effectively.
Improves anorexia – Pepper can naturally stimulate appetite and improve digestion. So, a dash of pepper in the soup can make an anorexic go through an entire meal all the way to the dessert!
Effective cough relief – The anti-bacterial properties of pepper makes it a great natural remedy for sore throat, cough and even congestion relief.
Great for skin and hair – Pepper consumed regularly can make the skin clear and also treat dandruff effectively when applied on the scalp.
Helps lose weight – Add some pepper to your diet if you’re planning to lose weight. Pepper causes breakdown of fat cells and gets rid of excess water and toxins in the body.
Prevents cancer – This amazing spice is full of antioxidants and is known to prevent certain types of cancer.
I will now consider using more pepper with my meals!

[Phoenix7]

EAT FISH FOR YOUR HEALTH!

Folks there is a big push to throw buckets of ice water on each other to help with ALS research. That may be all well and good, but to protect yourself from this disease , EAT FISH!
It comes from a new study, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. And while it may not offer a cure for this devastating neurodegenerative disease (technically known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), it does offer critical advice for anyone trying to avoid it.

Harvard researchers recently analyzed data from over one million subjects from five different cohorts. And they found subjects with the highest intake of omega-3s were less likely to wind up with ALS than subjects with the lowest omega-3 intake. By nearly a third.

Folks I do eat fish , but I take a Teaspoon of Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil each day! No lemon Flavored kid stuff for me. I take the unflavored version. It is perhaps the smoothest , amber colored fish oil I have ever taken. Much different than the foul tasting cod liver oil, in a brown bottle, my mom would give me each day in my orange juice . That stuff would repeat on me several times until lunch.
Folks here is the stuff I actually take .......I am not promoting or asking you to buy it , but because of the ALS connection , you may wish to consider it : This IMHO is the "Dom Perignon" of Cod Liver Oils. http://www.vitacost.com/carlson-norw...oil-unflavored

[Phoenix7]

Phoenix, Last year I ate a ton of raspberries from my patch that produced 90 quarts and mature at 3 different times. When I had my cholesterol checked in September it was the lowest it had been in years. My doctor says it was probably due to all the fiber in the berrries so I'm continuing the experiment this year. I've eaten at least a half cup of raspberries or strawberries each day since June 9th. By my next bloodwork I'll have about 100 straight days of eating the berries. I'll report the results here in September. Tried eating very strong Vietnamese cinnamon for months in cereal and yogurt and dropped just 1 point.

----------------------billy

Billie look forward to your reporting back to us. Jersey Blueberries have been great this year , and I remember going Blueberry picking with my children in Southern NJ . Needless to say great experience , had fun.