Green tea is a common Asian drink that has picked up popularity throughout North America.  Many are choosing green tea as a healthy alternative to coffee and other warm drinks.  Research has shown that green tea is rich in polyphenol anti-oxidants that have extraordinary health benefits.

Green, black, and oolong tea are all part of the same species called Camellia sinensis.  Local growing conditions create variability and a multitude of distinctive leaves.  The processing of the leaves plays the biggest role in the creation of the three types of teas.  The length of time they are processed dictates the color, taste, and nutrient content of the different varieties of tea.

Green Tea is Highest in Anti-Oxidants

Green tea is the least processed of the three and contains the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity) of the three teas.  Green tea is rich in the polyphenol anti-oxidant catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).  This anti-oxidant is thought by most to be responsible for the health benefits linked to green tea consumption.

ECGC is considered to be one hundred times more potent than vitamin C and twenty-four times stronger than vitamin E.  The powerful ability to scavenge free radicals makes green tea one of the best anti-aging herbs.  ECGC is one of a handful of unique anti-oxidants that has shown an ability to influence mutant DNA formations to reverse chronic disease states.

Green Tea Lowers Mortality Risk

A September 2006 study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that drinking green tea lowers the risk of mortality from all causes including cardiovascular disease.  This was an eleven year study following 40,530 adults ranging in age from 40-79 in the northeastern region of Japan.  Eighty percent of this population drinks green tea and over half consume at least three cups per day.

Those who drank five or more cups a day had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes than those who drank less than one cup of green tea daily.  Men had a 12% lower risk of mortality, 22% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and 42% lower risk of dying from stroke.  Women had a 23% lower mortality rate and 31% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and 62% lower risk of dying from stroke.

Green Tea and Cancer

A metanalysis of thirteen studies that was published in Carcinogenesis July 2006 demonstrated that women who drink green tea have a 22% lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not drink green tea.

A study published in December 2004 in Cancer Research discussed how ECGC in green tea was able to decrease insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) while increasing levels of IGF binding protein-3, which binds IGF-1.  This reduces the risk of breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer.  It also inhibits key cancer survival proteins and reduces the expression of compounds associated with cancer metastasis.

A study published in Cancer Research in March 2005 showed that ECGC inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which cancer cells need in order to grow.  In fact, DHFR is a common target of many expensive and toxic cancer drugs such as methotrexate.  ECGC does not bind as strongly and is not as powerful as methotrexate , but it does not have the negative effects on normal cells found with methotrexate use.

Green Tea Boosts Immunity and Prevents the Flu

A November 2005 issue of Antiviral Research demonstrated how EGCG inhibits the flu virus from replicating in a cell culture.  Scientists found that it blocks the hemagglutinin enzyme in the virus which inhibits its ability to infect other cells.  It also suppresses viral RNA synthesis by altering key properties of the viral cell membrane.

ECGC has been shown to suppress the pathogenic viruses such as Epstein Barr, herpes simplex, HIV-1 and the influenza virus.  Green tea contains high levels of L-theanine which has been shown to activate human gamma-delta T lymphocytes to proliferate and make interferone gamma If-G.  If-G is a potent antimicrobial cytokine that is the first line of defense in the blood stream against infection.

Green tea also contains small amounts of alkylamines which are also present in pathogenic organisms.  When we drink green tea, the alkylamines present act as relatively weak antigens that don’t fully activate the immune system but get it in a ready state.  This primes the immune system against bacterial and viral invaders.

Green Tea as a Th2 Immune System Stimulator

Some natural health practitioners have labeled green tea as a Th2 stimulating agent.  Although this hasn’t yet been proven through research, there are various case studies indicating that green tea may have this effect.  This herb would be particularly effective for individuals with a Th1 dominance as it will help balance out the immune system.

It is advisable for individuals with Th2 dominant conditions to do a supplement challenge where they intentionally see how their body responds to green tea or another Th2 stimulating compound before they begin indiscriminately using it .  If it is shown through a cytokine blood test or through an herbal or supplemental challenge that the individual has a Th2 dominance, then it is best to avoid green tea.

Green Tea Caffeine Content and ContraIndications

Green tea contains caffeine, but it is less than half of that found in coffee.  The amount of caffeine found in green tea  varies depending upon the amount of tea used, the brand, and the quality.  The first infusion of green tea leaves is the highest quality and has the most amount of caffeine.

It is extremely important to get organic green tea since the conventional tea may be highly sprayed with toxic pesticides and herbicides.  Many coffee shops and big companies carry green tea that is commercially produced and contains an abundance of environmental toxins.  This is not healthy and should be avoided.

Pregnant women and newborns shouldn’t drink large amounts of green tea as its ability to bind to DHFR may increase the risk of folate deficiencies in the newborn and increase the risk of spina bifida or other neural tube disorders.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=146
• http://www.naturalnews.com/034218_green_tea_flu_season.html
• http://www.naturalnews.com/042071_pine_bark_extract_immune_boosting_power_natural_medicine.html

Dry brushing your skin may be one of the easiest and best ways to detoxify your body on a regular basis.  The skin is estimated to eliminate over a pound of waste each day through its pores and through the elimination of dead skin cells from the body.  Dry brushing is an effective way to maximize the toxin elimination channels of the skin.

The integumentary system is made up of a network of dead epidermal cells forming the skin, hair, fingernails and toenails.  All of these are a form of pulling toxins out of the body.  The hair is often used to measure the level of toxic heavy metals in the body.  The sweat glands also play an active role in flushing toxins out through perspiration.

Detoxifying through Your Skin Cells

As skin cells get closer and closer to the outer surface of the body they lose their blood supply and die.  This is an effective strategy of the body to eliminate wastes in these cells by sloughing off these old dead cells.  Every minute we lose over 30,000 dead skin cells which are replaced by new healthy skin cells.  Bathing and good personal hygiene practices enhance the normal eliminatory patterns of the skin.

Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and firms the skin. The improvement in circulation improves brain function and gives an individual more energy.  By improving lymphatic flow, it can help prevent the formation of unsightly cellulite. Dry brushing also sloughs off old dead skin cells and the toxic debris within them while initiating the development of new healthy skin cells.

How to Dry Brush Correctly

It is important to find a brush with soft natural bristles.  Synthetic bristles often contain chemicals that are best to avoid.   The brushes are typically available at a local health food store in the price range of six to ten dollars.

It is best to begin with light, gentle brushing and overtime the skin will be able to handle brushing a little deeper.   The strokes should move toward the heart to improve lymphatic flow back through the venous system towards the heart.  When dry brushing the stomach it is best to go in a clockwise motion as that works with the natural digestive flow.

The Dry Brushing Rules For Success

The skin may be slightly flushed afterwards but should not be red or sore.  Be sure to avoid brushing over fresh wounds, burns, and cuts.  The skin should be dry but not excessively dry when brushing.  One can use coconut oil during the brushing process if the skin is very dry but be sure to clean the brush thoroughly after finishing brushing.   Shower after brushing to help remove exfoliated skin cells.

Most individuals notice that they feel refreshed and energized after dry brushing.  This is due to the elimination of toxic debris and improved circulation.  The skin also glows and feels smoother after the whole body exfoliation experience.

Sources For This Article Include

• http://www.naturalnews.com/040389_skin_brushing_detox_health.html#ixzz2UGADClYx
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integumentary_system
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/dry-skin-brushing-benefits-cellulite_n_1811708.html

SuperCharge Your Health with Chia Seeds!

Chia seeds are an ancient fuel source used for centuries by some of the world’s healthiest people.  These super seeds contain an abundance of life-enhancing nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants.  Super charge your health by incorporating chia seeds in your diet.

Chia seeds are native to South America where they were revered by two of the most powerful tribes: the Aztecs and Mayans.  These tribes considered chia to be more valuable than gold.  The Aztecs would traditionally consume chia for extra energy and stamina before going into battle or before a big hunt.

Chia is easy to grow as it survives in very temperate environments and is quite self-sustaining.  It is hardly bothered by insects and grows very efficiently.  An individual could survive quite well on chia alone due to the rich blend of nutrients it provides.

Chia’s Nutritional Profile

Chia boasts an impressive array of flavonoid and polyphenol anti-oxidants including quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid.  It has three times the amount of anti-oxidants as blueberries for equal volume.  Chia is also loaded with the small chain omega-3 fatty acid ALA and soluble and insoluble fibers.  These key nutrients make chia a powerful defense against everyday stress and chronic disease processes.

Improve Blood Sugar Sensitivity

Chia seeds’ nutritional components include healthy fats, anti-oxidants, clean proteins, and fiber. Chia contains no sugar and very minimal amounts of non-fibrous carbohydrates.  Chia also contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.   This combination is perfect for healthy blood sugar levels and sustained energy.  A diet that includes chia seeds is a powerful combatant for diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Healthy Gut Function

The healthy gut bacteria that our digestive system depends upon thrive off of different forms of fiber.  Sugar is the enemy of these life giving microorganisms because it feeds the parasitic organisms that are in competition.  Chia’s makeup of essential fats, antiparasitic anti-oxidants, and a rich array of fibers is a perfect nutritional blend to build a healthy gut.

The chia fibers are able to absorb ten times their weight in water which helps to hydrate the colon and move toxins out of the gut.  The blend of insoluble and soluble fiber helps to sweep and sponge microorganisms and environmental toxins out of the colon and into the feces.

Boosts Mental Function

Chia is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and nueroprotective anti-oxidants such as quercetin, caffeic, and chlorogenic acid.  These essential fats and anti-oxidants produce cell membranes that are more flexible and efficient.  Healthier cell membranes results in more efficient nutrient delivery systems and faster nerve transmission processes.  This improves brain function including memory and concentration.

Using Chia in Everyday Life

Chia seeds can be used in a wide variety of dishes including soups, no-grain cereals, smoothies ,and baked goods.  They are also a great addition to any salad or veggie sauté.  Many vegans are lacking healthy proteins and fats in their diet while many carnivores lack anti-oxidants and fibers in their diet.  Chia, being a complete protein source, is the perfect addition for both of these groups.

To optimize your health look to add two to four tablespoons of this superfood into your diet daily.  Two tablespoons of chia give you seven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, and five grams of omega 3 fatty acids.  The most bioavailable form of chia is sprouted and enzymatically activated for optimal nutrient delivery.

Sources for this Article Include:

• http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/top-10-health-benefits-chia-seeds-6962.html
• http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/super-seed-the-case-for-chia.html
• http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/five-health-benefits-of-chia.html
• http://www.naturalhealth365.com/food_news/chiaseeds.html

1. Cayenne Pepper – Most cats have an aversion to cayenne pepper. Sprinkling a small amount around your planter can help keep the kitties away from the plant itself.

2. Aquarium Gravel – Unlike other surfaces, gravel is much too grainy for cats to really get comfortable on. It not only makes an uncomfortable bed, they  do not like the feel of the rocks on the pads of their feet. A thin layer on your top soil can be enough to keep them out of the planter.

3. Mesh Screening – Window screen is actually cheap if you purchase it in a roll. By using a few pieces of wood, you can create a mesh box around your plants. TA mesh box will allow sunlight and water in, while keeping kitties out. .

4. Citrus Peels – Citrus peels are a potent way to keep cats at bay. Place peels around your planters or gardens to provide a layer of protection for your plants. Once they dry, these peels double as compost filling in your garden.

5. Tin Foil – Tin foil is another texture that cats find unappealing. Some people have had a degree of success deterring cats by placing sheets of it on or around the area.

6. Coffee Grounds – Kitties don’t like the smell of coffee grounds. Sprinkle them around your garden and most cats will move on to another space.

7. Spray Bottle – And then there is always behavior modification. Arm yourself with a spray bottle and squirt every cat that comes near your garden. They will soon learn that your garden is off limits.

It is in a cat’s nature to use prefer soft soil for a litter box or a bed.  By making the area as uncomfortable or unappealing as possible, you greatly reduce the chance of your planters being used as bathrooms or beds. While not all of the above suggestions will work for every cat, each has been used with varying degrees of success. If any other methods have worked for you, please comment, and let us know.

Eczema is known as a chronic dermatological condition that is characterized by skin rashes, dryness, crusting, and flaking skin.  Research indicates that eczema is caused by chronic inflammation that affects the skin cells and causes scarring.  Natural lifestyle strategies allow the body to “de-inflame” and beat eczema.

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as eczema are characterized by a hyper responsive immune system.  The signs of eczema should warn the individual that inflammatory destruction is taking place within the body as well and must be addressed to prevent further sickness and disease.  Overcoming this abnormal immune control begins by rebuilding the intestinal wall, avoiding inflammatory triggers, increasing anti-inflammatory compounds, and optimizing vitamin D3 levels.

Immune Dysfunction and Eczema

Individuals with eczema have an overpopulation of pathogenic organisms in the gut that are damaging the intestinal wall and allowing food particles to pass into the bloodstream.  These undigested food particles are tagged as foreign invaders by the immune system.  When the immune system encounters these food particles in the bloodstream, it unleashes a massive inflammatory assault that causes a systemic allergenic response.

The most common food allergens include gluten, corn, soy products, artificial flavors, preservatives, starches, peanuts, eggs, and pasteurized dairy. Any processed or genetically modified food product would be considered highly allergenic.

Rebuild the Gut

Rebuilding the gut is absolutely essential to fully ward off eczema and chronic inflammatory disease the natural way.  High quality fermented foods are powerful weapons to use to reinstate a natural order within the gut.  These foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented veggies, fermented fruit, apple cider vinegar, kombucha and coconut kefir.  Fermented, raw dairy from 100% grass-fed animals is especially useful in the form of amasai, kefir, whey, and cheese.

All of these fermented foods provide high powered enzymes, probiotics, and key amino acids that help to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms and repair the lining of the gut to prevent food particles from jumping across.  Intermediate fasting is especially beneficial during the healing phases and beyond.  Fasting from solid foods for periods of 16-18 hours each day can help the body store enzymes and repair the gut faster.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan

The daily diet should focus on anti-inflammatory superfoods to help modulate the immune system so it will not over-inflame when stimulated.  This means restricting all man-made foods, sugars, and food allergens.  Loading up on anti-oxidant rich vegetables and using healthy fat sources such as avocados, extra virgin olive oil, 100% grass-fed red meat and raw dairy, wild-caught salmon, and organic eggs are fantastic foods to calm the immune system.

Other great foods for “de-inflaming” the body include coconut products, berries, and non-denatured grass-fed cows and goats.  This form of protein enhances cellular glutathione stores which protect the DNA within the cell and play an important role in coordinating immunity.  Superfood herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, basil, and boswellia should be used as much as possible.  A combination of coconut oil and essential oil of peppermint is also very helpful as an ointment to put onto skin rashes and eczema.

Optimize Vitamin D3 Levels

Vitamin D3 is especially important for anyone with eczema or other chronic inflammatory conditions.  UV light therapy has been shown to be very helpful for individuals with eczema as well as sun-bathing for short periods of time.  Both of these techniques help to raise circulating vitamin D3 levels.

Optimal Vitamin D3 should be between 70-100 ng/ml, which is significantly higher than the medically acceptable level of 32 ng/ml.  Spend 20-30 minutes in the sun each day or supplement with 10,000 IU of a high quality emulsified vitamin D3 for a period of time to reach the desired level.

Editor’s Note

Skin issues are so often caused by Candida. And Candida is killed faster with Thorne SF722 than anything I know. Check out Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections. 

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema
• http://www.naturalnews.com/030475_inflammatory_diseases_natural_remedies.html
• http://www.naturalnews.com/037615_eczema_natural_remedies_immunity.html

Milk thistle is a flowering plant that is part of the daisy family.  It gets its name from its bristly and prickly nature and the “milky” sap that oozes out of the plant.  The leaves, fruits, and seeds of milk thistle have been used for centuries as a natural medicine.  Milk thistle is one of the world’s most powerful liver detoxifying agents.

Milk thistle was used by medical herbalists in the late nineteenth century to treat varicose veins and liver, spleen, and kidney disorders.  Today, it is primarily used to improve the function of the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.  Many individuals have seen dramatic improvement using milk thistle for health issues such as psoriasis, menstrual problems, jaundice, and poor circulation.

Milk Thistle and Liver Health

The active antioxidant compound within milk thistle is the flavonoid complex called Silymarin.  This anti-oxidant is one of the most powerful liver detoxifying agents.  It helps to boost glutathione and superoxide dismutase which are two the body’s master super antioxidants.  One study found that silymarin increased glutathione content in the intestines and liver by up to 50%.  Boosting glutathione helps protect the intestines from inflammatory damage that leads to ulcers and colitis.

Milk thistle guards the liver’s numerous hepatic cell membranes and slows the rate at which toxins can be absorbed into the liver.  Research has shown that silymarin enhances protein synthesis to enhance liver cell regeneration and counteract the effects of poisons on the liver.   It has been used to treat alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, cirrhosis-liver poisoning, and viral hepatitis.

Silymarin and Kidney Health

Silymarin concentrates in kidney cells where it helps repair and regenerate protein enzymes and DNA.  One study indicated that it increased kidney cell replication by 25-30% over control groups.  This is extremely important for individuals who have suffered mild-to-severe kidney damage from infections, kidney stone formation, or environmental toxins.

The kidneys are one of the major organs that are damaged by chemotherapy agents.  Research has shown that the major compounds in silymarin protect the kidneys from these dangerous drugs.  In particular, they protect the cell membrane of the kidney, cells allowing for healthy cell receptor activity.

Silymarin is considered to be 10 times as potent as vitamin E and increases the activity of the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red and white blood cells in patients suffering with liver disease.  This increases oxygenation and immunity.

Studies have shown that the major compounds of silymarin are silybin and silychristin.  These compounds have a low absorption rate at about 20-50%.  It is better to use milk thistle in a standardized extract.  Milk thistle can also be fermented in an organic acid base for optimal digestion and nutrient assimilation.

Milk Thistle as a Demulcent

Milk Thistle is a demulcent that improves the health of the body’s mucous membranes.  This reduces inflammation within the skin cells, sinus and respiratory tract, and kidney and bladder wall lining.  It also reduces inflammatory stress in the bile duct and inhibits the formation of gall stones.  This improves the functionality of the gall bladder and allows for complete bile release.

Milk Thistle also helps soften and improve the moisturization of the skin,  This is especially helpful for individuals with acne and exzema and other skin impurities.  It has also been shown to improve the overall glow and radiance of the skin quality.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/health-benefits-of-milk/2010/11/11/id/371339
• http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/milk-thistle-therapy.aspx
• http://silymarin.com/?p=how.works

Gout is a disease in which uric acid levels accumulate and cause massive damage and swelling to various joints of the body.  The uric acid is caused by poor dietary habits and metabolic stress.  Specific lifestyle strategies can help reduce the symptoms of gout and restore proper metabolic function to beat gout naturally.

When uric acid accumulates it forms sharp crystals called urates which penetrate and irritate the joints.  The most common areas to be effected by urates are the big toe, feet, ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows.  Gout is extremely painful and most physicians are unable to treat it effectively without dangerous medications.

For years doctors have been telling us gout is caused by a disruption in purine metabolism.  Purines are molecules that are formed by a grouping of nucleic acids that are prevalent in foods such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcohol.  Organ meats such as kidney and liver contain the most purines by far.

Gout and Fructose Metabolism

Recent research has linked gout formation with elevated fructose consumption.  This second biochemical pathway indicated that fructose triggers the body’s production of uric acid from an important energy molecule, adenosine triphosphate.

In New Zealand, the Maori people rarely encountered gout.  Now, ten to fifteen percent of their population has gout symptoms in their lifetime.  Seafood seems to be the major trigger for these Pacific islanders; however, they have always eaten a lot of seafood.  These people eat fifty times more sugar and fructose (much like typical Americans) than they did 100 years ago.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that individuals who drink one fructose-rich beverage a day are 74% more likely of developing gout than those who drink the same beverage once per month.  Individuals who drank two or more fructose sweetened beverages are 97 percent more likely to develop the disease.

Fructose is a form of sugar molecule that is most often found in corn, fruit, and many plant based sweeteners such as agave nectar and honey.  It is important to reduce fructose consumption by avoiding anything with high fructose corn syrup and minimizing the consumption of fruit juices, agave nectar, and honey.  Minimize the use of all fruit other than low fructose fruits such as berries, avocados, lemons, limes and grapefruit.

Anti-Gout Nutrition Plan

The typical diet for individuals with gout should be low in sugar and grains.  Instead, focus on anti-oxidant rich vegetables and healthy fat sources.  The best fat/protein sources include coconut products, avocados, extra-virgin olive oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds.  Healthy protein sources include 100% grass-fed beef in moderation, 100% raw grass-fed cheese, organic poultry, and wild fish.

Individuals with gout do much better when they stick to an 80% raw diet.  Any cooked food should be reserved for the evening meal.  The daytime meals should be liquid in the form of shakes, cacao avocado mousse, and vegetable juices.  Salads, guacamole with veggies or raw, sprouted seed crackers are also great.  Before any cooked food is eaten, a digestive enzyme with lipase, protease, and amylase should be used to enhance digestion.  Lots of clean water should be consumed during the day and intermittent fasting for periods of 16-24 hours is encouraged to help detoxify the kidneys, liver, and colon.

Individuals with gout should use apple cider vinegar and fresh squeezed lemon on salads, grains, and meat.  This helps provide organic acids and more enzymes and anti-oxidants to help pre-digest the meal.  Fermented foods such as non-processed sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, amasai, and coconut kefir are also very helpful.

Sources For This Article Include:

• http://www.naturalnews.com/027950_gout_natural_remedies.html
• http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/65355/description/Fructose_poses_gout_risks_even_in_women
• http://www.naturalnews.com/030401_HFCS_gout.html#ixzz2BORK5yP5
• http://biochem.otago.ac.nz/staff-profiles/tony-merriman/gout/