小紅莓預防尿道感染 Cranberries do prevent infections

加拿大的新研究項目再一次印證小紅莓產品可以預防尿道感染(UTI)。

研究發現小紅莓漿果中的物質或能抑制那些經常引起尿道感染的細菌，並減少細菌產生對身體具有毒性的酶素，從而抑制細菌繁殖。

研究結果還指出，小紅莓衍生物能用於消毒醫療設備，例如輸尿導管的消毒作用。

New research from Canada adds weight to the belief that cranberry products can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Substances in the berries appear to inhibit bacteria that are frequently implicated in complicated UTIs, and to reduce the bacteria’s production of an enzyme that contributes to the virulence of infections.

The findings also point to the potential for cranberry derivatives to be used to prevent bacterial colonization on medical devices such as catheters.

參考資料 Sources:
“How Cranberries Impact Infection-Causing Bacteria,” McGill University, 7/15/13

天然鼻敏感救星 Natural Allergy Relief

使用天然的抗過敏草本藥物預防過敏非常有用。 最近有一項關於黑茴香籽(Nigella sativa)舒緩鼻敏感的研究值得和大家分享。 研究結果表明，經過兩週的使用，黑茴香籽有助減少鼻粘液充血和瘙癢、流鼻涕和打噴嚏等過敏症狀。我們仍然需要更多的研究，但這研究結果對使用植物性物質對抗過敏有非常鼓舞的作用。

Natural interventions for allergies can be very useful. Recent research has looked at the use of Nigella sativa (black seed). The results showed that by two weeks of use, N. sativa could reduce the presence of the nasal mucous congestion and itching, runny nose, and sneezing attacks. More research is needed, but this could be a promising botanical for allergies.


參考資料 Reference:
“Herbal Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: The Use of Nigella sativa” by S. Nikakhlagh et al., Am J Otolaryngol, 9-10/11

戰勝疲勞 Fight Fatigue

工作繁忙讀書緊張，我們的生活往往被設定在戰鬥模式中，不停戰鬥換來的可能是體能下降，精神和肉體均有虛脫感覺。在你拿起另一杯咖啡之前，深思一下，其實有些草本補充劑一樣能幫到你，而且不含咖啡因，用最天然的方式幫你提升能量。

當你感到心神遲鈍時，人參（Panax spp）是草藥好幫手。中國人參使用了數千年，不僅能提高能量，還能改善性慾，調節血糖水平，保護肝臟免受毒素侵害。花旗參（P. cinquefolius）也有類似功效。

刺五加 Eleuthero（Eleutherococcus senticosus）是人參的近親植物，臨床研究證明可以提高能量水平。長時間工作或需要輪班工作的人士補充刺五加能迅速讓身體更有活力和體質得到平衡。這草藥更可以幫助喜歡運動提升耐力、增強體力，同時也能幫助身體在劇烈運動後能恢復得更快。

紅景天（Rhodiola rosea）已被證明能提升身體能量和活力。由於服用後很快便能感受藥效，對那些需要快速補充能量的人來說，紅景天特別有用。紅景天也有助持久提升身心能量。

Being in constant battle mode can result in reduced energy levels that leave us feeling burned out. Before you reach for another cup of coffee, consider stimulating plant-root adaptogens that can give you an energy boost without the caffeine.

Ginseng (Panax spp.) is the go-to herb when you feel sluggish. Used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, Asian ginseng (P. ginseng) not only boosts energy but can also improve libido, regulate blood sugar levels, and protect the liver from toxins. The same is true for American ginseng (P. cinquefolius).

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a close relative of ginseng and has been shown to boost energy levels. People who work long hours or atypical shifts may feel more energized and balanced when supplementing with eleuthero. This herb can be helpful for athletes, as it boosts endurance and increases stamina while also helping the body recover faster after strenuous activity.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) has demonstrated its ability to boost energy and vitality. Because of its fast action, it is especially helpful for those who need a quick pick-me-up. It also provides long-term physical and mental energy.

風濕性關節炎 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

風濕性關節炎(RA)是一種慢性發炎症狀，並導致關節腫脹疼痛。RA屬於自身免疫疾病，誘發身體免疫系統攻擊自身關節所致。研究顯示細菌感染可能是其中一種常見的觸發因素。

病症診斷
美國風濕病學會對風濕性關節炎有以下定義標準(需要滿足這些標準中的至少四項)：

晨僵(早晨起床後身體僵硬行動不便)​​持續1小時以上
14個關節或關節組織中有3個或以上發生關節炎症和軟組織腫脹
手關節關節炎
對稱性關節炎(左右肢同時發生症狀)
皮下結節
類風濕因子高於百分之95
放射變化驗測試顯示關節被侵蝕


西藥治療
以下藥物常用於治療RA：
- 非甾體抗炎藥（NSAIDs）
- 類固醇 Corticosteroids
- 改善抗風濕藥物（DMARDs）
- 免疫抑製劑
- 生物製劑

由於以上大部分屬於處方藥物，建議您進行上述任何藥物治療之前，諮詢醫生和藥劑師的意見。

除了西藥治療，我們推薦以下這些天然營養補充：

多種維他命礦物質綜合配方 
目前已有很多研究發現風濕性關節炎患者體內缺乏某些營養素，包括泛酸、維他命A、維他命C、維他命E、硼、銅、鋅和硒。補充這些營養或有助改善風濕性關節炎症狀。

魚油
魚油：建議每日服用最多16粒魚油軟膠囊，或2-3茶匙純魚油。

柳樹皮和乳香提取物
每日3次，每次服1-2粒。

薑黃素
每日3次，每次服1粒。

MSM
每日服用3,000mg或以上。


運動的重要性：
定時運動可以幫助維持關節靈活性和力量。運動也幫您緩解疼痛并保持適當體重，減少肥胖對關節造成的壓力。



Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is inflammatory and results in hot swollen joints. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. Infections are likely common triggers for this attack.

Diagnosing
The American College of Rheumatology has defined the following criteria for rheumatoid arthritis:

Morning stiffness lasting over 1 hour
Arthritis and soft-tissue swelling in over 3 of 14 joints or joint groups
Arthritis of hand joints
Symmetric arthritis
Subcutaneous nodules
Rheumatoid factor at a level above the 95th percentile
Radiological changes suggestive of joint erosion

At least four of these criteria need to be met for a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment
The following drugs are used to treat RA:
-Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-Corticosteroids
-Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
-Immune suppressants
-Biologic agents

As most of them are prescription drugs we will recommend you to seek the advice of your doctor and pharmacist before starting any of the medication above.

In addition to those, add the following recommended supplements:

Multi-nutrient pills/powder
Many other nutrients, including pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, boron, copper, zinc, and selenium have been found to be deficient in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and supplementation with these can be helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Fish oil
Fish oil: Up to 16 fish oil capsules, or 2-3 tsp of fish oil daily.

Willow Bark and Boswellia
Willow Bark and Boswellia 1-2 tabs 3 times a day.

Curcumin
Take Curcumin 1 tablet 3 times a day

MSM
MSM 3,000+ mg a day.


The importance of exercise:
Regular exercise, consisting of aerobic exercise, strengthening exercises, and flexibility or range-of-motion exercises, can help to maintain joint motion and strength. Exercise also helps you relieve pain and maintain a proper weight, which takes pressure off your joints.