氨基葡萄糖(葡萄糖氨)和軟骨素是什麼？Glucosamine and Chondroitin: What are They?

葡萄糖氨參與肌腱、骨骼、韌帶以及皮膚和指甲等的生成。身體能從簡單碳水化合物(葡萄糖)和氨基酸(谷氨酰胺)制造葡萄糖氨。關節結構的葡萄糖水平非常高，我們也可以透過補充劑攝取額外葡萄糖氨。隨著年齡增長，人體制造葡萄糖氨的能力逐漸減弱，一些研究人員推測，這是骨關節炎的成因之一。

軟骨素對軟骨組織的生成中起著重要作用，它是一種天然物質。在關節內軟骨素作為一個緩衝劑，有助維持關節軟骨組織健康。也有一定抗炎特性。

研究顯示，服用氨基葡萄糖和軟骨素組合對中度至嚴重關節炎疼痛的緩解效用高達25％。軟骨素和氨基葡萄糖通常一起服用。由於這些補充劑並非速效成分，你可能要連續服用幾個星期後才感覺癥狀得以改善。

如果你每日服用抗凝血劑或阿司匹林，同時服用軟骨素或許會影響藥效。糖尿病患者服用葡萄糖氨前請諮詢藥劑師意見。

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: What are They?

Glucosamine is involved in building tendons, bones, and ligaments, as well as skin and nails. Our bodies make it from the simple carbohydrate glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is found in the structures of the joints in high concentrations, and it’s also available as a supplement. As we age, our ability to produce adequate amounts of this substance diminishes, and some researchers theorize that this is one of the causes of osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin plays an important role in the formation of cartilage, where it is found naturally. In the joints, chondroitin acts as a cushion and helps to maintain healthy joint cartilage. It also appears to have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Research has shown that taking a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin may ease pain by as much as 25 percent for those with moderate to severe arthritis. Chondroitin and glucosamine are usually taken together. Because these supplements are not fast-acting, you may not see improvements for several weeks.

Use caution with chondroitin if you’re taking anticoagulants or a daily aspirin. If you have diabetes, be aware that glucosamine can influence blood sugar levels. As always, consult your pharmacist.

維持荷爾蒙平衡解決更年期不適 Supplements for Hormonal Balance

更年期女性經歷潮熱、頭痛等不適需要幫助？試試這些補充劑！

針對情緒波動，可選用睡茄、B雜維他命、黑升麻、當歸和甘草。

針對潮熱，可嘗試黑升麻、葛根、甘草和大豆異黃酮。

睡茄、黑升麻和西番蓮能提振性慾。

情緒低落又怎辦？試試黑升麻、B雜維他命、聖潔莓、銀杏、奧米加3脂肪酸和西番蓮等。

至於頭痛，補充礦物鎂和大豆異黃酮均有幫助。

Supplements for Hormonal Balance

Need help for hot flashes, headaches, and other menopausal discomforts? Try these supplements!

For mood swings, try ashwagandha, black cohosh, dong quai, B vitamins, and licorice root.

For hot flashes, seek relief with black cohosh, kudzu, licorice root, and soy protein.

To perk up your sex drive, turn to ashwagandha, black cohosh, and passionflower.

Feeling down? Try supplementing with black cohosh, B vitamins, chaste berry, ginkgo biloba, omega 3s, and passionflower.

Headaches can be helped with magnesium and soy protein.

男性更年期 Men Menopause aka Andropause

女性更年期通常在相對短的時間內發生，男性更年期則較長，通常發生於40歲後，睾酮水平每10年都會緩慢降低。

睾酮減少對肌肉質量、性慾、體能等都有影響，同時增加了患抑鬱症的風險。而適量運動與補充足夠礦物鎂能有效維持睾酮水平，減少更年期影響。

Men Menopause aka Andropause

Unlike female menopause (which occurs over a relatively short period of time), male menopause—or andropause—is a longer, slower event in which testosterone levels decrease steadily each decade after 40.

Less testosterone takes a toll on muscle mass, libido, and energy while upping the risk of depression. Combining exercise with a magnesium supplement works particularly well to uphold testosterone levels.

聖約翰草(貫葉連翹) St. John’s Wort

聖約翰草(貫葉連翹)廣泛應用於治療抑鬱癥和相關病癥。

聖約翰草的主要作用？
聖約翰草能有效緩解輕度至中度抑鬱癥，以及焦慮和失眠等癥狀。美國國立衛生研究所指出聖約翰草提取物能“改善情緒、降低焦慮和抑鬱癥相關失眠癥狀”，在短期治療輕度抑鬱癥效果與是許多處方藥物相若。

聖約翰草也有其他作用。英國一項研究發現，聖約翰草有效治療婦女輕度經前綜合徵的生理和行為癥狀。西班牙一些研究人員得出結論，聖約翰草所具有的抗氧化性能可減帕金森氏癥所引起的神經元病變。

聖約翰草是如何產生作用的？
聖約翰草含有一個稱為金絲桃素(Hypericin)的主要成分，能增加身體神經遞質血清素和褪黑激素水平，幫助睡眠和調節情緒。聖約翰草所含的另一成分Hyperforin能有效增加神經遞質在體內的作用時間，從而有助於穩定情緒。

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has long been used to treat depression and related conditions.

What does it treat?
St. John’s wort is most commonly associated with the relief of mild to moderate depression, as well as anxiety and sleeplessness. The National Institutes of Health notes that the extract “improves mood, and decreases anxiety and insomnia related to depression,” and is as effective as many prescription drugs in the short-term treatment of mild depression.

It has other applications as well. A British study found St. John’s wort promising in treating the physical and behavioral symptoms of women diagnosed with mild premenstrual syndrome. Researchers in Spain concluded that St. John’s wort, because of its antioxidant properties, may reduce the degeneration of neurons caused by Parkinson’s disease.

How does it work?
Hypericin, a component of St. John’s wort, increases the amount the body can metabolize of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. Hyperforin, also found in the herb, helps keep neurotransmitters working longer in the body, thus contributing to emotional stability.

椰子油與糖尿病 Coconut Oil and Diabetes

糖尿病發病率有不斷增加的趨勢。在中國和印度，人民患上糖尿病的情況比其他國家更加嚴重，主要原因是國家趨向富裕和現代化的同時糖尿病這種疾病也有上升的趨勢。由於更多人變得富裕而增加進食甜食，加上偏向久坐的生活方式轉變，令情況更為嚴重。

預防患糖尿病風險，應避免甜食（尤其是糖果、餅乾、糕點和汽水）、精製的碳水化合物（如白麵包和許多加工食品）、酒精和咖啡因。盡量選擇天然膳食纖維、粗糧（複合碳水化合物）、新鮮水果和蔬菜和高品質的脂肪酸都有助於防止或治療糖尿病。

正確選擇脂肪酸
雖然很多健康專家警告說應避免飽和脂肪，但現在越來越多研究指出椰子油有助降低患糖尿病風險。自然療法醫生布魯斯·法伊夫說，椰子油有助減少對胰腺的壓力，為細胞提供能量，而且容易被人體吸收，並能增強胰島素的作用和提高代謝率。他補充： “因為椰子油有助穩定血糖水平和協助瘦身減肥”他特意指出“椰子油可能是唯一對糖尿病患者有益的食用油，患者更應多吃。”

成人推薦劑量為每天2至3湯匙，加入到食品中，或服用椰子油軟膠囊。您可以由少量椰子油開始(例如每天1茶匙)，逐漸增加至建議劑量。

有用的草藥和補充劑
屬性溫熱的香料，包括玉桂、丁香、辣椒和生薑等已被證明有助保持血糖水平平衡。很多營養補充劑有助減少糖尿病並發發癥。詹姆斯·鮑爾奇醫生提出以下建議：

- 每日服用多達1000微克的鉻，以增加葡萄糖耐受性和平衡血糖水平
- 每日服用多達400毫克來自印度的草藥武靴葉能提高胰島素產量和控制高血糖
- 每日服用300至1200毫硫辛酸，能提高胰島素敏感性，降低糖尿病神經病變等癥狀
- 每日服用100至300毫克硫酸釩，能有效提高2型糖尿病患者的血糖耐受性。

整全自然療法師還建議維他命C（兩至三次每次1000毫克）、鎂（500至750毫克，如有清瀉情況可減少劑量）、輔酶Q10（根據標籤指示）、維他命E（800至1200IU），車前子（以大量清水送服）、苦瓜素（每日兩次，每次200毫克）、大蒜素（每日兩次每次300至450毫克）和藍莓（每日兩次每次服160毫克）。

加拿大一項采用隨機雙盲和安慰劑對照的的研究發現2型糖尿病人服用韓國紅參（高麗參）能改善血糖和胰島素的調節。伊朗的一項最新隨機臨床試驗表明，每日補充如乳薊（水飛薊）顯著降低空腹血糖水平。

預防糖尿病還需更多個人努力，但營養和運動是行之有效的預防方法，有效保護您的腿部、眼睛甚至生命。即使你已處於患上高風險一族，從今天開始采用以上建議，受用終生。

Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes rates are increasing worldwide. In China and India, which have more diabetic patients than other countries, diabetes is an illness of affluence and modernization. Those who can afford sweets and a sedentary lifestyle are most affected.

People with diabetes and those at risk should avoid sweet foods (particularly candies, cookies, pastries, and sodas), refined carbohydrates (like white bread and many processed foods), alcohol, and caffeine. A natural diet high in fiber, whole grains (complex carbohydrates), fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality fats helps protect against or treat diabetes.

The Right Fats
Although most health experts warn patients away from saturated fats, a growing number now recommend coconut oil for those with or at risk for diabetes. For example, Bruce Fife, ND, says that coconut oil reduces stress on the pancreas, helps supply energy to cells, is easily absorbed, enhances insulin action, and increases metabolic rate. “Because it helps stabilize blood glucose levels and aids in shedding excess body weight,” he adds, “coconut oil is probably the only oil a diabetic patient should eat.”

The recommended dose for adults is 2 to 3 tablespoons per day, added to food or used in its preparation. Start with a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon daily, and gradually increase to the recommended amount.

Useful Herbs and Supplements
Sweet and hot spices including cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper, and ginger have been shown to keep blood sugar levels balanced. A number of nutritional supplements also work to reduce diabetic complications. James F. Balch, MD, recommends the following:

- up to 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of chromium to increase glucose tolerance and balance blood sugar levels
- up to 400 milligrams (mg) Gymnema sylvestre, an herb from India that improves insulin production and blood sugar levels
- 300 to 1,200 mg alpha lipoic acid, which enhances insulin sensitivity and decreases the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy
- 100 to 300 mg vanadyl sulfate, which improves glucose tolerance in Type 2 diabetes.

Holistic practitioners also recommend vitamin C (1,000 mg two or three times daily), magnesium (500 to 750 mg; reduce dosage if loose stools result), CoQ10 (according to label directions), vitamin E (800 to 1,200 IU daily), psyllium (up to 5 grams daily with plenty of fluids), bitter melon (200 mg twice daily), garlic (300 to 450 mg twice daily), and bilberry (160 mg twice daily).

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Canadians with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes finds that Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves blood sugar and insulin regulation safely. And a new randomized clinical trial in Iran suggests that daily supplementation with milk thistle (Silybum marianum) significantly lowers fasting blood sugar levels.

Preventing diabetes requires effort, but nutrition and exercise are proven strategies that save legs, eyes, and lives. Even if you’re at high risk, you can avoid the diabetes epidemic starting today.

保護視力補充劑 An Eye on Vision Supplements

不論現在未來，眼光一樣銳利！
眼睛不僅是靈魂之窗，生理上也是一個複雜而非常重要的器官，因為我們需要通過眼睛與外界接觸和溝通。

為了保護這重要器官免受衰老，我們可以採取以下一些步驟，令視力更清晰銳利。

定期檢查眼睛、運動和均衡飲食等非常重要。有需要也可以服用一些補充劑，幫助保護您視力和預防眼疾(包括青光眼、年齡相關性的黃斑變性（AMD）和白內障)。

關於維他命
β-胡蘿蔔素（維他命A的一種形式），維他命C和E，以及礦物質鋅都是對眼睛健康非常重要的營養素。 2010年一項有關抗氧化劑、微量營養素和植物化合物對抗眼疾的研究結論是，補充維他命A，C和E以及鋅可有效預防高風險的老年黃斑病變。其他研究表明，缺乏維他命C和E與青光眼有密切聯繫

奧米加脂肪酸
奧米加三非飽和脂肪酸主要存在於魚類、亞麻籽、菜籽油和核桃油等，這些脂肪酸能有效降低患白內障的風險，防止老年黃斑病變的情況惡化。澳洲一項有3,654長者參與為期十年的研究表明，飲食中如果能包含魚類和奧米加三脂肪酸，可防止早期老年黃斑病變。另外一項較短的研究則指出，在年齡介乎45至77歲的健康人群分別服用90天奧米加三DHA補充劑或安慰劑，服用DHA的一組經治療後視力明顯更清晰。

強力抗氧化劑與視力的關系
葉黃素和玉米黃質是具有抗發炎特性的強力抗氧化劑，兩者是組成眼部黃斑色素的重要成分 - 這是保持視網膜正常工作和視力敏銳的關鍵因素。研究表明，補充這兩種天然類胡蘿蔔素(蔬菜或水果中主要的紅、黃、橙和綠色)能減少視覺疲勞癥狀，提高視力，尤其是光線對比敏感度(例如需要長時間面對電腦熒光幕)有大幅提升。
葉黃素和玉米黃質還有助保護視力。賓夕法尼亞眼科學院的科學家對補充劑進行了詳細審查，研究支持葉黃素和玉米黃質對促進視力和保持眼睛健康非常重要，並有助降低患上老年黃斑病變和白內​​障的風險。

太陽眼鏡除了酷還非常有用
我們會采取防曬方法讓皮膚免受太陽光有害射線影響。同樣地我們也可透過攜帶太陽眼鏡免受有害射線影響而達到保護眼部的目的。


See into the future
Whether you think of them as windows to the soul or as complex ocular organs, the eyes are our principal means of taking in the world.

Luckily, there are steps we can take to increase the chances that our vision stays clear and sharp as we age.
Get regular eye exams, exercise, and eat a balanced diet. To help protect your sight and prevent diseases of the eye including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts, incorporate these supplements into your daily regimen.

The View on Vitamins
Beta carotene (a form of vitamin A), vitamins C and E, and the mineral zinc are all important nutrients for healthy eyes. A 2010 study of the effects of antioxidants, micronutrients, and plant chemicals on the progression of eye diseases concluded that supplements of vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc, may work to prevent advanced age-related macular degeneration in people at high risk for the disease. Other research indicates there may be a link between glaucoma and deficiencies in vitamins C and E.

Ogle Omegas
Found in fish, flaxseed, canola, and walnut oils, omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of cataracts and prevent the progression of macular degeneration. A 10-year study of 3,654 elderly Australians indicates that diets including fish and omega 3s may protect against early age-related macular degeneration. A shorter study, in which healthy people ages 45 to 77 were given 90 days of supplementation with either a placebo or the omega 3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found that those in the DHA group who wore corrective lenses experienced sharper vision after the treatment.

Ante Up with Antioxidants
With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, lutein and zeaxanthin make up the pigment of the macula — a part of the retina that’s critical to sharp vision. Studies have shown that supplementation with these two carotenoids—natural red, yellow, orange, and green pigments found in fruits and vegetables—can help reduce symptoms of visual fatigue and improve vision, particularly contrast sensitivity, in people who spend long hours in front of a computer screen.
They can also help protect your eyesight into the future. A scientist at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry reviewed studies on dietary supplements to promote eyesight and eye health, and concluded that the research supports the use of lutein and zeaxanthin “to promote optimal visual function and decrease risk for AMD and cataracts.”

Beyond Cool
Most of us are diligent when it comes to protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Luckily, you can lessen your chances of developing these eye problems and look hip at the same time, just by putting on sunglasses.

天然排毒法 NATURAL DETOXIFIERS

選擇整全食物采用天然植物淨化

你的身體每日會不斷清除毒素。不幸的是，身體排毒功能有時未能應付現代生活習慣所帶來的過高毒素負荷。
營養學家拉尼亞巴泰奈.英裏Rania Batayneh解釋："你的身體有天然排毒機制，透過肺、肝、腎和皮膚等各器官協調工作。"她建議采用整全食物療法有助促進身體排度工作。

豐富滋養的飲食習慣
她指出："整全食物療法的原理是盡量選擇吃天然食品、避免人工甜味劑和酒精，每餐享用風味新鮮的飯菜。在飯菜加入天然香草(例如薑黃)既不含鹽(鈉)又能為食物增添美味！" 薑黃中的主要成分是薑黃素，此成分不但有助消化，也有助肝臟解毒和凈化。

每日堅持整全飲食，天然排毒身體好。建議選擇有機食品(因為這些食物毒素含量較少)， 並要多喝水。

補充劑的幫助
另一種溫和的排毒法是選用"綠色食物"(例如螺旋藻或小麥草等)，這有助身體更有效排出毒素。綠色食物蘊含抗氧化劑，能减輕肝臟的工作負荷。

草藥中奶薊最廣為人知能促進肝臟排毒功能。事實上人類采用這藥草支援肝功能已經超過二千年歷史。奶薊中有種稱為水飛薊素的有效成分。研究表明水飛薊素能改善肝臟功能。由於大多數藥物都通過肝臟處理，使用某些藥物後服用奶薊對保護肝臟尤為重要。抗生素和止痛藥等可能產生對肝臟有害的副產物。服用抗生素療程或止痛藥後攝取水飛薊素有助肝臟清除這些毒素。水飛薊素甚至被認為能促進受損的肝細胞再生。

BOTANICALS FOR A WHOLE-FOODS CLEANSE

Your body is constantly clearing out toxins.  Unfortunately, your body can’t always keep up with the toxin load of the modern world.
“Your body naturally detoxifies itself though your lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin,” explains nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH. She recommends a whole-foods approach to cleansing.

Nourishing Habits
“A whole-foods cleanse is based on eating natural foods, eliminating artificial sweeteners and alcohol, and nourishing your body with fresh meals filled with flavor. Herbs and spices (like turmeric) add a lot of flavor with no sodium,” she notes. The main component of turmeric, called curcumin, aids digestion and helps with liver detoxification and cleansing.

You can simply support your body’s innate detoxification mechanisms on a daily basis. For example, choose organic foods since they have fewer toxins than conventionally grown foods, and drink plenty of water.

Supplemental Help
Another gentle way to support your body’s detoxification efforts is to consume “green foods,” such as spirulina or wheat grass. Green foods, aside from being rich in antioxidants, take some of the load off the liver, which is the body’s hardest-working detox organ.
The herb milk thistle is also well-regarded for bolstering liver function. In fact, this herb has a 2,000-year history of use as a liver supporter. A compound in milk thistle called silymarin is widely considered the active constituent. Research has shown silymarin to improve liver function. Milk thistle can be particularly helpful after using certain medications, since most medications are processed through the liver. Antibiotics and the pain reliever acetaminophen (Panadol) can create toxic byproducts in the liver. Taking milk thistle
after a course of antibiotics or while using acetaminophen can help clear those toxins from the liver. Silymarin has even been shown to regenerate injured liver cells. 

五種緩解關節炎疼痛的好方法 5 Ways to Ease Arthritis Pain

運動鍛煉、服用補充劑和草藥均有益處
關節炎通常會導致疼痛、腫脹和壓痛。病情惡化的話會導致骨骼兩端的軟骨組織被逐漸磨損而變得衰弱。然而透過運動和適當飲食可大大幫助緩解關節炎不適。

1 減肥消脂
這是緩和關節炎疼痛的第一步。肥胖和膝蓋骨關節炎存在直接關系，減肥可以減少關節所負壓力。事實上，每增加1磅體總將導致膝蓋所承受的壓力增加兩至到三磅。

2 保持活躍
一些安全的運動方式(例如每天練習騎單車或遊泳30分鐘)對關節炎患者大有裨益。輕量一點的運動例如散步、水中健身操、太極拳等也是不錯的選擇。保持活躍可以舒緩關節僵硬和舒緩疼痛。鍛煉後強壯的肌肉很適度降低關節摩擦。

3 攝取健康的脂肪
美國關節炎基金指出，飲食調節對於舒緩關節炎疼痛越益重要。奧米加-3脂肪酸對關節炎特別有益。身體將它們轉換為抗炎化合物。最近有研究證明補充磷蝦油能有效地緩解關節炎所致的疼痛和腫脹癥狀。亞麻籽油也有效舒緩有關炎癥。

4 雞蛋衣有益
蛋殼膜中含有的​​化合物對維持健康關節和結締組織非常重要。
在2009年發表的一項研究發現，每天服用500毫克雞蛋膜提取物能顯著降低關節疼痛和僵硬感。

5 嘗試一些草藥
兩種來自印度的草藥能有效減少慢性疼痛和炎癥：薑黃素是薑黃的活性化合物，乳香是一種樹所提取的藥用樹脂。最近一項研究發現薑黃素的效果如西藥消炎藥布洛芬一樣能有效緩解膝關節炎的疼痛。薑黃素也有效保護軟骨免受損害。乳香是一種有效的天然舒解疼痛劑和抗炎劑。

Supplements, herbs, and exercise can help
Arthritis  typically cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. The condition progresses and can become debilitating as cartilage that protects the ends of the bones gradually wears away. But exercise and dietary changes can significantly help alleviate discomfort.

1 Lose Weight
This is the first step toward easing arthritis pain. Being overweight is directly linked to osteoarthritis of the knee, which is the most common form of the disease.
Losing weight can also reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. In fact, each one-pound increase in weight translates to a two- to three-pound increase in the overall force on the knees.

2 Get Moving
Low-impact exercises such as cycling and swimming 30 minutes a day are great for arthritis patients. Walking, water aerobics, and tai chi are other good options. Staying active can keep joints from stiffening and help manage pain. And stronger muscles keep joints from rubbing against each another.

3 Eat Healthy Fats
The Arthritis Foundation says diet is increasingly seen as an antidote to arthritis pain. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be particularly beneficial. The body converts them to anti-inflammatory compounds. Krill oil supplements
have recently been shown to be effective in easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Flaxseed oil also combats inflammation.

4 Be an Egghead
Eggshell membrane contains compounds that are necessary for maintaining healthy joint and connective tissues.
A study published in 2009 found that taking 500 milligrams daily led to significant reductions in joint pain and inflexibility.

5 Try These Herbs
Two herbs from India appear to reduce chronic pain and inflammation: Curcumin is an active compound in the spice turmeric, and boswellia is a tree that emits a medicinal resin. Curcumin was shown to be at least as effective as ibuprofen at relieving knee osteoarthritis pain in a recent study. It also appears to protect cartilage from breakdown. Boswellia is an effective pain-reducer and anti-inflammatory agent.

胰臟癌胰腺酶酵素另類療法 Pancreatic Enzyme Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

胰臟癌是在胰臟生長的惡性腫瘤，有95％以上的癌細胞生長在胰腺細胞，故又稱胰腺癌。根據醫管局2006年統計資料顯示，胰臟癌患者人數為432人，當中七成以上為65歲以上病人。432名病人中，死亡有397人，死亡率高達90％。

切除手術和化療或許能為病人延長兩年壽命，但大多數情況癌細胞已經擴散 - 傳統醫生一般估計病人的存活期為三個月。

在美國，西醫尼古拉斯·岡薩雷斯（Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D.）對胰臟癌采用另類自然療法，涉及使用高劑量胰腺酶治療。尼古拉斯醫生在紐約市私人執業，專門治療末期胰臟癌病人。以下對話取自與他的訪談：

問：如何用胰腺酶治療癌癥？

答：研究表明，胰腺酶除了幫助消化，也有顯著的抗癌特性。使用高劑量些動物源性胰腺酶的效果有如化療，似乎能阻止腫瘤細胞分裂，使它們停止增長甚或死亡。但具體原理暫時還不清楚。

問：如何服用胰腺酶？

答：主要采用胰腺酶藥丸形式。實際服用量目取決於病人個別情況，但患者平均每日服用約60粒胰腺酶，以及大約100粒維他命、礦物質和其他營養補充劑，為期兩至三個星期，然後有5天休息期。

問：胰腺酶酵素療法能有效治療癌癥嗎？

答：我們還不能以胰腺酶酵素療法完全治愈病人，但已有一些令人鼓舞的研究結果。在一項研究中的11個病例，9個（81％）存活超過一年，5個（45％）存活率超過兩年，四人存活超過三年。這些結果遠高於典型胰腺癌患者平均25％一年存活率。目前正在進行更大規模的研究，期待更多證據證明成效。

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm originating from transformed cells arising in tissues forming the pancreas.

Surgery and chemotherapy may extend this lifespan by an additional two years, but in the most advanced cases - where the cancer has metastasized, or spread throughout the body - conventional doctors usually give patients about three months to live.

But not Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D. Using a controversial and little-understood therapy involving pancreatic enzymes, Dr. Gonzalez, in private practice in New York City, has given life to patients other doctors have given up for dead. Here are some of the questions extracted from the interview with him:

Q: How does enzyme therapy fight cancer?

A: Studies suggest that pancreatic enzymes, in addition to aiding in digestion, also have significant cancer-fighting properties. When taken in high doses, these animal-derived pancreatic enzymes, like chemotherapy, seem to stop tumor cells from dividing so that they cease growing or die. How this process specifically works is unclear.

Q: How are the enzymes administered?

A: The enzymes are taken by mouth in pill form. The exact number of pills taken depends on a patient's individual circumstances, but on average, patients receive about 60 enzyme pills per day, plus roughly 100 vitamin, mineral, and other nutritional supplements each day for two to three weeks. A five-day break from all pills follows.

Q: Is enzyme therapy a cure for cancer?

A: We can't yet call it a cure but we've had some encouraging study results. In a small pilot study of 11 patients, nine (81 percent) survived one year, five (45 percent) survived two years, and at this time, four have survived three years. These results are far above the 25 percent survival at one year typical of pancreatic cancer patients. Larger studies are being done to further test the effectiveness seen so far.

黑櫻桃(車厘子) Black Cherry

黑櫻桃也稱野櫻桃，是許多食品和飲料中常見的成分。

為什麼人們喜歡黑櫻桃？
櫻桃具有抗氧化性能。實驗研究發現抗氧化劑能保護細胞不受損害而導致疾病，包括預防動脈斑塊形成。

一項研究發現，飲用櫻桃汁的人較少遭受因運動引起的肌肉損傷。櫻桃汁對舒緩失眠也有幫助，效果能媲美另一天然寧神草藥纈草。

一些證據表明，黑櫻桃有助止咳。這是很多非處方咳嗽藥中的常見成分。


Black Cherry
Black cherries, also known as wild cherries, are common ingredients in many foods and drinks.

Why do people take black cherry?
Cherries may have antioxidant properties. In lab studies, antioxidants appear to protect cells from damage that leads to disease, including the formation of plaques in arteries.

One small study found that people who drank cherry juice suffered less muscle damage as a result of exercise.  Cherry juice blends may help with insomnia, possibly as well as valerian.

There’s some evidence that black cherry bark may work as a cough suppressant. It’s a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicines.

印度草藥有關於肝膽疾病的一些有用資料 Diseases of the liver and gall bladder

肝臟是Pitta屬性的器官，很多Pitta屬性的疾病（傳染病和炎癥）或癥狀都是源起於肝臟或與之相關。典型的肝臟疾病包括黃疸病及肝炎等，而與肝膽Pitta屬性過多相關的疾病包括潰瘍及胃酸過多等。Pitta屬性字面上意思就是膽汁。過多的膽汁分泌或膽汁流動受到擁塞都表明Pitta體質過剩。在印度草藥學理論裏一點很有趣的地方是它和中醫理論一樣認為，肝臟屬火，容易過熱而引起各種炎癥性疾病。肝臟中存在一種叫bhutagnis的微妙的酶素，這些有助將食物轉化為五種元素，供身體五個主要器官形成有用的組織。

此外，肝臟的Pitta屬性也與情緒控制有關。Pitta泛濫會引起負面情緒如煩躁、憤怒、嫉妒和野心過大;正面來說則有助增強勇氣、信心、熱情和意誌力。反過來說，這些情緒上的幹擾也可引起肝功能障礙。

肝的護理
很多草藥都對肝臟有益，能促進膽汁分泌、淨化血液、協助肝臟解毒和緩解Pitta屬性過多等。這些包括常見的西方草藥如龍膽草、伏牛花、蒲公英和毛茛等。

薑黃配合伏牛花能幫助清肝排毒和防止情緒不穩。加上雷公根的話，更有助平靜肝臟和頭腦，幫助對抗糖、脂肪和酒精等對肝臟的損害。蘆薈凝膠也是極好的補肝草本藥物，能清肝和修補受損細胞。

印度草藥中最具代表性的補肝草藥是苦葉下珠（Bhumyamalaki／Phyllanthus）。無論印度或西方的研究均顯示，苦葉下珠能作為一個非常重要的草本補肝成分，它對大多數肝臟相關疾病都有舒緩效果。甚至有研究指出苦葉下珠能針對治療乙型肝炎帶菌者，從而制止疾病傳播。

另外一些性質溫和的香料如香菜、小茴香、鬱金、香附、薄荷、檸檬和酸橙等都有助提高肝臟能量和改善食慾不暢或肝膽阻塞等情況。蒲公英、蕁麻、繁縷和紫草葉以及葉綠素等則有助清肝排毒。另外一些草藥則有助護肝和鎮靜情緒，例如如積雪草、黃芩、西番蓮、檀香和墨旱蓮等。


The liver is a Pitta organ and the site or origin of many Pitta(infectious and inflammatory) disorders. Most liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis are typical Pitta diseases. Such Pitta disorders as ulcers and hyperacidity have their origin in wrong function of the liver and gall bladder. Pitta literally means bile. Excessive bile production or congestion in the flow of bile usually indicates high Pitta. In ayurveda, the liver is the seat of fire and easily heats up, causing various inflammatory diseases. The subtle enzymes, the bhutagnis, are located in the liver. They transform digested food particles into the forms of the five elements needed to build up the tissue for the five sense organs in the body.

Moreover, the liver is the site of most Pitta emotions. Negative Pitta emotions are irritability, anger, jealousy and ambition; positive ones are courage, confidence, enthusiasm and will power. Disturbance in these emotions can cause liver dysfunction.

Care of liver

There are many good, generally bitter, herbs for promoting the flow of bile, cleansing the blood, detoxifying the liver and relieving high Pitta. These include common Western herbs like gentian, barberry, dandelion and goldenseal.

Turmeric and barberry in equal parts are very good for cleansing liver energy and preventing emotional stagnation. Adding gotu kola to them calms the liver and mind, and helps counter additions to sugar, fat and alcohol, which impair liver function. Aloe gel is an excellent liver tonic. It has both cleansing and building properties.

The most specific Ayurvedic herb for the liver is Bhumyamalaki(Phyllanthus). Modern clinical studies both in India and the West show that as a single herb it is effective in most liver disorders. So for it appears to be the only substance that can treat hepatitis B in carriers, thus arresting the spread of the disease.

Mild spices such as coriander, fennel, cumin, turmeric, cyperus, mint, lemon and lime help promote liver energy and improve appetite in conditions of sluggish or congested liver. They can be used as spices in cooking or taken as teas before or after meals. Many green herbs-dandelion, nettles, chickweed, and comfrey leaf- are good for cleansing the liver; chorophyll in general is good for this purpose. Cooling nervine herbs include gotu kola, skullcap, passion flower, sandalwood and bhringaraj.