New study: Cannabis reduces diabetic neuropathy pain

(NaturalHealth365) About half of the 29 million-plus Americans with diabetes suffer diabetic neuropathy, with 15 percent significantly bothered by the pain. While conventional anti-inflammatory drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating the condition, which most often affects the feet, many patients have deemed these drugs ineffective.  That’s why there is a growing interest in the use of cannabis.

Great news: A study out of California finds that diabetics suffering from the pain of diabetic neuropathy could get much-needed relief naturally with cannabis, often described asmedical marijuana. Researchers there found that inhaling cannabis provides relief for hours to patients suffering from this serious complication of the disease.

Nerve damage can bring serious, even fatal, complications

Over 9 percent of the U.S. population lives with the effects of diabetes, and it ranks as the 7th leading cause of death in the country. Chronic high blood sugar can damage nerve fibers throughout your body, although diabetic neuropathy is most often noticed in the lower extremities.

Some patient may suffer only mild symptoms, while others endure more serious pain. In its most severe of cases, diabetic neuropathy can be disabling and even fatal.

Patients experience relief without the toxic effects of conventional treatments

But a recent randomized study from the University of California at San Diego brings new hope for the control of pain – at least for those living in areas that allow the use of medical marijuana. Researchers there found that allowing patients to inhale cannabis was effective in reducing diabetic neuropathy pain for up to several hours. According to Mark Steven Wallace, M.D., chair of the University’s Division of Pain Management and lead author of the study, the more concentrated the dose, the more relief people experienced.

Results of the study were published in the July issue of the Journal of Pain. Sixteen patients reporting pain in their feet due to diabetes-related nerve damage took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to inhale one of three dosage levels of cannabis via vaporization, which is achieved by heating the leaf to a certain point that allows the release of active ingredients without sending the leaf up in smoke.

Cannabis study reveals the healing power of herbal medicine

Some of the 16 participants instead received a placebo. After a two week-break, they crossed over to a different dosage and repeated the test. Vaporization was of interest because it allows the effects of cannabis to peak sooner while preventing hazardous carbon monoxide associated with burning the leaves.

While the patients did experience a high, which varied in intensity based on the dosage received, they also reported effective pain relief. They not only indicated that theirspontaneous pain was reduced, but they were less bothered by stimuli applied to the more painful areas of their feet.

Study subjects reported that the pain relief lasted approximately four hours. Those receiving a placebo instead experienced pain intensity higher than any of the treatment groups throughout the study. Among the test subjects, those receiving the highest dose reported the most effective management of their pain.

About half of all states, plus Washington D.C., currently allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes, although laws vary considerably from state to state. There are significant legal differences between the legalities of medical cannabis at the state level versus the federal level, where it remains classified as a federally controlled substance due to implementation of the Controlled Substances Act.

However, federal resources are no longer targeting patients with serious illnesses nor their caregivers, as long s they comply with state laws. Advocacy groups for medical marijuana continue to push for FDA approval of cannabis as a recognized medicine.

References:

http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-11/cannabis-ameliorates-diabetic-neuropathy-pain

http://americanpainsociety.org/about-us/press-room/inhaled-cannabis-shown-effective-for-diabetic-neuropathy-pain

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/cannabis-diabetic-neuropathy-1811.html

Read More

Fat cells triggered by new chemical in food packaging

(NaturalHealth365) There has already beencontroversy over chemicals used in the packaging of many foods. The health dangers of bisphenol A, or BPA, have caused consumers to look for “BPA-free” products just to be safe. Bisphenol A is a known endocrine disruptor that can cause the growth of fat cells.

The top source of human exposure to bisphenol A has been through eating and drinking food and beverages that come into contact with these plastics or coatings.

Look at what’s leaking into our meals

Bisphenol A has been used in polycarbonate plastics since the 1960s. This has included many packages for foods and drinks. It is also used in epoxy resins in the inner coatings of metal products like food cans and water supply pipes.

Unfortunately, a new chemical now used in these products – bisphenol S – is showing similar health hazards. One of the most alarming dangers is its association with triggering the formation of fat cells in the human body.

This strongly suggests that it is an endocrine disruptor, just like bisphenol A, meaning it could interfere with naturally occurring hormones in the body and cause a range of adverse effects.

Triggering fat cells, high blood pressure and infertility

A 2014 study in Medical News Today showed BPA exposure from the insides of bottles and cans is linked with increased blood pressure. Bisphenol A has also been associated withinfertility in women. Some manufacturers started using bisphenol S as a BPA replacement so that they could label their products BPA-free.

Unfortunately, the substitute chemical bisphenol S is showing signs that it could be harmful as well. One recent study indicates that it seems to disrupt the reproductive system by speeding up embryonic development. This means in effect that one endocrine disruptor has been replaced by another.

Any amount of BPA can lead to fat accumulation and growth

This most recent study confirming the dangers of bisphenol S studied its effects on human cells. Researchers looked at preadipocytes taken from female volunteers; these undifferentiated cells can become fat cells in certain conditions.

The cells were exposed to BPS and another fat cell triggering chemical called dexamethasone for 14 days. The results showed that BPS exposure triggered the formation of fat cells at all levels, with higher concentrations doing the worst damage. However, even a small amount of BPA exposure was found to become an endocrine disruptor.

Fresh and organic food always beats processed and packaged junk

The body requires balance, and even moderate changes can disrupt hormone levels and lead to harmful effects to the heart rate, metabolism and respiration. Bisphenol chemicals have now been linked with the growth of fat cells and the potential for weight gain.

These findings about the chemicals in plastic packaging serve as even more of a motivation to favor fresh, organic foods versus packaged or canned. Food companies who use these packaging processes should be boycotted until they make healthy changes.

References:

http://press.endocrine.org/doi/10.1210/en.2015-1872

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian_Thomas6/publication/11300069_Three-generation_reproductive_toxicity_study_of_dietary_bisphenol_A_in_CD_Sprague-Dawley_rats/links/0c9605203da9d646a2000000.pdf

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308223.php

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160322133814.htm

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/tes-bsc031716.php

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/fat-cells-bisphenol-a-1810.html

Read More

Liver toxicity: Natural remedies revealed

about by nutritional deficiencies along with too many harmful substances trapped in the body – causing liver toxicity, digestive problems plus many other dangerous health conditions.

Note: A toxic body gets exhausted and simply cannot absorb much-needed nutrients effectively.  But, Dr. Ellen Jensen wants you to know that you can overcome these health problems – without the need for drugs – by starting a natural protocol to detoxify the liver that strengthen the immune system without the dangerous side effects of typical medications.

Discover natural ways to detoxify the liver.  On the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour, Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Ellen Jensen will discuss the symptoms of liver toxicity plus, reveal the many ways to naturally removed unwanted toxins from the body.  Join us for a show filled with surprising facts about your health and come away with practical, life-altering techniques to reduce the risk of disease.

What should you do about liver toxicity?

The early warning signs of a toxic liver are varied and broad. They can include muscle and joint pain; a pessimistic or angry mood; excessive sweating; hormonal imbalances; migraine headaches; chronic fatigue and any number of other life-threatening conditions, including ‘unexplainable’ weight gain.

Fortunately, there are highly-effective, natural ways to cleanse and repair the liver, as well as the gall bladder.  But, keep in mind, it is equally important to change lifestyle habits (as soon as possible) to help remove the source of any toxins that may be damaging the body.

Avoid processed foods, stop buying chemically-laced personal care products and join us for the next NaturalHealth365 Talk Hour with Jonathan Landsman and Dr. Ellen Jensen, natural health expert, author and nutritional consultant. Discover the signs of liver toxicity and learn about some effective, natural ways to detoxify the liver without drugs.

5 toxins that put your liver under too much stress

There are a number of toxins that can put a strain on your liver and may, over time, lead to permanent damage. Some toxins may never cause serious health problems – depending on your level of exposure, genetic factors and personal health history.  But, other toxins can be so damaging to your liver and other organs – they should be avoided at all costs – especially if sensitive to these substances.

1. Alcohol. When alcohol reaches the liver, it produces a toxic enzyme which can damage liver cells, often causing permanent scarring. This enzyme can also cause harm to your brain and stomach lining. Drinking more than your liver can handle can also result in fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis – to name a few unwanted side effects.

2. Prescription medications. Because the liver plays a crucial role in processing pharmaceuticals, it is also exposed to the huge number of toxins that these medications carry.  Best advice is to do everything you can to eliminate the need for toxic drugs by eating organic food, reducing stress in your life and taking high-quality nutritional supplements as needed.

3. Over-the-counter drugs. It isn’t just prescription drugs that can take a toll on your liver. Commonly used non-prescription medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very toxic, particularly if they are taken in large amounts.  Look for safer remedies to eliminate unwanted health issues like headaches or muscle aches.

4. Environmental pollutants.  In reality, we are exposed to a number of harmful chemicals – throughout the day.  Outdoor air pollutants include automotive exhaust, lawn chemicals and other often-unavoidable impurities from the ever-growing threat of chemtrails.  But, even indoor air can be quite toxic thanks to household cleaners, air fresheners and an excessive amount of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from wireless devices and routers.

5. Industrial chemicals. Your occupation could also be impacting your liver health.  Chemicals, such as the dry cleaning solvent carbon tetrachloride, a substance used to make plastics called vinyl chloride, the herbicide paraquat and a whole host of industrial chemicals called polychlorinated biphenyls.  If your job is making you sick, consider making a change as soon as possible.

source:http://www.naturalhealth365.com/detoxify-liver-toxicity-1807.html

Read More

Five super foods for healthy hair!

Eggs

Eggs are good for hair as it contains high quality protein which is excellent for hair growth and hair strength. They are also rich in biotin, a B vitamin essential for hair growth and overall scalp health.

Salmon

Salmon contains rich amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B-12 and iron which is required for healthy shiny hair.

Beans

Beans are good for hair as it contains silica which is an important nutrient for hair and also prevents hair loss.

Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.

Green vegetables

Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are good for hair as they are excellent sources of vitamin A and C that help produce sebum in the scalp which works as a natural hair conditioner.

Read More