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Soothing Allergies with Sulfur

2012-05-14T09:56:27Z

A chemical element found naturally in foods like garlic and onions, sulfur shows promise in the treatment of arthritis. For instance, studies indicate that taking supplements that contain methylsulfonylmethane (or MSM, a form of sulfur) may offer relief of osteoarthritis of the knee. Found to fight inflammation, MSM may help lessen osteoarthritis-related pain .

There's also some evidence that soaking in sulfur-rich waters may benefit people with osteoarthritis. In a 2007 study from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, investigators determined that balneotherapy (a therapeutic form of bathing that often involves sulfur-rich waters) may tame pain and improve quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.

For more help in treating arthritis, consider taking supplements that contain avocado/soybean unsaponifiables or glucosamine. In addition, practicing yoga, taking up tai chi, and/or undergoing acupuncture may help alleviate arthritis pain and enhance functioning. Read the article: Sulfur - What You Need to Know.

Soothing Allergies with Sulfur originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, May 14th, 2012 at 09:56:27.

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Rutin for Better Health?

2012-05-13T20:11:58Z

A substance found naturally in a number of foods and widely available in supplement form, rutin is said to treat varicose veins and protect against major health issues like heart disease and stroke. Many proponents claim that rutin can help enhance health by strengthening the blood vessels.

To date, very few clinical trials have tested the potential health benefits of rutin. However, there's some evidence that rutin may fight chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart) and, in turn, help treat varicose veins. In addition, preliminary research indicates that rutin shows promise in the relief of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

An antioxidant known as quercetin is sometimes said to be responsible for rutin's health effects. To boost your quercetin intake in the everyday, try loading up on quercetin-rich foods like black tea, citrus, red onions, and apples. Read the article: Rutin - What You Need to Know.

Rutin for Better Health? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Sunday, May 13th, 2012 at 20:11:58.

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Can Ivy Gourd Control Diabetes?

2012-05-10T09:52:09Z

A type of tropical plant long used in herbal medicine, ivy gourd is often touted as a natural remedy for diabetes. Many proponents suggest that ivy gourd can help treat diabetes by protecting against spikes in blood sugar (also known as "glucose").

So far, there's very little scientific support for the claim that ivy gourd can help manage diabetes. Still, a number of small studies (including a 2008 report published in Diabetes Care) indicate that ivy gourd may help regulate glucose levels in diabetes patients.

Several other natural substances and alternative therapies may help enhance health in people with diabetes. For instance, some research shows that sipping tea, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, and practicing yoga may be beneficial for diabetes patients. Before using any form of alternative medicine to manage diabetes, talk to your doctor to make sure the treatment is safe for you. Read the article: Ivy Gourd - What You Need to Know.

Can Ivy Gourd Control Diabetes? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 09:52:09.

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Galphimia for Natural Allergy Relief?

2012-05-08T11:55:39Z

With spring in full swing, many allergy sufferers are seeking relief from the runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and sniffling that typically accompany hay fever. One lesser-known remedy sometimes recommended for allergy relief is galphimia, an herb native to Mexico and Central America. Although research on galphimia is limited, several small studies suggest that galphimia may help reduce allergy-related itching and watering of the eyes.

For more science-backed allergy remedies, consider herbs like butterbur and nettles. There also some evidence that increasing your intake of quercetin (an antioxidant found naturally in black tea, apples, and red onions) can help keep seasonal allergy symptoms in check. In addition, an alternative technique known as nasal irrigation may help clear up allergy-related congestion and help you breathe more easily. Read the article: Galphimia - What You Need to Know.

Galphimia for Natural Allergy Relief? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 11:55:39.

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Trigger Point Therapy for Back Pain

2012-04-25T09:59:51Z

More than 26 American adults frequently experience low back pain, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. To find relief, many people turn to trigger point therapy. Practiced by many types of healthcare providers (including medical doctors, osteopaths, and massage therapists), trigger point therapy involves detecting and releasing trigger points (spots in the skeletal muscle that produce pain when compressed).

Although research on the use of trigger point therapy in treatment of back pain is fairly limited, several studies show that combining trigger point therapy with other healing approaches may help alleviate chronic low back pain. For more help in treating chronic backaches, consider alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. There's also some evidence that taking up a regular yoga practice may benefit your back. Read the article: Trigger Point Therapy for Back Pain

Trigger Point Therapy for Back Pain originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at 09:59:51.

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Vanadium: A Natural Treatment for Diabetes?

2012-04-24T09:53:24Z

In a number of laboratory studies, researchers have found that vanadium may help keep blood sugar in check--and possibly aid in diabetes control. But while vanadium is often touted as a natural treatment for diabetes, very few clinical trials have looked at whether taking vanadium supplements can help manage diabetes.

A trace metal found in some foods (including dill seeds and black pepper), vanadium is thought to play a role in certain biological functions (such as bone growth). However, scientists have yet to determine whether vanadium should be considered an essential nutrient.

Studies suggest that several other natural remedies (including ginseng and cinnamon) show promise for control of diabetes. In addition, there's some evidence that drinking black tea on a regular basis and maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D may be beneficial to people with diabetes. Read the article: Vanadium - What You Need to Know

Vanadium: A Natural Treatment for Diabetes? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at 09:53:24.

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Strontium for Osteoporosis Prevention?

2012-04-18T09:56:57Z

As many as half of all women older than 50 will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis, an age-related disease marked by the breakdown of bone tissue. One natural remedy often touted for osteoporosis prevention and treatment is strontium, a chemical element found in seawater and sold in supplement form.

In laboratory research, scientists have shown that strontium may help promote the growth of bone-forming cells. What's more, some studies have found that strontium ranelate (a form of strontium registered as a prescription drug in many countries) may help boost bone density (as well as reduce fractures in people with osteoporosis). However, since research on the health effects of strontium is somewhat limited, it's important to seek medical advice before using any form of strontium to preserve your bone health.

To keep your bones strong and reduce your osteoporosis risk, make sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D, perform weight-bearing exercise (such as walking, weight-training, and stair-climbing) on a regular basis, avoid smoking, and limit your intake of alcohol. Read the article: Strontium - What You Need to Know.

Strontium for Osteoporosis Prevention? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at 09:56:57.

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Fighting Alzheimer's Disease with Huperzine A

2012-04-16T16:55:20Z

Sourced from Chinese club moss, huperzine A is sometimes touted as a natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Available in tea and supplement form, huperzine A has been found to fight the buildup of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease) in several laboratory studies.

But while preliminary research suggests that huperzine A shows promise for Alzheimer's treatment, clinical trials on huperzine A are somewhat lacking. What's more, a study published last year in the journal Neurology found that 16 weeks of treatment with huperzine A failed to improve cognitive function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

To reduce your Alzheimer's risk, it's important to follow a diet high in antioxidant-rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise on a regular basis, and keep mentally and socially active as you age. Some studies show that increasing your intake of curcumin (a compound found in the curry spice turmeric) may also protect against Alzheimer's disease. Read the article: Huperzine A - What You Need to Know.

Fighting Alzheimer's Disease with Huperzine A originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Monday, April 16th, 2012 at 16:55:20.

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Greater Celandine for Cancer Defense

2012-04-12T09:25:17Z

Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, greater celandine is a type of herb often touted as a natural treatment for cancer. Said to boost the immune system, greater celandine is also purported to fight health problems ranging from asthma to atherosclerosis.

In laboratory studies, scientists have demonstrated that greater celandine may help induce apoptosis (a type of programmed cell death involved in stopping the spread of cancer cells). However, there is currently a lack of high-quality clinical trials testing the effectiveness of greater celandine against any type of cancer.

Although no type of natural remedy or supplement is known to prevent cancer, there's some evidence that sipping green tea on a regular basis, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D, and increasing your intake of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may offer some protection against cancer....Read the article: Greater Celandine - What You Need to Know.

Greater Celandine for Cancer Defense originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 09:25:17.

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Beta-Sitosterol for Better Prostate Health?

2012-04-10T09:43:21Z

Found naturally in foods like flaxseed and soy, beta-sitosterol is often touted as a natural remedy for prostate troubles. Indeed, some studies suggest that beta-sitosterol may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A common condition also known as "enlarged prostate," BPH tends to trigger symptoms like pain during urination and a frequent need to urinate.

While beta-sitosterol is also purported to prevent prostate cancer, there's currently a lack of scientific support for the claim that beta-sitosterol supplements can keep you prostate-cancer-free. However, preliminary research indicates that beta-sitosterol shows promise for protection against other forms of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer).

To increase your defense against prostate cancer, make sure to follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit your alcohol intake, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. There's some evidence that sipping green tea, loading up on lycopene, and maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D may also aid in prostate cancer prevention....Read the article: Beta-Sitosterol - What You Need to Know

Beta-Sitosterol for Better Prostate Health? originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012 at 09:43:21.

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