Healthy by Nature radio show this week
Alfred Johnson, DO will be my guest for a listener favorite–we will take your calls and talk about what you want to know. Call the live show with questions at 800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Weed capsules anyone?
No, no, no. I’m not talking about the kind of weed that is popular in for example, Colorado. Last week’s email discussed milk thistle and its active constituent silibinin. Silibinin is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. Those are strong words, but here is a sample of the science:

Silibinin improves effectiveness of chemotherapy medication on cancer cells that are otherwise resistant to the chemo effects. LINK. It shows promise for helping to control the spread of bladder cancer. LINK. Along with another powerful herb, curcumin (contained in the spice turmeric), milk thistle is being investigated for help with breast cancer and an important measure of aging, telomerase. LINK. Will it help with other cancers? We’ll know after researchers ask that question, but I’d predict “yes”.

As I had said earlier, I was familiar with milk thistle mainly for liver protection. Here is a study on that showing protection from a variety of toxins including acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). LINK. There is also evidence for it helping non- alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes). LINK.

Silibinin also seems to be antiviral with benefit for Hepatitis B (LINK) and influenza (LINK).
And finally (because we’d both wear out if I kept researching and listing different benefits), there is the potential of help with osteoporosis. LINK

Suzy Cohen, frequent guest and author of Drug Muggers cautioned to be aware that milk thistle acts as a mild estrogen. (That can be a benefit if you want to block cells’ access to excess strong estrogen as would be the case if heading off prostate and breast cancer.)

This is all under the heading of “emerging science”.  Most of these studies are on cell cultures or animals and cannot yet be considered in any way “proven”. However, it is typical of natural treatments to deliver these types of effects and with fringe benefits rather than side effects.

I always like to give you some practical application for the data in these emails (and on the radio). In this case, I suggest you look for milk thistle products that contain a very high percentage of silibinin fractions, preferably in a complex with the related flavonoids. Since we select our sponsors for their high quality standards, I’m happy to recommend them. Jarrow Formula’s Milk Thistle is an 80% concentrate (about as good as it gets). They also offer a combination with curcumin and other antioxidants and one specifically for the liver.

Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives. Dennis Goodman, MD is the author of an important book, Magnificent Magnesium: Your Essential Key to a Healthy Heart & More. We talked about how the inexpensive mineral magnesium can help with blood pressure, cramping of all kinds, sleeplessness, osteoporosis and much more. He cited the Nurses Health Study that showed dramatic reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death with higher blood levels of magnesium. LINK. I like these products by Doctor’s Best: High Absorption 100% Chelated Magnesium and Best Brain Magnesium. I take the former in the morning and Brain mag at night. When I asked Dr. Goodman for the name of an organization of doctors who practice like he does, he suggested this one: American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine (ABIHM). I told the story of a woman I met whose life was basically saved by B12. I recommend the micro-lingual No-Shot tabs by Superior Source. Click here for their offer of a FREE 60-day supply.

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MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN