Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Alfred Johnson, DO will explain thermography. (I use this imaging method as an alternative to mammograms because it involves no radiation.) We’ll also talk about hyperbaric oxygen. (I’ve heard some pretty remarkable stories about using this technology to help people recover from the effects of strokes.) Then Parris Kidd, PhD, enlightens us on the benefits of SAMe for brain, joints, liver and much more. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide. Call with questions at 1-800-281-8255.

Natural HealthFest 2012, our 3rd annual event, is shaping up to be quite travel-worthy. (We have some good hotel deals and Dallas is extra nice in the spring!) Check out this impressive selection of speakers. LINK. And there are more than 79 exhibit booths showcasing professionals, services, foods and products. The box office may open Friday if Jim has time. LINK. You are the first to know these details. More surprises to come. (I’m very excited already!)

New Year’s Resolution #8

We’ve been discussing that survey of popular promises we make to ourselves at the beginning of each year. In it the surveyors listed as #8  “Learn something new.” (I’m not sure who they talked to. Most people I know list “Lose Weight” for all the numbers 1 thru 8. But okay, for the sake of this newsletter, let’s say that lots of folks do want to learn something new.) Health begins in the digestive tract, so, may I humbly suggest that you learn more about how yours works. (My book discusses all that, not just about heartburn.) And/or you could learn to prepare meals that are nourishing and delicious but don’t feed harmful intestinal yeast. Doug Kaufmann’s book is a great place to start. LINK. Whatever you want to learn (speaking Chinese would come in handy) it will be easier if your brain is working optimally. Here is some new information that might help:
 
* Fruits, vegetables and nuts have been shown to slow brain aging and improve function.   LINK.

* Walnuts, because of their high content of omega-3 fats, have been shown to make at least rats smarter. LINK.
 
* As for a supplement, it is hard to beat the almost immediately noticeable effects of Memory Works. LINK

“You know what’s a “Stroke of Genius”? Preventing strokes!
Strokes and related vascular events are listed as the #4 cause of death in the US. (However, if you combine data from medical journals documenting medication side effects, hospital infections and medical errors, that total would be the #1 cause of death. Strokes would become #5 but obviously still a big problem.)

Food to reduce the risk of stroke. Speaking of fruits and vegetables not only do they make you smarter, it would be difficult to find a single condition that is not improved by the consumption of them. (Well, duh. They are not only loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals but also antioxidant phytonutrients. They have been the major part of human nutrition throughout history. Just in the last few decades did we apparently decide that Oreos and Dr. Pepper should be staples instead.) Scientists are now looking at the subject in more depth.
One recent study of 20,069 subjects followed for 10+ years determined that higher consumption of RAW fruits and vegetables conferred a 30% reduction in the risk of strokes. The researchers also noted “No association was found between processed fruit and vegetable consumption and incident stroke.” LINK

White fruits and vegetables protective? It is standard nutrition advice to “avoid white foods”. Of course, they aren’t talking about cauliflower but rather white flour, white sugar, shortening, salt, etc. Another analysis of the same data in the study above, caught my eye.  It showed that the fruits and vegetables with the greatest effect for preventing strokes were the white ones. What fruit is white you say? (That was my first reaction.) Oh. They were talking about what is on the inside under the peel. Apparently apples and pears were the stars. LINK So, besides snacking on them, maybe we should great creative and add apples and pears to our salads and smoothies and…and…

If you can, always buy organic. On this page of my website I have resources showing the importance and which foods are most critical to buy as organic.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.
My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

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 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN