Healthy by Nature radio show this week: I will ask Dr. Brian Nimphius to explain why he is so excited about a micro-current device that he uses it for nearly every patient. By the way, he is giving a free workshop on Saturday. Details. Dr. Nimphius is not only a well-respected chiropractor but also a fellow radio host (LINK). This should be fun. Then, Judy Gray, MS will explain why oregano oil is so powerful that it inspired her to start the North American Herb and Spice company. Call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
Grandma was right again
Granny told us that fish was brain food. I don’t know how she knew that except from observations passed from one generation to the next. It appears that what makes fish good for our brains is mostly the fat it contains. Unfortunately, fat in general has been vilified for decades–mostly because it contains more calories than protein or carbohydrate. That over-generalization caused us to avoid the essential good fats as well as those that were not so good.

[Please hang in there with me a minute, I’ll translate what comes next.] A recent study showed that “higher plasma EPA, but not DHA, was associated with lower gray matter atrophy of the right hippocampal/parahippocampal area and of the right amygdala.”  For those who don’t speak Latin regularly, in English that means that subjects whose blood levels of EPA (a beneficial component of fish oil) were higher, lost less brain matter in important parts of the brain associated with memory over a 4-year period.  They also suffered less with depression. The Hippocampus turns short term memories into long term memories.  The amygdala also processes memories and damage to it is involved in symptoms of depression. LINK

It is certainly wonderful to know another food / supplement that helps avoid the brain rot that is Alzheimer’s. One surprising aspect of this study is that EPA was the hero this time rather than the other beneficial fish oil component DHA which is usually associated with brain development. This is further evidence that we should be getting tested periodically to make sure our blood levels of EPA are in the good range. Check at this link for a deal on testing you can do at home. LINK
 
Oops…
Another study showed that low-dose supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids cut incidence of major cardiovascular events in half. However, the study also revealed that those persons taking statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs (Lipitor, Crestor and Mevacor are examples) did not receive this benefit. The statins apparently interferes with the omega-3. LINK

  Although the focus in this study was on cardiovascular disease, we have to wonder if the statin drugs might not also interfere with omega-3’s protection of the brain. In her book Is Your Cardiologist Killing You?, Sherry Rogers, MD discusses additional ways the statins hurt the brain and create side effects elsewhere in the body. Thankfully she also covers natural solutions to cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardio issues.

By the way, there is another reason I used the term “fathead”. The healthy brain is naturally rich in the most maligned fat of all, cholesterol!
 
Last Week
LINK to Archive. This was one of those shows I lover wherein a famous doctor just answers your questions. Dr. Constantine Kotsanis discussed How Oxygen and pH Affect Your Health and Athletic Performance, but also listeners called in on other topics.

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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