Study: Iron deficiencies linked to mother-child bond

Author: chakefaye
Iron deficiency has always been looked to as an adverse contributor to mothers and children during pregnancy. Low iron levels have been linked to pre-term delivery, low birth weight and increased maternal mortality.

In a recent nine-month long study of iron deficiency conducted by Dr. Laura Murray-Kolb of John Hopkins University, it has been revealed that low iron levels can potentially affect a mother’s ability to bond with her children after birth. In North America, it’s believed that at least 53% of new mothers are deficient in iron, as stated by the World Health Organization.

Dr. Murray-Kolb was able to observe a link between iron deficiency and mother to child interactions. As the population of mothers become younger there is a greater possibility that many of these young women are at risk for this type of disassociate behavior when caring for their children.

In the study half of the iron-deficient mothers received iron supplements and the other half did not. Her studies found that those given iron supplements were more emotionally available for their children more quickly than those who had not been given the supplements. The iron-deficient women were less interested in their children and were less sensitive to their baby’s cues. These mothers also appeared bored or distance more frequently than other mothers.

This iron deficiency not only affected the mothers, but the children as well. These children were often less responsive and less involved with their mothers. When physically moving away from the mother, the child was often less dependent on her for reassurance:

Our new results suggest that the effects of mild iron deficiency – which are easily correctable with supplements can disrupt the solid foundation that is established by healthy mother/infant interactions.

The importance of taking iron supplements is always important but significantly elevates during pregnancy. Iron supplements and supplements containing iron will help to foster a healthy bond and relationship between mother and child and will also decrease risk of infant preterm delivery, low birth weight and maternal mortality.

A Link Between Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene and the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

by Shaina Fimbel

Ulm, Germany—A new study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that vitamin-C and beta-carotene may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).  Researchers from the University of Ulm, including Epidemiologist Gabriele Nagel and Neurologist Christine von Arnim, analyzed the blood levels of the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10 in elderly individuals.  It was found that participants with mild dementia had lower levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene in their blood.

 

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, or an illness that affects memory loss and cognitive skills due to the disruption of nerve cells in the brain.  It is thought that oxidative stress may be a possible cause of this disease, and therefore varying levels of antioxidants may help with preventing the onset of AD.

 

In this study, 74 patients with mild AD and 158 healthy individuals were examined in the “Activity and Function in the Elderly in Ulm” study. The healthy control patients were of the same ages and genders as those with AD, and the average age was 78.9 years.  All participants were asked questions about their lifestyles, faced neuropsychological testing, and had blood analyzed.  The results of this study showed that participants with AD had lower concentrations of vitamin C and beta-carotene in their blood, but all other antioxidants level were the same as the control group. 

 

The researchers took into account variables such as school education, intake of dietary supplements, smoking habits, body mass index and alcohol consumption, but were not able to consider the effects of food storage and preparation and the everyday stress in the lives of the individuals.  More longitudinal studies still need to be performed to confirm any link between vitamin C and beta-carotene and the prevention of AD.

 

 

The Art of Oils

by Shaina Fimbel

What Is Aromatherapy?

 

Human beings have lived symbiotically with plants since the beginning of time, incorporating them into their daily lifestyles through food, medicine, and ritual.  Aromatherapy, defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), is “the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind and spirit”. This art of oils can be traced back as far as 2800BC, when Egyptians commonly used the sap myrrh from trees, and pharaohs were buried with urns containing aromatic resins (1).  Today it is still common to use solely the oils of plants in attempt to naturally restore and enhance the health of the body.

 

What Are Essential Oils?

 

Essential oils, the main ingredients used in aromatherapy, are the highly concentrated aromatic extracts that are distilled from plant materials (1).  Distillation of these oils occurs either through steam or expression.  In steam distillation, the plant matter is steamed until it is broken down to its fragrant oils.  These oils are then cooled, separated from the water and filtered.  In expression, the oil is simply pressed out of the plant. In either method, one is left with a highly concentrated essential oil (2).

 

There are several ways to use essential oils on and around the body.  The safest and most common use of essential oils is massaging them over a local area or the entire body.  Because the oils are so highly concentrated they must first be diluted in a carrier oil, or the fatty acid portion of the plant.  Common carrier oils are derived from olives, avocados, rapeseeds and almonds (1).  Body oils are commonly made into a 2% dilution, or 10 to 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil, before they are applied (3). 

 

Oils can also be used through inhalation, which can produce psychological and physical results.  The olfactory, or smelling, senses can link with the rest of the body, causing certain regions to either be stimulated or sedated.  The aromatics also physically come in contact with mucous membrane inside the nose and lungs, which allows it to quickly travel through the body’s bloodstream.  When using this method, three to five drops can be placed in a bowl of hot water or into a tissue and inhaled (1).  Oils can also easily be utilized by placing three to 10 drops in a bathtub before bathing (3).  Lastly, only under the recommendation of a physician, oils are rarely prescribed for ingestion to aide with severe gastrointestinal or respiratory issues (1). 

 

It is important to properly store essential oils, especially because some of the carrier oils can become rancid.  Oils are best kept in a cool place (40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) with the lid secured tightly to prevent oxygen from mixing with and degrading the oils.  When correctly stored, oils can last from six months to two years (1).

 

 

Top 10 Essential Oils

 

According to the NAHA and “Aromatherapy” authors Kathi Keville and Mindy Green, the following oils are the 10 most common essential oils, and the ways in which they support a healthy body (1 and 3).

·         Bergamot: healthy mood and inflammation

·         Chamomile: healthy mood and inflammation, antiallergenic, digestive and relaxant

·         Cypress: astringent, circulatory tonic, antiseptic

·         Eucalyptus: respiratory issues, antibacterial and benefits immunity

·         Geranium: balancing hormones, antifungal and healthy inflammation

·         Lavender: antibacterial, benefits immunity, healthy mood and inflammation

·         Marjoram: antispasmodic, healthy inflammation and antiseptic

·         Peppermint: digestive, decongestant

·         Rosemary: relieves pain and muscle aches, decongestant, circulatory tonic, mental and immune system stimulant

·         Tea Tree: antifungal, antiyeast, antibacterial

 

Safety and Precautions

 

While aromatherapy uses natural oils from plants, there are still some potential dangers that surround this practice.  Because essential oils are very highly concentrated, the key to aromatherapy is that “less is more.”  Using more of an oil will not increase any benefits, and may actually cause adverse effects such as irritation or burning of the skin.  Pregnant women should ask their physician before starting aromatherapy and avoid hyssop oil.  This practice is also not advised for people with asthma, and lower dilutions are recommended for young children and the elderly.  Most importantly, one should always read the label before using any product (3).

 

 

 

 

References:

1. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. <http://www.naha.org/index.html>

2. Aromatherapy.com. 2010. <http://www.aromatherapy.com>

3. Keville, Kathi and Mindy Green. Aromatherapy a Complete Guide to the Healing Art. Berkeley: Crossing Press, 2009.

During Hard Times, Supplement Sales Are Still Growing

by Shaina Fimbel

Rockville, MD—While many Americans have been cutting back their spending during the recession, nutritional supplements are one area that has not been affected.  In fact, according to the report released by Packaged Facts, Nutritional Supplements in the U.S., supplement sales increased 7% to $11.5 billion in 2012, and are projected to reach $15.5 billion by 2017.

 

But why is there an increase in supplement sales?  With money short, many Americans have viewed nutritional supplements as a more economical alternative to doctor visits and prescription medications.  However, with the economy back on the rise, supplement companies are going to have to work hard to keep their products as an essential item in the consumer’s health routine.  Their main focus needs to be on trendy ingredients that are heavily backed by science.

 

Supplement marketers also need to focus on prime demographics, such as the 65 and above age group and growing Baby Boomer population.  Other populations to focus on include younger aged groups, because while their usage rates have declined, they are still the future of nutritional supplements.  Also, although the growing Hispanic population is using supplements at a below average rate, usage is gradually still increasing. 

 

Scientific evidence is increasingly important as healthcare professionals are recommending condition-specific supplements.  There has been a rise in popularity for items focusing on age-related issues such as joint, brain, heart health and beauty.  Conversely, children’s supplements have also been prevalent in the industry.

 

Overall, it can not be stressed enough that the science behind the ingredients is what is going to be key in keeping supplements in the eyes of the consumers in our expanding economy.

The Helpful Yellow Spice

by Shaina Fimbel

Click here to read more about Curcumin Extreme!

What is Curcumin?

Turmeric is a widely known kitchen staple that is used in foods ranging from curry to ballpark mustard. Turmeric is derived from the rhizomes, or underground stems, of the Curcuma longa plant. Found within turmeric are powerful curcuminoids, which are fat-soluble polyphenolic pigments that give this spice its vibrant yellow color. Curcumin is the most prevalent curcuminoid found in turmeric, and has recently gained popularity in supplement form for its health benefits such as acting as an antioxidant and fighting inflammation (1).

Curcumin and Absorption

Before you begin adding turmeric to every recipe, it is important to understand the issue of curcumin’s bioavailability. Bioavailability measures how well a substance is absorbed in the body. When your run-of-the-mill curcumin was administered orally to patients, it was found that much of the curcumin was metabolized by the body or accumulated in the gastrointestinal tissues. The metabolites that were found in the blood plasma and serum are thought to have different biological activity than the parent compound, and therefore may not have the same effect on the body. Therefore, many of the advantages of curcumin were not being utilized throughout the body. 

However, several branded versions of curcumin have found ways to increase its bioavailability so that our bodies can benefit.  Bioavailability has been increased, for example, by creating branded curcumin with added piperine, a black pepper extract, or by reducing the actual particle size of curcumin while increasing its solubility (1-3).

Benefits of Curcumin

Studies have shown that curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, and therefore can help fight free radicals and the damage they cause to the body (4).  Several tests performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas have shown that curcumin may help in fighting cancer, though much more evidence is required before the herb can be used as a cure.  In one study of pancreatic cancer, 25 patients were given substantial doses of curcumin in place of chemotherapy.  In two cases, there was no tumor growth in one patient for eight months and another patient for two and half years.  There was also tumor regression in one patient, where the tumor decreased in size by 73%, but later grew back (5).

Also, because curcumin is an antioxidant, it has also been shown to support healthy inflammation. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at the Univeristy of Oregon, a curcumin supplement was compared to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The patients that received the curcumin reported having less morning stiffness, improved walking time and less joint swelling after taking the supplement for two weeks (1).

Furthermore, evidence shows that curcumin may also help with triglyceride levels.  In a study published by Phtyotherapy Research, patients were given one gram of a branded form of curcumin for 30 days. After this time period, a significant decrease in the serum triglyceride concentrations of the patients was found (6). This same form of curcumin was also found to help with kidney disease. Kidney disease often becomes a debilitating secondary illness of diabetes. A laboratory study on rats revealed that ingestion of curcumin inhibited the progression of renal lesions, and also preserved proper kidney function. These benefits are suspected to be related to that fact that curcumin helps with lowering triglycerides levels (3).   While studies are still delving into the research and mechanisms behind curcumin, we can already see that this powerful turmeric antioxidant may be valuable to the human body in several ways.

Before You Start Taking It…

Although curcumin has many possible benefits, precaution must always be taken before starting a new supplement.  Most importantly, get your doctor’s approval first and always follow the correct dosages.  While turmeric and curcumin have both been found as fairly safe products, large amounts over a long periods of time may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea and in sever cases, stomach ulcers.  Because curcumin can stimulate bile production, people will gallstones or obstructions of bile passages should talk to their doctors before taking curcumin.  People taking medication for diabetes must be aware of the dangers of hypoglycemia, because turmeric has been found to lower blood sugar levels.  Stop taking all turmeric and curcumin supplements two weeks prior to surgery because they can act as blood thinners.  Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take any turmeric or curcumin supplements, but turmeric is still safe to consume in food (4). WF

 

1. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/curcumin/
2. http://doctormurray.com/2012/06/theracurmin/
3. http://curcuminoids.com/
4. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm
5. http://www.mdanderson.org
6. Mohammadi, Akram et al.  “Effects of Supplementation with Curcuminoids on Dyslipidemia in Obese Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial”. Phytotherapy Research. (May 21, 2012).

The Healthiest Foods You Should Be Eating

By Matthew Kadey of Yoga Journal

The science is stronger than ever: A plant-based whole-foods diet is your ticket to good health.

    

 

Blueberries

What You Knew: This antioxidant-rich berry protects against cancer.
What You Didn't: New studies show compounds called anthocyanins in blueberries are good for your brain and can improve memory and cognitive function.

Almonds

What You Knew: They're full of healthy monounsaturated fats that help stave off heart disease.
What You Didn't: They're rich in vitamin E, which supports your immune system and may help prevent cancer when consumed in food.

Quinoa

What You Knew: This protein-rich grain is high in magnesium, which can help lower your diabetes risk.
What You Didn't: Quinoa is packed with antioxidants shown to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Chia Seeds

What You Knew: They're rich in fiber and ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid found in plant foods.
What You Didn't: Eating chia also helps your body make EPA, the heart-healthier omega-3 fat found in fish, according to a recent study.

Kale

What You Knew: Packed with antioxidants and other phytochemicals, kale supports immunity and cancer prevention.
What You Didn't: It's one of the best dietary sources of vitamins A and K, both important for bone health.

5 Simple Steps to Living Healthy

by Leona Harter of Elephant Journal

In today’s fast paced society, it can be easy to neglect our health and wellness.

We’re so busy racing through our day-to-day existence that we forget to take the time to look after ourselves.

We get so caught up with family, friends, work, and social engagements that it’s no wonder that we’re constantly tired and run down. We forget that in order to take care of others, we have to take care of ourselves first. So what are some simple things that we can do to improve your quality of life?

1. Drink… Drink… Drink…

You’ve heard it a hundred times and you’ll probably hear it a hundred more. Drink more water!

The human body is 72 percent water. A mere five percent drop in fluids creates a 25 to 30 percent loss in energy. A 15 percent drop in fluids causes death! At this point in time, most of us aren’t drinking enough water. As a result, we aren’t running on all six cylinders to start with. Then add in air pollution, fast food and stress to make matters even worse.

Fortunately for us, this can be easily remedied. Just drink one glass of water every half hour or so —or 10 to 12 glasses of water per day. If this still seems too much, start slow by gradually adding an extra glass of water to your current routine every couple of days until your reach your desired goal.

Don’t know how much water you actually need?

A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight and divide it in half. That’s how many ounces of water you need per day for your body to function properly. By increasing your water intake slowly it will become a natural part of your daily routine. And you’ll notice a huge jump in your energy levels as your body begins to function at optimal levels.

2. Living Food—Loving Life!

A little known fact is that heating food above 116 degrees fahrenheit destroys much of the nutrient content. Considering that we already aren’t eating enough vegetables, that is a fairly substantial problem. Nutritionists recommend five servings of fresh vegetables per day. How many of us are actually taking that advice?

A great way to get the nutrients found in fresh veggies without spending all day in the kitchen or eating raw celery sticks is to juice your veggies. Make sure that you own a good juicer (some juicers expose vegetables to heat created by friction during juicing, which breaks down important enzymes), grab some fresh vegetables and drink your way to good health. It takes a fraction of the time (there’s no cooking involved, for one thing) and it’s convenient. You can take your juice to work and even give some to the kids for school lunches!

Photo: Addison Berry

Wheat grass in particular is an excellent source of nutrition. It’s high in chlorophyll (sometimes described as “plant blood” because it closely resembles human red blood cell molecules) and has over 100 elements that the body needs. Fresh grains are another excellent source for vitamins and minerals.

If you still don’t have the time to juice and your digestive system isn’t strong enough to handle raw vegetables (salads included), take the simple route and steam your vegetables. Boiling takes all the nutrients out, but steaming retains the nutrients and helps predigest your food for better absorption and less digestive issues.

3. Energy In—Energy Out

Exercise is another dirty word for most of us. The thing is, exercise doesn’t have to be horribly time consuming or mind-numbingly boring. There are plenty of options.

Years ago gyms usually offered weight rooms, aerobics classes and maybe circuit training. Now you can add water aerobics, yoga, pilates, dancercise, step classes, belly dancing and a whole range of new workout options.

If you don’t really have the time or money for the gym, or prefer to spend your mornings/nights at home, then try an exercise bike or treadmill. You can set it up in front of the television and peddle away merrily during your favorite shows.

Want to have a little more fun with it? Buy a Wii or Xbox. Video game consoles aren’t just for kids anymore. The interactive and fitness games can be a great way to work out alone, with a friend, or with your kids. It’s a fun way to build balance, stamina, and increase your heart rate without all the fuss.

If you suffer from an illness or injury or your level of fitness is quite low, please consider some invaluable advice:

Once you’re physically unfit, and particularly if you’re also unwell, it can be a mammoth battle to just do the most minimal amount of exercise in a day. The danger is that inactivity leads to further loss of energy, which becomes a self-perpetuating cycle until you can barely get off the couch.

An excellent way to get back into a physical routine is to start slowly. For the first couple of weeks, walk/ride for five minutes per day—exactly five minutes, no more, even if you think you could continue. When the two weeks are up, increase to seven minutes; then 10 minutes, 12 minutes… continue to gradually increase your activity until you’re at a level that you’re comfortable with. It may seem ridiculously slow, but don’t overdo it. If you do too much too soon, you may get discouraged. But if you keep a slow and steady pace, your stamina will increase and you’ll be out and about before you know it.

It may sound a little silly, but it does work. Basically, you’re tricking your body into producing more energy. You’re building your exercise time up so slowly that your body doesn’t really realize what’s happening. Follow this method and, before you know it, you’ll be comfortably exercising within your limits every day.

So, folks, that’s the basics.

If you can rearrange your life a little to allow for better eating habits and a little exercise—and if you remember to just drink a glass of water every half hour or so—you’ll be well on the way to living a healthy life.

4. Quiet Time

Don’t forget to take some quiet time for yourself. Meditating is an excellent way to minimize stress. You don’t have to sit around for hours, just give yourself five minutes of quiet time every day and have a little catch up with yourself.

5. Laugh… Laugh… Laugh

And last, but certainly not least—laugh! In fact, laugh like there is no tomorrow. The louder the better! You’ll be amazed at how much such a simple thing can lift your spirits! Don’t feel like laughing? Remember the old saying, “Fake it til you make it!” Start out with the following: “Ho, ho, ho.” “Ha, ha, ha.” “He, he, he.” Keep repeating until a real laugh starts and then let it roll for all it’s worth.

Living healthy doesn’t have to be hard or time consuming. Keep it simple. The smallest things may seem frustrating to start with, but you’ll be amazed at how quickly the rewards add up.

And the benefits are priceless!