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Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group There's a growing list of research touting chocolate's antioxidant content, favorable action against disease-inducing oxidative stress and overall health benefits. One study highlights chocolate's potential to reduce the risk for high blood pressure, which can be good news amid near-epidemic levels of this condition worldwide. A number of studies support the positive effects of cocoa on cardiovascular health, including its ability to reduce common risk factors such as insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, low levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol and oxidized LDL (or "bad") cholesterol.[i] Recently, a study on French women investigated the potential benefit of cocoa consumption in lowering high blood pressure risk. Which Cocoa Source Is Good for Blood Pressure? In a cohort of 45,653 women, researchers estimated chocolate intake based on a 208-item dietary questionnaire and 24-hour recall.[ii] A detailed food composition table helped them estimate quantities of cocoa found in certain foods, such as chocolate drinks, biscuits, cakes, candy bars and desserts. Median chocolate consumption was 2.3 grams (g) per day at baseline. Self-reported cases of high blood pressure were validated through a drug reimbursement database. Some 12,793 cases of the condition were identified in the study. In their assessment of the links between specific cocoa sources and high blood pressure risk, the group found that moderate -- but not high -- cocoa intake from all dietary sources was inversely associated with high blood pressure risk. They concluded that moderately consuming plain chocolate can potentially reduce the risk for high blood pressure, while eating chocolate from sweet sources (i.e., desserts) can bring about an increased risk. In a 2006 study, researchers saw that consuming around the same amount as the current study -- 2.11 g of cocoa a day, which translates to just half an ounce every week -- also had benefits. Men with the highest cocoa consumption slashed their risk of cardiovascular death by half compared to men who ate the least cocoa. High cocoa consumption also reduced the risk of all-cause mortality.[iii] The GreenMedInfo database offers at least 170 abstracts with chocolate research, including a handful on its impact on cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction. Current estimates note that 1.13 billion people around the world have high blood pressure, with most living in low and middle income nations.[iv] The Antioxidant Factor In studies featuring the benefits of chocolate, tea, red wine and blueberries, one would likely encounter words like anthocyanins, flavonoids and antioxidants. Antioxidants are a broad range of biochemicals that scour free radicals. These sinister oxidizers, once set loose, incite a chain reaction that starts to oxidize unsaturated fats of cell membranes, which then leads to crippled DNA expression, cell division and immune function, to name a few functions.[v] Antioxidants fight oxidative stress or inflammation, which plays an important role in virtually all diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and joint pain.[vi] In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, chocolate was found to lower risk factors for diabetes.[vii] Eating chocolate's active constituents, namely cacao and flavan-3-ols, reduced insulin resistance significantly. Cocoa flavanols (a type of antioxidant) are plant-derived bioactive ingredients from the cacao bean. The dietary consumption of flavanols has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, such as the improvement of blood vessel elasticity and lowered blood pressure.[viii],[ix] There's a clincher, however: the compounds are often destroyed during normal food processing. Raw chocolate might be your best bet since the more heated and processed cacao is, the more flavanols and other antioxidants are lost. Raw cacao is available in bean, nib or powder form. For other forms of chocolate, most experts recommend looking for chocolate that's organic, fair-trade and as dark as possible, containing at least 70% cacao content. References [i] Y Wan et al "Effects of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on LDL oxidative susceptibility and prostaglandin concentrations in humans". Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Nov;74(5):596-602. [ii] MacDonald CJ et al "Consumption of cocoa-containing foods and risk of hypertension in French women" Eur J Epidemiol. 2020 Jan 25. [iii] Brian Buijsse et al "Cocoa intake, blood pressure, and cardiovascular mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study" Arch Intern Med. 2006 Feb 27 ;166(4):411-7. [iv] World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension [v] GreenMedInfo www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/coffee-tea-turmeric-and-beyond-zero-essential-polyphenols-capt-randall-0 [vi] GreenMedInfo www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/coffee-tea-turmeric-and-beyond-zero-essential-polyphenols-capt-randall-0 [vii] Lee Hooper et al "Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials" Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Feb 1. Epub 2012 Feb 1. [viii] Roberto Sansone et al "Cocoa flavanol intake improves endothelial function and Framingham Risk Score in healthy men and women: a randomised, controlled, double-masked trial: the Flaviola Health Study" British Journal of Nutrition, 2015. [ix] Science Daily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150910110832.htm The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff. "© [May 20th 2020]GreenMedInfoLLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission ofGreenMedInfoLLC. Want to learn more fromGreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here//www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter."

Originally posted by LifeHack.org The mind is one of the biggest contributors to energy levels. The benefits of having high levels of mental energy include happiness, confidence, focus, and increased willpower, motivation, and productivity. Additionally, the mind has a huge effect on one’s level of physical physical energy. Increased willpower and motivation often lead to healthier eating habits, less procrastination, and more. The way we think has an astounding effect on the way others perceive us and how we perform. When you feel confident, you look confident, and will also perform more effectively, increasingly the likelihood of success in whatever you are doing. WE USED THIS WELL-EMENT IN OUR FEATURED WELLNESS PATH PLAN: HERE This article covers 15 ways to boost mental energy levels. 1. Be Grateful Remind yourself of the things you are grateful or thankful for in your life. Gratitude will make you think more positively and give you more mental energy. If you’re not having fun at work, be grateful that you have work and are earning a salary. If you’re having challenges in any aspect of your life, understand that challenges make you stronger, and be grateful that you don’t have a boring life. Being grateful reminds you of what’s important. For example, you might be upset about being stuck in traffic. Being grateful for your family will remind you of the traffic’s relative insignificance. Action item: Write down 5 things you are grateful for in your life. 2. Practice Negative Visualization Negative visualization originated in a philosophy called Stoicism. Stoics periodically contemplate, but don’t worry about, “worst-case scenarios.” Negative visualization is practiced to lessen the impact if these scenarios do come true. In addition, it’s intended to reduce insatiability and force you to appreciate what you do have. Most of us spend our idle time thinking about the things we want but don’t have. We would be much better off, Stoics believe, to spend this time thinking of all the things we have and reflecting on how much we would miss them if they were not ours. 3. Surround Yourself With Great People Humans are naturally social people. Building relationships makes us happy and gives us energy. Spend time with people who think positively, and have a lot of energy, and talk in a positive tone. It will make think more positively and give you energy. Action items: Who in your life is overly negative? Should you be spending as much time with them as you do? What kinds of people would you like to spend more time with? Create a game plan for meeting or spending time with these people. 4. Think Positively Thinking positive thoughts will make you feel more positive. Feeling more positive and optimistic will boost mental energy. If you’re feeling sluggish or slightly depressed, forcing yourself to think positively is a great way to start reversing negative momentum. Momentum has a profound effect on our energy levels. Energy builds on itself. If your mental energy levels are declining, gets harder and harder to start improving them. If your mental energy levels are improving, it gets easier and easier to keep building it. Focus on the positive in any situation. Take advantage of opportunities present as they present themselves. Instead of thinking about what could go wrong, think about what could go right, or go better than expected. 5. Declutter Your Mind Most people are very busy and have a ton of different things on their mind. We receive information such as emails at a faster pace than ever before. Declutter your mind by delegating, setting reminders, taking notes, and keeping a calendar. To avoid making mistakes, and to declutter your mind, keep as much as you can outside of your brain. For example, if you set a meeting with someone, put it in your calendar so you no longer have to remember it. Keep a to-do list. It will be enable you to be more present and conscious of what you’re doing in a given moment. Delegate what someone else can do for you. 6. Go Outside Exposing your skin and eyes to sunlight will give you Vitamin D, which can boost energy. In addition, our minds and bodies are used to being awake during the daytime and we naturally have more energy during the daytime. Getting exposure to sunlight reminds our body that it’s daytime and that we should have more energy. Action item: if you’re feeling tired while at the work, take a short break outside in the sun. 7. Have Fun! Don’t forget to allocate time to friends and family, hobbies, etc. These activities provide excitement and keep you motivated. It seems counter intuitive, however taking a break from work can actually help you get more work done. Having fun stimulates your brain in a way that improves energy levels. Action item: Set times out of your week for hobbies or activities you find fun. 8. Stimulate your Mind Keep your mind stimulated but not overworked. Mental challenge will give you energy, but too much may leave you fatigued. Without enough challenge you may become bored and lethargic. Try learning a new skill to stimulate your mind. Action item: Make sure your experience some challenge throughout your daily life. 9. Meditate Many people find meditation to be a great way to boost mental energy.  A basic definition of meditation is simply being conscious of mind and breath. While meditating, the goal is to not think about future or past. It’s to be present. I think of meditation as a time to let my thoughts flow freely and to take notice of my emotions, thoughts, and body. 10. Try New Things If you stick too close to the same routine, your brain can go into “auto-pilot.” You become un-stimulated and don’t have to think as much. As discussed above, mental stimulation is essential for energy. Try breaking your routine. Learn something new. Go on a spontaneous adventure to give yourself a fresh perspective. Try taking a different route to work. Go into a bookstore and pick out a random book from a genre you don’t normally read. Action item: Choose an activity that you do consistently and adjust it in some way. 11. Practice Minimalism Learn to say “no” and eliminate excess in your life. Throw away what you don’t need. When you have fewer items in your life, there is more space for things you want. 12. Focus on What’s in your Control Stoics believe in focusing on what’s in our control, and not what’s our of our control. Wanting or hoping for things that are not in our control will disrupt our tranquility. Worrying about or hoping for something that we don’t have an impact on can cause anxiety. Action item: List what you’re currently worrying about or hoping for and differentiate what is in your control from what is not. 13. Do What You’re Passion About Taking part in activities, professionally and personally, that you’re passionate about leads to more happiness. Spending time on activities that you don’t enjoy can be exhausting. Action item: What do you love doing? How can you arrange your career or lifestyle so you can do more of it? 14. Take Responsibility for Your Emotions Emotions have a strong effect on your energy levels. If you are feeling sad or embarrassed, you will have less energy. If you are feeling proud or confident, you will have more energy. By taking responsibility for your emotions, you will become less dependent on external validation or circumstances to influence energy levels. When you are responsible for your own emotions, your energy levels will always be high. 15. Be Present Thinking negatively about the past can cause anxiety. Thinking about the future can give you anxiety. Be in the present moment. Accept the situation you’re in and take the best action you can. Wishing you were in a different situation, or wishing you had done something differently in the past will only cause anxiety. The past is out of our control. LOVE THIS POST? Like, comment and share!

Saturday, May 16th 2020 Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group Both astaxanthin and lutein, two powerful carotenoids found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and other foods, have proven brain-boosting and cognitive enhancing abilities. Research suggests lutein and astaxanthin may decrease the risk of various cognitive disorders and improve visual function in both young and aging adults A recent systematic review found that carotenoids like astaxanthin and lutein may improve various cognitive and visual functions when taken as oral supplements for 12 months.[i] While it's not surprising that the intake of such powerful antioxidants like carotenoids would have such beneficial effects, researchers have been impressed with the variety of cognitive benefits these particular carotenoids produce. To summarize this research, we've compiled a list of the top five cognitive benefits associated with the consumption of both astaxanthin and lutein. Top Five Cognitive Benefits of Astaxanthin Improves Age-Related Macular Degeneration Loss of eyesight due to macular degeneration is a serious concern for many older adults. In one study, participants who took oral supplements containing both lutein and astaxanthin saw an improvement in the health of the central retina after just 12 months of supplementation.[ii] Promotes Recovery From Mental Fatigue Many healthy adults are severely affected by mental fatigue. In a study involving healthy participants each taking astaxanthin supplements for four weeks at a time, astaxanthin supplementation was shown to improve mental fatigue by increasing antioxidant function and reducing oxidative stress, one of the precursors to mental fatigue.[iii] Additionally, astaxanthin supplementation produces no adverse effects. Improves Cognitive Function in Aging Adults In a larger double-blind study of 96 healthy aged participants, researchers tested the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on cognitive function after just four weeks. The researchers found that due to the strong antioxidant properties of astaxanthin, which consumes free radicals as it scavenges through the body and brain, it produced strong cognitive benefits even after a short supplementation period.[iv] Researchers theorized that astaxanthin supplementation could be further used to prevent or diminish the effects of other age-related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.[v] These findings have been further validated with additional studies that found astaxanthin supplementation improved psychomotor speed and processing speed, improving the ability to comprehend and perform various complex tasks quickly and accurately in participants suffering from mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to dementia).[vi] Researchers now believe astaxanthin could be used to maintain cognitive function in adults already diagnosed with these diseases.[vii] Radioprotective Potential As concern with radiation exposure in modern society continues to rise, researchers are eager to find natural compounds that protect our cells. Due to astaxanthin's powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its neuroprotective and radioprotective effects against various forms of radiation, researchers believe that astaxanthin supplementation could greatly reduce the harmful effects of radiation.[viii],[ix],[x],[xi],[xii] Enhances Memory Function Research has shown that astaxanthin may improve memory function in adults with cognitive impairment or cancer patients suffering from "chemobrain," a cognitive dysfunction caused by chemotherapeutic agents, by reducing the progression of neurodegeneration.[xiii],[xiv] Top Five Cognitive Benefits of Lutein May Reduce the Risk of Macular Degeneration Higher intake of both lutein and astaxanthin is correlated with reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.[xv] Researchers suggest that individuals increase their intake of lutein-containing foods as a protective measure against the progression of this disease.[xvi],[xvii] Enhances Memory Researchers found that supplementing with lutein enhanced memory and cognitive function in healthy adults with low macular pigment in the central retina, and now believe lutein's strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also increase executive function and verbal fluency.[xviii] May Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia In addition to improving memory in healthy adults, lutein has shown positive effects on those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and may be useful in preventing the onset of these diseases.[xix],[xx] This is likely due to lutein's antioxidant properties and ability to effectively lower chronic oxidative stress in the brain.[xxi] Reduces Psychological Stress and Improves Mood In a study of the emotional health of young adults, lutein supplementation was found to significantly improve stress and mood levels by reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation after six and 12 months.[xxii] Improves Cognitive Performance in Children Lutein is not only a powerful supplement for improving memory and increasing cognitive function in adults, but has powerful benefits for children as well. A research study from Canada found that children with higher levels of macular pigmentation opal density (MPOD) perform better on cognitive tests and were less likely to have errors than children with lower levels of MPOD.[xxiii] Lutein supplementation improves these MPOD levels and increases cognitive function in children. Researchers have suggested that increased lutein intake by breastfeeding mothers may improve lutein levels in breastmilk, further improving children's and infants' cognitive abilities.[xxiv] How to Increase Lutein and Astaxanthin in Your Diet Astaxanthin and lutein boast numerous brain and cognitive benefits, leading researchers to believe that an increase of these powerful carotenoids through diet or supplementation could greatly reduce the risk of various cognitive disorders, as well as improve cognitive function. Here are a few suggestions for increasing your levels of lutein and astaxanthin: Pay attention to the timing of supplementation and avoid smoking. A 2014 study determined that the bioavailability of astaxanthin supplements is greatly improved when taken after meals. Furthermore, the researchers found that smoking reduced the concentration of astaxanthin, reducing its therapeutic benefits.[xxv] Increase intake of leafy greens and fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids. Examples include kale (a potent healing green loaded with lutein), cooked and raw spinach, cooked broccoli, raw parsley, cooked asparagus, Brussels sprouts and raw orange peppers.[xxvi],[xxvii] Eat more eggs. Both raw and cooked eggs (whites and yolks) are extremely high in levels of dietary lutein.[xxviii] For more information on the research behind the cognitive benefits of both lutein and astaxanthin, please visit our GreenMedInfo.com databases on lutein and astaxanthin. References [i] Nutrients. 2020 Feb 27;12(3). pii: E617. doi: 10.3390/nu12030617. [ii] Ophthalmology. 2008 Feb;115(2):324-333.e2. Epub 2007 Aug 22. [iii] Nutrients. 2018 Feb 28;10(3). pii: E281. doi: 10.3390/nu10030281. [iv] J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012 Sep;51(2):102-7. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.D-11-00017. Epub 2012 Mar 30. [v] J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2012 Sep;51(2):102-7. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.D-11-00017. Epub 2012 Mar 30. [vi] J Alzheimers Dis. 2018; 62(4): 1767-1775. [vii] J Alzheimers Dis. 2018;62(4):1767-1775. doi: 10.3233/JAD-170969. [viii] Exp Oncol. 2016 Dec;38(4):280-282. [ix] Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Aug; 14(8): 17168-17192. [x] Molecules. 2019 Jul; 24(14): 2640. [xi] Mar Drugs. 2018 Aug; 16(8): 247. [xii] Probl Radiac Med Radiobiol. 2016 Dec;21:141-148. [xiii] Mar Drugs. 2018 Aug; 16(8): 247. [xiv] Environ Geochem Health. 2007 Dec;29(6):483-9. Epub 2007 Aug 25. [xv] JAMA Ophthalmol. 2015 Dec;133(12):1415-24. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.3590. [xvi] Optometry. 2004 Apr;75(4):216-30. [xvii] JAMA Ophthalmol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 Dec 1. [xviii] J Alzheimers Dis. 2018;61(3):947-961. doi: 10.3233/JAD-170713. [xix] J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016 May;71(5):683-8. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glv135. Epub 2015 Aug 18. [xx] Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2015 May;49(5):456-60. [xxi] Front Aging Neurosci. 2017; 9: 254. [xxii] Nutr Neurosci. 2018 May;21(4):286-296. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1286445. Epub 2017 Feb 15. [xxiii] Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jul; 3(7): nzz066. [xxiv] Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jul; 3(7): nzz066. [xxv] Yumika OKADA, Masaharu ISHIKURA & Takashi MAOKA (2009) Bioavailability of Astaxanthin in Haematococcus Algal Extract: The Effects of Timing of Diet and Smoking Habits, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 73:9, 1928-1932, DOI: 10.1271/ bbb.90078 [xxvi] Nutrients. 2017 Feb; 9(2): 120. [xxvii] Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Aug;70(2):261-8. [xxviii] Nutrients. 2017 Feb; 9(2): 120. The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff. "© [May 16th 2020]GreenMedInfoLLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission ofGreenMedInfoLLC. Want to learn more fromGreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here//www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter."

Wednesday, May 6th 2020 | Written By: Dr. Diane Fulton Many are afflicted with skin conditions throughout their lives. Nature provides an astounding number of plants and substances that can help heal your skin and restore a healthy balance. The skin is the largest organ of the body, totaling 20 square feet, and acts as an important facet of your health as a protective barrier of your body.[i] The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your skin controls the proper and well-balanced care of skin cells (growth, differentiation, survival and immunity), but when the balance is disrupted, multiple pathological conditions and skin diseases can occur, such as:[ii] Acne Eczema (atopic or allergic dermatitis) Pruritus (itchy skin) Psoriasis Seborrheic dermatitis (flaky scalp) Alopecia (hair growth disorders) Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating skin disease) Systemic sclerosis (hardened skin and organs) Cancer Ten of the most common skin conditions are: Acne Rosacea (red patches) Eczema (red itchy rash) Moles/cancer Hives Psoriasis (itchy, flaky skin) Athlete's foot Candidiasis (yeast infections) Shingles (herpes zoster) Cold sores (herpes simplex virus) Skin Balance Both external conditions and internal issues, from viruses and bacteria to allergies and environmental factors like harsh chemicals and perfumes in household products, can disrupt the balance of your skin. For example, 90% of all food allergies come from the "Big 8" (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and crustacean shellfish)[iii] and can trigger skin redness, hives or eczema and cause breathing issues, nausea, diarrhea or chest pain.[iv] Avoiding these foods is a safe way to prevent allergic reactions. Some of the top scientifically researched alternative treatments to naturally restore your skin's balance include turmeric/curcumin, cannabis, tea tree oil, propolis (bee glue), aloe, vitamins/minerals, plant extracts, honey and black seed oil. Turmeric/Curcumin A meta-analysis of 18 studies shows scientific evidence that turmeric/curcumin products (oral and topical) may provide therapeutic benefits for skin diseases including:[v] Acne Baldness Eczema Facial photoaging Oral lichen planus (lesions in mouth) Pruritus (itchy skin) Psoriasis Radio dermatitis (side effects of cancer treatment radiotherapy) Vitiligo (loss of skin color in blotches) Turmeric was very helpful for flaky scalps as well.[vi] Cannabis Research suggests the cannabis plant and its cannabidiol (CBD) oil combine lipostatic (stops overproduction of oil in the skin), anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are effective in treating acne.[vii] Researchers are finding that cannabinoids have a role in inflammatory and neoplastic (tumor-growing) skin diseases.[viii] Data also suggests that of the cannabis family, cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabigerovarin (CBGV) have more potential to treat dry-skin syndromes like eczema or psoriasis, whereas cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV) and especially tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) show promise to become highly efficient against acne; phytocannabinoids also could help manage cutaneous inflammations (skin, hair, nails).[ix] Using a 3% cannabis seed extract cream was shown to be safe and to significantly reduce overly oily and red skin, which could effectively treat acne and flaky scalp conditions.[x] Tea Tree Oil, Propolis and Aloe Use of tea tree oil significantly improved mild to moderate acne and was also well tolerated.[xi] Tea tree oil had slower onset of results but was as effective as benzoyl peroxide with fewer side effects (nausea, trouble breathing, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness) for acne.[xii] Researchers found a cream containing 20% propolis extract, 3% tea tree oil and 10% aloe vera was as effective as the antibiotic cream erythromycin in treating acne, but without the toxicity and harmful effects of antibiotics.[xiii],[xiv] A cream containing propolis also had a significant positive effect on recurrent herpes and shingles.[xv] Tea tree oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and superior scabicidal (mite-killing) properties, as well as being less costly, when compared with widely used treatments for mite bites such as permethrin cream and ivermectin.[xvi] Tea tree oil is also recommended as a natural treatment for candida infections.[xvii] Although the aloe extract of A. ferox was superior to that of A. vera in reducing skin inflammation, both are useful alternatives to antihistamines and topical corticosteroids for the treatment of patients suffering from recurring chronic acne.[xviii] Vitamins and Minerals Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals have been associated with skin conditions. Due to its immune properties, vitamin D modifies disease susceptibility, symptoms and evolving complications (nerve pain) during treatment of shingles.[xix] In addition, vitamin D had a positive effect on the progress of melanoma cancer[xx] and the severity of eczema.[xxi] Vitamin C has also been found to have positive therapeutic benefits in porphyria cutanea tarda (a blood disorder affecting the skin), eczema, malignant melanoma, and shingles and its resultant nerve pain.[xxii] Supplementation with both vitamins D and E in a randomized trial of 45 eczema patients showed highly beneficial results.[xxiii] Taking vitamin E orally helped eczema symptoms decrease with no side effects.[xxiv] A vitamin and mineral mix of nicotinamide (vitamin B3), zinc, copper and folic acid (B9) showed the same improvement in symptoms for acne and rosacea as oral antibiotic creams.[xxv] Plant Extracts Plant extracts from Usnea (lichen moss from Africa), Rosmarinus (rosemary), Salvia (sage), Boswellia (Indian frankincense from the Boswellia serrata tree) and Harpagophytum (devil's claw from the desert regions of southern Africa) proved to be effective against a panel of bacteria affecting the skin and successful as topical treatments for skin disorders, including acne and eczema.[xxvi] Honey Honey has been used throughout the centuries for its healing and antibacterial properties.[xxvii] More recently, a case study shows honey as a cheap, readily available and very effective oral wound cleanser that overcomes the common resistance to antibiotics, makes wound cleansing less painful, heals faster and eliminates drug-related side effects due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases, honey may even remove the need for plastic surgery for necrotizing fasciitis (fast-spreading disorder resulting in tissue and skin loss).[xxviii] Honey has also been a remarkable treatment for skin conditions including scalp itch/rash and chronic dandruff.[xxix] Black Seed Oil In the article "Skin Healing Properties of Black Seed Oil," studies are cited showing black seed oil effectively treated psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, acne, common skin cancers and vitiligo.[xxx],[xxxi] Massaging black seed oil directly into the skin, as a moisturizer, helps restore healthy skin and reduce effects of aging.[xxxii] Natural Treatments for the Skin Although there are hundreds of diseases and conditions of the skin, many skin disorders can benefit from natural substances and alternative treatments. Plants (tea tree, black seed, aloe, cannabis, rosemary, sage, turmeric) and honey have natural skin-healing properties. Taking vitamins (B complex, C, D and E) and minerals (zinc and copper) can restore the skin's protective ability. For additional scientific research, see: here References [i] Web MD, Skin Problems and Treatments, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin#1 [ii] Tamás Bíró, Balázs I Tóth, György Haskó, Ralf Paus, Pál Pacher. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Aug ;30(8):411-20. Epub 2009 Jul 14. PMID: 19608284 [iii] FDA, What You Need to Know About Food Allergies, https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-food-allergies [iv] Health, Food Allergies and Symptoms, https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/food-allergies-symptoms [v] Alexandra R Vaughn, Amy Branum, Raja K Sivamani. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytother Res. 2016 May 23. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27213821 [vi] Bahraini P, Rajabi M, Mansouri P, Sarafian G, Chalangari R, Azizian Z. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun; 17(3):461-466. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12513. Epub 2018 Apr 1. Turmeric tonic as a treatment in scalp psoriasis: A randomized placebo-control clinical trial. PMID: 29607625, DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12513 [vii] Attila Oláh, Balázs I Tóth, István Borbíró, Koji Sugawara, Attila G Szöllõsi, Gabriella Czifra, Balázs Pál, Lídia Ambrus, Jennifer Kloepper, Emanuela Camera, Matteo Ludovici, Mauro Picardo, Thomas Voets, Christos C Zouboulis, Ralf Paus, Tamás Bíró. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. 2014 Sep ;124(9):3713-24. Epub 2014 Jul 25. PMID: 25061872 [viii] Rose Milando, Adam Friedman. Cannabinoids: Potential Role in Inflammatory and Neoplastic Skin Diseases. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12. PMID: 30542832 [ix] Attila Oláh, Arnold Markovics, Judit Szabó-Papp, Pálma Tímea Szabó, Colin Stott, Christos C Zouboulis, Tamás Bíró. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrheic skin and acne treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2016 Apr 20. Epub 2016 Apr 20. PMID: 27094344 [x] Atif Ali, Naveed Akhtar. The safety and efficacy of 3% Cannabis seeds extract cream for reduction of human cheek skin sebum and erythema content. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2015 Jul ;28(4):1389-95. PMID: 26142529 [xi] Harsimran Kaur Malhi, Jenny Tu, Thomas V Riley, Sujith Prasad Kumarasinghe, Katherine A Hammer. Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study. Australas J Dermatol. 2016 Mar 21. Epub 2016 Mar 21. PMID: 27000386 [xii] I B Bassett, D L Pannowitz, R S Barnetson. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990 Oct 15;153(8):455-8. PMID: 2145499 [xiii] V Mazzarello, M G Donadu, M Ferrari, G Piga, D Usai, S Zanetti, M A Sotgiu. Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, andcompared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations. Clin Pharmacol. 2018 ;10:175-181. Epub 2018 Dec 13. PMID: 3058812 [xiv] GreenMedInfo, Antibiotics. www.greenmedinfo.com/toxic-ingredient/antibiotics?ed=5863 [xv] F Giurcăneanu, I Crişan, V Eşanu, V Cioca, N Cajal. Treatment of cutaneous herpes and herpes zoster with Nivcrisol-D. Virologie. 1988 Jan-Mar;39(1):21-4. PMID: 3376426 [xvi] Thomas J, Carson CF, Peterson GM, Walton SF, Hammer KA, Naunton M, Davey RC, Spelman T, Dettwiller P, Kyle G, Cooper GM, Baby KE. Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Scabies. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Feb;94(2):258-266. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0515. Epub 2016 Jan 19. PMID: 26787146; PMCID: PMC4751955. [xvii] Healthline, Skin Natural Remedies. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/cutaneous-candidiasis#natural-remedies [xviii] M J Finberg, G L Muntingh, C E J van Rensburg. A comparison of the leaf gel extracts of Aloe ferox and Aloe vera in the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in Balb/c mice. Inflammopharmacology. 2015 Oct 28. Epub 2015 Oct 28. PMID: 26510768 [xix] Chia-Ter Chao, Chih-Kang Chiang, Jenq-Wen Huang, Kuan-Yu Hung. Vitamin D is closely linked to the clinical courses of herpes zoster: From pathogenesis to complications. Med Hypotheses. 2015 Jul 2. Epub 2015 Jul 2. PMID: 26163058 [xx] Alvin Lim, Ramin Shayan, George Varigos. High serum vitamin D level correlates with better prognostic indicators in primary melanoma: A pilot study. Australas J Dermatol. 2017 Mar 23. Epub 2017 Mar 23. PMID: 28332194 [xxi] Sonal R Hattangdi-Haridas, Susan A Lanham-New, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Marco Hok Kung Ho, Andrea L Darling. Vitamin D deficiency and effects of Vitamin D supplementation on disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis in adults and children. Nutrients. 2019 Aug 9 ;11(8). Epub 2019 Aug 9. PMID: 31405041 [xxii] Kaiqin Wang, Hui Jiang, Wenshuang Li, Mingyue Qiang, Tianxiang Dong, Hongbin Li. Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Front Physiol. 2018 ;9:819. Epub 2018 Jul 4. PMID: 30022952 [xxiii] Mohammad Hassan Javanbakht, Seyed Ali Keshavarz, Mahmoud Djalali, Fereydoun Siassi, Mohammad Reza Eshraghian, Alireza Firooz, Hassan Seirafi, Amir Hooshang Ehsani, Maryam Chamari, Abbas Mirshafiey. Randomized controlled trial using vitamins E and D supplementation in atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2010 Jul 24. Epub 2010 Jul 24. PMID: 20653487 [xxiv] Fariba Jaffary, Gita Faghihi, Arghavan Mokhtarian, Sayed Mohsen Hosseini. Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. J Res Med Sci. 2015 Nov ;20(11):1053-7. PMID: 26941808 [xxv] Neil M Niren, Helen M Torok. The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial. Cutis. 2006 Jan;77(1 Suppl):17-28. PMID: 16871775 [xxvi] S Weckesser, K Engel, B Simon-Haarhaus, A Wittmer, K Pelz, C M Schempp. Screening of plant extracts for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance. Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug ;14(7-8):508-16. Epub 2007 Feb 8. PMID: 17291738 [xxvii]  Manisha Deb Mandal and Shyamapada Mandal.  Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011 Apr; 1(2): 154-160. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6 , PMCID: PMC3609166, PMID: 23569748 [xxviii] Chaudhary AR, Sharma S, Shukla A, Joshi A, Chaudhary UK (2015) Honey 'The Life Saviour' in Necrotising Fascitis: A Case Report. Dermatol Case Rep 1:102. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/honey-the-life-saviour-in-necrotising-fascitis-a-case-report-DMCR-1000102.pdf [xxix] GreemMedInfo, Honey Heals Chronic Dandruff, Scaly and Itchy Scalp. www.greenmedinf.com/blog/honey-heals-chronic-dandruff-scaly-itchy-scalp-seborrheic-dermatitis [xxx] GreenMedInfo, Skin Healing Properties Black Seed Oil, www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/skin-healing-properties-black-seed-oil [xxxi]  G Sarac, Y Kapicioglu, S Sener, I Mantar, S Yologlu, C Dundar, M Turkoglu, E Pekmezci. Effectiveness of Topical Nigella Sativa for Vitiligo Treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2019 Apr 25:e12949. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31025474 [xxxii] Mahdieh Jafari Shahroudi, Soghra Mehri, Hossein Hosseinzadeh. Anti-Aging Effect of Nigella Sativa Fixed Oil on D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Mice. J Pharmacopuncture. 2017 Mar ;20(1):29-35. PMID: 28392960 Dr. Diane Fulton is Emeritus Professor at Clayton State University. She holds Ph.D./MBA in Business (University of Tennessee - Knoxville) and B.S. with Math/Secondary Education majors (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee). During her 45-year career as administrator/professor teaching research and business, she authored 10 books, over 50 articles, and is now writing children’s books about the body, mindfulness and cross-cultural awareness. Her passion is to share her knowledge to integrate a healthy body, mind and soul. To reach her: Clayton University’s Emeritus Professors Diane Fulton LINKED IN or Diane Fulton FACEBOOK. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff. "© [May 6th 2020]GreenMedInfoLLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfoLLC. Want to learn more fromGreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here//www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter."

Saturday, May 16th 2020 Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group A biomedical revolution throws previous medical research into question as it opens new doors to wellness What causes disease? What can we do to improve our health? Modern medicine's answer to these questions lies in its understanding of the human body as a complex machine. Like any mechanical contraption, the body is bound to break down. Doctors serve as specialized mechanics who wield sophisticated tools and procedures to address our malfunction. They can numb our pain, carve out and radiate our cancers, trigger or suppress our immune systems, recalibrate our neurotransmitters, and they may soon be able to retool the genetic flaws thought to be the progenitors of disease. Compare this body-as-machine philosophy to the traditional medicine practices of our ancestors that looked to the natural world as a guide toward health. These old philosophies may seem primitive in comparison to the high-tech industry of modern health care, but they also hold an understanding that today's doctors and scientists are still working to comprehend: that our bodies possess the power to heal themselves. Details of this mysterious self-healing superpower can be found in a new book: "Regenerate: Unlocking Your Body's Natural Resilience Through the New Biology," by Sayer Ji. The book examines how our understanding of health and the human body has evolved over the last few 100 years, and how new research has forced us to reconsider everything we thought we knew. While it sounds a bit mystical, there is objective evidence of this self-healing characteristic. Ji talks about the "immortal thread within our stem cells" to describe the body's amazing regenerative ability. One example is an entire category of stem cells released from the bone marrow called endothelial progenitor cells, which are constantly at work to heal the damage caused to the lining of our blood vessels. "We really are this miracle that we can barely explain," Ji said. Ji's credentials include being co-founder and CEO of Systome Biomed, a reviewer at the International Journal of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, and advisor to the National Health Federation. His book falls in line with those interests and relies heavily on research to tell the tale. But for Ji, the story is personal. He came into the world a sickly infant and grew into a depressed, overweight, and asthmatic teen. Over the course of his young life, he was examined by at least a dozen doctors. They performed surgeries and prescribed an ever-increasing regimen of pharmaceuticals in an effort to suppress his symptoms. But Ji said the treatments he received were more traumatic than helpful. As his hope of healing dwindled, Ji believed he was doomed to a short and miserable life. Ji's health finally began to turn around during his first year of college when he discovered a new kind of medicine--one that traded the surgery and drugs he had known his whole life for a more natural approach. Decades later, Ji has become an outspoken advocate for natural medicine. Despite his sad and sickly youth, today he runs marathons, feels stronger than ever, and hasn't taken any pharmaceuticals in years. "I wouldn't be alive today had I not discovered natural medicine," Ji said. But how is this possible? A core belief of modern medicine is that it has the most effective treatments ever developed, far superior to anything our ancestors relied on for health. So how did Ji create vibrant health with some of the oldest forms of treatment--herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes--when modern medicine failed? While ancient medicine practices are based on things like tradition and observations of nature, with lessons passed down to future generations who verify that knowledge through their own observation, modern medicine demonstrates its worth through science. Peer-reviewed studies and medical journals show proof. This is what is known to the modern health care system as "evidence-based" medicine. But Ji says the science for much of what our evidence-based system stands on isn't as strong as we're led to believe. "It's eminence-based medicine. It sounds like evidence, but it's really eminence-based, or science-by-proclamation. It's all based on smoke and mirrors, and belief structures. When you look at the literature and tease it apart, and you look at funding sources, rarely do you ever see anything of value," Ji said. While modern medicine is responsible for creating some indisputable life-saving breakthroughs over the past century, it has also produced several undeniable disasters, despite the review of experts, journals, and clinical research. Ji explains that much of the process meant to show safety and efficacy in modern treatment methods has less to do with identifying something worthwhile, and more to do with manipulating public perception. "The critical biomedical literature is so contaminated with influence, money, and bias," he said. "They'll fund a 100 trials on a drug and try to convert one of its many adverse effects into a therapeutic one. So they publish the one finding that shows maybe a little relative risk reduction. Then, with a semantic sleight of hand, describe it as an absolute risk reduction." A 2008 article from the New England Journal of Medicine examining the selective publication bias of clinical trials came to a similar conclusion. The esteemed journal's own editor-in-chief stated: "It is simply no longer possible to believe much of the clinical research that is published, or to rely on the judgment of trusted physicians or authoritative medical guidelines. I take no pleasure in this conclusion, which I reached slowly and reluctantly over my two decades as an editor." Look at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization and you'll find more eminence masquerading as evidence. These public health institutions urge everyone to get an annual flu shot, for example, but their recommendation doesn't reflect the conclusions of the scientific literature. A meta-analysis on flu vaccine studies by the highly respected and proudly independent Cochrane Collaboration found no unequivocal evidence in the literature on children, healthy adults, the elderly, or health care workers who worked with the elderly that the flu shot was safe or effective. Science is supposed to be a tool to reveal the truth. Unfortunately, we live in a world where, if your pockets go deep enough, you can simply buy scientific credibility. After the Cochrane Collaboration received a $1.15 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2016, the organization's founders were let go, and Cochrane soon published a very favorable review of one of Gates's pet projects: the HPV vaccine. Following the review, banished Cochrane co-founder Peter Gotzsche and his team put out their own read of the HPV literature, and came to a very different interpretation. "Part of the Cochrane Collaboration's motto is 'Trusted evidence.' We do not find the Cochrane HPV vaccine review to be 'Trusted evidence', as it was influenced by reporting bias and biased trial designs. We believe that the Cochrane review does not meet the standards for Cochrane reviews or the needs of the citizens or healthcare providers that consult Cochrane reviews to make 'Informed decisions', which also is part of Cochrane's motto," they wrote. Food as Medicine While modern treatments are described as evidence-based, natural remedies are routinely dismissed as "unproven," even when there may actually be science to support it. This is why Ji founded GreenMedInfo, the world's largest open-access natural health database. "For me, it was an activist passion," he said. "I would constantly find studies that were so amazing, like research on aloe curing different diseases. I was so excited to find it, and I knew no one would be talking about it in the mainstream media. I never thought it would become such a popular site." They may not be as respected, well funded, or widely promoted as drug studies, but natural remedies have been proven to have regenerative and disease-fighting properties. Just getting an adequate amount of B vitamins will directly affect whether you can silence certain key genes necessary for health. The process is known as methylation, or the attachment of one-carbon tags to DNA molecules that effectively turns off certain expressions of that gene. Food as medicine is a concept known since ancient times. The basic premise is that eating the right foods (and cutting out the wrong ones) can enhance your body's self-healing capabilities. The word "recipe," for example, comes from a Latin root that originally meant "take." Recipe was used in the Middle Ages to mean a medical instruction or prescription, inspiring the pharmaceutical abbreviation Rx. Healthy food is derived from living beings (plants and animals) that naturally have their own self-healing and regenerative mechanisms. In fact, our bodies resemble plants in that our susceptibility to pests and infection escalates when we don't get enough key nutrients, our environment is poisoned, or we don't get enough sun. "Why is there more influenza in places with higher latitudes? Because of lack of vitamin D due to sunlight deficiency. That's a more valid explanation than flu vaccine deficiency, obviously," Ji said. And the effect of food goes deep. With every bite we eat, we can deliberately choose which messages we send to our genome, and designate whether we strengthen or weaken our immune systems. Compare the messages of food to that of pharmaceuticals. While drugs are often based on compounds found in nature, drug makers create synthetic variants in the interest of patent exclusivity. Drugs can certainly change our physiology, but they act in a different manner than food. Pharmaceuticals essentially force the body to respond a particular way, rather than enhance its own capacity for healing. Plus, drugs are composed of ingredients we wouldn't normally ingest. "The medical system is based on taking petrochemicals--literally, some of the most toxic substances on the planet--patenting them, and selling them to the public as necessary," Ji said. "An average FDA approved drug has something like 75 adverse effects, and almost all of them have death as a possible consequence. Before their patent expires, 50 percent of FDA approved drugs are actually pulled from the market due to the fact that they cause disability." Rise of the New Biology Ji suggests that it isn't just corruption that undermines the modern medical model. He says its very philosophy stands on shaky ground, and new research proves it. One example is the widely accepted notion that genes are the main drivers of disease, and that changes to the genes happen slowly over the course of hundreds or even thousands of years. Recent research, however, has found that environmental variables can either activate or inhibit particular genes by influencing complex biochemical processes, and the changes can happen fast. Stress, a sedentary life, lack of sleep, processed food, exposure to industrial chemicals, pharmaceuti­cal drugs, a lack of social support, and minimal contact with nature all constitute the primary risk factors for disease. These lifestyle factors, which are largely under our control, determine whether our genetic blueprints express health or disease. But perhaps the biggest factor that has turned the modern medicine philosophy on its head is the microbiome. The discovery of this colony of bacteria that lives inside of all of us at around the turn of the millennium has been nothing short of a biomedical revolution. "It was a total eclipse of our previous state of awareness," Ji said. "Because none of the previous 29 million citations on Medline accounted for the role of the microbiome in any of the research. In a way, it non-validated all of the previous literature--the whole total sum of human knowledge in the realm of biomedicine." The old paradigm of germ theory--an idea where microorganisms are identified as the root of infection--no longer holds true once we discovered that our bodies are not only ridden with bacteria and viruses, but our physiology depends on it. Ji calls this new understanding the "new biology." "The new biology helps us understand that we are infinitely more powerful and self-sufficient than anyone ever believed," he said. "We're totally self-healing and we don't have to be dependent on a global medical-industrial complex to experience joy." Ji isn't a doctor, but a growing number of medical professionals are embracing the philosophy of the new biology he discusses. It's called "functional medicine," and its followers include MDs, naturopaths, osteopaths, acupuncturists, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, and nutritionists. Some may still occasionally prescribe drugs, but functional medicine practitioners are more likely to choose natural remedies and lifestyle changes that truly address the body's own capacity to heal. In the functional medicine model, the doctor is less a mechanic and more of a coach or teacher--helping patients to understand the vital role they play in their own healing. Compare this to the conventional medical system, where health and disease are considered too complex for the average person to grasp. When only a doctor has enough know-how to address our health problems, how can we take responsibility for our own well-being? Ji says that just realizing how much we can control our capacity to heal with the choices we make is like a medicine in itself. "Unless we believe we are capable of healing or overcoming some diagnosis that we were saddled with, we won't take the action to make it happen," he said. "The faith in the healing ability of our body is indispensable for it to happen. That gives us a lot of power that a lot of people don't want. But some do, and they embrace that fully." Get Sayer Ji's new book REGENERATE: Unlocking Your Body's Radical Resilience Through the New Biology. Available on AUDIBLE as well.  The Epoch Times is the fastest-growing independent news media in America. We are nonpartisan and dedicated to truthful reporting.The Epoch Times has received numerous awards for our reporting and design, including from the New York Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Society for News Design. The Epoch Times’ media network currently covers 21 languages and 33 countries. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.

Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group Hot yoga is more than a sweaty fitness trend: it can help people with high blood pressure shift in a calm, soothing direction -- away from high blood pressure and heart disease A preliminary study confirms the benefits of hot yoga on symptoms of high blood pressure. In a presentation at the American Heart Association's Hypertension 2019 Scientific Sessions, findings were presented from the novel study exploring a drug-free method of treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension using heated yoga classes. The lead researcher, Stacy Hunter, Ph.D., wrote an article about the study, titled "Temps up, blood pressures down in hot yoga study," published in the American Heart Association Meeting Report (Presentation #P196; Session APS.1).[i] Hunter is assistant professor and lab director of the cardiovascular physiology lab at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. For the study, Hunter's research team recruited 10 adult men and women who had been diagnosed with either elevated blood pressure (EVP) or stage 1 hypertension (S1H). According to the Mayo Clinic, EVP is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg.[ii] Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg. S1H elevates to stage 2 hypertension (S2H) when systolic pressure reaches 140 mm Hg or higher, or diastolic pressure rises to 90 mm Hg or higher.[iii] EVP tends to increase in severity over time unless steps are taken to bring blood pressure under control. [iv] Participants in the study were not taking any blood pressure medications and had not engaged in any regular physical exercise for at least six months before the study. Researchers randomly assigned five participants to an experimental group for 12 weeks of hot yoga classes, while the control group did not take yoga classes. Hot yoga is considered a vigorous workout, conducted in super-heated rooms that can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) with 40% humidity. Sweating is induced as a form of general detoxification while high heat warms the muscles, enhancing flexibility. Weekly Hot Yoga Lowers Blood Pressure in Three Months The yoga group engaged in hour-long hot yoga classes three times each week for the three-month study period. Average blood pressures for the two groups were taken before and after the study periods and compared. The researchers looked at average 24-hour blood pressure readings, as well as perceived stress and vascular function of participants in both groups. After 12 weeks, the results of the study showed that members of the yoga group had lower blood pressure measurements than non-yoga group members. While researchers acknowledge that more studies on hot yoga are needed, these promising results add to the body of research on regular, room-temperature yoga's benefits for lowering blood pressure.[v] Yoga Balances Your Body and Mind (Without Drugs) Yoga has been practiced for many thousands of years as a way to integrate the body with the mind. A first-of-its-kind meta-analysis on the effects of yoga on blood pressure was published in 2013 in the peer-reviewed journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.[vi] A U.S.-based, cross-functional research team led by Marshall Hagins from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, examined results from 17 independent studies on the effects of yoga on male and female adults with prehypertension or high blood pressure, with or without cardiovascular disease. The featured studies assessed gentle yoga programs of relatively short duration, without focus on a particular style of yoga or individual fitness levels. This criterion, researchers hypothesized, would lead to findings within their research that would be applicable to the majority of individuals with elevated blood pressure. Results of this meta-analysis showed that yoga practice was associated with an overall "modest but significant" reduction in blood pressure. Larger, more clinically significant reductions in blood pressure were observed when the yoga practice incorporated three key elements -- postures, meditation and breathing -- as compared with more limited yoga interventions, which demonstrated less impact on blood pressure. Yoga compared to no treatment yielded significant blood pressure benefits, but not when compared to other forms of exercise. Researchers said these findings "are of clear clinical significance and suggest that yoga may offer an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure among people with prehypertension or hypertension." They are not alone in their assertion that these study results indicate yoga is a viable antihypertensive lifestyle therapy. They called for additional controlled trials to determine the optimal yoga program and treatment protocol. Hot Yoga Goes Mainstream; Should You Go, Too? For individuals interested in exploring hot yoga, Hunter recommends using extra precaution. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen. If you're cleared for practice, make sure you are well-hydrated when you arrive to class; it's not enough to merely sip water throughout the class. Dress in layers that can be removed during class and allow you to cool down gradually once you leave. Start slowly; don't over-exert during class and be aware of signs of heat exhaustion. You don't need to endure an hour of super-heated asanas to benefit from yoga. For some, it's simply the art of bending over. Try a class at your local studio, YMCA or YWCA, or check the class schedule wherever you work out. There are many levels of yoga, including classes suitable for beginners. To learn more, explore GreenMedInfo.com with nearly 300 scientific abstracts on yoga and its therapeutic benefits. References [i] American Heart Association. (2019, September 5). Temps up, blood pressures down in hot yoga study. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 1, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190905161410.htm [ii] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [iii] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [iv] Mayo Clinic, Patient Care & Health Information, Diseases & Conditions, Elevated blood pressure, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prehypertension/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376708 [v] Hagins, Marshall et al. "Effectiveness of yoga for hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 649836. doi:10.1155/2013/649836 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781266 [vi] Hagins, Marshall et al. "Effectiveness of yoga for hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis." Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 649836. doi:10.1155/2013/649836 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23781266 The GMI Research Group (GMIRG) is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day.  Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health.  Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff. © [April 30th 2020] GreenMedInfoLLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission ofGreenMedInfoLLC. Want to learn more fromGreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here //www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter."

Don't Gain the Quarantine 15lb! I don’t know what to do! How can I get through this? I’ve been so bad, I’m totally failing! Have you ever had these thoughts in your head? With everything going on, or really not going on, it’s put many of us in uncharted territory. Our gyms are closed, work is stressful or lack there of has added extra stress on top what you already had, we feel stuck in our homes and there may not be much comfort in when this will end. So, where do we sometimes find comfort? The FRIDGE! I’ve been totally guilty of it too! And in times like this, I’ve heard many women state… “If I don’t change something soon, I might end up with the dreaded… QUARANTINE 15! Maybe cute in college but not past our 40’s! That’s why I put together 7 steps to avoid the quarantine 15 so you can guide yourself through this crazy time feeling good and looking good! And, as an additional BONUS... you’ll be able to use my mindset sheet to go along with those 7 simple steps to learn how to get what you want! Click here now for your FREE guide to avoid the quarantine 15 and make sure to share this with a friend! With all my love & support, Julie and the PHS team

Dr. DeSilva gives us some Quick Tips on cold and flu prevention

Reduce cortisol, the body's stress component in the clean mountain air at Valhalla Resort in Estes Park, Colorado.

2 incredible "cleaner home" devices - Air & SurfacePro and Laundry Pure2.0 help clean air and surfaces up to 3000 square feet. Laundry Pure 2.0 also uses space-age technology to provide money savings and cleaner clothes that could irritate the skin. #purify #technology #air #healthyhome #vollara #clean #allergies #allergens #mold #skinproblems #skin #eczema #asthma

Bioidentical hormone therapy resolves a number of issues you might consider as natural, inevitable effects of aging, such as: Body Leanness During age-related hormone decline, men and women can lose several pounds of muscle mass, however, improving hormone levels improves muscle tone and results in a leaner appearance. Libido Maintaining optimal hormone balance can increase sexual function and libido and minimize symptoms of vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction. Both of which can improve intimate relationships and boost confidence in men and women. Appearance of Skin and Hair Proper levels of hormones, especially into old age, can help you maintain a lustrous head of hair and strong fingernails. Weight Management Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps men and women to keep an active metabolism and prevent sudden hormone related weight gain. Brain Function Restoring hormones to healthy levels can help men and women improve and preserve their memory and cognitive function. Bone Mass Maintaining healthy hormone levels helps prevent bone thinning in men and women and even reverses some of the effects of osteoporosis.

PRP or “Platelet Rich Plasma” regenerative therapies utilize a concentration of platelet cells taken from the patient’s own blood. These platelets contain growth factors that accelerate hair regrowth and facial rejuvenation. The patients’ blood is drawn in the office and then spun in a centrifuge at a specific RPM which forces the blood components to separate into three levels. The distinct components are Red Blood Cells (RBC), Normal Plasma (PPP) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). The PRP is then separated by our Registered Nurse and micro-needled into the scalp for hair rejuvenation or into the face for cosmetic rejuvenation. PRP is an excellent option for hair growth as the platelets contain vital growth hormones which stimulate the growth of stronger, fuller, and healthier hair. Patients can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve texture and tone by restoring and enhancing their face and neck tissue. PRP leaves patients looking and feeling more youthful and rejuvenated!

Functional medicine takes a patient-centered approach to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Instead of looking at the patient as an illness or cluster of symptoms, Functional medicine considers your lifestyle, genetics, and environment when diagnosing and recommending treatments. This empowers you to take an active role in your own health. What are the core principles of functional medicine? As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Taylor recognizes that each patient is a unique human being whose biochemistry is influenced by genetics and their particular environment. She’s committed to patient-centered treatment and seeks to balance your mind, body, and spirit as a way to ultimate health. Dr. Taylor recognizes that all of your body systems are connected and a symptom in one may be caused by a disturbance in another. Functional medicine views good health as more than the absence of disease, but as the enhancement of vitality. Her practice aims to extend the quality, not just the length of your life. Dr. Taylor will always be respectful of your needs, values, and preferences. How does functional medicine differ from conventional medicine? In functional medicine, the emphasis is on nourishing the basic foundational aspects of your health. These include quality of sleep, nutrition, stress management, relationships, genetics, and exercise. When any of these are out of balance, it has a dire impact on your health. Hormone irregularities, nutritional deficiencies, an abundance of stress, and aging can all disturb this “foundation” and affect your health. Conventional medicine looks at the symptoms, often without regard to what may be causing them. While you may get resolution to acute problems with medication and other care, the underlying problems causing your symptoms may go undetected.

Meet our newest contributor, Dr. Julie Taylor

This 12-minute video runs through some favorite balance poses! 🥰🧘‍♀️