AVISO IMPORTANTE


A partir del día 14 de junio de 2015, domingo, este blog dejará de ser actualizado como se ha venido haciendo hasta la fecha. La primera idea fue la de cerrar el blog, pero el deseo que que cuanto aquí se ha publicado pueda seguir siendo útil en el futuro, nos hace que mantengamos abierto el blog. Si tuviera alguna duda o quisiera hacer algún comentario, no tema hacerlo: seguiremos publicando cuantos comentarios se hagan y seguiremos contestando a las dudas que puedan surgir.
Gracias y hasta siempre.
Andrés Guerrero Serrano
-Homeópata-

lunes, 30 de septiembre de 2013

Naturópatas piden una regulación de su profesión en España

(Extraído de teldenoticias.com)

Domingo, 29 de Septiembre de 2013 a las 20:42 horas

Desde la Organización Colegial Naturopática abogan por seguir el modelo alemán que protege la naturopatía y reconoce el derecho de cualquier persona a elegir la profesión que desea

Naturópatas ven la “necesidad” de regular y “dignificar” su profesión en España, en base a las experiencias que se encuentran a nivel europeo en países como Portugal, Alemania o Reino Unido.
Desde la Organización Colegial Naturopática abogan por seguir el modelo alemán que protege la naturopatía y reconoce el derecho de cualquier persona a elegir la profesión que desea.
Según explica la vicepresidenta de la Fundación Alemana de Naturopatía(FDH), Ursula Hilpert Mühlig, los requisitos para ser naturópata en el país germano se basan en “ser mayor de 25 años, haber superado la educación secundaria, no tener antecedentes penales y aprobar la prueba que realiza el gobierno para ejercer como tal”.
Para Hilpert, la ventaja de reconocer esta profesión es que “tanto profesionales como pacientes no tienen que elegir entre cada uno de los métodos que engloba la naturopatía porque todos están incluidos en este nombre”.
En palabras de la experta, en Alemania los naturópatas pueden “diagnosticar, realizar terapia y recomendar”, pero puntualiza que “no pueden prescribir medicamentos que van con recetas y tampoco pueden tratar enfermedades de los dientes, microbios patógenos o enfermedades infecciosas”.
La regulación de la profesión permitiría, entre otros asuntos, según aseguran desde la organización, “la libre circulación por los países de la Unión Europea, con el reconocimiento mutuo de títulos, diplomas, certificados y acreditaciones”.
Además, evitaría “el conflicto” con otras profesiones, ya que “quedaría bien definida un área de conocimiento y cualificación profesional”, concluyen.

domingo, 29 de septiembre de 2013

Research: Homeopathic remedies stunt and kill cancer cells

(extraído de homeopathyplus.com.au)

Homeopathy has been used in the treatment of cancer throughout its 200-year history, and recent research provides new evidence of the anti-cancer effects of three homeopathic remedies. These three remedies were tested in mother tincture and potency against cell lines of kidney, colorectal and breast cancer, producing highly significant cytotoxic effects and decreased cell proliferation.

While it is encouraging to see the anti-cancer effects in a laboratory petri dish, the important thing to remember is that the remedies were prescribed in a “this for that” approach which, while simplifying things for this research, does not produce the best results in the real world. (The hallmark of good homeopathic treatment is individualised prescriptions for unique symptoms of each sufferer.)

For this reason, the three remedies used – Phytolacca, Ruta, and Sarsparilla – are only a few of many potential remedies listed in homeopathic materia medicas for cancer, and even then they are marked as less commonly needed ones for the particular cancer cell lines used in this study.

More Information: Anti-proliferative effects of homeopathic medicines on human kidney, colon and breast cancer cells

- See more at: http://homeopathyplus.com.au/research-homeopathic-remedies-stunt-and-kill-cancer-cells/#sthash.AdEr8vXV.dpuf

Identification of Unknown Homeopathic Remedies by Delayed Luminescence.

(Extraído de Pubmed.gov)

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2013 Jul 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Lenger K, Bajpai RP, Spielmann M.

Source

Institute for Scientific Homeopathy, Kaiserstr. 28, 63065, Offenbach, Germany, dr.karin.lenger@t-online.de.

Abstract

A quality control method of highly diluted and potentized homeopathic remedies is important for curing patients applying homeopathic therapy. Lenger detected photons in highly potentized homeopathic remedies by delayed luminescence. The photons of Argentum metallicum 100MK and Cantharis 100MK magnetically bound to their carrier substances ethanol or saccharose were separated by their resonating magnetic field of about 2.06 MHz. The photons of these 100MK potency levels and of their reference substances were determined to be standard values calculated by the B 2-values of Bajpai's equation derived from the Hamiltonian equation. The stability of ethanolic Argentum metallicum 100MK and Cantharis 100MK declined to 1/3 of their photons within a month in contrast to saccharose globules with Argentum metallicum 100MK having been stable during the period of these investigations for almost 1 year. Some remedies delivered as CMK potency had been proved to be ethanol. The testing amount of high ethanolic potencies is limited to 40 μl because 80 μl resulted in an attenuation of the photons; 40 μl equal 16 medicated saccharose globules. Six unknown homeopathic remedies could be identified as increasing potency levels of Argentum metallicum from 100MK to 1.000MK which indicates a calibration curve. The homeopathic factories having sent the unknown remedies confirmed the measurements. A quality control of homeopathic remedies is possible by comparing the different B 2-values of the remedies and their carrier substances.

PMID:
23872840
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

sábado, 28 de septiembre de 2013

Homeopathy for common complaints during pregnancy and childbirth.

(Extraído de Pubmed.com)

Pract Midwife. 2012 Sep;15(8):S15-8.

Crompton R.

Abstract

Many expectant mothers do not want to use conventional medicine during pregnancy. As homeopathic remedies contain minute doses of specially prepared substances, unwanted side effects are avoided, making such remedies useful alternatives to use during pregnancy or when treating infants. This article describes various conditions of pregnancy and the homeopathic remedies which can help to alleviate unpleasant or harmful symptoms.

Health law boosts status of alternative medicine — at least on paper

(Extraído de stltoday.com)

An Army report recommended the use of alternatives to pain drugs, including chiropractic care, massage and acupuncture. Here, Dr. Frank Lawler gives Spc. David Ash chiropractic treatment, January 7, 2011, in Tacoma, Washington. Under the Affordable Care Act, alternative and complementary medicine could make more headway into the mainstream health care system because insurance companies can no longer discriminate against a licensed provider. (Mark Harrison/Seattle Times/MCT)

Complementary and alternative medicine — a term that encompasses meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic care and homeopathic treatment, among other things — has become increasingly popular. About four in 10 adults — and one in nine children — in the U.S. are using some form of alternative medicine, according to the National Institutes of Health.

And with the Affordable Care Act, the field could make even more headway in the mainstream health care system. That is, unless the fine print — in state legislation and insurance plans — falls short because of unclear wording and insufficient oversight.

One clause of the health law in particular — Section 2706 — is widely discussed among providers of alternative medicine because it requires that insurance companies “shall not discriminate” against any health provider with a state-recognized license.

That means a licensed chiropractor treating a patient for back pain, for instance, must be reimbursed the same as a medical doctor. In addition, nods to alternative medicine are threaded through other parts of the law in sections on wellness, prevention and research.

But because under the health care law each state defines its essential benefits plan — what is covered by insurance — somewhat differently, the wording concerning alternative medicine has to be very specific in terms of who gets paid and for what kinds of treatment, said Deborah Senn, the former insurance commissioner in Washington and an advocate for coverage of alternative medicine.

For example, naturopathic care would not fall under the nondiscriminatory list in Missouri because the state does not recognize it as a licensed practice.

And even if a practice is licensed, that doesn’t mean it will receive coverage, said Afua Bromley, a licensed acupuncturist at the Acupuncture St. Louis and Wellness Center.

“Some people have the misconception that the (Affordable Care Act) means that acupuncture coverage will be mandated, and that’s not the case,” she said.

Insurance companies can still decide not to include acupuncture in their plans, so Bromley cannot bill an agency for acupuncture care if coverage isn’t provided.

However, because she’s licensed, Bromley will be able to bill insurance companies for office visits, just like a medical doctor can bill separately for an office visit, nutritional counseling, exams and more.

Also, if an insurance company reimburses an M.D. for practicing acupuncture on a patient, that company is then required to reimburse licensed acupuncturists as well.

For a practice such as chiropractic care, the benefits are a bit more recognizable in Missouri.

Margaret Freihaut, insurance committee chairwoman for the Missouri State Chiropractors Association, said the state already has a law in place where fully insured plans — employers pay premiums to insurance companies — must provide coverage for chiropractic care.

Self-funded companies in which the employer has a separate pool of money to pay for employees’ claims — often state workers — are not required to cover chiropractic care. Many of them do anyway, but they don’t cover as many visits as the law requires.

“But now with this anti-discrimination, unless they’re limiting (everyone), they can’t just limit one profession,” Freihaut said.

This could affect global fees, too. Some insurance companies pay one set fee to chiropractors even if the services amount to more. This, just like Bromley’s acupuncture, differs from the itemized billing at a medical doctor’s office, where many services are billed separately.

“We don’t know how (insurance companies) are going to handle it,” Freihaut said, but “I would assume they can’t keep doing that because they would be paying for the same service at a different fee.”

In the long run, Freihaut and Bromley say including their practices in health care coverage is actually cheaper for insurance agencies, because their care can prevent surgery and expensive drugs.

Proving that alternative medicine has real, measurable benefits has been key to increasing its role in the system, said John Weeks, editor of the Integrator Blog, an online publication for the alternative medicine community. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, created by the health law, is funding studies on alternative treatments to determine their effectiveness.

Weeks said both lawmakers and the general public will soon have access to that research, including the amount of money saved by integrating other forms of medicine into the current health system.

Freihaut said she’s excited about what this means for consumers.

“It’s a very positive thing,” she said. “It’s going to level the playing field so that people can make their own health care choices.”

But Bromley said because acupuncture care receives little to no insurance benefits in Missouri, it’s not likely she will be affected by the Affordable Care Act until the state embraces her practice.

“In theory, it’s great,” she said. “In reality, I continue taking my cash patients.”

Ankita Rao of Kaiser Health News contributed to this report.

jueves, 26 de septiembre de 2013

What are the benefits of eucalyptus?

(Extraído de medicalnewstoday.com)

Eucalyptus is a fast growing evergreen tree native to Australia. There are over 400 different species of the tree. Eucalyptus Globulus (also known as Blue Gum) is the main source of global eucalyptus oil production.

Eucalyptus oil comes from the dried leaves of the eucalyptus tree. The oil is a colorless liquid with a strong woody and sweet scent.

Eucalyptus leaves are steam-distilled to extract the oil.

Eucalyptus oil contains 70-85% 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) - an ingredient in some mouthwash and dental preparations.

The oil has multiple different uses.

It is often a key ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics because of its unique fresh and clean aroma, and also as a dental or industrial solvent.

In addition to being used for its aroma, eucalyptus oil also has flavoring, pharmaceutical, and antiseptic uses.

Eucalyptus oil may also have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties - people use eucalyptus oil to help treat a wide range of medical conditions.

It is used to help relieve symptoms of the common cold and is found in many cough lozenges and inhalants.

Eucalyptus oil vapor acts as a decongestant when it is inhaled and is used to treat bronchitis.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eucalyptus oil was used in traditional Aboriginal medicines for treating fungal infections and skin wounds. Eucalyptus tea was also administered to reduce fevers.

Eucalyptus is used for a range of medical conditions in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine.

Towards the end of the 19th century, eucalyptus oil was used in most hospitals in England to clean urinary catheters.

It is also an effective insect repellent. In 1948, the U.S. officially registered eucalyptus oil as an insecticide and miticide (kills mites and ticks).

 

Medicinal uses and health benefits of eucalyptus

Antibacterial properties -One study, published in Clinical Microbiology & Infection found that eucalyptus oil may have antibacterial effects on pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.

However, results of the research "suggest that further studies to clarify the possible therapeutic role of E. globulus leaf extract in the treatment of respiratory tract infection are warranted."

Relieving pain - there is research to indicate that eucalyptus oil has analgesic properties. A study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation involved applying Eucalyptamint on the anterior forearm skin of 10 different subjects.

The authors of the study concluded that "Eucalyptamint, produced significant physiologic responses that may be beneficial for pain relief and/or useful to athletes as a passive form of warm-up."

Promoting good dental health -eucalyptus has antibacterial activity against cariogenic (causing tooth decay) and periodontopathic bacteria. The use of eucalyptus extract chewing gum may promote periodontal health, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology which examined the effect of chewing-gum containing eucalyptus extract on periodontal health.


Stimulating immune system response - eucalyptus oil extract is able to implement the innate cell-mediated immune response, according to a study titled "Stimulatory effect of Eucalyptus essential oil on innate cell-mediated immune response" which was published in BMC Immunology.

Other possible conditions that eucalyptus can treat include:

Precautions and side effects

It is unsafe to take eucalyptus oil orally or when it's applied on the skin before being diluted.

Side effects may include:

Signs of eucalyptus poisoning:

  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of suffocation
  • Small pupils

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

miércoles, 25 de septiembre de 2013

What are the health benefits of sage?

(Extraído de medicalnewstoday.com)

Sage is a herb native to the Mediterranean, belonging to the Lamiaceae (the mint) family along with other herbs, such as oregano, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and basil.

The herb has gray leaves up to 2.5 in long (6.4 cm) and flowers that are usually blue or purple, however, they can also be white or pink.

Sage is associated with a number of health benefits as it is very rich in antioxidants and important nutrients, such as vitamin K.

In fact, sage has been considered somewhat of a panacea (solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases) throughout history for its wide range of uses in cooking and medicine.

Sage was one of the ingredients of Four Thieves Vinegar - a mix of herbs which was made to prevent the plague.

The leaves of the herb are used in medicine to help alleviate symptoms of digestive problems and mental disorders, such as Alzheimer's and depression.

Sage is also used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics because of its unique pleasant aroma.

The scientific name of the herb Salvia officinalis originates from the Latin word "salvere" which in English means "to be saved."

 

Health benefits of sage


Packed with nutrients - sage is rich in essential oils and antioxidants (apigenin, diosmetin, and luteolin). The herb is also a good source of vitamin K.

Treating Alzheimer's disease - taking sage may help improve memory and information processing among people who suffer from mild Alzheimer's disease.

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics concluded that S. officinalis may help reduce agitation of patients, but this needs to be confirmed.

Improving memory - A 50 microl dose of sage essential oil significantly improved immediate word recall in a study of more than twenty people published in the journal Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior.

These results "represent the first systematic evidence that Salvia is capable of acute modulation of cognition in healthy young adults", according to the study authors.

Anti-inflammatory - researchers at the University of Vienna, Austria, confirmed in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology that Salvia officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties. The team had been investigating the properties of herbs used in traditional Austrian medicine.

Helps diabetes type 2 patients - a team at the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants in Iran found that "Salvia officinalis leaf extract has anti-hyperglycemic and lipid profile improving effects in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients." In other words, sage is good at lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with diabetes type 2. The study was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Other potential benefits of sage, which currently lack scientific evidence, include:

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

Acupuncture as good as counseling for depression: study

(Extraído de medlineplus.gov)

By Andrew M. Seaman

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with depression may benefit as much from acupuncture as they do from counseling, suggests a new study.

Researchers found one in three patients was no longer depressed after three months of acupuncture or counseling, compared to one in five who received neither treatment.

"For people who have depression, who have tried various medical options, who are still not getting the benefit they want, they should try acupuncture or counseling as options that are now known to be clinically effective," said Hugh MacPherson, the study's lead author from the University of York in the UK.

Previous studies looking at whether acupuncture helps ease depression have been inconclusive. Those studies were also small and didn't compare acupuncture to other treatment options.

"What's more important for the patient is does it work in practice and that is the question we were asking," MacPherson said.

For their study, he and his colleagues recruited 755 people with moderate or severe depression. The researchers split participants into three groups: 302 were randomly assigned to receive 12 weekly acupuncture sessions, another 302 received weekly counseling sessions and 151 received usual care only.

About 70 percent of people had taken antidepressants in the three months before the study and about half reported taking pain medications. People did not have to stop taking their medicine to participate in the study.

At the outset, participants had an average depression score of 16 on a scale from 0 to 27, with higher scores symbolizing more severe depression. A 16 is considered moderately severe depression.

After three months, people assigned to the acupuncture group had an average score of about 9 - on the higher end of the mild depression category. Scores fell to 11 among members of the counseling group and about 13 in the usual care group, both considered moderate depression.

Participants who received acupuncture or counseling saw larger improvements over three months than those who had neither treatment. Those benefits remained for an additional three months after the treatments stopped.

However, any differences between acupuncture and counseling could have been due to chance, the researchers reported Tuesday in PLOS Medicine.

They found doctors would need to treat seven people using acupuncture and 10 people with counseling for one person to no longer be depressed.

"What this says is if you don't get completely better, there are other options," Dr. Philip Muskin, a psychiatrist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, told Reuters Health.

"One option would be to take a different medication, but by this study these would be valid options," said Muskin, who was not involved with the new research.

He cautioned, however, that counseling and acupuncture are not replacements for medication. The majority of study participants were still taking antidepressants at the end of the three months.

Muskin said the study also doesn't show what types of patients respond best to acupuncture or counseling.

"What I can't tell from this study is who's who. Not everybody got better," he said.

MacPherson said it's best to ask patients for their treatment preference.

"If you talk to people, they would almost always have a leaning one way or the other," he said.

Acupuncture is only covered by health insurance in the UK for chronic pain, MacPherson said. In the U.S., some plans also cover acupuncture for pain or nausea.

According to online information from the Mayo Clinic, the risks of acupuncture are low if people hire competent and certified practitioners. Complications can include soreness, organ injury and infections.

"Cleary acupuncture is a new option," MacPherson said. "This is the first evidence that acupuncture really helps."

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/1803MNo PLOS Medicine, online September 24, 2013.

lunes, 23 de septiembre de 2013

Nicaragua creará centro de medicina alternativa

(Extraído de elnuevodiario.com.ni)

“Vimos la necesidad de ir incorporando la medicina tradicional en la medicina convencional”, dijo Gustavo Porras

Nicaragua planea crear un centro de medicina alternativa que servirá para tratar a los pacientes con métodos naturales mezclados con los convencionales, informó hoy el presidente de la Federación de Trabajadores de la Salud (Fetsalud), Gustavo Porras.

"Vimos la necesidad de ir incorporando la medicina tradicional en la medicina convencional", dijo Porras al portal del gobierno El 19 Digital.

El objetivo de dicho centro es capacitar a los médicos generales de todo el país, a través de un diplomado de cuatro fines de semana, con conocimientos de la medicina natural y tradicional de Nicaragua, aseguró Porras.

El proyecto está programado para iniciar este año y concluir en 2014, y llevaría por nombre "Centro de Medicina Alternativa y Terapia Complementaria", informaron las autoridades del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa).

Para darle forma a los planes, el Minsa inició este domingo el Primer Curso Básico de Fitoterapia en la sede central de la institución, en Managua.

"Es un reconocimiento a nuestros propios valores de ese conocimiento, que ha venido la ciencia adquiriéndola y transformadora en pastillas, pero realmente la esencia que lleva eso nace de las plantas, y es como regresar a nuestras raíces", matizó la ministra de Salud, Sonya Castro.

Una vez que los médicos de Managua estén capacitados, los adiestramientos continuarán con los internos del resto del país, señaló Porras.

El primer curso fue impartido por un especialista en medicina natural, a 50 médicos generales de la capital.

Kate Birch Homeopath Interview Herd Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Morphogenic Field

(Extraído de prlog.org)

September 23, 2013 Kate Birch expert research professional in homeopathic prophylaxis, contagious disease and vaccination remediation speaks on contemporary understanding of herd immunity and the morphogenic field as related to quantum theory.

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep. 22, 2013 - CARY, N.C. -- The Health Inn Show broadcasts each Monday September 23, 2103 at 11AM Eastern Time on NissanCommunications Network (http://www.nissancommunications.com/healthinn.php) on Health Inn Channel. Debby Bruck (host), Dr Deepak Sharma (co-host)  interview health experts on controversial issues and alternative medicine. Visit Homeopathy World Community (http://homeopathyworldcommunity.com/group/health-inn/foru...) for more information about resource books and programs dealing with homeoprophylaxis.


Kate Birch RSHom(NA), CCH, CMT
Since 1990 Kate has over 2000 hours in homeopathic and clinical education and has studied under many international masters of homeopathy. Kate has a general practice for men, women and children for all health concerns from infancy throughout life. She lives and practices in Minneapolis, MN. From 2005 -2008 she served as the Vice president of the North American Society of Homeopaths. Throughout this time she was involved in dialog between North American homeopathic organizations for the promotion of a more unified profession. She continues her role as the NASH rep to the International Council of Homeopathy.


Free and Healthy Children International (http://freeandhealthychildren.com) begins a healthy immune system data collection and research project by providing access to a safe, non-toxic program to empower parents and communities who witness and journal the healthy maturation of their children and their immune systems.
A website called Vaccines.gov says that vaccines are your best shot at good health. Let's take a closer look at that statement,  that belief, that theory and the facts., Community Immunity ("Herd Immunity") Vaccines can prevent outbreaks of disease and save lives.
When a critical portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease because there is little opportunity for an outbreak. Even those who are not eligible for certain vaccines—such as infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals—get some protection because the spread of contagious disease is contained. This is known as "community immunity."
Troubling Trends in Vaccination Programs: The principle of community immunity applies to control of a variety of contagious diseases, including influenza, measles, mumps, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease. If this is true, why do we inoculate against non-contagious diseases, such as heroin, cocaine or other addiction? Why vaccinate an infant against Hepatitis when the risk for acquiring that disease is minuscule and will require boosters?


Global Health Programs (http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/13/three-global-...)

Include Mass Inoculation | Survival depends upon herd immunity and distribution of vitamins. An example in the Sub-Saharan Africa providing Vitamin A supplements to alleviate the deficiency which leads to blindness in children. The World Health Organization estimates that vitamin A supplements reduce death among children 6 months to 5 years old by an amazing 23 percent. A 2005 analysis shows that vitamin A programs in sub-Saharan Africa can save over 600,000 children’s lives a year.


The trick is that to see such benefits you need high levels of coverage – at least 70 percent of children must receive the supplements at least every six months. Programs in Africa were stuck with very low coverage rates until the advent of national immunization days to eradicate polio. Starting in the mid-1990s some countries,  like Niger,  used these immunization days to piggy-back vitamin A supplementation. In 1997,  Niger achieved over 80 percent coverage and soon after,  it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to ensure that children got their second annual dose of vitamin A. Since then,  Niger has cut the rate of child deaths by 43 percent,  thanks in part to these efforts.  Niger’s success has led to a wave of distribution of vitamin A and other key services across the continent.


As we study about "consciousness" in awakening our planet, we hear more about both individual consciousness and universal consciousness. As more people has similar thoughts to improve the world, through human emotions of love, peace, harmony, forgiveness and compassion and act in ways that reflect those feelings, we all build a morphogenic field, which we hope will tip the balance of negative actions in society.


We notice the revolt of groups within society and culture as war, violence and abuse are highlighted in our new media. Our mindful efforts and meditations will continue this trend toward building a more peaceful era. We know very little about this level of consciousness at this time, but science slowly brings new information to light.


Emotion and the energy connected to it is one of the most powerful forces of creation in existence.  If you had the ability to encourage a large number of people to think and act in similar ways,  a morphogenic field could be created.   We will learn more about the morphogenic field as it relates to homeopathy.


Kate Birch gives her testimony against Minnesota Department of Health proposed vaccine rule changes in a public hearing held June 27, 2013.
YouTube Video | youtube.com/watch?v=r72QHjjHRO8


Do you have questions about the ingredients in each vaccine? For all those parents who home school, have concerns about putting GM genetically modified organisms, fetal cells, formaldehyde, aluminum, squalene, petroleum and other ingredients into the body, you will want to learn about this system implemented in other countries of the world. A growing database of information will provide the information needed to move into the future with the homeoprophylaxis method.


* * * *
Kate Birch and Cilla Whatcott talk about homeoprophylaxis on Health Inn
January 21, 2013 Check out her book The Solution (http://hpsolution.org/vaccine-alternatives/) and insert "HWC" to support Homeopathy World Community
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEvkBAUS1oQ


* * *
Host, Debby Bruck, founder of Homeopathy World Community has been interviewing health experts since 2010 on BlogTalkRadio (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/homeopathyworldcommunity) and 2011 on Health Inn. With a deep concern for the increase in childhood chronic illness of ADHD, asthma, dermatitis, obesity, allergies, Autism, etc. Debby feels that a natural approach to immunological development will result in healthier communities. Debby believes that we have the power to heal from within and encourages people to become advocates for their own health through legislative action to create freedom of choice in health care. Create waves of awareness by talking with friends, family and neighbors.


Co-host Dr. Deepak Sharma, MD adds the international viewpoint of an active physician who runs 7 Homeopathic Clinics in India, manages many research projects and was elected VP World Homeopathy Awareness Organization. A qualified, government registered Homeopathic physician, Dr Sharma practices in various reputable hospitals in Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region).
Further homeopathy news can be found on HWC FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/HomeopathyWorldCommunity

Superfoods Of The World

(Extraído de huffingtonpost.com)

Trying different foods from around the world is a great way to find new and exciting flavors that you can incorporate into your diet. To make sure you're picking the healthiest options, we've explored some of the superfoods found in traditional dishes around the globe, from Brazil to Turkey to Malaysia. Check out our list of the world's best superfoods, and test out some new healthy flavors in your next meal.

  • 1

    Turmeric

    Turmeric, the primary spice found in Indian curry, is pretty powerful. Just one tablespoon of ground turmeric packs in 16 percent of your daily intake of iron. It's also a great source of vitamins A and B6. Extracts from the spice have high amounts of the compound curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may also prevent heart attacks after bypass surgery, improve the success of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, and suppress the growth of head and neck cancers.

  • 2

    Olives

    In Greece, olives are heart-healthy stars. Olives contain monounsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol and regulate insulin. Kalamata olives contain the phenol hydroxytyrosol, which may prevent abnormal cell growth and DNA damage, according to The Dr. Oz Show. Olive oil is also a good bet, since it's rich in polyphenols, thought to protect against cancer and inflammation. The oil is also known for its vitamin E and beta-carotene. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil can help prevent clotting and heart disease. It may also help build strong bones and improve brain health.

  • 3

    Cilantro

    You can find cilantro in Mexican guacamole and Portuguese soup, but Vietnamese cuisine actually relies heavily on this flavorful herb. The leafy green may help to control blood sugar and cholesterol, but also has bacteria-fighting properties. Cilantro has been known to ease the pain of menstrual cramps, digestive gas and arthritis and prevent urinary tract infections. As a good source of zinc, the leafy green could help fight off unpleasant symptoms of the common cold.

  • 4

    Soybeans

     

    Soy comes in many forms in Japanese cuisine. One cup of soybeans contains 33 grams of protein, which may lower blood cholesterol, and high amounts of many essential amino acids. Soybeans also contain natural isoflavones that seem to have anti-cancer properties. One study found that the peptides in soybeans can stop the growth of colon cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer in scientific labs.

  • 5

    Shiitake Mushrooms

    While the shiitake mushroom is also native to Japan and China, it also stars Korean cuisine, and is one of the best sources of vitamin D around. Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to lower cholesterol and improve the immune system. But the real boon in this superfood is lentinan , a compound that seems to possess anti-tumor properties. It's been associated with higher survival rates and quality of life in cancer patients.

  • 6

    Tomatoes

    What Italian meal would be complete without that amazing tomato flavor? Tomatoes are full of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. As if that wasn't enough, tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that gives the fruit its red hue thought to promote normal cell growth and prevent the growth of breast, colon and prostate cancer cells. Studies show that tomatoes also contain anti-inflammatory powers and have the potential to lower the risk of strokes and prevent blood clotting.

  • 7

    Clams

    Found in the famous paella, clams add a host of health benefits to Spanish cuisine. There are compounds that lower cholesterol, and the high level of polyunsaturated fats can lower the risk of heart disease. This shellfish also has enough iron in 100 grams to meet 78 percent of your daily intake. A serving is also a great source of vitamin B12.

  • 8

    Black Beans

    Found in burritos, salads, soups and more, black beans have a lot to offer classic Mexican cuisine. Like most beans, these are a great source of fiber. However, black beans in particular jam in 15 grams of protein in one cup and have more antioxidant properties than other beans.

  • 9

    Ginger

    Whether it's consumed as a tea, sliced or juiced, ginger has long been used as a home remedy for a number of ailments. The root, a star in Thai cuisine, has been used to ease nausea and digestive problems. Some research shows the potential for its use as a painkiller to treat arthritis, joint pain or muscle soreness. Recent research has also shown that it could benefit those suffering from asthma. The National Institutes of Health also associates ginger with treatments for migraines, toothaches and coughs.

  • 10

    Cumin

    While used in many Mediterranean dishes, cumin can be found on many traditional Turkish plates. The spice is a great source of iron and calcium and has been shown to lower blood glucose levels , important for people with diabetes. It also contains antibacterial properties, which have been shown to effectively kill the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers. Cumin has been consumed for digestive problems, bloating and even as an aphrodisiac.

  • 11

    Chili Pepper

    As the main ingredient in the traditional Sambal -- the spicy condiment popular in Malaysia -- chili pepper packs on the heat and health qualities. The spice fights inflammation and provides natural pain relief. Researchers are currently studying its effects on arthritis and blood pressure. Chili pepper has also been found to clear congestion and aid in weight loss.

  • 12

    Chickpeas

    One of the main ingredients in the popular Egyptian dish fūl medames, chickpeas actually surface in a number of Egyptian, Israeli and other Middle Eastern dishes. Chickpeas are also the star ingredient in hummus. No matter who wins the debate over the origins of the popular dip, there's no disputing the facts: Chickpeas are full of fiber and protein. They are a higher source of folic acid than other beans, and a good source of other minerals, including zinc and magnesium. These beans also provide a significant amount of the essential amino acids and vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and folate.

  • 13

    Lentils

    Used in curry and several varieties of dal dishes, lentils are a staple of the Pakistani diet. With 16 grams of fiber per cup, lentils can lower cholesterol and manage blood sugar. They pack in vitamins, essential minerals and 18 grams of protein in just one cup. They have been used as a weight-loss aid , since all that slow-burning fiber and complex carbohydrate can fill you up and keep you satisfied longer.

  • 14

    Papaya

    Brazilian papaya is not only tropical and sweet, but packed with nutrients. Just one small fruit contains 95.6 milligrams of vitamin C! This, along with vitamins A and E make the papaya a juicy form of protection against the common cold. Chock full of antioxidants, papaya has been shown to protect against heart disease and colon cancer. These antioxidants also help improve skin and the immune system. The fruit also contains the superpowers of lycopene, although not at quite the same level as the tomato.

  • 15

    Bok Choy

    A popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, bok choy was originally cultivated during the Ming dynasty. As part of the cruciferous -- or cabbage -- family, bok choy is known for its powerful antioxidants. With a high concentration of the antioxidant kaempferol, bok choy also seems to have anti-cancer properties. One cup of this veggie is loaded with vitamin C and contains more than 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A when cooked.

  • 16

    Red Wine

    As the largest wine producer in the world, the French know about the health benefits they harvest. Red wine has long been praised for its powerful antioxidant, resveratrol. This key ingredient prevents damage to the blood vessels and reduces "bad" cholesterol, or LDL. It has also been linked to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that any alcohol, including white wine, raises HDL, or "good" cholesterol, and may reduce blood clots. Wine may also improve women's overall health -- when consumed in moderation, of course.

Clarification: The text has been update to reflect that shiitake mushrooms are native to multiple Asian countries.

domingo, 22 de septiembre de 2013

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Regenerative Medicine

 

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 420458, 2 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/420458Editorial

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Regenerative Medicine

Yueh-Sheng Chen,1 Wei-Chiang Lin,2 and Cheryl Miller31School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402,  Taiwan 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33174,  USA 3 Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103,  USAReceived 1 August 2013; Accepted 1 August 2013 Copyright © 2013 Yueh-Sheng Chen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Regenerative medicine is the process of replacing or regenerating animal cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. This field has the potential to solve the problem of the shortage of organs available for donation and of organ transplant rejection. Recently, application of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as a means to accelerate the process of regeneration is a new approach. The CAM therapies offer a natural and cost-effective intervention to change the course of chronic disease and may regenerate failing organ systems. The paper by Dr. Y.–J.  Chen et al. explores how the Hepatitis B virus-encoded X regulates the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, an important gene for growth of hepatocytes. Dr. H.–Y. Liu et al. demonstrated the regenerative potentials of deep sea water on osteogenesis, showing that deep sea water could potentially be applied in osteoporosis therapy. Dr. S. –H. Hsu et al. prepared peripheral nerve conduits containing the negatively charged Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TF) and successfully used the TF-immobilized conduits to repair a large (15 mm) critical gap defect in rats. Y. Lee et al. found that L-glutamate-induced neurotoxicity could be suppressed by the treatment with constituents of Rhodiola rosea, indicating that the Rhodiola rosea may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammation and neurodegenerative disease. Dr. B.–Y. Yang et al. tried to apply percutaneous electrical stimulation to improve bone remodeling and bone healing in rats. X-ray and micro-CT showed that the electrical treatment could increase the amount of newly formed cranial bone. W. Liu et al. examined the contribution of side population (SP) cells from kidney and bone marrow to the reconstitution of kidney SP pools after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). They found that following renal IRI, kidney SP cells were acutely depleted and then progressively restorated to baseline levels by both self-proliferation and extrarenal source, that is, bone marrow-derived cell homing. Dr. F. Yahya et al. showed that methanol extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves could exert potential hepatoprotective activity in rats via its antioxidant activity and high phenolic content. T. Jayakumar et al. reviewed the effects of andrographolide, a major bioactive chemical constituent in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, against cardiovascular disease, platelet activation, infertility, and NF-kB activation. Dr. H.–M. Chiang et al. showed the antioxidant activity of a Neonauclea reticulata water extract against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in human skin fibroblast cell cultures (Hs68) by inhibiting MMP-1, -3, and -9 expressions and increasing levels of collagen activity. Dr. W.–Y. Su et al. developed a biphasic calcium phosphate cement, consisting of -tricalcium phosphate (-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP), which is a potential biomaterial for bone repair. C. Y. Ho et al. showed that acupuncture and electroacupuncture could have positive effects on regeneration of median nerve in rats. J. Xiao et al. demonstrated that administration of garlic-derived antioxidant S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC) could ameliorate hepatic injury in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rat model. Dr. S.–C. Lee et al. investigated the effect of ferulic acid (FA) against peripheral nerve injury. They found that FA appears to promote peripheral nerve regeneration across a 15 mm critical defect gap in the rat sciatic nerve injury model. Suppression of macrophages by FA at the site of peripheral nerve injury may contribute to its nerve growth-promoting capability.By compiling these articles, we hope to stimulate our readers and researchers to provide continuing efforts to fully understand the effects of CAM therapies on regenerating tissues or organs.

Yueh-Sheng Chen
Wei-Chiang Lin
Cheryl Miller

What are the health benefits of rosemary?

(Extraído de medialnewstoday.com)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean. It is used as a culinary condiment, to make bodily perfumes, and for its health benefits.

The herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes such as Rosemary chicken and lamb, it is also a naturally rich source of iron, calcium, and dietary fiber.

In addition, rosemary is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

Hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties, the herb was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.

Rosemary is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae along with many other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender. The name rosemary derives from the Latin ros meaning "dew" and marinus meaning "sea" - "sea dew."

Rosemary is typically prepared as a dried whole herb or a dried powdered extract, while teas and liquid extracts are made from fresh or dried leaves.

 

Health benefits of Rosemary

Rich source of antioxidants - laboratory studies have shown rosemary to be rich in antioxidants, which play an important tole in neutralizing harmful particles called free radicals.

Improving digestion - In Europe rosemary is often used to help treat indigestion - Germany's Commission E has approved it for the treatment of dyspepsia. However, it should be noted that there is currently no meaningful scientific evidence to support this claim.

Enhancing memory and concentration - blood levels of a rosemary oil component correlate with improved cognitive performance, according to research in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, published by SAGE.

Neurological protection - scientists have found that rosemary is also good for your brain. Rosemary contains an ingredient, carnosic acid, that fights off free radical damage in the brain.

Carnosic acid can protect the brain from stroke and neurodegeneration. The findings were published in The Journal of Neurochemistry and Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

Prevent brain aging - Kyoto University researchers in Japan revealed that rosemary may significantly help prevent brain aging.

Cancer - Research published in Oncolocy Reports found that "crude ethanolic rosemary extract (RO) has differential anti-proliferative effects on human leukemia and breast carcinoma cells."

Another study, published in Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, concluded that rosemary can be considered an herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent.

In addition, a report published in the Journal of Food Science revealed that adding rosemary extract to ground beef reduces the formation of cancer-causing agents that can develop during cooking.

Protection against macular degeneration - a study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, led by Stuart A. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. and colleagues at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, revealed that a major component of rosemary, carnosic acid, can significantly promote eye health.

This could have clinical applications for diseases affecting the outer retina, such as age-related macular degeneration - the most common eye disease in the U.S.

 

Precautions and side effects

Rosemary is usually safe when taken in low doses. However, extremely large doses can trigger the following side effects (although rare):

High doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage. Therefore it's not advisable for pregnant women to take any supplemental rosemary.

 

Drug interactions

Rosemary can affect the activity of some medications, including:

  • Anticoagulant drugs - blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin, Aspirin, and Clopidogrel.
  • ACE inhibitors - drugs used for treating high blood pressure, including lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), captpril (Capoten), and elaropril (Vasotec).
  • Diuretics - medications that increase the passing of urine, such as hydrocholorothiazide and furosemide (Lasix).
  • Lithium - a medication used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Rosemary can act as a diuretic and subsequently cause lithium to reach toxic levels in the body.

Nutritional profile

Spices, rosemary, dried - Value per 100g (Source: USDA - National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference)

  • Proximates
  • Water - 9.31 grams
  • Energy - 331 kcal
  • Protein - 4.88 grams
  • Total lipid (fat) - 15.22 grams
  • Carbohydrate - 64.06 grams
  • Fiber - 42.6 grams
  • Minerals
  • Calcium, Ca - 1280 mg
  • Iron, Fe - 29.25 mg
  • Magnesium, Mg - 220 mg
  • Phosphorus, P - 70mg
  • Potassium, K - 955 mg
  • Sodium, Na, 50 mg
  • Zinc, Zn - 3.23
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin C - 61.2 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.514 mg
  • Riboflavin - 0.426 mg
  • Niacin - 1.000 mg
  • Vitamin B-6 - 1.740 mg
  • Folate, DFE - 307 µg
  • Vitamin B-12 - 0.00 µg
  • Vitamin A , RAE- 156 µg
  • Lipids
  • Fatty acids, total saturated - 7.371 grams
  • Fatty acids, total monounsaturated - 3.014 grams
  • Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated - 2.339 grams
  • Cholesterol - 0 mg

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

What are the health benefits of oregano?

(Extraído de medicalnewstoday.com)

Oregano is an important culinary and medicinal herb that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years - with a number of health benefits. It is a species of Origanum, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Its name comes from the Greek words oros (mountain) and ganos (joy).

Oregano typically grows 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.

The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene

Not only does oregano provide food flavor, there are also a substantial number of health claims associated with its potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.

Oregano is a rich source of:

  • fiber
  • iron
  • manganese
  • vitamin K - an important vitamin which promotes bone growth and the maintenance of bone density and the production of blood clotting proteins.

The herb is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.

Oregano is also applied topically (onto the skin) to help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.

 

What are the health benefits of Oregano

Excellent source of dietary antioxidants - a report published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that oregano contains very high concentrations of antioxidants (i.e., >75 mmol/100 g).

Antioxidants are important in protecting your cells against the effects of free radicals and improving your ability to fight infection.

Packed with nutrients - oregano is very rich in fiber - which is known to reduce high cholesterol levels and lower the risk of colon cancer. In addition, the herb is an excellent source of vitamin E, iron, calcium, omega fatty acids, manganese, and typtophan.

Antibacterial properties - oregano has shown antimicrobial activity in a number of studies. A group of Portuguese researchers found that Origanum vulgare essential oils were effective against 41 strains of the food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

Oregano oil is a powerful antimicrobial, because of an essential compound called carvacol.

A team of British and Indian researchers reported that the essential oil of Himalayan oregano has strong antibacterial properties that can even kill the hospital superbug MRSA.

Professor Vyv Salisbury, who was part of the research, said

"We have done a few preliminary tests and have found that the essential oil from the oregano kills MRSA at a dilution 1 to 1,000. The tests show that the oil kills MRSA both as a liquid and as a vapor and its antimicrobial activity is not diminished by heating in boiling water."

Effective against inflammations - scientists at Bonn University, Germany, and the ETH Zurich, Switzerland, identified an active ingredient in oregano - known as beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - which may possibly be of use against disorders such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis.

Anti-cancer properties - biologists at the United Arab Emirates University reported in the journal PLoS ONE that oregano exhibits anticancer activity by encouraging cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (cancer cells commit suicide) of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer line.

The scientists concluded "Our findings identify Origanum majorana as a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic candidate that modulate breast cancer growth and metastasis." Put simply, they believe components in oregano may help slow down or prevent the progression of cancer in patients with breast cancer.

Oregano may be effective for the following (although more evidence is necessary):

Side effects and precautions

Eating oregano may cause stomach upset in some susceptible people. Individuals who are allergic to plants belonging to the to Lamiaceae family (such as including basil, lavender, mint, and sage) should be cautious as they can develop an allergic reaction to the herb.

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

What are the health benefits of basil?

(Extraído de medicalnewstoday.com)


Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Saint Joseph's Wort, is a herb belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae often used as a seasoning in cooking. Basil is native to India and other tropical areas of Asia.

The herb is well known for its use in Italian cuisine - it is a major ingredient in pesto sauce. Basil is also commonly used Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.

The word Basil derives from the Greek word "basileus", which means "king". The Oxford English Dictionary says that basil may have been used as "some royal unguent, bath, or medicine".

In fact, there are quite a number of different beliefs associated with the herb. The French often refer to the herb as l'herbe royale (the royal herb), and in Jewish folklore basil is thought to give strength while fasting.

Basil is used in traditional Tamil medicine and in ayurvedic medicine, which is a form of alternative traditional medicine in the Indian subcontinent.

There are different types of basil, which differ in taste and smell. Sweet basil (the most commercially available basil used in Italian food) has a strong clove scent because of its high concentration of the chemical agent eugenol. Whereas lime and lemon basil have a strong citrus scent due to their high concentration of limonene.

Basil is associated with numerous different health benefits. The herb contains high amounts of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

In addition, basil is incredibly rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium.

Health benefits of basil

Research indicates that there are several health benefits associated with basil because of its high density of flavonoids and volatile oils.

Reduce inflammation and swelling - a study presented at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's annual event, revealed that "extracts of O. tenuiflorm (Holy basil) were shown to reduce swelling by up to 73%, 24 hours after treatment".

This suggests that basil may have the potential to treat arthritis.

Anti-aging properties - according to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester, basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging. Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart.

Rich in antioxidants - results of a study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research showed that ethanol extract Ocimum basilicum had more antioxidant activity than standard antioxidants.

Nutritional profile of basil

Nutritional value of basil per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 94 kJ (22 kcal)
Carbohydrates 2.65 g
Dietary fiber 1.6 g
Fat 0.64 g
Protein 3.15 g
Water 92.06 g
Vitamin A 264 μg
Thiamine 0.034 μg
Riboflavin 0.076 mg
Niacin 0.902 mg
Vitamin B6 0.155
Folate 68 μg
Choline 11.4 mg
Vitamin C 18.0 mg
Vitamin E 0.80 mg
Vitamin K 414.8 μg
Calcium 177 mg
Iron 3.17 mg
Magnesium 64 mg
Manganese 1.148 mg
Phosphorus 56 mg
Potassium 295 mg
Sodium 4 mg
Zinc 0.81

Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

Naturópatas defienden la legalidad de sus terapias y reclaman su regulación

(Extraído de abc.es)

Profesionales de las terapias naturales, que agrupan prácticas como la naturopatía, la acupuntura, la homeopatía o el quiromasaje, han defendido esta mañana la legalidad de estas prácticas y han reclamado al Gobierno su regulación por ley y su equiparación a otros países europeos como Alemania, Francia o Hungría.

"En estos países cuando un paciente va al médico recibe la opción de recibir tratamientos alopáticos -medicina tradicional- u optar por un tratamiento natural", ha explicado a EFE el director de la Escuela Europea Parasanitaria, José Antonio Sánchez.

La situación legal de este colectivo, que agrupa a unas 50.000 personas en España, es uno de los debates principales del I Congreso Parasanitario que se celebra hoy en A Coruña con la presencia de prestigiosos especialistas españoles e internacionales.

"Lo que hay es una falta de regulación. Los naturópatas se encuentran con que no hay un marco jurídico establecido que les diga lo que tienen que hacer y cómo lo tienen que hacer", ha señalado la asesora jurídica de la Escuela, Rogelia Pérez.

Actualmente, las prácticas naturales no cuentan con una regulación específica y se rigen por reglas generales lo que, en muchos casos, derivan en conflictos con otras profesiones, especialmente con los fisioterapeutas, que sí cuentan con una formación académica reglada.

Aunque la ley Ómnibus de 2009 abrió la puerta para la regulación de estas profesiones, a día de hoy "no ha sido convenientemente desarrollada", ha apuntado Pérez.

Por ello, las asociaciones de naturópatas ha pedido al Gobierno que regule por ley sus funciones, obligaciones y derechos.

"Lo que no queda bien marcado por la ley es el tipo de formación que hay que dar. Sí que está reglado el ejercicio", ha precisado Sánchez, quien ha rechazado las acusaciones de "intrusismo".

El reto para el sector, ha remarcado el director de la Escuela Europea Parasanitaria, distinguido en 2007 con el premio nacional a la investigación en Naturopatía, es "profesionalizar" las terapias naturales.

Las ventajas de la medicina natural -pese a los contraindicaciones que todo producto tiene, incluido el agua, ha señalado Sánchez- han llamado la atención de los pacientes y por ende de las empresas del sector.

Algunas aseguradoras ya ofrecen estas terapias entre sus servicios aunque los profesionales del sector son reticentes a estos acuerdos principalmente por diferencias respecto al tiempo de atención.

El debate sobre la situación del sector ha sido uno de los temas centrales de las primeras horas del Congreso I Congreso Parasanitario que incluye conferencias de médicos y expertos en primeros auxilios y especialistas en osteopatía y homeopatía.

Entre los ponentes más destacados se encuentra el médico ruso Kirill Yurievich Yarko "Kira", doctor en Pediatría por la Universidad de San Petersburgo y en Medicina Osteopática por la Escuela Superior Rusa de Medicina Osteopática.

Igualmente, destaca la presencia de la profesora de yoga, naturópata y homeópata Siegrun Bischoff, formada en la India en técnicas ayurvédicas, gimnasia acuática y quiromasaje.

Bischoff, es subdirectora de la Escuela Europea Parasanitaria, es autora de diversas guías y manuales de identificación de plantas.

También participa como ponente Roberto Caeiro Duarte, experto en acupuntura por la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela y postgrado en acupuntura por la Sociedad Médica china de Beijing.

Caeiro pasa actualmente pasa consulta de acupuntura en centros propios de las localidades de Cuntis (Pontevedra) y Ordes (Coruña) adscritos a la Sociedad Cop. Biomédica.

Otra de las ponentes es Marisol Catoira Domínguez, licenciada en Filología Hispánica y experta en acupuntura, manopuntura, facioterapia, cromoterapia, shiatsu, reflexología, tai chi, qi gong, que actualmente ejerce como jefa de estudios de la Escuela Europea de Parasanitaria.

La enfermera Verónica Jaime Tortoler, experta en urgencias y emergencias extrahospitalarias por la Universidad de Enfermería de Ferrol y quiromasajista, se ha referido a primeros auxilios a bebés.

El I Congreso Parasinatario nace con un compromiso solidario y ha cobrado como entrada un simbólico kilo de alimentos no perecederos que serán donados al banco de alimentos.

Asimismo, durante la jornada los alumnos de la Escuela Europea Prasanitaria están dando masajes gratuitos a los asistentes que decidan donar al menos 3 kilos más de alimentos no perecederos al banco de alimentos.

viernes, 20 de septiembre de 2013

The impact of food allergy on asthma in children

(Extraído de aaaai.org)

Published Online: September, 2013
The burden of asthma in urban school-aged children is high. Studies suggest that food allergy has increased in prevalence, and often children with food allergies also have asthma. However, the interrelationship between food allergy and asthma is not well understood.
A recent NIH/NIAID funded study from Friedlander et al, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice studied the impact of food allergy on a cohort of urban, elementary school-aged children with asthma. Three hundred students with a diagnosis of asthma were enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study (SICAS) over a three-year period. Detailed clinical evaluations were conducted for each student that included detailed demographic data, comprehensive data on asthma severity, food allergy, and health care utilization.
Food allergy was common, with 24% of the asthmatic students having food allergy, and 12% having multiple food allergies. The presence of food allergy was a predictor of higher asthma burden in these inner-city school children. Specifically, students with food allergies and asthma reported more asthma symptoms, were more likely to use asthma controller medications, had higher risk for hospitalization, had more provider visits, and had lower lung function than asthmatic children without food allergy. Associations were stronger in students with multiple food allergies, and remained when adjusting for age, sex, race, income, exposure to tobacco smoke, and history of eczema. The authors conclude that children with asthma and food allergies may require increased surveillance by their physicians and caretakers in order to optimize asthma control. Future school-based studies may be useful to better understand these two highly prevalent allergic diseases.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice is an official journal of the AAAAI, focusing on practical information for the practicing clinician.

jueves, 19 de septiembre de 2013

What are the health benefits of spearmint?

(Extraído de medicalnewstoday.com)

 

Spearmint is a pleasant-smelling species of mint often used in medicine for its claimed therapeutic properties.

The herb is found in many health food products, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics .

Spearmint is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and vital nutrients.

There are many health claims associated with the consumption of the herb.

Some people consume spearming to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat.

Spearming is also applied topically (to the skin) to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.

Along with other herbs belonging to the mint family, spearmint has a square shaped stem. Its leaves are around 5 to 9 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm broad, the tips of the leaves are pointed (much like spears), hence its name "spearmint".

Despite having a very similar aroma to peppermint, spearmint does not contain as much menthol, but is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone and cineol.

 

Health benefits of spearmint

Health benefits associated with spearmint:

Excellent antioxidant activity - a report, published in the Journal of Chemistry, revealed that spearmint extract has "good total phenolic and flavonoid contents. It exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, as measured by β-carotene bleaching and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays."

Antifungal properties - spearmint essential oil is associated with a number of antifungal properities, according to a study presented at the 2011 International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture Engineering.

Relieving symptoms of digestive problems - spearmint may help relax the stomach muscles, reducing symptoms of nausea and other digestive problems. However, more research is necessary to back this claim.

Treating hirutism (abnormal hair growth) - There is very promising data published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showing that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day for five days could reduce the level of androgens in women with hirsutism. Women with hirsutism grow hair on their face, breasts, and stomach. This can cause a great deal of distress. The hair grows because of excessively high levels of the 'masculinizing' androgen hormones.

Other health conditions that spearmint may be effective at treating, include:

Ways of preparing spearmint

Spearmint contains a much lower level of menthol than other mint species, which makes it less pungent and more desirable to use in health drinks and cooking.

Below are a few serving suggestions:

  • Chopping the leaves and sprinkling it onto food
  • Using the leaves to make mint sauce
  • Preparing spearmint tea

Spearmint's nutritional profile

Spearmint (Mentha spicata), fresh - Nutritional value per 100 g: - Source: USDA

  • Energy - 44 Kcal
  • Protein - 3.29 g
  • Carbohydrates - 8.41 g
  • Total Fat - 0.73 g
  • Cholesterol - 0 mg
  • Iron - 11.87 mg
  • Manganese - 1.118 mg
  • Copper - 0.240 mg
  • Potassium - 458 mg
  • Riboflavin - 0.175 mg
  • Pyridoxine - 0.158 mg
  • Vitamin C - 13.3 mg

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

martes, 17 de septiembre de 2013

Blueberries, Red Grapes May Boost Body's Immune Function

(Extraído de healthfinder.gov)

Compounds in these fruits work alongside vitamin D and specific gene, lab study found.

TUESDAY, Sept. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Red grapes and blueberries may give your immune system a boost, according to a new study.

Researchers found that both fruits contain compounds called stilbenoids, which work with vitamin D to increase expression of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene, which is involved in immune function.

The stilbenoid compounds included resveratrol in red grapes and pterostilbene in blueberries.

"Out of a study of hundreds of compounds, just these two popped right out," Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, said in a university news release.

"Their synergy with vitamin D to increase CAMP gene expression was significant and intriguing," said Gombart, an associate professor in the university's college of science. "It's a pretty interesting interaction."

Gombart and colleagues noted, however, that these findings were made in laboratory cell cultures and do not prove that eating blueberries and red grapes would boost a person's immune function.

The study was published Sept. 17 in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.

The CAMP gene has been shown to play a key role in the innate immune system -- the body's first line of defense that gives it the ability to fight bacterial infection. The response is especially crucial as many antibiotics become less effective.

Previous research has found a strong association between adequate vitamin D levels and the function of the CAMP gene. This new study suggests that certain other compounds may play a role as well.

The immune boosting power of pine bark extract

(Extraído de naturalnews.com)

Monday, September 16, 2013 by: Dr. David Jockers

(NaturalNews) Pine bark extract has shown extraordinary promise as a therapeutic agent used to help stabilize blood sugar and stimulate immunity. The special group of proanthocyanidin antioxidants in pine bark is responsible for its positive health benefits. Pine bark extract has profound antioxidant potential and immune boosting power.
Pine bark extract is made from maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster) bark, which contains proanthocyanidins. These trees grow natively in the Mediterranean region including Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco and Italy. A patented extract of maritime pine bark called Pycnogenol consists of 65-75% proanthocyanidins.
Proanthocyanidin are a group of water soluble bioflavonoid polyphenols that consist of phenolic acids, catechin, taxifolin and procyanidins. A similar proanthocyanidin antioxidant complex is found in grape seeds but it differs slightly from Pycnogenol. These antioxidants are also found in a smaller degree in cinnamon, cacao and red wine. They are found in the skins and seeds of apples, blueberries, grapes, cherries and plums too.

 

Improves microcirculation in diabetics:

Pycnogenol has been found to help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics demonstrated that Pycnogenol supplementation was able to improve microcirculation, retinal edema and visual acuity in individuals suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Research over the past decade has indicated that Pycnogenol protects and improves the vision of diabetic patients.
Five large clinical studies with over one thousand diabetic patients using Pycnogenol resulted in noticeable improvements in visual acuity. Scientists are confirming that the proanthocyanidin complex helps to seal leaky capillaries in the eye. This impedes the progression of visual loss in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy.

 

Improves attention span:

A 2006 study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrated that pine bark extract had a positive effect on children with ADHD. This double blind study had 61 children taking either 1mg/kg/day of Pycnogenol or placebo over four weeks with the Pycnogenol group seeing significant improvements in attention, concentration and visual-motor coordination.

 

Improves immune coordination:

A 2010 study published in PhytoTherapy Research demonstrated that Pycnogenol supplementation improved symptoms in individuals with allergic rhinitis. These individuals typically have a large rise in immunoglobin E (IgE) when exposed to birch pollen. The group receiving the Pycnogenol supplementation had significantly reduced IgE levels, indicating less allergenic response to the birch pollen than the placebo group.
An earlier 2007 study published in PhytoTherapy Research showed that Pycnogenol supplementation inhibited a talc induced proliferation of cancerous ovarian cells. Talc is a cosmetic agent that has been linked, along with poor diet and lifestyle, to ovarian cancer cell formation. Pycnogenol supplementation significantly decreased reactive oxygen species generation in the ovarian cells and reduced inflammation and cancer cell formation.

 

Pine bark as a Th2 stimulator

Some natural health practicioners have labeled pine bark extract as a selective Th2 stimulating agent. Although this has yet to be proven through research, there are various case studies indicating that pine bark may have this effect. This herb would be very helpful for individuals with Th1 dominance, as it will help balance out the immune system.
It is advisable for individuals with Th2 dominant conditions to do a supplement challenge where they intentionally see how there body responds to pine bark extract or another Th2 stimulating compound before they use it indiscretionarily. If it is shown through a cytokine blood test or through a supplement challenge that they have a Th2 dominance, it is best to avoid pine bark extract.


Sources for this article include:
http://www.cancer.org
http://www.eurekalert.org
http://science.naturalnews.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
http://www.nutraingredients.com


About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.drjockers.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/042071_pine_bark_extract_immune_boosting_power_natural_medicine.html#ixzz2f8DQoKLk