Can you beat depression with a cup of tea?

Even though spring is right around the corner, some of us may still be experiencing the winter blues, while for others, fighting off depression remains an uphill battle. That’s why I was struck by a preliminary study which found that regular consumption of a popular tea may be able to cut your risk of depression nearly in half.

In this study, Japanese researchers at Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering examined the effects of green tea consumption on 1,058 healthy individuals over the age of 70. Among these subjects, 34 percent of the men and 39 percent of the women showed symptoms of depression. Depression was reported to be severe in about 20 percent and 24 percent of the men and women, respectively.
The researchers measured the green tea consumption of each study participant: 488 reported drinking four or more cups of green tea per day, with 283 drinking two to three cups daily, and 286 averaging one or fewer cups daily. Additional risk factors—including social and economic status, diet, gender, physical activity, smoking, medical history, and use of antidepressant medications—were also accounted for.

The study authors’ conclusion: Regardless of lifestyle and social factors, elderly men and women who drank four or more cups of green tea daily were 44 percent less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who drank only one cup per day or less. There was no similar association found, however, with daily consumption of beverages such as coffee and black or oolong tea.

While further research is needed to confirm green tea’s potentially beneficial role in mood enhancement, this is nevertheless very promising news for anyone struggling with depression. Given green tea’s unique chemical composition, it wouldn’t surprise me if studies continue to reinforce these findings in the future. This study’s authors noted that L-theanine could be the component responsible for green tea’s potential antidepressant effects. L-theanine is a calming amino acid known to reduce mental and physical stress and enhance critical neurotransmitter activity.

There are quite a few more reasons why drinking green tea on a regular basis is a very good idea. Green tea is also abundant in a class of phytochemicals called polyphenols, and specifically, the potent antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These natural compounds minimize the damage caused by free radicals and aid in detoxifying the body and reducing inflammation, resulting in a wide range of clinical benefits. Extensive research shows that green tea can help to balance glucose and insulin levels, protect against atherosclerosis and heart disease, and boost cognitive function. Studies indicate that it also plays a critical role in the prevention of numerous forms of cancer—including lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

There’s no doubt that sipping a cup of green tea can provide a broad array of benefits to your health, whether you’re battling depression or not. If you don’t drink it already, there’s no better time to start. Also, take advantage of the upcoming sunshine by going outside and getting a dose of Vitamin D! This will also help to lift your spirits.

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2009.

A clinically proven way to cut your child’s colds in half

Today may be the first day of autumn, but in most areas, children have already been back to school for the better part of a month now—signaling the unofficial start of a new season, in more ways than one. And I’m not just talking about the return of cold weather and falling leaves... I’m talking about the resurgence of colds and the flu, too.
If you’ve got kids, grandkids, or work and spend time with children on a daily basis, then you already know what this time of year means. The fact is, children contract an average of three to eight colds per year—and they’re also two to three times more likely to get sick with the flu. Usually, your kids will bring these bugs home with them from school, having picked them up from their sick classmates.
And that, in turn, leaves you at higher risk, too.
Click here to read more...

Heavy drinkers beware- your prostate could be at risk

Given mainstream medicine’s heavy reliance on prescription drugs, it’s all-too-common practice to turn to a pill to solve your problems—in fact, many patients mistakenly assume that pharmaceutical intervention is the first (and only) line of defense you ever need.

But in reality, nothing could be further from the truth… and this is a very dangerous misconception. The bottom line: Poor lifestyle choices can undermine the benefits of even the most powerful drugs every time. And the latest results of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) is offering some of the most compelling evidence of this undeniable fact to date.

In recent data published in the journal Cancer, researchers examined the potential links between heavy drinking (that is, four or more drinks per day, five or more days per week) and prostate cancer risk. The subjects were all men aged 55 or older—2129 of whom had cancer detected over the course of a seven-year period, and 8791 of whom were determined cancer-free according to end-of-trial biopsies.

This large-scale trial was randomized, with one group assigned the popular chemopreventive drug finasteride (also known by the brand names Propecia or Proscar) and the other assigned a placebo. Results evaluated the influence of drinking patterns on total, low-grade, and high-grade prostate cancer risk in both groups.
The result? Even though previous studies on this very subject have been inconclusive—two meta-analyses showed a 20-percent increase in prostate cancer risk among heavy drinkers, but most have found no association between the two—the conclusion of this particular trial was striking. Researchers found that heavy drinking on a daily basis dramatically increased subjects risk for high-grade prostate cancer across the board… while light to moderate drinking, and even occasional binge drinking, did not.

Perhaps even more striking, however, was the effect that these same drinking habits demonstrated on the risk of low-grade prostate cancer. Regular heavy alcohol intake appeared to have no influence on total or low-grade cancer risk—at least, not among the placebo group. Patients taking finasteride, on the other hand, were a very different story.

Among this group, heavy drinking increased total cancer risk by a whopping 89 percent—and increased low-grade cancer risk by an even more dramatic 101 percent.

Why the stark contrast? Study authors concluded that heavy drinking habits are capable of erasing the clinical benefits of the drug finasteride—which reduced prostate cancer risk among non-drinkers by as much as 43 percent—completely.

This is a perfect example of the critical importance of an integrative, holistic approach in the treatment of disease—and in this case, prostate cancer. Too often, people believe that they can make up for bad habits with the help of a magic pill. But whether you’re compensating for a cholesterol-laden diet with statin drugs, or combating excess stress with blood pressure drugs, this “strategy” is the equivalent of taking one step forward and two steps back when it comes to recovering your health.

Lifestyle changes—from diet and exercise, to drinking habits and stress relief—will always be the most critical factors in effective disease prevention. And maybe the most important lesson here is that no single drug is an acceptable substitute for common sense… no matter how powerful it may be.

SOURCE: Gong Z, Kristal AR, Schenk JM, Tangen CM, Goodman PJ, Thompson IM. “Alcohol consumption, finasteride, and prostate cancer risk: results fromt eh prostate cancer prevention trial.” Cancer. 2009 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Can long-distance travel be deadly?

Labor Day is right around the corner, and if you’ve got travel plans you’re in very good company. Camping trips and beach visits are great ways to celebrate these last relaxing days of summer… assuming you’re not traveling far, that is.

In a recently-published review of over a dozen previous studies, researchers found that long-distance travel can raise your risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by as much as three-fold. What’s worse, risk increases according to the duration of your trip—up 18 percent for every two hours of any kind of travel, and a whopping 26 percent for every two hours of air travel…even if you’re otherwise healthy.
So what exactly is VTE… and why is it so deadly?

Venous thromboembolism is a disorder comprised of two very serious conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. DVT is marked by abnormal clot formation in the deepest veins in your body—and most typically those in your legs or pelvis. A pulmonary embolism, on the other hand, occurs when this clot becomes dislodged and travels to your lungs—blocking the pulmonary artery, which results in difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate… and sometimes even sudden death.

Needless to say, these are both frightening (and very dangerous) conditions—and as this research shows, travelers are at especially high risk. But luckily, you don’t have to cancel your vacation plans this year in order to properly protect yourself. If you’re traveling far, stay well hydrated and make sure you take the time to move around and stretch your legs whenever you get the chance—both of these simple precautions can help to reduce your risk of VTE.

Quality natural supplements can also help—especially if your clotting risk is higher than most. (Cancer patients, stroke patients, women on birth control, and people recovering from major surgery fall into this category.) In my practice, I use a Tibetan-based formula for this very purpose with excellent results—studies show that this formula can significantly reduce abnormal clotting factors and boost circulation in patients with peripheral artery disease. (In fact, it’s so powerful that it’s been registered as a medicine in Europe for over three decades now—for more information, check out my free health report, Overcoming Cardiovascular Disease.)

Perhaps the most important precaution you can take, however, is familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of VTE. This knowledge can save your life, should you ever find yourself on the wrong side of these scary statistics. Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in your leg are red flags that a blood clot may have formed—and sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and a bloody cough are all warning signs that it may have traveled to your lungs.

If you suspect VTE during or after your next long trip, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Quick intervention (and proper prevention) is the only way to ensure that you’re alive and healthy enough to enjoy many more vacations… and all of the long-distance travel they might require… for years to come.


SOURCE: Chandra D, Parisini E, Mozaffarian D. “Travel and Risk for Venous Thromboembolism.”Ann Intern Med. 2009 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print]

Seven tips to avoid heat stroke this summer!

It’s one of the most frustrating—and ultimately, dangerous—catch 22’s of the summer. On the one hand, regular exercise is critical—even a simple 30 minute walk every day can have a major impact on your health—and this season’s long days are virtually tailor-made for spending extra time outdoors.

Trouble is, even a short walk can be a challenge in the thick of the summer… when temperatures and humidity are soaring, and the sun is blazing.

It’s an undeniable fact that exercising in hot weather can put extra stress on your heart and lungs. Both the exercise itself and the temperature of the air increase your body temperature—and in order to reduce that heat, more blood circulates through your skin. This in turn leaves less blood for your muscles, which increases your heart rate. And if the humidity is high, your body faces added stress because sweat doesn't readily evaporate from your skin—a factor that can push your body temperature even higher.

Under normal conditions, your skin, blood vessels, and perspiration level will adjust to the heat… but these natural cooling systems may fail if you're exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long. The result may be more benign heat-related symptoms, like cramps… or illnesses that can be far more severe, like heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

So what can you do to keep yourself safe and active for the remainder of the hot summer months? To avoid heat-related illnesses, just keep these basic precautions in mind:

• Take it slow. If you're used to exercising indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts. If you have a chronic medical condition or take medication, ask your doctor if you need to take additional precautions.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to sweat and cool down depends on adequate re-hydration. Drink plenty of water while you're working out—even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're planning to exercise intensely or for longer than one hour, consider sports drinks instead. These drinks can replace the sodium, chloride, potassium, and electrolytes that are lost through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
• Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose fitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat can limit your exposure to the sun.
• Avoid midday sun. Exercise in the morning or evening—when it's likely to be cooler outdoors—rather than the middle of the day. If possible, exercise in the shade or in a pool.
• Wear sunscreen. Sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
• Have a backup plan. If you're concerned about the heat or humidity, stay indoors. Work out at the gym, walk laps inside a mall or climb stairs inside an air-conditioned building.

Ultimately, the most important advice I can offer is to watch for signs of distress: weakness, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, and rapid heartbeat are just a few symptoms to look out for. Always stop exercising immediately at the first hint of a heat-related illness… get yourself out of the heat… and of course, make sure you drink plenty of water.

Why is plastic packaging toxic?

Each year in the United States, nearly 90 million plastic bottles are purchased, burdening both the environment and your health. Certain chemicals contained in these plastic containers—including bisphenol-A (BPA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—act as xenoestrogens, or substances that mimic estrogen in the body.

They seep into your beverages during normal use, and are especially potent at high temperatures. These substances can disrupt crucial antioxidant and DNA activity, as well as interrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

Are you chronically dehydrated?

Believe it or not, the simple answer to that question is probably yes—in fact, most of us function in a chronic state of dehydration. Whether it’s because of your busy schedule or simply not having fresh, clean water on hand when you need it, chances are more than good that you simply don’t drink enough fluids.

What’s worse, as your body gets used to this chronic dehydration, you lose your sensitivity to water deprivation and don’t get thirsty when you need to. And that’s a real problem… because as you may know, water comprises over half of your body mass—in the form of intracellular fluid, interstitial fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, and more. These fluids unite your various organs and physiological systems into one coherent organism, allowing for many of your body’s most critical communications.

Of your body’s fluids, it’s safe to say that none is more life-sustaining than blood itself. It’s your body’s vehicle for delivering nutrients, oxygen, and vital components to your tissues through the arterial and capillary system. The same blood is also used to carry carbon dioxide, byproducts, and waste products through the venous system—thereby discharging them through the lungs by exhalation, or through sweat, stool, or urine.
So what does this have to do with your water intake?  Well, water comprises roughly 83 percent of your blood volume—a significant portion by any standard. So it’s easy to see why dehydration is such a problem for your health: Attempting to function without enough water is similar to running a car without enough oil to lubricate its system.

And what happens to a car that isn’t lubricated? It heats up and the engine can crack and get damaged. The same process happens in the body when you’re not well hydrated… often because you’re too busy and your system is running too fast and too long without a break. Add in the extra demand for water that comes with spiking August temperatures, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster.

Luckily, the solution is simple: Drink more water—just be wary of where it comes from.

It’s easy to assume that bottled water is the wisest choice—but a recent U.S. Congressional report revealed that this is far from the case. In reality, there’s less oversight of the quality of bottled water than plain old tap water—a fact that might come as a major shock to anyone spending top dollar on a supposedly safe, clean way to hydrate. Water quality tests for bottled products are not required by the FDA—and in the past several years, bottled water has been recalled due to contamination with arsenic, bromate, cleaning compounds, mold and bacteria.

Unfortunately, that’s not the only concern that comes with bottled water—the potential health-related and environmental risks of its plastic packaging are something to consider, too. (Check out my video on this topic here.)

In the end, water from the tap is probably your safest—not to mention cheapest—bet. (Consumed out of a glass, of course!) If, however, you’re still worried about potential contaminants lurking in your water, you can always consider one of the many home filtration systems available on the market today—while they can be expensive, it may be worth your peace of mind.

Finally, regular detox programs (including safe, gentle chelation in both the fall and the spring) can help you to ensure that your body stays hydrated and healthy throughout the seasons.

This Indian herb could be the key to reversing diabetes

Of all the topics that I focus on in my practice and studies, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and their  implications are definitely up on my priority list. But not just because a whopping 76 million Americans suffer from metabolic syndrome—the cluster of conditions (including high cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar) that paves the way to this devastating disease.

In reality, it’s a hot topic of mine because in many cases, it’s completely avoidable—and the earliest signs can almost always be reversed if you make the effort to catch them in time.

Of course, drug companies are likely to tell you a very different story. If they had their way, everyone in the country would be on half-a-dozen different drugs in an effort to “manage” this shockingly common condition. And that would be a true shame—because ongoing research has shown that there are a number of safe, natural botanicals that can help you control your blood sugar for good… without suffering through a long list of side effects to do it.

Take the powerful Indian botanical Gymnema sylvestre (GS), for example. In a study published just this past month, researchers tested an isolate from this ancient anti-diabetic plant on mouse and human beta cells—the pancreatic cells that are responsible for producing insulin in your body. They found that increased exposure lead to a significant increase in insulin secretion in-vitro—meaning that this unique natural compound could play an important role in the clinical treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

This study’s results don’t surprise me at all. If anything, it simply confirms previous research on this powerful botanical, which has distinguished Gymnema as an essential addition to any natural protocol for diabetes prevention. Centuries of use in Ayurvedic medicine also support its safety and effectiveness as a potent blood sugar-reducer. (In fact, I’ve included Gymnema sylvestre in my own metabolic formula—and have seen great  results with this very combination in my clinical practice.)

That being said, there’s no such thing as a magic bullet—be it pharmaceutical or natural. It’s important to remember that, while supplements can make a major difference in your fight against diabetes, they can’t take you all the way. A healthy, balanced low-glycemic diet is key… as is regular exercise to reduce inflammation and help you keep off excess weight.

These may seem like simple solutions to a complicated problem—but they work. And most importantly, you won’t require a lifetime of dependence on statins, metformin, and other drugs to get real, lasting results.

Source: Liu B, Asare-Anane H, Al-Romaiyan A, Huang G, et al. “Characterisation of the Insulinotropic Activity of an Aqueous Extract of Gymnema Sylvestre in Mouse β-Cells and Human Islets of Langerhans” Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry 2009;23:125-132.

How Does Drinking Water Fight Disease?

Depending on your gender, water comprises between 50 and 60 percent of your entire body—and in Chinese Medicine, it is considered the body's essential lubricant, allowing for communication between vital organs and facilitating proper flow.

Unfortunately, the majority of people are chronically dehydrated—a reflection of our fast-paced lives, and a contributing factor to the growing epidemics of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. To stay healthy it is crucial that you drink enough water daily, as opposed to carbonated beverages, which only contribute to dehydration.

Take some time out to protect your heart this summer

Summer is a perfect time to relax, have fun and enjoy nature—full of family barbecues, trips to the beach, and lots of time spent in the great outdoors. But it’s also an important season to take stock of your heart health.
In Chinese Medicine, summer relates to the fire element—and in terms of your body, this season emphasizes your heart and circulation. As daylight increases, your energy and activities will naturally expand, reaching further away from your core—and that’s where a strong, healthy heart and circulatory system come into play. After all, they’re your pump, and the vehicle you rely on to get nutrients and information to every part of your body.

So what can you do this season to make sure your heart stays strong? For starters, you can take advantage of the abundant fresh produce that’s always at your fingertips this year—not to mention the opportunities for outdoor exercise that spring up at every turn. But if nothing else, make sure that you schedule that vacation—and take plenty of time to recharge your batteries every single chance you get.

Chronic inflammation has been receiving widespread attention in mainstream medicine for several years now—and most especially where your heart health is concerned. Inflammation represents heat. We know from basic physics that heat is a manifestation of an increase in kinetic movement—and when you live a high-pace lifestyle with no time to relax, “cool”, re-hydrate and lubricate your body, your “engine” is going to heat up.

The problem here is that heat—and the inflammation it causes—degrades your body through wear, tear, and oxidative stress. This is one of the primary mechanisms of the aging process—and of degenerative diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Slowing down and making sure that you allow your body to cool, regulate, and regenerate is a necessary preventative measure for a long and healthy life. Drink lots of fresh clean water. Take time to eat mindfully. Get adequate sleep and enjoy regular exercise (especially walking) whenever you can. And of course, meditation and relaxation can work wonders in keeping your heart (and your entire body) as strong and active as it can be.

Heart-nourishing, inflammation-fighting supplements can also make a critical difference. Cardiovascular and circulatory conditions are a big focus in my clinical practice—and for my patients, I use a Tibetan-based herbal formula that embraces the principles of both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine for a unique, natural, and very effective approach to fighting heart disease and circulatory issues.

Its traditional applications are to cool and regulate the movement of “wind” and to enhance the movement of bile. In other words, it regulates the inflammatory process and naturally thins the blood—and its benefits against anything from peripheral artery disease to multiple sclerosis are well-documented, and the subject of numerous published clinical trials.

The genius of this ancient herbal formulation never ceases to amaze me. In my practice, I find that patients who use this formula on an ongoing basis enjoy gradual, gentle, and sustained benefits. And compared to any single agent drug or supplement (which may give rapid—but short-lived, and often side effect-ridden—benefits) the advantages of this type of treatment are truly undeniable.

You can find out more about this powerful formula by reading my health report, Overcoming Cardiovascular Disease, available for free here. In the meantime, I hope you’ll take full advantage of the many wonderful health-boosting opportunities the season has to offer—and by all means, make time for that summer vacation!

Good News For Caregivers Up Against Alzheimer's

If you’re faced with the challenge of caring for a mother, father, or spouse with advancing Alzheimer’s disease, then you know just how heartbreaking and exhausting it can be.

The fact is, dementia presents a uniquely difficult and distressing set of circumstances. Whether it’s incoherent babbling, aggressive outbursts, or wandering during the night, your task as a caregiver can go from manageable to hopeless very quickly—

And sadly, finding effective ways to deal with these concerns and ensure the proper care of your loved one can be just as frustrating.

That’s why I’m happy to share some news that can offer you hope against this common struggle: According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine just this month, a traditional Chinese relaxation technique might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Acupressure—a mix of “acupuncture” and “pressure”—is a type of massage that focuses on the various acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s non-invasive, and doesn’t require the use of drugs—and as this very recent study shows, it may offer a safe and effective solution for decreasing anxiety and agitation in dementia patients.

Researchers from National Yang-Ming University in Taipei followed the effects of acupressure on 133 institutionalized dementia patients for a total of four weeks. During this time, patients were given acupressure treatments six days a week, in order to examine its impact on agitated behaviors—as compared with the calming presence of a visitor, which served as this study’s control.

Results as the end of the four-week trial showed that daily acupressure significantly decreased overall agitation—including physically aggressive and physically non-aggressive behaviors (like pacing and wandering). Nurses’ aides involved in the study reported that ease of caregiving improved in a variety of areas—from assistance with eating, bathing, and grooming, to improvements in sleep.

The study authors’ conclusion? That “acupressure, coupled with a Western activities program, could be useful in caring for people with dementia, and that in-service training for formal caregivers in private and institutional settings would be beneficial.”

I could not agree more. Having devoted a significant portion of my career and clinical practice to the study and use of TCM, I can personally attest to its amazing value against a variety of very serious health concerns. All too often these methods—whether they take the form of acupressure, acupuncture, or well-crafted herbal formulas—are able to succeed where popular drugs fail. And as research continues on their use as part of a larger integrative protocol, I’m certain the mainstream will start to embrace them as well.

Until then, I like to take every opportunity I can to share these important findings with you—you can find more research on TCM by visiting my website at www.dreliaz.org.


Source: Lin LC, Yang MH, Kao CC, Wu SC, Tang SH, Lin JG. “Using acupressure and Montessori-based activities to decrease agitation for residents with dementia: a cross-over trial.” J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009 Jun;57(6):1022-9.