In a 10-week, randomized, controlled trial, 45 participants with mild to moderate acne, participants were given either Omega-3 fatty acids (2,000 mg EPA/DHA), borage oil (400 mg LA), or placebo. In the supplemented groups, both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions decreased along self-assessment of disease severity. Jung JY, Kwon HH, Hong JS, Yoon JY, Park MS,…
By Dr. Jamie McManus. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin needed by the body to help maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By assisting the body with calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to create and maintain strong bones. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, and misshapen. Vitamin D…
Ulcerative colitis is a disease where anti-inflammatory molecules are a mainstay of treatment. This study investigated whether resveratrol would improve the quality of life of 50 patients with active ulcerative colitis. After six weeks supplementation with 500 mg of resveratrol, significant reductions in TNF-alfa, CRP, NF-kappaB (all measures of inflammation) was measured, along with improved…
By Dr. Jamie McManus. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, are essential to human health and cannot be made by the body. For this reason, they must be obtained from the foods we eat. Good sources of omega-3s include fatty fish and certain plant foods, including flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. There…
Anemia has long been thought of as a condition of low iron and/or low vitamin B12/folate. New research is suggesting that vitamin A may also have a role in contributing to iron-deficiency anemia. A study was undertaken of 391 iron-deficiency adolescent girls and found that low vitamin A status was a significant predictor for iron…
Regular physical activity in children and adolescents—as with adults—promotes health and fitness. Compared with those who are inactive, physically active children have higher levels of cardiovascular fitness and stronger muscles, perform better in school, and are less likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Physically active kids also are less likely to become overweight or…
The risk factors for dementia include insulin resistance (and hyperinsulinemia), high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive inactivity, low educational attainment, as well as physical inactivity and incorrect diet. One of the most modifiable risk factors appears to prevent dementia may be nutritional interventions. Flavonoids, found in many foods, have been shown to influence many…
Despite a parent’s best efforts to provide their child with an overall healthy and well-balanced diet, the reality is that most children are not getting the complete nutrition they need. National nutrition surveys confirm that children are not consuming the recommended number of food group servings based on the Food Guide Pyramid, with 63% of…
A study of 140 menopausal women was undertaken to discover the relationship between flax seed use and the symptoms of menopause. Menopausal symptoms decreased and quality of life increased among women who used flaxseed for three months. Cetisli NE, Saruhan A, Kivcak B. The effects of flaxseed on menopausal symptoms and quality of life. Holist…
By Dr. Jamie McManus. Establishing healthful eating habits early in life begins with parents and caregivers of young children simply introducing and making available nutritious foods. Nourishing food choices should be available at all meals and snack times that include a variety of good foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, legumes,…