Studies are constantly proving that food can be a powerful medicine. Such is definitely the case where apples are concerned. Recently, research has shown that the presence of fresh apples in your diet can improve your memory. Apples are becoming increasingly associated with brain health, as studies have proven that the antioxidants and flavonoids present in apples can reduce the brain-cell inflammation and oxidation that occurs naturally due to the presence of free radicals.
Scientists have also observed that levels of acetylcholine – a specific neurotransmitter that greatly influences brain signals responsible for movement and sensory perception – increase with the regular consumption of as few as two apples a day. Not only that, but regular apple consumption appears to hinder the accumulations of toxins in the brain, particularly one type of toxin called beta-amyloid, which is thought to be one of the main culprits that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
It is no surprise that the popular saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This saying is actually an adaptation to an older proverb – “to eat an apple before bed will make the doctor beg for his bread.”
While apples are now being shown to potentially halt and reverse Alzheimer’s disease, enhance cognitive functions, prevent memory loss, and help in other brain-related matters, there are still a multitude of studies being conducted to prove that apples are the perfect food for diabetics, patients with heart disease, cholesterol, obesity, and even constipation. While the old proverb says one apple a day is enough, studies suggest increasing that dosage to two apples is a good idea for optimal health benefits.
An Apple a Day… Will Surprise You!
7 AugMan With Only $1 In His Pocket Does The UNTHINKABLE!
4 AugDo you watch the news? If you do, it’s very easy have a pretty bleak picture of society because most of the stories you see and hear focus on the negative side of humanity.
Why? Well, one explanation is that news shows are only interested in one thing: ratings. Evidently, reporting about the ugly side of life in a tabloid-ish, sensationalized way gets a lot more ratings than stories about good people doing good things.
But, what if people are not as bad as is reported on the majority of the new programs? What if most people live peacefully together and actually go out of their way to help on another? What if most people are actually trustworthy and if given the opportunity, would do the right thing?
Here is a perfect example that you may not have heard about on the news…
Joe Cornell is 52 years old and in rehabilitation for drug addiction. One day at work, while watering trees across the street from the rehabilitation center, Joe heard a car honk. He looked up and saw that a car had pulled up next to an armored truck and was honking to get the truck driver’s attention.
Joe thought the driver of the car was trying to tell the driver of the truck that he had dropped something. So after they both pulled away, Joe walked down the street to see what was going in.
Joe immediately saw a large orange bag that he said was similar to the type Santa Claus would carry if it were red. That orange bag was filled with money. A lot of money. $125,000 to be exact!
$125,000 is a lot of money to just about anyone but it was probably even more to Joe who only had $1 in his pocket for lunch that day. This discovery could have gone a long way to helping Joe recover all the things addiction had taken from him.
While some people would have fantasized about how they were going to spend the money, Joe focused on doing the right thing. He said there was a brief moment when the devil was on his shoulder telling him to keep it but there was also an angel on his other shoulder asking him what his grandchildren would think decades later and what a poor example he would be if he kept money that was not his. Joe said no matter how he tried to rationalize it, keeping that money would be stealing.
So, Joe decided to turn the money in. All of it. It was not an easy decision for a man with only $1 in his pocket. But the real question is: WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?
Seriously, if you found $125,000 and no one knew, would you turn it in like Joe did or would you keep it?
Before you answer, Joe is not alone. Not too long ago three college kids bought a couch at a thrift store for $20. When they got home, they found a plastic bag with $40,000 in it. They also found a deposit slip with the name of the 91-year-old woman who had previously owned the couch. The college kids found the elderly woman and returned the money.
You see, maybe there are a lot of good people out there doing wonderful things EVERY DAY you just don’t here about on the news.
Chiropractic and Allergy Care: PART 2.
3 AugContinuing this topic from last month, we are discussing various vitamin, nutriceutical, and dietary approaches that show promise with some published evidence to benefit those of us struggling with allergies.
The next herb to consider is: 6) Tinospora cordifolia as this can reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge. 7) Combination allergy supplements include a number of natural allergy remedies that contain a blend of botanicals, of which one containing a combination of European elderflower, sorrel, cowslip, verbena, and gentian root help those with chronic sinusitis from allergies and also for those with bronchitis and acute sinusitis. 8) Other allergy supplements: While there are MANY supplements commonly used to treat allergies, there is less evidence to support their use in allergy management. The list includes Echinacea, grape seed extract, pycnogenol (pine bark extract), vitamin C, EPA, honey, cat’s claw, albizzia (Albizzia lebbeck), baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), goldenseal, and spirulina.
In addition to the precautions discussed at the conclusion of last month’s health update (pregnancy, breastfeeding, under 18 years old), keep in mind that long-term use of both supplements and drugs can increase the potential for developing a tolerance or even cause toxicity and harm. If you develop an allergic reaction, that is a clear indication to STOP taking the allergy supplement. Sometimes removing ALL the suspected supplements may be needed to properly identify a toxicity that has developed. TALK TO US (as well as your primary care physician and pharmacist) about any unusual symptom or signs that you may have developed! Also, remember to PLAN AHEAD, as most of us do not think about our allergy symptoms until they begin, and once an allergy symptom starts, it’s VERY HARD TO STOP (with medications as well as supplements). Try using these approaches four to six weeks BEFORE the allergy season comes or at least a few weeks before visiting your relative with six cats! And, during the ragweed season or when you’re at the six-cat aunt’s house, take these FIRST THING IN THE MORNING so the histamine reaction DOESN’T start – it’s MUCH more effective!
Remember, we are all different, and combinations of these things may be needed to get the best result. WRITE down the different combinations you try and your response (positive and negative) for future reference, knowing that while the same response may not be exactly the same every time, at least you’ll know what usually works for you! When adding supplements like quecetin or butterbur, you may have to lower your prescription or OTC drug dose (work with the physician who prescribed the medication and your pharmacist).
Other allergy approaches that have been found helpful include: 1) Reduce the allergens in your home (especially the bedroom). 2) Nasal irrigation using luke-warm distilled water (do not use water straight from the tap), non-iodized salt, baking soda, and for some, a few drops of eucalyptus one to three times a day REALLY HELPS. 3) Use HEPA filters in your AC units and vacuum cleaners. Wear masks when working outdoors. 4) Acupuncture is showing promise as well! We as chiropractors can guide you in this process of allergy management!
Pain Relief Chiropractic 