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"Horseradish Protection Against Cancer and More By Steve Goodman Horseradish: Protection Against Cancer and More Whether it's fighting the flu and respiratory disorders or combating tonsillitis and urinary tract infections, horseradish is a condiment that can help keep you healthy.1-3 Used to treat a wide variety of ailments over centuries, nearly every part of the horseradish plant seems to have some medicinal value. Tea made from its root has been used as an expectorant,1 while tea brewed from its flowers can be used to fight the common cold.3 A poultice can also be made of its roots to externally treat joint discomfort. In addition, raw leaves of horseradish also fulfill a purpose as a natural analgesic and, pressed against the forehead, can eliminate headache pain. Furthermore, an infusion of horseradish has known antibiotic properties,4-6 which have been proven effective against pathogenic fungi.4,5 A perennial plant, horseradish is related to mustard, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables. Despite its long history as a versatile herbal remedy, however, perhaps the most interesting health benefit of horseradish is emerging from recent studies of its anticancer effects."

"I recently received an email from the Vitamin D Council regarding recent evidence that having adequate serum Vitamin D levels could be very important to avoiding illness from the H1N1 (swine) flu that is making the rounds. That will seem intuitive to those of you who read my earlier post about D, but it's good to see some real evidence. Some of you may have seen this information already on other blogs, including Richard's, but I have some new information and some comments to add."

"Numerous studies link Vitamin D and influenza, as well as Vitamin D and respiratory infections more generally. This vitamin up-regulates genetic expression of various endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which exhibit broad-spectrum microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Reports discussed below indicate that susceptibility to influenza is reduced with higher levels of sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation. Seasonal variation of vitamin D levels in humans can help explain the seasonality of flu epidemics."

Side Effects and Warnings Berberine has been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, hypertension (high blood pressure), respiratory failure and paresthesias (abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling); however, clinical evidence of such adverse effects is not prominent in the literature. Rare adverse effects including headache, skin irritation, facial flushing, headache, bradycardia (slowed heart rate) have also been reported with the use of berberine. Use cautiously when taking berberine for longer than eight weeks due to theoretical changes in bacterial gut flora. Use cautiously in individuals with diabetes, as both human and animal studies indicate that berberine may decrease blood sugar levels. Also use cautiously in individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), as berberine may have antihypertensive effects. Patients with cardiovascular disease should also use caution as berberine has been associated with the development of ventricular arrhythmias in subjects with congestive heart failure. Although not well studied in humans, berberine may also theoretically cause delays in small intestinal transit time or increase the risk of bleeding. Berberine may cause abortion, eye or kidney irritation, nephritis (inflamed kidneys), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), flu-like symptoms, giddiness, lethargy, or liver toxicity. Patients with leukopenia (abnormally low white blood cell count) should use cautiously due to the potential for development of leukopenia symptoms. When injected under the skin, berberine may cause hyperpigmentation in the arm. Use berberine cautiously in individuals with high exposure to sunlight or artificial light due to potential for adverse phototoxic reactions. Avoid in newborns due to potential for increase in free bilirubin, jaundice, and development of kernicterus (brain damage caused by severe newborn jaundice). Use berberine cautiously in children due to a lack of safety information. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Berberine is not recomme

Hundreds of miraculous health benefits are associated with the consumption of lemon juice. In this article, I have elaborated on the top ten amongst all the lemon juice benefits. Lemon enjoys a global eminence, thanks to its incredible health benefits. Several advantages are also associated with the consumption of this tangy juice. Scroll down and enjoy the read. Lemon Juice: Prevents Cancer Lemon is well-known for its richness in multipurpose flavonoid compounds which defend your body against different types of cancer. Thus, regular consumption of lemon juice ensures the prevention of cancerous cells. Lemon Juice: Treat the Upset Stomach Lemon juice is a marvellous drink for people who are suffering from an upset stomach. Digestive problems like diarrhoea or constipation make you feel uncomfortable in addition to botching up your daily routine. To deal with such problems, intake one glass lemon water at the start of the new day. You can maximize the benefits by adding one teaspoon of honey to this solution. Lemon Juice: Good for Liver One of the main advantages of lemon juice is its assistance in improving the liver function and flushing out the toxins from the body. This zesty fruit increase the production of bile in the body that is required for breaking down the fats and lipids. Lemon Juice: Assists in dealing with infections Lemons contain a high amount of Vitamin C, which is essential for strengthening the immune system. So, consuming it in any form is a natural way to prevent viral infections like cold and flu. Lemon water also aids in treating urinary tract infections. Lemon Juice: Best for Hypertension Patients People, who don't consume sufficient amount of potassium, are at higher risks of getting affected by cardiological disorders. Lemon juice contains a satisfactory amount of potassium, so it can help in reducing the risks of such problems. Lemon Juice: Acts as Natural Cleanser for Skin The cleansing properties of lemon juice

You are said to have a sore throat when you experience an annoying pain in your throat. Its cause is acute inflammation which in medical terms is called pharyngitis. Sore throat is often the first symptom of diseases like common cold or something more serious like flu, tonsillitis, mumps, etc.

Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. \nAdit A. Ginde, MD, MPH; Jonathan M. Mansbach, MD; Carlos A. Camargo Jr, MD, DrPH . \nArch Intern Med. 2009;169(4):384-390\n

A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections. Li-Ng M, Aloia JF, Pollack S, Cunha BA, Mikhail M, Yeh J, Berbari N. Epidemiol Infect. 2009 Mar 19:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 19296870

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA Jr. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Feb 23;169(4):384-90. PMID: 19237723 Conclusions Serum 25(OH)D levels are inversely associated with recent URTI. This association may be stronger in those with respiratory tract diseases. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to explore the effects of vitamin D supplementation on RTI.

The vitamin D craze has been building over the last few years, with low levels of the supplement being the blamed as a source of many of our ills. Depression? D can ease it. Chronic pain? Take D. It is said to prevent kidney disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, or even the common cold. Recently, a study linked low vitamin D levels to the rise in Caesarean births.

Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation Joel M. Kauffman, Ph.D. Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons Volume 14 Number 2 - Summer 2009 Clinical trials show that vitamin D supplementation at higher levels than previously recommended is beneficial for many conditions. It decreases the frequency of falls and fractures, helps prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduces symptoms of colds or influenza. Benefits are also seen in diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn disease, pain, depression, and possibly autism. Sunlight does not cause an overdose of vitamin D production, and toxicity from supplementation is rare. Dose recommendations are increasing, but appear to be lagging the favorable trial results. A number of common drugs deplete vitamin D levels, and others may limit its biosynthesis from sunlight. People with adequate levels from sun exposure will not benefit from supplementation. While dietary intake is helpful, supplementation is better able to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D , the major circulating metabolite, to the level now thought adequate, 30-50 ng/mL. Where there is inadequate daily sun exposure, oral doses of 1,000-2,000 IU/d are now considered routine, with much higher doses (up to 50,000 IU) for rapid repletion now considered safe.

It's no secret if children come from poor families are more prone to suffer from the disease in adulthood. Not a few literature that states the children from families with low economic status more often suffer from flu and heart disease.

"Vitamin D is not just a sun-derived vitamin, but is a crucial steroid precursor that is transformed into one of the most potent hormones in the human body for strength, power, lung function and regulating gene expression in every organ system. Athletes need Vitamin D. Dr. Cannell has written quite extensively about the role of vitamin D in athletes"