Scientists: Botox could help fight stomach cancer
As reported in "New Scientist": From A To Zinc, besides smoothing wrinkles, botox could help fight stomach cancer as well. Gastric tumors (or stomach cancer) is difficult to treat because these tumors do not respond too well to chemotherapy. Also because nerve signaling can stimulate tumor formation, treatment can involve cutting nerve branches to the stomach.
This option is, of course, extremely invasive, so Timothy Wang of Columbia University and his team looked at blocking these signals using Botox. The result was that they found that Botox injections can stop the growth of new tumors in mice with advanced gastric cancer. Wang now wants to test Botox in people whose gastric tumors are resistant to chemotherapy. The article appeared in print under the headline "Botox blitz for stomach cancer."
WebMD posts that besides helping our heart to beat each day, potassium keeps muscles fit and able to move, your nerves to work and your kidneys to filter blood. And if you have high blood pressure, heart failure or heart rhythm problems, getting sufficient potassium can be important.
Although cholesterol and potassium are not directly related, consuming a potassium rich diet might help to lower high blood lipid levels as well. Good sources of potassium include: Potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, fresh fruits, orange juice beans, dried fruits, peas and spinach.
Natural Insulin Balancers
Hundreds of years ago (and before synthetic insulin), individuals suffering from hyperglycemia, were often treated with Fenugreek seeds.
Defensenutrition.com/lp/blood-sugar-support markets a supplement called Glycozin, a blood sugar-balancing formula. It is comprised of a proprietary blend of herbal extracts, designed to naturally help support insulin actions, balance blood sugar and restore a healthy metabolism.
It is worth mentioning that whenever we consume large quantities of high glycemic foods (mainly "bad" carbohydrates) such as French fries, soda, candy etc, it sends a signal to the pancreas to release large quantities of insulin. Excess insulin in the bloodstream that cannot be used immediately will be store in the body as fat.
Other supplements suggested that may also be useful in controlling blood sugar is cinnamon, Gymnema sylvestre (although there is mixed opinion there) and cumin (seeds).
Melatonin For Acid Reflux
Quite often it has been found that chronic acid reflux is caused by a hiatial hernia. However, it appears that Dr. Andrew Weil is referring to the occasional acid reflux that many individuals have often responds favorably to a six week therapy of melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that the body produce, but it produces much much less of as we begin to age. A dose of 2 milligrams to 3 milligrams is adequate, but Dr. Weill tells us a dose of 5 milligrams for a few months is certainly safe and well worth trying.
Furthermore, Weill makes the connection between melatonin and better, more restful sleep patterns and melatonin as an antioxidant. In fact, Weill says there may be benefit for individuals diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder to supplement with melatonin.
— Eileen Renders is a health researcher and writer