Health Radar
Get Healthy No Matter What Your Age
Contents
4  Ask the Doctor
Psoriasis: New treatments
make it manageable
5 Drug Warning
Protect yourself from
counterfeit meds
6 Exercise
Relearning how to walk
can end back pain
8 Medications
Side effects may be a good
thing
9 Allergies
First-time attacks mystify
middle-age sufferers
10 Women’s Baldness
New hope
11 Diet
Be overweight and
perfectly healthy!
15 Energy
7 instant pick-me-ups
16 Health in the Future
Gene discovery may end
chronic pain
A Publication of NewsmaxHealth.com
The Coconut Oil Boom
Users rave the tropical staple keeps them healthy
and looking great.
By Shana Aborn
S
upermodel Miranda Kerr
usually gets attention for
her sexy photos in the Victoria’s
Secret catalog — but she recently
made headlines for claiming
that coconut oil is the secret to
her glowing skin, shiny hair,
and overall good health. “I
personally find it beneficial and
use approximately four teaspoons
of coconut oil a day in my salads
and meals,” she said. “Everyone is
different, but that is what works
for me.”
That simple declaration caused
an avalanche of interest in the
tasty tropical oil. One British
store chain reported that sales
of coconut oil skyrocketed 50
percent after Kerr, 28, came out
in support of it. After decades of
being targeted as a dietary “bad
guy,” it seems that coconut oil’s
reputation is being redeemed.
That’s good news for public
health, say coconut oil proponents
such as Bruce Fife, a nutritionist
and president of the Coconut
Research Center, and Dr.
Raymond Francis, a naturopathic
doctor, author, and president of
Beyond Health International.
Vol. 1, Issue 11 / November 2011
They’re out to spread the word
that coconut oil is no mere
supermodel fad, but a healthy
dietary supplement that can
protect against infection, treat a
number of medical conditions —
and even help you lose weight.
An Ancient Remedy
If you’ve ever taken a tropical
vacation, eaten at a Thai or
Philippine restaurant, or even
watched an episode of “Survivor,”
you know that coconuts are both
plentiful and a staple of Pacific
Island, Central American, and
Asian diets. What you may not
know is how the natives of these
countries stack up against their
Western neighbors, medically
speaking.
Fife, in his book “The Coconut
Oil Miracle,” points to studies
showing that populations who
regularly consume tropical oils
suffer almost none of the heart
problems so common here. Sri
Lankans have one of the lowest
rates of heart disease; Costa
Rica and Malaysia, the highest
consumers of palm oil, have lower
serum cholesterol levels than
people in Western nations.
“People are starting to
 cover story
understand that coconut oil is
healthy — and actually, if you
do population studies, coconut
oil lowers cholesterol and lowers
the risk of heart disease,” says Dr.
Francis.
The chemistry of coconut oil,
say proponents, also makes it a
natural remedy for a variety of
common ailments, from tooth
decay to low thyroid function to
kidney disease.
It’s also safe for diabetics
because it helps regulate blood
sugar.
“Coconut oil is anti-
inflammatory, and most
Americans are suffering from
chronic systemic inflammation,”
says Dr. Francis. “Inflammation
is a cornerstone of every chronic
disease — cancer, Alzheimer’s,
heart disease, asthma.”
Coconut Oil vs. Animal Fat
Despite its popularity in other
parts of the world, coconut
oil has been a pariah here.
About 30 years ago, medical
Health Radar is a publication of
Newsmax Media, Inc., Newsmax.com,
and NewsmaxHealth.com. It is published
monthly at the charge of $59 per year
and is offered online and in print through
Newsmax.com.
Our editorial offices are located at 560
Village Blvd., Ste. 120, West Palm Beach,
FL 33409.
The owner, publisher, and editor are not
responsible for errors and omissions. Rights
of reproduction and distribution of this
newsletter are reserved.
Any unauthorized reproduction or dis-
tribution of information contained herein,
including storage in retrieval systems or
posting on the Internet, is expressly for-
bidden without the consent of Newsmax
Media.
For permission, contact the publisher at:
PO Box 20989, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.
Page 2 / November 2011
authorities began warning of
the dangers of saturated fat in
animal products such as meat
and cheese as well as in tropical
oils. A diet rich in saturated fat,
say health organizations such as
the American Heart Association,
raises cholesterol and the risk of
heart attack and stroke.
Once the campaign against
saturated fat reached a fever
pitch, Americans began
switching to lean meats and
vegetarian meals, shunning
foods made with coconut oil.
Many food manufacturers that
once used tropical oils in breads,
cookies, and crackers switched to
hydrogenated vegetable oil.
But we may have been too
hasty in clumping coconut oil
in with the rest of the saturated-
fat family. The chemical
composition of the oil, says
Dr. Francis, is completely
different from that of animal fat.
“Saturated fat in meat is a long-
chain fatty acid molecule; in
coconut oil it’s a medium-chain
Health Radar
Editorial Director
Steve Coz
Health Publisher
Travis Davis
Editor
Steve Plamann
Production/Art Director
Elizabeth Dole
To contact Health Radar send email to:
healthradar@newsmax.com.
Subscription/Customer Service contact
1-800-485-4350 or
customerservice@newsmax.com.
Send email address changes to
customerservice@newsmax.com.
© 2011 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved.
health
fatty acid, which metabolizes
completely differently in the
body,” he says. “The body loves
medium-chain fatty acids.” He
points out that mother’s milk is
rich in medium-chain saturated
fat, which both nourishes infants
and protects them against
disease.
Unlike the fat in meats, one
of the primary fatty acids in
coconut oil is lauric acid, which
is metabolized by the body into
a substance called monolaurin,
a powerful antimicrobial agent.
Coconut oil proponents tout the
oil’s usefulness in fighting off
viruses, fungi, yeast, and other
harmful invaders.
“Natives of Southeast Asia
drink filthy water loaded with
bacteria and parasites and do
very well, thank you — and it’s
largely due to the coconut oil in
their diet,” says Dr. Francis.
A Weight-Loss Aid
Many dieters cut down on the
amount of fat in their diet in
Please note: All information presented in
Health Radar is for informational purposes
only. It is not specific medical advice for any
individual. All answers to reader questions are
provided for informational purposes only.
All information presented in Health Radar
should not be construed as medical consulta-
tion or instruction. You should take no action
solely on the basis of this publication’s contents.
Readers are advised to consult a health pro-
fessional about any issue regarding their health
and well-being. While the information found
in Health Radar is believed to be sensible and
accurate based on the author’s best judgment,
readers who fail to seek counsel from appropri-
ate health professionals assume risk of any po-
tential ill effects.
The opinions expressed in Health Radar do
not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media.
Copyright © 2011 Health Radar.

hopes of losing weight quickly.
After all, fat is high in calories
and, once eaten, gets broken
down into fatty acids that go
into the bloodstream and settle
into the fat cells. The exception?
The medium-chain fatty acids
found in coconut oil.
As Fife explains in his book,
medium-chain acids bypass
the bloodstream entirely and
go directly to the liver, where
they’re converted into energy
rather than fat.
“Coconut oil speeds
metabolism and helps maintain
weight,” says Dr. Francis. “If
you’re underweight, you’ll gain
weight, and if you’re overweight,
you’ll tend to lose weight.”
Fife also points out that
cutting calories slows the body’s
metabolism as it protects itself
against starvation. Eating oil
with medium-chain fatty acids
counteracts that effect, increasing
metabolism, boosting energy
levels, and burning body fat
more efficiently.
Opposing Viewpoints
Not everyone is keen on the
idea of coconut oil as a miracle
health regimen.
Medical experts have pointed
out that like other oils, coconut
oil is high in calories — about
117 per tablespoon — which
means that people counting
their calories may feel the need
to cut back elsewhere in their
diet to maintain their weight-loss
goals.
Some doctors also dispute
Francis’s assertion that the fat
in coconut oil is different from
animal fat and thus poses no
health risks.
Dr. Robert Eckel, director of
the General Clinical Research
Center at Colorado Health
Science University in Denver,
said, “Saturated fat content does
contribute to LDL cholesterol
[the “bad” kind], and that has
been pretty well documented.”
A Versatile Oil
If you’re curious to try this
much-buzzed-about oil, it’s
readily available at health food
stores and for sale online. Not all
brands are alike, however, warns
Dr. Francis.
Many are made from dried
coconut rather than fresh, and
the process of extracting the oil
from dried coconut can allow
mold to grow in the product,
resulting in an inferior oil.
“If you want to make high-
quality virgin coconut oil, you
need fresh coconuts,” says Dr.
Francis. He adds that consumers
should look for oil that has
not been heated as part of the
manufacturing process. Look
for the words “cold pressed” on
the label.
Coconut oil is a multitasker.
You can pour it directly on a
salad, use it as a shortening for
muffins and cookies, or add it
to soups and tea. It can also be
used instead of vegetable oil for
sautéing or stir-frying.
However, Dr. Francis cautions
that the oil should never be
heated to the smoking point,
which destroys many of its
beneficial properties.
Coconut milk and dried
coconut provide similar benefits,
say proponents. Fresh coconut is
ideal, says Francis, “but it’s a lot
easier to eat coconut oil than it is
to open a coconut.”
If eating coconut oil doesn’t
cover story
How Much Coconut Oil
Do You Need?
Coconut oil experts say that
daily doses of the oil are
recommended for optimum
results — but just how much
do you need? Miranda Kerr was
originally quoted as saying that
she eats four tablespoons of
coconut oil a day. But she later
told an Australian newspaper
that she was misquoted. Four
teaspoons (not tablespoons),
she said, was her regular dietary
regime.
Dr. Francis says that one
tablespoon per day is a good
dosage for people with no
chronic health problems. For
patients with medical issues,
he recommends more. “For a
therapeutic dose, I’d suggest
three tablespoons — for
instance, people who have
Crohn’s disease, which is an
inflammatory [digestive] disease,
a tablespoon three times a day
will help soothe the inflamed
tissue.”
sound appealing, you can use
the oil externally as well. For
instance, try rubbing a thin layer
of pure coconut oil directly to
your skin as a moisturizer. Dr.
Francis says the skin absorbs
the oil’s nutrients into the
bloodstream.
Fife also recommends using
the oil on acne blemishes, stretch
marks, bug bites, liver spots, and
toe fungus.
Enjoy this tropical treat
however you choose to use
it. However, never use this or
other products in place of your
prescription medication without
consulting with your health
professional.
November 2011 / Page 3
 ask the Doctor with Dr. Marta Rendon
Psoriasis: Still No Cure — But New
Treatments Make It Easier to Manage
Q: Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and comedian
Jon Lovitz recently revealed that they suffer from
psoriasis. How common is this skin disorder?
A: About 8 million Americans suffer from
psoriasis. There are 150,000 new diagnoses
annually.
It’s the leading autoimmune disorder in
the country, so it’s fairly common. Psoriasis is
characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin —
mostly on the elbows, knees, and scalp. For some,
the patches can become extremely itchy. It’s not
infectious and many experts believe there is a
genetic factor involved.
Q: What causes psoriasis?
A: While the exact cause is not known, many
experts say it’s caused by an abnormality in the
immune system. It can first occur at any age, but
most commonly strikes young adults. Sufferers
typically experience a series of flare-ups and
remissions.
Q: What can trigger a flare-up?
A: Triggers can vary from one person to the next.
Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided. Stress,
infection, certain medications such as lithium,
beta-blockers, and some painkillers have been
known to aggravate the disease.
Q: You mentioned stress as a possible cause, yet
people who have the condition say that psoriasis
itself is extremely stressful.
A: It can become a vicious cycle. When people
have an outbreak or flare-up they may become
frustrated and angry, which makes the condition
worse.
Research shows that as many as one-third
of people with psoriasis experience depression,
which is almost five times as much as the general
population. It’s important to understand that
while the disorder isn’t curable, it is manageable.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has online
support and 40 support groups throughout the
Page 4 / November 2011
country to offer information and assistance.
Exercise can be an important tool to relieve the
stress of psoriasis.
Q: What are the most effective treatments?
A: Don’t use banana peels on the lesions, as folks
once did! For mild cases, hydrocortisone creams
can provide relief. Apply them after showering
for maximum benefit. Some doctors still use
older treatments such as ultraviolet light therapy
and coal tar preparations successfully.
Newer treatments include medication to tame
the body’s T-cells that cause the hyperactivity
of the skin cells that leads to the disease. These
drugs, called biologics, are used to treat moderate
to severe psoriasis and are given by injection or
intravenous infusion.
A biologic is a protein-based drug derived from
living cells. Instead of just treating symptoms,
these drugs get to the root of the issue.
The newest biologic drug is called Stelara,
which was approved by the FDA in 2009. The
main advantage with Stelara is that it doesn’t
have to be used as often as other biologics. It’s
given twice in the first month of a flare-up
followed by just four more treatments a year.
Q: What are some coping strategies for dealing
with flare-ups?
A: Women should avoid makeup that is heavily
scented and look for products formulated
for sensitive skin. Wash your face with non-
abrasive cleansers. Use moisturizers that contain
ceramides and lipids. The National Psoriasis
Foundation has an online product guide at
www.psoriasis.org.
Dr. Marta Rendon is a board-certified
dermatologist in private practice at
the Dermatology and Aesthetic Center
in Boca Raton, Fla. She has been
featured on numerous television news
and entertainment programs.

Shopping for Low Drug Prices?
Beware of Counterfeits
By Sylvia Hubbard
T he miserable economy has
pushed many people to
hit the Internet in search of
the best possible deal for their
prescription medications.
But online bargain hunting
has spawned an alarming
problem: an influx of counterfeit
drugs into the U.S.
Most fake drugs that land in
American medicine cabinets
are purchased through websites
from bogus foreign pharmacies.
“It’s a huge problem that’s
escalating at an astounding
rate,” says Dr. Marv Shepherd,
president of the Partnership
for Safe Medicines, a consumer
group. “People get what they
think are deals from rogue
websites in Pakistan and India.”
An Internet site may claim
to be located in Canada, which
appears to give them legitimacy,
but the actual company is often
located overseas.
Medications made in foreign
countries aren’t necessarily
a problem and neither are
Internet pharmacies. “Some
pharmaceutical companies
in Europe are very good,” Dr.
Shepherd tells Health Radar.
“The problem is Third World
countries.”
Buyer Beware
When you buy from a
questionable website, the drugs
could be:
• Counterfeit
• Contain too much — or
too little — of the active
ingredient
• Out-of-date
• Contaminated
• Stored or handled
improperly
If a website has prices that
are extremely low and does not
require a prescription, that’s a
tip-off that it might be dealing
in fake drugs, says Dr. Shepherd.
Be wary of buying
prescription medications while
on vacation, especially to Mexico.
“Up to 20 percent of drugs from
Mexico are substandard or fake,”
Dr. Shepherd said. “Even the
Mexican government says that
the rate is 12 to 18 percent, so
you’re taking a chance.”
What You Can Do
Can we get drugs that are safe
and effective without the high
price tags? Often, the answer is
yes.
Generics can be a good
choice when you’re trying to
whittle your prescription costs,
and many popular brand-
name drugs are losing their
patent protection, including
the antidepressant Zoloft and
cholesterol-lowering Zocor. The
savings can be huge — switching
to a generic can save you as
much as 80 percent.
Some stores, such as Walmart
and Kmart, offer a 30-day supply
of popular generic drugs for $4,
which can translate into huge
savings.
And if your doctor offers to
switch you to a newer, more
drug warning
Using the Internet
Wisely
The Internet is a great source for
finding which drugs are available
in generic form, for comparison
shopping, and for separating
legitimate online pharmacies
from bogus ones.
u To find a list of verified
online pharmacies, go to
Pharmacy Checker: http://www.
pharmacychecker.com.
u To discover which generic
products have been approved
by the FDA, go to Orange Book:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/
scripts/cder/ob/default.cfm.
u To find a prescription
comparison shopping guide, go
to Pillbot: http://www.pillbot.
com/.
u To locate financial help for
someone who is having trouble
affording their medication, go to
http://www.needymeds.org/ and
the Partnership for Prescription
Assistance at http://www.pparx.
org/.
expensive drug, you should
question him or her about
the advantages of making the
change.
“There’s a widespread
perception that newer is better,”
said Dr. Michael Steinman, in a
recent article in the “Archives of
Internal Medicine.”
“That’s sometimes true, but
many times it’s not true. So
much of what doctors learn
about new drugs is affected by
drug-company marketing.”
November 2011 / Page 5
Exercise

Relearning to Walk Can

Improve Your Health
Have less muscle fatigue, less back pain, and more energy
By Mary Grauerholz

L ike most people, Lou Mintz, 46, knew that

walking was good for the body, helping to
stabilize blood pressure, lower the risk of heart
disease, stave off stress, and — as recent studies
now show — even improve cognitive function.
What the Brooklyn resident didn’t know is that
there is a correct way to walk, and it can make
a tremendous difference in the prevention of
injuries, wear and tear on joints, physical energy,
and mental attitude.
Then Mintz, a finance executive, met Jonathan
FitzGordon, a yoga teacher also in Brooklyn,
who developed the FitzGordon Method Core
Walking Program. FitzGordon is making waves
in the fitness world through his philosophy of
walking with a strong body, correct alignment,
and conscious movement. After working with
FitzGordon, Mintz says he feels much better
overall and, to his surprise, is no longer dogged by
lower back pain.
“I had persistent low back pain for years,” Mintz Proper walking
said. “I saw lots of medical professionals, but I posture is upright
never seemed to maintain the benefits.” After and balanced.
FitzGordon helped him correct his posture, build
strength, and walk with awareness, Mintz feels like
a new person. “It’s been transformative,” he says.
“The tools made me aware of old habits and the
way I was moving. It’s very empowering.”
Although FitzGordon, 48, focuses on his
students’ individual bodies, he often frames
the work in a big, Zen-like manner. “It’s about
bringing the body into balance,” FitzGordon tells FitzGordon says. “I thought, ‘Why do people have
Health Radar. “When the body moves the way it’s such bad posture when they do yoga so well?’
designed to, all parts work in harmony.” “I fall into the same category,” FitzGordon says.
FitzGordon developed his walking program “I was a really loose, open guy, with long muscles,
six years ago, when he noticed that his yoga open joints. I advanced very quickly in yoga.”
students — even the excellent ones — looked Then the injuries began. “I blew out my knees;
“like they were dragging their muscles” when they I had three knee surgeries,” he adds. “That’s when
got off their mats. “I noticed they would do yoga I started paying attention. I had to heal myself.”
really well, then get up and have poor posture,” Today FitzGordon brings health to legions of

Page 6 / November 2011

students through teaching, books, a website, and a
set of videos.
FitzGordon tailors his walking program to
students’ individual needs, but anybody can
incorporate his ideas into their normal walking
pattern by following his general guidelines.
The FitzGordon Method’s three core principles
of walking are: self-awareness, body alignment, and
core strength.
Before taking the first step, though, he says there
has to be a shift in mindset. “Give up thinking
anyone is going to fix you,” he says. “No one but
you is going to fix you. I’m a guide — I teach you
so you’re empowered to change.”

FitzGordon Method Core Principles

Self-Awareness: “Everyone is an individual,”
FitzGordon says. Many people adopt poor walking
techniques in childhood by imitating their
parents. Lou Mintz says he had spent a lifetime
walking on the outside of his feet, which led to
misery for his back.
Alignment: Posture determines our walking
pattern. Several key body parts — including
the pelvis, ribcage, feet, and trunk — must be
positioned correctly, FitzGordon says. You should
walk without slouching, with the spine lengthened Wrong Right
upward and the center of your body feeling
relaxed. Your feet should move parallel to each
other with your weight evenly distributed without
leaning forward or backward too far.
Core Strength: Not everyone needs to strengthen
their body before developing a healthy walking
pattern — but it helps. “If you’re strong, it’s easy Walking with a straight spine can cure back pain and
to change your walking method,” FitzGordon says. lead to better overall health.
When students require strengthening and toning,
FitzGordon has them target four key areas of the buttocks). “Then do nothing,” FitzGordon says.
body: the psoas muscle (which is located in the Instead, “let gravity have its way with the trunk
pelvis area and stabilizes the spine), pelvic floor, and deep core.” Hold the position for 10 to 20
inner thigh, and core abdominals. minutes.
The psoas (pronounced so-uhs), the main The other exercises focus on strength-building
muscle involved in walking, is the most important and toning of the pelvic floor, inner thighs, and
muscle in the body, FitzGordon maintains. He abdominals.
has all his students start with a technique to gain For more information on the FitzGordon
flexibility in the psoas, called the Constructive Method Core Walking Program, visit
Rest Position. This simple technique begins with www.fitzgordonmethod.com. FitzGordon’s blog,
the student lying on the back, with knees bent http://blog.corewalking.com, includes free videos
and heels 12 to 16 inches from the pelvis and that demonstrate the Constructive Rest Position
aligned with the “sit” bones (the bony part of the and other exercises.

November 2011 / Page 7

medications

Drug Side Effects:

Sometimes They Are Good
By Lynn Allison Beta Blockers Stop Statins Boost Sex Drive
Migraines Researchers at the University

W e all know that drugs can

have side effects. For the
most part they are not pleasant,
Beta blockers, commonly
prescribed for high blood
pressure, are also known to
of Pennsylvania School of
Medicine showed that statins,
the cholesterol lowering drugs,
and can even be life threatening. alleviate migraines. Beta blockers helped patients with erectile
But occasionally a medication such as Inderal and Lopressor dysfunction who did not
prescribed for one health have shown they are effective in respond to Viagra.
problem ends up successfully reducing the number of episodes As many as one in three men
treating another. and severity of migraine attacks. are classified as “Viagra non-
For example, Viagra, the little Dr. Mirkin adds that they can responders.”
blue sex pill, was originally also prevent hand tremors Scientists found that many of
a potential treatment for associated with benign tumors. these men do well when Viagra
angina or chest pain. When was combined with Lipitor,
the men involved in clinical Glaucoma Treatment Grows a popular statin drug. Other
trials reported one extremely Longer Eyelashes statins have the same beneficial
noteworthy side effect, the drug Medication for the common side effect.
manufacturer Pfizer decided eye condition glaucoma leaves
to switch gears and research some patients with longer, Aspirin Eases Depression
it as a treatment for erectile luscious eyelashes. When the A study in a recent issue
dysfunction. prescription eye drop Lumigan of “Psychotherapy and
There are many drugs on the came on the market in 2001, Psychosomatics” suggests that
market that have potentially customers noticed that they were aspirin staves off depression.
beneficial side effects, say experts. developing fuller lashes. Australian researchers showed
“It’s important to note that The manufacturer then went that women who had taken
not all of these drugs will have on to develop a topical eye aspirin regularly for at least six
similar effects on every person,” treatment known as Latisse, months were less likely to have
Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a Florida-based which has FDA approval suffered from major depression.
physician board certified in specifically for growing longer They speculate that the side
immunology and pediatrics, tells lashes. It does not seem to work benefit was a result of increased
Health Radar. “You should never to grow scalp hair and is the blood flow and decreased
take a drug for its potential side only product that has been inflammation.
effects without consulting with scientifically proven to grow
your health care practitioner.” fuller eyelashes. The Pill Lowers Ovarian
Cancer Risk
British researchers reported
Exclusive to Current Subscribers that birth control pills can
protect women from ovarian
Current subscribers have instant access to any and every
past edition of Health Radar. cancer.
And the longer a woman stays
Simply go here: healthradar.newsmax.com on the pill, the lower the risk of
developing the disease. Women
TheThis
password
month’s forpassword
every issueis: is provided
coconut who take the pill for 15 years,
in the
(Please introductory
remember e-mail.
to use lowercase letters.) slash their risk in half.
Page 8 / November 2011
 Special Advertiser Supplement
Can You Unlock The Secret To
Feeling Amazing Every Day?
If you suffer from fatigue, memory loss or unexplained aches and pains, read on…
A
re you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from
vague symptoms such as low energy, cloudy thinking
or chronic joint or muscle pain? You might chalk it up
to getting older, not realizing that your symptoms could be early
warning signs of something far worse. But what if you could erase
your problems by simply correcting a nutritional deficiency that af-
fects the majority of people over age 45? Unfortunately, few doctors
fully understand the nature of this deficiency and the pharmaceutical
companies have gone out of their way to suppress research on it.
This Nutrient Fuels Every Cell in Your Body
Your body is fueled by CoEnzyme Q10. This critical nutrient is a
cellular energy booster and powerful antioxidant. CoQ10 is most
highly concentrated in heart muscles. When your heart has high
levels of CoQ10, it works like a charm. But when levels get low,
your entire body suffers. Suboptimal heart function can result in
“mystery” health problems such as fatigue, pain and impaired
brain function.
Remember That Your Heart Is Your Engine
Your heart works to bring crucial oxygen and nutrients to every
cell in your body, especially your brain cells. It is essentially the
vital “engine” that is powering your entire body, and on average
it needs to beat about 100,000 times a day to get its job done.
That means it will beat billions of times over the course of your
life. Sound like a lot of strain on the heart muscles? It is, which
is why taking care of your heart and keeping it strong is the key
to optimal heart function, superior health and a long life.
Who Should Take CoQ10?
CoQ10 supplementation is critical as you age, and most experts
recommend that anyone over 50 should take CoQ10. After the age of
30, natural levels of CoQ10 begin to diminish. By 50, CoQ10 levels
may be low enough to cause health problems, and by age 80,
your CoQ10 levels may be critically low. Further loss may come
from stress, illness and use of statins or other medications. The
bottom line is, if you suffer from low energy, declining cognitive
abilities, unexplained aches and pains or if you take a statin drug,
then CoQ10 supplementation is a must.
Benefits of CoQ10 Supplementation
3 More energy and stamina
q 3 Improved cardiovascular health
q Select MAX-Q10™ Type: q Capsules q Chewables
3 Enhanced cognitive function
q q Fewer aches and pains
3 initial order. Free shipping applies to ground ship-
3 Reduced signs of aging
q 3 Better immune health
q
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Not All CoQ10 Is Created Equal
According to Stop Aging Now, an authority on heart health, low
quality CoQ10 is generally just a waste of time and money. The
most effective form of CoQ10 is “trans-form,” which is identi-
cal to that produced naturally within the body. Also, the highest
quality CoQ10 is made using yeast fermentation, whereas infe-
rior CoQ10 is typically derived from tobacco leaves or chemi-
cally synthesized.
Helping Thousands Reclaim Their Youthful Energy
Stop Aging Now has developed a breakthrough CoQ10 formula
called MAX-Q10™. This premium-grade supplement is formu-
lated with 200 mg of Kaneka-Q10™, the only trans-form, yeast-
fermented CoQ10 available, and the only CoQ10 made in the
United States. According to leading experts, MAX-Q10™ pro-
vides the purest, most absorbable and most effective CoQ10 in
the world for unmatched body-wide benefits. And at just $12.49
per bottle, you can now get premium-grade CoQ10 at a more
affordable price than inferior discount CoQ10 supplements.
Reclaim your energy and health today with MAX-Q10™!
Try MAX-Q10™ RISK FREE!
Order Today & Get Free Priority Shipping (a $7.95 value)
Three Easy Ways to Order:
1. Toll-Free: 800-627-9721 (Reference Code: CQ100SP25)
2. Online: www.StopAgingNow.com/Max25
365 DAY
3. By Mail: Complete the below order form and mail to:
Stop Aging Now, Attn: Orders Dept,
Return Policy
8825 Boggy Creek Road, Orlando, FL 32824
q YOUR VERY BEST DEAL:
6 Bottles (PLUS 2 FREE)
For Just $12.49 Per Bottle!
Please send me 6 bottles of MAX-Q10™
plus 2 FREE bonus bottles for only $99.95
(that’s just $12.49 per bottle). (Price per bottle includes bonus bottles)
q GREAT SAVINGS:
3 Bottles (PLUS 1 FREE) For Just $14.99 Per Bottle!
Please send me 3 bottles of MAX-Q10™ plus 1 FREE bonus bottle
for only $59.96 (that’s just $14.99 per bottle). (Price per bottle includes bonus bottle)
q GOOD SAVINGS: 1 Bottle For Just $19.95 Per Bottle!
Please send me 1 bottle of MAX-Q10™ for only $19.95.
NOTE: This is NOT an automatic ship plan. No
other charges will be made other than your
ments within the U.S. & Canada, as well as all
U.S. APOs, territories & protectorates. Coupons
cannot be applied to this offer.
 allergies

Sudden ‘Allergy’ Attacks Baffle

Many Middle-Age People
By Mary Grauerholz over the body as badly as the misreads a harmless substance
worst allergy attack. as something it must fight

A fter never having allergy

problems before, Barbara
Stephens, 49, was mystified
when she suddenly had a violent
allergic reaction after moving
from Texas to Cape Cod, Mass.
“I was like, why would I have
allergies?” Stephens says. “I
couldn’t get my head around it.”
Like Stephens, a high school
English teacher, droves of
middle-age adults today are
reporting new allergies — or
what they think are allergies.
Many of them are diagnosed
not with a “real” allergy, but
with vasomotor or nonallergic
rhinitis, an irritation of the nasal
membranes.
Nonallergic rhinitis affects
17 million people in the U.S.,
according to studies. With
allergies in general on the rise,
pinpointing the source of misery
can turn into a medical mystery
tour for many adults. The
symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis
mimic those of an actual allergy
attack and can run roughshod
But nonallergic rhinitis is
not the same, and neither is the
treatment or the typical age of
onset.
Unlike typical allergies,
nonallergic rhinitis usually
appears in middle-age or older
adults. “Most allergies develop in
the first two decades of life,” says
Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergy
specialist at Rutgers University.
Nonallergic rhinitis, he says,
usually occurs in aging bodies.
“Instability of the mucosal
surface increases with age,”
Dr. Bielory tells Health Radar.
“There also are changes in the
immune system.”
Women are more susceptible
than men. “In some studies,
twice as many women as men
get nonallergic rhinitis, because
of hormonal conditions,” said Dr.
Bielory.
The biological origin of
nonallergic rhinitis is different
from an actual allergic
reaction. In an allergy attack,
the victim’s immune system
and develops antibodies. The
antibodies release chemicals
such as histamines, causing
allergy symptoms. The reactions
to nonallergic rhinitis, however,
involve different biochemical
pathways than an allergy attack.
Dr. Bielory says symptoms in
some of his patients are triggered
by simply walking into a new
environment and smelling a
whiff of perfume. “It becomes so
bothersome they have to leave
the room,” Dr. Bielory says. Other
triggers include medication,
certain foods, and even cold air.
Although nonallergic rhinitis
isn’t lethal, it can impinge on
an active, happy life. Before a
diagnosis can be made, doctors
must rule out an allergy. The
key, says Dr. Bielory, is getting
a proper diagnosis, perhaps
involving skin tests, and when
skin testing is not possible,
considering a blood test. As he
notes, “The question is, what’s
going on? You have to try to
figure out the triggers.”

Non-Drug Treatments
If you think you have nonallergic rhinitis (also called
vasomotor rhinitis), see your doctor, who may
prescribe medication, such as a nasal steroid spray. But
other simple, non-drug treatments can often help.
u Nasal irrigation: Flushing nasal passages with water
helps many people. The Neti pot, from the Ayurvedic/
yoga medical tradition, is one of several systems
available.
u Drink more water: Drink at least eight glasses a day,
or as directed by your doctor. Staying hydrated seems
to ease the condition.
u Better breathing: Some doctors prescribe breathing
exercises that help keep airways open during an
attack.
u Pepper sinus spray: A recent study at the University
of Cincinnati found that nasal sprays containing
capsaicin, a hot pepper extract, provided relief for
nonallergic rhinitis.

November 2011 / Page 9

WOMEN’S HAIR LOSS
Women’s Hair Loss: How to
Stop the Heartbreak
By Lynn Allison
W hen a woman loses her
hair, it can be an extremely
emotional ordeal. And a
surprising number will face this
issue, say experts.
In fact, 40 percent of women
in the U.S. will have noticeable
hair loss by the time they
reach age 40, according to
the American Academy of
Dermatology.
“People think that baldness is
a male disorder,” says Dr. Larry
Shapiro, a leading hair expert
who specializes in baldness
prevention. The Florida-based
author of “Fight Hair Loss and
Win!” tells Health Radar that
many factors can cause women
to lose their hair.
They include anemia,
thyroid disease, iron deficiency,
menopause, crash diets,
emotional stress, certain
medications, soy products, and
harsh hair products.
Although the subject was once
taboo, several female celebrities
have decided to battle the stigma
by speaking out about their hair
loss.
Although she is only 31,
golfer Tiger Woods’ ex-wife Elin
Nordegren revealed that prior to
her divorce she battled hair loss
in the midst of the stress caused
by her failing marriage.
Actress Britt Ekland, 69, was
devastated when her hair began
falling out during menopause.
She says her confidence
crumbled and she resorted to
Page 10 / November 2011
hair extensions and wigs to cover
the problem.
“You can’t believe how
distressing it is to have such a
problem,” said Ekland, who is
best known for her role in the
James Bond movie, “The Man
With the Golden Gun.”
“Fit After 50” Fact
Although men’s hair tends
to recede from the forehead,
women most often notice
thinning on the top third to
one half of the scalp.
It is normal to lose 50 to
100 strands of hair each day,
according to the American
Academy of Dermatology.
On days when hair is
washed, people can lose
up to 250 strands. But it
doesn’t ease hair loss to
avoid washing because
those strands would fall out
anyway.
After much anguish, the
actress finally found a nutritional
supplement containing the
mineral silica and other vitamins
that she claims helped stem the
hair loss.
Dr. Shapiro says that B
vitamins, especially folic acid,
biotin, and vitamin B5, are
helpful in keeping hair loss to a
minimum.
He suggests that any woman
with a family history of thinning
hair should get a thorough
checkup with her doctor to
measure thyroid, iron, estrogen
levels, and test for lupus, an
autoimmune disease that causes
baldness.
“Eat a balanced diet, avoid
crash dieting, and try to reduce
stress,” says Dr. Shapiro. “Be kind
to your hair and avoid hot oil
treatments, harsh chemicals, and
curling irons. If you do notice
signs of balding, see a qualified
dermatologist — one who
specializes in hair loss.”
There are several treatments
available, including cortisone
injections and pills, topical
minoxidil, and anthralin
ointment or cream. But before
prescribing treatment, your
doctor will want to determine
the cause of hair loss.
In June, the FDA cleared
the path for a new in-home
treatment for female hair loss.
The laser comb is the first non-
drug, over-the-counter medical
device designed to stimulate hair
growth.
It uses laser energy to
penetrate the hair follicles and
stimulate the production of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a
molecule that transfers energy in
all living cells.
Sold under the brand name
HairMax, the laser comb caused
some hair growth in all women
participating in a study, although
in most cases the hair growth
was modest. The device retails
for $495 and is beneficial only
for women who are in the early
to moderate stages of hair loss.

New Studies Show You Can Be
Overweight, But Perfectly Healthy
By Donna V. Scaglione
B eing fat is not the same as
being unhealthy.
While the conventional
thinking has been that obesity
is a medical problem unto itself,
two recent studies indicate that
it’s possible to be overweight
and be perfectly healthy — and
the new research may change the
way we think about our body
weight.
Instead of the more common
measure of obesity, body mass
index (BMI) — which is a ratio
of weight relative to height —
the studies used the Edmonton
Obesity Staging System (EOSS),
which considers an array of
physical and psychological
factors in determining a person’s
health.
Researchers found that a
person’s fitness level, waist
circumference, genetic pre-
disposition to chronic diseases,
and other factors are a greater
predictor of future health and
risk of death than weight.
“Using the EOSS criteria, we
see that there are many obese
individuals who are healthy
other than (having) an excess
body weight,” says Jennifer
Kuk, assistant professor at
York University’s School of
Kinesiology and Health Sciences
in Toronto and lead author of
one of the studies published in
the scientific journal “Applied
Physiology, Nutrition and
Metabolism.”
“For these healthy obese
individuals, the value of weight
loss is questionable. This tool
will help physicians to prioritize
treatment for those who need
it the most, and identify those
healthy obese who do not need
to lose weight.”
Kuk’s study followed 6,000
obese Americans over 16 years
and compared their risk of death
to that of individuals who were
thin.
“Although excess fat generally
causes negative health, this is
not always true,” she says. “You
cannot use body weight alone
to judge health, as there are
some obese individuals who
show no other health problems.
These individuals have a healthy
lifestyle, and factors such as
diet and exercise may be just as
important for your health.”
The EOSS, developed by Dr.
Arya Sharma and other scientists
at the University of Alberta, is
modeled after staging systems
classifying cancer and heart
disease. It involves five stages
of obesity that consider BMI
and waist circumference, as
well as obesity-related medical
conditions such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, and heart
disease.
In another recent study
published in the “Canadian
Medical Association Journal,”
Sharma reported findings similar
to those from Kuk’s study.
“You need to use a more
well-rounded approach like
the Edmonton Obesity Staging
System that examines physical,
DIET
physiological and psychological
aspects of health to determine
whether people are healthy,” Kuk
says.
However, while healthy
“Fit After 50” Fact
Eating more soluble fiber
helps reduce belly fat,
a team of Wake Forest
Baptist Medical Center
researchers recently found
after conducting a major
study that followed 1,114
people over five years. Good
sources of soluble fiber
include oat bran, flaxseed,
beans, and apples.
obese people may not have to
worry about losing weight, they
should focus on limiting further
weight gain and living a healthy
lifestyle, Kuk says.
Avoiding so-called “yo-yo
dieting,” periods of rapid weight
loss followed by regaining
the pounds, is particularly
important. Such dieting has
been linked to greater weight
gain over time, and an increased
risk of death from cancer and
heart disease, she says. If you are
obese but otherwise healthy, it’s
better to stay at a stable weight
than to have dramatic weight
swings from repeated dieting.
Adds Professor Kuk: “Weight
does not equal health, and there
are many obese individuals who
are healthy other than an excess
body weight.”
November 2011 / Page 11
 Studies, Breaking News & Medical Updates
POTATOES REDUCE
CHOLESTEROL
A couple of servings of
potatoes a day reduce cholesterol
levels almost as much as oatmeal
— without causing weight gain.
But the trick, say researchers, is to
cook them without oil and leave
off fattening condiments such as
butter and sour cream.
“Mention ‘potato’ and people
think ‘fattening, high carbs,
empty calories,’” said researcher
Joe Vinson of Pennsylvania’s
University of Scranton.
“In reality, when prepared
without frying and served
without butter, margarine, or sour
cream, one potato has only 110
calories and dozens of healthful
phytochemicals and vitamins,”
Vinson said.
OLIVE OIL EASES COLITIS
Extra virgin olive oil enriched
with hydroxytyrosol — the main
antioxidant compound in olives
— may reduce the inflammation
linked with colitis. A Spanish
study fed mice one of three
diets: a standard control diet, or
one supplemented with extra
virgin olive oil (EVOO), or a
diet supplemented with EVOO
enriched with hydroxytyrosol.
After one month, the mice were
exposed to a chemical that causes
inflammation in the colon.
The mice whose diets were
Page 12 / November 2011
supplemented with olive oil had
a significant reduction in damage
to their colons. The mice who
received diets supplemented
with olive oil and enriched with
hydroxytyrosol fared even better.
“We concluded that besides
the beneficial effect by EVOO,
supplementation of the diet with
hydroxytyrosol may improve
chronic colitis,” the authors wrote
in the “European Journal of
Nutrition.”
FISH OIL REDUCES CHEMO
EFFECTIVENESS
Dutch researchers warn
that the fatty acids in fish oil
supplements may prevent
chemotherapy from destroying
cancer cells. Researchers at
the University Medical Center
Utrecht found that two types of
fatty acids made by stem cells
in the blood make cancer cells
resistant to a broad range of
chemotherapies.
The fatty acids, called platinum-
induced fatty acids (PIFAs), are
also found in commercial fish
oil supplements that contain
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
In their study, the researchers gave
chemotherapy to mice that had
tumors under their skin. Under
normal conditions, the tumors
would shrink. But after injecting
the mice with fatty acids, the
tumors became insensitive to
chemo.
“Where resistance to
chemotherapy is concerned, we
usually believe that changes in
the cancer cells themselves have
occurred,” said Emile Voest, an
oncologist who supervised the
research.
“Now, we show that the
body itself secretes protective
substances into the blood that
are powerful enough to block
the effect of chemotherapy. These
substances can (also) be found in
some types of fish oil.”
“Fit After 50” Fact
Valerian root has been
used as far back as
the ancient Greeks
and Romans to treat
insomnia. Now, new
research has found
that it is effective in
relieving the sleeping
problems experienced by
menopausal women.
A randomized, placebo-
controlled study
published in the journal
“Menopause” found that
30 percent of women in
menopause who took
two valerian capsules
every day for a month
reported fewer sleep
problems. Valerian is
widely available at drug
and health food stores.
Voest recommends that fish oil
products not be used by people
undergoing chemotherapy.
MS NOT CAUSED BY STRESS
A study of more than 150,000
women found no link between
stress and the risk of developing
the autoimmune disease multiple
sclerosis (MS).
“While we’ve known that
stressful life events have been
shown to increase the risk of
MS episodes, we weren’t certain
whether these stressors could
actually lead to developing
the disease itself,” said study
author Trond Riise of Norway’s
University of Bergen. “This rules
out stress as a major factor for
MS.”
The study was reported in the
journal “Neurology.”

HOSPITAL SCRUBS HARBOR
DANGEROUS GERMS
The surgical scrubs, white
coats, and other uniforms worn
by doctors and nurses may look
clean, but a study published in the
“American Journal of Infection
Control” found that 63 percent
tested positive for pathogens that
included bacteria which cause
pneumonia and bloodstream
infections.
Of those organisms that can
cause disease, 11 percent were
strains of bacteria resistant to
most antibiotics.
WALNUTS FIGHT BREAST
CANCER
Eating two small handfuls
of walnuts each day may help
protect women from breast
cancer.
The growth of breast cancer
in mice was significantly reduced
when they were fed the human
equivalent of two ounces of
walnuts a day, according to a
study published in the journal
“Nutrition and Cancer.”
Compared to other common
nuts, walnuts contain almost
twice as many powerful
antioxidants called polyphenols,
which counteract dangerous free
radicals.
IBUPROFEN, NAPROXEN
DOUBLE MISCARRIAGE RISK
Women who take nonaspirin,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) during early
pregnancy double their risk of
miscarriage, according to new
research. Nonaspirin NSAIDS
include ibuprofen, naproxen,
Celebrex, and Vioxx, and
are commonly used during
pregnancy. A University of
Montreal study found that
women who used the painkillers
two weeks before becoming
pregnant or during the first 20
weeks of their pregnancy were
Studies, Breaking News & Medical Updates
2.4 times more likely to have
a miscarriage. Dosages did not
appear to affect risk.
SEX PROBLEMS ARE SIGN OF
HEART DISEASE
Erectile dysfunction may signal
heart disease in some men, says a
study published in the “Journal
of the American College of
Cardiology.”
Chinese researchers found
that men with erectile problems
had a 48 percent higher risk of
developing heart disease than
those who did not have sexual
dysfunction. The increase in risk
wasn’t explained by traditional
factors such as high blood
pressure, obesity, diabetes, and
smoking.
Another study published in the
“Archives of Internal Medicine”
found that men who exercised,
followed a Mediterranean diet,
or took statin drugs to lower
cholesterol improved their sexual
performance.
“The results of our study
further strengthen the evidence
that lifestyle modification
and pharmacotherapy for
cardiovascular risk factors are
effective in improving sexual
function in men with erectile
dysfunction,” the authors wrote.
ARTHRITIS MEDS INCREASE
SKIN CANCER RISK
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
has been linked to an increased
risk of some cancers (lymphoma
and lung) and a decreased risk
for others (bowel and breast),
but scientists have been puzzled
to what extent common RA
medications called TNF inhibitors
influence the immune system and
affect cancer risk.
After reviewing more than
40,000 patients in various studies,
researchers found that for most
cancers the increased risk was
negligible.
The exception was skin cancer.
Four studies showed that patients
treated with TNF inhibitors
were 45 percent more likely to
develop skin cancers other than
melanoma. Two studies found
that patients taking the drugs
were 79 percent more likely to
develop melanoma, the deadliest
form of skin cancer.
TOO MUCH SALT, TOO
LITTLE EXERCISE LEADS TO
DEMENTIA
In addition to raising your risk
for heart disease, eating too much
salt and getting little exercise is a
recipe for dementia.
A study of Canadian adults
ages 67 to 84 found that those
who consumed the most salt (at
least 3,091 mg a day — just over
a teaspoon) and exercised the
least were more likely to show
declining scores over a three-year
period on tests that measured
cognitive function than those
who had the lowest intake of salt
(no more than 2,263 mg daily)
and exercised regularly.
“The good news is that
sedentary older adults showed no
cognitive decline over the three
years that we followed them if
they had low sodium intake,”
said Dr. Alexander Fiocco of the
University of Toronto.
November 2011 / Page 13
Nutrition
How to Buy the Best Fruits and
Vegetables – Without Going Broke
I s it possible to enjoy fresh, healthy — or even
organic — produce year round while avoiding
its high costs?
Yes it is, but it requires some planning and you
need to know the tools and how to use them to
your advantage.
Certainly it would be absolutely the best if
you just grew your own fruits and vegetables.
Unfortunately, not everybody has a garden or the
land on which to grow one.
So here are a few tips on how to enjoy great
produce without emptying your wallet:
• Stay seasonal. Buy fruits and vegetables
when they are ripe at farms near you. That’s
when they are not only the freshest and most
nutritious, but it’s also when they are at their
lowest price. A great way to find out when
foods are in season is to Google “seasonal
ingredient map” and go to the Epicurious
cooking website. The map will show you
which fruits and vegetables are in season in
each month.
• When you see some of your favorites on sale,
buy as much as you can and stuff your freezer
with it. Many fruits and vegetables freeze
very well. As my readers know, I’m a fan of
smoothies, and frozen fruit works great in
them.
• When you can’t get produce in season,
instead of buying inferior stuff that comes
from the other side of the world, buy frozen
produce. Fruits and vegetables do not lose
much of their nutritional value when they are
A world-renowned nutrition expert
and Olympic athletic coach, Dieter
Hogen created a nutrition and training
regimen in the 1990s that changed
the elite athletes’ training paradigm
forever. Schooled at Potsdam University in Germany,
Dieter brings his nutritional knowledge to Health
Radar with one goal in mind: “To simply make you
healthier and more energetic, no matter your age or
current physical condition.”
Page 14 / November 2011
frozen. In some regard, it’s even the opposite.
Harvested at peak ripeness and frozen
right away, all the nutrients and flavor get
preserved, ready to be consumed whenever
you choose.
• Visit farmer’s markets. Everything is produced
close to your home, which makes it possible
to harvest at peak ripeness, providing
the most tasty and nutritious products.
Eliminating most of the transportation cuts
costs and is better for the environment.
Small farmers tend to take good care of their
land, often preferring natural fertilizers over
chemicals and are very careful when it comes
to pesticides. Also, you likely will get a chance
to talk to the producer directly and ask
questions about how the fruits and vegetables
were raised. Farmers and the people who sell
for them often know the best ways to store
and prepare their products.
• Check to see if any farms in your area offer
a seasonal delivery service. This is becoming
more and more popular, with organic and
high-quality produce delivered weekly or
twice a month right to the front doors of
subscribers. Usually you need to sign a
contract that runs for one season. If you aren’t
ready to commit, share your subscription
with a neighbor.
• When organic is too expensive, stick to the
fruits and vegetables that have less pesticide,
fungicide, and herbicide sprayed on them.
Those with the least amount of toxic
chemical residue include: onions, sweet corn,
avocado, asparagus, sweet peas, cabbage, sweet
potatoes, mangoes, pineapples, cantaloupe
(domestic), kiwi, watermelon, grapefruit. The
most chemicals: apples, strawberries, peaches,
imported nectarines and grapes, domestic
blueberries, celery, spinach, lettuce, kale,
collard greens, sweet bell peppers, potatoes.
Of course, it is important to thoroughly wash
produce before eating.

7 Instant Energy Boosters
Quick and easy pick-me-ups to recharge your body
By Marti Lotman
A lmost everybody has energy
lulls. We go through a day,
maybe even a full week, when
we feel tired and listless even
though we got lots of sleep.
Simple power-boosting
techniques can often recharge
your body. Here are quick and
easy ways experts say you can get
going again.
Drink Up
Dehydration can make you
feel tired because it reduces
blood flow. It can also cause
memory lapses and make
concentration difficult.
“Many women who complain
of fatigue are actually just
dehydrated,” says Dave Grotto, a
Chicago nutritionist.
Drink at least eight 8-ounce
glasses of water or other liquid
each day.
Avoid drinking too much
alcohol. “If you drink alcohol,
you should drink at least an
equal amount of water,” Michelle
Kramer, a holistic health coach,
tells Health Radar.
Kramer, an accomplished
triathlete and an executive with
the American Heart Association,
is a big fan of coconut water as a
hydrating energy booster. It has
loads of minerals — especially
potassium, magnesium, and
sodium — that help jump start
your body.
Fiber for Breakfast
We all know that eating
breakfast is important, but a
study conducted by Cardiff
University in Wales found that
it’s healthiest to make that
breakfast rich in fiber if you
want energy for the rest of the
day.
Those who ate fiber-heavy
breakfasts had a 10 percent
reduction in fatigue, improved
cognition, and fewer episodes
of depression, according to
the study. “Fiber helps slow
down the metabolism of food,
which keeps your blood sugar,
or blood glucose levels, steady
throughout the day and provides
for sustained energy levels for a
longer period of time,” Kramer
says. Try gluten-free oatmeal,
low-sugar granola, bran cereals,
or low-glycemic fresh fruits,
especially berries, apples, or
pears.
Essential Nutrients
Your energy can be short-
circuited by a lack of nutrients.
Magnesium is an essential
mineral needed for cell
efficiency, according to Dr.
Christiane Northrup, a holistic
doctor and obstetrician. You
need about 400 mg a day,
which you can get from most
multivitamins. Omega-3 fatty
acids are also important to
sustain activity throughout the
day because they help regulate
metabolism and aid oxygen
intake, which gives you more
energy.
Get Some Sun
Sluggishness during the
day can be caused by lack of
energy
sunlight, especially during
winter months. Exposure to
sunlight causes your brain to
release serotonin, a feel-good
neurotransmitter, which boosts
mood and energy. Getting just
20 minutes of sunlight a day can
do the trick.
Blast of Mint
Your trigeminal nerve,
responsible for sensation in the
face, is stimulated by the smell
of mint, which can wake you up
and make you feel more alert.
Try mint gum, lozenges, or tea.
Ear Massage
Massaging your earlobes
for about 30 seconds can give
you a quick surge of energy by
stimulating power-boosting
acupuncture points.
Meditation
Feeling depressed or anxious
can rob you of the energy you
need to perform at an optimal
level.
“It is important to balance
your emotional body as well as
your physical body,” says Kramer.
“A lunch-time yoga class can give
you a boost.”
If you don’t have time for
yoga, simply find a quiet place,
close your eyes and try to empty
your mind. Concentrate on the
rise and fall of your breathing,
making sure to take deep
breaths.
This relaxation technique
should help you feel less anxious
and more energized the rest of
the day.
November 2011 / Page 15
HEALTH IN THE FUTURE
Gene Discovery May End Chronic
Back Pain
The agony of long-term back pain could be
nearing an end.
Scientists have found a gene called HCN2
which produces a protein that regulates long-
term pain. Researchers found that when they
removed the HCN2 gene from pain-sensitive
nerves in mice, chronic pain was eliminated.
However, eliminating the HCN2 gene did not
affect normal acute pain, such as touching a
hot stove or stubbing your toe, which is a vital
warning sign to the body.
“Individuals suffering from neuropathic
pain often have little or no respite because of
the lack of effective medications,” Professor
Peter McNaughton told the journal “Science.”
“Our research lays the groundwork for the
development of new drugs to treat chronic pain
by blocking HCN2.”
Almost all adults suffer from back pain at
some point, and Americans spend some $50
billion a year dealing with the condition.
Beside back pain, the discovery has the
potential to relieve neuropathic pain from
diabetes, shingles, and other conditions.
Persimmon Cream Reverses Skin Effects
Of Menopause
British researchers have developed the first
line of skin-care products specifically designed
to cope with the effects menopause has on a
woman’s skin, including wrinkles and age spots.
“After menopause, there is a dip in estrogen,
which makes skin less successful in maintaining
moisture,” skincare expert Dr. Mike Bell said.
“Cells slow down and become less efficient and
less good at repair and recovery, while new cells
are slower to replace old cells.”
The result is dry, sallow, and wrinkled skin
sprinkled with age spots.
The youth-restoring creams are made with
an extract from the Japanese persimmon fruit.
“If you bathe old skin cells in the persimmon
extract, it makes them act younger as it restores
their levels of gene expression to what they are in
younger cells,” he said.
In clinical trials, 75 percent of the women who
Page 16 / November 2011
Health Radar
tried the persimmon-laced beauty products said
wrinkle lines were less noticeable, and two-thirds
said that their skin looked younger. The skin line
is expected to be offered in the U.S. in the future.
Stem-Cell Cure for Blindness
Thousands of people blinded from conditions
such as age-related macular degeneration and eye
injuries may be able to see again by growing new
eye cells.
Limbal stem cells are found at the edges of
the cornea — the transparent “window” of the
eye. As cells in the cornea die, they are naturally
replenished by the stem cells. But when the stem
cells are damaged, cells die and aren’t replaced.
The cornea becomes thinner and scarred, leading
to a condition called corneal cloudiness, which
causes blindness.
Transplanting cells from an undamaged eye
doesn’t solve the problem because so many
cells are needed. A new technique, however,
allows a tiny amount of stem cells to be grown
in a lab to create a graft. The newly minted
stem cells are then grafted onto the damaged
cornea and continue to grow. Researchers hope
the technique can be expanded to treat many
different causes of blindness.
Anti-Cancer Drug Kills Tumors With Few
Side Effects
For cancer patients, it could be the long-
awaited answer to a prayer: An anti-cancer “smart
bomb” that can wipe out lung, breast, colon, or
prostate tumors with a single injection and few
side effects.
The cancer-busting drug — which is expected
to be used in human tests in the next 18 months
— is made from a chemical called colchicine,
an extract derived from the autumn crocus. It
circulates throughout the body and activates only
when it encounters cancerous tumors, destroying
them while leaving healthy tissue intact.
The drug kills tumors by attacking the blood
vessels they need to survive. Since the treatment,
which is called ICT2588, appears to work on all
solid tumors, scientists at Britain’s University of
Bradford believe it has the potential to treat all
but blood cancers.