Reducing Migraine

Nutrients provide migraine relief for adults and children

Migraine headaches are sometimes preceded by an aura: a flash of light, blind spots before the eyes, tingling, or anxiety; and can have debilitating symptoms lasting up to 72 hours.

According to doctors in this study, prior research identified a gene that, when mutated, can raise levels of homocysteine, making people susceptible to migraine. In the study, 52 people suffering from migraine with aura took 2 mg of folic acid, 25 mg of vitamin B6, and 400 mcg of vitamin B12 per day, or a placebo. After six months, compared to the start of the study, homocysteine levels were 39 percent lower in those who took B vitamins. While there were no changes for placebo, the B vitamin group-particularly those with the mutated gene-had fewer and less severe migraines, with disabling symptoms declining from 60 percent at the start of the study to 30 percent by the end.

Doctors in this study said that ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory properties which might help ease migraine in children. In the study, 12 boys and 12 girls with chronic migraine, aged 8 to 18, took a combination of ginkgo biloba extract containing 80 mg of ginkgolide B, 20 mg of coenzyme Q10, 1.6 mg of vitamin B2, and 300 mg of magnesium twice per day with meals. After three months, headaches had decreased from 7.4 attacks per month at the start of the study to 2.2 at the end. The children were also able to take fewer analgesics for pain, decreasing from 5.9 doses per month to 1.5 doses.

Reference: Journal of the Neurological Sciences; 2010, Electronic Prepublication

From the November 2010 newsletter

Probiotics Curb Crying in Babies

Colicky babies cried less after taking probiotics

Livermore, October 2010: Researchers who presented their findings at a recent gathering of pediatricians said that they wanted to see of they could reduce crying time in infants with colic by improving the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

Doctors gave 50 infants with colic 100 million Lactobacillus reuteri supplement per day, or a placebo, for three weeks.

After seven days, infants in the placebo group spent 50 percent less time crying per day compared to 68 percent less time for the probiotics group. After three weeks, the average crying time in the placebo group was 90 minutes per day compared to 35 minutes per day for those who took probiotics.

Also after three weeks, 43 percent of children in the placebo group no longer had colic compared to 84 percent of the children who had taken probiotics.

Reference: 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 9-12 June, 2010; Istanbul, Turkey

Republished from the Van’s Health Foods November 2010 newsletter

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Van’s Has Heidi’s Hens - Natural Organic Turkey!

Head in to Van’s and order your Organic Turkey for the coming Holiday Season

Below is information provided by the providers website.

Heidi’s Hens® – The Certified Organic Turkey is the cleanest, purest turkey available and tastes just like turkey should – tender and juicy with that real old-fashioned turkey flavor.

In order to provide you with the integrity you require we continue to maintain control of every aspect of our operation. Sustainably farmed, Heidi’s Hens® – The Certified Organic Turkey is range grown, fed only certified organic corn and soy, processed and delivered directly from us to you.

Heidi’s Hens® offer you the wholesome, organic alternative that you desire and a great taste that you’ll remember!

We appreciate your commitment to sustainable living and the conservation of our natural resources.

– Tim & Joan Diestel

Controlling Diabetes

Nutrients lowered chances of type 2 and complications in type 1 diabetes

Doctors in a type 2 diabetes study measured the diets of 38,094 men and women aged 20 to 70 and followed up for 10 years. Researchers found that those who consumed more vitamin K1 were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, and for vitamin K2, each 10 mcg increase per day lowered chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 7 percent.

In another type 2 diabetes study, researchers measured antioxidant levels in the diets of 1,018 men and women, aged 38 to 52, some of whom did not have diabetes, some of whom were pre-diabetic with elevated fasting blood sugar levels, and some with type 2 diabetes. In all three groups, as antioxidants in the diet increased, average blood sugar levels decreased.

Differences in age, sex, or amount of physical activity did not change the results, although antioxidants did not change blood sugar levels in those who were obese. Doctors believe that antioxidants can lower the oxidative stress that promotes diabetes and may help pancreatic cells produce insulin.

In a type 1 diabetes study, doctors said a complication of the disorder is that, over time, chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing kidney function. Researchers measured the diets of 1,436 people with type 1 diabetes and followed up for 6.5 years.

By the end of the study, scientists found that those who consumed the most omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic (EPA and DHA) acids per day had better kidney function compared to those who consumed the least omega-3 fatty acids.

Reference: Diabetes Care; 2010, Vol. 33, No.8, 1699-705

Republished from Van’s Health Foods’ November 2010 Newsletter

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