Curiously Awesome

A Windsor University biochemist was interested to note that patients who were drinking dandelion tea were recovering from cancer.

The scientist decided to research by studying leukemia blood samples with dandelion root extract. He found that the leukemia cells were forced into apoptosis — cell suicide.

Even non-cancerous cells were left alone. This means that the dandelion root extract targeted only the cancer cells. This is a huge difference between dandelion root and chemotherapy pharmaceuticals, which kill everything in their paths.

The scientists have applied for Canadian authorization to proceed with clinical trials. Be forewarned, however, this research could quietly disappear unless Big Pharma manages to synthetically reproduce dandelion’s cancer fighting properties

Dandelion is a super-food that complements salads and soups. Dandelion contains vitamins and plant-based minerals, especially potassium. Dandelion stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the gall bladder, making it effective for liver cleanse formulas. It also helps break down liver fats and it is an effective diuretic.

The International Journal of Oncology has a study that shows the positive effects of dandelion leaf tea.

Dandelion leaf tea can decrease breast cancer cells.

In addition, dandelion root tea creates a “kill switch” on leukemia cell receptors.

A 2011 report indicates that preparations containing dandelion as one ingredient can suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Dandelion root extract can induce apoptosis in human drug-resistant melanoma cells, leaving healthy cells untouched.

Colon cancer is the third highest cause of cancer deaths each year. Even with increased awareness of colon cancer and strides in diagnosis, colon cancer remains deadly.

New studies lead scientists to conclude that regular consumption of cocoa negates the inflammatory effect of digestive oxidative stress — the chemical process that results in intestinal complaints and is usually a precursor to the onset of colon cancer.

In fact, cocoa is now has “superfood” status because it has been shown to improve blood lipids and it helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the protective effects of the compounds in cocoa stopped cell-signaling pathways that often promote cell proliferation and end up with tumor development.

Note: milk chocolate is not a good source of cocoa because of its low concentration of the polyphenol and high sugar content.

Feeding fish to babies under nine months reduces their chances of developing wheeze and asthma. Treatments with broad spectrum antibiotics raises the risk of wheezing, asthma and also allergic reactions.

In a study, researchers gathered data from 8176 randomly chosen families with babies. The parents were asked to answer questions when the babies were six months, 12 months and 4 1/2 years old. The first set of questions included queries on the administration of broad spectrum antibiotics and pregnancy relevant factors in addition to the introduction of fish meat in the baby’s diet. The last set of questions gathered data on current health, past diseases and eating habits. Researchers also examined children that had experienced more than three episodes of wheezing during the last year.

Analysis shoed that a high fish intake during pregnancy and early introduction of fish reduces the risk of wheezing and allergic reactions. Researchers conclude that increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids taken from fish meals reduces the chances of wheezing and allergy by up to 50 percent.

Essential B vitamins combat stress resulting in memory loss. Long-term supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B-12 improves cognitive functioning after a period of two years. B vitamins are important for nerve transmission and are necessary as stress level goes up.

Researchers supplemented one group of volunteers with 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of vitamin B-12. This group was compared against a control group that received a placebo. The results were measured at one-year and two-year intervals.

Researchers found that the group receiving the B-vitamins experienced better memory function when compared to the control group. Researchers concluded that stress results in an inflammation to neuron structures in the brain. This inflammation interferes with electrical and chemical transmissions between nerves — the places where new memories form — also necessary in the maintenance of a healthy cognitive function.

Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes the gradual deterioration of brain cells creating memory loss and the loss of cognitive abilities and intelligence. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss.

Homeopathy can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and ease common symptoms.

Homeopathic manufacturer Heel is producing studies on a combination homeopathic medicine with proven effectiveness for relieving symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and reducing the formation of amyloid plaques from the brains of patients. Recent studies confirm that subjects had enhanced learning abilities.

Homeopathic Remedies to Try:

Baryta Carb — Helps patients with childlike regression

Natrum Sulf — Relieves fixations on unpleasant events and past pain

Nux Vomica — Improves patients with irritation and anger

Alumina — Eases depression and fear

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can increase cancer risk.

EMR is a toxin that you can see or feel. Erroneous studies assert that current EMR exposure levels are safe. The US government has even gone so far as to establish faulty guidelines for EMR exposure. It purports safe levels to be thousands of times higher than what scientists have proven to be safe. In fact, studies reveal that current amounts of EMR from towers and antennas drastically alter the body’s cellular processes — causing cancer and other diseases. The amount of radiation that we are exposed to doubles annually.

New cell towers are built every day. Most folks living in cities have between 30-100 microwave towers/antennas within four miles of their homes. These towers emit electromagnetic fields linked to cancer.

Dangers lurk inside the home, too. Wi-Fi routers, baby monitors, and cordless phones give off high-frequency radiation linked to cancer. Cordless phones emit the same amount of radiation as a cell phone. Wi-Fi routers are also dangerous.

Heart failure is an oft-deadly condition that occurs when the heart can’t pump an adequate amount of oxygen and blood throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, appetite reduction, fluid build-up and kidney failure. Shortness of breath also happens when blood accumulates behind the heart. This leads to increased fluid in the lungs.

Heart failure has no cure. Some medications and lifestyle changes can help people live longer. Sometimes heart failure patients need heart transplants.

There’s a new treatment that might help heart failure patients. No, it’s not any type of surgery even a prescription. It’s vitamin C.

Heart failure patients with low vitamin C intake were over two times more likely to have higher levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP) — a marker for inflammation and a risk factor for heart disease.

Because inflammation is a significant symptom in heart failure, and a lack of vitamin C could make inflammation worse. By taking in adequate vitamin C, you may be able to significantly lessen inflammation and thereby lessen heart failure.

Ginger has a long history of being effective at alleviating gastrointestinal distress. Modern research reveals that ginger has numerous properties, including antioxidant effects and direct anti-inflammatory effects. New research demonstrates the anti-inflammatory action of ginger on the colon.

Include ginger in the diet to dramatically lower inflammatory risk markers for colon cancer. One such marker, known as PGE2, is a naturally occurring prostaglandin. PGE2 usually induces fever and is important for determining inflammatory levels in the body. Inflammation has been implicated as a precursor to colon cancer. Gingerroot supplementation lowers blood levels of the prostaglandin to reduce colon cancer risks.

Parents need to carefully consider whether to allow surgery on their young children unless it is absolutely necessary.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a correlation between children undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia before they turn two and learning disabilities later in childhood.

Over a third of the children who had more than one surgery and exposure to anesthesia developed a learning disability later in life.

In a 2009 Mayo study, research showed that exposure of children to anesthesia may affect development of the brain.

The new study is significant because it used only children experiencing anesthesia and surgeries under two years and it used a control for existing health issues.