The Super Bone Building & Allergy Fighting Herb in Your Garden

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

It’s National Herb Week! To celebrate I thought I’d share some exciting herbal medicines with you. If you’re looking for an impressive natural anti-allergy medicine that offers many other health benefits, look no further than stinging nettles. The much-overlooked weed is popping up this time of year, as gardeners who experience its prickly stinging sensation can attest. Native Americans used this plant, aptly known as stinging nettles, for many years to treat a wide variety of health conditions. Research in the medical journal Phytotherapy Research shows what Native Americans have known for many years: nettles significantly reduce allergies. The study showed that nettles effectively treats inflammation linked to allergies on multiple levels: by reducing the histamine as well as multiple other compounds linked to inflammation. Histamine is a naturally-produced substance in the body that occurs as a response to exposure to allergens and the reason we experience nasal or sinus congestion, sneezing and other symptoms of allergies. Additional research published in the same journal found that participants taking nettles had noticeably improved relief of allergy-induced nasal congestion than those who received the placebo. Other research published in the journal Neuroscience Letters found that the herb demonstrated tremendous potential for alleviating many of the health concerns linked to diabetes: from reducing high blood sugar levels, neuropathy pain, the symptoms of excessive thirst to balancing insulin, weight and improving memory and cognition. And, if all that wasn’t enough: nettles contain an abundance of calcium, in a readily absorbable form, making them an excellent dietary addition to build and maintain strong bones. Nettles readily appear in the springtime, usually in the damp and shady parts of gardens or natural areas. Be sure to wear gloves while harvesting them to avoid their hair-like stingers and the discomfort they inflict on bare skin. You can add fresh nettles to soups or stews, sautee them like spinach or another green leafy vegetable or dry them for use in teas. They are popping up in greater frequency at farmer’s markets too for those who would rather avoid foraging for them. If you do forage for then, be sure you have an experienced guide with you. Alternatively, there are many teas and tinctures (alcohol extracts) available in health food stores. Follow package directions for the product you select. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Does Listening to the Radio Affect Our Driving?

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Most people would agree that listening to the radio is almost as much a part of driving as the actual driving. The two seem to go together like a hand and a glove. Whenever I’m driving, particularly on road trips, I crank up the tunes before I hit the road. But according to new research, listening to the radio while driving may not be the best idea. According to a new study by researchers at the University of Dublin, Ireland, listening to the radio while driving has a significant impact on whether we see an unexpected animal cross our path. Using a driving simulator, the researchers specifically assessed how likely we were to see a gorilla or elephant crossing our path while driving with the radio on. Perhaps these were not the best animal choices as few of us are ever likely to come across gorillas or elephants on our path. Instead, we’re far more likely to come across pedestrians, deer, cyclists, dogs or cats, but the study results make the point. Thirty-six drivers participated in the preliminary study. Half of the participants listened to the radio and were asked to listen for a switch from a male traffic reporter to a female traffic reporter, which is considered a task requiring minimal attention. The other half were asked to pay attention to traffic updates on a specific road, which is considered a task that requires far more attention. It would be fairly common to assume that regardless which task the drivers were given they’d be able to notice a giant animal like a gorilla or elephant on the sidewalk, but the study results suggest otherwise. Seventy-one percent of the first group with the minimal attention task were able to spot the giant mammals but in the higher attention task group, only 23 percent even noticed the elephant or gorilla. Additionally, the researchers noticed that the group performing the higher attention task were less likely to observe yield signals, recall vehicles they had passed, or be aware of their speed or reaction time to hazards. The researchers indicated that audio information seems to interfere with our ability to register visual information and that paying attention to something other than our driving has a significant impact on how observant we are while performing this important task. Obviously the size of the study group was small and further research with larger groups will yield more statistically accurate results, but it shines a light on the problems of distracted driving. And the radio tasks assessed during the study seem minor in comparison to talking on the phone or texting while driving, applying makeup, reading a map or GPS or eating or drinking while on the go. I’d be curious to see how poorly people drive while conducting any of these other tasks, yet I’m always surprised at just how many people regularly participate in extracurricular activities outside of the essential task of driving. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Best Teas for Your Health Problem

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

Recently I participated in a guided meditation in which I was advised to visualize myself doing something that makes me happy. At the end of the meditation the woman leading it asked what I had envisioned. I visualized my husband Curtis and I taking our daily tea break. Between writing books and blogs, conducting magazine interviews, and the day to day challenges of life, our tea break provides me with the peace and calm I look forward to every day. What could be better than a respite from the busy-ness of daily life to enjoy tea with someone special: perhaps if that tea offered therapeutic value in addition to its soothing qualities? To that end I’d like to share some of my favorite teas that are both delightful and offer medicinal benefits so you can pick the best teas for your health problems. Allergies—Drink a cup of nettles to reduce allergies and allergy symptoms such as nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes. Research published in the medical journal Phytotherapy Research found that nettles were effective against symptoms of seasonal allergies. Anxiety or Depression—Select lavender flowers to reap the rewards of this fragrant plant’s natural mood-boosting and calming effects. In a recent study comparing the effects of a medication for depression to drinking tea made from lavender flowers, scientists found that lavender was slightly more effective than the antidepressant drug. Study participants drank two cups of lavender tea daily to reap these effects. Coughs or Viruses—If you’re suffering from a persistent cough or fighting off a virus, then it’s thyme for tea. The herb is highly antiviral and arguably the best herbal remedy for coughs, applications that are even approved by the German government as medical treatments for these conditions. Migraines and headaches—Choose feverfew, a proven migraine and headache remedy. You probably won’t notice immediate migraine relief but consumed on a daily basis for at least a month and you’ll likely experience a reduction in the frequency of your migraines. Muscle or joint pain—Choose ginger tea made with fresh ginger root. Ginger contains a unique compound known as gingerols that are proven pain relievers. According to research published in the Journal of Pain, ginger was found to alleviate muscle pain. Other studies demonstrate its effectiveness against joint pain as well. To reap the most benefits, you’ll want to make this tea differently than the others. Boil a 2 inch piece of ginger, coarsely chopped in about cups of water for about 45 minutes, then strain and drink as desired throughout the day. How to Make Herbal Teas Use one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of boiled water (or two teaspoons of the fresh herb). Let steep for at least 10 minutes then drink two to three cups daily for best results. Because ginger is a root, the medicinal properties are best extracted by making a decoction, which involves boiling the herb for at least 45 minutes. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

6 Little-Known Nutrients that Build Better Vision

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

An old adage says that eyes are the windows of the soul, but we also rely on them for just about everything we do in life. It’s important to take good care of our eyes and vision through a largely or entirely plant-based diet. While there are many vitamins and minerals needed for healthy eyes and vision, it’s also important to get enough of the lesser-known nutrients that help in this area. Here are some of critical vision nutrients and the foods in which they are found: Alpha carotene—This type of carotenoid, which is in the group of about 700 different yellow-orange-red pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, tends to take a back seat to beta carotene, but is equally important to eye health. This nutrient is found in apricots, broccoli, carrots, collards, leafy greens, kale, mangoes, papayas, peaches, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash and tomatoes. Beta carotene—Okay, most people have heard of beta carotene, but no article on nutrients for better vision would be complete without mentioning this essential eyesight-protecting nutrient. It’s found in many of the same foods as alpha carotene, including: apricots, broccoli, carrots, collards, leafy greens, kale, mangoes, papayas, peaches, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash and tomatoes. Lutein—This fat-soluble nutrient is normally present in healthy eyes, but can become depleted over time. It acts as an antioxidant within the eyes to protect them from free radical damage. Lutein is a yellow-colored pigment found in many foods, including: apricots, avocados, broccoli, carrots, collards, eggs, leafy greens, kale, leeks, mangoes, papayas, peaches, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash and tomatoes. Naringin—If you’ve ever bit into a grapefruit and tasted their signature bitter-sour flavor, you’ve tasted naringin. This bitter-tasting plant nutrient is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the retina in the eyes. It is mainly found in grapefruit. Rutin—Without rutin, your body cannot properly absorb vitamin C. Rutin is a powerful nutrient that improves overall eye health and strengthens blood vessels, especially the small capillaries. Because it also improves circulation and acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage, it’s especially helpful for diabetic retinopathy. It is found in citrus fruits, red apples, apricots, bilberry fruit, blackberries, broccoli, buckwheat, cherries, black currants, grapes, nuts, onions, peppers, plums, prunes, rose hips and tea. Zeaxanthin—This nutrient shares some of the same effects of lutein. It helps prevent against age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, which is a cause of blindness in the elderly. This important eye-protecting agent is found in apricots, broccoli, carrots, collards, eggs, leafy greens, kale, leeks, mangoes, papayas, peaches, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, squash and tomatoes. When it comes to nutrients for eye health, seeing is believing. The best way to see well for life is to see a wide range of yellow, orange, red, and green foods on your plate every day. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Study Links Cell Phones to Brain Cancer

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

A new landmark study released by the National Toxicology Program, a part of the National Institutes for Health, found that cell phone radiation may be more dangerous than previously believed. The animal study assessed the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) imparted by cellphones to determine whether there is a link to cancer. The study found a link between cell phone radiation and brain cancer as well as cancerous tumors of the heart. The partial evidence links cell phones to low occurrences of these cancer types and tumors–which, even at low levels, is worrisome for everyday cell phone users. The animals were exposed to radiation as early as in utero and throughout their lifetime to determine the possible ramifications of cell phone exposure. While I don’t endorse the study’s methodology, I think it’s important that we know the radiation risks for humans. The results link a type of brain cancer known as glioma as well as cancerous heart tumors to cell phone radiation exposure. This information is just one part of a multi-year study that is still ongoing. Additional animal studies assessing the radiation-cancer risk are currently underway at the National Institutes for Health. According to the study scientists: “Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting from exposure to RFR could have broad implications for public health.” The study supports the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration that cell phone radiation is a “possible carcinogen”—an announcement the organization made five years ago. At that time, the WHO found an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer, in those exposed to cell phone radiation. Some of the possible symptoms of glioma include: headache; seizures; weakness in the arms, face or legs; numbness; or speech problems. Additional studies link cell phone radiation exposure to lower sperm counts and damaged sperm in men. More research outlining the health effects of cell phone radiation is needed, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions if you use a cell phone. While there are no known ways to completely remove the health risk from cell phone radiation, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), here are some suggestions to reduce the damaging effects of cell phone radiation exposure: • If you’re going to use a cell phone, text more and talk less, to cut down on the amount of radiation to which you’re exposed. • Use your phone when there are more bars indicating a stronger cell phone signal. Research shows that radiation exposure increases when cell phone signals are weak (fewer bars). • Use your phone in speaker mode rather than against your head or in your ear. Of course, it’s still a good idea to use common courtesy when your cell phone is on speakerphone by going outside or finding a spot away from restaurant, café, or other public venues. • Limit cell phone use if you are pregnant. • Avoid using “radiation shields” as they reduce the quality of the phone connection, thereby forcing the phone to transmit with greater energy and higher amounts of radiation. • Don’t keep your phone in a pocket or clipped onto a belt. Check out my blog “14 Ways to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation Exposure” for more ways to reduce your risk. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

Common Medication Increases Dementia Risk by 52%

By Michelle Schoffro Cook

If you think your memory isn’t what it used to be, you might want to check the medications you’re taking. Two months ago I shared news that common over-the-counter and prescription drugs used in the treatment of heart disease, allergies and lung disease are causing brain shrinkage and memory impairment. But a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) adds another group of commonly-used medications to the growing list of drugs that cause or increase the risk of dementia. As part of the research, 73,679 dementia-free participants 75 or older were evaluated. The study found that the widely-used group of medications known as proton pump inhibitors, which are used primarily in the treatment of stomach acid increased the risk of dementia. Also used to treat heartburn, indigestion, ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), these drugs were found to increase the risk of dementia by a whopping 52 percent! The connection between PPI drugs and dementia was so strong that the study authors concluded that avoiding these drugs may actually prevent the development of dementia. Dementia is not a disease unto itself; rather, a collection of symptoms involving a decline in memory or thinking that is severe enough to impair a person’s ability to perform essential daily tasks. This can include: short-term memory loss, language impairment, difficulty focusing, lack of attention, and difficulty reasoning or using sound judgement. Some of the other side-effects of PPIs include: stomach pain, nausea, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, seizures, weight gain, kidney problems, dizziness, confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, coughing, among others. The first few sound like the precise symptoms for which the drugs are frequently prescribed, which makes me wonder about their effectiveness in the first place. Add to that a 52 percent increased risk of dementia and associated memory loss and these drugs don’t sound appealing at all. Of course, you should consult your physician before discontinuing these medications if you’re already taking them. These drugs are frequently taken with antibiotics to kill H. pylori infections that may be present in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These bacteria are linked with ulcers, particularly of the stomach or upper intestines, along with the inflammation, irritation or erosion of the stomach lining. Fortunately, some beneficial bacteria and yeasts have shown great promise in the treatment of these conditions, without the lengthy list of side-effects or risk of dementia. The best probiotics for this purpose include: Bifidobacteria bifiform, various Lactobacillus strains and the yeast Saccharomyces. All of these probiotic strains have been found in research to be effective in the treatment of H. pylori and related GI irritation, inflammation or erosion. Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 19-time published book author whose works include: Be Your Own Herbalist: Essential Herbs for Health, Beauty, and Cooking (New World Library, 2016).

The Horrifying Truth About Avocados

By Beth Buczynski

Avocados are a truly spectacular food. Packed full of good fats, carotenoids, folate, and yes, even cancer-fighting nutrients, some have argued that the avocado could be the world’s most perfect food. Just a single bite of this creamy, earthy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) and you’ll find it difficult to argue with this superlative. If it seems too good to be true, you might just be right. I recently learned that like diamonds, avocados have a dark and bloody side that almost no one knows about. The avocado tree is native to Mexico and Central America, so it comes as no surprise that this region still produces most of the world’s supply. In Western Mexico, “avocado farms occupy vast stretches of land, and the rows of low-growing trees resemble the olive gardens of southern Europe,” writes Jan-Albert Hootsen for Vocativ.com. This idyllic setting indicates nothing of the sinister side of the avocado trade, however. In Michoacán, a state in western Mexico, the avocado is commonly referred to as oro verde, green gold, because it yields more cash than any other crop—including marijuana. And anytime there’s money to be made, corruption isn’t far behind. “A drug cartel known as the Caballeros Templarios, the Knights Templar, has infiltrated the avocado sector, and now controls the local trade, from production to distribution,” writes Hootsen. “The cartel derived from an earlier group of drug traffickers known as La Familia Michoacana…Not content to traffic marijuana, cocaine and heroin, La Familia set up a variety of extortion rackets in Michoacán. The avocado business was one of them.” Now, farmers must deal with constant extortion, and the reality that The Templarios could take over their plantations and packing plants whenever they want. The cartel always gets what it wants, both from the avocado farmers and the government bodies that are supposed to regulate them. Through bribes and the threat of violence, Templarios have gained access to official lists of farmers, how much land they cultivate, and how much they produce. This way, the criminals know exactly how much money to demand from the farmers. “Every link in the avocado production chain is a cash cow for the cartel, from the quadrilleros, or pickers (whose employment agencies are forced to pay $3.50 per worker per day), to those who buy, develop and sell plantations,” writes Hootsen. “The extortion racket is lucrative. In some municipalities, the estimated proceeds come to $3 million per year.” The truly horrifying part is that unlike drugs and human trafficking (the other favorite pastimes of the cartel) we are all culpable. More than 80 percent of Michoacán’s avocados are exported to the United States. That means every time we crack open one of these precious green fruits, every time we dip a chip into a bowl of guacamole, we’re helping to fuel the cartel’s violent takeover of the avocado industry in Mexico. The only way to avoid being part of this vicious cycle is to seek out domestically grown avocados, such as those from California, and to support farmers’ rights around the world.