Capsaicin could stop a heart attack in progress, scientists find

October 13, 2009

(NaturalNews) The late, famed herbalist Dr. John Christopher was nicknamed “Dr. Cayenne” because he was constantly recommending the healing powers of cayenne, the substance found in chili peppers that produces a sensation of heat. He especially advocated using it for cardiovascular health and even made the claim that doses of cayenne could stop heart attacks in progress (http://www.naturalnews.com/026869_c…). Now science has come up with proof cayenne does have a remarkable ability to help the heart. University of Cincinnati (UC) scientists have found that capsaicin, the main component of cayenne, may literally stop a heart attack in its tracks when applied topically.

New research just published in the journal Circulation concludes that a common, over-the-counter pain salve containing capsaicin rubbed on the skin during a heart attack could serve as a cardiac-protectant — reducing or even preventing damage to the heart. The researchers found an amazing 85 percent reduction in cardiac cell death when capsaicin was used. This is the most powerful cardioprotective effect ever recorded, according to Keith Jones, PhD, a researcher in the UC department of pharmacology and cell biophysics.

Read more…

“This may be similar to the way certain acupuncture treatments work; there may be a neurological basis. In a broad sense, this work may provide a ‘Rosetta stone’ for translating alternative medicine techniques — like acupuncture — to Western medicine. Perhaps we can understand the biological mechanisms of how alternative treatments may be successful for patients,” – Dr. Jones

Related articles by Zemanta

• Thar’s gold in them thar “cures”! (scienceblogs.com)
• Two treatment innovations improve heart function after heart attack (scienceblog.com)
• M. D. Anderson examines use of toad venom in cancer treatment (scienceblog.com)

Filed under: BODY, MIND | Comments (0)

Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids Prevent Depression In Coronary Heart Disease?

June 15, 2009

Depression is an established risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy patients and for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Dietary factors resulting in lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids not only increase CHD risk, but may also be involved in the pathophysiology of depression.

Filed under: News | Comments Off

Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids Prevent Depression In Coronary Heart Disease?

June 15, 2009

Depression is an established risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy patients and for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Dietary factors resulting in lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids not only increase CHD risk, but may also be involved in the pathophysiology of depression.

Filed under: BODY | Comments Off

New Study Demonstrates NanoScan’s Novel Contrast Agent May Identify Heart Attack In Waiting

June 14, 2009

NanoScan Imaging, LLC announced the publication of new data demonstrating the use of its investigational, radio-opaque contrast agent (N1177) to visualize vulnerable plaques that can cause heart attack or stroke using advanced, non-invasive and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) techniques.

Filed under: News | Comments Off

More mainstream physicians suggesting meditation, acupuncture

February 3, 2009

For years, Dr. Ali Keshavarzian ignored “alternative” therapies because his Western-trained brain wanted more evidence that they actually worked.

But Keshavarzian also knew conventional medicine often needed some assistance. And when he learned his patients were seeking out natural products, acupuncture, meditation and massage, he took a deep breath and dived in.

Read the complete article by Julie Deardorff…

Keywords: acupuncture, meditation, mood disorders, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, CAM, integrative medicine

Filed under: BODY, MIND | Comments (0)

FDA says BPA is OK despite concerns raised in new study

September 17, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — With scientists at odds over the safety of a chemical found in plastic baby bottles, metal cans and other food packaging, consumers got minimal guidance Tuesday about how to protect themselves.

At a scientific hearing, the Food and Drug Administration defended its assessment that bisphenol A– or BPA–is safe, even as the first major study of health effects in people linked it with possible risks for heart disease and diabetes. The debate could drag on for years.

"Right now, our tentative conclusion is that it’s safe, so we’re not recommending any change in habits," said Laura Tarantino, head of the FDA’s office of food additive safety. But she acknowledged, "there are a number of things people can do to lower their exposure."

For example, consumers can avoid plastic containers imprinted with the recycling number ‘7,’ as many of those contain BPA. Or, said Tarantino, they can avoid warming food in such containers, as heat helps to release the chemical.

…Dr. Ana Soto of Tufts University said the study raises enough concerns to warrant government action to limit BPA exposure. "We shouldn’t wait until further studies are done in order to act in protecting humans," said Soto, who has called for more restrictions in the past.

Read the complete article…

Keywords: reproductive, hormone, heart disease, estrogen, cancer, breast, prostate, chest pain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, public health, Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA, Dartmouth College, University of Missouri, Environmental Health Sciences, Frederick vom Saal, John Peterson Myers

Filed under: BODY | Comments (0)

No Buddha Required

September 7, 2008

Nancy Muriello, 37, decided a few years ago that she wanted to “empty all the junk” from her mind. So she began studying meditation techniques and practicing breathing and mindfulness, or being aware of the present moment. Now Muriello spends 15 minutes per day clearing her head of clutter. “You can really picture it as a reversal,” says Muriello, who owns Big Apple Power Yoga in New York City. “All the junk, all the stimuli are pouring out of you, so you’re left with a clearer, lighter mind and body. You feel very refreshed, very relaxed, and you have more capacity to take on new things.”

Read the complete article by Tina Peng…

Keywords: meditation, concentration, depression, brain-imaging, stress, well-being, attention-deficit, hyperactivity, ADHD, anger, heart disease, social-anxiety

Filed under: BODY, MIND | Comments (0)

Mass. House Tackles Artificial Trans Fat

June 3, 2008

b>Partially Hydrogenated Oils Cause Heart Disease, Health Groups Say/b>br/>Artificial trans fat may soon be vanishing from all Bay State restaurants—just like it will vanish from Boston restaurants this fall…

Filed under: News | Comments Off