Michelle Schoffro Cook's Blog, page 9

Why Vitamin D is Useless without This Critical Nutrient

It seems like every week new, a new study is released showcasing more and more health benefits of vitamin D. It helps to prevent the flu, ensures your genes function properly, improves muscle function, reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, and even helps with weight loss. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this vitamin. So, it’s probably no surprise that an increasing number of people are taking vitamin D supplements to give their health a boost.

But, before you take your vitamin D drops you might want to know about a new study that shows vitamin D needs another nutrient to work properly. Recent evidence shows that vitamin D synthesis is completely dependent on magnesium levels--a nutrient, which sadly, a large percentage of the population is deficient in. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study concluded that the mineral magnesium is necessary for vitamin D to do its many jobs in the body.

Dr. Qi Dai, the professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the head of an earlier study, published in BMC Medicine, found that people with high levels of magnesium intake in their diet or from supplements were less likely to have low vitamin D levels. The study also showed that people with higher magnesium intakes had a lower risk of death due to heart disease or bowel cancer.

Dr. Dai and other researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted another study to find out why higher levels of magnesium meant a reduced risk of vitamin D deficiency. They found that magnesium acts as a cofactor for the production of vitamin D, either from the sunlight or from dietary sources. In an interview with Medical News Today, Dr. Dai indicated that “Magnesium deficiency shuts down the vitamin D synthesis and metabolism pathway.” 

The study showed that supplementation with magnesium led to an increased amount of vitamin D among people with previously low levels of the vitamin. And, magnesium supplementation also reduced the amount of vitamin D among people with excessively high levels. In other words, the mineral acted to balance the amount of vitamin D in a person’s body, which is important because vitamin D deficiencies are linked to serious health problems, but an excessively high amount of vitamin D can also cause illness, including excessive calcium in the blood.

Signs of a Magnesium Deficiency

There are many signs of a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency symptoms may actually mimic other health problems, which can be linked to the mineral’s role in so many health functions but it is important to check with your doctor if you have any symptoms. Some of the deficiency symptoms include: back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, cravings for chocolate, depression, heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability or anxiety, muscle cramps, nervous tics or twitches, restless leg syndrome, sensitive teeth, or painful periods in women. It is not necessary to have every symptom to have a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium Deficiency is Common

Magnesium deficiency is a common problem, with up to 80 percent of people being deficient in this critical mineral. Magnesium has long been known as the partner mineral to calcium, but this new research shows it is also a partner to vitamin D. It is a natural anti-stress and relaxation mineral because it plays an important role in helping our bodies to combat stress. It is necessary for many bodily functions, including healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function. It is also involved in the production of energy for most of our bodily processes.

What Foods Contain Magnesium?

Magnesium is found in alfalfa sprouts, almonds and almond butter, apples, brown rice, celery, figs, leafy greens, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and many other foods.

Supplementing with Magnesium

A typical supplemental dose of magnesium is 800 mg. daily. Many people supplementing with calcium without taking magnesium may unknowingly be causing a depletion of the body’s reserves of magnesium. If you are supplementing with calcium you’ll likely benefit from adding magnesium as well.

 

Discover how to heal your body using essential oils: when you sign up with me to get 25% off my favorite brand of essential oils I’ll give you free access to my exclusive essential oil coaching group. Sign up NOW by clicking here and then click "Join & Save" to gain IMMEDIATE access to this incredible opportunity! Or, learn more here.

DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include:  THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.

 

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10 Essential Oils That Really Work Against Lyme Disease

Most people assume that drugs are our most potent weapon against disease but, when it comes to lyme disease, a recent study suggests otherwise. The study conducted by scientists at the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, found that certain essential oils were more powerful in the treatment of lyme disease than the standard antibiotic treatment.

The study, published in the medical journal Antibiotics, found that 10 of the 35 essential oils tested in laboratory dishes demonstrated “strong activity” against the latent, “persister” forms of lyme disease. The oils include: garlic, myrrh, thyme, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, eucalyptus, litsea, lemongrass, and spiked ginger lily.

Persister forms of lyme disease are considered to be those in the 10 to 20 percent range that do not respond to the standard antibiotic treatment, and which can be particularly challenging to those dealing with the condition.

Even in concentrations of 1 part to 1000, which is considered a low dose, several of the essential oils completely destroyed the bacteria behind the disease in only 7 days. What’s more: there was no bacterial regrowth with these essential oils after 21 days. These powerful essential oils include: garlic, allspice, myrrh, hydacheim (spiked ginger lily), and litsea (also known as may chang).

Led by Dr. Ying Zhang, PhD, a professor at the school and head of the study said in an interview with Medical News Today, “We found that these essential oils were even better at killing the ‘persister’ forms of lyme bacteria than standard lyme antibiotics.”

That’s great news for the estimated 300,000 people diagnosed with lyme disease, with about 30,000 cases reported each year. Lyme disease is a debilitating disease that medical experts believe to be caused by the bacterial infection B. burgdorferi linked to tick bites. Some of the symptoms of lyme disease include: rashes (including the signature rash that looks like a bulls-eye), fatigue, achy or swollen joints, headaches, dizziness, fever, night sweats, sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, sensitivity to light, coordination problems, heart inflammation, anxiety, depression, chest pain, jaw pain, unexplained pain,

An earlier study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, confirmed the efficacy of essential oils against lyme disease. In that study, researchers found oils of oregano, clove, and cinnamon were highly effective against the infection. The results, which “completely eradicated all viable (bacterial) cells” were believed to be as a result of such naturally-occurring compounds as carvacrol in oregano. Carvacrol has been shown in many studies to be anti-infectious against bacteria.

Pure essential oils are among the most powerful antibiotics available and the new study published in the medical journal Antibiotics supports their use against the bacteria behind lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). I'll share the new research and the essential oils which had the greatest effectiveness against the bacteria, including: thyme, myrrh, cinnamon, and others.

The Johns Hopkins team of researchers intends to conduct additional tests to determine whether the cell culture study results will translate into clinical results. While the results are not yet conclusive, you may wish to use essential oils for the treatment of lyme disease.

There are many ways to use essential oils, including diffusing them or mixing them with water and spraying into the air for the purpose of inhalation, applying topically, or ingesting. In my more than 25 years’ experience as an aromatherapist, I have found that ingestion of one or more of the above oils tends to yield the best effects for infections and lyme disease. However, not all oils are suitable for ingestion. Actually, most of the oils on the market are not. So, use only oils that clearly indicate their suitability for internal use. This is easily identifiable on the label, which would indicate “dose.” Most of the above oils are extremely strong and should be diluted before using. Additionally, you should work with a qualified natural health expert before using any essential oils internally.

Make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your physician. Use essential oils with caution and the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner during pregnancy or in the treatment of any health condition.

 

Discover how to heal your body using essential oils: when you sign up with me to get 25% off my favorite brand of essential oils I’ll give you free access to my exclusive essential oil coaching group. Sign up NOW by clicking here and then click "Join & Save" to gain IMMEDIATE access to this incredible opportunity! Or, learn more here.

DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include:  THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.

 

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12 Health Uses for Frankincense Essential Oil

If I was stranded on a deserted island and could choose only one essential oil to have with me, I would select frankincense, an oil that is both versatile and potent. Perhaps that’s why it has been in use for thousands of years and considered a precious natural medicine. While there are many health uses for frankincense, here are 12 of my favorites:

Asthma: A study published in the medical journal Current Pharmaceutical Design assessed the effectiveness of several natural remedies against asthma, including frankincense essential oil. The researchers reviewed numerous studies to confirm that frankincense was one of the natural remedies that exhibited several mechanisms relevant to the treatment of respiratory diseases, including effectiveness against inflammation and allergic response. Another study published in ResearchGate found that animals exposed to 30 minutes of frankincense essential oil diffused into the air, three times weekly for eight weeks, had significant improvements in markers for asthma.

Biofilms: Biofilms are a thin, potentially health-damaging layer of microorganisms that secrete substances to help ensure their survival in or on the body. The presence of biofilms is usually a factor in infections that are difficult to eradicate. Frankincense has been found in research in Letters in Applied Microbiology to be effective against biofilms.

Bacterial Infections: Frankincense has been found to be effective against many types of infections. In one study, researchers found that the essential oil showed significant antibacterial action against the three types of bacteria tested, which included: E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria are linked with food poisoning and other serious health-damaging infections. According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, frankincense directly killed bacteria but it also prevented the bacteria from proliferating. The oil also demonstrated antioxidant capabilities, which means it can destroy harmful free radicals linked to cellular and tissue damage.

Brain Conditions: Research in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research found that frankincense was effective against brain cancer in 6 different ways. The Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicines found that frankincense demonstrated the ability to help with swelling on the brain, and concluded that the natural remedy might be beneficial for brain and memory disorders.

Cancer: Because frankincense has a long history of therapeutic use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for cancer, researchers set out to determine whether the traditional use could be scientifically validated. In the study, researchers compared the ability of frankincense to destroy cancer cells to the commonly used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil. They found that extracts in frankincense were as effective as both chemotherapy agents and published their findings in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (APJCP). To benefit from the anti-cancer properties of frankincense essential oil, apply directly to the skin if the cancer is topical. For other types of cancer, some experts recommend internal use of two drops, two to three times daily of a frankincense-oil product that has been FDA-approved for internal use; however, I don’t recommend using most essential oils internally as most are not pure enough for ingestion. Of course, you should work with your physician in the treatment of cancer.

Candida: Earlier research in Letters in Applied Microbiology journal also found frankincense helpful against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Mood Disturbances and Hormone Balancing: In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, a natural compound in frankincense was found to have antidepressant qualities. The compound, known as incensole acetate (IA), can regulate hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are located in the brain and are involved in mood regulation, while the adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and help address stress in the body. Frankincense contains compounds known as sesquiterpenes, which cross the blood-brain barrier and may help to oxygenate the glands in the brain. The researchers concluded that frankincense has potential as a novel treatment for depression.

Nail Infections: An exciting study in the medical journal Letters in Applied Microbiology found that not only was frankincense effective against several infections linked to skin, nail and scalp conditions, it also helped break down the biofilms that often underlie these difficult problems.

Pain: Researchers set out to determine the validity of frankincense as a traditional remedy for arthritis, muscle and stomach pain. They validated its natural analgesic effects and effectiveness for these types of pain. Frankincense can be applied directly to affected areas (dilute in equal parts of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil for sensitive skin). Frankincense, if the oil is pure enough (most is not) can be used internally. Work with a knowledgeable aromatherapist if internally using frankincense.

Scalp Conditions: The Letters in Applied Microbiology study found that frankincense was effective against scalp conditions.

Skin Infections: The same study found that frankincense worked on skin infections.

Wrinkles: Numerous small-scale studies found that daily use of frankincense essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut or sunflower reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage.

Discover how to heal your body using essential oils: when you sign up with me to get 25% off my favorite brand of essential oils I’ll give you free access to my exclusive essential oil coaching group. Sign up NOW by clicking here and then click "Join & Save" to gain IMMEDIATE access to this incredible opportunity! Or, learn more here.

DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include:  THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.

 

Get FREE Health Tips, Recipes & More from Dr. Cook--Add your e-mail address here. 





 

Compound in Turmeric Boosts Brain Stem Cells

Most people are concerned about the health of their brain these days. And, for good reason: brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have been rapidly rising. According to some estimates, 35.8% of people 85 or older have some form of moderate or severe memory impairment. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect your brain and memory, from exercising and mental exercises, to healthy diet rich in brain foods like blueberries, walnuts, pomegranates, and more.

But, there is another way to boost your brain health—by increasing your brain's stem cells--those cells that can create more stem cells or become many other types of cells in the body. Research shows that a compound known as turmerone, found in turmeric, can help boost brain stem cells. Most of turmeric’s rave reviews go to its compound curcumin, while turmerone is barely known at all.

According to research in the medical journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy, one of the active compounds in turmeric, known as turmerone, can cause brain stem cells to start proliferating.  

Neural stem cells, as they are known, become activated after an injury or damage to the brain as a means to help regenerate the brain and nervous system and giving the cells an opportunity to recover and return to normal function.

Other research published in the same journal found that turmerone caused an increase in the number of neurons (brain or nervous system cells) generated. The researchers anticipate that their study will offer hope to sufferers of Parkinson’s and stroke.

Turmerone is primarily found in the oily part of turmeric. As a result, turmeric essential oil is one of the best sources of this natural healing compound. However, not all oils are suitable for ingestion. Most of the oils on the market are not suitable for internal use. As a result you should only use oils that clearly indicate their suitability for internal use. This is easily identifiable on the label, which would indicate “dose” or “dosage.” Additionally, you should work with a qualified natural health expert before using any essential oils internally.

Make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your physician. Use essential oils with caution and the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner during pregnancy or in the treatment of any health condition.

Top 7 Antibacterial Essential Oils

While many people consider antibiotics the best medicines against bacterial illnesses, they are increasingly outsmarted by the bacteria they were intended to kill. Fortunately, a growing body of research shows that essential oils may be the best kept secret against bacterial infections. Here are 7 of my favorite antibacterial essential oils:

Basil Essential Oil

Basil has been shown to have excellent anti-infectious qualities. Research in the journal Molecules found that natural volatile oils in basil inhibited multiple drug-resistant strains of E. coli bacteria. E. coli can cause cramps, diarrhea and vomiting linked to food poisoning, among other health problems. According to a preliminary study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, scientists demonstrated that an extract of basil seeds was even effective in the laboratory against tuberculosis-causing bacteria.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Germany’s Commission E approved German chamomile as a treatment of the skin to reduce swelling and fight bacteria, as well as a tea or supplement to alleviate stomach cramps. Researchers assessed the antimicrobial activity of an extract of German chamomile against the fungus Candida albicans and the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis. While the former is a fungal infection, E. faecalis is an antibiotic-resistant and often life-threatening infection that sometimes inhabits root-canal-treated teeth. The Indian Journal of Dentistry published an assessment of a high potency extract of chamomile against these microbes and found that it helped kill both. This study could help explain German chamomile’s reputation for healing dental abscesses and gum inflammation.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

It has natural anti-infectious compounds.  In a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, cinnamon essential oil derived from the bark was found to have strong antibacterial activity against several harmful strains of bacteria, including: multiple Salmonella strains (linked to food poisoning), E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus (linked to the sometimes deadly MRSA infections), and others. Cinnamon essential oil exhibited excellent activity against all the selected strains tested.

Ginger Essential Oil

According to well-known herbalist and book author, Stephen Harrod Buhner, more and more exciting research showcases ginger’s potency against viruses and bacteria alike, even when antibiotic or antiviral drugs fail. That’s important news as we collectively cope with resistant superbugs.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano is a powerfully-antiseptic plant thanks largely to its constituents known as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid.  Unlike antibiotic drugs that work only on harmful bacteria, these compounds in oregano works against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites like worms, making it a well-rounded antiseptic to keep in your natural medicine cabinet.  Research published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology showcased the effectiveness of oregano against antibiotic-resistant strep infections, which are most known for causing strep throat.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree (or Melaleuca, as it is also called) has been used for centuries for its potent antibacterial action. Research in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that that tea tree essential oil was even effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which the researchers attribute to the natural compounds known as alpha terpineol and linalool. Other research published in the journal ScienceDirect showed that tea tree oil is effective against S.aureus and the biofilms they create. Biofilms are a thin, potentially health-damaging layer of microorganisms that secrete substances to help ensure their survival in or on the body. Depending on the type of infection, tea tree oil can be applied to the skin or diffused in the air.

Thyme Essential Oil

In a review of thyme, oregano, and basil published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, researchers found that all three were effective against a variety of bacterial stains. In their assessment of the oils’ effects on E. coli, the researchers found that both thyme and oregano were the most effective.

There are many ways to use essential oils, including diffusing them or mixing them with water and spraying into the air for the purpose of inhalation, applying topically, or ingesting. In my more than 25 years’ experience as an aromatherapist, I have found that ingestion of one or more of the above oils tends to yield the best effects for most bacterial infections unless they are on the skin, in which case they should be diluted and applied topically. However, not all oils are suitable for ingestion. Actually, most of the oils on the market are not. So, use only oils that clearly indicate their suitability for internal use. This is easily identifiable on the label, which would indicate “dose.” Most of the above oils are extremely strong and should be diluted before using. Additionally, you should work with a qualified natural health expert before using any essential oils internally.

Make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your physician. Use essential oils with caution and the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner during pregnancy or in the treatment of any health condition.

 

Discover how to heal your body using essential oils: when you sign up with me to get 25% off my favorite brand of essential oils I’ll give you free access to my exclusive essential oil coaching group. Sign up NOW by clicking here and then click "Join & Save" to gain IMMEDIATE access to this incredible opportunity! Or, learn more here.

DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include:  THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.

 

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14 Ways to Cancer-Proof Your Next Meal

It’s not hard to boost the cancer-fighting power of your meals. Here are 14 easy ways to cancer-proof the food you eat:

Add More Orange to Your Plate: Not the artificially-dyed foods that have been linked to causing cancer, instead, add more orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, squash, pumpkin, and apricots. These foods contain plentiful amounts of carotenoids, including beta carotene which is a well-established anti-cancer nutrient.  

Skip the Nitrate-Infused Meats: That includes processed luncheon meats, bacon, cold cuts, hot dogs, and sausage. Most of these foods contain cancer-causing nitrates.

Choose Organic Foods: A study found that by switching to organic foods instead of pesticide-laden ones, you can slash your cancer risk between 25 to 73 percent. Study participants cut their overall risk of developing cancer by 25% while lessening their risk of lymphatic cancer by 73% simply by choosing organic foods. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, tubes, and glands that remove waste products from the tissues throughout the body.

Cook Over Lower Temperatures:  Use low to medium cooking temperatures.  When meat is heated over high temperatures or comes in contact with flames, compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can form. Both compounds are known carcinogens. 

Add Vitamin C-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Not only is vitamin C a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals linked to cancer, it is particularly important to get enough of this vitamin if you’re eating grilled food. That’s because research in Molecular Biology Reports shows that Vitamin C reduces the cancer-causing effects of HCAs. 

Crank Up the Cruciferous Vegetables: Research in Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention shows that cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates that form cancer-protective compounds known as isothiocyanates. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli microgreens.

Discover more ways to cancer-proof your life in Dr. Cook's e-Book: Cancer-Proof: All-Natural Solutions for Cancer Prevention & Healing. 

Eat More Leafy Greens: Packed with many vitamins and minerals, leafy greens like beet greens, collards, kale, lettuce, and spinach can help keep your immune system strong to fight off cancer cells.

Cut Back on Sugar: According to research in the medical journal Cancer Research sugar may actually be linked to the formation of cancer. Apparently, cancer needs a large amount of glucose, which is found in sugar, to survive. Choose the natural sweetener stevia in place of sugar.

Add Cloves: While you may already enjoy cloves in spice cake and chai tea, you may want to sprinkle ground cloves on more of the foods you eat. That’s because research found that cloves contain many anti-cancer compounds including: phenolics, oleanic acids, betulinic acids, and dimethyl cardamonins—all of which have demonstrated anti-cancer properties.

Add Brazil Nuts: Packed with cancer-fighting selenium, deficiencies in this mineral can be linked to an increase risk of cancer.

Make Vegetables the Star: We know we should eat more veggies and there is plenty of research to support their dominance in our diet. Eat a daily salad, a homemade vegetable soup, or add steamed or sauteed veggies to your meal

Add Beans: Beans are among the best sources of fiber. Fiber helps keep your bowels moving and that means toxins that are linked to cancer are eliminated from your body faster than with low fiber diets. Add a handful of beans to soups, stews, salads, or add tomato sauce and enjoy.  Strive for at least one-half cup of beans daily.

Eat an Apple a Day: The old adage was right. Eating an apple a day might keep the cancer doctor at bay. Thanks to their phytonutrient content, apples have been shown to lower the risk of lung cancer in numerous . 

Go Crazy for Curries: Turmeric, which is one of the spices commonly used in curries, shows promise against cancer. In a study published in the medical journal Precision Oncology, researchers found turmeric starved and shrunk prostate cancer tumors. Curcumin not only shows benefits for prostate cancer, it has been found in multiple studies to reduce colon cancer risk. In one study published in Cancer Prevention Research researchers found that curcumin suppressed the ability of colon cancer cells to proliferate. 

 

Discover how to heal your body using essential oils: when you sign up with me to get 25% off my favorite brand of essential oils I’ll give you free access to my exclusive essential oil coaching group. Sign up NOW by clicking here and then click "Join & Save" to gain IMMEDIATE access to this incredible opportunity! Or, learn more here.

DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include:  THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.

 

Get FREE Health Tips, Recipes & More from Dr. Cook--Add your e-mail address here. 





 

The Top 10 Toxins Lurking in Your Cosmetics + Better Options

Before you apply your foundation or put on your lipstick, keep reading. That’s because most of the cosmetics you apply to your skin are directly absorbed into your bloodstream and you may be shocked to learn that there are over 82000 chemicals lurking in your personal care products, including your cosmetics. More than one in eight (10,500) of these chemicals are industrial chemicals, including: automotive degreasers, carcinogens, hormone disruptors, pesticides, plasticizers, and reproductive toxins.

After reviewing more than 12,500 personal care products, the David Suzuki Foundation found that over 80% contained at least one, and often multiple toxic and health-damaging chemicals. Some of the worst chemicals found in cosmetics include:

BHA and BHT: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are common preservatives in lipsticks and moisturizers. BHA has been linked to cancer and hormone disruption in humans. In animal studies, BHT has been linked to liver, thyroid, and kidney problems that can mimic estrogen and block male sex hormones, resulting in problems with reproduction.



Coal Tar Dyes: Dyes made from coal tar are extensively used in cosmetics. They are usually listed as CI plus a 5-digit number or FD&C or D&C followed by a number. Derived from petrochemicals, coal tar recognized as a human carcinogen.



DEA Ingredients: Diethanolamine (DEA) and related compounds are used to make cosmetics creamy or to adjust the pH. While they are known to cause skin and eye irritation, in larger quantities, research shows that they can cause liver cancer and precancerous conditions of the skin or thyroid gland.



Dibutyl Pththalate: Used as a solvent for dyes as well as a plasticizer, DBP can increase the likelihood that other chemicals will damage a person’s genetic material, a type of toxin known as a mutagen.



Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, as well as in vinyl flooring and in toilet bowl cleaners, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies these chemicals as known human carcinogens.



Parabens: Parabens are well-established hormone disruptors that throw off our delicate hormonal balance. Parabens in cosmetics may be linked to hormonally-related breast cancers.



Fragrance or Parfum: Approximately 3,000 chemicals are lumped together under the classification of “parfum” or “fragrance.” Even cosmetics that are listed as “fragrance-free” or “unscented” usually contain these toxic fragrances as well as chemical masking agents to hide the smell. They are commonly used in cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners. They are linked to allergies, asthma, migraines, skin conditions, and some have been linked to cancer.



PEG Compounds: Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are derived from petrochemicals and are used as thickening agents, solvents, and moisture-carriers. Some PEGs are established carcinogens.



Petrolatum: Also known as petroleum jelly, petrolatum is, as its name suggests, derived from petroleum products, and is used to make skin or hair shine. It is linked with cancer.



Siloxanes: Siloxanes are silicone-based cosmetic ingredients that are also used in building sealants and lubricants. They include reproductive toxins that have been found to cause uterine tumors.

 

Dr. Cook’s Recommended Cosmetics: Elate Cosmetics

As a long-time natural health practitioner, doctor of natural medicine, and author of twenty health books, including: Weekend Wonder Detox and The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, I exclusively use and recommend pure and healthy cosmetics. After searching and experimenting for many years with a huge variety of so-called “natural” cosmetics, I finally discovered Elate Cosmetics and immediately fell in love. And, having sensitive skin and a strong reaction to most toxic chemicals and hidden fragrances, I am a good person to test the products. Elate’s products are the only ones I’ve found to be pure enough to wear or recommend.

The company is committed to using cruelty-free ingredients, ethical marketing, and sustainable practices. Additionally, the cosmetics are clean, vegan, 100% gluten-free (safe enough for those people with celiac), made in Canada, and even use green-certified, fair trade and reusable bamboo packaging, compacts, and palettes. They practice fair trade, use 90% organic ingredients, and completely avoid planet-polluting nanoparticles. Committed to “never compromis(ing) the health of any person, animal, or the planet,” I can’t help but feel good about my decision to use the products.

Unlike most of the “natural” products I’ve tried, Elate Cosmetics’ products just feel good on my skin. The lipsticks are creamy but long-lasting, the eyeliner is gorgeous but doesn’t leave my eyes feeling irritated or achy like most products I’ve used. The lipsticks, eye shadows, eyeliners, and other products come in a huge range of colors. The foundation superbly covers blemishes without feeling heavy and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth afterward.

And, the company’s commitment to the environment is bar none. Consider that they don’t use any excess packaging, and go the extra mile for the planet: the pressed powder actually comes in seed paper that can be planted afterward to grow wildflowers or herbs. Elate Cosmetics goes the extra mile to create healthy, planet-friendly products that I feel great about using and recommending. 

Are You Suffering from an Oxygen Deficiency?

 

Did you know that 90 percent of our nutritional energy comes from oxygen and only 10 percent is derived from the food we ingest? Oxygen is fundamental. Colorless, tasteless and odorless, oxygen is the supreme element—a primary nutrient without which life would not exist. We can live without food for weeks and without water for between three to seven days. We can only live for between three and six minutes without oxygen before we begin to suffer brain damage, and ultimately death. Oxygen is critical to life.

The body literally starves without oxygen. Each of the body’s estimated 50 to 100 trillion cells requires oxygen for each and every one of its metabolic processes. You need oxygen to combust foods to provide energy for the heart, brain and cells. All of the functions of our body are regulated by oxygen. The ability to think, feel, move, eat, sleep and even talk all depends on energy generated from oxygen. Our brain needs oxygen to process information.  Our body uses oxygen to metabolize food and to eliminate toxins and waste through oxidation.

Oxygen energizes cells so they can regenerate and provides vital cellular flexibility.  In fact, all of our organs need a great deal of oxygen to function efficiently. That's why it must be replaced on a moment-to-moment basis.

Oxygen is also one of the most significant antiaging components. The more we saturate our cells with stabilized oxygen the lower the rate of wear and tear on our bodies. Oxygen’s natural ability to catabolize or oxidize bacteria, fungi and viruses plays a very significant role in preventing degenerative diseases and sustaining the natural immortality factor of the cell. In fact, were we to take any fungus, virus or pathogenic bacteria and put these invaders in a petri culture dish, then drop stabilized oxygen on them, they would all die on contact.

The challenge, then, is clear: to not only get oxygen into our bodies, but directly into the cells where it can fight pathogens, burn up toxins, and support our overall internal health. And, we want to bring oxygen into the body without creating the harmful free radicals considered to be a major cause of premature aging.

 

The Oxygen Insufficiency Disease

 

Most diseases occur in the absence of sufficient oxygen. Without sufficient oxygen, cells simply cannot function properly and disease can set in. In the 1940s, Nobel Laureate Dr. Otto Warburg stated emphatically that all disease is ultimately related to oxygen starvation. More recently, Dr. Stephen Levine, a molecular biologist and nutrition researcher, said the same thing: hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in the cells, results in disease.

Initial symptoms of oxygen deficiency may include overall weakness, fatigue, circulation problems, poor digestion, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, depression, memory loss, irrational behavior, irritability, acid stomach, and bronchial complications. When the immune system is compromised by a lack of oxygen, the body is more susceptible to opportunistic bacteria, viral, and parasitic infections, colds, and flu. Oxygen deprivation can also trigger life-threatening diseases.

 

The Factors Behind Oxygen Depletion

 

With millions of square miles of oxygen-regenerating rainforest already destroyed and huge amounts of precious oxygen-producing sea algae destroyed by pollution, our great sources of oxygen have been severely compromised. And, research scientists have determined that unless concerted global efforts are made to protect the atmosphere, our atmospheric oxygen concentration levels will continue being reduced by about 0.8% every 15 years or so. There are other factors that can cause oxygen depletion:

 

Emotional Stress: produces adrenaline and adrenal-related hormones, and which utilize more oxygen;

 

Physical Trauma: reduces circulation and oxygen supply to many cells and tissues throughout the body; and

 

Infections: which use oxygen to fight bacteria, fungi and viruses. Use of drugs also depletes our oxygen supplies at the cellular level. Today, noted authorities stress that most diseases, especially yeast or fungal infections like candida albicans, occur most frequently in any oxygen-poor environment in the body. Oxygen deficiency may be the single greatest cause of illness and may be the starting point for the loss of the immune system and the beginning of feared health problems such as cancer, leukemia, HIV, seizures, nerve deterioration and candida.

 

Ideal Oxygen Levels

 

The average concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream is between 60 percent and 70 percent. At this level people generally feel good, with average energy levels. However, if the oxygen level drops below 60 percent, disease begins to take over the management of the cells as they become overwhelmed by pathogens. The minimum concentration of oxygen needed to sustain life is about 52 percent, but at this level a person is far less than vital. Optimally, we want to keep our oxygen supply around 80 percent so that we can maximize our energy and feel terrific. At that level, we can detoxify the body, wipe out infections and boost our health, and vitality.

 

Maintaining Healthy Oxygen Levels

 

Through a combination of good nutrition, exercise, and a healthful the average person can enhance the way their body accesses and utilizes oxygen. Additionally, I like a liquid supplement called Cellfood®, which has the unique ability to split water molecules within the body, releasing oxygen and hydrogen at the cellular level. It doesn’t create free radicals, but instead bonds with any free radicals found in the body, transforming them into stabilized oxygen.

 

In my experience, Cellfood® provides the deepest and most abundant cell oxygenation of any supplement I’ve tried. Additionally, it contains 129 trace minerals, enzymes, amino acids and electrolytes, thereby providing cellular nutrition.

Cellfood® has been shown in laboratory tests to destroy harmful bacteria and pathogens on contact without harming the body’s beneficial intestinal flora. Other benefits of Cellfood® include: the normalization of pH balance; strengthening of the immune system; support for lung and breathing function; improvement in brain function, alertness and concentration; and it increases the absorption of other supplements taken in the same 24-hour period. 

Cellfood® is made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients, and is yeast-free and gluten-free. I’ve found in my clients that as they introduce more pure, stable oxygen into their system, it’s a matter of time before their body responds with new levels of vitality, energy, endurance and, most of all, profound wellbeing. Learn more about the product on the North American website.

 

12 Foods to Eat if You Have High Blood Pressure

If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, you might want to consider adding some key foods to your diet. Unlike the standard drug treatment—beta blockers—the following foods work on restoring healthy blood pressure by clearing the arteries or removing plaque, rather than reducing the heart’s output of blood. Let’s face it: you might actually want oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout your blood vessels to feed your organs and brain. Here are the top research-proven foods to help if you have high blood pressure:

Almonds: Magnesium is one of the key electrolytes involved in a healthy heart, blood vessels, and blood pressure. Known as Mother’s Nature’s relaxation mineral, the magnesium found in almonds are a great way to help restore healthy blood pressure. A one-ounce serving of almonds contains 20% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium.

Beets: Beets are among the most powerful natural treatments for high blood pressure. Research published in the medical journal Nitric Oxide showed that consuming more naturally-occuring nitrates, like the ones found in beets is helpful in the treatment of hypertension. Naturally-sourced nitrates are converted in your body to nitric oxide—compounds that improve blood pressure. Other research published in the Journal of Human Hypertension demonstrated that raw beet juice was even more effective than cooked beets, although both are helpful.

Cinnamon: Research in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease found that cinnamon improved all markers of the condition known as metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of symptoms that include: excessive abdominal fat, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Figs: Potassium is arguably the most important mineral in regulating blood pressure, since it counterbalances the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium as they work together to create balanced cellular pressure. Figs are good sources of potassium that’s needed to . 

Flaxseeds: Research published in the journal Clinical Nutrition to reduce high blood pressure levels. Unlike drugs, foods like flax don’t unnaturally drop blood pressure, they work to restore a healthy blood pressure balance.

Grapes: Red and purple grapes are high in a compound called resveratrol which is a potent anti-inflammatory, making them an excellent choice in the prevention of heart disease. Resveratrol improves the dilation of blood vessels and relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, which may help to lower blood pressure.

Leafy Greens: Green is the color of balanced blood pressure, if you’re loading up on your favorite leafy greens, that is. So load up on: beet greens, collard, kale, lettuce, parsley, and spinach. According to research in the journal Atherosclerosis vegetables with a high lutein content, like leafy greens, reduce the risk of heart disease that is a concern to many people with high blood pressure.

Mangoes: According to research published in EurekAlert!, the science newsletter of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, people who eat mangoes experience a reduction in high blood pressure in as little as 2 hours thanks to the fruit’s naturally-occuring heart- and blood-vessel-healing compounds known as mangiferin, quercetin, gallotannins, and gallic acid.

Tomatoes: According to research in the journal Archives of Medical Science tomatoes may be a great option for people with high blood pressure or at a high risk of heart disease.

Watermelon: Lycopene found in watermelon has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.

Walnuts: According to researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington found that a low intake of nuts and seeds was the leading dietary risk factor for death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walnuts are particularly great because they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation throughout the body, including within the arteries.

Watermelon: This delicious pink-colored fruit contains a nutrient known as , which in its conversion to the amino acid arginine increases the body’s stores of nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide helps to relax blood vessels and improves blood flow, which accounts for watermelon’s ability to help regulate high blood pressure.

Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM shares her food growing, cooking, and other food self-sufficiency adventures at FoodHouseProject.com. She is the publisher of the free e-newsletter World’s Healthiest News and an international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include: Cancer-Proof: All Natural Solutions for Cancer Prevention and Healing. Follow her work.

15 Ways to Be a Better Person This Year

Everyone focuses on losing weight, becoming fitter, or obtaining something as their New Year's resolutions. But, what about finding ways to incorporate greater integrity and kindness into our lives? While I’ve always tried to incorporate integrity into my way of being, I started thinking more about integrity thanks to recent events.

After working tirelessly to sell our house, my husband and I received an offer to purchase the property, so we packed up our things, organized our move, and within nine days began our drive across the country to our new home 2700 miles (4300 kilometers) away. After driving day and night through blizzards, icy roads, and temperatures that plummeted to -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-24 degrees Celsius), we finally made it.

We arrived to find the home and acreage full of junk (I’m not talking about a few things here; so far, we’ve had four dump trucks of garbage hauled away) and filth more befitting of a haunted movie scene than a place to call home. Sometime between the inspection and possession the walls had been destroyed and the attempts at repairs were nothing short of atrocious. The company selling the property, Eco Tec Environmental Consultants Inc., and its proprietor Doug Clark, seemed fine to take our money without fulfilling the moral and contractual obligations to leave the property clean and vacant. Considering that the fiasco will likely cost us around $5000, as well as plentiful amounts of time and energy, I’ve given the concept of integrity some serious consideration. After all, what makes a person think that it’s okay to pawn their problems onto another person without taking responsibility for them?

I read somewhere that integrity is what you do when no one is looking and I’d certainly agree with that. It seems too easy for many people to hide the problems they’ve caused than to take responsibility for them, or to lie and cheat their way out of a situation rather than choose honesty and integrity. And, let’s face it: we see this approach to life all around us: in the form of unethical corporations, lying and cheating politicians, and in our day-to-day reality.

Perhaps we should make being a better person a goal in 2019. After all, just because we're increasingly seeing the nastiness of people in politics, corporations, and other realms of society doesn't mean we should accept this lack of integrity as normal. So what can we do to be a better person in 2019? While it’s certainly not a comprehensive list, here are some things to get us moving in the right direction:

Don’t make plans you don’t intend to keep. Don’t agree to meet with someone with whom you have no intention of meeting. Or, don’t mislead people about your true feelings. The “let’s do lunch” approach to feigning interest in another human being is downright wrong and misleading.
Be honest with yourself. It’s not possible to be honest with others if we aren’t willing to look at the truth and be honest with ourselves first.
Stop judging others. It’s far too easy to judge others without ever trying to understand their situation or treat them with compassion. Try to be a kinder, gentler you.
Treat your fellow humans with kindness and compassion. I’ve heard so many people say that they like animals more than they like people. I think it’s wonderful to love animals but remember than human beings deserve our respect, kindness, and compassion too.
Stop saying “it’s just business.” The reality is that there are human beings behind every business. It’s not okay to mistreat other people under the guise of savvy business dealings.
Stop blaming others for your problems. Yes, sometimes someone else is at fault in our dealings, but not all the time.
Stop trying to pawn off your responsibilities and problems onto others. We live in the era where “you’re fired” business practices have become popular television and common practices. And, while sometimes people simply aren’t adequately performing their duties, many people simply fire others or pawn off their own responsibilities onto others, which is unacceptable.
Keep your appointments. If you booked an appointment with someone, make your best effort to keep it. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from making the appointment, give the other person the courtesy of a phone call to let them know you can’t make it. Sorry, a text or an e-mail seem insufficient.
Ask yourself if you can truly deliver on promises prior to making them. I have known people who constantly say they’ll do things and never do them. This approach to interacting with others seems disrespectful of others’ time and energy. It’s far better to be up front with people and say “no” than to not fulfill your obligations.
Avoid doing business with people who lack integrity. This item seems fairly self-explanatory.
Avoid making excuses for people who lack integrity. There’s no good excuse for sexism, misogyny, homophobia, racism, or any other form of insufficient integrity or downright hatred of others. It’s not simply “locker room talk” or some other excuse for prejudice. It’s inexcusable.
Speak your truth…with every effort to be caring in your delivery. I’m not talking about spewing hatred here, I’m referring to not misleading people in relationships, lying to them to get the business deal, padding your resume, or some other lie that people make excuses for.
Stop acting superior to others. I can’t believe how often I see people in line at cafes or grocery stores, or some other place, mistreating the cashier or person serving them. No one is superior because they have more money, a different spiritual or religious belief, a different skin color, or some other factor.
Do something good for the planet. We can all improve in the way we treat Mother Nature. Buy in bulk rather than individual packages, stop flushing medications down the toilet into the water supply, recycle more, compost, or find other ways to improve your treatment of the planet that sustains us all.
Give of yourself to others. We’re all here to contribute to people or the planet, not just to take from the planet, during our time here. Rather than asking yourself what you want this year, perhaps ask yourself what you’d like to give this year. Because, let’s face it: we all have room for improvement. We can all strive to be better versions of ourselves in 2019.

Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is the publisher of the free e-newsletter World’s Healthiest News, co-founder of BestPlaceinCanada and Scentsational Wellness, and a best-selling and 20-time book author whose works include: The Cultured Cook: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight & Extend Your Life.  Follow her work.