HERBAL CURE FOR COMMON COLD: Scientists are claiming that they may have finally discovered a natural cure for the common cold. The compound is called Echinilin, and is an Echinacea extract phytopharmaceutical. When clinical trial participants were given Echinilin, there was an immediate and sustained increase in natural killer cells which target virus infected cells and destroy them. The end result was an instant and marked reduction in both severity of symptoms and duration of the infection. In contrast to over-the-counter cold and flu treatments, the product is supposed to be a preventative treatment, which does not mask or suppress symptoms. 2 (Arch Int Med, 2004; 164(11):1237-41.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "cold," "virus" or "Echinacea," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

VITAMIN D FOR ORAL HEALTH: Getting enough vitamin D, either through the diet or from sunlight, is likely important for oral health, based on findings of a recent study. The analytical study looked at a possible connection between vitamin D levels in the blood and periodontal disease, a widespread chronic inflammatory condition marked by a loss of attachment of the thin ligaments that connect teeth with their surrounding bone sockets. The researchers found that the higher the levels in patients' blood serum, the better their periodontal health. The scientists suspect that vitamin D cuts down on the inflammatory response that leads to periodontal disease. 3 (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, U.S. Agricultural Research Service, 2004.)
(Note: Vitamin C is also an excellent supplement to maintain gum health. Periodontal disease may not only cause loss of teeth, but the chronic infection in the gums seeds the body systemically with infection that can end up in the joints, valves of the heart and who knows where else. Don't underestimate the impact of oral health on total health.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "vitamin D," "dental" or "periodontal," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

HIBISCUS FLOWER REDUCES HEART DISEASE: Like red wine and tea, hibiscus flower extract contains antioxidants that help control LDL cholesterol levels and prevent heart attacks, according to new research. The findings suggest that the extract could be useful in preventing those heart diseases where high cholesterol plays a role. Hibiscus sabdariffa is used in folk medicine to treat hypertension and liver disorder, and is also found in popular soft drinks around the world. 4 (J Sci Food Agric, 2004.)
(Note: The spate of natural antioxidants being discovered is not a reason to keep adding to your supplements. Every plant will be found to have antioxidants because these are the chemicals in plants that protect them from continuous exposure to the sun. Eating lots of fresh natural foods and reasonable supplementation such as in the Optimal Health Program is about as good as can be done.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "cardiovascular," "cholesterol" or "hibiscus," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

CHILD’S LEUKEMIA RISK LOWERED BY MOM’S HEALTHY DIET: Women who eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and protein before pregnancy may lower the risk of having a child who develops leukemia, the most common childhood cancer in the United States, suggests recent research. After further studies, the researchers discovered that glutathione – an antioxidant found in meat and legumes – was the nutrient in the protein group that had a strong link to lower cancer risk. The fruits and vegetables that seemed to be the most closely associated with a lower cancer risk were those that are high in carotenoids, such as carrots, string beans and cantaloupe. Scientists also found that regular consumption of oranges and/or bananas during the first two years of life is associated with a reduced risk of childhood leukemia. 2 (International Scientific Conference on Childhood Leukemia, September 2004, Westminster, London.)
(Note: Milk can be no better than the mom that produces it. Having children is a heavy responsibility that begins even before conception. There is no greater gift for a child than the health that can come from good nutrition. Remember, as we have pointed out again and again, the terrible degenerative diseases of adult life begin in early childhood, even in the womb. Just because a resilient child may appear healthy does not mean these diseases may not be incubating within.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "leukemia," "glutathione" or "pregnancy," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

TRAFFIC JAMS AND HEART ATTACKS: A new study reveals that there is a direct correlation between time spent in cars, on public transportation, or on motorcycles or bicycles and the risk of myocardial infarction. Researchers report a significant increase in the incidence of heart attacks within just one hour following exposure to such traffic. 4 (N Engl J Med, 2004; 351(17):1721-1730.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "cardiovascular," "stress" or "heart attack," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

VITAMIN C PROTECTS AGAINST STOMACH CANCER: New research shows that vitamin C intake and fruit consumption may be linked to reduced risk of stomach cancer. The study also shows that lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, could have a protective effect against the cancer. Stomach cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths worldwide. 1 (American Association for Cancer Research, Third Annual International Conference, October 2004, Seattle, WA.)
(Note: For those stomach woes that are now afflicting about the entire adult population, consider the Wysong water cure which works by counteracting the chronic acidemia epidemic in the modern adult population. For more information, please read "Rationale for Healthy Water Products.")
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "vitamin C," "ascorbic acid" or "stomach cancer," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

ANTIBIOTICS IN YOUR WATER: According to a new study, antibiotic drugs used specifically in food animals such as cattle are making their way into public waterways. The study also measured substantial antibiotic levels in stream and riverbed sediment. The concern is the potential toxic dangers of these compounds to fish, plants and other aquatic organisms – as well as to humans through drinking water – because water treatment plants generally cannot remove all of these compounds. There is also the potential that these antibiotics may contribute to the emergence of strains of disease-causing bacteria that are resistant to even high doses of drugs. (Water Res, 2004; 38(14-15):3155-66.)
(Note: Disregard for environmental balance and long-term impact of our actions is like sawing through the branch we sit on.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "antibiotic," "pollution" or "water," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

FAT INCREASES VITAMIN E ABSORPTION: Recent findings on vitamin E absorption show that consumers will see little benefit from taking the supplements with a low-fat meal. The absorption of vitamin E into the blood stream is minimal when taken with only a glass of water or with semi-skimmed milk. The absorption rate is better when taken with full-fat milk or cream, but the best response comes when taken with a meal including butter. It is hypothesized that this result is due to the components of the food, as both the full-fat milk and the butter contain substantial amounts of fat. 5 (Br J Nutr, 2004; 92(1).)
(Note: Remember, contrary to popular myth, fat is not our enemy. Processed and oxidized fat created in food processing may be, but not the fats found in natural foods. If anything, we are deficient in these. See Lipid Nutrition: Understanding Fats and Oils in Health and Disease.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "lipid," "fat" or "vitamin E," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.

BETA GLUCAN FOR QUICK IMMUNE RESPONSE: Researchers have discovered that a beta glucan supplement can enhance the ability of certain human immune cells to navigate to the site of a bacterial infection, resulting in faster healing. Soluble beta glucan binds to receptors (CR3) on neutrophils – the most abundant type of innate immune cell in the body. This doubly increases the killing capacity of the neutrophils and benefits migration or chemotaxis to the site of an infection or challenge. Beta glucan is derived from the cell walls of baker’s yeast. 2 (Surgery, 2004; 136(2):384-9.)
*For more help, please search our website (http://www.wysong.net/search.shtml) for the words "beta glucan," "yeast" or "immune," or write to us at eHealthLetter@wysong.net and we will be happy to provide further references.