Dear Healthy Friend,

Do you know people who still aren't convinced that nutrients can do anything? People who think only drugs can prevent and treat diseases?

Well, Christine O'Brien's revealed some more evidence for just how important it is to get nutrients in our diets. Everyone's heard of omega-3 fatty acids - but it's turning out that none of us imagined just how much they can do.

Today, I want to share two pieces of good news with you. One's for the men and one's for the women. Keep reading...

In the name of good health,

Taryn Strugnell
Managing Editor of Nutrition & Healing

What more do you need?
Christine O'Brien

Ladies first.

Recently, researchers at the University of Alabama found that moderate consumption of fatty fish (one or two servings per week) and marine omega-3 fatty acids were linked to a lower rate of heart failure or hospitalisation in middle-aged and older women.

Women aged 48 to 93 completed food-frequency questionnaires and were followed for 8 years for heart failure, hospitalisation and death. Women who had eaten one or two servings of fish per week were less likely to be hospitalised for or die from heart failure.

Now, the men.

This one might be a little bit awkward to bring up with those nutrient naysayers. It deals with men struggling with infertility.

A University of Illinois study showed recently that omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful in treating infertility.

This one was a mouse study, but it still shows promising results. Mice lacking the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (making them basically infertile, with low sperm counts and misshaped sperm that can't reach the goal) had their fertility completely restored when fed DHA.

This is the first time such a direct link has been shown, though it's been known that men who are infertile often have low levels of DHA.

So there you have it. Two more reasons to get those omega-3s in your diet. Now, how about a nice big piece of fish with a salad dressed with olive oil for dinner?

Fast relief for tooth pain

Q: I've been having a terrible toothache for a couple of days. Is there anything natural that will get rid of it?

Dr. Wright: First of all, dental pain could mean anything from a cavity to an abscess, but occasionally it can signal other serious problems, such as a heart attack, an ear infection or a sinus problem. Any pain or soreness within or around a tooth or the jaw should be evaluated, especially if it's accompanied by a fever; chest, shoulder or arm pain; a foul discharge; trouble breathing or swallowing; or if the pain lasts longer than one or two days.

Of course, pain relief can begin right at home. Natural remedies can take the edge off without interfering with subsequent treatment the way traditional painkillers can.

For fast relief, try activated charcoal powder, which you can find in some health food shops and through numerous online sources. Mix about 2 teaspoons of the powder with just enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to gauze and bite down.

For another effective remedy, head to your local health food shop and pick up some clove oil. Mix two to three drops with 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply some to a cotton ball or dab it directly on the sore spot. One note of caution: Don't use clove oil in large quantities, or if you have diabetes, kidney and liver disease, bleeding disorders or if you are pregnant or nursing.