Dear Healthy Friend,

 
Welcome back! I trust you enjoyed the festive break and you're well-rested, at least I hope you are! Along with the New Year comes new resolutions and new promises of a year better than the last.

One thing that won't be changing is my commitiment to a better healthier future through Health Bytes. And keeping in line with this, there's new research that reveals a previously undiscovered HRT alternative.

Christine O'Brien uncovers what this natural wonder is...

In the name of good health,

Taryn Strugnell
Managing Editor of Nutrition & Healing

P.S. Cerebral Palsy is normally a temporary disease that clears up within six - 12 months... But the paralysis and drooling can be controlled. Dr Wright tells us how.

Longevity wonder could wipe out HRT
Christine O’Brien
Contributor to Nutrition and Healing

You're no stranger to the hazards associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) -the increased risk of breast cancer being just one of them. Some women feel there's no choice, though - I have family members who won't give up this risky conventional treatment. The symptoms of menopause are just too much for them to handle, they say.

But as more dangers are uncovered, more safe and natural alternatives are also being brought to light. You've read about most of them in the pages of Nutrition & Healing and here in Health Bytes.

And now there's another one to add to the list.

Resveratrol. That's right - the amazing substance in grape skins and red wine that could increase our longevity could also replace HRT and help prevent breast cancer, according to new research.

You see, resveratrol is a phytoestrogen like red clover and lignans (found in soy, berries and others). Phytoestrogens are nothing new - numerous studies have shown they can reduce cancer risk and help your heart. And resveratrol could prove a very powerful phytoestrogen.

The study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, demonstrated the high anti-tumour and oestrogenic activity of resveratrol. Researchers compared resveratrol to other phytoestrogens and found that it increased cancer-cell death more than any of the others.

It also lowered a measure called the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, which determines the susceptibility of cancer cells to apoptosis (basically cell suicide).

They called it the "most promising candidate as an HRT alternativeand chemo-preventive reagent for breast cancer."

Researchers say more investigation is needed to understand how resveratrol suppresses cell growth, but if you want to start taking it right away, Dr. Wright recommends 200–300mgs daily.

What great news for woman worldwide!

Banish Bell's palsy with B

Q: I was recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy. My doctor seems unconcerned and says it doesn't last, but I would be very grateful for any suggestions for minimising the effects of this disease.

Dr. Wright: Cerebral  palsy (or Bell's palsy) is a weakening or paralysis of the muscles of the face and is due to trauma to the facial nerve. Because it usually affects only one side of the face and involves the muscles around the eye and mouth, drooling and tearing are embarrassing and inconvenient symptoms of this disease.

The symptoms usually come on very quickly and can occur in anyone at any age, but older people, diabetics, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk. Studies suggest that the herpes simplex virus may play a part in the development of Bell's palsy. The good news is that it's not permanent and will likely resolve itself in six to 12 months.

In the meantime, some people find that methylcobalamin - a form of B12 - can have a positive effect on Bell's palsy symptoms. Methylcobalamin is essential to the function and maintenance of nerve cells and their protective covering, the myelin sheath. I usually recommend 1,000 to 2,000 mcgs daily until any beneficial effects have "plateaued" for several days. Stop after seven to 10 days if you find it is not helpful.

Taking a B-complex is also a good idea (especially one that contains B12, B1, and B6) but these don't usually contain methylcobalamin - you'll have to work with a skilled natural medicine physician to find a separate source for that.

In case of difficulty obtaining methylcobalamin contact Health Works on (011) 325-5168.