Tips for Families to Prevent Allergies

Our environment is loaded with potential allergy triggers.  While avoiding the outdoors entirely in springtime is not feasible, one should aim to limit exposure to pollen and other common airborne triggers (e.g. tobacco smoke).  Wash off pollen from hands and other exposed areas in peak allergy seasons.

- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen count times and stay inside on the driest, windiest days to minimize exposure to seasonal allergens. 

- Use high-particulate air (HEPA) filters inside to reduce most airborne contaminants, especially in bedroom locations. 

- In humid areas, use a dehumidifier to limit mold development. 

- Buy allergy-proof bedding, including mattress and pillow case covers, to reduce allergy symptoms, and regularly wash sheets, blankets and pillow cases in hot water.

- Stuffed animals and real animals alike can contribute to allergic rhinitis, so wash them frequently.

- Consider removing carpeting in bedrooms or use area rugs which can be cleaned regularly. 

- Vacuum all carpets and floor surfaces weekly with a HEPA-filter equipped appliance.

- Limit lawn mowing and other gardening activities at peak allergy times; avoid use of chemical pesticides and outdoor products.

- Use environmentally- and health-safe household cleaners.

- Eat healthy, whole organic foods with plenty of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

- Avoid use of herbal products and foods that can cross react with seasonal allergens; for some people this may include Echinacea species and certain fruits and vegetables (this is known as the “oral allergy syndrome”).

- To prevent allergic disease in babies, consider perinatal avoidance of known food allergens especially if there’s a family history of atopic disease; breastfeeding is known to be protective as         well.

- Try a saline rinse device called a “neti pot” to clear pollen from the nasal cavities.  Even children as young as 2 or 3 years old can be taught how to use one.

- Look into using specific natural health product supplements, like probiotics and essential fatty acids, which may lower your risk of developing allergies.

- Think about taking up a stress-coping technique, like yoga or meditation.

Vitamin D Deficiency May Be Linked to Heart Disease

Low levels raise odds for clogged arteries, preliminary results suggests.

New research suggests people with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to suffer coronary artery disease and to have more severe forms of the illness.

The recent findings reflect earlier research indicating that Vitamin D may play a role in preventing heart disease.  The results also indicate that vitamin D deficiency is likely the cause rather than the consequence of atherosclerosis (or clogged arteries), according to study investigator Dr. Monica Verdoia, a cardiologist at Eastern Piedmont University in Novara, Italy.  

Researchers who examined nearly 1,500 patients found that 70 percent of those undergoing angiography, a test used to detect blockages in the arteries, had deficient levels of vitamin D. In a college news release, researchers reported that patients with levels low enough to be considered deficient had a 32 percent greater risk of coronary artery disease and an almost 20 percent greater risk of the most severe level of disease.

More than half of U.S adults, especially blacks and Hispanics, get too little vitamin D, according to the news release. It is recommended that those without cardiovascular disease consume a diet rich in vitamin D and exercise outdoors moderately.

Source: American College of Cardiology, news release March 27, 2014

Primavera Vegetables

"Serve as a side dish or use to top fish, chicken or cooked spaghetti sauce."

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, sliced

·         2 stalks celery, diagonally sliced

·         1 red pepper, seeded and cut into strips

·         1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into strips

·         ½  green pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips

·         1 ½ cup broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

·         3-4 garlic cloves, sliced

·         ¾ cup fresh or 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves

·         1 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, slightly chopped

·         1 (15 oz.) can fire-roasted or regular crushed or diced tomatoes

·         Celtic Sea Salt and pepper to taste

·         Parmesan cheese (post-purification only if recommended by your health care professional, sprinkle sparingly)

Directions

Prepare all the vegetables.  Heat pan or wok over high heat.  Add olive oil and sliced garlic.  Stir fry 1 to 2 minutes.  Add zucchini, celery, and broccoli while constantly stirring just until the vegetables soften, approximately 6-7 minutes.  Add the peppers, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and entire can of tomatoes.  Cover and reduce heat to medium high for 2-3 minutes. 

Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan cheese (post-purification only).  Serve as a side dish or use to top fish, chicken, or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash.  

Pfizer Issues Nationwide Recall of Antidepressant

A voluntary nationwide recall of 3 different lots of the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor, Pfizer Inc) has been issued by the drug’s manufacturer owing to possible contamination with a heart drug and subsequent potentially fatal consequences.

According to Pfizer, the action in being taken because 1 bottle of Effexor XR contained a single capsule of dolefetilide 0.25 mg, an antiarrhythimic medication used to treat atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter and maintain normal sinus rhythm.  The probability that other bottles of Effexor XR have been similarly contaminated is low the recall has been issued as a precaution.

“The use of Tikosyn by an Effexor XR/Venlafaxine HCl patient, where the contraindications and drug-drug interactions with Tikosyn have not been considered by the prescribing physician, could cause serious adverse health consequences that could be fatal,” the company notes.  Side effects of Tikosyn include torsade de pointes, which can lead to death.  Pfizer advises patients who believe they may have mistakenly ingested Tikosyn instead of Effexor XR/venlafaxine HCl to immediately contact their physician or hospital.   Patients should also watch for signs of abnormal heartbeat and inform their physician or hospital if they experience any of the following: faintness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat.

Wholesalers, distributors, certain government agencies, patient assistance programs, and retailers including pharmacies and hospitals with product that is being recalled should stop distribution and promptly return the product to Stericycle Inc.  The company advises these organizations to contact Styricycle at 1-888-345-0481 for instructions on returning product.  Patients should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking this drug. 

Herb Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, about 6oz. each
•  4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (divided)
• Celtic Sea Salt and ground pepper
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
•  3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

Heat broiler with rack 4 inches from the heat.  Rinse salmon and pat dry with paper towels.  Place salmon on a broiler pan and drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the top.  Season with salt and pepper.  Broil until salmon is just cooked but still moist, 8 to 9 minutes.  Remove the salmon’s skin.  In a medium bowl, stir together the mustard, remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, oil, dill, and basil.  Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve immediately. 

Delicious Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes

Garlic Flax Oil Dressing

·         2 cloves organic garlic

·         1/8 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt

·         Juice from half of a freshly squeezed lemon

·         1/3 cup flax oil

Mash garlic cloves with salt.  Squeeze lemon juice into the mixture.  Taste.  If needed, add more salt, garlic, or juice. Add flax oil.

Apple-Cider Vinaigrette

·         3 tablespoons organic apple-cider vinegar

·         ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

·         1 teaspoon oregano

·         ¼ teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt

·         1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate in a sealed container.  Let dressing sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. 

Medical Marijuana May Improve MS Symptoms

According to new research, Medical marijuana may relieve some symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Marijuana, hemp, and cannabis are common names for plants of the genus Cannabis.  The term “hemp” is used for Cannabis plants that are grown for nondrug use, such as Cannabis sativa.  Cannabis indica has poor fiber quality and is used to make drugs for recreation and medicine. The major differences between the two are appearance and the amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabino (THC), the active ingredient of marijuana.   Marijuana has been studied for the relief of MS symptoms such as nerve pain, muscle spasms, and urinary disorders.  The active ingredients have effects on the central nervous system and immune cells.

In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive search for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments with potential benefits in MS patients.  The researchers found that most of the therapies reviewed provided little benefit.  However, it was found that taking cannabis extract by mouth or through a spray might reduce spasms or pain.  It is hypothesized that the THC may provide relief for these symptoms.  

The authors noted that patients should be made aware that these treatments are likely ineffective in the short term, but may provide long-term relief.  In addition to marijuana, there is also evidence that magnet therapy may relieve fatigue but not depression symptoms associated with the disease.

For more information about marijuana, please visit Natural Standard’s Foods, Herbs and Supplements database.