Aging gracefully requires taking out the trash

This is an interesting study that lends support to some age-old concepts from the natural health field that have been described in various ways, such as clearing excess (chinese medicine), cleansing or detoxifying (naturopathy), and removing ama (ayurveda). It shows that calorie restriction promotes the removal of pathological accumulations from the body and may suggest (IMO) that occasional modified fasting is also beneficial.

Vitamin B12 function may be diminished by excessive folate

When folic acid was added to enriched grains, some scientists warned that this was the largest experiment ever done in American history. While folic acid prevents neural tube defects in developing fetuses, the high levels of synthetic folate is apparently problematic in those who have vitamin B-12 deficiencies. One of the problems is increased homocysteine levels, which is a marker associated with heart disease (a far stronger marker than cholesterol, BTW). This means that people need to make sure to have adequate B-12.  High folate and normal to high B-12 is beneficial. For those who do not eat sufficient amounts of animal products, supplements may be advised.

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Created That Avoid Immune Rejection

Advances in stem cell research seem to be happening rapidly these days. I wonder how far along we would be if the King of the Morons had not been ruling for the past seven years.

Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe

Hey, impress your party guests with your erudition. And if you practice medicine for a living, you can be less of a dumbass.

Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Depression?

Not sure if this means to eat more fish. Remember that many fish are high in mercury. Some safe or relatively ones include wild salmon, wild haddock, wild atlantic cod, farm-raised tilapia, and wild mahi. Big ones to avoid are swordfish and shark. Most tuna (except canned light) should be eat sparingly (no more than a couple times a month if one is eating other fish.) The FDA has a handy list.

Cat Fleas' Journey Into The Vacuum Is A 'One-way Trip'

A non-toxic way to kill fleas.

Lack Of Sunlight May Increase Lung Cancer Risk

More evidence that we have gone overboard in our fear of the sun. This dovetails with other evidence suggesting we need much more Vitamin D than most folks get.

Everyday Items, Complex Chemistry

A reminder to some and a wake-up call to others. Many commercial products contain dangerous chemicals. We are assured that none of these chemicals has been proven harmful in small, regular doses, but this article reminds us that neither have they been proven safe. The research just has not been done. Why, because law requiring it are blocked by industry lobbyists. And if these products do make you sick—who care. For -profit medicine will just have more patients to bill.

Buying Chinese

I have said this before, but it was underscored by an article in a recent issue of Mother Jones: Consuming products grown on Chinese soils, including Chinese herbs is a major health risk. Some companies claim that their herbal products are clean, but if you read an article like this one last summer from the New York Times, it really makes you wonder who you can trust. Personally, I would no longer take any herbs grown in China for long term use. And I would limit my use to treatment of acute symptoms for short periods of time no more than a few times a year. Otherwise, one risks significant exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals, IMO. If you prefer to use herbs rather than drugs for relief of symptoms like insomnia, upset stomach, etc., I advise consumption of American and European herbs only, preferably organically grown or ethically wildcrafted. Don't be deceived by suppliers and healthcare practitioners who tell you not to worry. As always, follow the money and ask yourselves, do those who are trying to sell me something have anything to gain by lying (either to me or themselves) about this major problem? There's your answer.