FitSugar

Another Reason to Love Chai Tea

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I love a spicy cup of chai tea on a foggy morning or chilly evening. Aside from its exquisite taste, chai offers other benefits further down the digestive line. This wonderful tea can reduce gas. Chai is made from a blend of spices - cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom - that individually combat flatulence, but mixed together seems greater than the sum of its parts.

Check your spice cabinet and chances are high you have all the ingredients to make your own chai tea with this recipe. If not, you can always opt for an energizing Chai Bumble Bar.

Source

Chai Tea - Raise a Cup to Your Health

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 02:30:00 -0800

What is not to like about tea? Tea and especially chai tea help prevent and fight many different kinds of cancer, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and may reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

The fact is - every ingredient in chai tea is good for you, and when you put them all together they pack a powerful punch for your immune system.

Chai is a great alternative to your morning cup of coffee - a 5 ounce cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine and black tea contains half that.

In the winter, after a long day of playing out in the snow, it's nice to come home, take a hot shower and curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of chai tea. Of course you can buy chai tea packets, but nothing compares to making it yourself.

Want to see my recipe? Then read more

Masala Chai Tea (serves 4)

3 cups water
1/2 cups milk (good source of calcium and protein)
2 packets of black tea (full of healthy antioxidants, that may help prevent everything from heart disease to strokes to cancer)
4 whole cloves (believed to invigorate and restore energy; helps generate heat in the body; useful during the cold and flu season)
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces (is a stimulant to other herbs enabling them to work faster)
2 cardamon pods (stimulates the mind and gives clarity)
1/4 tsp dried ginger (believed to strengthen and heal the digestive and respiratory system, as well as to fight off colds and flu; removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves body aches; recent studies have shown it to be effective in preventing motion sickness)
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (warms the body)
2 Tbsp honey (for sweetness and soothing qualities - adjust amount to your liking)

In a mortar, crush the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon.
In a saucepan, add the mixture to the water, ginger, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Add the milk and honey to the pan and bring to a boil.
Remove from the heat and add the black tea. Cover and let steep for 3 minutes.
Stir the chai, then strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.

Mmmm. I'm going to make some right now.

Tazo Tea for the Soul

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Have you heard of Tazo Tea? They're a unique tea company offering delicious tea from all over the world. The name Tazo actually means "river of life," and "fresh." It's a great name considering that Tazo teas are invigorating, satisfying, and all around good for the soul.

You can get black tea in flavors like Vanilla, Earl Grey, Citron, Darjeeling, and they even make a decaffeinated Chai tea.
Tazo also makes delicious green teas. You can get Green Ginger, Lotus, and Zen teas that combines green tea with the taste of spearmint, lemongrass, and a hint of lemon zest. I love the one named Om, which is a combination of green and black teas.

Since I have a sweet tooth, I love their herbal infusion teas. Flavors such as Sweet Cinnamon Spice, Wild Sweet Orange, and Tazo Honeybush are wonderful on a cold day.

Fit's Tips: I always keep Tazo's Calm tea in the house when I need to relax with the soothing taste of chamomile. Tazo's Refresh is great for a tummy ache with its mix of peppermint and spearmint. In the summer time, I love to make iced tea out of Tazo's Passion tea. It's a light red tea with a delicate hint of hibiscus flowers.

Food Review: Dr. Melina Protein Bars

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0700

When it comes to pre-workout snacks, I like to mix things up, so when I spotted a new-to-me brand, Dr. Melina Protein Bars, at my corner store the other day, I snapped one up.

I was excited to learn that the brand was created by a female doctor who resides in Sugar's fair city of San Francisco, an internist and nutritionist named Dr. Melina Jampolis. To find out how they taste, read more.

These protein-packed bars come in four flavors: chocolate peanut, double chocolate acai, lemon raspberry, and cinnamon almond, which I tried. Fans of Luna Bars will love Dr. Melina bars too; they're pretty comparable in terms of flavor, sweetness (note the hint of icing), texture, and nutrition.

The bar I tried had a bit more crunch than Luna, sort of like a Rice Krispie treat, which was a nice touch. The cinnamon and almond flavors tasted very natural and not overly sugary, and with 14 grams of protein, the bar left me feeling very satisfied. Check out the chart below to see how it compares with a similarly flavored Chai Tea Luna Bar.

	Dr. Melina Cinnamon Almond	Luna Bar Chai Tea
Serving Size	One bar (45g)	One bar (48g)
Calories	180	190
Total Fat	6 g	5 g
Saturated Fat	2 g	2.5 g
Cholesterol	5 mg	0 mg
Sodium	80 mg	95 mg
Carbs	21 g	26 g
Fiber	5 g	3 g
Sugars	11 g	12 g
Protein	14 g	9 g

Aside from a few key differences, these bars are pretty comparable. Interested? You can buy Dr. Melina bars by the box here. If you've tried this or any other flavors, let me know what you think.

Food Review: Bumble Bar Chai With Almonds

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Something about the flavor of cardamom makes me crave chai tea, so I was curious about the Chai Bumble Bar with Almonds. An energy bar that tastes like chai - how delightful.

This bar, like all Bumble Bars, is organic, vegan and gluten-free. These bars were dreamed up by avid hiker Elizabeth Ward who found it oxymoronic that hikers were enjoying nature while eating snack foods made with ingredients that harmed the planet, being conventionally grown. I wouldn't limit my consumption of this bar to just hiking, it is a great pre-gym snack.

To see what I thought of the bar and its nutritional information read more.

Serving Size	1 bar
Calories	210
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	1.5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	60mg
Carbs	20g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	10g
Protein	6g

It is chock full of seedy goodness and chai spices: ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and turmeric. The chai spices really jazz up this bar and I must say I think the flavor is superior to their Original vanilla flavor. The taste was a little jarring on the first bite, but the subsequent bites seemed perfectly spiced. The texture is great too and the almonds add a little extra crunch to the experience. I really appreciate those four grams of fiber and those six grams of protein! Try one and let me know what you think.

Cirrhosis

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:33 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Cirrhosis is a condition that causes scarring of the liver as a result of chronic liver disease. Scarring blocks blood and bile flow through the liver and keeps it from working properly.

As the largest internal organ in the body, the liver performs many vital tasks. For example, it gets rid of or neutralizes toxins (such as poisons, germs, and bacteria) in the blood and controls infection. The liver also produces proteins that regulate blood clotting and bile that helps your body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Cirrhosis is irreversible, but it progresses slowly, so early treatment can help prevent more damage. As liver function worsens, you may experience fatigue, weight loss, swelling in your legs and abdomen, and jaundice. If the disease is severe enough, it can be fatal.

The most common causes of cirrhosis in the United States are excessive use of alcohol and chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of cirrhosis can range from an absence of symptoms to outright liver failure.

The most common symptoms include:

Fatigue and weakness
Loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea
Small, red spider-like blood vessels under the skin
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Redness of the palms of the hands (palmar erythema)
Swelling of the belly caused by fluid retention (ascites)
Swelling of the legs, feet, and back caused by fluid buildup (edema)
Whole body itching (called pruritus)
Mental confusion (called hepatic encephalopathy), caused by a buildup in the blood of harmful toxins
Vomiting blood (from enlarged veins in the esophagus due to portal hypertension; see Complications section).

Causes

The most common cause of liver disease in the United States is alcohol abuse.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis almost always causes liver damage, although not necessarily cirrhosis. Consuming 32 - 48 oz. of beer, 4 - 8 oz. of liquor, or 16 - 32 oz. of wine every day for 10 - 15 years or longer increases your chances significantly of developing cirrhosis. How much alcohol you drink, how often, and for how many years are more important factors what kind of alcohol you drink.

Other causes of cirrhosis include:

Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C
Inherited diseases -- such as cystic fibrosis
Autoimmune inflammation of the liver (the body's own immune system attacks the liver)
Blocked bile ducts
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (where fat deposits build up in the liver and cause scar tissue to form)
Metabolic disorders of iron and copper (hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease respectively) each of which can deposit in the liver
Medications or exposure to toxic substances.

Risk Factors

Related to alcohol:

Women can develop liver disease even though they may drink less than men.
Obesity may increase your chances of developing alcoholic liver disease because of fatty deposits in the liver.

Other factors:

Inherited diseases, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease
Certain medical conditions
Chronic hepatitis B or C

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a detailed history to try to determine the cause of your liver disease and to see if your symptoms might be related to something else. Then, the doctor will examine you closely for signs of liver disease, including yellowing (jaundice) of your eyes and skin, red spider-like blood vessels just under the surface of your skin, and redness of your palms.

Your doctor will press on your abdomen to feel the size of your liver. In the early stages of liver disease, the liver may be enlarged and firm, but it shrinks as scar tissue forms.

Your doctor may order other tests, such as blood tests to look for certain liver enzymes, a bilirubin test, an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, or a liver biopsy.

Prevention

Drink only in moderation.
Take precautions to avoid contracting hepatitis B and C (such as being careful if your occupation exposes you to blood or blood products, practicing safe sex, getting a hepatitis B vaccine).
See your doctor regularly if you have chronic hepatitis.

Treatment

Cirrhosis is irreversible, but you can slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, abstaining from alcohol, or taking interferon or other medications to build up your immune system if you have chronic viral hepatitis. Your doctor will also treat complications, such as giving you blood pressure medications to control portal hypertension or drugs to stop bleeding veins. In certain cases liver transplant will be necessary.

Lifestyle

If you have cirrhosis from any cause, it is vital to abstain from drinking alcohol to prevent further damage to the liver. If your cirrhosis is caused by alcoholism, your doctor may suggest Alcoholics Anonymous as a good place to start your rehabilitation and maintain your abstinence.

Medications that may cause liver damage must also be stopped. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also damage the liver, as can some herbs and supplements. If you have liver disease, do not take any over-the-counter medication, herbs, or supplements without first checking with your doctor.

Making changes in your diet, such as lowering salt intake, may be necessary to treat complications of cirrhosis.

Medications

Medications can treat complications such as bleeding from veins, infections in fluid accumulated in the abdomen, and damage to the brain (encephalopathy) caused by toxins circulating in the blood.

Blood pressure medications (beta-blockers) -- to help lower portal hypertension, an increase in blood pressure in the portal vein, which brings blood to the liver from the intestine. Beta-blockers include propranolol (Inderal) and nadolol (Coregard).
Sandostatin -- may be given to stop bleeding vessels in the esophagus or stomach by causing blood vessels to narrow.
Diuretics (water pills) -- to help reduce the amount of fluid in your abdomen or legs. Diuretics include spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix).
Lactulose -- given for hepatic encephalopathy, brain and nervous system damage caused by a build up of ammonia in the blood. A damaged liver may not be able to cleanse the blood of ammonia, and lactulose, a synthetic sugar, can help stop your intestines from creating ammonia.

Surgery and Other Procedures

You may need a liver biopsy to determine the cause of cirrhosis and to assess the extent of liver damage. Generally this procedure involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall to the liver to obtain tissue samples.

Surgery may be required to stop and prevent certain complications of cirrhosis:

Endoscopic procedures to stop bleeding from blood vessels in the esophagus
Placing a shunt to reroute blood from the liver, to lower portal hypertension
Draining fluid from the abdomen (called paracentesis)
Liver transplant

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Malnutrition is often a problem for people with cirrhosis. One of the liver’s important functions is to help convert food into stored energy, as well as to rid the body of toxins. For these reasons, eating a healthy diet is an important part of treatment for cirrhosis. You should be eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your doctor may also talk with you about proper protein balance, and limiting your fluid and salt intake.

Dietary Restrictions

Protein

High-quality dietary protein may be particularly important for you if you have buildup of fluid in the abdomen or swelling of the feet, legs, or back. Protein also helps to repair muscle mass. But too much protein can raise ammonia levels and trigger hepatic encephalopathy (see Complications). In general, your doctor needs to determine how much protein is right for you. Your doctor may recommend eating vegetable protein (such as soy) instead of animal protein.

Sodium (salt)

If you have fluid retention, you may be asked to lower the amount of salt you consume, since salt encourages the body to retain water. Remember that lowering your salt intake will involve more than passing up the salt shaker; the foods highest in salt are processed and prepared foods. Examples of such foods are canned meats, soups, and vegetables, crackers, and cold cuts. Eat good amounts of fresh foods because they contain very little sodium. Instead of adding salt to your food, try lemon juice or black pepper to add taste.

Shellfish

Avoid raw shellfish, which may carry a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus that can be dangerous to people with cirrhosis. If you are not sure how well shellfish is cooked, do not eat it.

Dietary Supplements

It is very important that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement if you have liver disease, including the following:

Antioxidants -- There is some preliminary evidence that antioxidants, like vitamin E and selenium, might help in treating primary biliary cirrhosis, a condition in which the bile ducts of the liver are slowly destroyed. However, a later double-blind, placebo controlled study found no benefit from a combination of vitamins A, C, E, plus selenium, methionine, and co-enzyme Q10. While there is no evidence that taking these supplements will help, you can boost the amount of antioxidants you get by eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Betaine (20 g per day in two doses) -- Betaine is a nutrient that reduces homocysteine levels in the body, which are associated with heart disease and are higher in people with liver disease. Preliminary studies have suggested that betaine might be helpful in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-induced cirrhosis. In one preliminary study, 10 people with fatty liver disease took betaine for up to 1 year and had improvement in liver function tests and a reduced amount of fat and other changes in the liver itself. More research is needed.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe, 1,200 - 1,600 mg per day) -- SAMe, a naturally occurring antioxidant that is involved in many chemical processes in the body, is best known for its antidepressant effects. But it is also involved in the processes of the liver. People with liver disease have low levels of SAMe, and this may in turn lead to low levels to glutathione. Several studies seem to indicate that taking SAMe may reduce symptoms of liver disease and normalize bilirubin and liver enzyme levels. However, most of the studies have been small and some have used intravenous (IV) SAMe. More studies are needed to determine what benefits SAMe might provide. SAMe interacts with a number of medications, including prescription antidepressants.
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) -- BCAAs, which are involved in synthesizing protein in the body, have shown promise is treating hepatic encephalopathy, a brain disorder caused by a buildup of toxins in the blood. Some studies suggest that taking BCAAs can help people with chronic hepatic encephalopathy improve liver function tests and motor ability. However, not all studies show any benefit.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, like medications, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. People with liver disease must be particularly careful because the liver processes almost everything you ingest. For these reasons, you should take herbs with extreme care and only under the supervision of your doctor.

Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinese) -- The Chinese herb bupleurum has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used historically to treat liver disorders. In one study, a formulation that contained bupleurum appeared to reduce the risk of liver cancer in people with cirrhosis.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) -- Licorice root has been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including liver disease. Some preliminary data from Japanese researchers suggests that taking glycyrrhizin (an active component of licorice root) along with cysteine and glycerine might help reduce the risk of cirrhosis if you have hepatitis C. However, the formula was delivered intravenously (IV). It is not known whether taking these substances by mouth would have any effect. More studies are needed. People with high blood pressure or those who take steroids, digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics (water pills), or anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) should not take licorice. Pregnant women should avoid licorice.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, 420 mg per day standardized to 70 - 80% silymarin for cirrhosis; 240 mg two times per day of silibinin for chronic hepatitis) -- Milk thistle has been used since Greco-Roman times to treat liver problems. Several scientific studies lend support to this traditional use. They suggest that a substance in milk thistle (silymarin) can protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen. However, the evidence is stronger for some conditions than others:
- Studies are mixed as to whether milk thistle improves liver function tests or the death rate for people with alcohol-induced cirrhosis.
- Studies are also mixed as to whether milk thistle improves liver function tests or quality of life for people with chronic active hepatitis B or C.
- Milk thistle may reduce liver damage caused by mushroom poisoning (due to Amanita phalloides, or death’s cap mushroom)
- Milk thistle may help protect the liver against damage from exposure to industrial toxins.

In a comprehensive review of studies on milk thistle by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), milk thistle improved liver function in people with mild liver disease but was less effective for those with severe liver disease such as cirrhosis.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider remedies, based on their knowledge and experience, for reducing the physical addiction to alcohol and for helping to treat hepatitis. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Remedies that may be recommended for alcoholism include:

Nux vomica
Staphysagria
Belladonna
Stramonium
Chelidonium
Zincum
Carduus marianus

Remedies that may be recommended for hepatitis include:

Aconitum
Belladonna
Chelidonium
China
Lycopodium
Mercurius
Phosphorus

Other Considerations

Your doctor will use caution when prescribing medications if you have cirrhosis because many medications cause complications in someone with a weakened liver.

Similarly, certain herbs and supplements are known to cause harm to the liver or cause complications that affect those with liver disease. A short list is below; talk to your doctor before taking any herb or supplement if you have liver disease.

Kava kava (an herb used for anxiety and tension) can be toxic to the liver and cause severe hepatitis and even liver failure in high doses.
Vitamin A in high doses can be toxic to the liver.
Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)
Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
European barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Pregnancy

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use milk thistle or licorice.

Prognosis and Complications

Complications from cirrhosis include:

Portal hypertension (buildup of pressure in the large vein supplying blood to the liver)
Bleeding esophageal varices (enlarged veins at the lower end of the esophagus that have a tendency to bleed; caused by portal hypertension)
Hepatic encephalopathy (brain disorder caused by buildup of toxins), which causes forgetfulness and mental confusion; may lead to coma
Ascites (abdominal fluid retention) and bacterial peritonitis (infection of the fluid)
Sepsis (presence of harmful organisms or their toxins in the blood or tissues)
Liver cancer
Kidney failure
Osteoporosis
Insulin resistance

Cirrhosis can be serious and life-threatening, particularly if you continue to drink alcohol. The good news is that with proper diet, medical management, and avoidance of alcohol, you can drastically slow down the rate of progression of liver damage.

Supporting Research

Abittan CS, Lieber CS. Alcoholic liver disease. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol. 1999;2(1):72-80.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk thistle: effects on liver disease and cirrhosis and clinical adverse effects. Summary, evidence report/technology assessment: number 21, September 2000. American Liver Foundation. Cirrhosis. Accessed on September 14, 2007.

Angulo P, Lindor KD. Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver: present and emerging therapies. Semin Liver Dis. 2001;21(1):81-88.

Barak AJ, Beckenhauer HC, Tuma DJ. Betaine, ethanol, and the liver: a review. Alcohol. 1996; 13(4): 395-398.

Cave M, Deaciuc I, Mendez C, Song Z, Joshi-Barve S, Barve S, McClain C. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: predisposing factors and the role of nutrition. J Nutr Biochem. 2007 Mar;18(3):184-95. Review.

Chitturi S, Farrell GC. Herbal hepatotoxicity: an expanding but poorly defined problem. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2000;15(10):1093-1099.

Day CP. Who gets alcoholic liver disease: nature or nurture? J R Coll Physicians Lond. 2000;34(6):557-562.

Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, et al. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol. 1989;9:105-113.

Fiore C, Eisenhut M, Krausse R, Ragazzi E, Pellati D, Armanini D, Bielenberg J. Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species. Phytother Res. 2007 Sep 20; [Epub ahead of print]

Fukushima H, Miwa Y, Shiraki M, Gomi I, Toda K, Kuriyama S, et al. Oral branched-chain amino acid supplementation improves the oxidized/reduced albumin ratio in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Res. 2007 Sep;37(9):765-70.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al., eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Co; 1998:1138-1139.

Imai K, Nakachi K. Cross sectional study of effects of drinking green tea on cardiovascular and liver diseases. BMJ. 1995;310(6981):693-695.

Kalaitzakis E, Bjornsson E. Renal function and cognitive impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2007 Apr 30:1-7.

Langmead L, Rampton DS. Review article: herbal treatment in gastrointestinal and liver disease -- benefits and dangers. [Review]. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001;15(9):1239-1252.

Lieber CS. Liver disease by alcohol and hepatitis C: early detection and new insights in pathogenesis lead to improved treatment. Am J Addict. 2001;10 Suppl:29-50.

Lirussi F, Azzalini L, Orando S, Orlando R, Angelico F. Antioxidant supplements for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and/or steatohepatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004996. Review.

Liu CT, Chuang PT, Wu CY, Weng YM, Chen W, Tseng CY. Antioxidative and in vitro hepatoprotective activity of Bupleurum kaoi leaf infusion. Phytother Res. 2006 Nov;20(11):1003-8.

Loguercio C, Nardi G, Argenzio F, et al. Effect of S-adenosyl-L-methionine administration on red blood cell cysteine and glutathione levels in alcoholic patients with and without liver disease. Alcohol Alcohol. 1994;29(5):597-604.

Luper S. A review of plants used in the treatment of liver disease: part two. [Review]. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4(3):178-188.

Mato JM, Camara J, Fernandez de Paz J. S-adenosylmethionine in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. J Hepatol. 1999;30:1081-1089.

Moriarty KJ, Platt H, Crompton S, Darling W, Blakemore M, Hutchinson S, et al. Collaborative care for alcohol-related liver disease. Clin Med. 2007 Apr;7(2):125-8.

Nakaya Y, Okita K, Suzuki K, Moriwaki H, Kato A, Miwa Y, et al; Hepatic Nutritional Therapy (HNT) Study Group. BCAA-enriched snack improves nutritional state of cirrhosis. Nutrition. 2007 Feb;23(2):113-20.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Cirrhosis of the liver. 2003; NIH Publication No. 04-1134. Accessed on September 14, 2007.

Seeff LB, Lindsay KL, Bacon BR, Kresina TF, Hoofnagle JH. Complementary and alternative medicine in chronic liver disease. Hepatology. 2001 Sep;34(3):595-603.

Ullman D. The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1995:314-317.

Urata Y, Okita K, Korenaga K, Uchida K, Yamasaki T, Sakaida I. The effect of supplementation with branched-chain amino acids in patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Res. 2007 Jul;37(7):510-6.

Verma S, Thuluvath PJ. Complementary and alternative medicine in hepatology: review of the evidence of efficacy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Apr;5(4):408-16. Review.

Vintro AQ, Krasnoff JB, Painter P. roles of nutrition and physical activity in musculoskeletal complications before and after liver transplantation. AACN Clin Issues. 2002;13(2):333-347.

Wang R, Kong J, Wang D, Lien LL, Lien EJ. A survey of Chinese herbal ingredients with liver protection activities. Chin Med. 2007 May 10;2:5.

Yen MH, Weng TC, Liu SY, Chai CY, Lin CC. The hepatoprotective effect of Bupleurum kaoi, an endemic plant to Taiwan, against dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Mar;28(3):442-8.

Review Date:
9/30/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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adam.com

Meningitis

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:11 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Prognosis/Possible Complications
Following Up
Special Considerations
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Meningitis results from the inflammation of the meninges (the thin membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Most cases of meningitis are viral, but it can be hard to tell the difference without medical tests. It is extremely important to determine the type of infection (and bacteria), because bacterial meningitis tends to be much more serious and requires emergency treatment. Viral meningitis usually clears up on its own and does not cause any permanent harm. Bacterial meningitis can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, hearing loss, or even death without treatment for the specific type of bacteria. Meningitis can also be caused by fungal infections (cryptococcus), but that is rare.

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms of meningitis can easily be mistaken for the flu.

In newborns, signs and symptoms include the following:

Irritability
High-pitched cry
Poor feeding
Vomiting
Fever
Seizures
Bulging fontanelle ("soft spot" in the skull) or stiff neck (less common)

In children and young adults, signs and symptoms include the following:

High fever
Severe headache
Vomiting or nausea
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Drowsiness
Skin rash (in cases of meningococcal meningitis -- see section titled What Causes It?)
Confusion
Seizures
Clouding or loss of consciousness

Older adults may have no signs or symptoms other than altered mental state and lethargy. Often they have no fever.

What Causes It?

Bacterial meningitis is not as common as viral meningitis, but it is more serious. Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Knowing the right type is crucial for proper treatment:

Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal meningitis, a common form of meningitis in children and young adults, and the only type that occurs in outbreaks. It is highly contagious.
Haemophilus influenzae was the most common cause in infants and children under 6 years old before 1986, when a vaccine (HiB) was introduced. The vaccine has mostly eradicated this kind of meningitis in countries where it is given to infants.
Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children. It may occur along with an ear or sinus infection or pneumonia.
Listeria monocytogenes is a common form of bacteria that can be found all around us. It does not tend to infect most people, but the very young and very old, as well as pregnant women, can be at risk.
Staphylococcus aureus may be seen following a head injury or brain surgery.

Viral meningitis can be caused by several types of viruses, but by far the most common are enteroviruses (which cause stomach flu and multiply in the intestinal tract). Other viruses that can cause meningitis include:

Arboviruses -- carried by arthropods, such as ticks or mosquitoes
Mumps virus -- seen in children between age 5 - 9 who have not had the MMR vaccine
Herpesviruses
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -- meningitis may be the first sign a person is infected with HIV.

Who's Most At Risk?

These conditions and characteristics increase the risk for bacterial meningitis:

Living in a crowded setting, such as a dormitory or child-care facility (for meningococcal meningitis)
Age -- children, young people and older adults are more likely to develop meningitis.
Significant head injury, skull trauma, or cerebrospinal rhinorrhea (flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose after a head injury)
A suppressed immune system (for pneumococcal meningitis)
Never receiving the HiB vaccine (see section titled What Causes It?)
Doing laboratory work that requires handling rats, hamsters, and mice; or working with animals on a farm or ranch (for listeria)

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you or your child has symptoms of meningitis, seek emergency treatment. Early diagnosis is the key to treating meningitis successfully. Doctors will ask for a detailed medical history and may order a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). In this test, doctors remove cerebrospinal fluid from the spine through a needle so that the fluid can be tested for infection and to identify the kind of bacteria responsible. If your doctor suspects bacterial meningitis, your doctor may start you on antibiotics right away, even before the test results are available.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Children should be vaccinated against H. influenzae and mumps. People over 65 and those whose immune systems are compromised should receive a pneumococcal vaccine (PPV). A meningococcal vaccine may be given to control epidemics in dormitories, for example. Because meningitis is usually contagious, practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently -- and teaching children to do the same -- can reduce your risk of catching the disease.

Drug Therapies

The length and type of treatment varies depending on the kind of meningitis being treated, ranging from one to three weeks. The treatment for most cases of viral meningitis is aimed at reducing symptoms of fever and aches; sometimes acyclovir, an antiviral drug, may be given. If bacterial meningitis is suspected, antibiotics must be started immediately, even before results from lab tests have been returned. Some of the medications used for bacterial meningitis are:

Antibiotics, often in combination, including ampicillin, cephalosporins, gentamicin, vancomycin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Diazepam or phenytoin if seizures occur
Rifampin is given to family members to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Bacterial meningitis must be treated with conventional medical therapies, especially antibiotics. Because it is usually impossible to distinguish between bacterial and viral meningitis without lab tests, you should always seek conventional medical care for symptoms of meningitis. Complementary and alternative therapies should be used only with conventional treatment, not in place of it, and only with the guidance of a qualified health professional. Some supplements and herbs may help strengthen the immune system, and homeopathic remedies may help relieve symptoms that accompany meningitis.

Nutrition and Supplements

Several nutrients can help strengthen the immune system, possibly helping to prevent meningitis or to build up the immune system after meningitis has been treated, though scientific studies have not examined these nutrients specifically for meningitis. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, and never treat a child without talking to your doctor first.

Vitamin A (up to 10,000 IU per day for adults)
B complex vitamins (dose varies)
Vitamin C (1,000 mg two to six times per day for adults. Lower dose if diarrhea develops.)
Quercetin (400 - 500 mg per day), an antioxidant found in plants
Omega-3 essential fatty acids (found in fish oil, 1 - 2 g per day)

Herbs

Some herbs may help support your immune system, although there is no evidence they can prevent or treat meningitis. Meningitis is a medical emergency and should never be treated with herbs alone.

American ginseng (Panax quincefolius, 100 - 300 mg two times per day) -- may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Ginseng interacts with several medications and other herbs, so talk to your doctor before taking it. Do not take ginseng if you take blood-thinning medication, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus, 4 - 7 g per day) --preliminary test tube studies suggest astragalus may stimulate the immune system. It is often taken as a tea -- steep 1 tsp. root in one cup boiling water, strain, and cool. Drink three or four times per day. Do not take astragalus if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you take blood-thinning medication or diuretics (water pills).
Garlic (Allium sativum, 600 - 1,200 mg per day in two or three divided doses) -- has antibacterial properties and can help support the immune system. In laboratory tests, it has also been shown to stop the growth of and even kill the fungus Cryptococcal neoformans. A small study of five people with cryptococcal meningitis suggested that it may be effective in people, but more research is needed. Do not take garlic is you take blood-thinning medication.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, 200 mg two times per day) -- is traditionally used for immune system support. In animal studies, echinacea significantly reduced the amount of bacteria and increased survival rate for those infected with L. monocytogenes. It's not clear whether the same would be true in humans.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) -- has antiviral properties. It is usually taken as either tincture (alcohol extract) or glycerite (glycerin extract). Doses vary with different preparations, so consult your health care provider to establish a dose that's right for you.

Homeopathy

Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies to help alleviate symptoms of meningitis, in addition to standard medical care. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for each individual.

Apis mellifica --for meningitis in children with such intense head pain that they bore their heads into a pillow
Arnica montana --for meningitis following surgery or an injury to the head. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who often insist that there is nothing wrong with them.
Belladonna --for a sudden onset of high fever which accompanies meningitis. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are hot and flushed with wide pupils, and may have nightmares and delusions.
Bryonia --for meningitis with impaired consciousness and a characteristic movement of the mouth in which the jaw moves side to side quite rapidly in a somewhat contorted manner
Helleborus --for meningitis with impaired consciousness and stupor. Individual may also be anguished and pleading for help. Shaking or rolling of the head may also occur.
Hyoscyamus -- for meningitis with violent spasms that occur with shrieking and grinding of the teeth

These treatments must not be used for meningitis without direction and supervision by an appropriately trained and certified homeopathic doctor.

Prognosis/Possible Complications

About 25 - 30% of people with bacterial meningitis die from it. Sixty percent of infants who survive bacterial meningitis have brain damage, hearing problems, or developmental difficulties. Most people who get viral meningitis recover completely without any problems.

Complications of meningitis may include hearing loss, seizures, cerebral edema (brain swelling), weakness on one side of the body, speech problems, visual impairment or blindness, difficulty coordinating movements, trouble breathing, respiratory arrest, and recurring meningitis.

Following Up

For the first 1 - 2 days, patients should be monitored in the intensive care unit to be sure that the medication is working, to watch for any seizures, and to watch for breathing difficulties. If signs and symptoms do not improve after 1 - 2 days, health care providers should check the cerebrospinal fluid again.

Special Considerations

Pregnant women often carry L. monocytogenes and S. agalactiae without having symptoms and may pass these infections to their children during birth. Pregnant women should not take rifampin to prevent meningitis because it is not clear whether this drug may harm the fetus.

Supporting Research

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Ashwal S, Perkin RM, Thompson JR, Schneider S, Tomasi LG. Bacterial meningitis in children: current concepts of neurologic management. Curr Prob Pediatr. 1994;24(8)267-284.

Ashwal S, Tomasi L, Schneider S, Perkin R, Thompson J. Bacterial meningitis in children: pathophysiology and treatment. Neurology. 1992;42(4):739-748.

Chowdhury S, Kumar R, Ganguly NK, Kumar L, Walia BN. Effect of vitamin A supplementation on childhood morbidity and mortality. Indian J Med Sci. 2002 Jun;56(6):259-64.

Coyle PK. Overview of acute and chronic meningitis. Neurol Clin. 1999;17(4):691-710.

Davis LE, Shen J, Royer RE. In vitro synergism of concentrated Alliumsativum extract and amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans. Planta Med. 1994;60(6):546-549.

Davis LE, Shen JK, Cai Y. Antifungal activity in human cerebrospinal fluid and plasma after intravenous administration of Allium sativum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1990:34(4)651-653.

Destro RL, Sharma V. An appraisal of vitamin C in adjunct therapy of bacterial and "viral" meningitis. Clin Pediatr. 1977;16(10):936-939.

Gold R. Epidemiology of bacterial meningitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1999;13(3): 515-525.

Harborne, J. B., and C. A. Williams. Advances in flavonoid research since 1992. Phytochemistry. 2000;55: 481-504.

Hasbun R, Aronin SI, Quagliarello VJ. Treatment of bacterial meningitis. Compr Ther. 1999;25(2):73-81.

Hernandez M, Mejia GI, Trujillo H, Robledo J. Effectiveness of the antibiotics chloramphenicol and rifampin in the treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced meningitis and systemic infections. Biomedica. 2003 Dec;23(4):456-61.

Jonas WB, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy: The Doctors' Guide. New York, NY: Warner Books; 1996: 168.

Kaplan SL. Clinical presentations, diagnosis, and prognostic factors of bacterial meningitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1999;13(3):579-594.

Klugman KP, Madhi SA. Emergence of drug resistance. Impact on bacterial meningitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1999;13(3):637-646.

Lauritsen A, Oberg B. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in bacterial meningitis. ScandJ Infect Dis 1995;27(5):431-434.

LeFrock JL. Acute bacterial meningitis. In: Conn RB, Borer WZ, Snyder JW, eds. Current Diagnosis 9. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders Company; 1997:821-825.

Peltola H. Prophylaxis of bacterial meningitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1999;13(3):685-710.

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Quagliarello VJ, Scheld WM. Treatment of bacterial meningitis. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(10):708-716.

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Roesler J, Steinmuller C, Kiderlen A, Emmendorffer A, Wagner H, Lohmann-Matthes ML. Application of purified polysaccharides from cell cultures of the plant Echinaceapurpurea to mice mediates protection against systemic infections with Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1991;13(1):27-37.

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Review Date:
12/17/2006
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Spice It Up: Cardamom

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:45:00 -0800

Tired of the same old flavors, then you really should try something new and spice up your life. Adding herbs and spices to food is a great low-calorie, low-sodium way to improve the taste of your meal while increasing the health benefits as well.

Lately, I have been craving cardamom. I'm not sure the cravings mean anything about my diet, but I like this spice when I am physically cold. Cardamom is part of the the ginger family, so it has a little zip and heat to it. Found predominantly in Indian cuisine and used in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Greeks and Roman appreciated this spice as well. They thought it was an aphrodisiac and put the spice in their "love" potions.

The spice is high in the phytochemical cineole, which can positively affect several bodily complaints. Cardamom is considered to have many health benefits, many relating to the digestive system, like stimulating the digestive system, reducing gas, and counteracting stomach acidity. It is said to even help with halitosis. It is considered beneficial to the urinary-tract system and is considered a kidney cleanser. Cardamom is used to improve the circulation of the lungs and to treat asthma in Ayurvedic medicine. While I am not sure it does all that, I really like the taste.

You can find the spice in chai tea and here's a great recipe for chai. It is also one of the spices used in garam masala used often in Indian cuisine. Cardamom is also popular in Scandinavia and can be found in many sweets.

Source

Oatmeal Alternative: Chai Spiced Polenta

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Sometimes warm oatmeal seems too heavy and mundane when it comes to a Spring weekend breakfast or brunch. I like to mix it up and make some polenta and adding spices used in chai tea make it seems extra special – not to mention tasty.

Polenta is cornmeal (I've heard it called "Italian grits"); it is a low fat food and full of potassium. Plus a half cup contains 5 grams of fiber, as well as 5 grams of protein. Cardamom, is one of my favorite spices and I like any excuse to use it. It is good for digestion and might just help spice up your sex life too, due to its aphrodisiac qualities, although they have yet to be proven.

To see the recipe just read more.

Chai Spiced Polenta
Adapted from Esalen Cookbook

A spicy twist for a warm breakfast cereal, that with some fresh fruit could make a dessert as well.

Ingredients

4 cup low fat milk
3 tablespoons amber agave nectar (or 1/4 cup honey)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
3/4 cup polenta

Directions

Bring milk, honey, spices salt to a boil. Stir frequently to avoid burning the milk.
Pour polenta slowly into milk, while whisking the liquid briskly.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve warm. I like to top it with mango or strawberries or both.

Serves 4

Print recipe with images | without images

Flavia: Drinks By the Cup

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 02:00:17 -0800

Flavia is a coffee pot, espresso machine and teapot all-in-one. It makes single cup servings, so everyone can get a fresh cup of whatever they want.

It's really easy to use - you place your cup on the tray, insert your drink packet, close the door, press the button, and that's it. You've got a hot cup of anything your little heart desires.

There are over 30 drinks to choose from. You can make gourmet coffees and Wellbeing drinks uch as Blueberry Balance, Lemon Calm, and Raspberry Spark.

They also have fresh leaf teas, which actually have real food ingredients (I was skeptical, at first). You can get English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Green Tea.

Need something that's a little more sweet? You can make indulgent drinks like cappuccino and chai latte with frothy toppings. These of course are not so good for you, but the website contains all the nutritional info, so you know for sure.

The machine itself will cost you about $130. It comes with 18 sample drink packets. If you want to buy more (which you'll have to), that 18 pack will cost you $9.95.

Personally, I think anything that does everything, can't do it very well. But if you aren't a drink snob, and you have limited counter space, the Flavia could be your new favorite thing. Plus, because it's so easy to use and cleanup, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the warm goodness.