Some people prefer to avoid food additives, when possible. If this is your preference, you should read labels carefully and select more foods in the natural foods section of your store. 

Food additives in ancient times: Many food additives have been used for centuries. 

For example:

The Egyptians used vegetable food colorings

The Romans used honey to preserve fruit

Salting food was a common practice in the Middle Ages

Marco Polo searched for herbs and spices, additives for flavoring foods 

Types of food additives: Food additives are used for a number of different reasons including food preservation, spoilage prevention, flavor enhancement and to improve nutritional value. There are approximately 3,000 food additives that are classified into six major categories: 

1. Nutritional supplements

Many foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals. The primary reason for this practice is to replace nutrients lost during processing and to prevent deficiency diseases. Some of the common fortifications are: vitamin D in milk, vitamin A in margarine, iron and B vitamins in breads, and iodine in table salt. 

2. Preservatives

The safe-use period of many foods is greatly extended through the addition of preservatives, which retard spoilage, preserve flavor and color and keep oils from turning rancid. Preservatives protect foods, such as cured meats, from developing dangerous toxins, such as botulism, a food poisoning illness. 

3. Flavoring agents

These are the most commonly used additives. Some, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), are used to enhance flavor. Others, like chemical concentrates of a flavor such as strawberry, are used to boost flavor. Flavorings are often used when a natural flavoring is unavailable or too expensive to use in a particular commercial product. 

4. Coloring agents

These additives are used strictly to make foods more attractive to the consumer. Even some fruits, like oranges, have color added to their skins to make their color match the expectations of consumers. 

5. Emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners

A large variety of products from this category are used to improve the texture and consistency of foods. Emulsifiers are commonly used to keep ingredients from separating in sauces and salad dressings. Lecithin, gelatin and pectin are commonly used natural emulsifiers. 

6. Acids and alkalis

These additives are used to neutralize the acidity or alkalinity of certain foods. Citric acid, for instance, might be used to add tartness to certain foods. 

Government control of additives: The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 is the law that sets the standards for food in the United States, while at the same time calling for truthful labeling. This act gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responsibility for safety and wholesomeness of foods. There have been several amendments to this act, but one, in particular, strengthens it in regard to additives. The Food Additives Amendment of 1958 requires pre-marketing approval for substances intended to be added to foods. This amendment includes the Delaney Clause, which states that no chemical can be added to food if, in any amount, it produces cancer when ingested by man or animal. 

When the Food Additives Amendment of 1958 was adopted, over 200 substances were exempted from the testing requirement because they were considered to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). A number of other substances have been added to this list since its initial adoption. 

Allergies and sensitivities to additives: Some people have an immediate reaction to food preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, MSG, nitrites, sulfites, sodium bisulfite, and sulfur dioxide. Some of these reactions are due to allergies. With allergies, preexisting antibodies in the body react to the chemical molecules and cause a variety of problems, ranging from mild skin rashes to gastro-intestinal upset to life-threatening anaphylactic episodes. 

Other reactions reflect an “intolerance” to the food or additive; rather than an allergy per se, but these reactions may still be uncomfortable. An example of such a reaction would be a person who gets a headache after eating MSG. 

The best course for concerned individuals is to read all labels carefully and to choose foods that are additive-free. 

Bibliography

Ensminger Audry, ME Ensminger, James E. Konlande, and John R. K. Robson. The Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition. New York: CRC Press. 1995. 

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FACT: While research has shown many natural treatments to be safe and effective, they should be taken with consideration. 

While many vitamins, minerals, and herbs are known to safely prevent or treat a variety of diseases, they work by altering your body chemistry—just like a medicine from your pharmacy. So before you take an herb or supplement, find out how it might interact with medications you are already taking. Sometimes an interaction can mean that a medicine is depleting vital nutrients from your body, and that an extra vitamin supplement is best for your health—but it’s always a good idea to check. It’s also important to never discontinue or change dosage of a medication in favor of a natural treatment unless supervised by a doctor. 

MYTH: Everything I need to know about a supplement I can read on the bottle. 

FACT: Government regulations restrict manufacturers from making specific health claims—even those based on results of scientific studies. 

To find out about the potential benefits and risks of taking a supplement start by doing a little research. It’s always wise to talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially if you are taking medications. Also, special safety considerations apply to pregnant or breast-feeding women and to children. 

To learn what scientific research has found about your medication’s interactions with herbs or supplements, look in Healthnotes Rx Answers. For reported side effects of a specific herb or nutritional supplement, look it up in Vitamins & Herbs. 

MYTH: The latest scientific research is the last word on a supplement’s safety or effectiveness. 

FACT: The quality of the full body of research should be considered—not just the latest. 

In scientific process, scientists never consider one single study to be the last word; rather, each new study is added to previous research and becomes part of the medical community’s “discussion.” 

Keep in mind that when the news media report on new studies, they tend to look for the sensational. Though thousands of studies are published every year showing the benefits of herbs and supplements for a wide range of diseases, studies that make the news are frequently those that claim a supplement is dangerous or doesn’t work. On the other hand, some research is conducted by groups that stand to profit from positive results, such as a supplement manufacturer “proving” that their supplement works for a particular health condition. 

The next time you see a headline splashed across the news—especially about those supplements that continue to be the subject of heated debate, such as St. John’s wort, echinacea, vitamin E, vitamin C, ginkgo, ephedra, and kava—keep some perspective by thinking about the following: 

• Who is doing the reporting? Is it a health column describing the study itself? A TV reporter relating second- or third-hand news from a press release or conference proceedings?
• How strong is the evidence? (Some studies lead to convincing conclusions while others are preliminary.)
• Are the results published in a scientific journal?
• Did the researchers use a control group to compare treatment results with the experiences of people who didn’t use it? (If not, improvement attributed to a treatment may be a placebo affect.)
• Was the supplement given in a form and amount, and for a duration, that could be expected to be effective?
• Was the study conducted by people who have no vested interest in the outcome?
• Is there a body of research that suggests it may help with a particular health condition?  

Caution: It is never advisable to discontinue or change dosage of a medication and/or begin a different treatment without a doctor’s supervision. 

MYTH: Medicines are always more effective than natural treatments. 

FACT: Some natural treatments can be at least as effective as medicines; however, it’s important to properly evaluate treatment options before deciding which to use. 

When you are considering treatment options, discuss the following with your healthcare provider when considering what to try: 

• What are the risks of delaying known effective treatment in order to try an alternative remedy?
• Is the body of research on a supplement’s effectiveness positive or inconclusive, and does it appear to be safe when taken in the proper amounts?
• How strong is the evidence for the medical treatment, and what is the expected degree of improvement from taking it?
• Are a supplement’s costs equivalent or less than those of the medicines used to treat the same condition?
• How do the potential dangers of taking the supplement compare with the relative dangers of taking the over-the-counter or prescription medicine?  

Asking such questions will help you interpret the significance of scientific findings. To find answers, talk to a knowledgeable professional, and use a science-based resource, such as Healthnotes, that provides an evaluation of up-to-date research. Being informed is the best way to make good decisions for your health. 

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Botanical names: Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Paeonia veitchii 

Parts used and where grown

Three similar plants are all called peony, and different parts are used in some cases. The bark of the root of Paeonia suffruticosa is called moutan or mu dan in China, where it naturally grows. Red peony root comes from wild harvested Paeonia lactiflora or Paeonia veitchii. White peony root comes from cultivated Paeonia lactiflora. The bark, red peony root, and white peony root all have somewhat different properties. Dried versus charred roots also have different properties. The color indicated does not refer to flower color. An important formula used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine called shakuyaku-kanzo-to contains white peony root and licorice root. The roots and flowers of Paeonia officinalis have been used in European herbal medicine. However, the German Commission E did not approve this plant for medicinal use. 

Click here to view chart 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Peony is an ancient, traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The plant was and is extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant as well. Peony is named for the mythical Greek figure Paeon, who was said to be a student of Aesculapius, the great physician. Paeon used the peony plant (various species also grow in Europe) to heal a wound for the god Pluto. This earned Aesculapius’s jealous wrath, but Pluto saved Paeon from death by turning him into a peony plant. 

Bai shao or white peony was considered useful for hypertension, chest pain, muscle cramping and spasms, and fever. It was an important remedy for female reproductive conditions ranging from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) to irregular menses. Chi shao or red peony was used for bleeding or lack of blood movement, depending on how it was prepared. Moutan was also considered helpful for problems characterized by bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding wounds, or menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). 

Active constituents

Peony contains a unique glycoside called paeoniflorin. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and paeoniflorin are all considered to contribute to the medicinal activity of various forms of peony. Paeoniflorin’s major effect seems to be to calm nerves and alleviate spasm. One study has confirmed the efficacy of shakuyaku-kanzo-to (formula with peony and licorice) for relieving muscle cramps due to cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and dialysis. Shakuyaku-kanzo-to is approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare for treatment of muscle cramps. Another Japanese formulation known as toki-shakuyaku-san combines peony root with dong quai and four other herbs and has been found to effectively reduce symptoms of cramping and pain associated with dysmenorrhea (painful menses). 

Paeoniflorin and peony extracts also enhance mental function in animal studies, suggesting a potential benefit for dementia. Human studies have not yet been conducted to confirm this theory. 

Red peony root and moutan bark have both shown antioxidant activity in test tubes, likely due to the presence of paeoniflorin, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids. Polysaccharides found in peony bark and root have shown an ability to stimulate immune cells in the test tube.

Animal studies have found that red peony root, alone or in combination with other Chinese herbs, could help prevent liver damage due to various chemical toxins. A crude extract of red peony root was shown in a small, preliminary trial to reduce liver fibrosis in some patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Other case studies published in Chinese have found red peony root helpful for people with viral hepatitis. 

Crude red peony root extracts and combinations of these extracts with other Chinese herbs inhibit platelet aggregation, thrombosis, and excessive clotting in the test tube and in animals. A rabbit study found that peony was effective at lowering cholesterol levels in the aorta. A preliminary human study confirmed that peony could inhibit platelet clumping. This suggests that peony might be helpful for prevention of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm this effect. 

One uncontrolled clinical trial reported that moutan bark could significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. 

Peony shows some weak estrogen-like effects, acting like a very weak anti-estrogen, particularly as part of the formula shakuyaku-kanzo-to. In a preliminary study, this formula was shown to improve fertility in women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome. 

How much is usually taken?

White peony capsules are used in the amount of 1.5 to 4 grams three times per day. Red peony and moutan capsules are used in the amount of 1 to 3 grams three times per day. Capsules of shakuyaku-kanzo-to formula are used in the amount of 2.5 grams three times per day. 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

If used in the amounts listed above, peony is not associated with side effects. It is not known whether peony is safe for use during pregnancy, though there is an uncontrolled study showing it could safely be used to lower blood pressure in pregnant women. 

Shakuyaku-kanzo-to should be taken only while under the care of a healthcare professional trained in herbal medicine. 

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with peony. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines. 

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Botanical name: Bacopa monniera 

Parts used and where grown

Bacopa is native to India, where it grows in marshy areas. In the West, bacopa is a familiar water plant used in aquariums. Most parts of the plant have been used traditionally, but modern preparations are extracts of the stem and leaves. 

Click here to view chart 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Since at least the sixth century A.D., bacopa (Brahmi) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India) as a diuretic and as a tonic for the nervous system and the heart. Specific uses include the treatment of asthma, insanity, and epilepsy. 

Active constituents

The leaves of bacopa contain saponins, including the bacosides, which are thought responsible for the therapeutic properties of the herb. In animal studies, both purified bacosides and extracts of bacopa standardized for bacosides have been found to enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability. Additional brain effects of bacopa demonstrated in animal research include reduction of both anxiety and depression. Biochemically, these nervous-system effects have been attributed to an enhancement of the effects of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and, possibly, serotonin or GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid). 

Bacopa extracts also appear to have significant antioxidant activity in the brain, and other effects that may help protect brain cells. 

Animal research has also reported that bacopa extracts can relax the muscles that control the blood vessels, the intestine, and the airways of the respiratory system, and can help both prevent and heal ulcers in the stomach. 

Traditional herbal references recommend 5 to 10 grams per day of the powdered herb. Human research has used 300 to 450 mg per day of an extract standardized to contain 55% bacosides. 

Bacopa appears to be well tolerated when taken in typical amounts, although one double-blind study reported significantly more symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, and muscle fatigue in participants taking bacopa. 

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with bacopa. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines. 

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Botanical names: Euterpe oleracea Mart. 

Parts used and where grown

Clusters of round, dark purple-to-black, berry-shaped açaí fruits are harvested to make juice, ice pops, and herbal supplements. Ethnobotanists have also documented folk medicine uses for the seed oil, fruit rind, and roots. The inner core of the thin trunk of the açaí tree is well-known as the source of hearts of palm. Açaí is primarily grown in the Pará region of the Amazon estuary, in the northern region of Brazil. It also grows in French Guyana, Panama, Ecuador, and Trinidad.

Click here to view chart 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Açaí juice is a major dietary component of Brazilian diets, especially in the Pará region. It is often eaten at breakfast with cassava meal (manioc) or with tapioca and sugar. The açaí fruit is rich in nutrients and is found in many Brazilian prepared foods. The fruit is most popularly used to make juice, but is also found in ice cream, popsicles, and various desserts. 

Açaí seeds can be crushed to produce a green oil that has been used as a folk remedy for scrofula (a type of tuberculosis). The roasted, crushed seeds, consumed as tea, are a traditional remedy for fever. Tea made from the root is a folk remedy for jaundice and anemia. Tea made from the grated fruit rind has been used topically as a wash for skin ulcers. Boiled preparations of açaí root have been used traditionally to treat many diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, malaria, kidney disease, and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). 

No clinical trials of açaí for the prevention or treatment of any health condition have been published in the medical literature. 

Active constituents

Açaí is one of nature’s richest sources of anthocyanins—a type of bioflavonoid. Anthocyanins make up the purple, red, and blue-black pigments found within certain berries, fruits, plants, and flowers. The fruit of açaí also contains protein, fiber, enzymes, vitamin E, amino acids, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, and boron), phytosterols, and beneficial fatty acids. 

How much is usually taken?

Frozen pulp: approximately 100 grams (3.5 ounces) per day is recommended, although there is no accepted standard. Brazilians commonly drink up to a liter (34 ounces) of açaí juice per day. 

Powder: 1 ounce of powder mixed with 10 to 12 ounces of water, once or twice a day. 

Freeze-dried açaí in capsules or tablets is sometimes recommended at 1 to 2 grams per day. 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

No side effects or interactions have been reported. 

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with acai. 

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Botanical name: Aspalathus linearis 

Parts used and where grown

Rooibos is a nitrogen-fixing shrub native to South Africa. Its leaves are fermented and sun dried for use as a tea. 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Rooibos is a pleasant-tasting beverage that has been used traditionally to sooth digestion and relieve stomach cramps, colic, and diarrhea. Rooibos tea has also been used to relieve allergies and eczema, and to slow aging. 

Active constituents

Rooibos is completely caffeine free and, unlike black tea (Camellia sinensis), does not contain tannins that may interfere with iron absorption. Rooibos is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids (including aspalathin, (+)-catechin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid). The polyphenol aspalathin is unique to rooibos. The plant also contains oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and a variety of minerals, though at levels that are of questionable clinical relevance. 

Preliminary studies show that rooibos has antimutagenic and antioxidant properties.It has also shown some ability to prevent radiation damage in animals.This research somewhat supports rooibos’s traditional use to slow the aging process, and its modern use as a cancer preventative. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that it affects antibody production and has anti-HIV activity. These studies raise the possibility that the herb could be useful in aiding deficient immune responses in allergies, AIDS, and infections. No clinical trials have yet been published on this herb, however, so its efficacy is still unknown. 

How much is usually taken?

A tea can be made by steeping 1 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 20 grams) of rooibos in 1 cup (240 ml) of water for up to ten minutes. Three cups of this tea per day may be drunk, with or without food. 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

As rooibos has not been studied scientifically in humans, there is no information available about its safety in pregnancy or lactation or in people with kidney or liver failure. However, it is generally considered a very safe herb, and there are no known side effects, contraindications, or drug interactions. 

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Rooibos. 

To assist you in your journey to wellness-based living, the Alternative Health Connection offers an in-depth database of articles. You’ll find an abundance of information on topics ranging from alternative and complimentary practices and therapies to information on health conditions, natural health, nutrition and self-care. We are constantly adding to our library of articles, so visit often and tell your friends about this rich body-mind-spirit resource. Our library is a reflection of our wellness provider community. If you’re an alternative health professional and would like to submit articles as a contributing member, please write in to us. 

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Botanical name: Scutellaria baicalensis 

Parts used and where grown

Scutellaria baicalensis, a mint family member, is grown in China and Russia. The root of this plant is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines and has been the focus of most scientific studies on scullcap. American scullcap and Chinese scullcap are not interchangeable. 

Click here to view chart 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Chinese scullcap is typically used in herbal combinations in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat inflammatory skin conditions, allergies, high cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Active constituents

The root of Chinese scullcap contains the flavonoid baicalin that has been shown in test tube studies to have protective actions on the liver. Anti-allergy actions and the inhibition of bacteria and viruses in test tube studies have also been documented with Chinese scullcap. Some preliminary Chinese human trials, generally of low quality, suggest that Chinese scullcap may help people with acute lung, intestinal, and liver infections, as well as hay fever. More extensive clinical research is needed to clearly demonstrate Chinese scullcap’s effectiveness for these conditions. 

How much is usually taken?

In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese scullcap is typically recommended as a tea made from 3–9 grams of the dried root. Fluid extract, 1–4 ml three times per day, is also used. 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Use of Chinese scullcap in the amounts listed above appears to be safe. The safety of Chinese scullcap during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown and should be avoided during these times. 

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with Chinese scullcap. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines. 

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Hypnotherapy has been recognized as a healing practice since ancient times. Cultures in Egypt, Greece and India took their sick to sleep temples to be cured by hypnotic suggestion. In present day, hypnotherapy treats a wide variety of behaviors and health conditions: weight loss, smoking, fears, anxieties, self confidence, sports, surgical side effects and pain management to name a few. It’s even been known to be used in forensics to solve crimes or by artists for creative purposes. According to the World Health Organization, about 90% of the population can be hypnotized. 

Technically speaking, hypnosis is when you have relaxed to a point that your brain is in an alpha state. In this relaxed state you are able to tap into and become aware of your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is where you store all your thoughts and feelings. When your consciousness is communicating to your subconscious, you are in a hypnotic state. In this state, you are in a state of hyper-suggestibility. 

Think of your subconscious mind as a place where you keep all your “programs”, or in other words, how you react to and feel in certain situations. When you are in a hypnotic state you are open to the suggestion of reprogramming. There are several key factors in reprogramming yourself. The biggest one being that you’ve made the decision to eliminate a specific behavior. You must be motivated to make this change, or you will work against yourself in making it happen. Secondly, the suggestions need to be reasonable, ones that you actually believe are possible, and in a language you understand. For instance, it might be unreasonable to suggest you go from a sedentary person to a world-class athlete, but reasonable to picture training and crossing the finish line of a 5k race. If you can see yourself reasonably accomplishing the behavior then you are able to make it happen. Finally, it is necessary to repeat the suggestion in such a relaxed state. It takes time for the message to be programmed and to actually see the results. 

Working with a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and doing hypnosis is very helpful. An NLP practitioner can assist you in designing a program in a language you believe. They are able to guide you and teach you how to relax into a state of suggestibility. And finally, they can make tapes of the relaxation process and suggestions so that you are able to relax and listen to them often. 

Hypnotherapy has resulted in self improvement and personal growth in millions. It is nothing to be afraid of. Hypnosis is learning how to relax into a focused state of mind, and make suggestions to your subconscious. It is a drug-free alternative way to permanently change thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If you are struggling with unwanted behaviors and are motivated to manifest your best life, take the leap, find a qualified hypnotherapist and begin your journey to wellness. 

The Alternative Health Connection is your partner in finding natural solutions to radiant health and balanced living. We are delighted to bring you a localized community calendar to assist you in connecting with alternative health events, seminars and workshops, searchable by city and zip code. So whether you’re looking for events in your hometown or looking for wellness activities while you’re in Santa Fe on business, we are your event connection! 

Browse our in-depth database of articles from top professionals across the industry. Topics range from alternative and complementary practices to information on health conditions, natural health, nutrition and self-care. Logon to http://www.althealthconnect.com/ today. 

Given below are contact details of a Hypnotherapist - 

Patricia Majio

Email:  anavami@cruzio.com |Phone: (831) 420-1349

Website: www.anavamicenter.com

Parts used and where grown

This large thistle-like plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. However, the roots and the immature flower heads may also contain beneficial compounds. 

Click here to view chart 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

The artichoke is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants. The ancient Egyptians placed great value on the plant—it is clearly seen in drawings involving fertility and sacrifice. Moreover, this plant was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a digestive aid. In 16th century Europe, the artichoke was favored as a food by royalty. 

Active constituents

Artichoke leaves contain a wide number of active constituents, including cynarin, 1,3 dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, and scolymoside. The choleretic (bile stimulating) action of the plant has been well documented in a controlled trial involving a small sample of healthy volunteers. After the administration of 1.92 grams of standardized artichoke extract directly into the duodenum, liver bile flow increased significantly. This choleretic effect has led to the popular use of artichoke extract in Europe for the treatment of mild indigestion—particularly following a meal high in fat. In an uncontrolled clinical trial with 553 people suffering from non-specific digestive disorders (including indigestion), 320–640 mg of a standardized artichoke extract taken three times per day was found to reduce nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence in over 70% of the study participants. 

The standardized extract has also been used to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides. In one preliminary trial and one controlled trial, use of a standardized artichoke extract was found to lower cholesterol and triglycerides significantly when taken in amounts ranging from 900 to 1,920 mg per day. One preliminary trial failed to find any effect. 

While scientists are not certain how artichoke leaves lower cholesterol, test tube studies have suggested that the action may be due to an inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and/or the increased elimination of cholesterol because of the plant’s choleretic action. In test tube studies, the flavonoids from the artichoke (e.g., luteolin) have been shown to prevent LDL-cholesterol oxidation—an effect that may reduce risk of atherosclerosis. 

How much is usually taken?

The suggested adult amount of the standardized leaf extract is 300–640 mg three times daily for a minimum of six weeks. Alternatively, if a standardized extract is not available, the amount of the crude, dried leaves is 1–4 grams, three times a day. 

Are there any side effects or interactions?

At the recommended amount and according to the German Commission E Monograph, there are no known side effects or drug interactions. The use of artichoke is not recommended for those who are allergic to artichokes and other members of the Compositae (e.g., daisy) family. In addition, those who have any obstruction of the bile duct (e.g., as a result of gallstones) should not employ this plant therapeutically. The plant’s safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. 

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with artichoke.    

The Alternative Health Connection is your partner in finding natural solutions to radiant health and balanced living. We are delighted to bring you a localized community calendar to assist you in connecting with alternative health events, seminars and workshops, searchable by city and zip code. So whether you’re looking for events in your hometown or looking for wellness activities while you’re in Santa Fe on business, we are your event connection! 

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Although its name may still be elusive to the general public, it is a hot topic in many health/medical circles. In the 2006 meeting of the American Diabetic Association, it was reported that half of all Americans will develop insulin resistance, a dominant underlying risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Also according to 1 expert, if metabolic syndrome was fully detected and treated, heart Attacks would be reduced by 63%. When you consider that heart disease is the number 1 cause of death for men and women in the U.S., the implications of metabolic syndrome are profound. 

For many individuals, the diagnosis of this well documented but often overlooked disorder has really saved their health. Even better is the news that the treatment is frequently lifestyle (diet and exercise) oriented. 

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known; however it is primarily associated with insulin resistance – a condition in which the body can’t use insulin efficiently. (Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar out of the blood and into the cells in the body, where it is needed for energy and nourishment.) 

Therefore factors that increase your chances of having insulin resistance also apply to metabolic syndrome and include:

- Lack of physical activity

- Overweight/overfat

- Poor dietary habits

- genetic factors 

Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) are the preferred means of managing metabolic syndrome. Essentially, this strategy includes a sensible diet, regular exercise, body composition (percent body fat) improvement, and stress management. Of course, quitting smoking is critical as well. Also targeted nutritional supplementation can provide additional support in protecting and maintaining your health naturally. 

Logon to http://www.althealthconnect.com/ for an in-depth library of articles on healthy eating and information on living and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Search our database of wellness practitioners based on specialty, name or location. Our practitioner profiles allow you to review qualifications, philosophy, education and approach before making a personal connection. 

Here are the contact details of some Chiropractors – 

Dr. John Amaral, DC           

Email: drjohnamaral@yahoo.com | Phone:  831 475-2448

Website: www.wellbeingcenter.org 

Dr. Karen K. Roitz, DC         

Email: Karen@seabrightspineandsport.com | Phone: 831-425-3588

Website: www.seabrightspineandsport.com        

Dr. Steven MacDonald, DC

Email: info@drmacnucca.com | Phone: (831) 375-9528

Website: www.drmacnucca.com