Michael T. Murray

Studies show that regular consumption of resveratrol leads to reduction in beta-amyloid levels, a protein that aids brain cell damage and leads to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It was also noted that people lost an average of 2 pounds and showed reduced levels of brain inflammation, both of which are against the effects of Alzheimer's.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), is the major growth hormone of puberty and is one of the key reasons of acne. Refined carbohydrates, dairy, sugary, salty food and unhealthy fats aggravate acne. Eliminating fried foods and foods containing trans-fatty acids is ideal. Dosage of 30-45 mg per day of zinc picolinate works wonders in reducing inflammation.

Studies have shown that, given the different rates at which cancer grows, there should be a wait to confirm the cancer build up. But watchful waiting should be replaced with aggressive focus to diagnose and treat cancer successfully. Detection, prevention and reversal can be brought about in a short window, so regular checks are mandatory.

A new study from the Canadian Center for Agri-Food Research affirms that flaxseeds can promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer. They contain a high amount of lignans- fiber compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors and interfere with the cancer-promoting effects of estrogen on breast and prostate tissue.

Chromium improves glucose tolerance and enhances the sensitivity of the skin cells to insulin. Take 200–400 mcg daily. Consuming 25-100 g of vitamin B6 can reduce acne and mood swings. Selenium and Vitamin E play a role in glutathione peroxidase function that helps prevent acne inflammation (100–200 IU of vitamin E and 100–400 mcg of selenium).

Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes share many common features. The most common being insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. This inflammation leads to changes in blood flow and blood vessel flexibility that deteriorates mental function and daily activities performance among people with Type 2 Diabetes (who have a 1.5 to 4-fold risk for AD).

A new study about statin (prescribed to lower cholesterol) suggests they are not risk-free. Researchers found it increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 46% in men and a 72% increase in type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women who used it. This raises serious questions about statins which are being prescribed to promote a longer and healthier life.

Vitamin D regulates the manufacture of key brain chemicals like serotonin that are involved in the regulation of mood. Lower vitamin D3 levels predicted clinically significant depressive symptoms. In addition to vitamin D3, an insufficiency of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oils have also been linked to depression. Fish oils rich in EPA+ DHA provides powerful nutritional support for brain health and a positive mood. In depression, the recommended dosage is 3,000 mg EPA+DHA daily.