Kids Research Express

Do You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome? by Dr. Leo Galland Because it is something of a mystery disease that can show itself as a bewildering array of other conditions, you could have Leaky Gut Syndrome and not even realize it. The reason is that Leaky Gut Syndrome is one of the many concepts in medicine that cuts across the boundary lines of specific diseases. It is a major example of an important medical phenomenon: distress in one organ causes disease in another. Conditions that Can Signal Leaky Gut Syndrome Do you have: Arthritis , Allergies , Depression , Eczema , Hives , Psoriasis, Chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia? Then you may also have Leaky Gut Syndrome, because it causes or contributes to these conditions. That’s why getting a better understanding of Leaky Gut Syndrome may help you find a more effective solution to your condition. I am telling you about Leaky Gut Syndrome because it is a vitally important, but often undiagnosed, cond...

Why Medication Can Be Dangerous to Your Health by Dr. Leo Galland Did you know that the majority of FDA approved drugs have serious potential side effects that were not detected before marketing approval? (1) That about three quarters of a million people a year are rushed to emergency rooms in the U.S. because of adverse drug reactions, according to the CDC? (2) That the number of medication-related deaths in the U.S. is estimated at over 200,000 a year, making medications the third or fourth leading cause of death in this country? (3) That even common pain relievers called NSAIDs, examples of which include Advil, Motrin, Aleve and aspirin, account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. every year? (4) It sounds like the cure could be worse than the disease in far too many cases. Thankfully, there is an option, an innovative approach to healing that seeks to restore balance and healthy function, instead of simply treating symptoms with drugs and suf...

Aspirin and Vitamin C by Dr. Leo Galland Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been around for over a hundred years and can be a useful drug for treating pain. Millions of people take low dose aspirin every day in an effort to prevent heart attacks or strokes. But aspirin can erode the lining of the stomach or intestines, causing internal bleeding, even at low doses. Research on Aspirin and Vitamin C Research studies done in Germany demonstrate that aspirin interferes with absorption of vitamin C and regular use of aspirin can deplete the gastrointestinal lining of vitamin C. German researchers have shown that taking vitamin C along with aspirin can decrease the amount of stomach damage that aspirin produces in healthy humans and in patients with inflammation of the stomach caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes ulcers. No dietary supplement is guaranteed to prevent aspirin-induced gastrointestinal damage. If you are taking aspirin, ask your doct...

Natural Anti- Inflammatory Foods and Supplements That Help Arthritis by Dr. Leo Galland Here’s a look at some alternative natural remedies for inflammatory arthritis. There are natural anti-inflammatory foods that can help with arthritis, as well as supplements. Arthritis—inflammation of the joints—is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., affecting 43 million people and limiting physical activity in almost 19 million every year. (1). Arthritis medications are among the most highly prescribed drugs in the world. The most commonly used over the counter drugs for arthritis, called NSAIDs, examples of which include Advil, Motrin, Aleve and aspirin, also have serious side effects. For more on this, see my article Why Medication Can Be Dangerous to Your Health "According to the CDC, NSAID’s account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. every year. (2) Foods that help arthritis and supplements are under-utilized weapons in the battle aga...

We all know that oxygen is essential for our bodies to function. But scientific studies have shown that oxygen can produce toxic substances as well. Some examples of these toxins are peroxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and something called “excited stage oxygen.” When these substances combine with other molecules in the body, “free-radicals” are formed. These are high-energy chemical substances that can damage our healthy cells and cause diseases like inflammation and infections, degenerative arthritis, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. This free-radical damage is also known as oxidization. Antioxidants work by preventing excessive oxidization and repairing the damage to the cells. Normally, our bodies can supply its own antioxidants. But when there is rapid production of free-radicals (from exercise, smoking, exposure to radiation or other metabolic processes like the breaking down of food), our bodies will need an additional supply of antioxidants from extern...

MANILA, Philippines - A slowing down of the physical or mental functions is usually accepted as the normal course of old age, rather than being diagnosed as an illness or condition that may be treated with proper nutrition, hormones, exercise, or a change of lifestyle. Perhaps one of the under-diagnosed health problems in old age is hypothyroidism, an insufficient production or absorption of the thyroid hormone that won't allow our metabolism to function at its peak efficiency. What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, over the trachea, or windpipe, just below the larynx. The thyroid has tremendous responsibilities, as it is the gland that affects virtually all metabolic processes and is vital for the normal function of every cell in the body. It does this by releasing certain hormones known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which in turn regulate the body's metabolism, temperature, and heart rate. Should it produce to...

Staying healthy by working out is good. But doing that while taking care of Mother Earth is another matter altogether. Some people's workout routines use up a lot of energy: driving to the gym, the aircon at the venue, plugged equipment like the treadmill, etcetera. So if you are conscious about keeping your carbon footprint small, consider these workout tips. 1. Consider walking or jogging around the neighborhood. Instead of using fitness equipment that consume energy, you may opt to do some jogging or brisk walking via routes that are scenic and safe. 2. Buy less. Less active wear, expensive running shoes, workout gizmos, and other fitness paraphernalia you can do without. Buy only what you really need and your carbon footprint will be significantly smaller. This means that you will be using less energy, throwing out less junk, and generally be kinder to our planet. 3. Here are light exercise activities you can try: Walk or bike to work; Work in your garden; Do sit-ups, weigh...

This rainy season, boost your immune system by adding these basic nutrients to your daily diet. In this season, where pouring rains force people to come in closer contact with ailing individuals in enclosed spaces such as malls or public vehicles, and airborne viruses and bacteria are having a heyday floating from one victim to another, the key to good health is a good defense. This will come in a healthy body nourished by these 5 important immunity-building nutrients: Vitamin C. This readily-available nutrient has been found to increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies, the primary function of which is to fight off infections. Foods rich in this important vitamin include citrus fruits, papayas, guavas, and tomatoes. Vitamin E. This vitamin has been receiving a lot of attention lately for its antioxidant properties. It stimulates the production of immune cells that produce antibodies which target and destroy bacteria. Vitamin E is present in nuts, seeds, and vegeta...

Do you find yourself fighting off the little bulges? And much as you want to go to the gym to shed off a few pounds, your hectic schedule simply does not permit? Sadly, for some, taking care of one’s body through exercise is always at the bottom of the priority list. Good thing staying fit is not limited to the exercise routines performed inside the gym. Your day-to-day activities can actually count for a true-blue workout! Research suggests that maintaining an active lifestyle is the key to good health and weight management. Here are some simple little workouts that you can do to help keep you fit, trim and healthy! WALKING Walking, according to experts, is an excellent way to burn calories. It also helps improve mood and reduce stress. Take time to have a 30-minute walk. If you think that the place you’re heading to is not that far, instead of riding the car, just walk. All you need to do is to have a comfortable pair of footwear with you always and you’re ready to go! CLIMBING T...

Taking care of our brain’s health is equally important as taking care of our body’s wellbeing. After all, the brain is one powerful organ--- the maximum potential of which is yet to be unlocked by science. Keeping our brains in shape will lead to an invigorated body and a healthy emotional state. Constantly challenging our brain and feeding it a well-balanced diet will help increase its memory capabilities, boost creativity levels, and improve cognitive levels. Start getting this organ in tip-top shape! Below is a list of activities that can help boost brain power! Physical Exercise A healthy body also leads to a healthy mind. Studies have shown that regular exercise affects how the brain functions. It boosts brain power by stimulating the formation of new brain cells, called neurons. Also, researchers found that the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are usually associated with memory and learning. So take time to have a regular exercise routine. It need not be...

Show your heart some love with these easy to follow cardio exercises! Taking care of your heart should not end with just eating a well-balanced diet. It is best that you also complement it with an exercise routine. Researches have shown that regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease and stroke and high blood pressure. Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to enroll yourself in the gym. In fact, you can learn simple exercises that you can conveniently do right in the comforts of your own home! You only need to have the right time and the right attitude to start your daily workout. Exercising should not be treated as one herculean task that one has to conquer. Make it fun by recruiting workout mates, like your friends and family, to join your personal fitness schedule! To get you started, here’s a list of exercises that you can easily follow! THE INVISIBLE JUMP ROPE Jumping rope is one of the most effective and enjoyable exercises one can pursue. It is prove...