Closer examination of the brains of people who have died from Alzheimer’s has shown a loss of cells that release a chemical called acetylcholine ~ those cells that are used for thinking.

The first signs of Alzheimer’s are loss of short-term memory for names and recent events. This then progresses to a difficulty learning new information, possibly eccentric behavior, depression and loss of spontaneity.

As Alzheimer’s continues to affect the sufferer, they will lose the ability to carry out everyday activities, questions will be asked repeatedly, and they may lose the ability to recognize friends and family.

Eventually nearly all mental functions will fail, a similar symptom to those suffering from multiple small strokes and severe alcoholism.

• Phosphatidyl Serine::
Phosphatidyl Serine is one of the many substances involved in the structure and maintenance of cell membranes. It was asserted by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2003 that “consumption of Phosphatidyl Serine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly” and further, “consumption of Phosphatidyl Serine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly”. Numerous studies back this up with evidence showing patients who took Phosphatidyl Serine orally showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

Ginkgo Biloba is an extract from the Maidenhair Tree that only grows in a small part of China. It contains a special extract called EGb 761 that has been shown at the Psychiatry Department at the National Medical University, Kyiv in the Ukraine to have demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive functioning and behavioral symptoms in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. Further studies have also concluded that the Ginkgo Biloba special extract EGb 761 seems to produce neuro-protective effects in neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

• Choline:
A naturally occurring compound, Choline is part of the B Vitamin group and has been shown to consistently help slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and improve
neurol functioning of suffers.

** Always check with your Doctor or Practitioner before taking supplements. Ginkgo is contraindicated in some antidepressants including SSRI’s.
Source: Elements4Healthci
Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, Farina C, Fiori MG, Crepaldi G. Cognitive decline in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration. Aging (Milano). 1993 Apr;5(2):123-33. PMID: 8323999.

The post Treating and Preventing Alzheimer’s Naturally ~ appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

she was looking for she pulled it out of the pile with the same hand she coughed into and the same finger she sucked on. She put the paper in a clipboard with that hand and then again with that same hand she thrust a pen at me.
To say that I was repulsed would be an understatement ~ trying not to reveal my revulsion I took the clipboard trying not to put my hand where hers had been but knowing it was a lost cause. I found the strength to refuse the pen ~ she looked offended so I lied that I had carpel tunnel and needed to use a special pen.

I proceeded to try to fill out the form without touching the paper or the clipboard. Then I went in for my interview and cringed every time the person touched that Paper of Germs. As I left, the interviewer handed my papers to his assistant and the unknowing woman walked off with the germs. I’m sure that this scenario was repeated all day long. Eventually people in that office will get sick but it will be blamed on the visitors ~ like me.

I’ve thrown out books borrowed by those Finger Suckers ~ Often I’ve spoken up trying to get them to see how they were endangering their own health ~ what do they think that they are putting in their mouths when they do this?

If they won’t consider other people ~ I wish that they would realize that this is very risky behavior ~ germs can live a long time on those surfaces. So please join me ~ call people on this behavior or give them an old #2 pencil with an eraser like my teachers used. I have decided than I’m going to buy a box of finger sleeves like proctologists use and when I see this behavior again I will hand them out to the offenders.

This is not rocket science ~ people are screaming about not enough vaccines being available but please remember that we have some responsibility for our own health and don’t be selfish.

This is a warning to all those Finger Lickers in the produce department ~ Stop putting your fingers in your mouth, to moisten them, in order to separate those plastic bags ~ you are being watched.

The post Please ~ Keep your Fingers out of your Mouth… appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

Danger for the Rooster ~ you could be robbed or cheated this month. Watch out for superficial friends. Be careful what you share with people as it could be used against you in a disastrous way. As bad as your Money and Career luck is ~ your Romance luck is just the opposite. You will have lots of romantic attention but avoid a one-night stand as there is potential physical danger.

Good Luck returns ~ a great month for the Dog. You are Lucky in both Money and Love. Business decisions you make will be successful as will any financial investments you make. Wear an amethyst bracelet to improve relationships with others. Alert ~ watch your health and guard against food poisoning.

Another great month for the Boar ~ you are lucky in both Money and Love. Your social life heats up ~ Be Sociable! Get out and meet people! If you have any unfinished bad business with anyone ~ let it go. Avoid wearing Red this month ~ it could weaken your good luck.

* If you don’t know your astrological sign ~ check the May 19, 2009 post

*Astrological characters by WOFS

The post Chinese Astrology Part III ~ November 7 ~ December 6, 2009 appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

Love Luck continues to be good for the Snake ~ easily attracting members of the opposite sex. If you’re looking for love ~ use your sense of humor ~ You can have your pick. Career luck is also good. Friends are there when you need them. However be careful of poor health this month.

Good Luck also continues for the Horse ~ opportunities abound ~ especially in relationships ~ including romance. If single you might get lucky this month ~ put a Rabbit in the East corner of your bedroom to boost Romance Luck. Troublemakers will try to upset things ~ so friends and relatives will be very important this month.

Illness visits the Sheep this month ~ with a risk of Infection and Sickness. This month the Southwest poses a danger to your health ~ make sure that you keep things very quiet in that area. The elderly and infirm should not sleep in the Southwest this month if at all possible. Watch your diet and make time for exercise ~ but be careful as accidents are possible. Wealth and Career Luck are positive.

Check back for Part III ~

* If you don’t know your astrological sign ~ check the May 19, 2009 post

*Astrological characters by WOFS

The post Chinese Astrology Part II ~ November 7th ~ December 6th appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

The Rat should avoid gambling or playing the stock market as Wealth Luck is only So So. At work you will reap what you sow and nothing more ~ Be Competitive. Love Luck is just average so this is not a good month for a new relationship. This month shows risks for accidents ~ be careful while driving and forget dangerous sports

It’s a great month for the Ox ~ There is Money and Success Luck this month ~ but the Ox will have to work for it ~ Focus on your Work ~ Do not miss deadlines. There is a possible promotion at work ~ This month it’s all about Hard Work. Spend time with your family ~ but accept loved ones for who they are. Single Ox should turn on the charm if they are looking for romance.

The Tiger is also in for a Great Month. You enjoy it all ~ Wealth ~ Career ~ Romance. But ~ You must make it happen ~ No other tactics but hard work Throw parties ~ invite friends to your home. The energy this month is very good ~ do not let it get away! Wear Blues and Blacks to harness the good energies of this month.

There may be Money Problems for the Rabbit. Keep an eye on your Finances ~ careful with joint checking accounts. You need to protect yourself from people who do not have you best interests at heart. Watch your temper ~ there will be Quarrelsome energies all around you ~ you must seize control. You should wear a 18K Gold Apple to control these argumentative tendencies. It’s best to lay low before starting anything new.

Check back for Part II ~

* If you don’t know your astrological sign ~ check the May 19, 2009 post

*Astrological characters by WOFS

The post Chinese Astrology ~ November 7 ~ December 6, 2009 appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

It appears that our bodies can only use the first 30 grams of protein to build muscle and the remaining protein is converted to glucose and fat.

Ingestion of sufficient dietary protein is a fundamental prerequisite for muscle protein synthesis and maintenance of muscle mass and function. Elderly people are often at increased risk for protein-energy malnutrition, sarcopenia, and a diminished quality of life. In a recent study ~ despite a threefold increase in protein and energy content, there was no further increase in protein synthesis after ingestion of 340g lean beef in either age group.
Ingestion of more than 30g protein in a single meal does not further enhance the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis in the young or the elderly.**

Shortcut: An ounce of meat or fish has approximately 7 grams of protein.

Beef
* Hamburger patty, 4 oz – 28 grams protein
* Steak, 6 oz – 42 grams
* Most cuts of beef – 7 grams of protein per ounce
Chicken
* Chicken breast, 3.5 oz – 30 grams protein
* Chicken thigh – 10 grams (for average size)
* Drumstick – 11 grams
* Wing – 6 grams
* Chicken meat, cooked, 4 oz – 35 grams
Fish
* Most fish fillets or steaks are about 22 grams of protein for 3 ½ oz (100 grams) of cooked fish, or 6 grams per ounce
* Tuna, 6 oz can – 40 grams of protein
Pork
* Pork chop, average – 22 grams protein
* Pork loin or tenderloin, 4 oz – 29 grams
* Ham, 3 oz serving – 19 grams
* Ground pork, 1 oz raw – 5 grams; 3 oz cooked – 22 grams
* Bacon, 1 slice – 3 grams
* Canadian-style bacon (back bacon), slice – 5 – 6 grams
Eggs and Dairy
* Egg, large – 6 grams protein
* Milk, 1 cup – 8 grams
* Cottage cheese, ½ cup – 15 grams
* Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label
* Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz
* Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz
* Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz
Beans
* Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc) about 7-10 grams protein per half cup of cooked beans
* Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams
Nuts and Seeds
* Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons – 8 grams protein
* Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
* Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams
* Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams
* Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams
* Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams
* Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 8 grams
* Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams

*
* Courtesy of The Journal of the American Dietetic Association

The post Building Muscle Mass with Protein ~ appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

Research into the underlying causes of inflammation and its effects on human health has exploded in recent years and much has been discovered and clarified which is giving the medical community a deeper understanding of how inflammation works and how it is connected to many of the deadliest disease of the 21st century. Researchers are discovering that inflammation, the body’s basic response to infection and injury, may be at the root of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

For some time, studies have indicated that there appears to be an association between depression and inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Until recently, it was difficult to determine whether the inflammation led to the depression or the depression led to the inflammatory state.

A recent study has clarified the issue somewhat by demonstrating that depression may actually precede certain inflammatory processes that may directly impact cardiovascular health.

Cross-sectional studies have found that individuals with depressive disorders or symptoms have elevated levels of inflammatory markers predictive of coronary artery disease, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

The present findings indicate that depressive symptoms may precede and augment some inflammatory processes relevant to coronary artery disease among healthy, older adults. Therefore, the results imply that depression may lead to inflammation and that inflammation may be one of the mechanisms through which depression contributes to cardiovascular risk.

In the future I will be discussing supplements and herbs to combat inflammation ~ stay tuned.
* Thanks to DFH for this Friday’s Facts.

The post Depression ~ Inflammation relationship appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

Some traditions also say that we should bury apples in the garden to nourish the souls of any loved ones who have passed over within the last year.

One of the favorites I’ve heard is to stand in front of a mirror anytime after sunset and make a secret wish. While staring into the mirror, actually try to ‘see’ the fulfillment of your wish as you silently whisper what it is to the spirits around you. Your wish should come true in some fashion before this same time next year.

Finally ~ eat an apple ~ legends has it that eating an apple after midnight on All Hallow’s Eve will bring bushels of fortune and good luck in the year to come.

The post HAPPY HALLOWEEN ~ Traditions appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

When you drink caffeine, however, the adenosine receptors mistake the caffeine for adenosine and bind to it. When caffeine is attached to the adenosine receptors, it does just the opposite of adenosine. It constricts the brain’s blood vessels, speeds up neuronal activity, and signals your body to go on high alert by producing adrenaline.

This gives you that Java Jolt, which makes your heart beat faster, your breathing become more shallow, and your muscles tense up. It also boosts dopamine levels, which activates the pleasure centers in your brain.

The bad news is that when the effects of the caffeine wear off, you feel sluggish. So you consume more caffeine to re-energize. Soon enough, you are hooked on the stuff. And it may take more and more caffeine to achieve that same feeling.

What happens to the adenosine receptor system when you consume large amounts of caffeine on a regular basis? For years, scientists have assumed that the adenosine receptor system could learn to compensate for the vasoconstrictive effects of the caffeine. Not so, according to a new study from a team of researchers at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

The Wake Forest researchers used brain imaging to test the effect of low, moderate, and high caffeine intake on cerebral blood flow. What they found is that habitually high caffeine intake (about 950mg a day) results in diminished blood flow to the brain, showing that the adenosine receptor system, in fact, does NOT learn to compensate for the effects of caffeine.

After years of studying brain scans, Dr. Amen assures us that reduced cerebral blood flow leads to brain drain. It lowers cognitive function and can exacerbate emotional and mental health problems. It can also wreak havoc with your sleep system and reduce the amount of deep sleep you get at night, leaving you feeling even more fatigued.

If you’re addicted to caffeine, try to wean yourself off it. If you want to avoid the fatigue and headaches that come from caffeine withdrawal, do it slowly by reducing your intake each week.

Try boosting dopamine with natural treatments ~ such as intense aerobic exercise. Green tea or supplements like Rhodiola can also help. Other supplements, such as NeuroRest, that promote relaxation and sleep, can help reset your sleep cycle.

Courtesy of Brain in The News
Amen Clinics, Inc.

The post What Does Caffeine Really Do To Your Brain? appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.

One man told a story about how when he was a kid and in the hospital near dying ~ his Italian grandmother came to the hospital and told a family member to go buy her a large onion and a new pair of white cotton socks. She sliced open the onion ~ put a slice on the bottom of each of his feet and then put the white cotton socks on him. In the morning when he awoke they removed the socks. The slices of onion were black and his fever was gone.

The following story might have some truth to it and I am going to try it this winter. In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people, supposedly there was a Doctor that visited many farmers to see if he could help
them. Many of the farmers and their families had contracted the Flu and many had died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy.

When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different ~ the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in every room of the home.  The doctor couldn’t believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions. He took the onion and placed it under the microscope ~ as the story goes, he did find the flu virus in the onion. Perhaps it absorbed the virus, therefore keeping the family healthy.

I heard similar stories from many practitioners. One said that a hairdresser in Arizona told her that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her
customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick.

The moral of the story is; buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office and on your desk. Try it and see what happens ~ many practitioners swear that they did it in the past and never got the flu.

One last anecdote from Oregon: “I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill…I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion ~ put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar…placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs…sure enough it happened just like that... the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.”

* Onions are very toxic to dogs and cats so be sure that your pets cannot get at them.

The post Skip the Flu Shot ~ Try an Onion ~ appeared first on Saratoga Feng Shui, Acupuncture & Healing Arts Blog - Red Phoenix Healing Arts By Mary Chamberlain.