Diminished vitamin D levels may be linked to the spread of the flu. Research found that nonpandemic influenzas occur primarily in temperate regions and in winter when the skin’s vitamin D formation due to sun exposure is low. Influenza seasonality is seldom observed in tropical regions.
Although an initial pandemic can start in any season, secondary waves often occur in autumn or winter, and can be more serious. The increased lethality of secondary winter waves can also be explained by decreased vitamin D levels.
Continue reading “Reduced Vitamin D Levels and Flu Outbreaks”
A significant study has found that the deleterious effects of traumatic brain injury in American football players can be mitigated using a natural regimen of weight loss (if needed), fish oil, vitamins, and brain-enhancing supplements including ginkgo biloba. The positive results could help reverse brain damage in contact sport athletes, alcohol and drug addicts, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and people who have had brain damage from concussions.
A chemical that occurs naturally in the common herb rosemary has been found to protect the eye from macular degeneration and other eye diseases. This study, published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, is one of many recent investigations into the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the active ingredients in medicinal herbs. The compound in Rosemary is called “carnosic acid.”
Transplanting light-sensitive photoreceptor cells into mice with night blindness resulted in improved night vision. Night blindness means seeing poorly in the darkness, but seeing normally when there is enough light. In this groundbreaking research, scientists injected light-sensitive photoreceptor cells into night-blind mice’s eyes. After this treatment, the animals were able to see well enough to navigate a water maze and swim toward a visual cue in dimly lit conditions. Controls who did not receive the treatment were unable to efficiently navigate the maze.
Vitamin D
Anderson Cooper, veteran reporter for the news channel CNN, was temporarily blinded by a flash corneal burn from excessive sun exposure while researching a news story in Portugal. He was not wearing sunglasses. The reporter’s eyesight returned after 36 hours.
A study has found that a type of glaucoma called “low-tension” may be helped using gingko biloba extract, a natural supplement.
Should you take extra Vitamin A if you have Stargardt’s Disease? Vitamin A supplementation is frequently recommended for certain eye diseases (AMD and Retinitis Pigmentosa, for example). This nutrient is crucial for rebuilding photoreceptors cells and proper retinal functioning. However, a study on mice published in “Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science” indicated that Stargardt’s Disease patients may be damaged by taking Vitamin A.
An enzyme acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of a chemical reaction. Enzymes are proteins. Scientists have named 3,000+ different enzymes, but perhaps 50,000 additional enzymes may exist. Enzymes all have specific functions that result in biochemical reactions. For example, certain enzymes are involved in the absorption of oxygen and production of energy; other enzymes help nutrients get into the cells.