Posts Tagged ‘fibromyalgia’
Ecklonia Cava Extract – A Unique Marine Antioxidant
Ecklonia Cava Extract, or ECE, is a standardized series of molecules that originate from Ecklonia cava, a specific species of brown algae. Ecklonia Cava Extract represents a unique variety of polyphenols known as phlorotannins, which have a unique structure that promotes biological activities not obtained from land-based plants.
Many scientists believe that ECE is a unique type of antioxidant. They estimate that Ecklonia Cava Extract is stronger than green tea extract by a factor of 10 to 100 times. It is also 40% fat soluble, which lets its effects be spread throughout more of the body than other antioxidants. It also stays in the blood significantly longer than other antioxidant compounds – up to twelve hours, by some estimates. The ORAC value, or antioxidant score, of ECE is also very high: 8300 mol TE/100g.
ECE has been called a “SuperAntioxidant.” What is so special about this substance to warrant this label? First, it has a unique structure that makes it especially good at scavenging free radicals in the body. Ecklonia Cava Extract has up to eight interconnecting rings; the catechins in green tea extract have only four. Also, it has the special ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Ecklonia Cava Extract has demonstrated powerful activity against two suspected enemies to human health: peroxynitrite and oxidized LDL cholesterol. Peroxynitrite is a dangerous free radical that has been implicated in multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions. Oxidized LDL cholesterol particles have been linked to conditions such as metabolic syndrome. It is also believed that Ecklonia Cava Extract contains powerful inflammatory mediators.
Ecklonia Cava Extract was administered to a group of established fibromyalgia patients in an 8-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. The participants reported positive results: higher energy levels, sounder sleep, reduced pain, improvement in general condition, and more good days per week. They study also indicated that Ecklonia Cava Extract increased overall nighttime sleep, and reduced the time it took to fall asleep in these patients.
ECE also shows promise in aiding in weight loss and fighting obesity. ECE reduced body fat and increased physical activity in obese laboratory rats. In a study of young adults given an ECE-containing beverage, they reported increased muscle mass and lowered body fat. It also has been shown to contain compounds capable of promoting healthy cholesterol levels, providing cardiovascular protection, and scavenging free radicals in the bloodstream.
Ecklonia Cava Extract may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory rats given ECE showed an inhibition of beta-amyloid formation in the brain, a substance which accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease. Ecklonia Cava Extract has also been linked to general improvements in brain function. Many benefits have been observed: protection of neural cells, enhancements in brain activity related to memory formation, increased blood flow to the carotid artery, as well as general improvements in memory, relaxation, and alertness.
ECE is certainly a unique substance and warrants further study. There may be even greater benefits that we are not currently aware of. Ongoing studies indicate that ECE may help treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, inflammation, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.
Tags: antioxidants, ece, ecklonia cava, ecklonia cava extract, fibromyalgia, Fitness, Health, nutrition, nutritional supplements, Supplements, vitamins
Infrared Sauna Therapy May Be the Best Drug Free Relief for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an progressively epidemic ailment which results in enduring pain all over and including aching joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia leaves its suffers with extreme fatigue, limited mobility upon rising in the morning, insomnia, migraines, insensibility to touch in hands and feet, low spirits, and anguish.
The most commonplace medical care for fibromyalgia is pain relief meds to combat the never ending complaints. It is widely publicized that there are also bad after effects related to habitual use of analgesic medications. Up to date research on extended use of over the counter painkillers like Advil, Motrin and Aleve have demonstrated that the likelihood of contracting oral cancer dropped by nearly 50%. Conversely, the danger of dying from coronary illness among ibuprofen users went up over three times as much.
Additionally, the media has had quite a bit to say over the last few years about Bextra, Vioxx and Celebrex (prescription drugs) which have left many people suffering with horrible side effects. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has decided to give out warnings against the long-term use of all painkiller drugs.
Over the counter medications are not the only way to find relief from aches and pains. People may also get some symptomatic relief from many different natural cures that not only treat inflammation and pain, but also shield your heart from the damaging effects of prescription medications.
Using infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief is starting to become a widely recognized compelling treatment. Studies have shown that handling the symptoms of fibromyalgia with deep heat is more effective than pain killer drugs. Infrared saunas emit heat that goes below the skin’s surface and can definitely affect the entire body.
Additionally, the detoxification side results of infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief, help in the over all well being of the body and its natural tendency to heal.
Furthermore, employing an infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief can also reduce the fatigue and depression that so often go with the physical discomfort of fibromyalgia. When commencing infrared sauna sessions, the quantity and quality of one’s sleep gets better. Also, it is believed that infrared sauna sessions may reduce depression by stimulating the pituitary.
The habitual use of infrared sauna for fibromyalgia can notably lessen fibromyalgia pain without the taking drugs. When you consider all the other health benefits associated with infrared sauna, using it to compliment your fibromyalgia treatments is a sensible idea.
Tags: alternative healing, fibromyalgia, Fitness, healing, Health, heat therapy, infrared sauna, infrared sauna for fibromyalgia relief, infrared saunas, NSAIDs, OTC pain killers, pain management, portable infrared saunas, self-help
