 This new double-blind study explored whether the herb licorice could shorten stays in the ICU for critically ill COVID patients.
Better known as a candy, licorice is actually a powerful and versatile herb. It is anti-inflammatory and antiviral, which makes it an interesting candidate for COVID. Licorice modulates the release of inflammatory cytokines and prevents the virus that causes COVID from entering your cells (Phytomed Plus. 2021 Aug;1(3):100043). Previous studies have shown that licorice can improve cure rates in COVID (Chin J Virol. 2020; 1:160–4). This new double-blind study is intriguing because it included people in intensive care units who were critically ill with COVID. All of them received standard care, while half were also given a placebo, and half were also given 380mg of licorice root extract standardized to 3% glycyrrhizin twice a day for 5 days. There was no improvement in secondary outcomes, including oxygen saturation, duration of ventilation or mortality rate. But what the researchers really wanted to find out, the primary outcome, was whether licorice could reduce the length of stay in the ICU. And it did. The people given licorice had significantly shorter stays in the ICU. While the standard treatment plus placebo group averaged 25 days in ICU, the standard care plus licorice group averaged only 13.1 days. They also had shorter hospital stays (23.7 days versus 35.1), though that trend did not quite reach statistical significance. J Res Pharm Pract. 2023 Oct-Dec;12(4):141–147.
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 High blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Eating more vegetables is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study suggests that eating more cruciferous vegetables may be especially effective.
Cruciferous foods are a family of vegetables that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, arugula, Bok choy, collards, radish, turnip, watercress and others. This controlled study compared a soup made of cruciferous vegetables to a soup made of root and squash vegetables. The cruciferous soup contained 40% broccoli, 25% cauliflower, 25% cabbage, and 10% kale, and the control soup contained 40% potato, 30% pumpkin, 20% carrot, and 10% sweet potato. None of the 18 participants–all of whom had mildly elevated blood pressure–knew which soup they were eating. At the end of the 2-week study, blood pressure was reduced by a significantly greater 2.5 mmHg in the cruciferous group. That reduction could translate into a 5% reduced risk of major cardiovascular events. That result may be especially impressive because the control group was far from a placebo. The vegetables in the control soup might also lower blood pressure. Though the cruciferous soup lowered triglycerides better than the control soup, both significantly improved total, LDL and HDL cholesterol as well as glucose levels, and both significantly lowered weight, body mass index and body fat mass. This study suggests that eating cruciferous vegetables may be especially effective for lowering blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure. BMC Med 2024;22,353.  This little talked about herb is building an impressive resume for diabetes.
Several studies have now shown the fruit, leaf, and twigs of mulberry to help people with diabetes. Now, yet another study has added to the accumulating evidence. Improving glycemic control is a key to managing diabetes. Slowing the digestion of carbohydrates helps manage glycemic control. Mulberry contains components that slow the final step in the digestion of carbohydrates and reduce the rate of glucose uptake. This new study used mulberry fruit extract. 24 unmedicated type 2 diabetics were given either nothing or .27 mg of mulberry fruit extract added to carbohydrates. Compared to the control group, the mulberry group reduced blood sugar 2 hours after eating 22.4%. it reduced insulin after eating by 17.5% This small study adds to the evidence that supplementing mulberry safely help-s manage glucose and can help diabetics. Nutrients. 2024 Jul;16(14):2177  This systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 controlled studies included many forms of garlic, including powder, aged garlic extract, enteric coated garlic, garlic oil and raw garlic.
It found that garlic significantly improves fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, the most important marker of long-term blood sugar and diabetes control. Garlic also significantly lowered the bad LDL cholesterol, significantly raised the good HDL cholesterol, and significantly improved total cholesterol. This new meta-analysis adds to the ever-growing body of evidence that garlic benefits blood sugar and cholesterol. Nutrients. 2024;16(11):1692  Depression is common and potentially debilitating. Teen depression is a serious mental health problem. A safe, effective, affordable and natural treatment could offer a lot of help to a lot of young people. New research is pointing to vitamin D as part of that help.
There are many possible contributing causes to depression and many ways vitamin D might help. Vitamin D is vital for neurotransmitter regulation. It helps prevent depletion of dopamine and serotonin. Vitamin D is also an anti-inflammatory that can hold back the inflammatory cytokines that are now known to be associated with depression. Low Levels of vitamin D are associated with depression (Br J Psychiatry. 2013 Feb; 202:100-7). People with vitamin D deficiency are 4.7 times more likely to suffer from depression than people with sufficient levels of vitamin D. And the lower the levels of vitamin D, the worse the severity of the depression (Ind Psychiatry j. 2023 Jan-Jun;32(1);100-105). Supplementing vitamin D can help, according toa 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 of controlled studies (J Clin Nutr. 2022; nqac107). In 2023, researched conducted an umbrella meta-analysis, which means that they did a meta-analysis of all existing meta-analyses. Meta-analysis of 4 meta-analyses found that people with lower vitamin D are at increased risk of depression. Meta-analysis of 10 meta-analyses found that, compared to placebo, vitamin D significantly improves depression (Pharmacol Res. 2023 Jan: 187:106605). Now a new study has shown that vitamin D can help adolescents with depression. The study gave either 2250 IU of vitamin D a day or 250 IU of vitamin D plus 500 mg of calcium to depressed teenagers for 9 weeks. The vitamin D group, but not the low dose vitamin D control group, had significantly improved scores on the Beck Depression Inventory and the improvement in depression scores was significantly greater in the Vitamin D group. This study adds to the evidence that vitamin D may have an important role to play in the treatment of depression and adds the valuable new evidence that it may also specifically helps teenagers struggling with depression.  National Organic Month is a thirty-day-long annual celebration observed in September. It helps with promoting how organic farming and production improves the environment and ensures that the foods we eat are as close to their natural state as possible. History of National Organic MonthThe organic movement originated in the early 1900s in response to the early days of modern agriculture's trend toward synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides. A small group of farmers formed various organizations, that came together to form the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM,) founded in 1972. Environmental awareness has fueled demand and conversion to organic farming in recent years. Through agricultural subsidy reform, certain governments, particularly from the European Union, have moved to encourage organic farming. The urgency to transform our food systems has never been higher in the face of climate change, diet-related illness, and broad wildlife reduction. The Soil Association launched a month-long campaign in September 2013 called 'National Organic Month' or 'Organic September', to raise awareness of the various benefits of organic food and farming, which include; biological diversity and wildlife protection, contributing to the fight against climate change, reduced pesticide exposure, and high-quality food. Organic food sales exploded in the early 2000s as people realized the link between diet, health, and the environment. Clean labeling and transparency are becoming increasingly popular in the food and beverage industries Why National Organic Month is Important.
Reasons To Eat Organic.Eating organic reduces the amount of chemicals in your diet namely persistent pesticides. The use of insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and weedkillers are strictly monitored in organic food production. Even if some organic farms do use pesticides, these pesticides are primarily derived from natural substances and must be approved for organic production. Learn more about this process from the Rodale Institute and find out why pesticides can't just be "washed off" here. By eating organic you also the best way to avoid GMO foods, ingredients and contamination. The use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can't plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can't eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic food producers cannot use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren't using GMOS, and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances from farm to table. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in organic food, which means the cleaner your food, the cleaner your diet, which can aide into a healthier life. The issue with these synthetic additives, that are found in processed conventional foods, is that they can lead to many health problems. The hidden cost in this "cheap" food is the fees consumers are paying with their health — from diabetes to obesity, to ADHD, the food-related diseases are at an all-time high. Organic food contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than conventionally raised food. In both children and adults, the higher levels of antioxidants found in certain organic foods can help with strengthening our immune systems and contribute to an overall better health. Plus, with the reduction in the number of pesticides in organic foods may also be good for healthier, clearer skin. Studies have shown that children have lower risk of eczema and allergies if fed primarily an organic diet. If you have been considering switching over or starting an organic diet, stop on by our store and check out our organic produce and other organic products we have to offer. We would love to show you all the organic products we have to offer this organic month and every month after!
 As the new school year begins, it is important to keep your student's wellness in mind by ensuring that everything from their bodies to their brains stay nourished. Here are some meal, snack, and supplement recommendations that will help start their year off right and help them maintain it with products sold here at The Whole Wheatery! Health and WellnessWith kids at school and flu season fast approaching, it's important to help keep them at their best so they don't miss too much school time! Our supplement department offers a wide variety of supplements and vitamins that may aide in keeping their immune system nice and strong. If your kids do happen to fall ill, we have items that can help ease their symptoms, and for the little ones who aren't school- age, we have them covered too!   Nature's Way Sambucus Immune Syrup for kids is made with a proprietary herbal blend of multiple types of echinacea to support your little one's immune support. The formula also includes their black elderberry extract. Your kids will love the delicious berry taste, and you'll love that this syrup is gluten-free, vegetarian, and artificial color free.  MaryRuth's Organic Toddler Vitamin C Liquid Drops help support the immune system and overall health and wellness of your toddler. Their organic vitamin C being in liquid form, makes it easier for you to provide your toddler all the benefits of this essential vitamin. BreakfastA good breakfast = a good morning. Start your kids' days off right with a yummy nutritional first meal of the day. We got you covered from plant-based options to your gluten-free needs!  Cereal has been an easy go-to breakfast for many families. Food For Life Ezekiel cereal should be your go-to healthy cereal. Thier cereal contains seven organic sprouted grains that will keep you fuller than most cereals with just one serving! Make sure you check out their other flavors and other brands we carry in our cereal aisle to see what's right for you!  Looking for a hot and easy breakfast? Amy's kitchen just debuted new breakfast scrambles! The Mexican and California scrambles have tofu-based eggs and offer a high protein start to your day.  Oatly's Original Oat Milk is made from fresh 100% gluten-free oats and enriched with calcium. Not only will you love that this milk is non-GMO and vegan, but you'll love the taste too! LunchNot only do you want your child to have a nutritious breakfast, but you want to make sure that nutrition follows them to lunch as well. Lunch is important because it can help reenergize your child midday and help them finish the school day off strong!   Food For Life's Ezekiel Bread is not just your ordinary bread; They have lots of natural nutrients and are bursting with flavor. Their breads are flourless and crafted with sprouted grains to capture all their wholesomeness. For the customers who cannot or prefer to not have added sodium, Food For Life Ezikiel Low Sodium bread has all the benefits of the Original Ezekiel bread, just without the sea salt!  Applegate is wholesome, easy to prepare, and humanely raised! Their oven roasted turkey is casein free, sugar free, and gluten free. Add it to your favorite subs or salads! SnacksWhether it's for their breaks, school lunch, or after school, we got you covered if you're looking for healthy snacks to add to their day!   Beef jerky can make an excellent snack because of its protein! So, tear into Archer's Original Beef Jerky with 9 grams of protein per serving. They also have other yummy flavors like teriyaki or mango habanero if you're looking for some heat.  Bear Mango Fruit Rolls have a sweet, tropical, juicy mango taste that will remind you of the perfect summer day. Their Fruit Rolls only contain naturally occurring sugars, and never added sugar! Their fruit snacks contain all the goodness of fruit, and are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. It's the perfect fruit snack for any time of the day, at school, at home, or on the go! After School MealsWith the kids at school and parents at work, nothing is better than coming home at the end of the day and enjoying a delicious dinner together. If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, our grocery and frozen departments got you covered!   Jovial has taken their award-winning brown rice pasta and combined it with creamy, dairy free goodness to create the ultimate Vegan Mac!  Caulipower Chicken Tenders are the crispier, juicer, healthier version of a classic favorite. Made with all-natural premium chicken and crispy plant-powered coating, they really are made with (chicken) tender loving care. Come get these items and more here at The Whole Wheatery and more today! Let us help you make this school year a healthy one!
If you had to choose, which would you rather have: a healthy father or a good father?
Studies suggest men often choose being a good father over being healthy. Becoming a father is a major milestone in the life of a man, often shifting the way he thinks from being “me focused” to “we focused.” But fatherhood can also shift how men perceive their health. Our research has found that fathers can view health not in terms of going to the doctor or eating vegetables but how they hold a job, provide for their family, protect and teach their children, and belong to a community or social network. As founder and director of the Center for Research on Men’s Health at Vanderbilt University and as a postdoctoral fellow from Meharry Medical College, we study why men live shorter lives than women, male attitudes about fatherhood, how to help men engage in healthier behavior – as well as what can be done to reduce men’s risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Introducing Vital Planet's The Complete Probiotic+ Formulated to Support Specific Health Needs. Click on the images to read and learn more about Digestive Health and the products from Vital Planet that can provide you relief and solutions you have been looking for. Visit us in store to talk to one of our Supplement Consultants if you have any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help you find the right products specifically for you.
As liquid vitamins are becoming increasingly popular among those looking to supplement their diets and improve their overall health, Buried Treasure introduced these easy to use, on-the-go supplements you can take anytime, anywhere (Ideal for your overall well-being and healthy holistic lifestyle.) These wellness drops are now available in our store. Visit us and speak with our Supplement Consultants to find the right one for you!  |
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