health briefs

Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a global disease that particularly affects people in low-income communities, but a new study by the UK University of Nottingham suggests that beetroot juice may be a practical solution for people with high blood pressure that have little access to diagnostic help or money for medication. Researchers divided 47 people between 50 and 70 years of age in Tanzania into three groups. For 60 days, one group drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice and folic acid; another was given nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo; and the third drank nitrate-depleted beetroot juice. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 10.8 millimeters (mm) Hg (mercury) in the nitrate-rich plus folic acid group and 6.1 mm Hg in the nitrate-rich and placebo group. Studies have shown that the high level of nitrates in beets is converted by the digestive system into nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health

Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nanocurcumin, and the third a placebo. After eight weeks, both types of curcumin significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels. They also boosted antioxidant levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced C-reactive protein levels, indicating less inflammation. The nano-curcumin, however, produced even better results in five of those indexes, leading the authors to conclude that the effects of curcumin on the nano formula may be more conducive for cardiac patients due to its high bioavailability. Nano-curcumin is made through a process that encapsulates the herb, allowing it to be metabolized better.

UrbanHouse Salon is All About Sustainability

“There is a universal truth that applies to every single living being and binds us together as one, no matter where you live and no matter what nationality you are. That simple truth is: We all depend upon our planet’s environment for survival.” – Kevin Murphy

At UrbanHouse salon, we believe in this spirit of sustainability and environmental friendliness. The health and beauty of our planet and your hair should be in harmony. That is one of the primary reasons that we chose to work with Kevin Murphy products and colors.

Every effort is made to help protect the environment by utilizing packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable. Only natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources are used and harvested in a way that does no harm to the environment. Sulfate-free surfactants that effectively cleanse without stripping or depleting the hair of its color; alpha hydroxy acids or fruit acids, derived from papaya, citrus and sugar cane, that gently exfoliate the hair surface without drying or depleting the hair; and soap bark tree, Quillaja and other plant-derived sources that help to nourish the hair are used to ensure that the beauty and health of your hair are protected, all while protecting our environment.

To further that commitment, UrbanHouse has also invested in Ecoheads for our sinks, which save about 98 gallons, or about 65 percent, of water per sink every day, as well as disposable and biodegradable sugar cane color bowls to further save water usage.

At UrbanHouse, we hope to leave your hair and the planet a little better than we found it.

Location: 19 S. Main St., Bldg. B, Mullica Hill. For more information or to make an appointment, call 856-284-3148 or visit UrbanHouseSalon.com.

Keep Off Junk Foods for Cognitive Wellness

New research from Rush Medical College, in Chicago, shows that regularly cheating on a healthy diet undermines its cognitive benefits. For 19 years, researchers followed 5,001 adults over age 65 that were asked to eat the Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on daily servings of fruit, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, fish, potatoes and unrefined cereals, plus moderate wine consumption. Every three years, their cognitive abilities were tested and their diets reviewed, including how often they ate a Western diet of fried foods, sweets, refined grains, red meat and processed meats. After almost two decades, those that adhered most faithfully to the Mediterranean diet were cognitively 5.8 years younger than those that followed it the least.

Small things done with great love will change the world. ~Mother Teresa Manage and Treat Pain at Regenerative Medicine of South Jersey

A year ago, many people unexpectedly started working from their dining room tables, couches or beds. While working from home has helped keep people physically distanced, another health concern has appeared: aches and pains in the back and neck.

While making simple changes like creating an ergonomic workspace with proper posture, stretching and physical exercise can be beneficial, many individuals may need more help to treat neck and back pain, or other musculoskeletal issues that have developed from weeks, or months, of poor work-from-home habits.

For those concerned about their back or neck, struggling to manage the level of pain, or have pain that has persisted for several weeks, or longer, it may be time to seek the advice of a medical practitioner.

The team at Regenerative Medicine of South Jersey is highly skilled to effectively manage and treat back and neck pain through chiropractic, rehabilitation and regenerative therapies. Regenerative Medicine of South Jersey’s comprehensive treatment plans help stimulate the body’s natural healing process so that one can get back to one’s daily life without pain. Seeing a health professional can yield many benefits that dramatically improve physical and emotional well-being.

Regenerative Medicine of South Jersey has two locations, in Marlton and Rio Grande. For more information or to request an appointment, call 609-886-8585.