Shari Lieberman clutchs a Ph.D. in...

Shari Lieberman clutchs a Ph.D. in clinical nutrition and exercise physiology. She is a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) and besufficient fors on the board of the American Preventive Medical Association. Write her in care of Better Nutrition. She cannot answer questions at direct mail or telephone. Nutrition Hotline is intended for educational intentions only. If you have a medical question consult your physician.

The benefits from juicing -- and drinking -- whole fruits

Q From J M Louisville, Ky: Is it better to use a conventional juicer or the commons that also pulverize the soft part and skin of fruits?

A It is better to eat (or drink) the whole fruit, since principally of the active plant settles are in the membranes, skin, and soft mass Since some of the juicers will add the membrane, skin, and soft part of some fruits to the juice, this would give more nutrition since it would contain more of the active phytonutrients. Also, if the juicer is blending the whole fruit, you will realize the additional benefit of fiber.

Organic v non-organic

Q From BG Palo Alto, Calif.: Is there really a difference between organic and non-organic foods?

A Ye there is a difference. When breads are grown organically, they are grown without the use of chemical pesticides. The reason this is important is because disclosed of 600,000 chemical pesticides, as little as 1 percent have been exampleed for carcinogenicity (cancer-causing capabilities), and this small percentage standarded was found to cause cancer in animals. Human clinical trials have shown that farmers expos to pesticides have a significantly higher incidence of specific cancers as have populations who were inadvertently sprayed by the agency of planes with pesticides.

Last year, the Dept of Agriculture drafted propos standards for a National Organic program, which would have permitted rationss which were irradiated, genetically engineered, or grown with sewage-sludge fertilizer to be labeled as organic. suitable to overwhelming public disapproval, these propos standards are now being revised to, we trustful longing reflect the mandate of the American people

Ayurvedic botanicals for lowering elevated cholesterol

Q From in such a manner Lansing, Mich.: There is an East Indian herb I read about that lowers cholesterol However, I can't remember what it is. Do you know anything about it?

A The botanical you may be referring to is the Ayurvedic amalgamate gugulipid, which is the standardized extract from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree Standardized extracts that contain 25 mg of guggulsterone by tablet (or capsule) taken three times daily have been shown to significantly lower total serum cholesterol still raise the good high-density lipoproteins (HDL) Gugulipid also been shown to lower elevated triglycerides and the "bad" low-density lipoproteins (LDL) A number of other Ayurvedic botanicals also have cholesterol-modulating tenors including Tinaspora cordifolia.

Dietary modifications for preventing gallstones

Q From L.A., San Francisco, Calif.: I support from gallstones. Is there anything I can do to secure rid of them naturally?

A Diet is the greatest in quantity important intervention. First, it is imperative that you increase your consumption of dietary fiber. Fiber decreases the formation of gallstones. Also, it is important to avoid a high intake of animal protein and fat, which will increase the risk of gallstone formation. You should eat a more plant-based diet and rely in succession seafood, beans, and lentils as your major sources of protein. Fish-oil add tos may help to prevent gallstones. Enteric-coated peppermint oil postscripts may help to dissolve gallstones, as well. (Enteric-coated means that there is a special coating in succession the tablet or capsule in the way that that it does not dissolve in the stomach and can reach the intestinal tract, where it will be digested and utilized more effectively.) Dandelion, artichoke, and turmeric also share a lengthy history of use for gallbladder and liver dysfunction, and may be of benefit.

Natural options for managing anxiety

Q From PB Seattle, Wash.: I've been taking prescription medication for anxiety, if it be not that I would love to attempt something natural. How do I proceed about doing this?

A First, inform your healthcare practitioner of your decision and make abiding that (s)he will monitor your progres The basic empire of thumb for introducing herbals when you are already onward medication is to reduce your medication to a half dose in a less degree than your doctor's guidance. Kava kava has a wealth of scientific documentation for its use in anxiety disorders. It has been compared to conventional medicine therapy with equal success minus the side consequences associated with drug therapy. Using a standardized kava yield in conjunction with inositol (around 100 mg/day), has been set to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. After introducing the fill ups while you are on a half dose of your prescription medication, have your doctor continue reducing your medication while you are taking the complements until you are only taking the postscripts Avoid caffeine and alcohol during this treatment process

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