Tag: vitamins

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Biosea Health Health Benefits Pain Reduction

Natural Medicine for Joint Pain

Seaweed - a natural remedies for joint pain

Want a natural medicine for joint pain? One that is more effective than conventional analgesics or anti-inflammatories. In fact, medical practitioners advise against long term use of regular analgesics for joint pain. There are numerous remedies but the following 10 have proven trials. How much do you need? Most of these require a reasonable quantity consumed each day.

Joint pain, usually called arthritis (which means swollen joint) – in the back, hands, pelvis knees or ankles may be due to multiple causes. Some say that weight from obesity is the major cause – but more recently understanding is arthritis is primarily and inflammatory response. With over 104 different types of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. (Read more here) it is not surprising that studies show various levels of pain relief. Not just with artificial drugs but also natural medicines.

Seaweed

Seaweed extracts such as fucoidan are effective. The fucoidan comes from brown seaweed, but red seaweed is effective and there is good evidence in animals and in humans that whole seaweed is even more effective. Should you take the whole plant or just an extract? Prof Lindsay Brown says the whole plant has various other nutrients and vitamins that have other benefits so you should eat the whole plant and forget the extracts. Customers have experienced remarkable reduction of arthritis from Pacific Seamoss.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAM-e acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may stimulate cartilage growth and also affects neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which reduce pain perception. Two studies have shown that it relieves OA symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fewer side effects and more prolonged benefit.

Indian frankincense – Boswellia serrate

The active components (Boswellic acids) have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It also may help prevent cartilage loss and inhibit the autoimmune process. In a 2008 study, the extract, also known as Loxin 5, significantly improved OA pain and function within seven days. An Indian study also revealed it slowed cartilage damage after three months of use.

Osteo arthritis versus rheumotoid arthritis – courtesy of Grace and Able.

Capsaicin – Capsicum frutescens

Capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, a pain transmitter. Its pain-relieving properties have been shown in many studies, including a 2010 study published in Phytotherapy Research, which revealed a 50 percent reduction in joint pain after three weeks of use. It is available as a topical cream, gel or patch

Tumeric/Curcumin –Curcuma longa

Curcumin is the chemical in turmeric that can reduce joint pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. A 2010 clinical trial using a turmeric supplement showed long-term improvement in pain and function in patients with knee OA. A small 2012 study using a curcumin product, BCM-95, showed more reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA when compared to diclofenac sodium.

Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

ASU blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents deterioration of synovial cells, which line joints, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue. A large three-year study published in 2013 showed that ASU significantly reduced progression of hip OA compared with placebo. A 2008 meta-analysis found that ASU improved symptoms of hip and knee OA, and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.

Cat’s Claw – Uncaria tomentosa

Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory that inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a target of powerful RA drugs. It also contains compounds that may benefit the immune system. A small 2002 trial showed it reduced joint pain and swelling by more than 50 percent compared with placebo. Look for a brand that is free of tetra-cyclic oxindole alkaloids.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA)

Omega-3s block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, and are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA and dozens of other inflammatory conditions. A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use. Recent studies have shown it is little better than placebo.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts into anti-inflammatory chemicals. In one trial, 56 patients with active RA showed significant improvement in joint pain, stiffness and grip strength after six months and progressive improvement in control of disease activity at one year. A smaller study found that a combination of GLA and fish oil significantly reduced the need for conventional pain relievers.

Ginger – Zingiber officinale

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors. In a 2012 study, a specialized ginger extract reduced inflammatory reactions in RA as effectively as steroids did. Earlier studies showed that taking a certain extract four times daily reduced osteoarthritis pain in the knee after three months of treatment, and another taken twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen taken three times daily for hip and knee OA pain

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is recent addition, and data is not yet clear. Cannabinoids are thought to influence the body’s own endocannabinoid system, which regulate biological functions such as metabolism, pain sensation and nervous system functions. Animal studies show CBD reduces pain and inflammation, and it may ease anxiety and improve sleep, but human research is needed. One study found synthetic-derived CBD was effective for knee OA pain. The FDA has approved CBD-derived drugs for rare childhood epileptic conditions.

Other Natural Products

There are many other natural medicines for relief of pain, and these include pine back extract, rosehips, and green lipped mussel extracts.

References

[1] Makkar, F & Chakraborty, K 2017, Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans from red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia, International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 1326-37.

[2] Kumar, S.A., Brown, L. Seaweeds as potential therapeutic interventions for the metabolic syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 14, 299–308 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-013-9254-8

[3] John O, Mouatt P, Prasadam I , Xiao Y, Panchal S, Brown L 2019 The edible native Australian fruit, Davidson’s plum (Davidsonia pruriens), reduces symptoms in rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome, Journal of Functional Foods, (56) Pages 204-215, ISSN 1756-4646,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2019.03.018.

[4] Kumar M & Sharma S (2020) Toxicological effects of marine seaweeds: a cautious insight for human consumption, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1738334

[5] D’Orazio, N.; Gemello, E.; Gammone, M.A.; De Girolamo, M.; Ficoneri, C.; Riccioni, G. Fucoxantin: A Treasure from the Sea. Mar. Drugs 2012, 10, 604-616.

[6] Tirtawijaya, G., Haque, M. N., Choi, J. S., Moon, I. S., Meinita, M. D. N., Choi, J.-S., & Hong, Y.-K. (2019). Spinogenesis and Synaptogenesis Effects of the Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and Its Isolated Cholesterol on Hippocampal Neuron Cultures. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 24(4), 418. (PubMed)

[7] Wanyonyi, S., Du Preez, R., Brown, L., Paul, N. A., & Panchal, S. K. (2017). Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats. Nutrients, 9(11), 1261.(Pubmed)

[8] du Preez, R.; Paul, N.; Mouatt, P.; Majzoub, M.E.; Thomas, T.; Panchal, S.K.; Brown, L. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 2020, 18, 97.

[9] Zakaria, A, Jais, MR & Ishak, R 2018, Analgesic properties of Nigella sativa and Eucheuma cottonii extracts  Journal of natural science, biology, and medicine, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 23.

[10] Myers SP, O’Connor J, Fitton JH, et al. A combined phase I and II open label study on the effects of a seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis. Biologics. 2010;4:33-44. Published 2010 Mar 24. doi:10.2147/btt.s8354

[11] Sekar, S., Shafie, S., Prasadam, I. et al. Saturated fatty acids induce development of both metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis in rats. Sci Rep 7, 46457 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46457

[12] 10 Supplements for Arthritis Arthritis Foundation

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Biosea Health Health Benefits

Seaweed is Full of Vitamins

seaweed is full of vitamins and minerals Pacific Seamoss

Seaweed is full of vitamins, but analysis of vitamins has not been straightforward and many papers do not publish the levels. The amount of vitamins will depend on:

  • Growing conditions for the seaweed crop
  • Age of seaweed at harvest
  • Genotype or form of the seaweed
  • DNA or genotype of the seaweed
  • Conditions at harvest
  • Post harvest treatments
  • Chemical process to extract the vitamins from the seaweed as the vitamins may be tightly bound in the biological material

all lead to variation in the levels of vitamins measured.

Seaweed is full of vitamins

The data presented included:

  • Review of the quantity as measured by the researcher
  • Averaging of data where there is general agreement
  • RDI numbers are based on a 19 to 50 year old woman – rather than some RDI numbers that vary depending on sex and on age of the human

Vitamin Analysis for Pacific Seamoss

Vitamin / Or Other NameTotal in 2.50Quantity per 100gRDI (ug or mg)Serving as % of RDI
Vitamin A (retinol + Beta Carotene)131.5ug131.5ug700.0ug19%
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)0.2mg0.2mg1.0mg19%
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)0.5ug0.5ug1.7ug30%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) mg0.5mg0.5mg16.0mg3%
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic)0.0mg0.0mg5.0mg0%
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)0.0mg0.0mg1.2mg0%
Vitamin B7 (biotin)0.0ug0.0ug0.3ug8%
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)30.5ug30.5ug400.0ug8%
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)0.0ug0.0ug2.4ug0%
Vitamin C2.7mg2.7mg45.0mg6%
Vitamin D6.3ug6.3ug15.0ug42%
Vitamin E6.1mg6.1mg20.0mg30%
Vitamin K0.6ug0.6ug70.0ug1%
Choline16.9mg16.9mg400.0mg4%
Seaweeds are a good source of vitamins. The amount of vitamins does depend on when the age of seaweed, the harvesting process, drying and heating and processing. These numbers are best estimates based on previous published papers, and are subject to change,

Customers have told us they feel better, and it is probably the Vitamin B that assist. It may be trace elements, but the combination of trace elements and vitamins may complement each other.

References

Cotas, João, Adriana Leandro, Diana Pacheco, Ana M. M. Gonçalves, and Leonel Pereira. 2020. ‘A Comprehensive Review of the Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Applications of Red Seaweeds (Rhodophyta)’. Life 10 (3): 19. https://doi.org/10.3390/life10030019.

Fayaz, Mohamed. 2005. ‘Chemical Composition, Iron Bioavailability, and Antioxidant Activity of Kappaphycus Alvarezzi (Doty) | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry’. 6 January 2005. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf0493627.

Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes. (Link Here)

Rajasulochana, P. & Krishnamoorthy, P.. (2013). An investigation on the neutraceutical aspects of the Kappaphycus alvarezii. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 5. 25-33. (Link Here)

Rajasulochana, P. & Krishnamoorthy, P. & Dhamotharan, R.. (2013). An investigation on the antioxidants, antifungal and antibacterial of the Kappaphycus alvarezii. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences. 4. 586-594. (Link Here)

Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 13, Arsenic, Boron, Nickel, Silicon, and Vanadium. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222322/

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Beauty Biosea Health Health Benefits

Hair Grows Faster With Seaweed

Hair grows faster with seaweed Pacific Sea Moss

Ever wondered how insta influencers get luscious, long hair without extensions? Why is it that their hair grows faster?

So do we. Most of us have to spend hundreds on expensive products only to find ourselves with brittle hair and split ends from all the over styling we’ve been doing. Does this sound a lot like your daily struggle?

Our Customers Report Hair Grows Faster

Well, we’ve got some great news for you. the science buffs at Biosea Health have stumbled upon some amazing science that may hold the answers. Their customers, taking seaweed for blood pressure problems, started reporting hair was growing quickly and trips to the barber or hairdresser were becoming more frequent.

Turns out that seaweed could be the solution to our dry, damaged-hair problems. Studies have shown that the right amount of seaweed can increase hair growth by nearly four times. Yes, you read that correctly, four times faster than the normal rate of hair growth.

Hair Grew 4 times faster in Experiments

In a study back in 2011, Muhammad et al found within 15 days, those that ate seaweed with recently cut hair had a regrowth rate of 95-100% and those that did not eat seaweed had a regrowth rate of 25-30%. Basically, with a high seaweed diet, we can see our hair transforming from lush to lusher.

Want to see the results but don’t fancy a munching on a big bowl of seaweed everyday? Not a problem. Biosea Health have dried whole seaweed and put it into capsules or granules so you can get the right amount of seaweed without having to chow down on sea-greens by the bucket load

So, ditch the hair-growth gummies and test out a more effective, vegan alternative to long, lively hair.

STAGES IN HAIR GROWTH

hair grows faster with Pacific Seamoss

ANATOMY OF HAIR

hair grows faster with seaweed. Anatomy of hair follicle

HAIR GROWTH IN RATS

hair grows faster with seaweed
(a) Ethanolic extract of seaweed, (b) aquaeous extract of seaweed (c) honey, (d) water. From Fard et al [1]

Why did hair grow faster?

The authors found the extraction fraction from seaweed also possessed several antioxidant compounds which may be responsible for the accelerated hair growth and wound healing. Hair is considered to be a major component of an individual’s general appearance. Demand for medications that alter hair growth and appearance has led to a multibillion-dollar industry and thus far few natural effective products are available.

Customers eating Pacific Seamoss have provided us with glowing testimonials that their hair growth is better.

References

[1] Muhammad, K. and S. Mohamed (2011). “Ethanolic extract of Eucheuma cottonii promotes in vivo hair growth and wound healing.” J. Anim. Vet. Adv 10: 601-605. (MedWell)

Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health. Try it. See if your hair grows faster!
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Biosea Health

Heal Wounds Faster With Seaweed

Wounds heal faster with seaweed. Use Pacific Sea Moss

Heal Wounds Faster – the science

Surprise, surprise! We’ve found yet another incredible health benefit from seaweed. Turns out seaweed is not just great for your nails, hair and overall health, it’s actually works to heal wounds faster.

Our Biosea science team has stumbled across some research in wound healing that will knock your socks off.

In a 2011 study, seaweed was given to wounded rats to assess its effects on the healing process. Those that were fed the seaweed had 100% wound healing over 15 days. Those that were not fed the seaweed supplement only had a 50% healing rate (Muhammad and Mohamed 2011). Basically, those that supplement their diet with seaweed should see their wounds heal 50% quicker than those that don’t eat their sea-greens.

From Mohamed 2011 – hair and wound healing in mice with seaweed [1]

The Real World

Most of us deal with burns, scratches or wounds with a band-aid and some curse words.

But imagine if the healing process really was faster? For young people, regular intake of seaweed could help with ulcers, cold sores or the occasional skateboarding injury. Maybe we’d live a little bit more on the edge (in a good way, of course). But what about that angry red zit you’ve had to pop? Imagine if it healed quickly enough to not scar, or ruin Friday date night? Perhaps seaweed could be the answer to quick-healing blemishes. In our pilot trial for dysmenorrhea, 60% of the participants said their skin healing was faster.

Customers Report Wounds Heal Faster

Over a dozen customers of Pacific Seamoss report they have gone into surgery for skin operations, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma removal, Arthroscopic surgery, knee surgery and when they return to get the stitches out, the surgeon or nurse are surprised wounds haved healed much faster than expected. These are anecdotal studies. But when a surgeon who has done thousands of operations comments on speed of recovery, its time to pursue some more.

Heal Wounds Faster if You are Older

For someone over 70, a significant wound can perpetuate into something much worse. A wound or ulcer could be the difference between vitality and immobility; even seeing the grandkids or doing the things that bring them joy.
We all know that grandma would probably not be keen to eat 10 rolls of sushi a day, but a couple of capsules from Biosea health could make a massive difference to her life. For the youngins, we may not be incapacitated from a minor injury but next time we take a tumble, we’ll be grateful that we had our daily dose of sea-greens to see us through.

So, try seaweed out for yourself and see if it makes a difference. But most importantly, make sure you get grandma onto it (and maybe even mum and dad). They’ll thank you later.

WOUND HEALING PHASES

heal wounds faster process - over 12 months
The cycle of wound healing with 4 distinct phases. Diagram from [2]

References

[1] Samaneh Ghasemi Fard, Fatemeh Tash Shamsabadi, Mozhdeh Emadi, Goh Yong Meng, Kharidah Muhammad and Suhaila Mohamed (2011). “Ethanolic extract of Eucheuma cottonii promotes in vivo hair growth and wound healing.” J. Anim. Vet. Adv 10: 601-605. (MedWell) DOI10.3923/javaa.2011.601.605

[2] Panayi A.C., Reitblat C., Orgill D.P. (2020) Wound Healing and Scarring. In: Ogawa R. (eds) Total Scar Management. Springer, Singapore (DOI)

Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health and Heal wounds faster!

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Beauty Biosea Health

Nails Grow Stronger with Seaweed

Nails grow stronger with Pacific Sea Moss

“I’ve always been able to grow my finger nails long, but they’ve always been bendy, and eventually one has snapped and I’ve chopped off the rest to match. My thumb nails never grew long because they’re used for removing staples and all sorts of other ‘tougher’ jobs.

I’ve been consuming the seaweed capsules for just over two months and now all my nails are much stronger and longer, and they have to be cut because they get too long … it’s time for my talons to be trimmed …”

Says Vicki S, from Wombye, QLD, Australia 

PS.  “I should add, that’s not why we’re both taking them – we want them now for their anti-viral properties … we want to stay healthy”

FINGER NAILS STRONGER

nails grow stronger

Do Nails Grow Stronger Normally?

Whats the cause?  Nails grow stronger if the person has a good diet, low stress levels but other than that there is little medical evidence for other reasons. (See our blog here)

Here are 15 Tips for Stronger Nails

From Healthline.com here are 15 tips for get your nails to grow stronger.

  1. Take a biotin supplement.
  2. Minimize exposure to water.
  3. Stay hydrated.
  4. Pay attention to your diet.
  5. Be careful about the products you use.
  6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible.
  7. Give your nails a break from polish.
  8. Keep your nails on the shorter side.
  9. Don’t use your nails to do things.
  10. Use lotion on your nails
  11. Avoid drying products
  12. Change how you file your nails
  13. Use cleaning products with caution
  14. Take a closer look at your shampoo
  15. Talk to your doctor

Guess we will have to add eating Pacific Seamoss this to the list if you want your nails to grow stronger!

Seaweed – Just seaweed and just food. But nails get stronger and grow more. Try for yourself. Money 30 day money – back guarentee
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Beauty Biosea Health Health Benefits

Naturally Healthy Nails with Seaweed

Nails grow stronger naturally healthy nails with seaweed

Naturally Healthy Nails with Seaweed

Most of us have 20 nails. Finger nails. Toe nails. And while the industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and there are thousands of vitamins and minerals, the peer reviewed science [1] says that vitamins and minerals do not make for healthy nails naturally.

In late 2019, after about 1 month of sales, we started getting feedback from our customers that they were getting naturally healthy nails. At first we didn’t believe them. The science evidence was clear that supplemention with vitamins and minerals did not lead to healthy nails.

Yet here are just some comments back

  • I have to cut my finger nails every week.  Used to be every 2 weeks. Sidney – Adelaide, SA, AU
  • My nails are the best they have been for 40 years. Judy – QLD, Aus
  • Stronger nails Wayne, QLD
  • My nails are the best they have been since I had thyroid cancer 20 years ago. Amazing. Why?  Lea, QLD, Aust

Testimonial

Anais provided this testimonial. She ate seaweed as she saw the good food and vitamins. She was unaware about the effect on nails and hair. In just 3 weeks this is her story.

SEAWEED FOR NATURALLY HEALTHY NAILS

Artificial Products Promoting healthy nails

Nails are a beauty / personal statement and the consumer market is full of products that claim to make naturally healthy nails. The ingredients in these “miracle” lotions are generally synthetic vitamins, a protein complex and soy protein. The ingredients for this of “Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle” that is “vegan” and pure and states it is formulated without formaldehye, formaldehyde resin, toluene, xylene, acetone camphor, parabens, ethyl toluide, triphenyl phosphate animal-derived ingredients but does include:

Ethyl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin, Aqua/Water/ Eau, Isopropyl Alcohol, N-butyl Alcohol, Triphenyl Phosphate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Acrylates Copolymer, Ethyl Tosylamide, Benzophonone 1, Dimethiconol, Mercaptopropionic Acid, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Calciumpantothenate, Ascorbic Acid, Keratin Amino Acids, Sodium Chloride, Violet 2 (Ci 60725).

Ingredients for Seaweed. Seaweed.

What is the relationship between seaweed and naturally healthy nails?

We don’t know. The published peer-reviewed research papers say vitamins and minerals don’t help healthy nails [11] yet Cashman [7] says every nutritional deficiency affects health. Every popular media article insists that eating healthy and taking multi-vitamins will provide naturally healthy nails, especially if you use Product “X”.

Seaweed is full of vitamins and minerals. A daily serve of 4.2g of dry seaweed includes:

  • Potassium: 30% of RDA (Recommended daily allowance)
  • Vitamin A: 30%RDA
  • Vitamin C: 30%
  • Vitamin B – especially B1, B3 and B6:  10%
  • Iodine: 15%
  • Iron: 9%
  • Magnesium: 6%
  • Seaweed is full of trace elements such as selenium (elements in this table)

Maybe the people who took this were not eating healthy? But that does not explain the large number of consumers that all say the same thing. Some only noticed after 3 months when their nails had grown out.

Is the Reason due to Improvement in Gut Health?

Seaweed is an effective pre-biotic and changes the gut bacteria. Animal studies show a change in microbiome.

  • Has 5% of daily dietary fibre
  • Has high insoluble carbohydrate to provide pre-biotic improvements.

We know a diet of seaweed provides powerful anti-oxidants. In human and animal trials there is a reduction in fatty liver, lower blood pressure, less inflammation in liver, gut, and heart. So maybe this is involved?

Seaweed Does Moderate Hormonal Systems

  • Seaweed has impact on oestrogen levels and has been researched for breast cancer  and for other cancers and in antiviral studies. The evidence is that the seaweed assists in stabilizing hormonal levels.

NAIL GROWTH DETAILS

naturally healthy nails anatomy
Nails are complex. What can you do for naturally healthy nails

LOOK AFTER NAILS, NATURALLY

healthy nails naturally - avoid nail saloons
Nail saloons can be sources of infection

Naturally Health Nails Are Wanted!

A healthy fingernail has the function of protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. We want healthy nails naturally as most don’t want to spend hours attending to them.

What Nails Tell Us About Our Health

There are many myths and stories about the health of our nails. This is just a list from health.com: 10 Things Your Nails Say About Your Health; by Kathleen Mulpeter. Most arise due to poor nutrition, and healthy living will give you naturally healthy nails.

  • Yellow nails – occurs with age or with smoking
  • Dry cracked or brittle nails; There are various physical causes such as overuse of nail polisher, frequent dishwashing, swimming. Brittle nails maybe associated with hypothyroidism
  •  Clubbing. may be a sign of liver or kidney disease
  • White spots Some suggest it is associated with calcium but minor trauma is more likely
  • Horizontal ridges. Minor trauma only
  • Vertical ridges – age – like wrinkles on your face
  • Severely bitten nails – sometimes OCB behaviour
  • Spoon nails – thin nails and short of iron
  • Pitting  – may be psoriasis
  • Dark stripes or a painful growth. Melanoma.

References

[1] Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, Scher R. 2007 Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease.J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Aug;6(8):782-7. (Pubmed)

[2] E. M. Brown et al., “Seaweed and human health,” Nutrition reviews, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 205-216, 2014.

[3] S. Wanyonyi, R. Du Preez, L. Brown, N. A. Paul, and S. K. Panchal, “Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1261, 2017. (Nutrition)

[5] Teas, J. et al. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? 145–157 http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/18/2/145.pdf (2009).

[6] du Preez, R. et al. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 18, 97 (2020).

[7] Cashman,M, Sloan, S 2010 Nutrition and nail disease 2010 Clinics in Dermatology Vol 28, Issue 4, July–August 2010, Pages 420-425 (Science Direct)

[9] Jung J, Lee JA, Ko MM, et al Gyejibongneyong-hwan, a herbal medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea with uterine fibroids: a protocol for a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open 2016;6:e013440. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013440

Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health and Nail Vitality

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Beauty Biosea Health Period Pain

Reduce period pain with Seaweed

Reduce period pain - dysmenorrhea naturally with seaweed

Reduce period pain

Painful periods or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. The technical name is dysmenorrhea. It normally occurs around the time that menstruation begins, and symptoms typically last less than three days. The pain is usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include back pain, diarrhea or nausea.

Wikipedia says “Dysmenorrhea occurs less often in those who exercise regularly and those who have children early in life. Treatment may include the use of a heating pad. Medications that may help include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. ”

In severe cases and in many countries, then hormonal birth control and the IUD with progestogen are effective but they are not cheap or many do not want to go on the pill at an early age.

In a study in Spain with university students [11] over 75% had dsymenorrhea. Most (90.5%) students with dysmenorrhea used pharmacological treatment, and 80% self-medicated.  Its a major problem among youth today and impacts their quality of life. While physical activity may alleviate symptoms, other complementary treatments that work, should be promoted at all study and workplaces.

Katies Experience. Pain from 9 to a 1

Katie is a student in Davao, Philippines. She’s suffered dysmenorrhea for over 5 years. Her pain was sometimes so bad she failed assignments or examinations.  She was encouraged to eat Pacific Seamoss. In one month her pain went from a 9 to a 1.

Period PainReduce painful periods with seaweed. Pain score

Reduce Period pain with seaweed
Typical pain measuring scale.

Y DOES SEAWEED REDUCE PERIOD PAIN?

We don’t know specific reasons why Katies period pain went from she says was 11 to a 1. The first month – surprise. The second. Wow. This might work. Third month.  All with a pain scale of 1.  Why?

VITAMINS AND MINERALS REDUCE PERIOD PAIN

Theres good research that Vitamins and minerals do help for painful periods. Seaweed is packed full of vitamins and minerals. A daily serve of 4.2g of dry seaweed includes:

  • Potassium: 30% of RDA (Recommended daily allowance)
  • Vitamin A: 30%RDA
  • Vitamin C: 30%
  • Vitamin B – especially B1, B3 and B6:  10%
  • Iodine: 15%
  • Iron: 9%
  • Magnesium: 6%
  • Seaweed is full of trace elements such as selenium (elements in this table)

IMPROVEMENT IN GUT HEALTH

Seaweed is an effective pre-biotic and changes the gut bacteria. That is demonstrated in animal studies, and work is underway to check what happens in humans.

  • Has 5% of daily dietary fibre
  • Low energy but high insoluble carbohydrate to provide that pre-biotic improvements.

CHANGES IN HORMONAL SYSTEMS

  • Seaweed has impact on oestrogen levels and has been researched for breast cancer. Professor Teas didn’t know exactly what is going on. She concluded seaweed assists in stabilizing hormonal levels.

Pilot trials and clinical trials are in the planning stage to see how how clinically effective seaweed is.

ACNE IMPROVEMENT

A Korean herb Gyejibongneyong-hwan or the Guizhi Fuling Formula in Chinese, is widely used to treat uterine fibroids in East Asian countries including Korea, China and Japan but recent studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of the herbal formula for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. What is interesting is that also is used to reduce acne; and other trials are underway to see if it improves acne.

Seaweed may also as well and we will follow those who take Pacific Seamoss and see if there is a reduction.

REFERENCES

[1] J. Teas, J. R. Hebert, J. H. Fitton, and P. V. Zimba, “Algae–a poor man’s HAART?,” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 62, no. 4, pp. 507-510, 2004. (Science Direct)

[2] E. M. Brown et al., “Seaweed and human health,” Nutrition reviews, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 205-216, 2014.

[3] A. Farah Diyana, A. Abdullah, Z. Shahrul Hisham, and K. Chan, “Antioxidant activity of red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum,” International Food Research Journal, vol. 22, no. 5, 2015. (Google Scholar)

[4] S. Wanyonyi, R. Du Preez, L. Brown, N. A. Paul, and S. K. Panchal, “Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1261, 2017. (Nutrition)

[5] Teas, J. et al. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? 145–157 http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/18/2/145.pdf (2009).

[6] du Preez, R. et al. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 18, 97 (2020).

[ 7] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Jan 2015). “FAQ046 Dynsmenorrhea: Painful Periods” (PDF).

[8] Wong CL, Farquhar C, Roberts H, Proctor M (October 2009). “Oral contraceptive pill for primary dysmenorrhoea”. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD002120. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002120.pub3. PMID 19821293.

[9] Jung J, Lee JA, Ko MM, et al Gyejibongneyong-hwan, a herbal medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea with uterine fibroids: a protocol for a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open 2016;6:e013440. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013440

[10] Kim KI et al Effects of herbal medicine for dysmenorrhea treatment on accompanied acne vulgaris: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 17;17(1):318. doi: 10.1186/s12906-017-1813-1. (Pubmed)

[11] Fernández-Martínez E, Onieva-Zafra MD, Parra-Fernández ML. 2019 The Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Quality of Life Among Spanish Female University Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Feb 27;16(5). pii: E713. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16050713. (Pubmed)

[12] Anastasakis, Eleftherios & Kingman, C & Lee, CA & Economides, D & Kadir, Rezan. (2008). Menstrual problems in university students: An electronic mail survey. In vivo (Athens, Greece). 22. 617-20. (Researchgate)

Categories
Antiviral Biosea Health

Boost Immunity Fast With Seaweed

Boost immunity fast with seaweed pacific sea moss

Boost Immunity Fast With Seaweed

Boost immunity fast with seaweed is the first line of defence and it needs to be strong. In the human body, the first line of defence against novel viruses is only one special cell in the army of immune defences. And Seaweed is known for building that special army – even in the elderly.

We are hearing a lot about viruses and words like “antibodies”, “vaccines” and “immunity” are now part of our everyday language.

But when it comes to fighting a virus that we have never encountered before, the only words we need to know are “Natural Killer Cells”.

Natural Killer Cells

Natural Killer Cells sound more like science fiction than science, but these cells are the secret weapon in the body’s fight against new viruses.
Viruses are like the hidden spy that infiltrates the government and carries out his evil mission. In the human body, viruses invade our cells where they hide from our other immune defenses and use our own genetic material to replicate themselves.

Natural Killer Cells roam around the body detecting cells that are showing stress from a virus invasion. They quickly kill off the virus loaded cell and prevent it from infecting surrounding cells.

How do we get more Natural Killer Cells? Seaweed.

Antibodies Increase with Seaweed

boost immunity fast with antibody increase with seaweed
Fucoidan from seaweed increases vaccination protection for seasonal flu in elderly patients. [1]

Boost Immunity Fast With Seaweed with Zinc

Boost Your immunity fast with Zinc
Relations among percentages of CD56+lym-phocytes and serum zinc concentrations in healthy, free-living men and women aged ≥90 y [2]

Key to Natural Killers

Like all armies, the Natural Killer Cell army increases its numbers when there is an invasion. When the patrolling Natural Killer Cells detect the virus, they not only kill that cell, they also send a message back to the bone marrow headquarters for more Natural Killers to be built.

Speed up Production of Natural Killer Cells

Sadly, natural killer cells are known to decline with age. However, one study on the elderly in Japan showed that adding seaweed to the diet increased Natural Killer Cells and made the Natural Killer stick around in the body for much longer. (Negishi, Mori et al. 2013) In the fight against novel viruses, the more Natural Killers we have, the better our bodies will cope at keeping the virus at bay.
Seaweed Contains all the Nutrients Needed for More Natural Killer Cells.

Importance of Nutrients

All the nutrients, especially zinc needs to be available for the manufacture of Natural Killers. In a study of elderly in Italy, scientists looked at levels of vitamins and minerals in the blood and the amount of Natural Killer Cells. Those with higher levels of zinc also had more Natural Killers. This in line with what we already know about zinc being effective in stopping virus infections. (Ravaglia, Forti et al. 2000). Seaweed has 7 times the zinc as oranges as well as being packed with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to build other parts of the immune system.

So build your first line of defense quickly. Use seaweed capsules or chocolate to increase your Natural Killer Cells before a new virus tries to invade.

References

[1] Negishi, H., M. Mori, H. Mori and Y. Yamori (2013). “Supplementation of elderly Japanese men and women with fucoidan from seaweed increases immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination.” The Journal of nutrition 143(11): 1794-1798. (Pubmed)

[2] Ravaglia, G., P. Forti, F. Maioli, L. Bastagli, A. Facchini, E. Mariani, L. Savarino, S. Sassi, D. Cucinotta and G. Lenaz (2000). “Effect of micronutrient status on natural killer cell immune function in healthy free-living subjects aged≥ 90 y.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 71(2): 590-598. (PubMed)

Categories
Biosea Health Cancer

Care for the carer

care for the carer. Keep your health with Pacific Seamoss

I became the carer for my mother in the final months of her battle with colorectal cancer. As her disease progressed her dependence on me, day and night increased. That time of my life was the most difficult but also the most rewarding.

Compared to other full-time carers I had an easy time of it. As emotionally and physically draining as the experience was, it was over within a year and I was able to grieve my mother then return to a normal life. Others care for their loved ones for years or even decades. It is for these people that I write this paper.
From my experience as a palliative carer, and as someone who has recently started taking Pacific Seamoss, I recommend seaweed for all carers. Care for the carer.

Seaweed to Care for the Carer

1. Seaweed creates more energy for the carer

Although there is no definitive science on this, there are many possible reasons why Pacific Seamoss customers say they have more energy than they have had for years. The increase in complete nutrients plus the benefits of increased good gut bacteria probably accounts for the new levels of energy. Every carer feels fatigued at some point and extra energy without the sleep-depriving effects of caffeine are a real benefit to daily life.

2. Seaweed contains molecules that help you cope better with stress

Being a carer is stressful. Not only are you dealing with the physical demands, but there is also the mental load of the distress of your loved one, plus the emotional loss of the healthy person you once. Tyrosine is just one of the nutrients found in seaweed that converts to neurotransmitters in the brain to increase mental function and reduce fatigue during times of stress. So owe it to yourself, and take seaweed to care for the carer[1]

3. Seaweeds boost immunity to Care for the Carer

Being a carer means getting sick is not an option. You need to be healthy to carry out the daily tasks of caring for your loved one, plus you don’t want to make them unwell by passing on a cold or flu. Seaweed is high in major immune-boosting co-factors like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, and zinc.[1] Seaweed also has well-documented antioxidant properties to help fight infection and disease. [2]

4. Seaweed prevents major diseases caused by chronic stress

As much as we like to think we are coping well, being a carer is having a physiological effect on our bodies. Stress changes the hormonal balance so hormones like cortisol, glycogen and adrenaline are working against us, dramatically increasing the risk of major diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The science shows that seaweed is a good long-term option for prevention of stress-related disease.

  1. Cancer is reduced in populations that consume seaweed, plus seaweed shows cancer prevention properties. [3-5]
  2. Seaweed reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference – all risks for heart attack. [5-7] (Check out our review)
  3. Seaweed reverses glucose intolerance and improves energy storage and metabolism, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes. [7-9]

Being a carer is not easy, yet it is something feel we must do. I suggest you make things easier for yourself; being kinder to you will allow you to be kinder to the one you love. Seaweed will make things easier for you. Care for the carer.

Further Reading

[1] M. L. Cornish, A. T. Critchley, and O. G. Mouritsen, “Consumption of seaweeds and the human brain,” Journal of Applied Phycology, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 2377-2398, 2017.
[2] F. Makkar and K. Chakraborty, “Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans from red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia,” International Journal of Food Properties, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 1326-1337, 2017. (Google Scholar)
[3] J. Kim et al., “Associations among dietary seaweed intake, c-MYC rs6983267 polymorphism, and risk of colorectal cancer in a Korean population: a case–control study,” European journal of nutrition, pp. 1-12, 2019.
[4] J. Teas, Q. Zhang, and S. Muga, “Seaweed as chemoprevention: From breast cancer epidemiology to breast cancer cell culture,” ed: AACR, 2006.
[5] A. Nanri et al., “Dietary patterns and all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japanese men and women: The Japan public health center-based prospective study,” PloS one, vol. 12, no. 4, 2017.
[6] P. Matanjun, S. Mohamed, K. Muhammad, and N. M. Mustapha, “Comparison of cardiovascular protective effects of tropical seaweeds, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Caulerpa lentillifera, and Sargassum polycystum, on high-cholesterol/high-fat diet in rats,” Journal of medicinal food, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 792-800, 2010.
[7] S. Wanyonyi, R. Du Preez, L. Brown, N. A. Paul, and S. K. Panchal, “Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1261, 2017.
[8] J. Teas, M. E. Baldeón, D. E. Chiriboga, J. R. Davis, A. J. Sarriés, and L. E. Braverman, “Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome?,” Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, vol. 18, no. 2, p. 145, 2009.
[9] Y. X. Chin, Y. Mi, W. X. Cao, P. E. Lim, C. H. Xue, and Q. J. Tang, “A pilot study on anti-obesity mechanisms of Kappaphycus alvarezii: The role of native κ-carrageenan and the leftover sans-carrageenan fraction,” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 5, p. 1133, 2019.

Categories
Biosea Health Health Benefits

Make Seaweed a Habit for Better Health.

make seaweed a habit eat Pacific Sea Moss

If you make seaweed a habit, then the great thing about functional foods is they have benefits without any nasty side effects. Just like medicines, they work best when consumed often enough that the active molecules stay at the optimum level in your body. That’s why we bring you Pacific Seamoss, a functional food, in an easy to take capsule. Let’s be honest, for those of us accustomed to a western diet, it is much easier to take a few capsules than consume a full bowl of seaweed every day. And every day is the key to getting the full benefits.

Our functional food is just food, with benefits.  Unlike many foods that call themselves functional foods but they are just manufactured foods with some compounds added. Think margarine with added sterols.  Nothing is added to Pacific Seamoss.  Its what is in the food itself.

So how do you make Pacific Seamoss a daily habit?

Habit is a wonderful way to make our lives easier. The science shows that having habits reduce stress and free up brain power for other more difficult tasks. Aristotle knew that excellence comes from daily habit but forming those habits can be tricky in the beginning. Here are some tips from the experts to help you along your Pacific Seamoss journey.

1 Set up a reminder.

When learning a new habit consistency is the key. Reminders may be what your busy brain needs to keep that focus in the beginning. They can be as complicated as an electronic calendar entry or as simple as a post-it note on the bathroom mirror. Think about how you use reminders in your everyday life now and apply the same principle to taking your Pacific Seamoss.

2 Context is important.

Creating a place or situation that reminds you of taking your Pacific Seamoss capsules can make the habit rock solid. Perhaps keep Pacific Seamoss near the kettle so your morning cuppa is the reminder. Or in full view on your bedside table so you remember to take them morning and night. Think of a place or activity you do every day and incorporate your Pacific Seamoss into this context.

3 Timing can seal the deal.

Our bodies are chemically designed to make us creatures of habit. We have natural circadian rhythms that release hormones and neurotransmitters throughout the day, triggering time based behaviours. It’s easy to program our bodies to expect things to happen at a particular time. By taking Pacific Seamoss at the same time every day, you will trick your body and brain into sending you an internal reminder every day. Like an internal alarm clock.

4 Link to an established habit.

This is an easy way for quick habit forming. Because Pacific Seamoss is already in capsule form, adding it to your daily medications or vitamins is the easy choice of habit to link to.

5 Choose what works for you.

Look at the habits you already have in your daily routine and decide what makes these habits work. Perhaps one of the above points is the key. Use this knowledge to incorporate Pacific Seamoss into your daily schedule in a way that works for you.
When it comes to getting the full long-term benefits from seaweed, consistency is the key.

THE HABIT QUADRANT

Make Pacific Seamoss a habit – Tips

The four stages of habit are best described as a feedback loop. They form an endless cycle that is running every moment you are alive.

This “habit loop” is continually scanning the environment, predicting what will happen next, trying out different responses, and learning from the results.

Charles Duhigg and Nir Eyal deserve special recognition for their influence on this image. This representation of the habit loop is a combination of language that was popularized by Duhigg’s book, The Power of Habit, and a design that was popularized by Eyal’s book, Hooked.