Benefits of Drinking Tea – Lifestyle advice

There are nearly 9 million new fractures due to osteoporisis worldwide, with an estimated annual cost to our society of  approximately $100 billion  USD.

Black teas has been advised in many Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies as food and nutrition advice for prevention of many diseases For example, in Ayurveda Chai tea has been traditionally advocated as lifestyle advice to improve digestion and from the Ayurvedic perspective improper digestion is the root cause of many disease..

Now researchers have reported that drinking black tea reduces the risk of fractures in older women.

Myers et al carried out a prospective, observational complementary medicine research study of 1,188 women with an average age of 75. The study revealed that having at least 3 cups of tea a day resulted in:
•    34% lower risk of developing a serious osteoporotic fracture
•    42% less chance of sustaining a hip fracture
•    For each 1 cup per day increase in tea intake there was a 9% decrease in the risk of a serious osteoporotic fracture

So how does black tea protect against bone loss?

The most probable mode of action is that the Flavonoids found in black tea inhibit bone resorption and simultaneously stimulate osteoblastic bone formation.

So when you are next at the coffee shop on the way to work in the morning order a cup of black tea instead of coffee for more health benefits.

What We Can Learn from McDonalds, Burger King, KFC et al

Many fast food outlets such as KFC, Burger King, McDonalds have “Happy Meals” or ‘Kids Meal as part of their marketing and sales strategy. This food package includes a toy and a smaller meal portion in a box or paper bag with the company’s logo. This product is specifically marketed at children and often at the same price as a full meal.

Researchers from the University of Arizona carried out a series of experiments, where participants identified choices with various foods and incentives while researchers collected data. The research also measured functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine if the brain responds to the “Happy Meal” concept of a small toy, gift card or lottery ticket in the same way it does to the burger or pizza laden with cheese.

The data published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied in June, revealed that the combination of a half-sized portion and a prize (toy) was the menu item of choice, even though there was no difference in price. For example, when a group of sixth-grade students were presented with the option of a full sandwich and no prize or a half-sandwich and a pair of cheap bud-style earphones, 78% of them went for the smaller sandwich.

“Clearly, eating less is not fun for many people (and may even be a source of short-term unhappiness), as portion size restriction requires discipline and self-control,” the authors wrote. “Yet, by combining one shorter-term desire (to eat) with another shorter-term desire (to play) that in combination also address a longer-term desire (to be healthy), different sources of happiness become commensurable.”

This research data points to a natural weight loss strategy i.e. providing incentives for eating smaller portions may be the way forward in the battle against obesity. Incorporation of this strategy could be of value when implemented alongside standard food and nutrition advice in anti- obesity programs.

Researchers Report that Yoga Can Help Prostate Cancer Patients

Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies such as Yoga and Meditation are valuable Integrative Medicine resources in the fight against cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, USA recently reported that patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy can benefit from Yoga at the Society of Integrative Oncology’s 12th International Conference.

The participants in this complementary medicine research study utilised a therapy called ‘Eischens’ yoga program. This is a series of yoga asanas that address imbalances and weakness in muscle groups. ‘Eischens yoga’ was developed by Roger Eischens a direct disciple of B.K.S. Iyengar.

This complementary medicine research study revealed that the inclusion of ‘Eischens yoga’ in the treatment of these patients resulted in:

• improved quality-of-life
• reduced cancer-related fatigue
• lower prevalence of sexual and erectile dysfunction
• reduced urinary incontinence

The proposed explanations for the benefits of this specific form of yoga include:

• Reducing cancer related fatigue
• Strengthening pelvic floor muscles and improved circulation

‘Eischens yoga’ is available at the Penn Medicine‘s Abramson Cancer Center which incorporates integrative medicine and wellness services. In addition to yoga, patients can receive training in other Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies such as:

• Stress-reduction techniques
• Meditation
• Reiki therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage

This is one example of the value of Integrative medicine in the treatment of serious disease.