Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!

Welcome to Archangel's December 1998 / January, 1999 Health Newsletter!

According to statistics revealed in the November 30, 1998 issue of Newsweek magazine, this year alone, approximately 100,000 people will be diagnosed with colon / rectal cancer. Over 184,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the same amount of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemical carcinogens and free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules) can often be blamed for the development of tumors. Although the body works well to eliminate these cancer-causing factors, sometimes cells will go astray and develop into cancerous tumors.

Cutting back on dietary fats, especially hydrogenated oils, and adding more fiber in the diet are easy ways to get started on a healthier lifestyle. Antioxidant supplements are highly recommended to prevent free radical damage and to possibly curb the formation of tumors. If you haven't modified your lifestyle to include more fruits, vegetables, fiber, antioxidant and essential nutrients, and Omega-3 fatty acids (found in cold-water fish), NOW is the perfect time to begin - make it a New Year's resolution!

This month's issue features:

1. HEALTH BYTES: Facts and Tips For Better Living!
2. THE HERBAL CORNER: Featuring GINKGO BILOBA
3. FEATURED ARTICLE: What Are You Putting on Your Teeth?
4. HEALTH RESOURCES: General Health Related Links
5. THE MINERAL MINUTE: Featuring GERMANIUM
6. PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH: Somazyme
7. HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Tomato, Basil, & Feta Pasta

Sandi and Darrin Quiles
AlphaOmega Marketing
Archangel Health Store

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HEALTH BYTES

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MIGRAINE HEADACHE / FOOD LINK -- Migraines may be linked to a certain food or combination of foods up to 20% of the time. There may be chemicals in some foods that cause widening of blood vessels in the brains of migraine sufferers. It's this widening, rather than the food itself that results in migraine pain. Foods and food ingredients that are sometimes associated with migraines include: alcohol, especially red wine and beer; aged cheese; caffeine, especially when cutting back; chocolate; fermented, pickled, or marinated foods; meats preserved in nitrates; nuts; pizza; and foods prepared with monosodium glutamate (MSG). In addition, food temperature (for example, very cold foods) may be associated with migraines.

HOLD ON, POPEYE -- Spinach may not be such a good source of iron after all. Even though it contains plenty of iron, it also contains a lot of oxalic acid. Because oxalic acid binds iron, only 2 to 5 percent of the iron in spinach is actually absorbed by your body. Spinach does, however, contain beta carotene. One-half cup of cooked spinach has more than half a day's supply of this important antioxidant.

TOOTH CARE -- By brushing your teeth too hard, you can wear down your tooth's root surface, making it extra sensitive. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled brush. Lightly brush at a 45-degree angle in small, circular motions.

WASH YOUR HANDS! -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 19,000 people die each year in the United States because of hospital-acquired infections. And some 58,000 patients pick up infections that contribute to their deaths. "Doctors and nurses sometimes forget to wash their hands," says Maryanne McGuckin a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. "There's no better solution than having patients remind them."

CALORIE FYI -- A new study found that after eating 250 and 500 calorie meals, older women (average age 72) were able to burn the same number of calories as younger women (average age 25).

INFERTILITY UPDATE -- Before spending thousands of dollars on fertility treatments, you might want to try eating more or exercising less. The link, according to an endocrinology conference held last year, may be the protein leptin, the so-called fat hormone that serves as the measurement of the body's energy stores. When a woman's leptin levels are low - which can occur as a result of not eating enough to compensate for calories lost through exercise - reproductive hormones may suffer, particularly those involved with ovulation. If you're having trouble conceiving, experts advise consuming enough calories to support day-to-day activities, plus extra calories to replace those burned by exercise.

OLIVE OIL BRINGS ARTHRITIS RELIEF -- Researchers at the University of Oxford in England put a group of 30 middle-aged men on a special diet high in olive oil for two months, then compared them to a similar group on a normal diet. Test of the men's immune systems revealed the olive oil group had a decreased incidence of a particular molecule called ICAM-1. The ICAM-1 molecule is thought to trigger the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by making white blood cells "sticky," causing them to infiltrate the affected joints. Not only should you add olive oil to your diet, you should use it in place of animal fats or other oils when possible. Canola oil is also a good monounsaturated oil to use.

OVARIAN CANCER STUDY -- A new study raises the possibility that the painkiller acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) may cut the risk of ovarian cancer in half. The findings from Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital are based on a five-year study of more than 500 women. Why acetaminophen may have this effect isn't yet clear.

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THE HERBAL CORNER
* Featuring "Ginkgo Biloba"

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Ginkgo Biloba is a perfect example of the marriage of folklore and modern science. Few herbal remedies better typify the vast potential of plant medicines within the standards of modern medicine. Ginkgo biloba is one of the most promising and highly studied natural botanicals. It is also one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in Germany and France and is very popular throughout the world, especially in the Orient. Ginkgo is occasionally referred to as the "smart herb" because of its usefulness in improving short term memory. Modern herbal preparations employ the leaves of the cultivated Maidenhair tree. These leaves are concentrated into an extract that has a potency of 24% flavone glycosides (bioflavonoids) and 6% terpene lactones. The bioflavonoids possess antioxidant properties.

A sufficient daily dose (120 mg to 240 mg) of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may have substantial positive effect when used to treat any of the following health problems:

• Memory loss associated with aging
• Early stages of Alzheimer's Disease
• Poor circulation to the extremities
• Circulatory diseases such as atherosclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Long-term recovery from a stroke
• Tinnitus and hearing loss
• Headaches, depression, and neurological disorders
• Brain and central nervous system function
• Muscle soreness

GBE is effective in nutritionally supporting the body's systems, especially through its antioxidant properties. This is especially important as we grow older since aging is a process of deterioration. Recently, the benefits of antioxidant nutrients in reducing free radicals in the body have been widely published. Ginkgo is a very potent free radical scavenger and eliminating these free radicals is important in preserving youthfulness.

Negative side effects are rare with use of the standardized GBE. Mild gastrointestinal upset occurs in less than one percent of patients in clinical studies. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, irritability and restlessness may occur with very large doses. Do not take if you are already on anti-coagulant medication as Ginkgo diminishes the ability for the blood to clot. There are no known contraindications to the use of Ginkgo during pregnancy or lactation.

For additional information please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/f1011b.htm This page presents details regarding "Food For Thought" - a unique, high-quality nutritional formula that provides special nutrients (including GBE) for improved brain and central nervous system function.

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FEATURED ARTICLE
* "What Are You Putting on Your Teeth?"

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Buying a simple tube of toothpaste can be bewildering these days. Just check the store shelf, your choices include: fluoride, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, desensitizing agents, tartar control, whitening agents, in various combinations. The options seem endless - and that's even before you've decided on wintergreen vs. peppermint. But a little knowledge can help sort the valuable ingredients from the less helpful. Consumers in the United States buy about $1.6 billion worth of toothpaste every year to clean their teeth, protect against cavities, and freshen their breath. The products begin with mild abrasives and detergents, whose purpose is to get rid of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria growing on teeth, says Clifford Whall of the American Dental Association (ADA). "The bacteria in the plaque use the sugar and carbohydrates from food. They produce acid that causes decay," says Whall, a chemist who is the director of product evaluation for the American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs. Another near-universal ingredient is fluoride. It comes in one of three forms, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and sodium monofluoride phosphate. All three have been amply shown to prevent cavities, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After that, things start to get interesting.

TARTAR CONTROL COMPOUNDS

Tartar is hardened plaque. "It's not considered to be a therapeutic problem. It's more of a cosmetic problem," Whall says. At least at first. Get enough tartar and you can run into a problem, notes Joseph Perno, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. "It can build up to the point you can't even get [dental floss] between the teeth," he says. Extensive tartar buildup can irritate the gums, and it may cause gums to recede. Gum recession can lead to gingivitis, a serious gum inflammation. The main ingredient that "controls" tartar is pyrophosphate, Whall says. It doesn't remove tartar, but it helps prevent tartar formation. "It can make the tartar that forms a little softer, so when you go to the dentist, you have less tartar, and it's easier to remove," he says.

TRICLOSAN

Triclosan is a disinfectant that has been added to toothpaste by Colgate in its Total brand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of triclosan last year after determining that it helped prevent gingivitis and was more effective than standard toothpaste that contains fluoride.

SENSITIVITY REDUCERS

People with hypersensitive teeth find it painful to eat ice cream, drink tea or brush their teeth. Their problem is that the dentin, the layer of cells underneath the tooth's hard enamel, has been exposed. This gives sensations a shortcut to the tooth's nerve. Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate can help relieve this problem. Potassium nitrate is approved by the FDA as safe and effective in reducing sensitivity, although it can take several weeks before it becomes effective.

BAKING SODA

This is one of the most popular toothpaste ingredients today, touted as a wonderful aid to keep your teeth healthy. But experts have their doubts about whether it does. "We haven't seen any data that shows that it does anything therapeutically," Whall says. The FDA is similarly skeptical. Baking soda will give one's mouth a cleaner taste, say FDA officials, but not much else, it appears. It's also not very effective at removing stains, they say. An FDA advisory panel, in an initial review of baking soda, has concluded that there is not enough data to say whether it is effective in fighting plaque and gingivitis. But manufacturers can still make claims for baking soda's ability to combat plaque, an agency spokesman says, "even though we don't have information to definitely say that it's effective." It may be a few years, after a few more steps of FDA review of the question, before manufacturers will have to satisfy the agency that their therapeutic benefits are real. In the meantime, they can continue to claim it's true.

WHITENERS

Whiteners have also become quite popular among toothpastes. But here again it's good to exercise some skepticism. "There's a whole raft of toothpastes making whitening ingredients," Whall says. "Everyone seems to have jumped on the bandwagon." But the ADA, which has standards that must be met before it issues its "seal of acceptance" for whiteners, hasn't seen any data to back up claims made for whitening ingredients, according to Whall. And such products can't match the effectiveness of a professional bleaching formula administered or prescribed by a dentist, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

There's no telling what features will next be added to toothpastes. Whenever you see a new claim, bear in mind that all the evidence may not be in yet. Toothpastes' claims can be subject to two different review organizations, but in both cases there are loopholes. To make new therapeutic claims, a manufacturer must send the FDA supporting evidence for review. But while the manufacturer waits for the government's judgment it can make the claim on the package and in advertising, an FDA spokesman says. The ADA, on the other hand, won't issue its seal of acceptance for a product or its advertising claims until after their scientific consultants have reviewed the evidence. But there's no requirement that manufacturers take this step; the ADA seal is optional. Finally, if a product does not have an ADA seal and there's no indication that the FDA has approved the claim, a good way to find out about the product's benefits is to check with your dentist. Article written by Harvey Black.

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HEALTH RESOURCES

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Site #1: THRIVE@HEALTH
** http://www.thriveonline.com/health/ **
Get the latest health news, search the medical databases, talk to doctors and other medical experts, and find support from others living with illnesses and medical conditions. Thrive is a very popular consumer health reference site, bringing you information and articles on medicine, fitness, sports, diet, and more.

Site #2: THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE
** http://www.physsportsmed.com/ **
The Physician and Sportsmedicine is one of the most widely-read clinical sports medicine journal in the world. The site presents practical, primary-care oriented articles and patient information on a broad range of topics relevant to the care of active people. Topics such as diagnosing and treating knee and ankle injuries, managing chronic disease, preventing and managing overuse injuries, helping patients lose weight safely, and all manner of exercise and nutrition topics are regularly covered in the journal.

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THE MINERAL MINUTE
* Featuring "Germanium"

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Did you know that organic "germanium":

• helps stimulate metabolism?
• aids the body in the utilization of oxygen?
• has pain-relieving properties?

Although most people are not deficient in germanium, those that suffer from the aforementioned illnesses and the elderly usually benefit by supplementing their diets with germanium. Germanium is best obtained through the diet and can be found in garlic, shiitake mushrooms, onions, aloe vera, comfrey, ginseng, and suma.

In general, minerals are essential for good health. The body utilizes over 80 minerals for maximum function. Because our plants, soils, and water sources are so nutrient depleted, even if we eat the healthiest foods, we are not getting all the minerals we need. Evidence of mineral malnutrition are various minor and serious health conditions such as energy loss, premature aging, diminished senses, and degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer. In many cases, these could be prevented with proper mineral supplementation. The more you learn about the benefits of minerals, the more you will be able to take charge of your own health!

For more information about essential and trace minerals, please visit our "All About Minerals" page at: http://www.aomega.com/minerals/minerals.htm

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THE PRODUCT-OF-THE-MONTH

* SOMAZYME
Active Proteolytic Enzymes
Fight Aging and Support the Immune System!

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Enzymes are something that we've all heard of, but most of us don't really know a lot about. Enzymes are specialized protein molecules that are produced by the body and are necessary for biological processes. They regulate the functions of an organism by aiding with metabolism, growth and development. We've all heard of people who are "lactose-intolerant," meaning that their bodies don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase to properly metabolize the lactose in milk.

In recent cancer research, it has been discovered that two sets of enzymes help to eliminate carcinogens from the body. These are known as Phase 1 and Phase 2 enzymes. The phase 1 enzymes break the carcinogens into smaller pieces and the phase 2 enzymes bind with the fragments and eliminate them from the body. If the carcinogen isn't properly eliminated by the enzymes, it could bind to a strand of DNA and alter the genes that control its growth. When that happens, the cell grows abnormally and it generates new cells that grow the same way. It's possible that these new abnormal cells could eventually become cancerous.

Other enzymes, specifically bromelain, which is an enzyme found in pineapples, is an effective treatment for severe bruises and hematomas. It promotes healing of injured tissues. Digestive enzyme supplements aid the digestive system to break down substances in foods that leads to gas and discomfort, which is a common complaint.

A diet rich in vegetables, especially broccoli, cauliflower and other dark, leafy greens is beneficial because they contain a chemical called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane boosts the production of phase 2 enzymes in the body's fight against carcinogens. However, not many people eat an overly large amount of these vegetables.

SOMAZYME provides a wide variety of the enzymes that support the thousands of biochemical reactions involved in good health. The enzymes break down many of the larger molecules throughout the body, especially in the blood stream, permitting them to be metabolized in a healthy way. These active enzymes naturally and nutritionally fight aging and free radicals, support the immune system and the natural, healthy function of the pancreas. Included in SOMAZYME are the enzymes pancreatin, papayotin, bromelain, lysozyme, trypsin, super oxide dismutase, alpha-chymotrypsin, magnesium aspartate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc aspartate. These enzymes have been cold- processed, thus assuring maximum usefulness and effectiveness to the body. SOMAZYME enzymes have been combined in a proprietary "PhytoZyme Base" of special herbs and other plant enzymes for bioavailability. SOMAZYME is featured on our web site at: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/s0176a.htm

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HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE MONTH
* Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta With Feta

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• 4 medium ripe tomatoes chopped (3 cups)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 8 oz. radiatore pasta (radiator-shaped pasta)
• 1 pkg. (4 oz.) crumbled feta cheese

Prep Time: 20 mins.; Ready In: 32 mins.; Calories 250; Total Fat 9g; Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 320mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Protein 9g

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If you would like additional information or if you have a health question or concern, please feel free to contact us at ahs-news@aomega.com. Do you have a favorite health-related web site or health topic you would like to see covered in our newsletter? Just write to us and let us know what it is and we'll consider including it in a future issue.

We are especially thankful for all the positive comments and feedback we have received from the many of you who have written. We hope and pray that you have a safe and healthy December and be looking for our next newsletter issue around mid-January.

Happy Holidays and May God Bless You and Your HEALTH!

Sandi and Darrin Quiles
Archangel Health Store
AlphaOmega Marketing

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Copyright © 1998 by Sandi and Darrin Quiles. All rights reserved.