PharmaGossip

Once again the authors of a research report have revealed more about their own shortcomings than about the intended focus of the study. One has to wonder how they can be so ignorant. To be fair, part of the problem is the style, tone and structure -- the very literacy -- of such reports, which encourages or expects (at least subconsciously) the kind of statements made in the report that I find so revealing about the authors.

Still, this doesn't excuse them. Unless they live totally within their ivory towers (the University of California Davis School of Medicine and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry to be specific) or are exceedingly dull and uninformed there is simply no excuse for their ignorance.

The April 2009 Health Gazette Ezine Edition will be published on time, on April 1st. A copy will be available in the archive for subscribers' convenience.

This month's edition features an article on the natural cure of psoriasis. All manner of treatments are available online for this condition, many promising miraculous cures. Some prescription treatments and other over-the-counter drugs (often in ointments or creams or lotions or baths) are also available. The fact is that none of these individually or in combination can actually cure psoriasis and ultimately they will make the condition -- and your general health -- worse.

When talking about green tea being so beneficial and healthy to drink, there are a few things that bother me:

What about green tea during pregnancy?
Is it safe for pregnant women to drink green tea?
Can you get pregnant if you are drinking green tea?

The answers to all these questions are NO. It is NOT safe to drink green tea while pregnant.

Even though green tea is still one of the best ways to lose weight, pregnant women should be very careful with it. Due to its unclear and still serious side effects it may cause to the baby.

Why taking folate during pregnancy is important?

All future mothers must take folate, at least during the first three months of their pregnancy, because it is very important in order to prevent neural tube defects that affect baby’s brain development.

Why Green Tea is not healthy for pregnant women and their babies?

The EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate - main active antioxidant compound of GT) is the reason why green tea must not be used by pregnant women, because it affects the way folate is absorbed by the baby’s organism, which may cause the above said defects.

How exactly Green Tea is not healthy?

EGCG affects the baby’s absorption of folate, by binding the enzyme GHFR and inactivating it. This enzyme is important because it is involved in folate absorption in baby’s organism. When this enzyme is deactivated the baby can’t absorb folate and the protection the folate affords to the neural system of the baby is highly reduced.

Why EGCG is acting like that?

Because it is chemically similar to a compound called methotrexate. This compound binds to DHFR enzyme (dihydrofolate reductase) and this way kills cancer cells.

Because of its chemical similarity to methotrexate, the EGCG also binds to the DHFR enzyme and deactivates it this way. And I said earlier when DHFR is deactivated the baby can’t use folate from mother’s organism.

Conclusion

Although Green Tea has shown great benefits for stopping cancer cells growth if taken on regular bases, it is not good to be taken by pregnant women. The good news is that you still will be able to take your favorite cup of coffee in the morning, but only if it’s not that strong as you have used to drink it before getting pregnant.

Medifast Diet is now offering great discount with a special coupon code that is valid through March 31, 2009:

Get $50 off on any purchase of $275 or more! Use Promo Code: MAR31C

Use Coupon Code: Mar31C

Valid through March 31, 2009.

This coupon can be used for all Medifast Diet Meal Plan Packages you purchase that are equal or more than 275 dollars. That means you can use this coupon code for all of the following packages:

4-week Medifast Variety Packages
for Women, Men and Diabetes

All Medifast Enhanced Packages
for Women, Men and Diabetes

Momentum Weight Loss package by Medifast

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Even if you don’t purchase a whole Meal Plan Package, you still can use the coupon if you order Medifast Meals that are equal or more than $275. You can choose from the huge variety of shakes, bars, puddings, Soups, Drinks and more…

Have fun shopping with us and don’t forget to use the coupon code

The March 2009 Health Gazette Ezine Edition will be published on time, on March 1st. A copy will be available in the archive for subscribers' convenience.

This month's edition encourages readers not to be a bowel cancer (or colorectal cancer) statistic. This lifestyle-related disease is a major killer in western society. The featured article goes beyond the simple and orthodox symptom list and screening recommendation to add a proactive means of prevention.

Are you at risk? Do you have symptoms that should be investigated? Do you know what preventative actions you can take? Find out in this month's edition.