"The Scientist"has published interesting new research connecting the neurotransmittor Serotonin to aspects of Autism.

While the research appears to have been done with a view to promoting Prozac as a treatment for autism, I  find it valuable because it is another example of the importance of homeostasis in the brain, a state which is encouraged by the presence of sufficient Omega 3 fatty acids, in particular DHA.   This is apparently true of the developing brain as well as the ageing brain.

Prozac for Autism

The Vitamin lady writes about ADD and Autism

Lipid Homeostasis .... in the development of Alzheimer's Disease

I have never been a proponent of the flu shot.  The whole subject of vaccinations is a murky and difficult one, since for things like polio and smallpox, it is only the eradication of the diseases through vaccinations that allows us the luxury of discussion.

However, while protection against life-threatening diseases can only be applauded, the lengthening list of non-fatal "problems" that are now approved for shots is a different story.

Chief among my concerns is that the immune system will fail to develop normally, we will in effect become shot- dependent and susceptible to many lesser evils such as allergies and bowel and digestive disturbances, together with the big ones that so far have no protective vaccine, the many auto-immune diseases, and cancer. 

Here comes something else to worry about with the flu shot, though - anyone for suicidal thoughts  and "disturbances in consciousness, abnormal behavior, delirium, hallucination, delusion and convulsion " to quote the Japanese label for tamiflu?

Read a report here

Read my article on the flu here

Consider homeopathic Oscillococcinum (the flu solution) here

Knowledge of the muscle pain that sometimes occurs with statin drugs is now fairly widespread, I think.  Fewer people are suffering this side effect ignorant of the cause.

Now, however, comes word of an even graver danger: the possibility of lipitor being involved in the development of ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, a debilitating and fatal disease of the neurological system.

Here is a detailed report.

Here is my article listing all the natural ways to address high cholesterol

Here is a listing of natural remedies that may help cholesterol balance

Another strike against overall health from inflammatory response.

A Mayo clinic study has determined that people who have allergic rhinitis and/or nasal allergies, are THREE TIMES more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

They theorize that it is not the nasal problems per se that account for the connection, but the inflammation set up throughout the body.

P.S.  I mean "dopey" not  in the sense of mental incapacity, but of being spaced out

Read the report here.

Read the Vitamin Lady's article on Inflammation here

Check out supplelments that fight inflammation here.

There doesn't appear to be any end to the gifts this marvelous spice offers!  I have written at length about the research being done to support its value in cancer, but now UCLA announces that it is also apparently helpful in preventing,m  and possibly treating, Alzheimer's disease.

They began their research for the best possible reason:  Alzheimer's disease is virtually unknown in countries where curry is a staple.

Here is a delicious way to add turmeric to your cooking.

Take 1 cup brown rice, and rinse it.  This is to remove some of the starch. Set it to drain.

Heat 1 tblsp ghee or coconut oil in the bottom of your rice saucepan.  Chop app. half a cup of onion.  If you have black mustard seeds, put 1 tsp in the hot oil until they begin to pop.  Add onion, and cook on medium heat until limp (the onion, that is!) . Add 1/2 tblsp turmeric.  Add rice, and stir until all is coated with oil and turmeric.

Add two cups of water, and cover.  Cook over low heat for 45 minutes, turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes more without uncovering.

Here are The Vitamin Lady's Own Turmeric extract capsules.

Here is the UCLA report on Turmeric and Alzheimer's Disease.

It is excellent news that a positive link has been found between some deadly, mysterious and tragic nervous system diseases (such as Lou Gehrig's)  and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. In other words, increasing consumption of Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils is protective.

More details

It would be interesting to follow up on this, and see whether there is a negative link between the increase of saturated fats, and incidences of those diseases.

PUFAs protective against neurological diseases

The Vitamin Lady's article on Essential Fatty Acids