Tuning out If you've ever lulled a cranky baby to sleep with a lullaby, you know how soothing music can be. Well, it turns out that it has the same effect on adults. Research has shown that listening to music can improve sleep, reduce chronic pain, and ease depression. Previous studies have shown that listening to 45 minutes of soft music before bed can improve sleep by more than one third. More recently, a study reported in the Journal of Advanced Nursing showed that listening to music for an hour per day for just one week lessened chronic pain by up to 21 percent and cut depression by up to 25 percent. Listeners also said they felt more in control of their pain and less disabled by their condition. The study focused on 60 people between the ages 21 and 65 who had chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, disc problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Participants were divided into three groups: The first listened to their own choice of music; the second listened to piano, jazz, orchestra, and harp music; and the third didn't listen to any music at all. By the end of the study, the groups that had access to music -- regardless of the type -- reported improved physical and psychological health over the control group. As soothing as music may be to the body and soul, it's not likely to have a dramatic effect on more serious cases of depression. But there are other safe, natural options that can be very effective. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, be sure to check out this month's issue of Nutrition & Healing to learn more about those treatments. Live strong Q: I am in my sixth year of remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. What can you suggest to keep my immune system strong? JVW: The best way to strengthen your immune system is to eliminate all sugar and allergens from your diet. Even a small amount of sugar has been shown to impair white blood cells by up to 50 percent for a few hours at a time. By removing sugar from your diet and by identifying and eliminating your own allergy triggers, you can free up your immune cells to protect you against other invaders. In addition, mushrooms and garlic are both known for their infection-fighting abilities. A garlic clove a day, or a supplement containing at least 10 mg of allicin, will give you antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral protective benefits. What is...non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in your lymphatic system. The earliest signs include painful swelling anywhere the lymph nodes are located -- the neck, groin, or under the arms. It can also be accompanied by fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and itchy or reddened patches of skin. If you have a swollen lymph node, your doctor may need to take a biopsy to determine whether or not you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Source:
"Effect of Music on Power, Pain, Depression and Disability," Journal of Advanced Nursing 2006; 54(5) 553-562 | 
