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Nutritional
Information
Osteoarthritis
is also called “degenerative arthritis”. Some refer to it as “old-age”
arthritis, although it often starts in middle age. Knees and hips are the
joints most commonly involved, then the “middle” and “furthest-out” finger
joints. Osteoarthritis sometimes involves a small amount of swelling in the
finger joints and knees, which if it develops at all – usually is slow in
onset and gradual in progression. Often there’s no swelling at all.
Osteoarthritis
is not at all the same as Rheumatoid arthritis, which frequently arrives
with sudden, acutely painful swelling. Although rheumatoid arthritis can
attack any joint, its hallmark is pain and swelling in the joints where the
finger bones meet the bones of the palms of the hands. Considerably, more
painkillers are consumed by rheumatoid arthritis sufferers than
osteoarthritis sufferers.
Other less
common forms of arthritis – although a growing concern – include “gouty
arthritis” and “night-shade sensitive” arthritis. Gouty arthritis (gout) is
caused by crystallization of some of the high uric acid circulating in the
blood of gout sufferers (this most often in the big toes). There are
indications that high uric acid may be related to type-2 diabetes.
Nightshade-sensitive arthritis usually goes away when sufferers quit eating
all nightshade vegetables, which include potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot
peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, tamarios, pepinos, pimentos, paprika,
cayenne, and Tabasco sauce. Tobacco is also a nightshade plant to
eliminate.
In 2008,
researchers reported that of 1,350 individuals with osteoarthritis, complete
metabolic syndrome occurred in 62.5 percent. Another group (nearly 20
percent) were found to have some but not all features of metabolic syndrome,
for a total of 82.1 percent with complete or partial metabolic syndrome.
Several other studies over the last 5 years have also indicated the
association of osteoarthritis to metabolic syndrome.
A:
Cholesterol is more beneficial to us than it is
harmful. You can not live without cholesterol. You can not make
vital hormones, such as cortisone, estrogen and testosterone without
cholesterol and it is a necessary component to strengthen cell
membranes and any other cellular repair. Our body uses cholesterol
to produce the myelin sheaths that cover and protect nerves. In
fact, low cholesterol can increase your risk of death.
Your liver manufactures the majority
of the cholesterol that is in your blood stream, and your body
conserves it for vital health.
The amount of cholesterol that you
eat does play somewhat of a role in determining your cholesterol
level and your risk of coronary disease. Although there may be weak
correlation of elevated cholesterol with heart attacks, this does
not necessarily mean it is the cholesterol that caused the heart
attack.
Q:
What
can I take to help strengthen my immune system?
A:
It is
inevitable at this time of year with the changes in weather, the
stress many of us have with the holidays, piled on top of our
everyday tasks, the body’s ability to fight back might become
compromised. Studies show that certain types of mushrooms contain
complex carbohydrates, also known as polysaccharides, which have
shown to fight cancer; they also contain strong levels of B
vitamins, niacin and riboflavin.
The potent polysaccharide is
known as beta-D-glucan, which has shown
highly effective results in reducing
tumor size in lab animals. Other lab
studies have shown that beta-D-glucan
was able to stop HIV from killing the
immune system’s crucial white blood
cells known as T cells.
Other polysaccharide called
lentinan, has been shown to inhibit
tumor growth in lab animals by a
whopping 67 percent. Another helpful
compound is called eritadenine. It has
been shown to be effective in lowering
cholesterol. Just imagine the benefits
in preventing the common cold and flu.
These wonder mushrooms are
available in a convenient capsule and
liquid form.
A yearly flu
vaccine has not been proven to prevent
flu related deaths in people over the
age of 65, according to a review in the
Lancet medical journal.
Nonetheless,
the U.S. Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot
for this purpose, citing research about
36,000 yearly deaths and 200,000 annual
hospitalizations for flu-related illness
in the U.S.
No studies have
conclusively proven that flu shots
prevent flu-related deaths among the
elderly according to the review and some
of the support for this practice is
based on flawed data.
While some
studies have shown a benefit for flu
shots in younger adults, only a small
number of trials included people over
the age of 70 even though about 75
percent of flu-related deaths occur
among that age group.
There is also
evidence, according to the researchers
that the flu vaccines are less effective
in older people because the elderly have
lower immune activity.
October is Non-GMO
Month. Read on for
frequently asked questions.
What are GMOs?
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have
been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology
(also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new
science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another
species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal,
bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through
traditional crossbreeding methods.
Are GMOs safe?
In 30 other countries around the world, including Australia, Japan,
and all of the countries in the European Union, there are
significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs,
because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S. on the
other hand, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on
studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from
their sale. Many health-conscious shoppers find the lack of
rigorous, independent, scientific examination on the impact of
consuming GM foods to be cause for concern.
Do Americans want non-GMO foods and
supplements?
Polls consistently show that a significant majority of North
Americans would like to be able to tell if the food they’re
purchasing contains GMOs (a 2008 CBS News Poll found that 87% of
consumers wanted GMOs labeled). And, according to a recent CBS/New
York Times poll, 53% of consumers said they would not buy food that
has been genetically modified. The Non-GMO Project’s seal for
verified products will, for the first time, give the public an
opportunity to make an informed choice when it comes to GMOs.
How common are GMOs?
According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86%
of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. It is estimated that over 90% of
canola grown is GMO, and there are also commercially produced GM
varieties of sugar beets, squash and Hawaiian Papaya. As a result,
it is estimated that GMOs are now present in more than 80% of
packaged products in the average U.S. or Canadian grocery store.
Thyroid Concerns
Symptoms of fatigue, nervousness, anxiety,
depression, weight loss or gain, thin hair, wrinkles, poor
circulation, fertility problems, polycystic ovarian symptoms, high
cholesterol levels, heart problems, burst of energy or exhaustions,
dementia, headaches, weak nails, menopause discomfort and many, many
more are all indications of thyroid abnormality.
Hypothyroidism, (low thyroid function) and
Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid function) is prevalent in over
26 million Americans. Most of these 26 million people are unaware
that they have an abnormality. Thyroid health problems are seven
times more likely in women. A convenient, easy, and proven way to
test for hypothyroidism is by basal body temperature with an
old-fashioned, oral glass thermometer. (For more details on the
proper way to perform this test – stop in the store and we’ll guide
you).
Almost all treatments of sluggish thyroid require
iodine. For over 100 years, iodine has been known as the element
necessary for thyroid production. Iodine is the safest of all
essential trace elements being the only one that can be used safely
for long periods and in very high amounts.
The importance of iodine was confirmed in 1916
with experiments that not enough iodine caused Goiters (thyroid
gland enlargements of the neck) and giving the trace elements of
iodine got rid of them.
Back in1924, the FDA introduced a voluntary
program of adding iodine to table salt, bread and as a dough
conditioner (now that’s good government). However, in 1980 bromine
replaced iodine in bread making (because it was/is less expensive –
therefore more profits to the big corporations), not only depriving
the body of iodine, but the bromine inhibits iodine up-take from
other sources – yet another reason to stay away from 99% of breads.
This is when salt became “the enemy” of too much sodium, causing
(for some people) high blood pressure, and fluid retention that can
lead to other serious complications. As a result, health-conscious
people turned away from salt. Others turned to sea salt, which most
have little iodine, or some used kosher salt, which has no iodine!
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)
revealed that between 1971 and 1994 there has been a 50% reduction
in iodine and a quadrupling of iodine deficiencies.
The FDA guidelines were approximately one-half
teaspoon of iodized salt per day, or 3,000mg, containing 1,150mg
sodium, providing the RDA allowance of iodine of 150mcg. The 150
mcg is still the FDA’s RDA but most authorities on the subject agree
that much more is needed for maintaining iodine sufficiency for the
whole body.
Americans on Drugs
“Half of all Americans are taking prescription
medications regularly for chronic health problems,” says the
Associated Press. The AP also said, “Americans buy much more
medicine per person than any other country…The biggest jump in use
of chronic medications was in the 20 to 44 year old age group –
adults in the prime of life – where it rose 20% over the (last) six
years.” “The pharmaceutical industry’s relentless advertising,” and
large profits, not a patient’s health, are the driving forces to
this over abuse of drug therapy.
In addition, currently one out of every four
children and teenagers is taking a chronic disease drug, usually for
depression, asthma, or ADHD. Years of research from all over the
world asserts the value of natural therapies for each of these
conditions. Volumes of documented clinical studies and thousands of
patient’s testimonials have established the safety and effectiveness
of using nutritional treatments.
Among the most prescribed of all the drugs are
the LDL cholesterol lowering drugs. It’s astonishing this continues
to be prescribed knowing that a simple B vitamin can be more
effective, much much cheaper, and most importantly far safer.
The New York Times agrees, saying, “An effective
HDL booster exists.” The president of the American College of
Cardiology, Dr. Steven E. Nissen, said, “Niacin is really it.”(1)
.
Our body is not made up of synthetic, artificial
chemicals; not one cell in our body is made from a drug. It’s time
to discuss alternative therapies with your doctor. It’s time to say
no to drugs.
Stop in and discuss your needs with us, we are
the nutrition experts!
(1) Mason M. NY Times, January 20,
2007 An old cholesterol remedy is new again
Q:
What is the description
of certified organic?
A: Organic raw
material is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable
resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance
environmental quality for future generations.
Organic
raw material is produced without using chemically synthesized
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, sewage sludge,
bioengineering, ionizing radiation, processing aids or
non-agricultural ingredients.
A
government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the raw
material is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules
necessary to meet USDA organic standards.
Organic
growers are inspected annually by a USDA accredited certifying agent
to ensure continual compliance with the USDA’s National Organic
Program standards.
Q:
Recently my two year old was fitted for glasses. What can I do to
help her?
A: Dr. Arthur
Alexander Knapp, whose pioneering work in the 1930’s and 40’s
demonstrated that, in experimental animals, a lack of calcium and
vitamin D. caused the same sort of eyeball deformity as in human
myopia (near sightedness) In other research, he found that these
same nutrients would often stabilize or even reverse myopia in human
adults.
Dr.
Jonathan Wright suggests sufficient calcium (balanced with
magnesium) and vitamin D during pregnancy and every year after, will
ultimately be found to prevent childhood myopia. He also suggests,
if a child is starting to develop myopia, the above will halt the
progression, and in some cases, reverse it partially or even
completely.
Q:
What's the benefit of vitamin K?
A:
There
have been several animal studies showing that vitamin K slows
arterial calcification. A study done in Japan over a decade ago,
researchers reported that vitamin K can actually diminish arterial
calcification while improving bone density.
Another
Japanese study in women showed that lower circulatory vitamin K
levels were associated with more arterial calcification and lower
bone density, while higher circulating vitamin K levels were
associated with less arterial calcification and great bone density.
And much resent
research, revealed even very small quantities of vitamin K may slow
calcification of coronary arteries.
Q:
An amino acid for sexual function
A:
Histidine
is an amino acid that is used to develop and maintain healthy
tissues in all parts of the body, particularly the myelin sheaths
that coat nerve cells and ensure the transmission of messages from
the brain to various parts of the body. It may be useful for
treatment of mental disorders as well as certain types of sexual
dysfunction.
Histidine levels
in the body must be balanced to ensure good mental and physical
health. Low levels of histidine are thought to contribute to the
development of rheumatoid arthritis and the type of deafness that
result from nerve damage. Taking histidine supplements may help
relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Histidine is important to normal sexual
functioning, because it gets converted into histamine, a chemical
needed to stimulate sexual arousal. When taken together with
specific B vitamins, histidine can increase sexual pleasure by
boosting histamine levels in the body. Histamine is also needed to
help the immune system know when the body is experiencing allergic
reaction, and for the production of gastric juices needed for normal
digestion.
For more info on the benefits of this amino
acid, stop in and see us. We’re the nutrition experts!
Q:
I
have heard that vitamin C may prevent gout. What's your thought?
A:
A
common form of arthritis, gout, causes painful swelling and stiffness in
the joints, often in the big toe. Gout is caused by the body’s
inability to process uric acid, leading to uric acid crystal formation
in joints and painful inflammation. People with this disorder are
advised to avoid foods that contain purines and alcohol, which may
increase uric acid levels, and to help one maintain a healthy weight.
However, a new study has shown that high amounts of dietary vitamin C
may help reduce the chance of developing gout.
The men with this highest vitamin C intake from
supplements, or a combination of food and supplements were the least
likely to develop gout.
Stop in for more info on this amazing study and
visit our website, ftgoi.com, for more details.
Q:
My friend had a consulting session with you and you told her to
avoid coffee. What’s the problem with coffee?
A:
I too
enjoy coffee, however I limit my intake. There are many affects
that coffee has on the body. One, if not THE most harmful affect
coffee has is its effect on the adrenal glands, because it is an
adrenal stimulator. When the adrenal glands are constantly
stimulated, they become depleted or possibly exhausted causing many
annoying symptoms and will lead to serious problems.
Coffee
will also deplete many B-complex vitamins. B vitamins contribute to
numerous bodily functions. Without B vitamins, the body is drained
of energy.
Coffee
will raise the acidity in the blood, which is a leading contributing
factor to osteoporosis.
The
adrenal glands the thyroid gland and the ovaries are not three
separate entities within the Endocrine system. These hormones are
like ingredients in a recipe, if there is any change to this recipe
the outcome is detrimental.
In
addition to coffee being an adrenal stimulator, such things as
sugar, empty foods, toxic exposure, and driving in traffic. These
things stress the adrenal glands, sending a constant message for the
hormones to help us stay “normal” through these stressful times.
Overtime, the adrenal glands become depleted and possibly become
exhausted.
As an
amazingly evolved system, the human body can endure a lot and has an
alternative support system for just about everything. When the
adrenal glands are weakened, the back up plan is to convert another
hormone into adrenal hormone, thereby taking the burden off these
weakened adrenal glands. The hormone at the top of the list to take
on this amazing job is progesterone. Progesterone is the basic
hormone for all the steroid hormones. It is the precursor or raw
material for these hormones. Since progesterone comes to the
rescue, it leaves little or possibly none left to perform its
primary function. Progesterone’s primary function is to maintain
the absolutely important balance with estrogen. If this process
doesn’t occur, then the result is estrogen dominance. Ask any
menopausal woman, this will and does cause many aggravating symptoms
and if these hormones aren’t properly balanced much more serious
problems will occur.
In a
nutshell – Coffee is a metabolic burden; it has no real food value,
no vitamins, no minerals, and no enzymes. It beats up the adrenals,
uses up progesterone, promotes estrogen dominance and contributes to
osteoporosis.
Like many adult beverages that we enjoy, drink it in moderation,
with the awareness of how it will affect you. Stop in and see us
for a wide selection of coffee alternatives, we’re the nutrition
experts!
Q:
What
are the benefits of a high-fiber diet?
A:
Fiber
is an important part of our health and offers many health benefits,
particularly if the fiber comes from vegetables.
A high-fiber diet may offer some protection from colorectal cancer,
and the risk of colorectal cancer is lower among those with high
intake of vegetables and fruits. There is some evidence that
vegetable fiber may offer some protection from prostate cancer.
Fiber reduces the rate of intestinal carbohydrate absorption,
reducing insulin response. It increases the speed of transit of the
intestinal content to the ileum, which speeds up release of saiety
hormones. I could go on and on about the benefits of fiber.
Remember fiber-less food are cheap because they offer nothing. Be
good to yourself and eat fresh vegetables and fresh
fruits today.
Stop in and talk to us – we’re the nutrition experts. Visit us at
ftgoi.com and look for us on Facebook.
Q:
I’ve
heard that cell phones emit radiation. What can I do to protect
myself?
A:
What
you are referring to is EMF radiation (electromagnetic radiation)
EMF radiation is made up of invisible waves emitted from cell towers
and all wireless and non-wireless devices. EMF’s can pass through
walls, floors, and the human body, including the brain. Harmful EMF
waves pass through the body and alter the body's energy patterns
(electrical system) causing a short circuit in the weakest part of
your body.
Protect
yourself today! Stop in for info on how to neutralize EMF
radiation.
Q:
Of course I know we need water, give me some water facts.
A:
Every
function of the body is monitored and regulated by the efficient
flow of water.
A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger
fuzzy short term memory. The number one cause of daytime fatigue is
not enough water. The majority of asthma cases are really
misdiagnosed cases of chronic dehydration. And dry mouth is the very
last sign of dehydration.
For more info on how to stay hydrated, stop
in and see us. We’re the nutrition experts
Q:
I’ve
heard that cell phones emit radiation. What can I do to protect
myself?
A:
What
you are referring to is EMF radiation (electromagnetic radiation)
EMF radiation is made up of invisible waves emitted from cell towers
and all wireless and non-wireless devices. EMF’s can pass through
walls, floors, and the human body, including the brain. Harmful EMF
waves pass through the body and alter the body's energy patterns
(electrical system) causing a short circuit in the weakest part of
your body.
Protect
yourself today! Stop in for info on how to neutralize EMF
radiation.
Q:
I was told some beef can actually be good for me. Is that possible?
A: A
cow that roams the grassy fields and is getting a lot of exercise, eats
the fresh grass (and not a bit of grain), and certainly is not being fed
or pumped full of drugs is much more than a slab of meat on a plate – it
will supply many valuable nutrients.
As a result of the cows healthy lifestyle the total fat
is lower, the good fat – omega 3 and omega 6 fat ratio is at beneficial
levels and the Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA - a missing or seriously
low fat in today’s lifestyles) are two major reasons to consume this
type of beef. There is no comparison to the taste and quality of a cow
raised on grass compared to commercial beef.
A few facts about commercial beef. Three corporations
now control over 90% of the beef industry, and not that long ago 27
million pounds of contaminated beef was recalled. Year after year they
hide from the media the filthy inhuman conditions of slaughter houses
and the existing ongoing problems. Start making better choices for you
and your family.
A: A
new study found that supplementing with folic acid can slow age related
hearing loss in seniors. Folic acid deficiency is the most common
vitamin deficiency in the world, causing many preventable problems.
Homocysteine, an amino
acid breakdown product linked to diseases of the heart and blood
vessels, may play a role in age-related hearing loss. Folic acid lowers
homocysteine levels and might be able to slow hearing loss as we age.
The bioavailablity of folic
acid is close to 100 percent when consumed on an empty stomach. Recent
studies indicate that supplements provide a more bioavailable form of
folic acid than do fortified foods. A study comparing folic acid from
orange juice and folic acid from a supplement showed the supplement had
a better absorption rate than the fortified orange juice.
A: Research
has estimated that 43% of the U.S. population suffers with common
gastrointestinal disorders. Some of the most common symptoms are
abdominal gas, bloating, pain and irregularity. People with gluten
intolerance are even more prone to these unpleasant feelings. Chronic
intestinal irritation can lead to intestinal permeability or “leaky gut
syndrome”. Inflammation can occur leading to skin, joint, sinus, immune
and neurological disruptions. Healing the intestines is one of the
primary keys to improving overall health.
Q:
I am a type 2 diabetic and
have been told I am at risk for heart disease. Is there a good
cardiovascular support for me?
A: Researchers
in Italy investigated the cardiovascular effect of L-Caritine
supplementation on 81 type 2 diabetic patients. Each of these patients
supplemented with either 2 grams of L-Carnitine or a matched placebo for
three months. Various blood measurements were taken both before and
after supplementation. After 12 weeks of consistent use, the patients
in the active L-Carnitine group experienced significant reductions in
total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides as well as an
increase in HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Most importantly, a
significant reduction in the total number of oxidized LDL particles in
the blood was observed (oxidized LDL is a major contributing factor in
plaque formation in the arteries). All of these changes are positive,
and they suggest that L-Carnitine might be an ideal cardiovascular
support supplement for diabetics.
A: Begin
changing your diet, work toward stress reduction, exercise in moderation
and stop in and see us for some guidance on all the above and for info
on nutritional supports.
The gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest utilizers
of glutamine in the body. Glutamine is the primary fuel source for
cells lining the small intestine. Tissues that require glutamine
include the GI tract, immune system, kidneys and liver. Glutamine can
be depleted under stress. The intestinal mucosa can synthesize
glutamine, but not enough when under stress.
There are many other fabulous nutrients and botanicals that
are known to support the body with intestinal needs. Stop in for more
info, we’re the nutrition experts!
A: Nasal
cleansing pots – also known as Neti Pots, are used to wash the nasal
passage ensuring the free flow of air through both nostrils. The nasal
wash has been used for decades as a means of treating sinus problems,
colds, allergies, chronic postnasal drip and to counteract the effects
of environmental pollution. Many health experts suggest the use of
ceramic pot over a plastic pot.
Add an anti-microbial and anti-viral nasal wash to your Neti
Pot to support sinus health and the boost your immune system.
Q:
I feel overwhelmed and I’m always exhausted. My doctor says I’m
ok. Can nutrients help?
A: Stress
can take a toll on the adrenal glands. Abnormal adrenal function,
either deficient or excessive hormone release, significantly alters an
individual’s response to stress. Often the adrenals become “exhausted
or weak” as a result of constant demands placed upon them. One might
feel “stressed out”, irritable, tired, and be prone to allergies or
infection. Many of the negative effects of stress, including
exhaustion, are associated with a loss of nutrients.
During stressful times, we must take extra good care of our body. In
addition to adequate rest, diet, and exercise, it is important to take
supplements to support the body and enhance adrenal function.
A: There
is grave concern about the overuse of antibiotic medications, which has
given rise to all sorts of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and deadly new
infections. Now the overuse of antibacterial soaps is causing similar
concern. The majority of soaps contain several highly toxic chemicals
made from petroleum products that disturb your natural balance of
healthy microflora.
Over a period of time, all
substances applied to your skin are absorbed through it and affect the
body’s internal metabolism which causes stress for your immune system.
Our common skin flora includes a wide range of germs that are normally
harmless. In fact, they compete with disease-causing microorganisms and
in many cases provide a natural immunity against disease. In other
words, the skin has a natural disinfecting power.
Nourish your body inside and out –
use only chemical-free body care products – it’s good for you and the
environment.
A: Start
a specific anti-viral and immune stimulating nutritional program NOW!
The key to optimal health is strengthening the immune system. Formulas
consisting of herbal blends and specific nutrients which possess
immune-enhancing activity will ensure your body’s ability to fight
back.
Homeopathic remedies can be
used as a preventative as well as support to address multiple symptoms,
such as body aches, fever, etc.
Immune enhancing formulas range in quality and superiority.
To be assured of getting a product that fits your individual needs, stop
in at For the Good of It and talk to our knowledgeable staff. Those
using these products find the results to be very gratifying.
Q:
What
are some of the benefits of white tea?
A: Those
who find green tea too “green/grassy” will likely enjoy white tea.
White tea is the immature leaves (buds) of the Chinese Camellia Sinensis
evergreen and least-processed tea. It contains the most tea polyphenols,
called catechins, a group of powerful antioxidant compounds that may
protect against chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Oregon State University researchers found white tea more effective than
green at healthy cell mutation, the early form of cancer. Scientists
reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer that exposure to white tea
may stymie cancerous cell expansion in the colon. One catechin in
particular, epicatechin, improved memory retention in a recent animal
study. Unlike green tea, research surrounding white tea is still in its
infancy.
Consider combining organic white tea, organic green
tea and a small amount of organic black tea for a great weight loss aid.
Ice it for a great summer beverage. Stop in for more info, we’re the
nutrition experts!
Q:
Are
sports drinks really “essential” to athletes and should children use
them?
A:
No and No. A report
from the University of California at Berkeley warns that students who
drink a 20 ounce sports drink every day for a year may gain about 13
pounds. As a nutritionist, it’s no surprise to me when you look at the
ingredients; it is water, high-fructose corn syrup, and salt.
High-fructose corn syrup is the number one source of calories in the
U.S. and it has been clearly linked to the rise in obesity and metabolic
syndrome. It increases the risk of nearly every chronic disease.
Misinformation and insidious advertising has many believing that sports
drinks and most vitamin waters are healthy and that they replenish
electrolytes, rehydrate and nourish muscles. In fact, they do just
about the opposite of what the beverage industry wants you to perceive.
A:
The #1 selling weight loss supplement in
the natural products industry is a non-stimulant thermogenic
supplement. Fucoxanthin, is an antioxidant carotenoid found in brown
seaweed. In a pair of studies, this product was clinically tested on
150 overweight women participating in a double blind, randomized,
placebo-controlled trial. Fucoxanthin is shown to boost metabolism by
actually bypassing the central nervous system, working at the cellular
level to create heat and burn fat.
BURNS FAT ▪ NO JITTERS
▪ NO NERVOUSNESS
▪ NO LOST SLEEP
▪
WEIGHT LOSS - What more could you want!
A:
Natural Flu Prevention!
The
Influenzinum A, B, C, 30C is a homeopathic remedy derived from the 1918
epidemic. This is the strain that all current Flu outbreaks are related
to. As a Homeopathic remedy, the specific yearly mutations are still
covered by this original 1918 remedy, unlike vaccines that can ‘miss the
mark’ from year to year because they are too specific…not to mention
‘other stuff’ vaccines contain.
The
Influenzinum A, B, C, 30C has 15 remedies and not just one, like some of
the leading competitors. It can be used as a preventative as
well as at the beginning and during symptoms to help bring relief at any
stage and is not limited to a narrow window of use. It addresses
multiple symptoms during the flu such as: body aches, fever, headaches
and sore throat.
Remember
the key to optimum wellness is strengthening the immune system. Talk to
us
about fortifying the immune system. We’re the nutrition experts!
Q:
How
does caffeine affect the body regarding stress and aging?
A:
Many people’s tolerance for caffeine changes as
they turn 40 or 50. The adrenal glands’ production of DHEA, the hormone
responsible for anabolic metabolism or rebuild and repair activity as
well as the production of sex hormones, declines sharply after the age
of 40. The production of cortisol, the primary stress hormone,
increases inversely to the decline of DHEA. Elevated levels of cortisol
accelerate aging symptoms including skin wrinkling, loss of muscle and
increased fat gain (especially a buildup of fat in the abdominal area),
and feelings of anxiety and stress.
Women
have a greater sensitivity to caffeine than men, and also may take
longer to detoxify caffeine and recover from its stimulating effects.
Help slow the aging process by eliminating caffeine from
your diet. Choose herbal coffee substitutes as a tasty alternative, or
if its energy you want, ask us for a healthy energy supplement.
Q:
What
are the dangers of drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec?
A:
Widely used heartburn drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make
people more susceptible to pneumonia, probably because they reduce
germ-killing stomach acid, Dutch researchers found in a study of more
than 300,000 patients. The highest risks occurred with these powerful
acid-fighting drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Over nearly three
years, users of these drugs faced almost double the risk of developing
pneumonia compared with former users.
Users of another class of acid-fighting drugs that includes cimetidine
and famotidine also faced an elevated risk. The study was led by
researcher Robert J.F. Laheij at University Medical Center St. Radboud
in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and appeared in November’s Journal of the
American Medical Association.
For non-drug approaches to improve
heartburn and digestive problems, stop in and see us, we’re the
nutrition experts! Helping Will County stay healthy since 1978.
Q:
What
are the pros and cons of sports drinks?
A:
There are many reasons why
you should stay away from sports drinks in all instances. For example,
they’ve been found to corrode your teeth. As it turns out, ironically,
drinking sports drinks when you exercise is particularly problematic
because your mouth is dry, which means you don’t have enough saliva in
your mouth to combat the drinks’ acidity.
There are situations
where use of sports drinks is an option. Unfortunately, less than one
percent of those who use sports drinks actually need them. The only
time you should resort to these drinks is after vigorous exercise, and
you’re sweating profusely. Anything less than 45 minutes of
exercise will simply not result in large enough fluid loss to justify
using these high-sodium, high sugar drinks. And, there are far better
options to rehydrate yourself.
A:
Cholesterol is the most important
antioxidant in the body but it is also a great selling point for the
pharmaceutical industry. Cholesterol is in 90% of your hormones and
also is in every cell in your body. Do you know that your body makes
60% of your cholesterol? Did you know that your brain, if you pull all
the water off, is almost all fat? If your cholesterol is less that 155
after age 55 or 60 the chances of dying of cancer or suicide increase by
3000%.
Cholesterol
lowering doesn’t mean a thing unless you have extreme numbers and that
is your body telling you something is going on in your body. If your
cholesterol is high it may mean that your hormones are low, and because
it has to produce more hormones it has to dump more cholesterol into the
blood so it can make the hormones necessary to be alive. Another
thought – 10 years ago normal cholesterol levels were 250 and now the
doctors want to lower that number to 150.
Go figure!?
A:
Most knowingly, since the
early 1900’s iodine has been known for both low activity and above
normal activity of the thyroid gland. However, using iodine to support
thyroid function is somewhat ignored by medical practitioners today.
Also, there has been convincing evidence connecting inadequate iodine
intake and breast cancer. Japanese women living in Japan consume
adequate iodine levels and experience one of the lowest risks of breast,
ovarian, and uterine cancer. In the 1960’s one slice of bread in the
U.S.A. contained the full RDA of iodine. The risk of breast cancer was
1 in 20. Since then iodine was replaced by bromine in the bread making
process. Bromine blocks thyroid function and may interfere with the
anticancer effects of iodine in the breast. Now, the risk of breast
cancer is 1 in 8 and increasing 1% per year.
In addition, several studies have demonstrated a relationship between
low iodine intake and fibrocystic disease of the breast.
Q:
My
5 year old complains that it hurts when I brush her hair. Is there
something to this?
A:
A
nutritionally oriented physician knows what that “little” sign or
symptom really means. They use these signs to determine clues to
problems and to determine some of your individual nutrient requirements.
They believe, if it’s painful to pull on or brush your hair, you need
more vitamin D. (Small children have this problem more often than
adults.) Children can safely use 400 to 1,000 IU daily; adults,
2,000-3,000 IU daily.
A:
Salt is essential for life – we can’t live without it. Common table salt
is a destructive poison that is useless and has nothing in common with
real salt. The body sacrifices tremendous energy while it tries to
metabolize table salt crystals. Table salt is actually 97.5% sodium
chloride and 2.5% chemicals. It is dried at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and
what remains after is chemically cleaned sodium chloride.
For every gram of sodium chloride that your body can not get
rid of, your body uses twenty-three time the amount of cell water to
neutralize the salt. This results in dehydrated cells that can
contribute to unsightly cellulite, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Kidney
and Gall stones.
Real salt is a natural salt which contains many trace
minerals that benefit the body’s natural balance.
A:
The Goji Berry is loaded
with nutrients and powerful antioxidants. It contains 18 Amino Acids
(six time higher that bee pollen), more Beta Carotene that carrots, and
more iron than spinach, 21 trace minerals and 500 times more Vitamin C
by weight that oranges! The 13% protein in the Goji Berry is higher
that whole wheat. The Goji Berry has four unique polysaccharides and is
loaded with many other vitamins and minerals.
Some of the
benefits of Goji: helps boost energy levels, helps promote better mood
and self-esteem, helps cure cravings for sweets, helps with dry skin,
helps sleeplessness due to menopause, and for athletes helps with
performance, endurance and recovery.
A:
ScienceDaily (Nov. 8, 2006) —
The high consumption of sweetened food and drink increases the risk of
developing pancreatic cancer, according to a new study from Karolinska
Institute. A heavy intake of fizzy drinks, creamed fruit (a product
resembling runny jam) and sugar in coffee are three common ways of
increasing the risk.
Pancreatic
cancer is a very serious form of cancer that is possibly caused when
the pancreas produces heightened levels of insulin as a consequence
of upset glucose metabolism. A well-known way of increasing insulin
production is to eat a lot of sugar. Scientists have now, for the
first time, shown that the consumption of sweetened food and drink
affects a person's chances of developing pancreatic cancer. The
study began in 1997 and was subsequently monitored until June 2005.
Most at risk were those who drank high quantities of fizzy or syrup
based (squash) drinks. The group who said that they drank such
products twice a day or more ran a 90% higher risk than those who
never drank them.
A:
The
short answer is that you can get vitamin D from a tanning bed, but it’s
a bit more complicated that that. The sun (and tanning beds) has two
types of radiation – UVA and UVB. Most salons using tanning beds that
have 95 percent UVA radiation because it penetrates deeper into your
skin and gives you a longer-lasting, golden brown tan. The salons shy
away from the UVB radiation because it only affects the outer layer of
your skin, causing you to burn more easily and the tan to fade more
quickly. But all of the vitamin D benefits come from the UVB rays – not
from the UVA rays typically used intanning beds.
So if you can’t make it out in the sun for 20 minutes or so a few
times a week (for whatever reason) – or even if you just prefer
being confined to a tanning bed rather than being outdoors in the
sunshine – it can be an option for a source of vitamin D. Just make
sure that you do your research. The closer the spectrum of
wavelengths emitted by the tanning bed lamps is to the spectrum of
solar wavelengths reaching plant Earth, the safer it will be.
As always: Copy nature for the best and safest results.
A:
Vitamin E is essential to life – we cannot live without it. Eight forms
of vitamin E have been identified as existing in nature. While all
forms of vitamin E are active antioxidants inside our bodies, studies
are emerging that suggest some eight members share similar functions and
others have functions that are completely different. The most popular
form alpha-tocopherol, has incredible antioxidant benefits and has
become synonymous with vitamin E. However research places special
emphasis on the newly discovered benefits of gamma-tocopherol,
especially its ability to protect against diseases associated with
chronic inflammation, including cancer, heart disease and degenerative
brain disorders. For optimal health, there is strong research
supporting the need to balance all eight forms of vitamin E.
A:
For
generations, the San people of South Africa have been using the hoodia
cactus to alleviate intense hunger pains on long hunting trips for days
at a time without side effects. Scientific research suggests Hoodia
suppresses the appetite by fooling the brain into believing you are
full, and thereby stops you from thinking about food.
Hoodia contains an active ingredient which mimics the effects that
glucose has on the hypothalamus of the brain, suppressing our appetite.
Research has shown that the plant can reduce appetites 30%-40% allowing
the user to eat less without feeling hungry.
A:
In a
recent clinical trial of women who took Relora three times a day for two
weeks, 90% reported that the herbal blend made them feel less anxious,
87% enjoyed more restful sleep and 81% were cured of stress-related
eating.
Relora stabilizes levels of the stress hormone cortisol to exert a
relaxing effect on the nervous system. And that sets off a biochemical
chain of events that remedies weight problems and increases immunity to
an array of stress-related health concerns.
A:
A yearly flu vaccine has not
been proven to prevent flu related deaths in people over the age of 65,
according to a review in the Lancet medical journal.
Nonetheless, the
U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu
shot for this purpose, citing research about 36,000 yearly deaths and
200,000 annual hospitalizations for flu-related illness in the U.S.
No studies have
conclusively proven that flu shots prevent flu-related deaths among the
elderly according to the review and some of the support for this
practice is based on flawed data.
A:
Hyaluronic Acid can be found
naturally in every tissue of your body. The skin holds nearly 50% of
your body’s Hyaluronic Acid, resulting in a healthy and vital
appearance. As you age, however, you lose this vital youth enhancing
substance.
HA helps to keep
your eyes healthy, skin moist and your joints lubricated, acting as a
buffer to protect your cells.
The function of
HA is always about hydration and separation. Hydration because it holds
on to water and separation because it acts as a structural component
throughout the body.
A:
A
cross sectional observational study analyzed 3,581 urban black and white
young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 for hostility levels based
upon their fatty acid intakes.
The
researchers concluded that regular consumption of fish rich in Omega-3
fatty acids, particularly DHA is associated with reduced odds for
hostility.
More positive
studies on the wonderful benefits of essential fatty acids! Stop in and
talk to us – we’re the nutrition experts!
A:
Paper and paper products make up the largest component of municipal
solid waste – 40% by weight and 50% by volume. The purchase of recycled
products is vital to the success of recycling programs. According to
the United States EPA every ton of recycled paper used saves 7,000
gallons of water, saves 4,100 kw hours of electricity, saves 3.3 cubic
yards of landfill space and keeps 60 lbs of air-borne pollutants out of
the air.
Prior to the 1850’s plant fibers were used to make quality
papers. Not only does using tree-free paper reduce the demand to clear
cut forests but most alternative fibers like hemp and kenaf break down
easier without the use of heavy chemicals.
Q:
Why do American women have excessively high levels of estrogen?
A:
Three main reasons: an
over refined diet, lack of exercise & external toxic sources of estrogen
call xenoestrogens (xeno means foreign). Refined carbohydrates, hard
fats and empty foods contribute to as much as twice the normal estrogen
levels.
Many external
toxins have been found to have estrogen like effects in the body. Most
are petroleum derivatives, found in plastics, computer chips, PVC,
pesticides, soap, clothes, DDT, and much more. This is believed to be
the causation to the highest rates in history of female cancers.
Estrogen
levels are much lower in women who eat little and perform strenuous
physical work – as those in non-industrialized areas. Menopause is a
much bigger deal in our industrialized countries, because the estrogen
decline is so radical. This stressful dip is the real cause of the
discomfort of menopause.
Q:
What’s the harm in using “regular” household cleaning products, such as
laundry products?
A:
The word “detergent” refers to household cleaning products
which are based on non-soap, synthetic surfactants and which are
primarily used for laundering and dishwashing.
All detergents contain “cationic”,
“anionic,” or “non-ionic” detergents. Cationic detergents are the most
toxic when taken internally. Symptoms include nausea to convulsions and
coma. (By themselves, anionic detergents have low toxicity causing
mild, local irritation of skin and eyes. But the addition of “builders”
to anionic detergents is common and makes anionic detergents alkaline
and caustic (capable of corroding or eating away tissues). Non-ionic
detergents have low toxicity. At most, mild irritation of the skin and
mucous membranes occurs. Ingestion causes no hazardous effects.
There is a common misconception that
low-phosphate detergents are “safe.” While low-phosphate detergents are
safer to the environment, they are 100-1000 times more caustic than
phosphate detergents. This means the low-phosphate detergents can cause
serious burns if even a small amount is ingested.
A:
A study of the dietary
intake and ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids in the diets of 1,546
women reporting DES were compared to the ratios of these fatty acids in
the diets of women without DES.
The
information was taken from 39,876 women who participated in the Women’s
Health Study.
Upon comparison of the
dietary intake ratios of the Omega-6 to Omega-3’s, researchers concluded
that a higher intake of Omega-3 was associated with a decreased risk of
incidence of DES, while a higher ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 was
associated with an increased DES risk.
Q:
I read that fatty acids can be beneficial to someone with a history
of severe depression. Is there any truth to this?
A:
A case report was
published in a psychiatry journal showing the importance of the fatty
acids in fish oil.
The 21 year
old male student had a 7 year history of depressive symptoms and met the
criteria for “major depressive disorder recurrent”. He was given 4
grams daily of EPA. This led to rapid improvement with cessation of
thinking about committing suicide within one month. It took 9 months
for all his depressive symptoms to completely disappear.
When taking
fatty acids, one must be patient for it can take months for them to
become incorporated into cellular membranes. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry,
Jan. 2002;59:91-92
A:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also known as ubiquinone and is a powerful group
of lipid-soluble compounds. It is known to inhibit lipid
peroxidation in both cell membranes and serum LDL, and may offer
protection from oxidative damage. It is found in the highest
concentrations in the heart, where it helps the cellular mitochondria
metabolize fates for energy, and it helps maintain the flexibility of
cell membranes. CoQ10 levels decline in mitochondria as the body
ages.
Researchers found CoQ10 prevented the death rate oligodendrocytes, which
form myelin protein sheets in the nervous system, and it found to
protect against lesions produced by mitochondrial toxins, which in turn
help to prevent such neuro-diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Q:
Is there such a
thing as a smart pill?
A:
Bacopa is traditionally
used to improve memory and learning. Believe it or not, this herb can
help to improve a child's intelligence.
In
one clinical trial, Bacopa significantly improved IQ scores in 10 to13
year-old children with an average intelligence over a nine-month
treatment period.
A
series of tests were also conducted on children of younger ages showing
similar results and in addition Bacopa also improved visual motor
perception. It's important to note that children achieved best results
with continued use.
For the Good of It
carries only the highest quality herbs and nutritional supplements.
Q: There
is a great deal of controversy regarding
the
consumption of dairy products.
Do you advise milk consumption?
A: It’s
difficult to answer that without a lot of ifs. However, in a few words,
preferably no, but there are possibilities. Here’s a study completed a few
years ago.
A
13.5 year study involving 61,084 Swedish women (38-76 years of age) resulted
in 266 who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. There diets were examined
for intake of dairy products and lactose and then compared to the non-cancer
controls.
A review found women who consumed
four or more servings of dairy per day had twice the risk of serious ovarian
cancer compared to women who consumed less than two servings of dairy per
day. Dietary milk showed the strongest effect: intake of two or more
glasses of milk was associated with double the risk of serious ovarian
cancer compared with the “never or seldom” milk-intake group.
Q:
Will an
occasional use of an energy drink hurt
my
health?
A:
The main ingredients in
most energy drinks/products are caffeine, guarana, taurine, and
glucuronolactone. They are usually sweetened with glucose and sucrose.
If you have Type II diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome,
syndrome X or hypoglycemia, it’s best to avoid these energy drinks.
Even if these
problems are not of concern or there are no such problems in your genetic
heritage, energy drinks are not beneficial for your health.
Caffeine and guarana are stimulants and regular use of stimulants isn’t good for the
long-term health of brain cells.
An
occasional energy drink, for the most part, won’t hurt your health.
However, there are less expensive, more supportive products available - stop
in for more info.
Q:
Can Probiotics
help fight digestive disorders?
A:
A combination of various
probiotic bacteria may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), report researchers in the Journal Alimentary
Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2005, vol. 22:387-394). Probiotics
contain beneficial, “friendly” bacteria, many of which normally inhabit
the human intestine. Their functions include manufacturing immune
factors, supporting proper digestion, and preventing growth of
disease-causing, potentially infectious bacteria in the gut. This trial
examined 103 people with established IBS, who were given either one
probiotc capsule or a placebo capsule per day for six months. Total
symptoms in the probiotic group were reduced by 42 percent compared with
only six percent in the placebo group.
Q:
What natural approach can
I do to help my
children
stay well through the winter months?
A:
Most children respond quickly to a few simple
health-building steps.
It is very important that your
child eat a balanced diet including a variety of
FRESH fruits and vegetables. To fortify a child’s immunity start with
a multiple vitamin
with a solid mineral base, without sugar, colorings, dyes, artificial
flavorings and fillers.
There is absolutely no need for those ingredients to be in a supplement
especially in a product designed for a child. Extra vitamin C is also
helpful. Echinacea tea several
times a week or Echinacea especially formulated for children in a tincture
form is
beneficial. Most helpful is a liquid from of Astragalus, known as a
great everyday
immune support.
If you child becomes sick, the earlier the illness is treated, the more
likely it will be stopped quickly.
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Q:
How harmful is the sun?
A:
More evidence to confirm we need the sunshine
not SPF 500 sun block.
The sun actually promotes many beneficial effects in the body, including
vitamin D
synthesis. Harvard researchers
studied 456 consecutive patients with early stage lung cancer at three
hospitals. The study showed the
survival rate was substantially higher
(72%) for those with higher levels of vitamin D and surgeries performed in
the summer
than those with lower levels of vitamin D and winter surgeries (29%).
Since the research was done at Harvard, there may be hope.
Perhaps sun-fearing dermatologists will see the (sun) light and start to
recommend nutritional supplements to reduce or even eliminate skin cancer,
too.
Stop in and talk to us for more info on
nutritional supplements for sun protection! |
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