Eight Common Diseases Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

The cure for some of the most common and debilitating health conditions today may be as elemental as simply correcting a nutrient deficiency that plagues millions of Westerners: Vitamin D deficiency. Here are eight common diseases that have been scientifically linked to a chronic lack of vitamin D:

1) Asthma. Though a definitive cause of asthma is still up for debate, recent science points to vitamin D, and particularly a lack thereof, as a major factor in its prevalence. Especially in children, vitamin D has been shown to help reduce the severity and prevalence of asthma symptoms, and may help quell the inflammation responsible for restricting airways and making it difficult for asthmatics to breathe (http://science.naturalnews.com).

2) Hypertension. A study recently published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that patients with hypertension fared better when their vitamin D levels were boosted. High blood serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a marker of vitamin D, were found to help modulate vascular inflammation and other indicators of high blood pressure (http://www.vitasearch.com).

3) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Numerous studies conducted in Europe, India, and the United States have identified a link between low vitamin D levels and higher rates of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other forms of IBD. Based on this cohort of research, populations where natural sunlight exposure is limited tend to have higher rates of IBD, and vice versa (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

4) Influenza. It has long been known that influenza rates are highest during the wintertime when the sun is at its lowest tilt, and exposure to ultraviolet B rays is minimal. This, combined with research, shows that vitamin D helps boost the immune system, and science is only just beginning to recognize the flu-fighting potential of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

5) Type-2 Diabetes. A 2011 study published in the journal, AIDS, found that vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in patients with HIV. But in the process of learning this, the research team also found that maintaining high vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or supplementation can actually help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in general (http://science.naturalnews.com).

6) Dental cavities. It has been suspected since at least the mid-1800s that a lack of natural sunlight exposure is a major cause of poor health. But in recent years, scientists have pinned specific conditions, including poor dental health, to a lack of vitamin D. Numerous recent studies have found that optimal levels of vitamin D promote the healthy calcification of teeth, while a lack of this important nutrient can lead to higher rates of dental cavities (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

7) Rheumatoid arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may want to have your vitamin D levels checked. A recent study out of Canada found a “considerably strong association” between vitamin D deficiency and RA. In fact, those with the lowest blood plasma levels of 25(OH)D were found to be up to five times more susceptible to RA-related diseases than others (http://www.vitasearch.com).

8) Cancer. Whether it is breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, or renal, cancers of all types have been shown to be more prominent among people with inadequate levels of vitamin D. Conversely, those with the highest levels of vitamin D, or what are considered “optimal” levels, tend to be the least prone to developing cancer (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, heart health and immune support, while working with vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy arteries. nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of these powerful vitamins with an       isotonic delivery.

Vitamin K is included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.

To learn more about vitamin D and the many scientific studies that have been conducted on it in relation to disease, be sure to check out this categorical listing on the new Science.NaturalNews.com:
http://science.naturalnews.com

You can also learn more about vitamin D by visiting the Vitamin D Council:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

Sources for this article include:

http://www.vitasearch.com

http://www.vitasearch.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://vitasearch.dyndns.info

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org
Original Article Posted on Natural News

Halloween Candy: How to Minimize the Damage

Autumn is in full swing. Pumpkin pie, fresh cider, sweet potatoes, and of course, Halloween. For those of us making an effort to eat right, Halloween it is a time of temptation. Even if you don’t have children bringing home sacks of candy home on Halloween, you’re likely to have plenty of leftover candy from Trick-or-Treaters. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to survive Halloween without giving in to your sweet tooth -and no, you don’t have to take direction from your Dentist and be “that” house on your street giving away pennies this Halloween. Here’s what you can do to play damage control.

Always Check How Many Grams of Sugar Are In A Serving of Candy:

Some candy seems much more innocent than it really is. Take Skittles, for example. You may be “Tasting the Rainbow”, but you might be surprised to learn 1 full-size package of Skittles has 250 calories and 47 grams of sugar. That’s almost the sugar content of 4 Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
Definitely a Trick, if you ask us. We advise finding treats a little less dangerous to keep around.

Buy Halloween Candy You’re Not Crazy About:

Especially if your home has a long-standing history of being left with extra goodies at the end of the night, make it easy for yourself. If you’re a chocoholic, buy fruity candy instead. Make it easy to part with your extra Halloween candy…just don’t be too mean to your Trick-or-Treaters (No one likes Sugar Daddies or Candy Corn, people. No one.)

Buy Healthy(ish) Candy Alternatives:

At large stores that sell in bulk, you can often get fun-sized packs of pretzels, crackers, apple chips, or other slightly less sinful treats. Gummy candies, like fruit snacks, often have less sugar and fat in them than more traditional sweets.

Always Buy Well-Sealed Treats:

Although you may want to send kids home with healthy choices, like fresh apple slices, skeptical parents will likely throw out your well-intended treats without paying it a second thought if they aren’t pre-sealed. A parent’s priority will always be “Safety First”.

Surrender the Booty:

A child’s favorite moment of Halloween is dumping out the spoils on the floor and sorting their candy. Take the time at the end of the night to let them choose the pieces they want, and put the rest into a “Give Away” pile. Even if you don’t have kids who will be taking candy home this year, consolidate your left-over candy and take it to work with you to leave in the break room for your coworkers. Just getting it out of the house can make a world of difference.

Limit How Many Pieces Of Candy Your Child Can Eat:

Make a daily limit of how many pieces of candy your child can have, and hide the candy. This can cut back on a lot of overeating…and hyperactivity.

Have Healthy Snacks Around:

Part of what makes Fun-Sized candy so dangerous is the thought that a little bit won’t hurt. The temptation is ever stronger in tiny “cute” packaging, but don’t fall for it. Make sure you have pre-prepared healthy snacks, like apple slices, grapes, cherry tomatoes, celery and peanut butter, or your TLS Shakes around and readily accessible when you start to feel snacky.

With a little foresight, you can avoid falling off the bandwagon this Autumn. Have a fun and safe Halloween!

Celiac Disease: Prevalence and Prevention

By Dr. Deedra Mason

It is understood that true Celiac disease affects less than one percent of the population.  At the same time, as many as 85 percent of patients with three or more symptoms indicative of Celiac risk go undiagnosed, and data shows as much as 35 percent of the general population is at increased risk for Celiac Disease.

The intestines contain billions of microorganisms and cells operating in balance to provide the body with a filter that is essential to life. Through this filter much-needed nutrients and water are absorbed.  When the integrity of this system is compromised, however, unhealthy bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and wastes which were meant to be eliminated are absorbed instead, leading to numerous health concerns.

This disorder is commonly referred to as Hyper Intestinal Permeability, where the functional barrier between absorption and exclusion is compromised, or has become ineffective.   When an individual’s digestive system fails to exclude those compounds that should be eliminated, there is increased potential for GI disorders such as gluten sensitivity, IBS, IBD and even Celiac Disease.

These disorders can all involve a rapid increase in white blood cell mobilization and activity, creating a potential “perfect storm” for autoimmune disorders.  This is because our intestinal tract is a major regulator of immune function—in fact, it’s been said that this is where a healthy immune system begins.  A compromise in its integrity can result in much more than an upset stomach.

To provide just one example, gluten sensitivity is now a major player in the arena of autoimmune disorders, neuroendocrine dysfunction and quality of life complaints. This immune cascade finally leads to the complete rejection by the body of gluten, and for many, tissue destruction and immune deregulation.

Initially, these symptoms may not identify themselves as immune in origin, first presenting itself in the form of decreased energy levels, loss of mental focus, mood swings or weight gain.  Over time, other symptoms, such as exaggerated joint discomfort or the inability to fight off a cold or flu begin to manifest. If nothing is done to correct the imbalance, there is the potential to develop a disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or even Lupus.

What can be done on a daily basis to reduce this risk, and assist the immune system in staying balanced? Consider the following six steps:

1      Complete a diet diary.  Evaluate your own personal consumption of gluten.  Gluten is found in :  barley, wheat, and rye, and strict avoidance even includes oats.

2      Add a probiotic daily.  Normal intestinal flora functions to assist the digestion of carbohydrates, enhance natural immunity by producing natural antibiotics, assist the deconjugation of bile, synthesize B vitamins and enzymes, produce organic acids which help to regulate intestinal pH and serve to inhibit the growth of less beneficial and potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines.

3      Don’t think about what you are going to take away from the diet; instead consider what you are going to add—fiber is a great start.  If you are limited on your fresh farm season, or simply know veggie consumption is not your strong suite, consider a quality fiber supplement, preferably one including L-Glutamine and other amino acids.

4      Don’t forget the importance of a high quality multivitamin, to fill in gaps where your diet falls short.

5      Make sure to use a digestive enzyme formula, in particular one which has an emphasis on proteases.

6      Find a high quality source of omega-3 fatty acids from food or supplements.  Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in healthy inflammatory responses.

This entire list is not mandatory, but by selecting those options that are most compatible with your schedule and lifestyle you can provide some support for your digestive function, along with some reassurance for yourself. There is no one trigger for any chronic disease, but the combination of healthy dietary choices, supplementation, good sleeping habits and exercise are paramount to their prevention.

Is Your Immune System Ready?

The colder months take a toll on your immune system. As we head into cold and flu season, it is important to give your immune system extra support to fight off illness this season. A healthy immune system is the foundation for health and wellness. With Isotonix® Immune, you can boost the power of your immune system. This week in the “Did You Know” series, we are talking all about the benefits of this health supplement and how it will help you power through this cold and flu season. Read on!

Isotonix® Immune is an immune boosting supplement that boosts your body’s natural immune response to promote a healthy immune system, key when looking for ways to stay healthy and energetic.

Formulated with the immune-boosting ingredient, Wellmune, clinically-shown to promote a healthy immune system, delivered into your body using the revolutionary Isotonix Delivery System, Isotonix Immune boosts your body’s natural immune response.

Check out what people are saying about Isotonix Immune:

“I used this product for the first time last year and it was far superior to any product I have ever taken. As a teacher, I know first hand the importance of having a strong immune system. While everyone around me was getting ill at least once during the winter month, I did not get the usual bugs. This product is the best line of defense against the winter sniffles. I didn’t miss a day of work and I got to hug my babies without worries. Thanks a million for a product that tastes great and really works.”

-Gullah Girl*SHOP.COM product review 

“I have been using this product for one full year. Every time my children or myself even show a slight sign of being sick weather it be a cough or a sneeze, I just give them or take 1 full dose of this product for 2 days in a row and the symptoms are completely gone. Thanks so much for creating this for everyone. Every item I’ve purchased from the store cannot even compare to this product. #AWESOME!!!”

-Mitch*SHOP.COM product review 

“Each winter my wife and I used to get sick but since I started taking this Isotonix Immune, one cap every morning, my wife and I have not gotten sick during this winter. THIS REALLY WORKS 100%. I recommend this to anyone that’s looking to get body’s natural immune response and to stay healthy and energetic!!!”

-Abraham S*SHOP.COM product review 

“Every year when the weather changes, from summer to autumn I always always always get sick, when immune came out i waited until end of summer to try it, one cap every morning, everyone around me is sick but I’m not. I highly recommend this.”

-Anne Z*SHOP.COM product review

 There are plenty of ways to stay healthy all year long – eating the right foods, getting enough exercise, avoiding stress. But sometimes our bodies need a little extra boost. That’s why you should turn to the immune boosting power of IsotonixImmune to help you keep up with the daily demands of life.

Is Isotonix Immune part of your daily Isotonix cocktail? Tell us in the comments below what else you include!

Did You Know…All About Isotonix® Bromelain Plus

In this week’s edition of, “Did You Know,” we are focusing on protecting and supporting our bodies from the inside, out. This exact reason is why we’ve developed Isotonix® Bromelain Plus: to help support your body, letting you take action to help your body face what life puts in front of you. There are many unique benefits of this powerful formula that go beyond the scope of normal health supplements. Read on to learn all that you need to know about Isotonix® Bromelain Plus!

Inside our bodies, certain cells normally detected by the immune system “disguise” themselves from the immune system using a protein layering as a shield. Thanks to its unique formula, Isotonix Bromelain Plus helps support your body’s ability to engage in “cellular house cleaning,” breaking down that protein layer to support your immune system, offering superior cellular protection.*

With the unique combination of bromelain, white willow bark and protease, Isotonix Bromelain Plus promotes your body’s immune system and inflammatory response, helping support the body’s normal ability to heal itself on a cellular and muscular level.

Isotonix Bromelain Plus also supports your body’s normal inflammatory response, and normal tissue recovery and repair. It also has the potential to support the body’s healthy inflammatory response, providing beneficial enzymes that help support your tissue health.

Some additional benefits seen are:

• Supports the body’s normal healing process
• Promotes optimal cell health
• Supports the body’s normal inflammatory response
• Supports the body’s normal tissue and recovery repair process
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Supports healthy joint function
• Promotes healthy blood circulation
• May help support normal blood viscosity and blood platelet aggregation

Most competitor products containing bromelain don’t match what you’ll find in Isotonix Bromelain Plus, nor do they contain the complementary ingredient white willow bark. In addition, Isotonix Bromelain Plus delivers these ingredients in an isotonic form, meaning you’re getting a fast-absorbing, superior delivered product that works quickly and effectively. Support your body in facing what life puts in its way with Isotonix Bromelain Plus.

Is this powerful formula already a part of your Isotonix cocktail? Comment below and tell us what you pair Bromelain Plus with!

Looking to Start a Low Glycemic Diet? Try these tips

Need to manage your weight, blood glucose levels or energy throughout the day? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when starting your new diet: - Try to avoid foods such as white rice, white bread, and potatoes
- Stock up on foods that are high in fiber to keep you full and satisfied
- Try to experiment with local fruits such as apples, blueberries, and peaches, vegetables including spinach, broccoli, and carrots, and grains like barley, bulgur,and oats
- Drink water as much as you can, and make sure to avoid sodas and other sugar sweetened drinks
Give these tips a try and we think you’ll be amazed by how these simple things can change your life and transform you into a leaner, slimmer, and overall better you! 

Did You Know…All About Complete Greens®

In grade school we all learned about the food pyramid, eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables and the importance of a balanced diet. But as we got older and busier and our moms stopped portioning out the right amount of greens we consumed on a daily basis; some of us skimp on giving our bodies the proper nutrition we need. This week we are going to learn all about the simplified and easy way to ensure that our bodies are getting the essential vitamins that they need with Complete Greens®! Read on to learn more about the benefits of this convenient supplement and how it can improve your diet, health and lifestyle!

A vegetable-rich diet is a great way to start looking, feeling and living better. But actually getting all the recommended doses a day is easier said than done. That’s where Complete Greens® can help. This supplement offers more than 50 natural ingredients including green vegetable powders and natural grass fibers that are low in sodium, fat and calories and contain no cholesterol. Complete Greens® helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract, providing beneficial probiotics, nutrients and natural enzymes to the body’s organs. Naturally-produced grasses can enhance diets which may lack the correct amount of fruits and vegetables needed as a part of a daily regimen.

A world full of fast food and processed meals has caused people to choose less healthy alternatives. This leads to deficiencies of the nutrients that are needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Poor diets of unhealthy, processed foods, sweets and fats help set the stage for unhealthy living.

If you can’t seem to accomplish a vegetable-rich diet and healthy eating habits on your own, Complete Greens help you ingest nutrients that will help you live your demanding lifestyle. The ingredients in Complete Greens have been carefully selected for their efficiency and refined for optimal results. Complete Greens makes it possible for everyone to get the advantage of vegetables in their diets in a convenient manner.                              

Do you already take Complete Greens® on a daily basis? Comment below and share with us how you have worked it into your busy lifestyle, actively supporting a healthy diet!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe vera

By Dr. Dee Mason

The succulent plant, Barbadensis or Curacao, may be the oldest historical remedy for soothing your skin and mucous membranes.  You know it better as Aloe vera.

The United States National Institutes of Health clinical trial database has many ongoing studies, with a major emphasis in the clinical use of Aloe vera for its anti-inflammatory benefits. In this area and others, it has proven clinically to be beneficial for health.
Traditionally, Aloe vera has had applications in regards to soothing burns and irritated skin, leading to it’s becoming known as “The Burn Plant”.  This is a well-known fact, but in more recent times it’s been discovered that Aloe can also be used topically to treat dermal dryness and outbreaks on the skin’s surface.

Internally, Aloe has even wider applications. Clinically, aloe is used around the world for varied applications—being widely employed, for example, as a legitimate treatment for asthma in India. In the U.S. it has proven to be beneficial for multiple health issues such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, moderating a range of gastrointestinal complaints and urinary tract infections, and has even shown potential for cancer treatment.

One of the primary factors in Aloes exceptional healing potential is in five naturally occurring saccharides—referred to as glucomannans—that make up a large part of the plant.  Of these, one glucomannan of particular interest is acemannan.

Acemannan has been found to activate the ability of immune cells to identify, destroy and remove pathogens, recruit immune regulating cells and promote immune functions. Notably, acemannan has been shown to increase the body’s ability to kill viruses, bacteria and even tumor cells. It also assists in regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interlukens; both factors play a significant role in the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Clearly Aloe has health benefits to offer—the next step is to choose wisely among the available options. Considering the variation in preparations and the industry, certification is definitely one factor to look for in choosing a healthful aloe preparation. The International Aloe Science Council (IASC), a trade association of internationally based aloe producers and marketers, requires adherence to certain specifications for the product to be certified.

One way that companies can responsibly produce a quality product is to make use of the MAP method, which consistently produces Modified Aloe barbadensis Polysaccharide with Immunoregulatory Activity. This type of processing retains and enhances the biological activity of native aloe, and is highly recommended for use in quality control of commercial products. A quality Aloe product should contain at least 95 percent pure Aloe vera gel.

In conclusion, the health applications for Aloe vera are multidimensional, and the use of Aloe vera gel and its components for the treatment of a variety of conditions is becoming increasingly supported in scientific literature. The full clinical potential of Aloe vera has yet to be realized, but the reputation of this traditional remedy is almost certain to grow in the future.

Because the typical diet consist of many foods unintended for digestion, maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important to the overall health of the body. Ultimate Aloe contains over 200 nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, including 13 of the 17 essential minerals needed for good nutrition. Studies have shown that aloe consumed orally promotes normal digestion and supports a healthy immune system.*  

Ultimate Aloe has the IASC (International Aloe Science Council) seal that certifies the Aloe content and purity. The aloe vera in Ultimate Aloe is harvested and processed according to sanitary manufacturing practices that use specific time and temperature guidelines. This preserves the natural properties of the aloe vera plant so you receive the maximum benefits of the product. Ultimate Aloe is virtually free of undesirable components such as aloin and other anthraquinones (aloin: 1 ppm or less) confirmed by an independent university laboratory. Ultimate Aloe’s quality is analyzed for chemical and physical characteristics and in-vitro assays for monitoring biological activity. Our manufacturer is the only supplier with a full range of biological, chemical and medicinal R&D capabilities. Ultimate Aloe contains three times more polymers than aloe gel and 50 percent more active components than is required to achieve maximum benefits by being consumed orally. Ultimate Aloe delivers superior results which our customers can depend on time after time.  

Optimizing Eye Health Through Nutrition

 by Dr. Robert Blair

Whatever the current condition of your eyes, it is important to take the best possible care of them–as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  One of the most important things you can do for your vision is provide your eyes with the nutrition they need to keep them in optimal health.  While we often don’t think about it, there are a number of nutrients that can help maintain good eye health and reduce eye strain.

Vitamins (A, C & E) & Minerals (Zinc & Copper).  Numerous studies have reported that vitamins A, C, and E are found in high concentrations in the eye and work together in a complex manner to maintain eye health.  Studies have reported that consumption of vitamins A, C, and E each reduce the risk of cataract formation.  Additionally, it has been reported that supplementation with vitamin E and zinc reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.  Results of the large Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicate that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper reduces the risk of AMD progression by 25%.

Lutein & Zeaxanthin.  Both lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with antioxidant benefits.  These antioxidants are found naturally in the retina of the eye as part of the macular pigment.  Numerous research studies have demonstrated that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye from blue light and help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration [5].  In one study, supplementation with lutein for 12 weeks helped support visual performance in volunteers exposed to long-term computer monitor light exposure [6].

Astaxanthin.  Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that has been reported to have multiple health benefits.  In regards to eye health multiple studies have reported that consumed at a dose of 6 mg/day, astaxanthin helps to relieve eye fatigue in persons using computers and enhanced visual sharpness.

Omega-3 fatty acids.  A large population-based study in Australia, called the Blue Mountain Eye Study, recently reported that individuals consuming the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids showed a 24% reduction in risk for age-related macular degeneration.  This benefit was greatest (50% reduction in risk) in individuals who typically consumed low quantities of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.  A more recent study reported that consumption of a dietary supplement containing EPA, DHA, and flaxseed oil alleviated dry eye in 70% of study volunteers, apparently via enhanced tear production.

Bilberry.  Bilberry is a relative to the blueberry and like the blueberry is rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that scavenge damaging free radicals.  Research into the benefits of bilberry for eye health is still in the relatively early stages with mixed results being reported.  However, some studies demonstrate that bilberry extracts can have anti-inflammatory benefits in the eye and support healthy cellular function in the eye.

L-Taurine.  Taurine is an amino acid that is found naturally in high concentrations in the eye.  Deficiencies in taurine have been linked to vision difficulties, which can be reversed by taurine supplementation.

Lycopene.  Responsible for the red color of tomatoes, lycopene is a carotenoid pigment with potent antioxidant ability.  Recent population-based studies suggest that higher levels of lycopene are associated with lower risks for poor eye health.

In today’s technologically advanced society, we often find ourselves sitting in front of television screens, computer monitors, e-book readers, and smart phones.  The amount of time we spend engaged in these activities can put a real strain on our eye comfort and vision.  Long-term nutritional supplementation through foods and supplements is one way to combat the stress we place upon on our eyes.  If you are feeling the effects of eye fatigue, it might be time to make sure your diet includes foods and ingredients to optimize your eye health.