Berries for Your Health: Winter Edition

by Dr. Mark Lange

It’s slim picking in the fresh fruit aisle this time of year.  It may appear well-stocked, but many of the berries you see on supermarket shelves are imported from other continents and are sad, tasteless forms of their summertime selves.

While citrus fruits and bananas are great alternatives in the winter, they lack the health benefits of deep-colored berries.  Those red, blue and purple pigments have health benefits because they contain anthocyanins – natural antioxidants that maintain proper eye function, limit cellular oxidative DNA damage and decrease platelet aggregation. 

There is accumulating evidence that much of the health-promoting potential of berries comes from these phytochemicals, bioactive compounds not designated as traditional nutrients. There is much evidence that dietary consumption of anthocyanin pigments and polyphenolics have preventative and therapeutic roles in a number of human diseases.  A number of studies show an inverse relationship between intake of flavonoids in the diet and mortality from coronary heart disease.  The anthocyanin pigments of bilberry have long been used from improving visual acuity and treating circulatory disorders.

Women who eat about two servings of strawberries or one serving of blueberries a week experienced less mental decline over time than women who did not, according to research published in the Annals of Neurology.  The positive effect is attributed to the anthocyanidins, compounds known to cross the blood-brain barrier and locate in the learning and memory centers of the brain.

Eating berries twice a week reduces the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease by 25 percent, according to research published in the journal Neurology.  The same research showed that men with the highest intake of flavonoids reduced their risk by 40 percent.

Dietitians and physicians now recognize that a diet high in fresh vegetables and fruit helps to keep blood pressure within normal ranges.  Berries also help fight systemic inflammation, a risk factor associated with heart attack and stroke.  Results published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases showed a 22 percent reduction in C-reactive protein with anthocyanin supplementation.

During the winter months when berries and other fruits high in anthocyanin content are unavailable, like cherries and plums, supplementation can be an excellent source of the beneficial components found fresh fruit.  In particular, look for dietary  supplements containing concentrated extracts of  bilberry, grape, acai, pomegranate, black current and elderberry.

Of course, a supplement will not replace the nutritional value of whole berries, but adding anthocyanin-containing supplements to your daily regiment may offer complementary health benefits year-round.

Osteoporosis & Keeping Your Bones Healthy

By: Dr. Robert M. Blair, Ph.D.

Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone” and is a disease of the bones where we make too little bone, lose too much bone or a combination of the two, resulting in less dense, weaker bones.

According to the National Osteoporosis Society, one in every two women and one in every five men over the age of 50 in the United Kingdom will fracture a bone due to osteoporosis.  The statistics indicate that about 300,000 fractures due to bone fragility will occur each year in the UK and 1,150 people die every month as a result of hip fractures. Overall, it is estimated that about three million people in the UK have osteoporosis.

Keeping our bones healthy is a vital part of healthy aging.  While some of the risk factors for osteoporosis are beyond our control (e.g. age, sex, menopause and family history), there are a number of things we can do to support healthier bones.

Get Plenty of Exercise

A recent review paper reported that physical activity may stimulate bone formation and thus increase bone mineral density and bone strength, reducing one’s risk for fracture.  In postmenopausal women, both impact and non-impact exercises were shown to have benefits for spinal bone mass. Another study reported that impact exercise regimens that combines jogging, walking and stair climbing and exercise programs that combine impact exercises with resistance exercise both help reduce postmenopausal bone loss at the hip and spine.  TheNational Osteoporosis Foundation recommends 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercises (walking, jogging, etc.) most days of the week, muscle-strengthening exercises two to three days each week, and balance or functional exercise as often as needed.

Eat Healthy

Adopting a healthy, balance diet is a good way to get all or most of the vitamins and minerals you need to support good bone health.  The Food Standards Agency advises that a healthy balanced diet has:

• At least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables every day
• Plenty of starchy foods (whole grain whenever possible)
• Some milk and dairy foods
• Some non-dairy sources of protein (meat, fish, eggs, beans, etc.)
• Only a small amount of food and drinks high in fat and/or sugar.

Dairy products, fish, vegetables, beans & seeds, cereal products, and fortified foods can be good sources of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K, vitamins and mineral important for good bone health.

Dietary Supplements

While a healthy, well-balanced diet might be the ideal way to get all the vitamin and minerals we need to support healthy bones and reduce one’s risk for osteoporosis, many of us don’t eat a healthy, well-balanced diet due to today’s hectic, stress-filled lifestyles.  Dietary supplements make an effective and convenient way to ensure we get the vitamins and minerals we need for good bone health.  Some of the key vitamins and minerals for healthy bones include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and magnesium.

Calcium… According to the National Osteoporosis Society, 70% of our bone is made up of calcium compounds.  According to the National Institutes of Health, adequate intake of calcium throughout life is essential for good bone health and inadequate calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis.  In addition to supporting the structure of the bone, calcium has multiple roles in bone function and metabolism.  In the United Kingdom, the recommended calcium intake for most people is 800 mg daily. Calcium-rich foods like leafy green vegetables, sardines and salmon (canned with bones), dairy products, and fortified foods are all good choices for getting the calcium you need.  Calcium supplements are also a good way to meet your daily calcium requirements.  This is particularly true if it is difficult to get what you need from your regular diet.

Vitamin D… Vitamin D is needed for the normal absorption of calcium and deficiencies in vitamin D intake lead to the bone diseases rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Several studies have demonstrated that adequate vitamin D levels help reduce the incidence of falls and fractures.  These studies have reported that daily supplementation with 700 IU/day vitamin D reduced the risk of falls by about 22% and supplementation with 400 IU/dayreduced the risk of non-vertebral fractures by more than 20%.  Vitamin D is not naturally found in many foods; therefore, sunlight exposure remains our major source of vitamin D.  Getting adequate exposure to sunlight, consuming vitamin D – fortified foods and taking a good vitamin D supplement all important ways to ensure you get adequate amounts of vitamin D.  In the United Kingdom, it is recommended that people 65 years of age and older and people not exposed too much sunlight should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Vitamin K2…  Vitamin K2 is a fat soluble vitamin that directs calcium to where it is needed (bones and blood) and away from where it is not needed (soft tissue and arteries). Vitamin K2 supports bone retention through the synthesis of proteins involved with calcium utilization. Vitamin K2 also works as a co-factor in the carboxylation of a few key calcium-binding proteins, including osteocalcin. A combination of vitamin K2 with vitamin D has been reported to support bone health in postmenopausal women.  While there are two main forms of vitamin K (K1 and K2), vitamin K2 is considered to be the most active form.  Vitamin K2 is not abundant in most foods, thus supplementation is typically the easiest way to get the vitamin K2 needed to support healthy bones.

Magnesium… A recent review of the scientific literature clearly shows the importance ofmagnesium for good bone health.  According to this review, over half of the magnesium in our body is stored in bone and magnesium deficiency is associated with bone density and osteoporosis.  One recent study suggested that low serum magnesium levels may be a co-contributing factor in causing low bone mineral density. Additionally, women with low bone mineral density have been reported to have low magnesium levels in addition to low levels of calcium.  Supplementation with magnesium can help maintain adequate serum levels of magnesium and support healthy bones.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often isn’t diagnosed until we fracture a bone.  This makes it essential to develop healthy lifestyle habits that reduce one’s chance of developing osteoporosis.  Eating right, getting plenty of exercise, and supplementing with key micronutrients are all important factors in developing a plan of prevention.

Report: Supplements Could Save Billions in Health Care Costs

by Dr. Mark Lange

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately three quarters of total U.S. health care expenditures are spent on preventable diseases, including such conditions as coronary heart disease, diabetes, age-related eye disease, and osteoporosis, but only three percent (3%) of health care expenditures are invested in disease prevention programs.

Although the U.S. health care system does not have as strong an emphasis on preventive medicine as other Western countries, many observers predict that the United States is in the midst of a slow revolution of its health care model—transitioning to a model that is more focused on maintaining individual and overall health and wellness as opposed to a continued reactive approach focused on single-event interventions.

Most Americans are aware of the challenges facing the country’s health care system: escalating costs, denied tests and treatments, fragmented care, less time available for a patient-physician relationship, medical errors and inefficiencies, and the new health insurance marketplace.

However, important cultural, technological, and demographic trends are increasingly putting more control into the hands of patients to directly manage their health. This transformation has enormous potential to change how medicine is practiced and how the health care system, as a whole, operates.

This report demonstrates that significant cost savings can be realized by health care payers, such as insurance companies, and consumers through the use of dietary supplements that have a demonstrable and substantial effect on the risk of costly disease-related events among targeted high-risk populations.

Specifically, this report examines evidence showing that the usage of key dietary supplements can reduce overall disease treatment-related hospital utilization costs associated with heart disease, age-related eye disease, diabetes, and bone disease in the United States among those at a high risk of experiencing a costly, disease-related event.

Thus, targeted dietary supplementation regimens are recommended as a means to help control rising societal health care costs, and as a means for high-risk individuals to minimize the chance of having to deal with potentially costly events and to invest in increased quality of life.

The key findings of the potential for health care cost savings when high risk US adults aged 55 and older and diagnosed with these chronic diseases, used one of eight different supplement regimens at preventative intake levels:

Calcium plus vitamin D in women with osteoporosis.  The potential net savings would be $1.25 billion.

Magnesium for osteoprorosis.  The potential net savings would be $593 million.

Lutein and zeaxanthin for age-related eye diseases, included age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.  These supplements are reported to reduce the risk of these diseases by 23%, which would offer potential savings of $930 million.

Omega-3s for coronary heart disease (CHD).  CHD currently costs the United States $78 billion, and with omega-3s offering a relative risk reduction of 6.9%, the overall net potential savings would be $930 million.

B vitamins for CHD.  Scientific literature suggests that B vitamins may offer a relative risk reduction of 3.3%, which gives a potential $560 million in net savings.

Psyllium dietary fiber for CHD.  Psyllium supplements offer an 11.5% relative risk reduction, which would provide $2.3 billion in savings.

Phytosterols for CHD.  Phytosterols offer an 11.2% relative risk reduction, which would give $3.3 billion in savings.

Chromium picolinate for potential diabetes-attributed CHD costs.  Chromium picolinate offers a potential cost savings of $970 million.

Chronic diseases affect millions of people’s quality of life.  Dietary supplements can play an important role in prevention of diseases, along with adopting lifestyle practices known to favor better health.  This report is good news for health care practitioners, insurance companies and patients because it supports the position that certain dietary supplements have the potential to reduce medical costs associate with some diseases.

There’s no better time to consider a detox than at the start of a brand-new year!

Proper detoxification goes hand in hand with good health. That’s why there’s no better time to consider a detox than at the start of a brand-new year! Whether you’re considering jump-starting your weight loss efforts, or you simply want to detoxify your system of impurities, read on to learn about the many benefits of NutriClean® 7-Day Cleansing System with Stevia.

The NutriClean 7-Day System — a colon and liver cleansing system — uses exceptional herbs and botanicals to detoxify, cleanse, and purify the digestive tract and liver. In providing select nutrients and botanicals, the NutriClean 7-Day System mildly purges the body of potential or accumulated toxins. This innovative three-step process only requires a week to cleanse your digestive system. NutriClean has helped many people support their colon health by providing a cleansing system that helps combat the effects of poor diet and environmental toxins. The NutriClean 7-Day System is a powerhouse of herbs, fibers, and extracts that offers unparalleled digestive and liver support that can be customized by individual users.*

The NutriClean 7-Day System is an excellent cleansing tool that should be used twice a year for optimal digestive, liver and colon health. There are three components to the NutriClean 7-Day System, which work in tandem to provide a cleansing, rejuvenating effect and maintain proper digestive health to promote maximum performance of each of these vital systems. To ensure proper health, it is beneficial to begin with a clean slate. nutraMetrix's NutriClean 7-Day System is a three-pronged approach that works diligently to cleanse the digestive system as it flushes out the colon, and supports the body’s natural processes of restoration and cleansing.

This 7-Day system contains three components:

HepatoCleanse — capsules cleanse the liver

Release tablets — cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and enhance peristalsis

Fiber Powder — provides much needed fiber and beneficial bacteria to the colon

nutraMetrix has created a powerful system that can meet everyone’s needs. When taken as directed, the NutriClean 7-Day System can not only provide you with a proactive means to support colon health, but several associated benefits as well.*

*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.

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.