PCBs found in 10 fish oil supplements
A California lawsuit is accusing several fish oil supplement manufacturers of selling fish oils that contain unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds, also known as PCBs. The state's Proposition 65 requires products that may contain toxic ingredients above safe levels to have warning labels for consumer safety.
Five supplement companies, CVS and Rite Aid drug stores, and Omega Protein, Inc., the world's largest producer of omega-3 fish oil, are all named in the suit, which the plaintiffs hope will bring light to fish oil contamination problems. They also hope to see more accurate labeling of fish oils that includes specifics about contaminants like PCBs; that way, consumers will be able to make better decisions about which kinds are safe to buy.
The PCB chemical family consists of 209 different chemical compounds, all of which were tested for in the lawsuit by a California lab. That same lab also tested each of the product samples for 12 of the most toxic PCB compounds. It then evaluated each sample in terms of daily exposure to PCBs overall, and daily exposure to PCBs in terms of toxicity.
The brands tested included Nature Made, Twinlab, Now Foods, Solgar and GNC. Each brand included various types of fish oil, including cod liver, shark liver and salmon. Those that tested the lowest for PCBs contained one-70th the amount of those with the highest levels, indicating a significant difference in contamination among various brands, and types, of fish oil.
According to David Roe, the man who filed the lawsuit in San Francisco's Superior Court, the oils that tested highest exceed California's daily limit for PCBs by a factor of ten in terms of cancer risk. On the same token, some of the oils tested very low, and are not of particular concern to consumers. Read more
Monday, August 31, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Vitamin B12 Benefits: 4 Types and Their Health Benefits
Vitamin B12 Benefits: 4 Types and Their Health Benefits
Vitamin B12 is a lot like a key, opening up doorways that lead to an array of metabolic, cellular processes. Like a key, vitamin B12 is unique among all other vitamins in both structure and function. Plants, animals, and fungi do not create it, unlike most dietary nutrients. While bacteria in the gut can create B12, it is unproven as to whether or not the production is adequate. Without this important nutrient, cellular function would cease and energy would plummet. Considering that B12 contributes to the production of ATP, many people with low energy levels will often get vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among both vegans and meat eaters alike, and more people today are reaching for supplementation.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B12
This essential nutrient, mostly available from animal sources, protects nerve and brain cells from free radical damage. B12 has also been shown to reduce pain associated with neuropathy. [1] The vitamin contributes to the creation of healthy DNA and RNA (the human body’s genetic material). It also works with other B vitamins to form red blood cells, support immune system health, improve mood, protect the cardiovascular system, and maintain overall energy levels.
The only natural sources of B12 are animal foods. This includes organ meats (liver and kidney), eggs, beef, pork, seafood, and dairy products. These foods, however, often carry a heavy toxic burden, so supplementation with a vegan B12 supplement is often advised for most people. While vegetarians can get vitamin B12 through dairy, vegans need to supplement so as not to become deficient. Early symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, digestive problems, nausea, and loss of menstruation. Advanced symptoms include nerve pain, mental health disorders, infertility, impaired immune function, and anemia.
What are the 4 Types of B12?
Everyone should understand the importance of getting enough B12 in the diet, something that is usually easier said than done. Some estimates show up to 40% of the US population suffer from some form of B12 deficiency. That’s almost half of the population! Knowing the four different types of B12 will allow you to choose the right one for you.
1. Methylcobalamin
This is the most active form in the human body. It converts homocysteine into methionine, which helps protect the cardiovascular system. Methylcobalamin also offers overall protection to the nervous system. This B12 form can also cross the blood-brain barrier–without assistance–to protect brain cells. It contributes essential methyl groups needed for detoxification and to start the body’s biochemical reactions.
2. Cyanocobalamin
This synthetic version of vitamin B12 is created in a lab, which makes it the cheapest supplement option. It offers the most stable form of B12, although it does so through the presence of a cyanide molecule. While the amount of cyanide is not dangerous, it does require the body to expend energy to convert and remove it.
3. Hydroxocobalamin
Bacteria naturally creates this form of vitamin B12, making it the main type found in most foods. It easily converts into methylcobalamin in the body. Hydroxocobalamin is commonly used via injection as a treatment for B12 deficiency as well as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. Read more
Vitamin B12 is a lot like a key, opening up doorways that lead to an array of metabolic, cellular processes. Like a key, vitamin B12 is unique among all other vitamins in both structure and function. Plants, animals, and fungi do not create it, unlike most dietary nutrients. While bacteria in the gut can create B12, it is unproven as to whether or not the production is adequate. Without this important nutrient, cellular function would cease and energy would plummet. Considering that B12 contributes to the production of ATP, many people with low energy levels will often get vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among both vegans and meat eaters alike, and more people today are reaching for supplementation.
Health Benefits of Vitamin B12
This essential nutrient, mostly available from animal sources, protects nerve and brain cells from free radical damage. B12 has also been shown to reduce pain associated with neuropathy. [1] The vitamin contributes to the creation of healthy DNA and RNA (the human body’s genetic material). It also works with other B vitamins to form red blood cells, support immune system health, improve mood, protect the cardiovascular system, and maintain overall energy levels.
The only natural sources of B12 are animal foods. This includes organ meats (liver and kidney), eggs, beef, pork, seafood, and dairy products. These foods, however, often carry a heavy toxic burden, so supplementation with a vegan B12 supplement is often advised for most people. While vegetarians can get vitamin B12 through dairy, vegans need to supplement so as not to become deficient. Early symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, digestive problems, nausea, and loss of menstruation. Advanced symptoms include nerve pain, mental health disorders, infertility, impaired immune function, and anemia.
What are the 4 Types of B12?
Everyone should understand the importance of getting enough B12 in the diet, something that is usually easier said than done. Some estimates show up to 40% of the US population suffer from some form of B12 deficiency. That’s almost half of the population! Knowing the four different types of B12 will allow you to choose the right one for you.
1. Methylcobalamin
This is the most active form in the human body. It converts homocysteine into methionine, which helps protect the cardiovascular system. Methylcobalamin also offers overall protection to the nervous system. This B12 form can also cross the blood-brain barrier–without assistance–to protect brain cells. It contributes essential methyl groups needed for detoxification and to start the body’s biochemical reactions.
2. Cyanocobalamin
This synthetic version of vitamin B12 is created in a lab, which makes it the cheapest supplement option. It offers the most stable form of B12, although it does so through the presence of a cyanide molecule. While the amount of cyanide is not dangerous, it does require the body to expend energy to convert and remove it.
3. Hydroxocobalamin
Bacteria naturally creates this form of vitamin B12, making it the main type found in most foods. It easily converts into methylcobalamin in the body. Hydroxocobalamin is commonly used via injection as a treatment for B12 deficiency as well as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. Read more
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dr Joel Fuhrman dares to speak out about medicine, health care
Dr Joel Fuhrman dares to speak out about medicine, health care
Dr Joel Fuhrman speaks out about the root cause of food addictions, why "enriched" processed foods actually lack the nutrients we need, and how to remove metabolic waste products from your body more easily. It's all part of an exclusive new video released by the Raw for Thirty group about the healing power of raw, living foods.
Watch the video here:
Dr Joel Fuhrman is one of the few doctors who really understands (and teaches) the healing power of nutrition. Rather than throwing pills at patients, Dr Fuhrman prefers to teach them how to unleash their own inner healing potential through high-nutrient foods and superfoods that bathe the body's cells in vitamins, minerals and a symphony of phytonutrients.
Symptoms are not always diseases
Dr Fuhrman really "gets it" when it comes to understanding the body's signals, too. He grasps the deeper truth that so-called "symptoms" of disease are often biological strategies used by the body in an attempt to heal. "Very often, the symptoms of disease could be the body trying to repair, trying to rejuvenate and detoxify from the cause of disease," he says in this video interview.
Watch the full interview
In it, Dr Fuhrman speaks out about the drug companies using much the same language that I've often written here on NaturalNews. He says:
"Drug studies are funded by the drug companies themselves. So you could say the fox is watching the hen house. They produce these studies, and if they're not favorable, they don't publish them. And they pay people to produce these, and the interpretation of the data is all done by the drug companies themselves, and there's a very powerful bias going on."
On the issue of the success or failure of conventional medicine, Dr Fuhrman once again lays it out and explains the link between modern medicine and the rapid loss of jobs in America:
"We're coming to a certain crisis in America because health care costs have skyrocketed to such a degree that businesses can't function anymore. And we're not seeing the benefits. We're spending more and more money on health care, but we're not seeing a healthier population for it."
The MSM conspiracy to silence the truth about health
In this exclusive interview, Dr Fuhrman even talks about how his interviews have been canned by the mainstream media:
"I've been interviewed by major media shows that have then taken the interview and canned it because their advertisers didn't allow it on. Many times! 20/20 was doing a major interview with some of my patients, but the higher ups decided at the last moment they're not gonna air the show!"
I would only add to that by saying this is a very common story among those doctors and nutritionists who know what they're talking about. Ask Dr Gary Null some time about how often he's been silenced, censored or had his stories stolen by the mainstream media, and you'll be really stunned into silence about the truth of what goes on behind the scenes in the media. (I've had major media shows cancelled too, thanks to pressure from MSM advertisers.) Read more
Dr Joel Fuhrman speaks out about the root cause of food addictions, why "enriched" processed foods actually lack the nutrients we need, and how to remove metabolic waste products from your body more easily. It's all part of an exclusive new video released by the Raw for Thirty group about the healing power of raw, living foods.
Watch the video here:
Dr Joel Fuhrman is one of the few doctors who really understands (and teaches) the healing power of nutrition. Rather than throwing pills at patients, Dr Fuhrman prefers to teach them how to unleash their own inner healing potential through high-nutrient foods and superfoods that bathe the body's cells in vitamins, minerals and a symphony of phytonutrients.
Symptoms are not always diseases
Dr Fuhrman really "gets it" when it comes to understanding the body's signals, too. He grasps the deeper truth that so-called "symptoms" of disease are often biological strategies used by the body in an attempt to heal. "Very often, the symptoms of disease could be the body trying to repair, trying to rejuvenate and detoxify from the cause of disease," he says in this video interview.
Watch the full interview
In it, Dr Fuhrman speaks out about the drug companies using much the same language that I've often written here on NaturalNews. He says:
"Drug studies are funded by the drug companies themselves. So you could say the fox is watching the hen house. They produce these studies, and if they're not favorable, they don't publish them. And they pay people to produce these, and the interpretation of the data is all done by the drug companies themselves, and there's a very powerful bias going on."
On the issue of the success or failure of conventional medicine, Dr Fuhrman once again lays it out and explains the link between modern medicine and the rapid loss of jobs in America:
"We're coming to a certain crisis in America because health care costs have skyrocketed to such a degree that businesses can't function anymore. And we're not seeing the benefits. We're spending more and more money on health care, but we're not seeing a healthier population for it."
The MSM conspiracy to silence the truth about health
In this exclusive interview, Dr Fuhrman even talks about how his interviews have been canned by the mainstream media:
"I've been interviewed by major media shows that have then taken the interview and canned it because their advertisers didn't allow it on. Many times! 20/20 was doing a major interview with some of my patients, but the higher ups decided at the last moment they're not gonna air the show!"
I would only add to that by saying this is a very common story among those doctors and nutritionists who know what they're talking about. Ask Dr Gary Null some time about how often he's been silenced, censored or had his stories stolen by the mainstream media, and you'll be really stunned into silence about the truth of what goes on behind the scenes in the media. (I've had major media shows cancelled too, thanks to pressure from MSM advertisers.) Read more
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Walnuts improve the health of sperm, research suggests
Walnuts improve the health of sperm, research suggests
Eating a couple of handfuls of walnuts a day can improve the health of sperm, according to new research just published in the medical journal Biology of Reproduction.
According to the study, sperm shape, movement and overall vitality improved in men who added walnuts to their diets over the course of 12 weeks, the BBC said in detailing the study's findings.
Fatty acids found in walnuts are believed to have aided in sperm development, the study said, though it wasn't clear if they contributed to improving male fertility. About one in six couples are infertile, according to separate research, with 40 percent of those due to a male deficiency.
"It would be relatively easy to poke fun at studies like this, but there is increasing evidence to show that aspects of a man's diet can affect the number and quality of sperm produced by his testicles," said Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield in England, told the BBC.
Scientists said the next step in researching the findings would be to work with couples who are currently attending fertility clinics, to see if placing men with fertility issues or those with poor semen qualities, into a walnut-enriched diet would result in high conception rates.
No fooling - Walnuts
The study by UCLA's Fielding School of Public Heath involved 117 men between the ages of 21 and 35 who were divided into two groups. One of the groups added 2.6 ounces of whole-shelled walnuts to their daily diets, while members of the second group continued their same diet but avoided tree nuts.
Both groups ate typical Western-style fare.
"We found a significant improvement in sperm parameters in the group that consumed the walnuts," said Prof. Wendie Robbins, lead author on the study. "The men who ate no tree nuts saw no change."
Robbins added that sperm quality improved overall, in terms of concentration, shape, vitality and chromosome abnormalities. Read more
Eating a couple of handfuls of walnuts a day can improve the health of sperm, according to new research just published in the medical journal Biology of Reproduction.
According to the study, sperm shape, movement and overall vitality improved in men who added walnuts to their diets over the course of 12 weeks, the BBC said in detailing the study's findings.
Fatty acids found in walnuts are believed to have aided in sperm development, the study said, though it wasn't clear if they contributed to improving male fertility. About one in six couples are infertile, according to separate research, with 40 percent of those due to a male deficiency.
"It would be relatively easy to poke fun at studies like this, but there is increasing evidence to show that aspects of a man's diet can affect the number and quality of sperm produced by his testicles," said Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield in England, told the BBC.
Scientists said the next step in researching the findings would be to work with couples who are currently attending fertility clinics, to see if placing men with fertility issues or those with poor semen qualities, into a walnut-enriched diet would result in high conception rates.
No fooling - Walnuts
The study by UCLA's Fielding School of Public Heath involved 117 men between the ages of 21 and 35 who were divided into two groups. One of the groups added 2.6 ounces of whole-shelled walnuts to their daily diets, while members of the second group continued their same diet but avoided tree nuts.
Both groups ate typical Western-style fare.
"We found a significant improvement in sperm parameters in the group that consumed the walnuts," said Prof. Wendie Robbins, lead author on the study. "The men who ate no tree nuts saw no change."
Robbins added that sperm quality improved overall, in terms of concentration, shape, vitality and chromosome abnormalities. Read more
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Think pink to prevent dementia: natural pigment astaxanthin
Think pink to prevent dementia: natural pigment astaxanthin
It's time to "think pink". No, that's not just the familiar marketing slogan used to promote breast cancer awareness (and, it can be argued, to push the multi-million dollar breast cancer industry). Instead, thinking pink is something that could literally save your brain.
Scientists have documented that daily supplements of the natural pigment astaxanthin reduces the accumulation of compounds called phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH) which are known to accumulate abnormally in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) of people with dementia. Bottom line: the researchers from Tohoku University who are behind the study believe the pink pigment may well "contribute to the prevention of dementia."
That's great news because the mind-robbing malady known as dementia is a growing problem in the U.S. -- and mainstream medicine and Big Pharma have come up with little help and hope for the condition. In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Association, about 5.4 million Americans currently have the best known and most feared kind of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD). That number is expected to rise as the population ages.
Astaxanthin is a phytochemical known as a carotenoid. Like many carotenoids, it is a colorful, fat soluble pigment. Astaxanthin is found in types of microalgae and fish that eat them -- including salmon and trout as well as krill, shrimp, crayfish and other crustaceans. Its what gives salmon its pink color.
The new Japanese study, just published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved thirty healthy subjects between the ages of 50 and 69 who were randomly assigned to receive or 6 or 12 mg of astaxanthin or a placebo each day for 12 weeks. The results showed that PLOOH levels in erythrocytes plummeted in the people taking the astaxanthin supplements -- falling 40% and 50% in the 6 and 12 mg groups, respectively, compared with no change in the placebo group. Read more
It's time to "think pink". No, that's not just the familiar marketing slogan used to promote breast cancer awareness (and, it can be argued, to push the multi-million dollar breast cancer industry). Instead, thinking pink is something that could literally save your brain.
Scientists have documented that daily supplements of the natural pigment astaxanthin reduces the accumulation of compounds called phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH) which are known to accumulate abnormally in the red blood cells (erythrocytes) of people with dementia. Bottom line: the researchers from Tohoku University who are behind the study believe the pink pigment may well "contribute to the prevention of dementia."
That's great news because the mind-robbing malady known as dementia is a growing problem in the U.S. -- and mainstream medicine and Big Pharma have come up with little help and hope for the condition. In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Association, about 5.4 million Americans currently have the best known and most feared kind of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD). That number is expected to rise as the population ages.
Astaxanthin is a phytochemical known as a carotenoid. Like many carotenoids, it is a colorful, fat soluble pigment. Astaxanthin is found in types of microalgae and fish that eat them -- including salmon and trout as well as krill, shrimp, crayfish and other crustaceans. Its what gives salmon its pink color.
The new Japanese study, just published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved thirty healthy subjects between the ages of 50 and 69 who were randomly assigned to receive or 6 or 12 mg of astaxanthin or a placebo each day for 12 weeks. The results showed that PLOOH levels in erythrocytes plummeted in the people taking the astaxanthin supplements -- falling 40% and 50% in the 6 and 12 mg groups, respectively, compared with no change in the placebo group. Read more
Monday, August 24, 2015
Dr. Fuhrman Discusses Vitamins and Supplements
Dr. Fuhrman Discusses Vitamins and Supplements
In his books and in his practice, Joel Fuhrman, M.D. advocates eating foods that deliver optimal health. Yet he also recommends taking certain vitamins and supplements, like his Gentle Care Formula multiple. Here he discusses that recommendation.
Why Take Vitamins and Supplements?
Since most people's diets are not ideal and individual absorption and utilization varies from person to person, it makes sense to recommend that all people take a high-quality multiple to assure most favorable vitamin D, B12, zinc, iodine, and selenium status, to name a few.
Even if your diet is ideal, some people require more of certain nutrients than others. For example, it is not uncommon for some people to need extra vitamin D, or extra B12, even when their diets contain typical amounts of these vitamins. This is especially true regarding vitamin D because of the depletion of the atmosphere's ozone layer and subsequent increase in skin damage from the sun. Because of this, many people practice sun avoidance and wear sunscreen, which decreases their vitamin D production.
I also took into consideration my recommendation to avoid all salt added to food. Salt is iodinated, making it the primary source of iodine in most people's diets. Therefore, a multiple will assure adequate iodine intake in those who avoid adding salt to their diet.
Are there any problems with taking supplements?
The main problem with taking a typical multivitamin is that it may expose you to extra nutrients that you do not need. Sometimes too much of certain nutrients can have toxic or harmful effects. For example, I do not recommend taking supplements that contain vitamin A, isolated beta-carotene, or iron, because there are risks associated with consumption of these nutrients above what we receive in our diet.
Ingesting vitamin A or beta-carotene in isolation--from supplements, instead of from food--may interfere with the absorption of other crucially important carotenoids, such as lutein and lycopene, thus potentially increasing cancer risk. 1
The precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene once was regarded as a safe and beneficial antioxidant and even recommended as an anti-cancer vitamin, but it has recently been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers when administered as an isolated supplement. Scientists now suspect that problems may result when beta-carotene is ingested without other carotenoids that would have been present had it been ingested from real food. Beta-carotene is only one of about 500 carotenoids that exist. Beta-carotene supplements are poor substitutes for the broad assortment of carotenoid compounds found in plants.
Why did researchers think that beta-carotene had such a powerful anti-cancer effect?
They had found that populations with high levels of beta-carotene in their bloodstream had exceedingly low rates of cancer. Recently, it was discovered that the reason these people were protected against cancer was because of hundreds of carotenoids and phytochemicals in the fruits and vegetables they were consuming. It wasn't that beta-carotene alone was responsible for the benefit; it was merely that it had served as a flag or marker for those populations with a high fruit and vegetable intake. Unfortunately, many scientists confused the flag for the ship. Read more
In his books and in his practice, Joel Fuhrman, M.D. advocates eating foods that deliver optimal health. Yet he also recommends taking certain vitamins and supplements, like his Gentle Care Formula multiple. Here he discusses that recommendation.
Why Take Vitamins and Supplements?
Since most people's diets are not ideal and individual absorption and utilization varies from person to person, it makes sense to recommend that all people take a high-quality multiple to assure most favorable vitamin D, B12, zinc, iodine, and selenium status, to name a few.
Even if your diet is ideal, some people require more of certain nutrients than others. For example, it is not uncommon for some people to need extra vitamin D, or extra B12, even when their diets contain typical amounts of these vitamins. This is especially true regarding vitamin D because of the depletion of the atmosphere's ozone layer and subsequent increase in skin damage from the sun. Because of this, many people practice sun avoidance and wear sunscreen, which decreases their vitamin D production.
I also took into consideration my recommendation to avoid all salt added to food. Salt is iodinated, making it the primary source of iodine in most people's diets. Therefore, a multiple will assure adequate iodine intake in those who avoid adding salt to their diet.
Are there any problems with taking supplements?
The main problem with taking a typical multivitamin is that it may expose you to extra nutrients that you do not need. Sometimes too much of certain nutrients can have toxic or harmful effects. For example, I do not recommend taking supplements that contain vitamin A, isolated beta-carotene, or iron, because there are risks associated with consumption of these nutrients above what we receive in our diet.
Ingesting vitamin A or beta-carotene in isolation--from supplements, instead of from food--may interfere with the absorption of other crucially important carotenoids, such as lutein and lycopene, thus potentially increasing cancer risk. 1
The precursor to vitamin A, beta-carotene once was regarded as a safe and beneficial antioxidant and even recommended as an anti-cancer vitamin, but it has recently been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers when administered as an isolated supplement. Scientists now suspect that problems may result when beta-carotene is ingested without other carotenoids that would have been present had it been ingested from real food. Beta-carotene is only one of about 500 carotenoids that exist. Beta-carotene supplements are poor substitutes for the broad assortment of carotenoid compounds found in plants.
Why did researchers think that beta-carotene had such a powerful anti-cancer effect?
They had found that populations with high levels of beta-carotene in their bloodstream had exceedingly low rates of cancer. Recently, it was discovered that the reason these people were protected against cancer was because of hundreds of carotenoids and phytochemicals in the fruits and vegetables they were consuming. It wasn't that beta-carotene alone was responsible for the benefit; it was merely that it had served as a flag or marker for those populations with a high fruit and vegetable intake. Unfortunately, many scientists confused the flag for the ship. Read more
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Warnings signs that you may have a magnesium deficiency
Warnings signs that you may have a magnesium deficiency
Magnesium has gained a lot of attention on blogs, social media sites and e-magazines dedicated to improving health. This is because research in the last several years has begun to uncover more and more information about all the amazing things that magnesium does for the body. To date, it has been found that magnesium is needed by the body for over 200 chemical reactions and that no bodily system is untouched by the need for this important mineral. Unfortunately, research is also coming to light that many Americans are magnesium-deficient and do not even know it! One important way to combat this problem is for the public to become aware of what the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency are so that they can discuss the matter with their doctors and have the blood work done that can confirm – or rule out – this diagnosis.
The most common signs of magnesium deficiency are:
Fatigue
This is a difficult one, because there are many reasons why people could feel fatigue from day to day – including other mineral deficiencies such as iron deficiency (which can lead to anemia) or issues like poorly controlled blood sugar or undiagnosed sleep apnea. However, it is good to keep in mind that, because magnesium is needed by the body to maintain energy, low levels of it can result in feeling chronically tired.
Cramping and spasms
Because magnesium is needed by the muscles for their overall health, another sign that someone may be low on this mineral is cramping and spasms. So if this is a problem – particularly in absence of exercise or strenuous activity, it is definitely something that should not be ignored. Keep in mind, too, that is not an early warning sign, but rather an indication that the body has been suffering from low magnesium levels for some time.
Irregular heartbeat
The heart, of course, is a muscle and like any muscle it can be affected by a lack of magnesium. That is why people with magnesium deficiencies can often experience an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. This is a serious issue, because it can put someone at greater risk for forming a blood clot – and this blood clot can, in turn, cause a heart attack or a stroke. Read more
Magnesium has gained a lot of attention on blogs, social media sites and e-magazines dedicated to improving health. This is because research in the last several years has begun to uncover more and more information about all the amazing things that magnesium does for the body. To date, it has been found that magnesium is needed by the body for over 200 chemical reactions and that no bodily system is untouched by the need for this important mineral. Unfortunately, research is also coming to light that many Americans are magnesium-deficient and do not even know it! One important way to combat this problem is for the public to become aware of what the signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency are so that they can discuss the matter with their doctors and have the blood work done that can confirm – or rule out – this diagnosis.
The most common signs of magnesium deficiency are:
Fatigue
This is a difficult one, because there are many reasons why people could feel fatigue from day to day – including other mineral deficiencies such as iron deficiency (which can lead to anemia) or issues like poorly controlled blood sugar or undiagnosed sleep apnea. However, it is good to keep in mind that, because magnesium is needed by the body to maintain energy, low levels of it can result in feeling chronically tired.
Cramping and spasms
Because magnesium is needed by the muscles for their overall health, another sign that someone may be low on this mineral is cramping and spasms. So if this is a problem – particularly in absence of exercise or strenuous activity, it is definitely something that should not be ignored. Keep in mind, too, that is not an early warning sign, but rather an indication that the body has been suffering from low magnesium levels for some time.
Irregular heartbeat
The heart, of course, is a muscle and like any muscle it can be affected by a lack of magnesium. That is why people with magnesium deficiencies can often experience an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. This is a serious issue, because it can put someone at greater risk for forming a blood clot – and this blood clot can, in turn, cause a heart attack or a stroke. Read more
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
You may have heard a lot about antioxidants in conjunction with good health and avoiding diseases. Antioxidants have gotten great press, and rightfully so. But how do they work once inside our bodies, and what are some sources of antioxidants?
Have you ever seen the bottom-feeder fish in a fish-tank, sucking up all the gunk and grime? Think of antioxidants as molecular-sized, “free radical scavengers” in the fish-tank of your body.
Once an antioxidant finds its way into the body, mostly through the foods we eat, it slows down, or even prevents, the oxidation of other molecules. When molecules in the body oxidize, they can create free-radicals, or cellular byproducts. It is very normal to have these free-radicals in the body, but in excess, they can wreak havoc on our cellular structures.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals create a destructive process in our cells, causing the molecules within the cells to become unstable. They may even be a big player in the formation of cancerous cells by a “chain-reaction” effect, causing other cells to become damaged. Because of the inherent instability of free-radicals, they try to attack other healthy cells to get stable themselves. This causes the once-healthy cells to react in the same way, attacking others in an never-ending attempt for cellular stability.
Benefits of Antioxidants
In layman’s terms, free-radicals are bullies that start pushing everybody around, and encourage nice cells to become bullies as well. Just like most conflicts, the results are “free radical waste products” made up of our broken, injured and deformed cells. If our cells are weak, it is natural that our organs, tissues and skin of the body will likewise become weakened.
As you can imagine, oxidative damage plays a huge role in many of our modern-day diseases [1], such as muscle and tissue degeneration, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as many other health problems. You are exposed to free radicals as a normal bi-product of regular bodily processes, like breaking down the food we eat, taking toxic medicines, as well as through exposure to pollutants. In addition, over-exposure to the sun (sunburn) and smoking can also increase your body’s need to oxidize and create free-radicals. Antioxidants stop this cellular chain reaction of oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals.
Many plants and animals keep large amounts of antioxidants on hand, due to their role in counteracting cell damage, as well as their ability to repair damaged cells. Studies have shown that antioxidants can play a role in reducing the cell-damage of free radicals [2]. Read more
You may have heard a lot about antioxidants in conjunction with good health and avoiding diseases. Antioxidants have gotten great press, and rightfully so. But how do they work once inside our bodies, and what are some sources of antioxidants?
Have you ever seen the bottom-feeder fish in a fish-tank, sucking up all the gunk and grime? Think of antioxidants as molecular-sized, “free radical scavengers” in the fish-tank of your body.
Once an antioxidant finds its way into the body, mostly through the foods we eat, it slows down, or even prevents, the oxidation of other molecules. When molecules in the body oxidize, they can create free-radicals, or cellular byproducts. It is very normal to have these free-radicals in the body, but in excess, they can wreak havoc on our cellular structures.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals create a destructive process in our cells, causing the molecules within the cells to become unstable. They may even be a big player in the formation of cancerous cells by a “chain-reaction” effect, causing other cells to become damaged. Because of the inherent instability of free-radicals, they try to attack other healthy cells to get stable themselves. This causes the once-healthy cells to react in the same way, attacking others in an never-ending attempt for cellular stability.
Benefits of Antioxidants
In layman’s terms, free-radicals are bullies that start pushing everybody around, and encourage nice cells to become bullies as well. Just like most conflicts, the results are “free radical waste products” made up of our broken, injured and deformed cells. If our cells are weak, it is natural that our organs, tissues and skin of the body will likewise become weakened.
As you can imagine, oxidative damage plays a huge role in many of our modern-day diseases [1], such as muscle and tissue degeneration, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, as well as many other health problems. You are exposed to free radicals as a normal bi-product of regular bodily processes, like breaking down the food we eat, taking toxic medicines, as well as through exposure to pollutants. In addition, over-exposure to the sun (sunburn) and smoking can also increase your body’s need to oxidize and create free-radicals. Antioxidants stop this cellular chain reaction of oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals.
Many plants and animals keep large amounts of antioxidants on hand, due to their role in counteracting cell damage, as well as their ability to repair damaged cells. Studies have shown that antioxidants can play a role in reducing the cell-damage of free radicals [2]. Read more
Friday, August 21, 2015
Most Doctors Don't Tell Parents Kids Are Overweight
Most Doctors Don't Tell Parents Kids Are Overweight
Less than one-quarter of American parents with an overweight child remember ever being told by a health care professional that this was the case, a new study says.
"Parents might be more motivated to follow healthy eating and activity advice if they knew their children were overweight, but very few parents of overweight children say they have ever heard that from their doctor," lead author Dr. Eliana Perrin, an associate professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a pediatrician at North Carolina Children's Hospital, said in a university news release.
"As health care providers, it's our job to screen for overweight and obesity and communicate those screening results in sensitive ways, and we are clearly either not doing it or not doing it in a way that families can hear or remember. While we've done better in recent years, clearly there's more work to be done," she added.
Perrin and colleagues analyzed federal government data collected on nearly 5,000 overweight children aged 2 to 15 between 1999 to 2008. During that time, 22 percent of parents said a doctor or other health care professional told them their child was overweight.
This percentage did increase from 19.4 percent in 1999 to 23.4 percent in 2004 and 29.1 percent in by 2008.
Among parents with obese children, only 58 percent recalled a doctor telling them that their child was obese. Read more
Less than one-quarter of American parents with an overweight child remember ever being told by a health care professional that this was the case, a new study says.
"Parents might be more motivated to follow healthy eating and activity advice if they knew their children were overweight, but very few parents of overweight children say they have ever heard that from their doctor," lead author Dr. Eliana Perrin, an associate professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a pediatrician at North Carolina Children's Hospital, said in a university news release.
"As health care providers, it's our job to screen for overweight and obesity and communicate those screening results in sensitive ways, and we are clearly either not doing it or not doing it in a way that families can hear or remember. While we've done better in recent years, clearly there's more work to be done," she added.
Perrin and colleagues analyzed federal government data collected on nearly 5,000 overweight children aged 2 to 15 between 1999 to 2008. During that time, 22 percent of parents said a doctor or other health care professional told them their child was overweight.
This percentage did increase from 19.4 percent in 1999 to 23.4 percent in 2004 and 29.1 percent in by 2008.
Among parents with obese children, only 58 percent recalled a doctor telling them that their child was obese. Read more
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Collagen, Vit C, Glutathione (Whitening), Stem Cell, Placenta
Collagen, Vit C, Glutathione (Whitening), Stem Cell, Placenta (Anti-Aging) and Slimming Products are available now. Please contact us for price details. We do infuse personally too. We look forward to hear from you. Read more
7 Facts You Should Know About Trans-Resveratrol
7 Facts You Should Know About Trans-Resveratrol
Propelled to fame as a result of a multitude of studies investigating the phytochemical properties of plant materials, resveratrol more than lives up to its reputation. This very unique antioxidant has been called a fountain of youth for its effectiveness against a variety of age-related diseases. In this post, we’re going to explore 7 facts about resveratrol including what it is and why you should get it regularly from your diet.
1. What Is It?
Resveratrol is a phenolic compound, a stilbene, created by plants in response to injury, infection, and fungal attack. It exists in two forms, the trans- and cis- molecule forms, with trans-resveratrol being the highly-absorbable form. The compound is regarded as having powerful antioxidant effects, thereby supporting health at the cellular level.
2. Unique Antioxidant
Unlike other antioxidants, resveratrol crosses the blood-brain barrier, offering support for the brain and nervous system. This allows for positive, direct support for neural health. A recent placebo-controlled study of 23 older adults observed significant improvements in memory among participants taking resveratrol, with the additional benefit of improved glucose metabolism. [1]
3. Mimics Caloric Restriction
Reducing calories by 30% supports health and longevity by stimulating low-level biological stressors. Resveratrol stimulates the creation of adiponectin, the same hormone observed to increase in individuals practicing caloric restriction. [2] This hormone promotes metabolic and cardiovascular health through weight loss, lipid metabolism, and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Although the long-term effects of caloric restriction in humans continues to be evaluated, it has shown to advance longevity by 40% or more in some species.
4. Suppresses Inflammation
Numerous studies have noted resveratrol’s ability to reduce oxidative stress from free radical damage. One 2011 placebo-controlled study evaluated the response of 20 human volunteers (10 in each group) to resveratrol and placebo over 6 weeks of treatment. Those in the test group enjoyed reduced oxidative stress and lower levels of inflammation commonly associated with numerous age-related diseases. [3]
5. Increases Testosterone Levels in Men
Research indicates resveratrol positively affects fertility and reproductive function in men. One study using animal models reported increased blood testosterone levels in supplemented groups. [4] While this is good news for men of reproductive age, older men could possibly benefit as well. Testosterone strengthens bones, increases muscle mass, and encourages a positive outlook in men.
Propelled to fame as a result of a multitude of studies investigating the phytochemical properties of plant materials, resveratrol more than lives up to its reputation. This very unique antioxidant has been called a fountain of youth for its effectiveness against a variety of age-related diseases. In this post, we’re going to explore 7 facts about resveratrol including what it is and why you should get it regularly from your diet.
1. What Is It?
Resveratrol is a phenolic compound, a stilbene, created by plants in response to injury, infection, and fungal attack. It exists in two forms, the trans- and cis- molecule forms, with trans-resveratrol being the highly-absorbable form. The compound is regarded as having powerful antioxidant effects, thereby supporting health at the cellular level.
2. Unique Antioxidant
Unlike other antioxidants, resveratrol crosses the blood-brain barrier, offering support for the brain and nervous system. This allows for positive, direct support for neural health. A recent placebo-controlled study of 23 older adults observed significant improvements in memory among participants taking resveratrol, with the additional benefit of improved glucose metabolism. [1]
3. Mimics Caloric Restriction
Reducing calories by 30% supports health and longevity by stimulating low-level biological stressors. Resveratrol stimulates the creation of adiponectin, the same hormone observed to increase in individuals practicing caloric restriction. [2] This hormone promotes metabolic and cardiovascular health through weight loss, lipid metabolism, and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Although the long-term effects of caloric restriction in humans continues to be evaluated, it has shown to advance longevity by 40% or more in some species.
4. Suppresses Inflammation
Numerous studies have noted resveratrol’s ability to reduce oxidative stress from free radical damage. One 2011 placebo-controlled study evaluated the response of 20 human volunteers (10 in each group) to resveratrol and placebo over 6 weeks of treatment. Those in the test group enjoyed reduced oxidative stress and lower levels of inflammation commonly associated with numerous age-related diseases. [3]
5. Increases Testosterone Levels in Men
Research indicates resveratrol positively affects fertility and reproductive function in men. One study using animal models reported increased blood testosterone levels in supplemented groups. [4] While this is good news for men of reproductive age, older men could possibly benefit as well. Testosterone strengthens bones, increases muscle mass, and encourages a positive outlook in men.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
The Health Dangers of Aspartame
The Health Dangers of Aspartame
I previously discussed a company that launched an anti-aspartame campaign in New Zealand, and ever since, I’ve been sent tons of questions concerning the various dangers of aspartame.
Aspartame is a non-saccharine artificial sweetener currently used in over 6,000 diet and low calorie food products. Popular trademark brands of the sweetener in the United States include NutraSweet®, Equal®, and Tropicana Slim®, which are used to sweeten a number of sodas and chewing gums.
However, research done on aspartame has shown that it may not be completely safe for human consumption, and may cause a number of health complications if taken in large amounts. Efforts to revoke FDA approval on aspartame have so far been unsuccessful, so it is advisable to simply avoid these products whenever possible.
What Can Aspartame Do to You?
Aspartame is an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means that it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters that cause pain within the body. NMDA receptor antagonists are often used as a form of anesthesia for animals, but not on humans due to the fact that they often cause brain damage in rodents. The possible side effects of aspartame on humans include headaches, brain tumors, brain lesions, and lymphoma [1] [2].
Why Was Aspartame Approved by the FDA?
Aspartame gained FDA approval while it was owned by Donald Rumsfeld, who was at that time the CEO of the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company. Rumsfeld earned millions of dollars by marketing the product as NutraSweet, and when medical research into the product confirmed the risk of brain tumors, Rumsfeld simply hired another FDA board member to overturn the ban that the current board had inflicted.
Did you know? Despite its apparent danger to animals and humans, aspartame has been approved by the FDA a total of 26 times over the last 23 years.
The Health Effects of Aspartame
Any further inquiries into aspartame’s health effects have therefore been relegated to independent studies, which often lack the funding to properly advertise their findings. However, the studies completed thus far show overwhelming evidence regarding the apparent dangers of aspartame.
An analysis done using MEDLINE showed that 92% of non-industry sponsored studies reported one or more problems with aspartame in terms of its effects on health [3]. These studies reported a range of side effects including fibromyalgia, brain tumors, memory loss, lymphoma, leukemia, and peripheral nerve cancer [4]. Headaches and migraine symptoms are one of the most common side effects of aspartame. Read more
I previously discussed a company that launched an anti-aspartame campaign in New Zealand, and ever since, I’ve been sent tons of questions concerning the various dangers of aspartame.
Aspartame is a non-saccharine artificial sweetener currently used in over 6,000 diet and low calorie food products. Popular trademark brands of the sweetener in the United States include NutraSweet®, Equal®, and Tropicana Slim®, which are used to sweeten a number of sodas and chewing gums.
However, research done on aspartame has shown that it may not be completely safe for human consumption, and may cause a number of health complications if taken in large amounts. Efforts to revoke FDA approval on aspartame have so far been unsuccessful, so it is advisable to simply avoid these products whenever possible.
What Can Aspartame Do to You?
Aspartame is an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means that it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters that cause pain within the body. NMDA receptor antagonists are often used as a form of anesthesia for animals, but not on humans due to the fact that they often cause brain damage in rodents. The possible side effects of aspartame on humans include headaches, brain tumors, brain lesions, and lymphoma [1] [2].
Why Was Aspartame Approved by the FDA?
Aspartame gained FDA approval while it was owned by Donald Rumsfeld, who was at that time the CEO of the pharmaceutical company G.D. Searle & Company. Rumsfeld earned millions of dollars by marketing the product as NutraSweet, and when medical research into the product confirmed the risk of brain tumors, Rumsfeld simply hired another FDA board member to overturn the ban that the current board had inflicted.
Did you know? Despite its apparent danger to animals and humans, aspartame has been approved by the FDA a total of 26 times over the last 23 years.
The Health Effects of Aspartame
Any further inquiries into aspartame’s health effects have therefore been relegated to independent studies, which often lack the funding to properly advertise their findings. However, the studies completed thus far show overwhelming evidence regarding the apparent dangers of aspartame.
An analysis done using MEDLINE showed that 92% of non-industry sponsored studies reported one or more problems with aspartame in terms of its effects on health [3]. These studies reported a range of side effects including fibromyalgia, brain tumors, memory loss, lymphoma, leukemia, and peripheral nerve cancer [4]. Headaches and migraine symptoms are one of the most common side effects of aspartame. Read more
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Nutritional Approaches to Mental Health
Nutritional Approaches to Mental Health
Food nourishes both the body and mind, offering the nutrition required for keeping the whole self energized and functioning at its best. You might, or might not, be surprised to learn that the brain is actually the first site that receives incoming nutrients. It makes sense, it is the organ that directs the other organs, cells, and metabolic processes. So what happens if we’re nutritionally deficient, can it affect our brain?
While nutritional deficiencies do not always exhibit grand mental or psychological symptoms, lesser subclinical indications can pop up. Minor deficiencies of certain nutrients are sufficient enough to change mood and brain chemistry, especially in sensitive individuals. Antidepressants, including natural anti-anxiety herbs like St. John’s wort, may not be enough to alleviate depressive-like symptoms in people who are also suffering from underlying nutritional deficiencies.
Holistic Approaches to Mental Health
Holistic medicine is an approach that addresses the whole self by incorporating nutritional, biological, genetic, emotional, and mental aspects. When dealing with mood disorders, a sometimes serious and debilitating disorder, all of these aspects must be taken into account. One angle often taken is the use of herbs like kava kava and St. John’s wort. Some herbs are seeing a great deal of research from reputable scientific organizations, all demonstrating positive results in promoting a positive mood and mental agility. Some herbs include:
B vitamins – May provide protection against brain atrophy and cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. [1]
Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, play a large role in brain health and may be helpful for improving mood. [2]
St. John’s wort – A popular herb shown to promote a pleasant mood. [3]
Kava kava – Herb from the South Pacific used to relieve stress. [4]
Psychotherapy and conventional medical therapies are often more successful when the patient is thinking clearly and is in a positive mind set (or “mood set”). By increasing certain nutrients and utilizing natural approaches, like St. John’s wort and kava kava, mental health may be improved dramatically when combined with conventional therapeutic approaches.
A Closer Look at Nutrition and Depression
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is typically low in many of the nutrients our brain (and the rest of our body) needs to stay healthy. A diet high in processed carbohydrates and low in essential fatty acids is common among many people today, and this nutritional factor may be impairing the quality of the mind and body in adults, teens, and children. Everyday individuals do not often understand or even think about the importance nutrition plays on mental health. With many people currently overfed and undernourished, it’s no wonder why we are seeing a constant bombardment of disease and mental disorders plaguing our Western world.
Here’s a quick overview at the nutrients that are crucial for mental health.
Amino Acids
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are necessary for transmitting electrical impulses and messages between brain cells. These essential electrical conductors are also important for keeping mood elevated, and a decreased amount in the brain can result in depression or depressive-like symptoms. Many conventional antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitter levels, an action that is also attributed to St. John’s wort.
Amino acids are the precursors for neurotransmitter production, and the majority of us receive all the amino acids we need from dietary protein. The three amino acids that are directly linked to mood and depression include phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Phenylalanine and tyrosine produce norepinephrine and tryptophan, two neurotransmitters necessary for maintaining a stable mood.
Some research has indicated that amino acid therapy may be as effective as traditional drug approaches to depression, with phenylalanine and tyrosine being two of the amino acids demonstrating similar antidepressive results compared with a popular pharmaceutical. [5] Amino acids have also been shown to reduce pain levels in the body by maintaining healthy levels of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is necessary for converting glucose (blood sugar) into fuel for cells in the brain and body. Without this conversion, the brain can’t access its preferred energy source, and symptoms like fatigue, depression, impaired thinking, irritability, and anxiety can manifest. Memory loss, anorexia, and insomnia are also symptoms related to a vitamin B1 deficiency. [6]
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
There is a strong correlation between B6 deficiency and depression, as this nutrient is also necessary for creating neurotransmitters. [7]
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 has seen a lot of attention in recent years, often heralded by many as a powerful energy enhancer and mood booster. This vitamin, which is derived primarily from animal sources, is important for red blood cell formation. Without it, pernicious anemia can result, [8] a condition that can lead to mood swings, irritability, paranoia, confusion, anorexia, and depression.
Folate
Another B vitamin, folate also assists in the production of neurotransmitters. Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to anemia, resulting in the same mental symptoms related to B12 deficiency. Orthomolecular psychiatrists have used folic acid (folate) supplements for years to reduce the frequency of memory lapses in dementia patients, and some research suggests that the vitamin may be helpful for fighting depression. [9]
Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C are often related to its antioxidant capabilities, one of the leading contributors to brain protection. Some research has shown that vitamin C may reduce mania and depression symptoms, with one study showing that a single 3-gram dose of vitamin C was all that was needed to accomplish these benefits. Vitamin C is water soluble and must be consumed every day in order to receive benefit.
Vitamin D
People with depression often show lower levels of vitamin D compared with individuals displaying little to no symptoms. [10] While this is a mere correlation, other studies have consistently replicated this relationship. Sunlight, the main avenue through which natural vitamin D is produced in the body, has been associated with regulating serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, and one study indicated sunlight as a potent mood and cognitive enhancer for depressed individuals. [11]
Minerals
There are around 15 minerals that are essential for human health, with 5 of them being crucial for maintaining mental agility. While all nutrients work synergistically to create a dynamic state of health, the following nutrients have seen the most research in relation to mental and emotional stabilization. Read more
Food nourishes both the body and mind, offering the nutrition required for keeping the whole self energized and functioning at its best. You might, or might not, be surprised to learn that the brain is actually the first site that receives incoming nutrients. It makes sense, it is the organ that directs the other organs, cells, and metabolic processes. So what happens if we’re nutritionally deficient, can it affect our brain?
While nutritional deficiencies do not always exhibit grand mental or psychological symptoms, lesser subclinical indications can pop up. Minor deficiencies of certain nutrients are sufficient enough to change mood and brain chemistry, especially in sensitive individuals. Antidepressants, including natural anti-anxiety herbs like St. John’s wort, may not be enough to alleviate depressive-like symptoms in people who are also suffering from underlying nutritional deficiencies.
Holistic Approaches to Mental Health
Holistic medicine is an approach that addresses the whole self by incorporating nutritional, biological, genetic, emotional, and mental aspects. When dealing with mood disorders, a sometimes serious and debilitating disorder, all of these aspects must be taken into account. One angle often taken is the use of herbs like kava kava and St. John’s wort. Some herbs are seeing a great deal of research from reputable scientific organizations, all demonstrating positive results in promoting a positive mood and mental agility. Some herbs include:
B vitamins – May provide protection against brain atrophy and cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. [1]
Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, play a large role in brain health and may be helpful for improving mood. [2]
St. John’s wort – A popular herb shown to promote a pleasant mood. [3]
Kava kava – Herb from the South Pacific used to relieve stress. [4]
Psychotherapy and conventional medical therapies are often more successful when the patient is thinking clearly and is in a positive mind set (or “mood set”). By increasing certain nutrients and utilizing natural approaches, like St. John’s wort and kava kava, mental health may be improved dramatically when combined with conventional therapeutic approaches.
A Closer Look at Nutrition and Depression
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is typically low in many of the nutrients our brain (and the rest of our body) needs to stay healthy. A diet high in processed carbohydrates and low in essential fatty acids is common among many people today, and this nutritional factor may be impairing the quality of the mind and body in adults, teens, and children. Everyday individuals do not often understand or even think about the importance nutrition plays on mental health. With many people currently overfed and undernourished, it’s no wonder why we are seeing a constant bombardment of disease and mental disorders plaguing our Western world.
Here’s a quick overview at the nutrients that are crucial for mental health.
Amino Acids
Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are necessary for transmitting electrical impulses and messages between brain cells. These essential electrical conductors are also important for keeping mood elevated, and a decreased amount in the brain can result in depression or depressive-like symptoms. Many conventional antidepressants work by increasing neurotransmitter levels, an action that is also attributed to St. John’s wort.
Amino acids are the precursors for neurotransmitter production, and the majority of us receive all the amino acids we need from dietary protein. The three amino acids that are directly linked to mood and depression include phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Phenylalanine and tyrosine produce norepinephrine and tryptophan, two neurotransmitters necessary for maintaining a stable mood.
Some research has indicated that amino acid therapy may be as effective as traditional drug approaches to depression, with phenylalanine and tyrosine being two of the amino acids demonstrating similar antidepressive results compared with a popular pharmaceutical. [5] Amino acids have also been shown to reduce pain levels in the body by maintaining healthy levels of endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is necessary for converting glucose (blood sugar) into fuel for cells in the brain and body. Without this conversion, the brain can’t access its preferred energy source, and symptoms like fatigue, depression, impaired thinking, irritability, and anxiety can manifest. Memory loss, anorexia, and insomnia are also symptoms related to a vitamin B1 deficiency. [6]
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
There is a strong correlation between B6 deficiency and depression, as this nutrient is also necessary for creating neurotransmitters. [7]
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 has seen a lot of attention in recent years, often heralded by many as a powerful energy enhancer and mood booster. This vitamin, which is derived primarily from animal sources, is important for red blood cell formation. Without it, pernicious anemia can result, [8] a condition that can lead to mood swings, irritability, paranoia, confusion, anorexia, and depression.
Folate
Another B vitamin, folate also assists in the production of neurotransmitters. Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to anemia, resulting in the same mental symptoms related to B12 deficiency. Orthomolecular psychiatrists have used folic acid (folate) supplements for years to reduce the frequency of memory lapses in dementia patients, and some research suggests that the vitamin may be helpful for fighting depression. [9]
Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C are often related to its antioxidant capabilities, one of the leading contributors to brain protection. Some research has shown that vitamin C may reduce mania and depression symptoms, with one study showing that a single 3-gram dose of vitamin C was all that was needed to accomplish these benefits. Vitamin C is water soluble and must be consumed every day in order to receive benefit.
Vitamin D
People with depression often show lower levels of vitamin D compared with individuals displaying little to no symptoms. [10] While this is a mere correlation, other studies have consistently replicated this relationship. Sunlight, the main avenue through which natural vitamin D is produced in the body, has been associated with regulating serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain, and one study indicated sunlight as a potent mood and cognitive enhancer for depressed individuals. [11]
Minerals
There are around 15 minerals that are essential for human health, with 5 of them being crucial for maintaining mental agility. While all nutrients work synergistically to create a dynamic state of health, the following nutrients have seen the most research in relation to mental and emotional stabilization. Read more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)