Childhood vitamin D deficiency causes arterial hardening, increasing heart disease risk
by: David Gutierrez
vitamin D, heart disease, arterial hardening
(DrEddyClinic News) Children with insufficient levels of vitamin D are more likely to have hardened arteries as adults, and more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Turku, Finland, and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Worldwide, childhood deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D is widespread.
"There's a lot of data showing that vitamin D insufficiency is bad for health," researcher Markus Juonala said. "We found evidence that it is connected to artery health as well."
As scientists continue to uncover all the important roles that vitamin D plays in the body, attention has turned to the vitamin's role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Prior studies have linked low vitamin D levels to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Twice as likely to have thickened arteries
The Finnish research was conducted on 2,148 participants who were between the ages of 3 and 18 at the study's start in 1980. Participants underwent regular physical exams, including having their vitamin D levels, lipid levels and blood pressure measured, and having their diet and smoking status assessed. At age 45, participants underwent ultrasounds to assess the thickness of their arteries, including the carotid artery in the neck.
Arterial thickness, also known as carotid intima-thickness, is considered a marker of the arterial hardening that can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/conditionanddisease.php, heart attack and stroke.
The researchers divided participants into four groups, based on their average vitamin D http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=33212 blood levels as children. Participants in the lowest quartile (with an average level of 15 ng/ml) were nearly twice as likely to have thickened carotid arteries as people in the other groups, even after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
Vitamin D blood levels of 40 to 80 ng/ml are considered ideal, according to the Vitamin D Council.
"Our results showed an association between low vitamin D levels in childhood and increased occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood," Juonala said.
"The association was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors including serum lipids, blood pressure, smoking, diet, physical activity, obesity indices and socioeconomic status."
"More research is needed to investigate whether low vitamin D levels have a causal role in the development increased carotid artery thickness," Juonala said. "Nevertheless, our observations highlight the importance of providing children with a diet that includes sufficient vitamin D."
Get out in the sun!
The body synthesizes vitamin D naturally upon exposure to sunlight; it can also be found naturally in a handful of foods. Health experts once thought that the vitamin's only role was in maintaining bone health. Now, research has shown that vitamin D play an important role in preventing cancer and autoimmune diseases, and perhaps other chronic diseases as well.
An October 2014 study in the journal Diabetes, led by researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Western Australia, uncovered yet another important health benefit to spending more time in the sun: When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the skin also produces nitric oxide gas, which helps slow weight gain and regulate metabolism. This may reduce the risk of obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
"These findings support the idea that a healthy lifestyle should include time outside in the sunshine, not only for exercise but also to benefit from sunlight on skin," said David Ray of Manchester University.
But the skin cannot synthesize either vitamin D or nitric oxide when blocked from ultraviolet radiation by clothing or sunscreen.
Experts recommend that, to get enough vitamin D, light-skinned people get at least 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to the face and hands per day. People with darker skin or living in locations farther from the equator might need two to three times that amount.
Sources:
http://mainenewsonline.com/content/15022831-childhood-s-vitamin-d-deficiency-associated-hardening-arteries
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Vitamin-D-deficiency-in-kids-ups-heart-disease-risk/articleshow/46196976.cms
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150210141736.htm
http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=32530
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284388.php
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34920
Whole Foods goes ROGUE... partners with Monsanto to kill GMO labeling across America and replace with fake labeling deception...
by Mike Adams
Whole Foods, GMO labeling, Monsanto deception
(DrEddyClinic News) IMPORTANT UPDATE: Whole Foods was just caught blatantly LYING about everything covered in this article. CEO Walter Robb has been captured on video admitting total support for Monsanto-engineered GMO fake labeling law that kills Vermont GMO labeling bill. Whole Foods takes to social media to LIE to everyone, denying everything, even while Robb is captured on video...
According to breaking news reports, Whole Foods Market (WFM) has gone full rogue, partnering with Monsanto to kill GMO labeling across America under the guise of a new, fraudulent "GMO labeling compromise" in the U.S. Senate that's actually a fake labeling law requiring no clear labeling of GMOs whatsoever.
Food Democracy Now has issued this red alert http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/blog/2016/jun/28-0, naming the sellout corporations (including Whole Foods) that have betrayed health-conscious consumers with a sellout deal that outlaws GMO labeling nationwide.
The deception on food labeling has never been greater. With this act of ultimate betrayal, Whole Foods cements its position as a poison-pushing distribution partner of Monsanto, the world's most evil corporation that produces poisonous, deadly crops laced with bt toxin and glyphosate, a cancer-linked herbicide.
With this betrayal of consumers, Whole Foods might as well now be called, "POISON FOODS" because that's what they're pushing.
Click here for the Food Democracy Now petition page http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/dont_let_Monsanto_and_organic_elite_kill_GMO_labeling/ to take action now.
What follows is the full text of the Food Democracy Now announcement:
Whole Foods Joins Monsanto Try to Kill GMO Labeling in America
Washington D.C. -- National grassroots organizations expressed their outrage today towards a group of U.S. Senators and major, self-described, “organic companies” that have brokered a backroom legislative deal to kill mandatory GMO labeling of food products across America while stifling first-of-its-kind state legislation in Vermont (slated to go in effect this Friday, July 1st) that would mandate labeling of foods that have been genetically engineered in laboratories.
The companies, including Whole Foods, Smucker’s and Organic Valley, among others, have historically funded major public relations and advertising campaigns to promote themselves as “organic” brands. Now, some national leaders are criticizing these companies for “selling out” the GMO labeling movement, public health and the environment and urging the public to fight back.
“Make no mistake, these self-proclaimed organic companies, including Whole Foods, Smucker’s Stonyfield and Organic Valley have just joined with Monsanto and sold out the ability for parents to know what they are feeding their children,” said Dave Murphy, Executive Director of Food Democracy Now!
Murphy continued, “Monsanto and Whole Foods’ new fake labeling bill would not only preempt Vermont’s bill this week, but all provisions of the bill are OPTIONAL -- the bill’s language is so poorly written that it would actually not include 85% of the current GMOs on the market, including Roundup Ready GMOs owned by Monsanto that are sprayed with the weedkiller glyphosate, which the World Health Organization declared a “probable carcinogen” linked to cancer in lab animals and humans last year.”
Food Democracy Now! and Organic Consumers Association are now leading a grassroots pressure campaign to urge the US Senate to block the last minute legislative deal.
“Consumers need to resist this outrageous attack on consumer and states’ rights with their pocketbooks and their political voices," said Ronnie Cummins, the International Director of the Organic Consumers Association. “This is an outrageous assault by corrupt corporate interests on our basic freedoms and a mother’s right to know what’s in the food they feed their children.”
Polls regularly show that ninety percent of American consumers want to know whether their food is genetically engineered and the impending Vermont GMO labeling law has already forced major food corporations to disclose GMO contamination in their products”.
“Now, at the last minute, a self-selected group of so-called “organic leaders,” including the head of Whole Foods Market, Walter Robb; Gary Hirshberg, the CEO of Stonyfield Farm, the bogus pro GMO labeling group Just Label It, run by the Environmental Working Group, and lobbyists for the corporate owned organic companies inside the Organic Trade Association (led by “natural” brands Smucker’s and White Wave) have made an absolutely corrupt bargain with Congress completely embracing an industry-crafted DARK Act “compromise", now known as The Stabenow/Roberts bill,” continued Cummins.
A coalition of independent family own organic companies and consumers groups is actively working to get Senators the real facts about this bill even as the Organic Trade Association and its corporate-own organic companies are working behind the scenes to intentionally confuse Senators about what’s actually in the bill and the fact that the millions of Americans that actually support GMO labeling are not represented by their corrupt corporate interests.
Take action NOW or be forever screwed by Whole Foods and Monsanto
Click here for the Food Democracy Now petition page http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/dont_let_Monsanto_and_organic_elite_kill_GMO_labeling/ to take action now.
Call your U.S. Senator at this switchboard number: (202) 224-3121
Demand they vote AGAINST the GMO labeling "compromise" being pushed by Monsanto.
3 Foods That Help Cleanse Your Lungs
Pistachios
(DrEddyClinic News) Pistachios don’t provide the same direct lung cleansing benefits the way many herbs do. But they’re still important to anyone interested in improving their lung health. Studies suggest that pistachios may help prevent lung cancer [1]. They contain a special type of Vitamin E http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32131, known as gamma-tocopherol that can possibly offer a certain level of protection against some forms of lung cancer http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/lungcancer.php.
More research is needed to prove this conclusively, but, either way, these delicious nuts still provide a spectrum of benefits.. Pistachios are also thought to help lower cholesterol http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/hh/highbloodcholesterol.php. Raw pistachios are the best choice and make a great, regular snack. It’s easy to snack on raw nuts and experience satisfaction without empty calories or the weight gain that comes with them.
Plantain Leaf
Plantain is another food that can help cleanse your lungs. Plantain Leaf http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=33693, which is a popular food wrap in Cuba and other Latin American countries, is not seen in the mainstream in North American. However, you can find it, and I would recommend using plantain leaf makes as a very tasty wrap around a number of foods. A quick online search for “plantain leaf recipes” will bring up items you should try. As always, avoid recipes that call for processed sugar or flour, use organic or locally grown, vegetables and hormone free foods as ingredients.
Cayenne Pepper
Eaten both as a foodstuff and used as a seasoning, these popular peppers can contribute as many as 17 health and wellness benefits http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34115 to the body. They have been known to help suppress irritating coughs and sore throats, and help with indications of cold and flu. Cayenne pepper http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34115 helps break up and move congested mucus, making it a recommended food for anyone who is suffering from bronchial congestion or respiratory ailments.
The Best Lung Support Supplement: AllerTrex®
In addition to these effective foods, you can also supplement with AllerTrex® http://bit.ly/LungCleanse. This powerful lung cleansing formula consists of a blend of all natural herbs that have been used to help lung related symptoms for centuries. AllerTrex® is alcohol-free and the first product of its kind on the market.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
American Association for Cancer Research. Pistachios may reduce lung cancer risk http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-press-releases.aspx?d=1673. Press Releases:2009. 2009 December 8.
Paprika Parsnip Fries Recipe with Lemon Cashew Cream
(DrEddyClinic News) When I found this recipe on A House in the Hills http://ahouseinthehills.com/2014/2/4/paprika-parsnip-fries/, I couldn’t wait to try it. The unsung hero of the produce aisle, parsnips have twice as much fiber and more than four times the amount of iron as potatoes. With this recipe, they’re an easy-to-make, tasty substitute for french fries.[1] Delicious, crispy, and piquant—exactly what you need when you’ve got a craving for something savory.
The cashew cream dip sounds like an indulgence, but it’s actually guilt-free and made of high-protein cashews, detoxifying lemon juice http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33580, almond milk, and salt.
Before cutting your parsnips into fries, cut off both ends. You can slice your parsnips as thin or thick as you like, but you may have to adjust your bake time. I find that parsnip fries as thick as the greater end of a chopstick provide the right amount of crispiness.
While it’s great for baked goods, virgin coconut oil http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=33158 will retain the taste and aroma of coconuts if used on your parsnip fries. I recommend using refined solid organic coconut oil in this recipe. Just heat the coconut oil over low heat until it’s a liquid.
For the raw cashew cream, you’ll need to soak your cashews at least 4 hours. If you soak them overnight, don’t let them sit in water for more than 12 hours or mold may grow. For a faster process, you can pour boiling water over cashews and let them soak for an hour. Regardless of the method you choose, drain the water before blending.
Choosing a Variety of Paprika
Paprika is so strongly associated with Hungary that its name was derived from the Hungarian word for Turkish pepper, paparka. It was first introduced to Spain and Turkey from the Old World (Mexico) in the sixteenth century. Invading Ottoman Turks first brought the pepper to Hungary. Hungarian paprika was bred from the spicier Native American varieties and belongs to Capsicum annum, which includes the bell pepper and chili pepper.[2]
The main types of paprika you’ll find are Spanish, Hungarian, and American and they vary in color and flavor. American paprika is bright red and the most mild; it’s usually used for color and flavor. Spanish paprika varies from “dulce” (sweet and slightly smoky), to “agridulce” (bittersweet and slightly hot), all the way up to “picante” (hot).[3] As the national spice of Hungary, Hungarian paprika varies in sweetness and pungency from region to region.[4]
If you can find organic smoked Spanish paprika, you absolutely must try it. It’s a more complex, rich flavor than the standard sweet paprika. It’ll really take your parsnip fries to the next level and you only need a tablespoon for this recipe. Find it in the spice section of your local natural grocery store.
Paprika Parsnip Fries with Lemon Cashew Cream
Paprika parsnip fries Nutrition Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes, not counting soaking time for the cashews. Soak organic cashews in purified water for at least 4 hours. Alternatively, soak them in very hot water for one hour.
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Serves: 3
Equipment
- High-powered blender or small (4-6 cup) food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Large roasting pan (avoid non-stick cookware)
- Optional: Silpat or parchment paper for baking
Ingredients
Organic Parsnip Fries
- 1 lb or 500g of organic jumbo organic parsnips (about 3), peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon organic paprika
- ½ teaspoon organic cayenne pepper, or more if you’re brave
- 2 hefty pinches of Himalayan Crystal Salt http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33408
- Organic parsley, cilantro, or rosemary to garnish
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup of organic cashews, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoons organic lemon juice
- 4 tablespoon organic almond milk, plus one to adjust consistency
- Dash of Himalayan Crystal Salt
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Peel the parsnips and slice into fries.
3. Mix the parsnips, coconut oil, and paprika in a large bowl.
4. Put your Silpat or parchment paper on your cookie sheet and spread your fries into an even layer.
5. Roast for 25 minutes, then toss the parsnips and turn up the oven to 500 degrees.
6. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes at 500 degrees until crispy. Keep the oven light on and check on your fries often to make sure they don’t burn.
7. While parsnips are roasting, combine the cashews, lemon juice, Himalayan Crystal Salt, and the almond milk in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy and fully combined. Add another splash of almond milk if necessary.
What Makes Paprika Parsnip Fries So Healthy?
A member of the carrot family,[5] parsnips are a good source of folic acid and potassium http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34662.[6] Paprika peppers are a rich source of vitamins A and C, and fiber. Just six grams of paprika can provide over 70% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A.[7] The antioxidants http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32801 in paprika also defend against oxidative stress from free radicals.[8]
Once you try this recipe, you may find that you prefer paprika parsnip fries over traditional French fries. If you enjoy the cashew cream dip, try the raspberry vanilla cashew cream http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=36053 recipe for something sweet. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References
1. “Parsnips https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-through-seasons/seasonal-produce/parsnips.” USDA: SNAP Ed Connection. Feb. 2016. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
2. Raghavan, Susheela. Handbook of Spices, Seasonings, and Flavorings, Second Edition. N.p.: CRC Press, 2006. Ebook. 2 Aug. 2016.
3. Han, Emily. What’s the difference? Paprika http://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-hot-sweet-68134. The Kitchn, 30 Oct. 2008. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
4. Falkowitz, Max, and Serious Eats. “Spice Hunting: A Guide to Paprika http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/05/spice-hunting-a-guide-to-paprika.html.” N.p., 20 May 2010. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
5. Sciences, Division of Plant, and plantsciweb. Extend the harvest with hardy vegetables http://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2013/11/Extend-the-Harvest-with-Hardy-Vegetables/. University of Missouri. 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
6. “Reasons for the seasons http://ucanr.org/sites/Nutrition_BEST/files/73345.pdf.” N.p.: University of California Cooperative Extension Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2012. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
7. Vanovschi, Vitalii. Spices, paprika: Nutritional value and analysis http://www.nutritionvalue.org/Spices,_paprika_nutritional_value.html. Google+, n.d. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
8. Márkus, F, et al. “Change in the Carotenoid and Antioxidant Content of Spice Red Pepper (paprika) as a Function of Ripening and Some Technological Factors http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10563856.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 47.1 (1999): 100–7. Web. 2 Aug. 2016.
Treat skin infections naturally with powerful essential oils
by: Amy Goodrich
essential oils, skin infections, natural remedies
(DrEddyClinic News) Essential oils are mostly used in aromatherapy http://www.essentialoils.news/ for their wonderful and healing scent, however, they actually have much more to offer. For centuries, traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have used essential oils to successfully treat a broad range of conditions, which has now sparked the interest of the scientific world.
Research has shown that essential oils possess strong antimicrobial properties that can be used to kill even the toughest bugs out there. The skin is our largest organ; it is also the most sensitive part of our bodies, and is prone to rashes and infections. Though there are numerous over-the-counter creams and lotions available to treat skin diseases, most of them contain harmful chemicals that can do more harm than good.
The use of essential oils http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=35495 to treat skin infections – among other health issues – is rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects or added chemicals.
The best essential oils to treat skin infections
Essential oils are potent plant medicines that in some cases will need to be diluted with a carrier oil, especially when applied to sensitive skin, such as the skin http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=144 of babies and young children. To avoid an allergic reaction or irritation, it is always a good idea to try a small amount on the skin first. Wait an hour or so, and if no reaction appears it is safe to go ahead.
1. Lavender essential oil
A true cure-all, lavender essential oil should be part of every first aid kit. The oil has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which soothe skin rashes and many other skin infections http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=26746. Furthermore, lavender essential oil speeds up the healing process of scrapes, bruises and insect bites or stings.
Lavender oil is mild enough that it doesn't need a carrier oil http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=32416; it can be used directly on the skin to do its magic.
2. Tea tree essential oil
Just like lavender oil, tea tree oil is well known for its potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. It is for this reason that many cosmetic companies add tea tree oil to their products. It can be used to treat insect bites, warts, minor burns, bruises and scrapes.
It can be applied directly to the skin to treat acne, fungal infections, ringworm and athlete's foot. Tea tree oil is a stronger essential oil http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=33706 that may cause mild irritation or reddening if used undiluted. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the oil in aloe vera gel or coconut oil (or any other carrier oil of your choice) before applying it to the affected area.
3. Roman chamomile essential oil
If you have sensitive skin, then this is the essential oil for you. The oil can be used to treat red, inflamed or sensitive, acne-prone skin. It has also been shown to be very useful in the treatment of eczema and hemorrhoids.
Furthermore, this sweet-smelling essential oil is much gentler than tea tree oil. It can be used undiluted or diluted in an antibacterial carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for the most delicate skin types. Because of its gentle nature, it can be used to treat diaper rashes without harming the delicate skin of your little one.
4. Lemongrass essential oil
If you are suffering from Athlete's foot or other fungal skin infections lemongrass essential oil should be your go-to remedy, since it is considered the best essential oil to treat fungal infections. Furthermore, it can be used to sterilize pores, serves as a natural toner and strengthens skin tissue, making it an effective cleanser for all skin types.
However, if you have sensitive skin, lemongrass oil may create a rash, discomfort or even a burning sensation. Also, pregnant women should not use lemongrass essential oil because it stimulates menstrual flow which on very rare occasions may lead to a miscarriage.
Sources for this article include:
http://zeenews.india.com/health/treat-skin-infections-with-these-sweet-smelling-essential-oils-1935067
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/five-essential-oils-that-help-fight-infections
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/09/18/5-essential-oils-that-heal.html
https://draxe.com/lemongrass-essential-oil/
