Chock full of essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, and Omega-3, fish oil, in food or capsule-form, is often credited with bolstering heart health and brain function, but a new report from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center suggests that when taken directly as a supplement, this powerhouse oil may have another trick up its sleeve: cancer prevention. (See our Omega 3-6-9 formula)

Researchers questioned over 35,000 postmenopausal women on their use of 15 different supplements — fish oil included — and followed these women over the next six years.

Over that time, 880 women were diagnosed with breast cancer . While most of the supplements seemed to have no effect on breast cancer risk, those women who reported current use of fish oil supplements were less likely to develop invasive ductal breast cancer, the most common type of the disease.

Beyond fish oil's role in breast cancer prevention, White and colleagues also found a connection between fish oil supplements and a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.

Why might fish oil supplements be having this effect?

Fish oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, and some research suggests that prolonged inflammation may increase the risk of cells becoming cancerous.

"Anti-inflammatory supplements reduce the events within a cell that lead to inflammation," White says. "Specifically, by reducing inflammation, they reduce cell turnover."

Reducing this turnover is important because the more cells replicate, the higher the chance is that they will accumulate genetic errors — a precursor to a cell becoming cancerous.

Thus, it is possible that reducing inflammation can lower the risk of cells becoming cancerous, White notes, though this is not yet proven.

I had a question regarding the Ultra Supreme Greens. I got the product because it said to take in morning preferably, so i got the capsules and it says 3, 3x per day… I have only been taking 3 in the morning… having breakfast, then doing juices (Anti-Aging, Acai Max, Goji Fusion) … I have other things (herbs) to take during the day. Should I be taking 9 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach?

Michelle

A: Michelle,

Take the Ultra Supreme Greens w/food for better absorption. You can divide it-up or take them all at one time – both ways are fine but take at least 6. You can also use them to calm the stomach down, as an antacid if the need ever arises.

Sounds like you have a great program going!

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Power Vitamin D3

Older Adults With Higher Vitamin D Levels Have Improved Mobility, Study Finds
By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health News

April 26, 2010 (Anaheim, Calif.) — Vitamin D, already considered a way to help fight colds, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other ills, may also keep people mobile in their golden years, according to a new study.

Older adults who had higher blood levels of vitamin D had better physical functioning, says Denise Houston, PhD, RD, assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. She presented the findings Sunday at the Experimental Biology 2010 meeting.

“Those with better vitamin D levels started out better and ended up better on physical performance tests,” she tells WebMD.

We offer two easy ways to obtain your daily Vitamin D:

Liquid Power Vitamin D – and -  Power Vitamin D3 (soft gels)

Dogs with arthritis can really benefit from glucosamine and omega 3's

Question: Hi Dr. E,

I seek your advice regarding my eight year old collie.  he is about 90 lbs and is having trouble laying down and getting up and his general mobility seems difficult for him.  our vet recommended fish oil as well as glucosamine/chondroitin. I am taking three capsules of your ultra omega 3-6-9 and i was wondering if this might be a good regimen for my dog.

Thanks so much.

Steve

Answer: Steve,

Your veterinarian gave you good advice. Our Omega 3,6,9 (3) and Liquid Glucosamine and Chondroitin with MSM and Vitamin C (1/2 tbsp) would be great.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

There is a lot of ongoing work on the effects of antioxidants like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the primary omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. In addition to serving an important role in reducing the joint inflammation associated with arthritis and degenerative joint disease, omega-3s are important in cardiac health, and in suppressing the inflammation associated with chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems and inflammatory skin problems, as well as promoting mental alertness in older individuals.  There is an excellent controlled study showing that feeding a diet enriched with DHA, EPA and other nutritional supplements, such as MSM and glucosamine, results in a substantial and measurable improvement in older dogs’ memory and level of mobility. Although it’s difficult to make exact recommendations, it seems safe to say that we can help our pets by insuring an adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids.

Glucosamine:

Glucosamine is the primary component of nearly all multi-ingredient arthritis formulas and seems to be the most important. It is essential for the formation of joint cartilage and synovial fluid.  Glucosamine should certainly be an ingredient in whatever formula you use.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM):

MSM has value as an anti-inflammatory agent. This anti-inflammatory effect slows the progression of arthritis and relieves pain.  All dogs showing chronic joint pain should be receiving MSM regularly.  It seems to work nearly as well as aspirin and is much less likely to cause problems.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Tamanu Oil

Although indigenous peoples of Polynesia discovered this natural skin care remedy many centuries ago, it is only in recent times that Tamanu Oil has begun to attract serious attention from the cosmetic community.

One thing is for certain – Tamanu Oil is now at the cutting edge of a new wave of emerging skin care products.

How Tamanu Oil Is Processed

The Tamanu tree only bears fruit once a year and the fruit itself is inedible. However, inside the fruit is a pale-colored nut kernel. When this nut kernel is dried (which takes 1-2 months), it turns a deep, chocolate brown and releases a sticky, rich oil.

These days, the oil is often extracted from the nut kernels using some form of mechanical cold press. The resulting Tamanu Oil is a rich, luxurious, greenish-amber color. It is non-toxic and devoid of any artificial chemical additives.

Botanical Name: Calophyllum tacamahaca and/or Calophyllum inophyllum depending on reference. Also sometimes called Kamani Oil.

The Healing Properties Of Tamanu Oil

While the Tamanu Tree does grow inland, it prefers salty, sandy soil, with the result that it tends to grow profusely near the sea. Native people claim that the best Tamanu Oil comes from the trees that grow near coastal areas, rather than from those that grow inland.

The ability of Tamanu Oil to heal the skin surpasses most, if not all, modern day skin care products. Scientific studies show that Tamanu Oil has significant healing properties because of its ability to produce new skin tissue and because of its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

While Tamanu Oil can be used effectively to treat a range of infections including ring worm, athlete’s foot, itching and dermaphytosis of the scalp or beard (due to the presence of Friedelin) and infected wounds and burns (due to the anti-bacterial presence of Canophyllol and the antibiotic presence of lactones), it is its cicatrizing capacity that sets it apart.

Cicatrization is the process involved in the formation of new tissue. Consequently, Tamanu Oil is amazingly effective for the treatment of everything from acne and acne scars, scarring generally, stretch marks, diabetic sores, psoriasis, sunburn, blisters, abrasions, burns, cuts, eczema, herpes sores, insect bites and stings, fissures, dry or scaly skin and my personal favorite – the reduction or complete removal of unsightly age spots.

The natural anti-inflammatory qualities of the oil also produce significant pain-relieving properties (due in part to the presence of Phenyl Coumarin Calophyllolide and various xanthones in the oil). It is this anti-inflammatory quality that is primarily responsible for the reduction of general swelling, rashes, sores, and abrasions.

Sometimes referred to as “Green Gold” or the Sacred Oil of Tamanu, this oil also possesses analgesic properties that help rid the body of pain extremely fast – this is especially so when it comes to conditions such as neuralgia, sciatica, shingles and rheumatism. The combination of the oil’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities can be particularly beneficial in the case of pulled muscles, ligament damage and sprains.

Tamanu Oil can be applied to the surface of the skin to promote healthy, blemish-free skin. Many native women apply use it on babies to prevent nappy rash. It may be applied to treat a variety of skin irritations, including those caused by warts, allergies or skin ulcers.

Some of the other skin care benefits of this tropical first aid remedy include the treatment of dermatitis, chemical burns, skin grafts, post surgical wounds, vaginitis, chilblains – just to name a few.

One of the most important features of Tamanu Oil is its ability to penetrate all three layers of the skin – i.e. the Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis. Apart from all its other qualities, this fact goes a long way towards explaining why Tamanu Oil can do what it does.

Its no surprise that this wonderful oil can even be used to treat animals such as dogs and cats.

The secret to using Tamanu Oil, especially when it comes to removing age spots, is to only use 100% pure Tamanu Oil. While it can safely be mixed with other oils such as Olive Oil, all this really achieves is a higher profit margin for the seller or manufacturer and a less effective treatment for the consumer.

The other trick to achieving effective and rapid results is the frequency with which you apply the oil.

How To Use Tamanu Oil Tamanu Oil is non-greasy and readily absorbed into the skin. As the oil is so effective, a little goes a long way. Initially, it’s a good idea to apply the oil 4, 5 or more times a day and then cut back as the problem begins to heal. This is particularly so when looking to remove age spots from the back of the hands, forehead, face, arms or upper thighs. If you are applying the oil to a large area then the frequency should be 2-3 times a day. It can have a drying effect on the skin when applied to a large area. If the area does start to become "scaly", don't be alarmed – it means the oil is doing its job. Ease off on the application or even stop for a few days. Apply some of your favorite body moisturizer to ease the drying effect and then reuse the Tamanu Oil, if necessary. We are not aware of any documented reports of adverse effects due to the application of Tamanu Oil. Just the same, care may need to be taken if you are allergic to nuts. In this case, apply the oil to a small area first to check for any adverse reaction.

The study population should have been one situated closer to the onset of cognitive decline – meaning younger people! 

A study released on Tuesday in the December 23/30 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that adults who used the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba for several years did not have a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to adults who received placebo.  The researchers analyzed results from the 2008 Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study to determine as a secondary outcome if G. biloba slowed the rate of cognitive decline in older adults who had normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at the beginning of the study.

The Natural Products Association has previously issued comments on the GEM study, which was originally released in November of 2008, questioned the benefits of Ginkgo biloba on preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), saying the study “missed the boat entirely” because the universe of people studied was too limited to make broad statements about the benefits of the popular dietary supplement. [New JAMA Study on Ginkgo Biloba and Alzheimer's 'Misses the Boat Entirely', NPA Member Update, November 18, 2008]

“As we stated in our comments regarding the GEM study last year, the boat has left the dock and this study isn’t on it,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Natural Products Association. “When one considers that age-related cognitive decline may initiate in healthy adults as early as their 30s, it would seem that if the authors were indeed serious about investigating prevention as a secondary outcome, they would have selected a population that was situated closer to the onset of cognitive decline instead of one where its effects most likely have already taken hold.”

One, it looks exclusively at people almost 80 years old who are far more likely to have Alzheimer’s, while ignoring those in middle ages, where the risk for developing the disease rises quickly and prevention could best be analyzed. Two, it excludes completely any consideration of the strong and established role that family history plays with Alzheimer’s. You can’t do a study on the weather without looking at wind and rain,”

It’s is always interesting to us (CAOH) that many studies looking at the benefits of herbal and nutritional supplements never take into account long term use and prevention.  There is never a magic bullet, pill or potion.

What is Maqui Berry?

Maqui Berry is a purple variety of berry found in the South American Region (Patagonia Region) of Chile and Argentina.  The berry has been found to contain high levels of antioxidant properties.  In fact it tops all others!

Antioxidants are substances found in the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday.  They in fact vary in every fruit and vegetable so that an ORAC scale was established to measure the quantity of antioxidant each fruit has.

The enormous quantity of antioxidants found in the Maqui Berry is so significant that eating the fruit on a regular basis could be quite beneficial:

• Antioxidants present in Maqui Berries aid in body detoxification.
• Maqui Berries can enhance the body’s immune system
• Increases the energy levels of the individual
• Aid in the bodies anti-aging properties.

The Maqui Berry does not differ from many of the other super fruit stories, but the Maqui Berry is gaining popularity.

Thanks

Answer: Bronek,

Our whey protein powder (1 scoop/day) is mandatory (Whey protein fact sheet). Next, I would add (5,000IU’s/day) vitamin D, probiotic (1-2 caps/day) and vitamin C (1-2 caps/day). FYI: below is from a newsletter I recently sent to my patients.

“I just wanted to remind everyone that I have put together a natural “preventative” protocol for kids and adults, against colds/flu. Now is the time to get going on this!

I have been using this protocol for the past ten years w/my patients and the ones who follow it haven’t been effected by the flu, or if they did, it was very mild. The products are all natural and the possibility of side-effects is practically zero. The combo is vitamin D liquid, a special probiotic and vitamin C (w/rutin). This may seem very basic and you may ask, “how can this work?” At therapeutic doses, this combination actually moves the body from a weak, straw house; to a slightly-stronger, stick house; to a ultra-strong, brick house. Brick house people don’t get sick or if they do, the symptoms are much milder, and/or the overall duration of symptoms is far less.”

The sooner you can get going on this protocol, the faster you can start boosting you immune system!

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Researchers from Utah presented fresh evidence this week linking vitamin D deficiency to heart disease at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Scientific Conference in Orlando, Florida. Vitamin D has a good reputation even in the worthy company of other vitamins, having been associated variously with cardiovascular health, strong bones, cognitive health, cancer protection and immune health.

Scientists from the Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City now claim to have dug up stronger evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of vitamin D. They also claim to have more firmly established the link between a lack of the vitamin in the diet and heart disease.

Observational Research:

For more than a year, the Intermountain Medical Center research team followed 27,686 people who were 50 years of age or older with no prior history of cardiovascular disease.

The participants had their blood vitamin D levels tested during routine clinical care. They were divided into three groups based on their vitamin D levels – normal (over 30 nanograms per milliliter), low (15-30 ng/ml), or very low (less than 15 ng/ml). The scientist then followed them to see if they developed some form of heart disease.

Researchers found that people with very low levels of vitamin D were 77 percent more likely to die, 45 percent more likely to develop coronary artery disease, and 78 percent more likely to have a stroke than those with normal levels. They also found that participants with very low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to suffer heart failure.

Commenting on the significance of the results, Brent Muhlestein, director of cardiovascular research at the Intermountain Medical Centre, said: “This was a unique study because the association between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease has not been well-established.”

Muhlestein went on to say the previous studies have demonstrated links between vitamin D deficiency and risk factors related to heart disease like blood pressure, glucose control, and inflammation.

This latest research is distinct from these studies because it tackles the link between vitamin D and heart disease directly. And although the study is only observational, Muhlestein said it is based on a population pool in Utah that is well suited to the task in hand.

“For example, because of Utah’s low use of tobacco and alcohol, we were able to narrow the focus of the study to the effects of Vitamin D on the cardiovascular system,” said Muhlestein.

In any case, he said the conclusions create an impetus for further study.

“We believe the findings are important enough to now justify randomized treatment trials of supplementation in patients with Vitamin D deficiency to determine for sure whether it can reduce the risk of heart disease,” added the researcher.

Thanks.

Leon

Answer: Leon,

Our Power Vision Formula is a comprehensive support formula for vision and the eye. I wish I could promise that it’s exactly what you need but I can’t. I can tell you it’s a very comprehensive and well thought-out formula.

When combined with our Liquid Power Multi-V, you will be covering all bases to help prevent, ” Age Related Eye Disease.” (see study link below)

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Are These High Levels of Antioxidants and Zinc Right For You?

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) – sponsored by the Federal government’s National Eye Institute – has found that taking high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by about 25 percent.