Don’t Let The Winter Blues Get You Down!

How To Combat SAD, or the Winter Blues

The “winter blues” is something that affects many of us and sometimes we aren’t even aware of it.  Symptoms like tiredness, lethargy and stress are often attributed to ‘the weather’, or ‘having an off day’, but winter depression is a recognized condition.  This is also known as the ‘winter blues’, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it is caused by a lack of sunlight during the winter.  The condition is very common in the northern hemisphere.

Good Nutrition Breaks Through Depression

A good diet and nutritional routine is important all year round, but fighting off the winter blues requires a little bit of extra nutritional attention.  First of all, never skip meals.  Breakfast is essential if the brain is to work correctly; it cannot do so without fuel.  Having lunch gets you through the afternoon sleepiness and can reduce dinnertime over-eating.

A whole food diet which includes fruits and vegetables of all colors, nuts and fish, will supply B vitamins and amino acids which keep the body and brain in good working order during winter.  Fast food, although comforting and convenient at times, often contains far too much fat, carbohydrates and sugar, and will not give the body that ‘feel good’ factor for very long, and will in most cases leave behind an even worse feeling of lethargy and poor nutritional fullness.

Vitamins Can Fight Depression

Stress and depression use up huge quantities of vitamin C within the body.  Many animals make their own supply of this vitamin, but humans cannot.  For example, the goat can alter its rate of vitamin C production according to the amount of stress it is under, or its general health.  Humans need to increase vitamin C intake during times when the body is under stress.

Vitamin C can also stop viruses from dividing inside cells, so it helps the fight against things like the common cold and ‘flu’.  These viruses tend to attack when resistance is low, so it is essential to replenish vitamin C supplies daily.  Fresh fruits and vegetables and supplements are beneficial here.

B vitamins are also depression fighters.  Scientists found that people with depression do better when they had high levels of vitamin B12 in their blood.  B-complex vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being.  They cannot be stored in our bodies, so we depend entirely on our daily diet to supply them.  B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, nicotine, and caffeine so it is no surprise that many people may be deficient in these.

Sunlight is something the body needs.  It helps our bodies generate Vitamin D.   And studies show that Vitamin D deficiency provides a compelling explanation for seasonal variations in mood.  Make sure and supplement your Vitamin D if you are not getting much sun.

Tips for Lifting The Winter Blues

Apart from attention to diet, there are a number of other ways that can help to relieve the winter blues.  Keeping a good sense of humor and try to have a little fun, (not always easy to do!), and rest and relaxation also play a big part in combating the blues.  An active mind and body, usually results in a health mind and body!

Time should be made available for hobbies and talking to friends, and simplifying daily life as much as possible to stop things from mounting up and adding to the pressure and stress.  We know it’s tough but, just taking the time to look around and see your surroundings can be spiritually lifting.

Alcohol, nicotine, or other non-prescription and even over use of prescription drugs, may seem to give some relief, but this is only temporary and cannot stop depression.  In addition, these can rob your body of important vitamins. In addition, caffeine can have the same effect on the body as high levels of stress, so it is advisable to lower intake of caffeine products.

Most importantly, if the sun comes out from behind the clouds in that wintry sky, go outside. Tests have shown that just twenty minutes of winter sunshine can help lift the moods and alleviate the symptoms associated with he winter blues.

So do your best to get regular exercise and nutritional supplements.  I know when I stick with my vitamin routine and exercise even 30 minutes – I do in fact feel better about everything.

We hope this helps,

CAOH

Omega 3’s and your heart

Omega-3s May Slow Aging in Heart Patients

Heart Disease Patients With High Omega-3 Fatty Acids Age More Slowly on Cellular Level.

By: Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Health News Reviewed by: Louise Chang, MD

Jan. 19, 2010 — Heart disease patients with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids appear to age more slowly than those with the lowest blood levels, according to a new study.

Previous studies have shown that heart disease patients with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids — found in fish and in dietary supplements — have higher survival rates.

The new study may help explain why. ”We’ve shown an entirely new effect of omega-3 fatty acids, which may be to slow down the biological aging process in patients with coronary heart disease,” says lead author Ramin Farzaneh-Far, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

Farzaneh-Far and his colleagues looked at a marker of biological age — the rate of shortening of telomeres, structures at the end of a chromosome involved in its replication and stability. As the telomeres shorten over time, the eventual result is cell death, scientists believe.

In previous research, Farzaneh-Far says, his team looked at the same group of heart disease patients and found that telomere length was ”a powerful predictor of death and bad outcomes [from heart disease]. In that [study], we found the shorter your telomeres, the greater your risk of death.”

In the new study, the higher the blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the patients evaluated, the slower the rate of telomere shortening.

“We looked at the biological effects of higher blood levels,” Farzaneh-Far tells WebMD, “not supplement intake.”

The study is published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Omega-3s and Aging Study Details

For the study, the researchers evaluated 608 patients with stable heart disease, recruited from the Heart and Soul Study from September 2000 and December 2002, following them up for a median of six years (half were followed more, half less).

Participants gave blood samples at the beginning of the study, which were evaluated for omega-3 fatty acid levels. The researchers also isolated DNA from the blood and evaluated the length of the telomere of the leukocyte, a type of blood cell.

Over the follow-up period, “patients with the lowest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids exhibited a rate of telomere shortening 2.6 times faster than patients with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids,” Farzaneh-Far tells WebMD.

How does that relate to aging? “We don’t have enough data to be able to convert the changes of telomere shortening into years of aging,” he says. “This may be one of the first studies to look at the change in telomere length over time.”

There was no association found between omega-3 fatty acid levels and telomere length at the study start. The researchers aren’t sure why, but state that omega-3 fatty acid levels is one of many influences on the length of the telomeres, with other factors including inflammation in the body, obesity, oxidative stress, and lack of physical activity.

Would high omega-3 blood levels help those without heart disease? Farzaneh-Far can’t say. ”Whether this effect of omega-3 fatty acids on telomere length is present in those without coronary heart disease, I just can’t say,” Farzaneh-Far says, noting it was beyond the scope of the study. However, he adds, ”it could be.” Telomere shortening occurs in everyone, he says.

Omega-3s May Slow Aging in Heart Patients

Heart Disease Patients With High Omega-3 Fatty Acids Age More Slowly on Cellular Level

Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Aging: Other Opinions

”This is very exciting news, to show how fish oil works on a cellular level,” says Ravi Dave, MD, a cardiologist at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center & Orthopedic Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at the University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.

The new finding, he tells WebMD, builds on previous research. “There has been a strong association found that if you take marine omega-3 fatty acids, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Researchers have been trying to pin down why. Several proposed mechanisms have been found, including reduction of inflammation in the body or reducing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, Dave says.  With the new finding, he says, “it’s no longer a hypothesized mechanism. It has some basis behind how it works.”  But, he adds, “fish oils are only one of the things that affect telomere length.” Many other factors, he says, such as oxidative stress on the cells, play a role.  Eventually, Dave says, if the telomere research bears out, a test to check a person’s telomere length may be one way to predict the risk of heart disease.

The new research demonstrates a protective effect of fish oil on the aging clock, adds Robert Zee, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of molecular epidemiology at the division of preventive medicine of Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has reported a link between shorter telomere length and heart attacks. But the new findings need replication, he says.

Omega-3s and Health: Advice

What should healthy people and those with heart disease do in terms of omega-3s?

Farzaneh-Far points to the existing American Heart Association guidelines. “The American Heart Association already recommends at least a gram a day” of omega-3 fatty acid intake for those with documented heart disease, he says. Preferably it should come from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, or albacore tuna, according to the AHA, but supplements could be considered if a patient’s doctor agrees.

For those who don’t have heart disease, the AHA recommends eating a variety of fish, preferably oily types such as salmon, at least twice a week, and including in the diet healthy oils such as flaxseed, canola, and soybean.

One of the researchers, William S. Harris of the University of South Dakota, reports receiving research grants from companies with interests in omega-3 fatty acids. Another co-author, Elizabeth H. Blackburn, PhD, shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase.

Take a look at our Ultra Omega 3-6-9, Flaxseed Oil, and Seabuckthorn Oil as wonderful sources of Omega 3’s!

JAMA Study on Ginkgo biloba Not Quite Clear?

JAMA Study on Ginkgo Biloba Effects on Rate of Cognitive Decline ‘Still Misses the Boat’ – “in fact it may not be in the same ocean.“

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.

Multivitamins have no effect? But…

Multivitamins may fortify children against food allergies:

At first glance, it appeared that daily supplements of multivitamins did not have any effect on allergic disease in eight year old children, says a new study from Sweden. Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists from the world famous Karolinska Institute report that multivitamin supplements had no effect on the incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, or atopic sensitization in 2,423 eight-year olds. However, when the scientists limited their analysis to children who started supplementation before the age of four, there was a 39 per cent decrease in the risk of sensitization to food allergens. “Our results show no association between current use of multivitamins and risk of allergic disease but suggest that supplementation with multivitamins during the first years of life may reduce the risk of allergic disease at school age,” they concluded.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Published online ahead of print, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27963 “Use of multivitamin supplements in relation to allergic disease in 8-y-old children” Authors: K. Marmsjo, H. Rosenlund, I. Kull, N. Hakansson, M. Wickman, G. Pershagen, A. Bergstrom. Abstract Available Here.

Liquid Power Multi-V™ is a powerful addition to your family’s daily nutritional needs.  It makes other products look like plain old water!  Click here for details!

White House report predicts 30,000 to 90,000 H1N1 deaths.

Remember these two important datums:

1. An ounce (inexpensive/quick) of prevention is worth a pound (expensive/long duration) of cure.

2. You are either at cause over a situation or you are the effect of that situation. Which do you choose?

Dr E.

If you have questions or need more info, please do not hesitate to drop me a note at askthedoctor@caoh.com

White House report predicts 30,000 to 90,000 H1N1 deaths.

By Steve Sternberg, USA TODAY 8-24-2009

The global flu pandemic expected to return to the USA this fall may infect as much as half the U.S. population, flooding hospitals with nearly 2 million patients and causing 30,000 to 90,000 deaths, according to the first official forecast of the scope of the flu season now getting underway.

The report, released Monday by the White House, was prepared by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. It offers the forecast as the most plausible of a range of scenarios that reflect the potential impact of a new form of H1N1 flu, known as swine flu, which the report calls "a serious health threat to the United States."

"While this is not the 1918 flu pandemic, it infects younger people more, and serious complications do occur," says panel co-chairman Eric Lander, director of the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, warning that infants and children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses are at special risk of serious complications.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 2 million people nationwide have been infected with the virus and 522 have already died. But flu experts worry that cases will mount as youngsters return to school and as cold weather drives people indoors. "We think it's very likely cases will increase," says David Marens of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

One of the council's goals was to use scenarios drawn from experience to identify critical health concerns and guide the government's response. The report concludes that the coming flu season will more likely resemble 1957, which killed 70,000 people, or 1968, when 34,000 died.

"There's great uncertainty about what we're going to be seeing as this develops," says White House Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan.  "We're trying to find a way to deal with various scenarios." The report calls for the government to intensify efforts to track infections and hospitalizations and to advocate common-sense prevention measures (This does not include any natural health methods or dietary modifications Dr. E).  Among them: making sure that sick people can get refunds to sporting events and that sick children who rely on school lunches can get them without infecting classmates.

The science advisers also urge the government to press vaccine makers to speed production by one month, by beginning to fill and distribute vials before clinical trials are completed.  Without accelerating vaccine production, they say, the first doses may not become available until after the swine flu season peaks (the first vaccine shots will be available in late October but a person's immunity to the virus will not take effect for an additional 5-8 weeks Dr. E).  In response, the government has asked manufacturers to put vaccine in vials "as soon as they are ready," the administration says.

The report asserts that an influx of flu patients may clog hospital emergency rooms and intensive-care units (ICUs).  "It's possible that at a time of peak demand from 50% to 100% of ICU beds in an area might be used for influenza cases.  They're often close to capacity without influenza," Lander says.

On the forefront of the American debate on healthcare!

Today nothing is in the forefront of American debate more than the issue of Health Care.  Here at California Academy of Health we hope that all our customers are taking the preventative view, with good nutrition and supplement use. On that note, we have come across an interesting article on health care reform that you might enjoy. We are big fans of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS – his shows are some of the most informative we have ever seen regarding domestic, world affairs and yes even health – we highly recommend it. Click here for more information. The other week watching Fareed's show he recommended an article which was regarding the health care debate.  It is quite insightful and extensive, and gives a good overview of the complexities facing us.  Like us – you may or may not agree with the conclusion, but is a good read and well worth the look.  Take a look at The Atlantic’s How American Health Care Killed My Father.

One aspect of the article is that the current health care system "emphasizes treatment over prevention" – and this is an issue that is fraught with controversy.  But this simple issue is what we at CAOH® try to offer – prevention.  Good health starts there and can limit the unforeseen health issues that could face each and every one of us.

With that we would like for you to take a closer look at our Liquid Power Multi-V™.  Liquid Power Multi-V™ is perfect for the entire family! It is a 100% vegetarian proprietary blend of 9 Sea Vegetables, Whole Chlorella, Phytoplankton and a complete  "Synergy Blend™" of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, vitamins, mineral and phyto-nutrients!

This is the most unique and complete liquid vitamin supplement available!  There is literally nothing else like it on the market.  You must compare the ingredients to other brands – nothing is more potent or comprehensive.

Please, if you are not already taking this very popular product – stop and click here to read about it further!

Hope you find all this information interesting.

CAOH®

Sugar tastes sweet, but it can lower your immune system!

o sweet!

Some interesting information on the relationship between sugar and its effects were covered in USA Today.  They report that a big dose of sugar can immediately suppress your immune system and make you more vulnerable to colds, flu and other infections.

So, at a time when people are especially keen to protect themselves from H1N1, or swine flu, it’s worth asking: Is it true? Can a few spoonfuls of sugar really help make you sick?

Denver nutrition therapist Kate Pfeiffer has no doubt. "Limiting sugar should be the first line of defense against infectious disease," she says. She wrote a column that is worth reading titled: "Worried about the Swine Flu? Avoid Sugar!" In it she cites a 1973 study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and other references.

In the study, researchers at Loma Linda University gave volunteers 100 grams of sugar (20 teaspoons, roughly the amount in a liter of soda). The researchers then drew blood from the volunteers and mixed in some bacteria. They found that infection-fighting white blood cells from people who had just gorged on sugar gobbled up many fewer bacteria than those who had just fasted or eaten an unsweetened starch.

But that’s not evidence that would convince most doctors, says Aaron Glatt, an infectious-disease specialist who is president and chief executive officer of New Island Hospital in Bethpage, N.Y. Glatt says he has heard of the sugar theory, but as far as he knows, there are no studies showing people who eat a lot of sugar actually get more cases of colds and flu.  However this is contradicts the references outlined in Ms. Pfeiffer’s article.

He says: "There are numerous other reasons people should be concerned about sugar intake," including the prevention and control of obesity and diabetes. But, he says, "there’s no reason not to drink a glass of soda just because someone next to you is sniffling."  This puts more emphasis on a balanced diet.

While it’s unlikely any one food is the key to a strong or weak immune system, we can optimize the building blocks for immune system by eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Experts agree wholeheartedly that overall nutrition is more important than any one substance. But there’s something about a sugar overdose that makes people vulnerable.  All these statements being true, it is interesting that American Dietetic Association and other health groups suggest lower intake of sugars.  We’ll expect to see some evidence soon — when doctor’s offices fill up with sick kids after Halloween.

Issue of note:

The above leads us to caution you on another issue.  CAOH® has a competitor that is marketing an Acai juice product that has the same name as our juice, "Acai Max".  Acai Max® is the name of our very popular organic acai juice blend.  We have been producing our acai juice product since 2004 and the product name "Acai Max" is our registered trademark!  This other party not only produces a juice that is more expensive and less potent in the primary ingredient Acai, but they add cane juice to it.  Now many of you will ask, what is cane juice?  Cane juice is juice squeezed from sugar cane, which is then dried (dehydrated) and used to make cane sugar – yes SUGAR!  Cane juice is nothing more than sugar!  Now there is a new movement to push cane juice as a healthy choice to refined sugar, but the fact remains that it is still sugar.  Other than it being sweet there is no nutrition in cane juice or sugar.  So they are basically overtly adding sugar to their acai juice.  So please remember if you do not see "California Academy of Health" on the bottle – it is not our product and may have unwanted additives.

Thanks,

CAOH!

Are Sea Vegetables the Cure for the Iodine Deficiency Epidemic?

Iodine deficiency epidemic

Although most of us believe we are not deficient in iodine since the fortification of salt with iodine, the fact is most people are deficient and don't know it.  Due to changes in food intake, eating patterns and food production methods, iodine intake has been decreasing in the U.S. since the early 70's.  Even worse, we are exposed to increasing levels of environmental toxins that either block the absorption of iodine or block its actions in the body.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES), 24-hour urine levels of iodine have decreased from average levels of 320 mcg/L during 1971-1974 to 165 mcg/L in 2001-2002 – a drop of almost 50%.^1,2  NHANES (2003-2004) found a urinary iodine level of <50 mcg/L in 12% of the U.S. population, indicating severe deficiency (<100 mcg/L is indicative of deficiency).³  Iodine levels in the breast milk of nursing mothers in Boston showed that only 47% contained sufficient amounts of iodine to meet infant requirements.⁴  This dramatic drop in iodine intake is made worse by an increasing level of iodine uptake inhibitors – perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate – in the food supply and environment.

Why has iodine disappeared from our diet?

Iodized salt is very effective in normalizing iodine intake.  The problem is we eat less iodized salt.  This has occurred for 2 reasons: first, we've all been told to decrease salt intake because excess consumption can elevate blood pressure.  However, the more important cause is that almost everyone now eats more processed foods and meals at restaurants—most of these do not use iodized salt!  This is made worse by the fact that the iodized salt sold for home use often contains less iodine than stated on the label and two other good sources of iodine, bread and milk products, now contain very little due to changes in how they are produced.

Dairy products used to contain a significant amount of iodine since it was used to disinfect cow udders and dairy processing equipment.  Now, however, antibiotics and other methods are used instead.  In addition, less iodine is used in feed supplements.  With these changes, the average iodine content of U.S. whole cow's milk had decreased from 602 mcg/L in 1978 to 155 mcg/L in 1990.  A 2002 study found as little as 88 mcg/L, less than 15% of those measured in 1978.⁵ This is worsened by the substitution of soft drinks for milk by children, adolescents and adults so we drink less milk which has less iodine.^6,7,8

Another significant source of iodine in the past was bread since iodated-based bread conditioners were used to prolong shelf life.  Today, most commercial bakeries are using bromated-based conditioners instead.

Iodized salt may have less than we think because it evaporates over time from salt containers and shakers.⁹ The rate of evaporation is increased by humidity and heat. In the summer in humid areas of the country, the half life of iodine in salt can be as little as one week! Many in the natural products field use sea salt as a supposed better alternative to regular salt.  Unfortunately, it is not iodized.

What happens when iodine levels are too low?

Everyone is aware that iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones, so if levels are too low people suffer hypothyroidism.  This is one reason the incidence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism affects 10-15% of the population, especially women.  Probably more prevalent are the other problems found in people with low to marginal levels of iodine.  It is well known that low iodine levels in fetuses and children leads to impaired mental development and research has now shown an increased incidence of fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer.^10,11  Some research has also shown that iodine deficiency may contribute to obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia.

Are seaweeds/sea vegetables a good source of iodine?

Although sea vegetables, i.e., seaweed, are common in many traditional diets – especially the Japanese, they are not commonly consumed in the U.S.  Most people think of sea vegetables as a food source for iodine.  Some are, but many aren't, and you have to eat more than just a few sprinkles. Also, some may be contaminated with toxic metals.

As the table below shows, the amount of iodine in seaweed varies greatly.¹²

Bottom Line

Iodine deficiency is a common and growing problem in North America. Fortunately, eating enough of the right kind of seaweed will replenish iodine supplies.

References

1. Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. 1998 Iodine nutrition in the United States: trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys I and III (1971–1974 and 1988–1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct1998;83(10):3401-8

2. Caldwell KL, Jones R, Hollowell JG. Urinary iodine concentration: United States National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002. Thyroid. Jul2005;15(7):692-9

3. Caldwell KL, Miller GA, Wang RY, et al,. Iodine status of the U.S. population, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. Thyroid. Nov2008;18(11):1207-14

4. Pearce EN, Leung AM, Blount BC, et al. Breast milk iodine and perchlorate concentrations in lactating Boston-area women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007;92:1673-1677

5. Pearce EN, Pino S, He X, et al. Sources of dietary iodine: bread, cows' milk, and infant formula in the Boston area. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul2004;89(7):3421-4

6. Keller KL, Kirzner J, Pietrobelli A, et al. Increased sweetened beverage intake is associated with reduced milk and calcium intake in 3- to 7-year-old children at multi-item laboratory lunches. J Am Diet Assoc. Mar2009;109(3):497-501

7. Rampersaud GC, Bailey LB, Kauwell GP. National survey beverage consumption data for children and adolescents indicate the need to encourage a shift toward more nutritive beverages. J Am Diet Assoc. Jan2003;103(1):97-100

8. Bleich SN, Wang YC, Wang Y, et al. Increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among US adults: 1988-1994 to 1999-2004. Am J Clin Nutr. Jan2009;89(1):372-81

9. Dasgupta PK, Liu Y, Dyke JV. Iodine nutrition: iodine content of iodized salt in the United States. Environ Sci Technol. Feb2008;42(4):1315-23

10. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. Jun2008;13(2):116-27

11. Aceves C, Anguiano B, Delgado G. Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. Apr2005;10(2):189-96

12. Teas J, Pino S Critchley A and Braverman LE. Variability of Iodine Content in Common Commercially Available Edible Seaweeds. THYROID 2004;14:836-41

Author: Joseph
Pizzorno, ND -  November 2009

Dr. Joe Pizzorno is the founding president of Bastyr University and editor-in-chief of Integrative Medicine, A Clinician's Journal. He is the co-author of seven books including the internationally acclaimed Textbook of Natural Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, which has sold over a million copies and been translated into six languages.

Sea Vegetables are an important part of our multi-nutrient Liquid Power Multi-V™

Power Vitamin D for Quicker Thinking?

Men with low blood serum levels of Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) fare worse on tests requiring rapid thinking

May 21, 2009 – Men 60 and older may think faster if they have adequate blood levels of vitamin D, according to a new European study.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, included more than 3,100 men 40 and older in eight European cities: Florence, Italy; Leuven, Belgium, Lodz, Poland; Malmo, Sweden; Manchester, England.; Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Szeged, Hungary, and Tartu, Estonia.

The men, who were about 60 years old, on average, provided blood samples so the researchers could check their vitamin D levels. Their average vitamin D level was in the adequate range.

The men also took three tests of their visual memory, visual scanning, and speed at processing visual information.

Men in their 60s and 70s with low levels of vitamin D were the most likely participants to have low scores on the visual scanning and processing test.

FreeLife Exposed

Dr. Marcus Ettinger,

I am being contacted by an attorney who works for a law firm, that is bringing a class action lawsuit against the biggest crooks besides our politicians. MLM Freelife finally has been exposed. My wife and I love your Goji Fusion. She gets energy and I the same and calms our hunger. I read on the lawsuits that your name came up, the CEO of Freelife was stuttering about “Raw”, and Dr. Earl Mindell, (not a doctor at all) he bought his bogus degree, even the girl who made 2.4 million, Dr. Sandy who finally admitted that their juice was heated and it was not raw juice, and it was not 100% goji, she should go to jail, and they should attach all of her assets. Thank God these criminals have been exposed…

S. Gruber

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