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

Another MLM – When Will the Madness End?

Question: Hello Dr. Ettinger,

I have used the California Academy of Health Products for many years.  I love them and will continue using them.

However, my question is about another company’s products.  Have you heard of Rain Nutrition?  They are selling products called Soul (antioxidant liquid) and Pure (probiotics with some special patented coating).  I am not sure these products are as great as they say.  They seem kind of expensive too.  I was just hoping that maybe you could tell me your opinion on them.  The website is www.rainnutrition.com

Thank you,

Cathy

Answer: Catherine,

Rain is a multi-level-marketing company.  I don’t need to look at the products because, as far as I am concerned all MLM’s are semi-legal pyramid schemes, with inflated prices and marginal products.  My recommendation is to stay away and tell your friend (just guessing) who recommended you these products, thanks but no thanks. Keep your hard earned money.

Our Liquid Power Multi-V and Probiotic FloraHealth are dynamite products and they’re what I uses in my practice, for a probiotic and liquid antioxidant. I’d stack the above two products up against Pure and Soul any day of the week, in quality, price and effectiveness.  Just my professional opinion from 21 years in the nutrition and holistic medicine business.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Response Back: Thanks Dr. E

I really appreciate your help.

I already use the Liquid Power but I will add the Probiotic FloraHealth.  Is the probiotic something you take on an on-going basis?

My Response: Catherine,

One a day is perfect. Basically, we have two immune systems. One in the intestines and then the rest of the body. If we keep an abundance of healthy flora throughout our life-time, we are less likely to develop any bad condition in the intestines and our overall immunity will be higher. The key to Probiotic FloraHealth is that it’s enteric coated, meaning it opens up in the small intestine rather than the stomach. That way all the good stuff goes exactly where it’s needed and not inactivated in the stomach. There IS no better type coating. Here is What Rain says, “Rain Nutrition’s probiotic, PURE, uses patented BIO-tract® technology which protects our product from the harmful effects of stomach acids so that the good flora and beneficial organisms will survive until they reach the GI tract where they will go to work on cleansing and strengthening.”

Their all hype and price, and it’s exactly what we have at a WAY CHEAPER PRICE. As I said, MLM’s are all hype and no substance. Why else would someone pay $45 for a product that they could buy elsewhere for $15. It’s the 7 levels of down-line commission added in, not that it’s a better or more unique product.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

B Vitamins – They’re Good For You!

B Vitamins – They’re Good For You!

Niacin (Vitamin B3):

Recently, Niacin has got publicity for reducing cholesterol. It has also been found effective in reducing the incidence of second heart attack by 30 percent. Higher levels of Niacin can lead to hot flushes and liver damage. So, be very careful when taking therapeutical doses of this vitamin. Consult a qualified person before starting this treatment.

Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.

Recommended Dosage: 40 and 50 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 200 mg daily if you have a history of rheumatic heart disease or other valvular heart problem.

Note: Niacin can have an uncomfortable flushing/prickly affect when you take it.  This reaction varies by person.  Niacinamide is a form of Niacin that is a non-flush niacin, which has all the benefits without the uncomfortable rush.  Both our Liquid Complete B and our Power Multi-V contain niacinamide.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):

Pyridoxine deficiency has been linked to heart disease.  Pyridoxine is extremely important for formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.  Animal studies have shown that diets deficient in B6 can lead to hardened, narrowed arteries. This may be because B6 helps to prevent the unnecessary blood clots that can block arteries. B6 is also necessary to control homocysteine that appears to damage artery linings and encourage heart disease.

Recommended Dosage: 20 and 50 mg daily. B6 is found in whole grains, lentils and sweet potatoes.

Folic Acid:

Recent studies have shown that folic acid can ward off heart attacks and strokes. A deficiency of folic acid can increase the risk of heart disease 200 to 300 percent. Folic acid was shown to break down homocysteine, an amino acid. Homocysteine was shown to increase the risk of heart attack by 300 percent. Higher levels of homocysteine were found to cause significant blockages in the carotid arteries. (Carotid arteries are found in the neck and deliver blood to the brain.) Ten percent of all heart disease in the United States is believed to be from high levels of homocysteine. Hence folic acid, which breaks down homocysteine, is a very important deterrent to heart disease. It is found in foods such as navy beans, broccoli, orange juice, green leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes.

Recommended Dosage: 400 mcg daily.

Vitamin B12

Shortage of Vitamin B-12 has been associated with elevated levels of dangerous homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine can damage the inner surface of arteries. This can be treated and/or prevented with vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Many cardiologists are now using B-vitamins to help prevent coronary artery disease.

Recommended Dosage: 20 and 60 mcg daily.

It is a little known fact that a deficiency in B Vitamins can contribute to depression. Especially if you’re older than 50 or you’re a vegetarian, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be helpful in making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Doctors have long known of the relationship between low levels of vitamin B-12 and depression. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins, such as folate, play a role in the production of certain brain chemicals that are important in regulating mood and other brain functions.  Our Liquid Complete B contains all the Vitamin B you need!

Liquid Power, Magnesium and Reduced Blood Pressure

Question: Hello,

My husband was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and I now need to confirm that none of the supplements he currently takes will aggravate or contribute to this condition.  Can you please let me know if ANY of the ingredients that are in your Liquid Power Ultra Complete Daily Multiple will increase blood pressure in users.  (Note: I had read that men who’ve had heart attacks should not take L-Arginine, – Liquid Power lists the amino acid Arginine – but I don’t know if that would also affect those with high blood pressure.)

Separately, we are trying to find natural remedies to help with his high blood pressure condition.  We’ve currently started a daily regime of CoQ10, OPC, Hawthorne and Garlic, which seems to have had some preliminary success in lowering his numbers.  Can you tell me if there is a specific product by CAOH that we might look at for his condition?

Sincerely,

A. Sandoval

Answer: AS,

Nothing in the Liquid Power will raise his BP. The only other supplement I would add is magnesium (very important). Start w/one a day and work up to two a day. Reason is that magnesium in some people can have a slight laxative effects a la Milk of Magnesia. I take 3 and have no problem, most people don’t until they get to 3 or 4.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Reply back: Dear Dr. Ettinger,

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to send me your response below.  My husband and I are both very happy to hear that we can continue to use the Liquid Power product without interruption … and also, thanks to your recommendation regarding the magnesium, my husband’s BP numbers have been significantly reduced!  Thank you for that information.

Sincerely,

A. Sandoval

California Academy of Health Catalog

Full product catolog for California Academy of Health (CAOH).

Nutrition vs Alzheimer’s

Nutritional drink and Alzheimer’s

Scientists have developed a drink called Souvenaid that is a “medical food”, meaning it’s taken under the guidance of a physician to manage a specific condition. The drink has three components — uridine, choline, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA — that, working together, help restore synapses, said Dr. Richard Wurtman, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-author of the study. Uridine is a molecule used in the genetic coding for RNA, choline is in the vitamin B family, and DHA is found in certain fish and fish oils.

You can read more about this article from CNN here (link). But what we wanted to point out is this statement in in the article: “These nutrients are already found in the human body and have been shown to be safe, he said. But taking a supplement of any one of them will not have the same beneficial effect, he said. Together in the right proportions, the cocktail increases the production of fatty constituents and proteins needed for synapses…..“

These nutrients are abundant in fish oils, whole foods like tomatoes, seaweeds, phytoplankton and our Liquid Power Multi-V™ and Ultra Omega 3-6-9™.

Over 340 Reasons Why Power Multi-V™

Over 340 Reasons Why Power Multi-V™ Is the Most Comprehensive and Cost Effective Daily Multiple Available:

• 100% Vegetarian • Hypoallergenic (No soy, wheat, egg, shellfish, corn, or milk)
• Low Glycemic Index* – Power Multi-V™ has a glycemic index of 25
• 150 Phytonutrients
• 63 Whole Food Derived Minerals and Trace Minerals
• 29 Fruits (including standardized extracts and concentrates)
• 26 Herbs (including standardized extracts and concentrates)
• 13 Vegetables (including standardized extracts and concentrates)
• 10 Unique Cultivated and Wild Harvested Sea Vegetables
• 13 Vitamins
• 17 Plant Derived Amino Acids
• 3 Essential Fatty Acids
• 7 Organic Plant Derived Enzymes
• 7 Proprietary and Trademarked Nutrient Complexes:
  1. (ActivAloe®) Aloe Vera Juice
  2. Xanomax® Mangosteen
  3. Tamat-O-Red® Lycopene, Phytoene, Phytofluene, Beta-Carotene & Tocopherols
  4. Lyc-O-Mato® Lycopene, Phytoene, Phytofluene, Beta-Carotene & Tocopherols
  5. NutraFlora® ScFOS Prebiotic Blend
  6. GreenGrown® Vegetatian Glucosamine
  7. Pure Way-C®

*The Glycemic Index is a numerical Index that ranks carbohydrates based on their rate of glycemic response (i.e. their conversion to glucose within the human body). Glycemic Index uses a scale of 0 to 100, with higher values given to foods that cause the most rapid rise in blood sugar. Pure glucose serves as a reference point, and is given a Glycemic Index (GI) of 100.

Liquid Power Multi-V

Power Multi-V and ORAC

Question: In your Power Multi-V, could you please tell me what the ORAC levels for antioxidants are in that product? Just curious what my Return on Investment and delivery to my cells would be.

Thank You,

Dr. Scott S. Jones

Answer: Dr. Jones,

Here are some blog posts with my thoughts on ORAC.

Can you tell me what Liquid Power’s ORAC Value is?
Here’s More On – ORAC
Can you give me some information on your Acai Max please.
ORAC value of Absolute Acai
Need Some Orac Values Please

Very quickly, because a complete discussion is in the above posts: ORAC (the way it is used on the net) is total media hype and an internet phenomenon! I can simply add grape seed extract, pycnogenol, and ascorbic acid to any formula/product/juice and blow-up the ORAC score through the roof. In reality it’s the variety of natural products we ingest that gives the benefit not one product w/a high ORAC. Would you want an apple or celery salad or a mixed fruit or vegetable salad? Which would give you a better return on your investment?

Power Multi-V was never intended to compete with or be a HIGH ORAC WONDER PRODUCT (that internet hype). Power Multi-V is a 100% vegetarian compete vitamin, mineral and antioxidant, daily supplement – Fortified with an amazing array of sea vegetables.

Read through my posts and let me know what you think of them and ORAC. Please don’t buy into the hype and if you have any additional questions, please e-mail me anytime.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Sea Vegetation (Seaweed) Nutrition From Our Oceans

Sea Vegetation (Seaweed) Nutrition From Our Oceans

“I have been practicing holistic medicine for almost 21 years, and during that time I have consumed and recommended sea vegetables/seaweed to my clients and friends. The are many reasons  why I include sea vegetables in my diet and why I recommend them to my clients. Sea vegetables aid in healthy weight loss, the control and elimination of cellulite, detoxification, creating to beautiful hair and skin, strong thyroid and immune function, and much more.  I consistently witness these benefits in my practice first-hand, so I know for a fact that these benefits are possible.  Sea vegetables can transform your health! I know that when I eat sea vegetables, I am tapping into an ancient and restorative source of all life – the ocean. Because I feel so strongly about the beneficial health properties of sea vegetables, California Academy Of Health has made them the primary, active ingredient in its one-of-a-kind, comprehensive liquid daily supplement – Liquid Power Multi-V.

I know once you start to include sea vegetables into your diet, every day, you’ll see and feel the difference in your health. I know I do.”

Dr. Marcus Ettinger

Sea Vegetables – Sea Vegetation – Seaweed – Kelp Information:

Sea vegetables provide all of the minerals and trace minerals required by our body’s physiological functions, in quantities that greatly exceed those of land plants. In fact they contain every natural element found on the periodic table of elements. These minerals, once absorbed, are now plant-based, so they are vegan friendly and they include: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, iodine, manganese, chromium and many more. Sea vegetables also provide fiber, enzymes, proteins, complex carbohydrates and vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, immune and endocrine modulating compounds – a veritable vegetarian and edible, medicine chest.

Current research into the health properties of sea vegetables will reveal that it is being looked at for its positive effects on cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, as an antioxidant and degenerative disease combatant, detoxifier, infection control, intestinal cleanser and healer, respiratory enhancer, sexual health and hormone support, thyroid booster, weight-loss aid, and wound healer. Specific phytochemicals, found only in sea vegetables, have been shown to absorb and eliminate radioactive elements and heavy metal contaminants from our bodies. Other recent research of sea vegetables demonstrates the inhibition of tumor formation, reduction in cancerous growths, benefiting normal cholesterol levels, endocrine and nervous system modulation, as well as possessing anti-viral and immune modulating properties.

For centuries cultures around the world have been harvesting sea vegetables/seaweed as a food source and natural healing substance. The Japanese people for centuries have integrated sea vegetables, as a food source into their daily lives. Much research has been done on the longevity of the Japanese and their lack of heart problems, kidney problems, and other chronic ailments. The Japanese have used this food/medicine to relieve a multitude of ailments including arthritis, osteoporosis and low blood sugar. Even the ancient Greeks used sea vegetables for body building, to sacrifice to the Greek gods, and as a food source. Hawaiians and Ancient Polynesians used sea vegetation for food, heart problems, arthritis pains, and a lot more. They even put a certain type of sea vegetation on wounds to prevent infection from occurring. These cultures are just a small example of how far back sea vegetables have been used.

Sea Vegetation is renewable and grows globally in most coastal regions. The life of a kelp plant is about three years and, spent in a tidal flow that reverses direction every six hours. The kelp plant has a root-like holdfast that fixes to rocky surfaces; a long slender stalk or stipe; and long, leaf-like blades or fronds, which are the major site of photosynthetic activity. The kelp plant is supported in the water by gas-filled bladders on each frond called pneumatocysts. The holdfast is cone-shaped and can grow up to 2 feet in diameter, in large plants.

The vitality and dynamic versatility of sea vegetation/seaweed easily translates, in a bio-available format, for the consumption and utilization by humanity, of this one of a kind, ultimate Superfood.

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!

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