Is there something better for my digestion?

Q: MY COLONOSCOPY LAST MONTH, SHOWED NO POLYPS THIS TIME BUT IT WAS NOTED THAT INTESTINE WAS QUITE NARROW DUE TO DIVERTICULOSIS…I HAVE BEEN TAKING SUPER POWER ENZYMES, ONE PILL EACH MORNING AND HAVE HAD NO FLAREUPS IN LAST TWO YEARS WHILE TAKING THESE…..PRIOR COLONOSCOPIES (3) HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN POLYPS THAT WERE REMOVED…. IS THERE SOMETHING BETTER FOR MY DIGESTION THAT YOU COULD SUGGEST?

THANKS,
DALE FRANKENBERG

Dale,

A: I would add the Probiotic FloraHealth (1 per day) and a (1 Tbsp/day) of the Ultra Supreme Greens powder. If you want to cover every base, add an ounce of noni juice each day. It’s amazing for the stomach and intestines.

Let me know if you have any additional questions or need any help with ordering the products.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Why buy oragnic fruits and vegetables!

Why are organic products higher in antioxidants?

“Selecting organic produce and organic processed fruits and vegetables will increase antioxidant levels by about 30 percent, compared to produce grown on otherwise similar conventional farms.”

There are two reasons why organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidant compounds. The first reason is linked to what is called “pest pressure.”  Plants under stress from pests have to engage their natural defense mechanisms, called secondary plant metabolites or SPMs.  Most SPMs tend to be antioxidants and they’re also responsible for giving plants their bright colors and distinctive flavors.  When organically grown plants have to engage their defense mechanisms, they yield fruits and vegetables that are higher in SPMs and therefore higher in antioxidants.  This also explains why you can actually taste the difference between organic and conventionally grown produce.  Organic produce tends to have a much richer and fuller flavor in part because of those antioxidant rich SPMs.

The second reason has to do with using the natural growing methods on organic farms. Conventional farms speed up plant growth by heavily fertilizing plants and spraying pesticides to get plants to grow as quickly as possible. This actually shortens the growth cycle for plants and yields fruits and vegetables that are lower in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Organic farms, on the other hand, rely on slower/natural growth cycle to allow fruits and vegetables to mature naturally.  This leads to better tasting and far more nutritious produce.

Obviously this is good and good for you!

Foods with the most antioxidants per serving:

Maqui berries	Acai berries
Blueberries	Elderberries
Pomegranates	Citrus Fruits
Cranberries	Kidney beans
Blackberries	Pinto beans
Raspberries	Asparagus
Strawberries	Yellow pepper
Apples	Black-eyed peas
Plums	Cooked tomatoes
Sweet cherries	Cooked artichoke
Prunes	Red cabbage
Grapefruit	Red grapes
Peaches	Broccoli raab
Potatoes	Beets

Acai and Maqui berries offer some of the highest antioxidant levels of all super fruits and berries.

Elderberries are also high in antioxidants and are related to blueberries and cranberries. Studies have also shown elderberries can be effective in boosting the immune system and helping reduce your risk of colds, flu and coughs. For more on elderberries and the benefits of elderberry juice in boosting your immune system naturally, click here.

But remember, a person can not live on just one fruit alone!  Variety is the spice of life, and that’s why it’s so great we have all these wonderful organic products to choose from.  Click here to see more great antioxidant rich fruit and berry products.

California Academy of Health Catalog

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

What is the Maqui Berry?

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.

Iodine and Brain Power?

Treating mild iodine deficiency boosts brain power!

By: Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Iodine supplements may improve mental function in children with even mild deficiencies in the nutrient, a small study suggests.

Iodine is a chemical element necessary for normal growth and development of the brain and body. Because the body does not make iodine, it must be obtained from the diet — from sources like seafood, dairy products, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and iodized table salt.

Severe iodine deficiency has long been known to cause mental impairment, stunted growth and other problems in children. Such deficiency remains a major problem in parts of the world — typically where the soil is iodine-poor, people eat little seafood and uae salt that is not iodized.

But there has also been a recent re-emergence of milder iodine deficiency in certain countries, including New Zealand and Australia — thought to be due to factors like declining use of iodized salt and changes in dairy-product manufacturing that have lowered iodine levels.

Whether mild deficiency affects children's mental functioning, and whether the problem should be treated, is still in question.

To study the issue, researchers in New Zealand randomly assigned 184 mildly iodine-deficient children to take either a tablet containing 150 micrograms of iodine or a placebo pill every day for 28 weeks.

At the end of the study, children in the iodine group showed an overall improvement on two standard cognitive tests that gauge problem-solving abilities. And they outperformed children who received the placebo.

Iodine is necessary for the body to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. The traditional view was that since these hormone levels are still within normal range when a person is mildly iodine deficient, the lack of iodine may have no health effects.

The current findings, however, suggest that mild iodine deficiency "could prevent children from attaining their full intellectual potential," the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Still, it is too soon to start routinely treating children with mild deficiencies, according to Dr. Sheila A. Skeaff, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago in Dunedin and one of the researchers on the work.

"More studies should be done," she told Reuters Health in an email. "We found a small effect in children (and) we don't know if this is permanent or not."

Skeaff pointed out that there are no standard tests for mild iodine deficiency. The best solution for people who think they might be deficient is to regularly eat foods high in iodine and/or use iodized table salt.

Note:  We think it is important to point out here that just using more iodized salt is really not the healthiest alternative.  Read this article to look at one of the healthier alternatives!

CAOH

Take a look at our very popular liquid Power Multi-V™! Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family! 100% vegetarian! A proprietary blend of 9 Sea Vegetables, Whole Chlorella and Phytoplankton! Contains a "Synergy Blend™" of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and phytonutrients! Rich in vitamins and minerals! The most unique and complete liquid nutritional 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. Liquid Power Multi-V™ is a powerful addition to your daily nutritional needs.  It makes other products look like plain old water!  Click here for details!

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™

CHLORELLA: A GREENFOOD POWERHOUSE

We all know intuitively that people who eat three to four servings of green vegetables per day tend to stay more healthy.  It almost doesn't matter what else they do – a healthy diet tends towards a healthy life.  Everyone in the nutrition field, has raved and preached of the power of greenfoods.  They are rich in magnesium, chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins, and yes essential fats (those omegas).  They are the most powerful healing foods on earth.  The one most powerful one of all is Chlorella!

You might not know that Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. Yet chlorella offers more than just protein. Miraculous stories have surfaced of people getting noticeable improvement in health and well-being when consuming chlorella.  When you realize that chlorella contains carotenoids, magnesium, and the super detoxifier chlorophyll – the health benefits of which have been well documented – we begin to understand chlorella's true power.  Americans are chronically low in magnesium and in great need of detoxifying. Chlorella may be the perfect antidote to our refined foods, nutrient-poor diets and toxic environment.

Chlorophyll is a remarkably protective and cleansing compound.  It has been reported to inhibit cancer in all human organs.  Chlorophyll is regularly used as part of regular supplementation, detoxification and health-building programs. The National Cancer Institute has even begun to take notice of its ability to prevent cancer.

Chlorella contains a range of carotenoids that is superior merely to taking a supplement such as synthetic beta carotene.  When you take a supplement that contains beta carotene, and it does not specify that it is derived from algae such as chlorella or d. salina, then you are only getting some of the benefits of carotenoids.  There are many carotenoids – well over 600 – and using chlorella as your source of carotenoids gives you much more benefit.  While beta carotene has protective power, chlorella has and does much more.

Carotenoids protect against heart disease.  Cholesterol cannot clog arteries until it oxidizes, and many studies have shown carotenoids can prevent this dangerous reaction from occurring.  Although vitamin C appears to be the first line of defense in protecting cholesterol from going bad, carotenoids are also very important.  A study of 333 patients showed that taking a carotenoid supplement reduced major cardiovascular events by half.

Chlorella is also a rich source of the remarkable mineral magnesium.  Magnesium performs no less than 300 different tasks in the body.  It is essential for heart function, immune function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar balance, stroke prevention, and for both muscle strength and muscle relaxation.  It is critical for energy production.  It promotes mental health, relieves PMS, and reduces asthma attacks.  No cell in the body can function without this mineral.

According to the USDA, 80 percent of Americans fail to get enough magnesium.  Refined white flour contains only 20 percent of its original magnesium content.  Sugar, sodas and junk foods, which make up a large part of the American diet, contain virtually none.  Our crops are grown in soils with increasingly lower levels of magnesium.  On top of this, our toxic environment depletes us of it.

The great American magnesium shortage may be one of the main causes of our epidemic of heart disease.  Magnesium is extraordinarily important for heart health.  Magnesium also helps mitral valve prolapse, fibromyalgia, and fatigue.  Emotional or physical stress depletes magnesium.  Magnesium also significantly enhances muscle growth that occurs in response to sustained weight lifting programs.  It also plays an important role in bone health. In some studies, magnesium intake was a stronger predictor of bone density than calcium intake.

Chlorella gives you all the benefit of magnesium, carotenoids, chlorophyll and more.  Studies have shown that people with high cholesterol levels who were put on 5 grams per day of chlorella for three months saw their cholesterol levels decline significantly. There were no side effects, unlike cholesterol medications, which can actually shorten life span, according to recent studies.  Cholesterol medications have been found to cause impotence in men–another reason to use natural alternatives like chlorella.

Chlorella is also an immune booster.  It contains a compound known as chlorellan that stimulates the body to make more interferon.  Chlorella helps protector cells, called macrophages, function more effectively.  Strict vegetarians often rely on seaweeds and algae such as chlorella to supplement their need of Vitamin B.

In addition, chlorella has been used to help heal issues with the GI tract. Ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticulosis all seem to do better when chlorella is part of the diet.  Chlorella has also been found to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria which are essential for intestinal health.

The point here is that chorella should be an important factor in your family's supplementation and diet.  Chorella is also an important part of our popular comprehensive liquid multi nutrient Power Multi-V™ which should be part of your daily nutrition routine.

Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction product if it isn't?

Q: Why is Acai being touted as a weight reduction produce if it isn’t?  What is it’s value to the user?

A: Joan,

I am sorry to say, but it’s purely to rip people off!!!

Acai is a potent, polyphenol rich, antioxidant.  It can be used as a preventative or treatment whenever a super-strong antioxidant is indicated/required.  I take it as a preventative and anti-aging nutrient.

See: Absolute Acai & Acai Max

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc