Dear Dr. Ettinger:

What are the ingredients in your lecithin? – 100% Non-GMO Soy Lecithin Granules
Does your lecithin contain any liquid lecithin or any soy flour? -  No Other Ingredients

What is the percentage of Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylinositol, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphorus and Potassium per serving: (below are approximate values)
Phosphatidylcholine (2,300 mg)
Phosphatidylinositol (1,400 mg)
Phosphatidylethanolamine (2,100mg)
Phosphorus (300mg)
Potassium (120mg)

Phosphatidyleanolamine (The spelling is wrong here and on Ferns Lecithin ingredient page.  Above is correct spelling). Based on this, I am assuming you are comparing ours to theirs.  Ferns is not a “Non-GMO” product.  As far as I am concerned, this is the main point in picking a lecithin.  Genetically Modified Organisms, crops and the products made from them contain herbicide (RoundUp) and pesticide residues and other nasty ingredients.  I would never ingest it or give it to my patients or family.

Do they contain any triglycerides, protein or calcium? -  No

Helen K.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Dear Dr. Ettinger,

Thank you so much for the previous info on the lecithin granules from CAOH.  My husband and I are now taking your product.

Q: I am wondering if soy isoflavones are naturally in lecithin granules, as I have been taking them for awhile and do not want to double up.

Thank you very much.

Helen,

You are welcome.

A: Lecithin does not contain isoflavones so please continue with the product you were previously taking.

E-mail me any time.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

100% Non-GMO lecithin – a vegan product.

Power E Complex

May 17, 2010 — Long-term, regular use of vitamin E supplements (600 IU”s per day) appears to reduce, by 10%, the risk of chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD in women, according to a new study.

The risk reduction for women on vitamin E supplements (Power E Complex) was equal in people who smoked — the primary risk factor for getting COPD — and people who didn’t, says Anne Hermetet Agler, a PhD candidate at Cornell University and lead author of the study involving women.

Besides acting as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in immune system functioning and signaling between cells and other processes in the body. Everything you always wanted to know about Vitamin E

Note from Dr. Marcus Ettinger: Absorption and utilization of Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is both dose dependent (less is actually more – 400-600 IU’s per day)  and dependent on the levels of HDL’s (good cholesterol) in the blood.  Since women naturally have a higher concentration of HDL’s then men, women will naturally receive more protection from vitamin E supplementation then men.  Below is a recommendation of what I have personally done to help raise HDL levels.

In 21 years of practice and running thousands of lipid panels, I have found that the only way to naturally boost HDL levels, in most people, is to increase the level of Omega 3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA – Omega 3,6,9), along with adding a high concentration of phospholipids (Non GMO – Lecithin Granules – 2 Tbsp per day ) and cardiovascular exercise (30-45 minutes, 3-4 days/week).

Related Products:

Power E Complex
Omega 3,6,9
Non-GMO Lecithin Granules

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

Good Morning Dr. E,

I am just writing to let you know I am on top of the world. I had a fasting lipid panel taken and my triglycerides were 110…first time they have been within normal ranges for at least 30 years. The first time they were checked was when I was 18 years old and I was told they were high at that point and have been ever since, until you!!!  Thank you so very much for the information on lowering them.

I am continuing the use of the lecithin granules with the flax oil along with the low glycemic food list and was wondering what type of milk product to use if I eat an occasional bowl of all bran or some type of cereal like that.  Do you recommend rice milk, soy milk, or just fat free milk….?

Again, thank you so very much!!!  You do not know how happy I am!!!!

Sincerely,
Pam Jones

Pam,

I am so glad you had such great results with your lipid levels. I am not a fan of cereal or milk, but once every now and then isn’t going to kill anyone. If you have to have a bowl than just do it and don’t worry about the milk. Only every now and then!!!

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Question: Hi Dr E,

I’ve completed my first month on the program that you recommended for me and I am extremely happy with the results. My energy is vastly improved , my spirit is high and my skin seems so very clear. My morning shake is completely magic and I look forward to it each and every morning. This is the program:

Yogurt with blueberries and strawberries
cinnamon
flax seed oil & lecithin
Absolute Acai
Liquid Power
whey protein
1/2 cup cranberry juice & 1/2 cup organic apple juice

I also take an extra 1,000mg Power C and 200 IU vitamin E

To start my second month I’m thinking about adding the Ultra Supreme Greens and Goji Juice. If so, should I continue with the extra C and E or would the new additions be sufficient. (the greens from the Liquid Power seem to be a bit gassy to me so my thought is to take 1/2 the recommended serving of the Supreme Greens). Please give me your thoughts.

Thank you so very much for all you help.

Sincerely,

Steve

Response: Steve,

I am glad you are doing so well with the program.

As far as the greens and goji go, I would do the greens and berries. ½ tblsp greens and ¼ cup berries. A little extra C and E will add a more protective quantity of antioxidants, a good thing. If gas persists you may want to try adding digestive enzymes to help break down the fiber.

Let me know how this work out.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Question:

During my change of life; menopause (I am 48) my skin started to break out. After much observation I have come to the conclusion it is mainly caused by oils, but I don’t understand why.
If I eat nuts, or use any kind of oil in my salad or drink coffee or tea, my skin breaks out. I used to practically live on tea and never had a single blemish; but now I break out if I drink even 1 cup of tea; the same with nuts and oils.
The question I have: Is it possible that if I took digestive enzymes it would help my body to process these oils? Does Lecithin contain oil? I’ve noticed that it also makes me break out.
I have noticed that after I drink coffee or tea my skin is oilier an hour or so later, so I’m guessing the oils are coming out my skin instead of being digested properly. I’m no expert, but I know what I see after consuming these things. Some people say there is no oil in tea, but I can see a film of oil floating on the top from time to time, so there must be oil of some kind in it.
Why the change and what can I do to fix it? I rarely drink coffee or tea, so giving them up isn’t a problem, but it would be nice to not have to worry about this if I did want to enjoy a cup of tea now and then.
I read recently that walnuts are even better for you than olive oil, so I don’t really want to give up these nuts or the lecithin since it’s so good for me; unless of course there’s no other alternative.
I am 5’3 & 105 lbs. I run the treadmill and alternate with Kathy Smith, Gilad and Jane Fonda, as well as the WestPoint Academy’s dumbbell exercises for strength training.
P.S. Do you know anything about skin care on the outside? If so, what in your opinion is the best facial cleanser & moisturizer to use? Judy Lindberg (author of Aging Without Growing Old) swears by Jojoba oil; your thoughts?
Thank you, Linda

Response:

Linda,

Lots of stuff here. I doubt an e-mail will do this justice because of the amount of text I would have to write.

Simplified version:

Lecithin contains choline which helps to metabolize oils. It’s a very good thing.

Digestive enzymes like our Super Power Enzymes help to metabolize fats/oils. Again, a very good thing.

Almonds are the best nuts (only alkaline nut). Walnuts contain the exact same fats as flax seeds (flax seed oil). Olive oil is a different type of fat all together.

I also own a Med Spa, so I deal with skin on a daily basis. The products I am listing are not cheap but are the best money can buy. They are medicines for the skin not just pretty smelling, froufrou products. They are anti-aging, wrinkle reducing/prevention, UVA & UVB blocking, collagen & elastin forming, gentle, natural, and what I and my wife use. I am 43 and I feel I have good looking skin, especially since I have spent my whole life in the sun, surfing, boating at the river, and in the desert racing motorcycles. (Picture)

C-E-Ferulic acid ($128.00), Niadyne ($85.00) and Ultimate Sun Block ($35.00), and Gentle Cleanser ($28.00). All products will last about 2 months or a little longer. (links were removed for the blog)

Acne is an internal problem that manifests itself on the outside of the body. It can be hormonal, digestive, and/or nutritionally related. Psyllium hush powder and probiotics are good for the colon. Eliminate all dairy products. 2 quarts of water daily, no caffeine, and pumpkin seeds (natural zinc) are all great for the skin.

Let me know how it goes.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Question: How about adding probiotics to Liquid Power? And lecithin from soy, little concerned about estrogen from soy. What do you think?

Thanks,
Greg

Answer: Greg,

Thanks for the questions. Probiotics are killed by the HCl in the stomach. The preferred method of delivery is for the capsule to be enteric coated, that way it bypasses digestion in the stomach and releases the contents into the small intestine. Our formula Probiotic Flora-Health is enteric coated, contains multiple probiotic strains, and has FOS which is a food source for the probiotic strains. It’s the perfect formula.

Lecithin derived from soy does not contain phyto-estrogens. The PE’s are 99.9% eliminated with the protein, during processing, so no worries.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.
Chief Science Officer (CSO)
California Academy of Health

Almost on a daily basis In get an e-mail or asked, “what supplements do you take and why?” After 18 years of supplement formulation, having a large holistic medicine practice and studying just about every supplement on the planet I have narrowed it down to a few core products. This is the base to almost every nutritional program in my practice. When I came to California academy of Health I brought these core products so everyone could have them. Here are my core supplements and why I take them (this list is in order of importance). The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA and are merely my personal thoughts and opinions. These statements are not meant as a substitute for seeking medical attention for a specific body problem.

Whey Protein Powder: Proteins are essential parts of all living organisms and participate in every process within our cells. Protein is also what makes up our muscles, immune system, internal organs, hair, nails, skin, and connective tissue. Whether your body resembles a brick house, stick house or straw house is determined by the level of protein in your body. When a client comes in for a consultation with weak nails, poor hair growth, a weak immune system, and/or low energy, I always know they are deficient in their intake of (quality) protein. I usually take one scoop a day (25gr. Protein) but two a day on the days I am working-out in the gym.

Liquid Power: This is my insurance policy! – all the vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, antioxidants, and on and on…. I would need a to write a book to express all the reason why I feel a whole-food multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is so important. Liquid Power is 100% vegetarian, there are no stimulants; it contains no soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors or sweeteners. I give it to my two year old daughter, Maile, and she loves it.

Super Power Enzymes: Digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas and hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach begin to decrease with age, making it more difficult to digest and metabolize the nutrients (or lack of) from the food we eat. Mixing carbohydrates with proteins also make digestion more difficult. The solution is to support the body with a broad spectrum digestive aid. I have personally taken this product with 99.9% of every meal since 1993. Digestive enzymes are also a large component in alternative cancer treatments.

Ultra Supreme Greens: Again I would need a book to do this justice. Chlorophyll is a purification substance, it’s an alkalizing substance, it’s a natural body deodorizer – from the inside-out. In a nutshell acidic bodies are bad, they facilitate all forms of degenerative disease to form, progress, and spread. Alkaline bodies promote health and innate (from within) healing. Ultra Supreme Greens also contains many other beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidant components.

Lecithin Granules: Nervous (brain, nerves, and spinal chord ) and circulatory (in the blood) lecithin is produced by the liver if the diet is adequate. It is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation (oxidation is a bad thing – it’s what makes nails rust). The way I describe it to my clients is that without lecithin, as we age, our brain or skin goes from a soft juicy plum to a hard dry prune. That is one of the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s – dehydration of the brain, but instead of water it’s phospholipids (Lecithin).

Ultra Omega 3, 6, 9: Essential fatty acids are not produced within our body, they must be obtained from dietary sources and our body can’t fight inflammation without them. Since the early part of the last century we have processed out almost all EFA’s from our food. Inflammation is one of the primary components of almost every disease (cancer, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, allergies, etc….) Vioxx, Celebrex, Prednisone, Voltaren, Sulfasalazine, Motrin, Aspirin, and many other prescription medications have done little to curb the tide of this epidemic. Only by adding EFA’s back to the diet will we as a society begin to see a decrease in inflammatory related diseases.

Lastly, Just because I take nutritional supplements doesn’t mean I can slack-off on my intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. My wife being a personal trainer and diet consultant makes sure we eat a low carbohydrate, low fat diet, high fruit and vegetable diet. I am 42.5 years of age, I have never had to take a medication and have not stepped foot in an MD’s office since I was 5. I attribute this to my nutritional supplements that I started taking at 19, eating a clean diet, and exercising daily.

Health is really something almost everyone can have. All one needs are the right ingredients, knowledgeable coaches, a goal, and putting in the effort to achieve that goal.

As my first official post on CAOH blog, I am going to answer a question I’ve been asked at least once a day, for over ten years, “what supplements do you take?” My answer comes in two parts.

First, what I take is based on almost 20 years of personal research, trial and luckily no error. My program has changed over the years based on what my current health goals are.  My long term health goal toady consists of going to bed at 98 with a smile on my face, never having set foot in a doctor’s office, and not waking up the next day. (There was a time when people past-on from natural causes) My program is in no way a recommendation to you the reader.

Second, my program:

7:00 am -  1-scoop Whey Protein Isolate Powder, 1 Tbsp. Liquid Flax Seed Oil, 1 Tbsp. (CAOH) Power Multi-V (multi-vitamin/mineral), 1 fl oz (CAOH) Organic Goji Juice, 1 fl oz (CAOH) Mangosteen Elixir, 1 Tbsp (CAOH) Ultra Supreme Greens, 2 Tbsp. (CAOH) Lecithin Granules, Trader Joe’s organic cherries, and blue berries, all mixed with 8oz. of purified water. Blended into a yummy shake. (I make my 19 month old daughter, Maile, a smaller one. She l-o-v-e-s the goji and mangosteen juice)* I have also tried acai, pomegranate, elderberry and noni in the shakes. I just dig the way the goji, mangosteen, cherries and blue berries mix together.

10:00am – 3 oz. protein with some almonds, 12 oz seltzer water. (CAOH) Power C (buffered vitamin C w/ bioflavonoids and rutin), (CAOH) Power E Complex (Vitamin E w/ mixed tocopherols) and (CAOH) CoQ10.*

12:30pm – 3 0z fish, or a salad, or sushi, or a big bowl of soup with 2 cups green tea.*

6:00pm – Dinner (5 nights a week it’s very low glycemic index – low carbohydrate) (2 nights it’s whatever we want)*

10:00pm – GABA, (CAOH) Calm (magnesium caps), (CAOH) Liquid Complete B Complex.*

*All of my meals and supplements are taken with (CAOH) Super Power Digestive Enzymes.
I also take other supplements as needed and plant based enzymes with large meals.

Yours in good health,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC