Safety in Fish Oils and Other Supplements

I answered a question today about supplement bioavailability and safety, including how to evaluate whether your fish oil is safe, effective, and worth the money you spend on it. I will share my answer here….

“Hello friend,

In answer to your question about cheap fish oils, and safety in supplements, I recommend that you contact the company and ask if their fish oil is filtered for PCBs and mercury. These are highly toxic substances. Remember that you get what you pay for. Many fish oils today are harvested from farm-raised fish. These will not have the EPA and DHA that you want in a fish oil. The fish must be ocean fish. Also, compare the levels of DHA and EPA on the product labels. You want these levels to be as high as possible to get the benefit of taking the product. If you want to compare another product’s DHA and EPA to my product, go to the following link, view the product label, and compare the amount of DHA and EPA per serving: Heart Health Omega-3 Fish Oil. We have a total of 3,000 mg fish body oils: 870 EPA, 570 DHA, and 240 other omega-3 fatty acids in a serving at a cost of $1 per serving. And our fish oil comes from pure fish, very pure ocean waters, and is further purified to eliminate toxins.

With regard to additives in supplements, you must read labels. If there are binders, fillers, hydrogenated oils, talc, and other non-nutritive substances, you are paying for a supplement that has junk in it, and the nutrients will not be properly absorbed by your body. People are buying and consuming all kinds of supplements today that simply cannot be absorbed and utilized. The average pill vitamin is 0% to 25% absorbed. For example, in an X-ray you can see Centrum pills, stable and whole, in a digestive tract days later. By comparison, a quality isotonic supplement is absorbed into the system right away, with an estimated 95% to 98% bio-availability. I invite you to learn more about Isotonix supplements by searching “isotonix” on my site, www.newvitalitywellness.com.

Best wishes.

Jayna”

I would like to add that the benefits of a quality fish oil supplement include support for cardiovascular health and mental wellness as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Because our diets are sadly lacking in sources of omega-3s, I strongly urge all of my clients to regularly take a quality fish oil for vital wellness support.

To your health.

Jayna

Depression-Fighting Regimen

The snow came, and I started feeling “off.” If you have this experience during the winter months, you know how it can sneak up on you. You may be humming along, doing fine. And then gradually you find you’re heading into the dumps. And that low, gray mood can get… bad.

I always tell my clients to stay in tune with their moods and be sure to kick up their good habits at the first sign of a downturn. And it turns out I need to take my own advice. Truly, it makes a world of difference to be proactive with mood management.

I’ll share with you my “first line of defense” strategies, and you’re welcome to try these. It’s important to remember, of course, that everyone is different. And certainly anything more severe than a feeling of mild depression warrants a trip to the doctor to discuss options.

Exercise
This is perhaps the most mood enhancing thing you can do, and it takes no money and no equipment. Go walking, jog in front of the TV, do calisthenics, jumping jacks…. Anything helps.

Meet a friend for a cup-a
Connecting with friends is a great way to get some zip back. Have a laugh and stoke the fire of a good friendship.

Supplement with mood-enhancing nutrients
The three key supplements that make the most difference, I’ve found, are Vitamin D, a good B-Complex, and a high-grade Omega-III Fish Oil. Each of these has multiple benefits, too. Vitamin D supports the immune system and bone health, B vitamins help reduce stress and improve sleep (if you take them during the day, not at night), and Omega-III Fish Oil supports cardiovascular health. As a precaution, make sure that the fish oil you buy is a pure form and has been filtered for mercury and PCBs. Not all fish oils are created equal, and if you find one for a bargain, it may not be safe, and may not have the EPA and DHA count that will provide results.

When I take these measures, I can snap out of the doldrums pretty quickly.

To your health!

Jayna

Your Best Defense Against H1N1 Is Not the Vaccine

I am sharing the information below because I feel it is comprehensive, easy to read, and authoritative. I am not the author. This information was obtained from another source and sent to me by a naturopathic and nutraMetrix practitioner by the name of Dawn Swanson of New Dawn Health with her added commentary. It includes some very strong statements from several MD’s.

These issues are so important for us to understand, especially those of us with children. Some key points:

1. H1N1 vaccine has not been proven safe or effective and may even be extremely harmful.
2. Building the body’s immune system with a healthy vegetable-rich diet, avoiding use of antibiotics, and supplementing with Vitamin D is a much safer and more reliable method of defense. Additional immune support can be obtained by supplementing with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, OPC-3, Curcumin, and a high-quality mercury-free Omega-III supplement.

Please read the complete article for a full understanding of the issues and your choices.
 

H1N1 Information From Other Sources For Your Information

President Obama and his top health officials are engaging in a major public relations effort that is diverting attention away from whether the swine flu vaccine is effective and safe by focusing attention on whether there is enough of it to go around. And the media is cooperating fully.

Increasing numbers of scientists and doctors are issuing harsh criticisms of the government’s plan to vaccinate virtually the entire U.S. population with a poorly tested vaccine that is not only ineffective against swine flu, but could cripple and even kill many more people than it helps.

The CDC’s public relations campaign has been running “scare” ads that portray swine flu as a full-blown “pandemic” responsible for snuffing out countless lives. But scientists and health officials throughout the world have called the governments claims unjustified and deliberately misleading.
Source:  Global Research October 29, 2009

A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 35 children who died from H1N1 from April to August did not have chronic health conditions.  However, all had a co-occurring bacterial infection.  The most common infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus.  A third of the population carries it, most often in the nose or on the skin. The flu causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to make its way into the lungs. 

Unfortunately, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a serious problem and is getting worse.  One reason it is getting worse is due to the over use of antibiotics in medicine and conventional farming.  We can help control this problem by restraining our use of antibiotics in medicine and in choosing the foods we eat. 

The CDC study did not indicate if the children had been taking any medication, or if they had been vaccinated for the flu recently or in past years.  It did not indicate if they were positively lab confirmed for H1N1.  It did not indicate if they received Tamiflu or other anti-virals prior to death.  It did not indicate how many had been treated in the past with antibiotics.  It did not indicate how many were obese, which increases the risk factor 6 times.  These questions need answers.

A Canadian study suggests that those who have gotten the seasonal flu vaccine in the past may be at greater risk for getting H1N1 complications.

The National Vaccine Information Center is calling for a comparison of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals and their outcomes so that in the future we can make informed decisions about vaccines.  It is scary that these studies have not been done before the campaign to get everyone vaccinated.   

Dr. Anthony Morris, a distinguished virologist and former Chief Vaccine Office at the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA), states that “There is no evidence that any influenza vaccine thus far developed is effective in preventing or mitigating any attack of influenza” and that “The producers of these vaccines know they are worthless, but they go on selling them anyway.”

The media has over stated the severity of the flu.  Below is a letter written by Dr. Russell Blaylock who has done extensive research on flu immunization.  (I have inserted a few comments as noted.)  Dr. Blaylock’s credentials are listed, as well as a link to an interview.  It is worth reading and listening to for a better understanding of the potential life threatening or life altering risks of the vaccine. 

If you decide to get the flu immunization or not, please do all you can to boost your immune system this winter including taking therapeutic doses of Vitamin D3, taking a good quality probiotic and/or aloe juice, taking a good quality Omega 3 supplement, detoxifying, eating at least six servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day, NOT eating sugar, avoiding products with antibiotics, getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night, and exercising and laughing often. 
Letter from Dr. Blaylock

No one should take the swine flu vaccine. It is one of the most dangerous vaccines ever devised. It contains an immune adjuvant called squalene (MF-59) which has been shown to cause severe autoimmune disorders such as MS, rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus.  This is the vaccine adjuvant that is strongly linked to the Gulf War syndrome, which killed over 10,000 soldiers and caused a 200% increase in the fatal disease ALS (Lou Gehreg disease). This virus H1N1 kills by causing a “cytokine storm,” which means that it cause the body’s immune system to overreact and that is why it is killing young people and is a mild disease in the elderly. (The elderly have weakened immune systems.)  This vaccine is a very powerful immune stimulator and carries the real possibility of making the lethality of the virus much greater. 

One’s best protection is vitamin D3. One should take 5000 IU a day now and when the disease begins to spread increase the dose to 15,000 IU a day. Vitamin D3 modulates the immune reaction, reducing the chance of an overreaction and stimulates the body to produce what are called antimicrobial peptides, which are powerful killers of viruses that does not involve immunity. This is dose related, which means the higher the dose of vitamin D3 the better the protection. 

Fish oils also reduce immune overreaction. One teaspoon per day should be sufficient.  For severe symptoms, one teaspoon twice a day.  (Dawn’s comment – there are also good fish oil capsules.) 

Antioxidants of various kinds also  help (Dawn comment: OPC-3 is great and/or Natural Cellular Defense). This includes, quercetin, curcumin, grapeseed extract, vitamin C and natural vitamin E. A good multivitamin/mineral is also essential.

Feel free to spread this around. People need to know how to protect themselves.

Here is a link to an interview with Dr. Blaylock: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/03/What-We-Have-Learned-About-the-Great-Swine-Flu-Pandemic.aspx

RUSSELL L. BLAYLOCK, M.D.
______________________________________________

Dr. Blaylock is a board certified neurosurgeon, author and lecturer. He attended the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his general surgical internship and neurosurgical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina . During his residency he ran the neurology program for one year and did a fellowship in neurosurgery after his residency.  For the past 25 years he has practiced neurosurgery in addition to having a nutritional practice. He recently retired from both practices to devote full time to nutritional studies and research. 

During his residency training he worked with the eminent neurosurgeon, Dr. Ludwig Kempe. Together they developed the transcallosal removal of intraventricular tumors, which is still used today. Dr. Blaylock presented their cases utilizing this technique to the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. They also developed the ventriculolymphatic shunt in the treatment of hydrocephalus. In addition, they conducted neuroanatomical studies together with the aim of developing improved approaches in vascular intracranial surgery.

It was during his residency that Dr. Blaylock did much of the primary work on intraventricular monitoring of craniocerebral trauma patients, which was reported in the scientific literature.  He also worked closely with Dr. Peter Jannetta during Dr. Jennetta’s early research on vascular compression of the cranial nerves as a cause of trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Dr. Blaylock was one of the first neurosurgeons to utilize high-intensity nutritional supplementation in craniocerebral trauma patients, which met with great success.

Dr. Blaylock has written and illustrated three books. The first book was on the subject of excitotoxins (Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills ) and how they are related to diseases of the nervous system.  His second book, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life, covers the common basis of all diseases, nutritional protection against diseases of aging, protection against heavy metal toxicity, the fluoride debate, pesticide and herbicide toxicity, excitotoxin update, the vaccine controversy, protection against heart attacks and strokes and contains a new chapter on omega-3 fats. This book has been newly revised as an oversized paperback. His third book, Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients , was released in April, 2003 and discusses the ways to defeat cancer, enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and prevent complications associated with these treatments. In addition, he has written and illustrated three chapters in medical textbooks, written a booklet on nutritional protection against biological terrorism and written and illustrated a booklet on multiple sclerosis. He has written over 30 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals on a number of subjects.

Since the publication of his first book he has been a guest on numerous national and international syndicated radio programs and appeared on the 700 Club several times. He appeared on Nutritionally Living with Dr. Ward Bond. Presently, he is engaged in a monthly radio program discussing his book, Health and Nutrition Secrets on Raymond Francis’ program Beyond Health. The series will run for 12 months. He lectures widely to both lay and professional medical audiences on a variety of nutritional subjects.

Dr. Blaylock serves on the editorial staff of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association and is the associate editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, official journal of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.  He has a monthly nutrition newsletter, published by NewsMax.com, The Blaylock Wellness Newsletter.

Dr. Blaylock serves as the medical consultant for the Fluoride Toxicity Research Collaborative . He was recently awarded the Integrity in Science award by the Westin Price Foundation.  Presently, he is a visiting professor in the department of biological sciences at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi.

At present he is a member of the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons, the American Nutraceutical Association, the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionist, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, American College of Nutrition, American Association for Health Freedom, National Health Federation, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation. He was recently appointed as a member of the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation. He was also recently appointed as a member of the Scientific Advisory Panel of the Life-Extension Foundation.

Antioxidants and Arthritis

I discovered the connection between antioxidants and improvements in arthritis quite by accident several years ago. At the time, I had a lot of inexplicable pain in my muscle tissue, on top of some nagging arthritis that I had come to accept as part of the deal of growing older. A friend of mine recommended an antioxidant for the pain, explaining that body aches can be caused by chronic inflammation which can be a by-product of free radical damage. Since free radicals in the body cause a degenerative effect known as oxidative stress (think of the way an apple browns after you cut it in half and expose it to oxygen), an anti-oxidant can help mitigate the effects.

I had no idea what she was talking about. I just took the stuff.

Then, lo and behold, my pain began to improve. Over the following weeks of taking an isotonic version of an antioxidant made from pine bark extract (“Pycnogenol”) known as Isotonix OPC-3, the pain slowly ebbed away. Which was exciting enough. But then I also realized that it wasn’t just the muscle pain that was reduced; my arthritis was better as well. My flexibility improved so that I could fully flex my hands again, and the swolen feeling in my hands and knees over time was eliminated completely. Four years of taking this supplement almost daily and I have had only a few flare ups with the arthritis during particularly stressful periods.

I learned that I was not the only one. As I did a bit of research, I found that there are many many stories like mine. I began to share my story with other people, to help them get ahold of the supplement, and to collect testimonials. What follows is a testimonial I would like to share by a young women with not only an early case of arthritis, but tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and fibromyalgia as well….

But first, I want to make an important statement. This gal talks about getting off of her medications, and I want to be very clear that I never recommend this to anyone, unless they are under the supervision of their doctor. Working with your doctor on your wellness plan is absolutely critical. Now if your doctor will not discuss supplements and lifestyle changes with you, I will admit that you have a challenge there. You may want to interview doctors that will have this discussion.

If you have read any of my past writings, you know that I work with health practitioners to help them incorporate wellness solutions into clinical practice to improve their patient outcomes. Wellness as an adjunct to traditional medicine represents a paradigm shift in our society that eventually all of modern medicine will need to be completely on board with. And you can help make it happen by letting your doctor know that you want him or her to work with you to optimize your health. There are educational programs for them, and guidance through Nutraceutical and Anti-Aging Consultants such as myself where they can get the information they need to truly and proactively help their patients live better longer.

Alright, that’s my soap box speach of the day. Without further ado, here’s the cool testimonial from a young woman who improved her arthritis with two powerful antioxidants known as Isotonix OPC-3 and Isotonix Antioxidant Fomula.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to you for your Isotonix products.  It has given me back my life.  I am twenty-six years old and have been diagnosed with combined conditions of chronic tendonitis, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, a non-degenerative muscle disease. Modern medicine failed me. I was unable to treat any of the conditions in a conventional manner because of the adverse reaction it would have on one of the other conditions.  It was recommended that I give up working and accept a life of constant pain.

I am a production worker and due to that type of work, I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries.  My hands deteriorated to the point of being unable to hold a coffee cup by the handle.  One of the most difficult things for me to do was to purchase a soda from a vending machine.  My writing had become illegible and I had to start printing again.  I was unable to pick up change from a flat surface. This is just a small list of the changes which affected the quality of my life.  I remember at one point when my husband shut the bedroom door before leaving for work and it took me a half hour to get it open.

My mornings started by soaking my hands in hot water to remove some of the stiffness so I could hold a cup of coffee with two hands.  After using OPC-3 and the Antioxidant Formula for a week, I can do all the things I have mentioned and then some.  These products have given me the most relief I have experienced to date. I stopped taking all of the prescription medication two months ago due to constant nausea that was a side effect of the drugs, so I am positive the results I am experiencing are solely from the Isotonix products.  I have an increase in flexibility, mobility, a decrease in swelling, and best of all, a drastic reduction in pain which has remained at a tolerable level without any medication.  Please try it!!

I have so much hope for the future. I feel great. It is incredible. 

Diana“

If you know of anyone with chronic aches and pains, repetitive stress challenges, or arthritis, please send them a link to this blog entry, and give them a ray of hope. You may be able to do a world of good. And by all means, let your physician know that there are natural solutions that should be evaluated as part of their work with their patients. I would be happy to have this discussion with any health practitioner.

To your health!

Jayna

Arrhythmia – Dysrhythmia – Palpitations – Oh My!

Heart irregularities come in many forms and by many names. They can be mild and unpronounced, or serious and even life threatening. There’s a great description on Wikipedia of the vast array of conditions that fall into the category of Cardiac Arrhythmia.

What’s exciting to me is that nutrition and lifestyle changes can play a role in promoting regular heart beat and reducing the severity of cardiovascular risk factors. For example, mild irregular heart beat that is set off by periods of anxiety or extreme stress can often be improved with stress reduction techniques, such as medition, yoga, and regular deep breathing practice. Practicing breathing may seem almost silly when you think about the fact that breathing is an unconscious act that happens from the moment we are born and throughout our lives, whether we think about it or not. And yet, the way we breathe can be affected greatly by the stresses of an over-scheduled life.

To practice improving your breathing technique, sit quietly for a few minutes each day, clear your mind, place your hands gently over your stomach, and focus on your breathing. With each inhalation, you should feel your stomach gently distend outward as oxygen fills your lungs. With each exhalation your stomach should feel like it is slowly shrinking. Test yourself to see if you have this backwards. If so, or if you feel tension in your stomach, chest, or shoulders when you try it, or you have “monkey mind” and cannot force your to-do list out of your consciousness, it’s a good sign you need to practice healthy breathing and stress reduction. If you regularly experience mild arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), good breathing techniques and stress reduction may help.

When symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend medication. You may also want to try nutrients that can have a positive impact on heart function, such as Omega-III fish oils and antioxidants. Some of the most heart healthy antioxidants are Coenzyme Q-10, OPC-3, and Resveratrol. Because heart health can be severely impacted by bacteria and toxins, antioxidants can play an enormous role in supporting healthy heart function. I have many testimonials regarding improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels with the use of antioxidants, so please feel free to contact me if you would like this information.

The testimonial I want to share with you today is from the wife of a heart patient with an irregular heartbeat who experienced some excellent improvements with the use of OPC-3 and Resveratrol.

“My husband was diagnosed with irregular heartbeat in March 09. . . . His heart ejection fraction number was 45%. Normal is about 65%. Got him on OPC-3 immediately. Added Reservatrol in June 09. He had a couple follow-up appointments and the doctor was pleased with progress.  He’s on digoxin, cardizem, water pill and potassium. Has a tiny leak in one valve. Got to the point  where he was having a hard time breathing.

 

Anyway, saw doctor on 10/9/09 and I ordered another echocardiogram. The doctor said he heard a lot less noise in his heart and was very pleased with his progress. HIS HEART EJECTION FRACTION NUMBER WAS 55%!!!!!  THIS IS A HUGE INCREASE!”

The doctor was truly impressed with the patient’s progress and asked what he was doing differently. The patient explained that he was taking two antioxidants each day, and he was very excited not only to see the difference in the numbers, but to feel much better as well.

I think as a society we often undervalue the importance of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, and the impact they can have on our daily lives and long-term health. And doctors that face perplexing challenges each day such as heart arrhythmia can certainly have a hand in better patient outcomes by employing these principles in their clinical practice. Together we can make the world a healthier place.

To your health!

Jayna

Are you Calcium Deficient?

Many people don’t concern themselves with calcium requirements or calcium supplements. Why? Because they believe they are getting the calcium they need from milk. But… did you know that here in the U.S. we consume more milk than any other nation, and an estimated 70% of our population is deficient in calcium? Here are some interesting notes on calcium!

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It makes up 1.5 to 2 percent of the total body weight, and our bones contain more than 99% of the body’s calcium. In addition to its major function in building and maintaining bones and teeth, calcium is important in much of the body’s enzyme activity. The contraction of muscles, release of neurotransmitters, regulation of heart beat, and the clotting of blood all depend on calcium.

Men need calcium too. The recommended dosage is 1,200 milligrams daily for women and 800 mgs. daily for men 25 years and older.

What about that bowl of cereal in the morning and the glass of milk you have with your afternoon cookie? Can’t you get the recommended daily allowance through your diet? Well, the fact is, there is about 118 mgs. of calcium in a serving of whole milk. You would need to drink at least 8 glasses daily! The best source of calcium in our diet is kelp, and there is 1,093 mgs. in a 3 ½ ounce serving of kelp. But it may not be what you’d call convenient to reach for a serving of kelp each time you would otherwise pour yourself a glass of milk. So think about other leafy greens, like broccoli and kale, both of which are rich sources of dietary calcium.

To insure we have our daily allowance of calcium, the best bet is to take a high quality calcium supplement. And of course there is a vast array of choices on the market. What calcium supplement should you take… and which should you avoid? As a cautionary note, several studies indicate that some calcium supplements may contain substantial amounts of lead. Lead is a toxic metal that affects the brain, kidney, and red blood cell manufacture. In 1981, the FDA cautioned the public to limit its intake of calcium supplements derived from dolomite or bone meal because of the potentially high levels of lead in these calcium supplements.

Researchers measured the lead level in 70 brands of calcium supplements. The unrefined calcium carbonate group displayed the greatest range of lead content, one containing a whopping 25 mgs. of lead per 800 mgs. of calcium.

Calcium is used in the treatment of osteoporosis and high blood pressure. There are several conditions that predispose women to osteoporosis:

• Post menopause
• White or Asian
• Premature menopause
• Positive family history
• Short stature and small bones
• Low calcium intake – Inactivity
• Never pregnant
• Hyperthyroidism
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use

Calcium must contain Boron, Magnesium, and Vitamin D for its highest absorption. The best absorption is in an isotonic form of calcium; the human body will absorb approximately 88 % of the supplement. This is the highest level of absorption. The Isotonix calcium is lead free, and contains Boron, Vitamin D, and Magnesium.

As a final note, it is important to understand that Tums is NOT a good form of calcium supplementation and should not be taken as one. Over taking of antacids ultimately leads to an increase in bone breakdown and calcium excretion. And because the cells in our stomach lining are adaptable, they will simply produce more acid to combat the effects of an antacid.

So, think about a very high-grade calcium supplement. And one more great tip. A good calcium supplement is calming to the central nervous system, and it’ll help you sleep.

To your health!

Jayna

Doctor, Do You Speak the Language of Wellness?

The world is changing. Do you remember when the word “wellness” was a newfangled term that seemed to arrive from out-there-where-the-busses-don’t-run? Then the concept eeked into the press, and gradually became a household word. Everyone wants it, especially us Baby Boomers. We want to live life to its fullest, strong and well, and then keel over the day after our 110th birthday following a brisk walk and a hearty breakfast. 

And we want our health practitioners to help us with this goal. Yet today, many health professionals are not yet on board. Why?

The term “alternative” no longer applies. We need a complete melding of all the disparate fields called “health” into one universal health concept that addresses the fact that all we really want is to stay alive and kicking with as much gusto as possible for as long as possible. I talk to many people about this on a daily basis, and I know I am not off target here.

My contention is that all doctors need to know what wellness is. They need to take some time, read some science-based literature on true health and wellness, and if they are feeling like it’s a weak area of knowledge, to go get some.

People are taking their health into their own hands. They’re on the internet, they’re educating themselves, they’re asking for advice at GNC, for better or for worse. What if they could turn to their “health professional” to talk about “health” and if they could do so when they are still well with the aim to stay that way, instead of waiting until the symptoms begin and then attempting to restore health that has been lost?

Now I know there’s a lot of prevention talk in medical practice today. You know you should watch your fat intake, get off the couch and get some exercise, and probably think seriously about drop-kicking the smoking habit.

But what if the health professional had a complete kit bag of ideas, resources, high quality supplements (not the toilet bullets you get at the drug store), a weight management program that was run right out of the physician’s office, and advice on how to live a less toxic lifestyle so that you wouldn’t lop 15 or 20 years off your life due to poor choices?

One of the most exciting resources I’ve seen emerge in my lifetime is a non-profit organization devoted to educating health practitioners in the science behind nutritional interventions. With this knowledge, they can evaluate how they might incorporate well-researched nutrition and wellness principles into their practice. The non-profit organization is called the nutraMetrix Educational Institute (www.nutrametrix.org/nei). As a nutrition consultant, I am a proud supporter of this organization. In my work– helping health practitioners to incorporate wellness solutions in their practices– I strongly encourage practitioners to attend the NEI’s AMA-accredited CME course. You can view the course agenda on the NEI site. It’s ground-breaking. Imagine being knowledgable enough about the properties of certain oils and their effect on heart health, and the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet and anti-oxidants, and so on, to really make a difference in the choices your patients make each day, your patient outcomes, and the vital health of your community?

The next course is being scheduled now and is likely to be in Florida in February, a great time to take a rejuvenation break. If you would like to get on my list of health professionals that want to receive notice as these CME courses are scheduled, you are welcome to contact me.

To your health!

Jayna

Vitamin D Can Save Your Life

Did you know…?

• Vitamin D is now being heavily researched and new information is emerging almot daily
• Almost every cell in your body has a receptor for Vitamin D
• Immune system health is associated with adequate levels of Vitamin D
• The CDC has stated that children with adequate levels of Vitamin D in their systems are better able to fight off swine flu
• Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to breast and colon cancers
• Vitamin D is critical in the absorption and utilization of Calcium, and provides enormous benefits for bone health
• Mental health is associated with adequate levels of Vitamin D, and epidemiological evidence shows an association between reduced sun exposure and mental illness
• Vitamin D helps promote elasticity of blood vessels as well as normal blood pressure levels, and is critical for cadiovascular health
• Studies have shown that people with low levels of Vitamin D have difficulty losing weight
• An estimated 100 million Americans are deficient in this vital nutrient
• Current Vitamin D recommendation is 400 IU, which is now believed to be far below what the average person actually needs; new recommendations are likely to be in the range of 5,000 IU
• Many health professionals today are recommending supplementing with Vitamin D; some are recommending therapeutic dosages in the range of 10,000 IU for those with certain health challenges
• It is difficult to get enough Vitamin D from diet alone; for example, it would require consumption of 8 or more eggs daily to get enough Vitamin D
• Those who avoid the sun cannot obtain enough Vitamin D without supplementation; in the winter, those in northern climates cannot obtain enough Vitamin D from the sun between November and April

See the ABC News Brief with Dr. Oz: “Vitamin D Can Save Your Life” http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=dr%20oz%20vitamin%20d

A great source of Vitamin D (5,000 IU) is Isotonix Vitamin D with K2.  It’s drinkable and tastes like Sweet Tarts.

The Vitamin D Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people and preventing needless deaths from Vitamin D deficiency, reports on the myths of Vitamin D toxicity at http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDToxicity.shtml

To your health!

Jayna

Probiotics Help Reduce Children’s Cold and Flu Symptoms

A new study from Danisco provides data supporting the use of probiotics, specifically the strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, in reducing cold and flu-like symptoms in children. Read more…

My kids like the yummy probiotics in the Might-a-Mins Spectum line.

To your health,

Jayna

Nutrition in Clinical Practice

An upcoming CME course in September 2009 offers education to health practitioners in the science and research supporting nutritional interventions in clinical practice. What are “nutritional interventions”? These are lifestyle changes such adopting a low-glycemic index diet to manage weight and blood sugar, and choosing appropriate supplementation. For example, we all know that Omega-3 fish oils can help to promote heart health. And the benefits of vitamin D for everything from depression to cancer prevention is currently getting tons of press. But understanding the science behind these nutritional choices is key in helping patients to know how to prevent disease and manage chronic health challenges more effectively.

If you are a practicing physician, nurse, or licensed health professional, this course will help you learn about the latest research and clinical studies to help you make the best determination about what to recommend for your patients, and why.

This course will help you:

Understand how poor dietary trends have lead to alarming rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic diseases in the US.

Explain how oxidant stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, cancer, aging, retinopathy and other diseases.

Recognize the impact, advantages and limitations to various food pyramids.

Appreciate what constitutes the fundamentals of healthy eating.

Recognize the need for appropriate nutritional supplementation- based on literature review, government surveys and guidelines.

Review the scope of the obesity epidemic and its impact on health.

Understand the importance of low glycemic index foods for weight control and optimal health.

Learn the structure, role and importance of the macronutrients, micronutrients and minerals.

Review the composition and role of fats and oils.

Know the various bioflavonoids, antioxidant vitamins and minerals.

Know the key cell types, cytokines, eicosonoids and adhesion molecules involved in the inflammatory process.

Understand the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid metabolic pathways.

Understand the role of Vitamins B-6, B-12 and folate in homocysteine metabolism.

Know the importance of homocysteine in inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Understand the importance, role and effects of insulin resistance in contributing to abnormal carbohydrate metabolism.

This CME course offers 12 continuing medical education units to most categories of health practitioners, including M.D.s, nurses, DO’s, and optometrists. It takes place the weekend of September 11th to 13th at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is offered by the nutraMetrix Educational Institute (NEI), a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. The mission of the NEI is to educate and enlighten all health professionals on the role of nutrition, nutritional interventions and nutraceutical applications for clinical practice. The course not only provides an excellent educational opportunity for health practitioners in all medical disciplines, but also helps physicians to network together and share information.

For more information or registration materials, please contact me. My role is to assist health practitioners in establishing effective nutritional programs in their clinics, and to help individuals interested in nutritional consultanting to learn how to provide this service to physicians.