HEALTH ALERTS
MRSASWINE FLUFDA Approves Stevia as a SweetnerShould I use stevia as an alternative to table sugar & artificial sweetners? Over Supplementation
Our readers should be aware that it is possible to get too much of a good thing. As much as we advise vitamin-mineral supplementation, the FDA encourages manufacturers to fortify their food products with added vitamins and minerals (mostly synthetic) because these nutrients are usually stripped away during the processing of their products. It is imperative that the consumer note the amounts that are added to cereals and other food products they normally eat before deciding as to which daily vitamin/mineral supplement to choose. We advise eating unfortified cereals that are organically grown and minimally processed. Specific nutrients to watch out for are: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Niacin, Folic Acid, Selenium, Iron, and Zinc.
Although these nutrients are extremely important to normal metabolic function, they need to be supplied in the proper amounts. The RDA is a good guide to follow for minimum supplementation amounts. Specific health problems may require higher amounts of RDA values. Consult a holistic practitioner or nutritionist for the amounts that are right for you. Soda Alert
Recent research has shown that soda (regular or diet) can increase the incidence of metabolic syndrome by as much as 50%, which doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke and quintuples the risk of diabetes. A 2005 study from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center showed that the risk of obesity increases by 41% per can of diet soda consumed per day. The increased sugar levels (in regular soft drinks) create an insulin spike that make the body store fat. Diet drinks screw up the appetite control mechanism and cause you to eat more food to find the missing calories (replaced by the artificial sweeteners). Bottom Line - (more stars equals higher preference) drink water or tea (any kind) ***** vegetable juices **** green drinks **** sports drinks **** sparkling and flavored water **** red wine **** fruit juices *** coffee *** energy drinks ** vitamin water ** soda (no stars)
Whatever beverage you choose to consume, always look at the calories and sugar content. One can of soda can have as much as 27 grams of sugar, which is equal to about 7 teaspoons. It can also take your body up to 21 days to fully metabolize that can of soda. Gives you good reason to think about alternative drinks that are healthier for you.
Flu Vaccination WarningA warning to all those who are considering getting a flu shot this year. Although some people may benefit from a vaccination every year, most of us can do better by making sure our immune systems are at their peak performance. Besides the benefits of herbs such as ashwagandha and astragalus, echinacea, elderberry and certain mushroom extracts are excellent herbs to use when you feel a cold or flu attacking your system. An excellent supplement for the flu is beta glucan, as well as the homeopathic preparation occilococcinum. Lomatium liquid extract is another immune booster to consider. With so many natural methods of cold and flu prevention or treatment available, why would anyone choose to suffer the possible side effects of a substance that, at best, might help certain segments of the population (see below).The main concern about the flu shot is not the vaccine itself but the preservative thimerosal that is used in the preparation. This preservative contains mercury, which is toxic to the body. Unless your physician has the non-preserved vaccine on hand (which you must ask for) you will get a dose of mercury (25mcg) at a level far above the FDA limit (1mcg). Mercury can damage the nervous system and kidneys. It is suggested that you might be better off avoiding the flu shot and boosting your intake of antioxidants and supplements to keep your immune system at its peak. Because the flu is life threating to certain individuals, the following groups of people should get the shot making sure that they get the preservative free formula: *children ages 23 months to 6 years *children ages 7-18 on longterm aspirin therapy (such as those being treated for rheumatoid arthritis) *anyone age 65 or older *women who plan on becoming pregnant during flu season *residents of longterm care facilities One final word of warning: do not get the flu shot if you are allergic to eggs, since the vaccine contains egg protein. 7 Natural Ways to Avoid the Flu Ask Dr. Mao By Dr. Maoshing Ni - Posted on Wed, Oct 21, 2009, 12:43 pm PDT With cold and flu season around the corner and H1N1 virus still making appearances, it is more important than ever to bolster your immune system this fall and winter. Here are some natural, simple solutions that will help protect you! 1. Chestnuts bolster immunity In both Asia and the Mediterranean region, chestnuts have been popular for centuries. Chestnuts differ from other nuts with their low fat content and high fiber. They have a mild, sweet taste and a crumbly consistency. An excellent source of potassium, folate, vitamins B6 and C, chestnuts strengthen the kidney-adrenal system and bolster the immune system to fight off the flu and combat infections. This flu season, introduce more chestnuts into your cooking: they are good roasted in the oven, cooked with chicken, lamb, beef, or pork, or in any dish with beans and legumes. 2. Stimulate your thymus Your thymus is a fist-size gland located behind your sternum in the center of your chest. It plays a critical role in the functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. It develops over time, reaching peak size when you are in your early 30s, then begins to physically diminish until it shrinks to the size of a pea around age 70. You experience the gland's waning as waning energy in your body. To support thymus health, the Chinese use astragalus root. Studies show astralagus is an adaptogen, which means it corrects both high and low metabolic imbalances, acts on invaders wherever they attack the body, and promotes overall vitality. The usual dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day in capsules or you can drink astragalus tincture or tea. Another way to stimulate your thymus is to use acupressure. With your index and middle finger, gently tap against the sternum (midway between the nipples) 50 times, in the morning and evening. 3. Immune-supporting herbs You can use the following herbs to help strengthen your immune system: • Ligustrum has undergone much research recently, which has revealed this herb's immune boosting functions. Its actions include increasing white blood cell production, phagocytosis, and T-lymphocyte help cell activities. • Cherokee Rose is traditionally used to protect the body from external pathogens with its astringent properties. It is also one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C. • Honeysuckle is a natural anti-microbial herb that has been used for centuries to increase resistance and fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. You can find these herbs in health food stores, online, and at the offices of acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists. Or look into a formula that combines all of these herbs in one immune-boosting herbal formula, called "Perpetual Shield." 4. Be healthy with bee products Royal jelly has long been regarded in Asia as a longevity tonic that enhances energy, virility, and immunity. Rich in vitamins and collagen, royal jelly is used to feed queen bees. An antibacterial protein in the substance, dubbed royalisin, is effective against certain bacteria, including streptococcus and staphylococcus. Bee propolis is rich in flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains terpenoids that possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoan agents. Not unlike some prescription antibiotics, propolis prevents bacterial cell division and breaks down the invading organism's cell walls and cytoplasm. Find royal jelly and bee propolis in enriched honey or in supplement form from herb shops and health food stores. 5. Beta-carotene Builds Immunity Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that improves immune function and promotes mucous membrane health. In fact, a 1997 study conducted by the Institute of Food Research in the United Kingdom suggested that dietary intake of beta-carotene can enhance cell-mediated immune responses. How to get these beta-benefits this flu season? Eat more orange-colored vegetables, including carrots, winter squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and yams. Additionally, these are all an excellent source of Vitamin C, a famous immune support. 6. An all-in-one immunity soup Cook up a broth of shiitake mushrooms, any kind of seaweed, cabbage, any type of squash, carrots, fresh ginger, oregano, and onion in chicken or vegetable stock. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, sterols, and coumarin, as well as vitamins and minerals that increase your immune function. Seaweed cleanses the body, cabbage has ability to increase your body's ability to fight infection, ginger supports healthy digestion, and the remaining ingredients promote general health and well-being.Eat this soup every other day to build a strong and healthy immune system. 7. Treat Your Body Right Encourage your body to fight flu and other infections by giving it the care it needs. • Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night. Studies show that your immune system function drops by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep. • Keep your stress level low with meditation, tai chi, or yoga. • Dry body brushing daily can activate lymph circulation that is important to clear out toxic debris and stimulate immunity. • If you feel your immune system has already been compromised and illness is on the way, consider this Cold & Flu elixir, which supports recovery as it boosts your immune system. I hope you find the ways to build your immunity for a winter free from cold and flu! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me. Acetaminophen and Ibuprophen AlertRecent studies have shown that these two OTC drugs raise liver enzymes with even occasional use. This can pose a serious danger for people prone to liver disease. There are a number of alternatives to these drugs including white willow bark, meadowsweet, feverfew (freeze dried or tincture), acupressure, acupuncture and aromatherapy. Please note that both white willow bark and meadowsweet contain natural aspirin and should not be used by anyone allergic to aspirin.Bisphenol-A (BPA)This substance, used to make clear plastic, can pose some significant health risks. BPA is found in clear water bottles, baby bottles and childrens' "sippy" cups. It also turns up in food storage containers, linings of soft drink, food and infant formula cans. Since BPA can have a hormonal effect on the body, it is advised that anything with this substance in it be avoided as much as possible.Please read the recycling imprints on the bottle or can and AVOID: #3 and #7 Better choices are products stamped with #1, #2, #4 and #5. Water and sports bottles are available without BPA. Please read the labels or choose stainless steel water bottles.
Stay Away from the BAD FATS !!I'm sure everyone has already heard about "trans fats". These are the fats that are produced from hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The chemical industry has been spinning since these oils have been linked to heart disease and other ailments. New York City Restaurants and even a few cruise lines have already banned hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils from being used.Now there is a new kid on the block that the chemical companies have come up with. It is "interesterified vegetable oil". This oil is just as bad for you as the other kind of trans fat. The word of warning is to STAY AWAY from any of these fats. They will cause harm to your body. READ your labels carefully. The industry hides these ingredients within its nutrition facts labels. These fats are mostly found in fast food restaurants and baked goods. THEY SHOULD BE AVOIDED !! Much better for your health would be Benecol or Smart Balance Buttery Spreads. These are available in most supermarkets.
|
