Dianna Sabo's Research on Vitamins, Minerals and Alternatives

A Shopping LIst for You from Dr. Oz

2011-12-30T11:39:00.003-05:00

This shopping list is one where you just "check the box" and there you have it. Put it somewhere convenient in your kitchen, and if what you want is not on this list...YOU DON'T NEED IT!

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/100-foods-dr-oz-wants-your-shopping-cart?sp_rid=NjM2MTU0OTg3OAS2&sp_mid=2545926

As a busy professional, I love anything that improves my health and saves me time. Dr. Oz has a great solution with this list of great healthy foods! Enjoy!

Dianna

Setting Your Goals for the New Year

2011-12-30T11:03:00.003-05:00

WHAT A YEAR! If you look back, I'm sure your year was dynamic in many ways, just like mine.

It's that time of year when we all look in the mirror and evaluate everything about ourselves. For me, mine is the long time story of weight management. I am in constant search for the solution that does not require starvation (yes, fasting for a month was something I tried in the 80's!) This year, I've added some new tools to my toolbox and here are some ideas for improving your success rate too:

1) Dr. Oz's website with the Resolution Solution sites that help you assess, organize and get moving with your personalized plan: http://www.doctoroz.com/

2) I have 3 great books I read over and over, and would like to memorize them if I could:

Gary Taubes book "Why We Get Fat...and What To Do About It" is an excellent way to understand the mechanism by which our bodies store fat. You won't be bored, I promise!

I also recommend the book by Suzanne Somers called "Ageless...the Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones." She has won the fight against cancer with her approach.

"The 4-Hour Body" by Timothy Ferris tells you how to get fit, in 4 hours a week! I love it. I'm doing the Ferriss approach this year. I will let you know how it works!

3) iPhone App the "Goal Workshop" so you can track your progress on your iPhone. I'm not sure if there is a Droid version, but I'm betting there is.

4) Check out Amazon.com for your favorite high protein products. I am not affiliated in any way with Amazon, however, I love to save money and this year I was able to get my favorite Dr. Atkins drinks at a deep discount, with free shipping, delivered right to my door. This saves me both time and money!

5) Sign up to learn about health and the latest research. Here are my favorites:
Life Extension Foundation www.lef.org
Dr. Mercola www.mercola.com
The Health Ranger www.naturalnews.com

6) Go to your doctor for your annual checkup and get your Vitamin D levels checked along with the rest of the testing. Your blood work tells so much about your health. By getting your annual checkup, you insure you are not letting a situation spiral out of control. Your annual check up is your first line of defense for living a long, healthy life. Put the "call and make the appointment" in your calendar for November each year, and get in there in January. Then, make your plan to correct your minor issues, and you won't have major issues for many years to come!

7) Organize your workouts with a buddy. On those days where you don't feel like working out, you have someone you are responsible to, and that commitment will help you overcome the gravity of the day!

Good luck to you in 2012! And let's hope the Mayan's are wrong with their calendar!

Dianna

Why Do Doctors in Sweden Treat Depression with a Greek Vacation?

2011-11-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

If you are like me, you are dreading the snow flying for one reason...the dark days that come along with winter! Since I was a small child, I can remember the absolute dread when all the leaves are off the trees, and the impending feeling of "doom and gloom" with each passing day. Little did we know how important the sun is to our overall health.

While living in Sweden in 1998 I was fascinated to learn about how doctors there treat clinical depression. Prozac was forbidden. You cannot prescribe it in Sweden. But what they did prescribe, and pay for, was a sunny vacation for 2 weeks to the Greek Isles. I could not believe it. But it was true. The Swedes understood the power of the sun to lift people out of their doom and gloom, and put a smile not only on their face, but in their brain.

Now research shows the power of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, to change how we feel.

Dr. Mercola reports "

The connection between vitamin D and depression is not new. In 2006, scientists evaluated the effects of vitamin D on the mental health of 80 elderly patients and found those with the lowest levels of vitamin D were 11 times more prone to be depressed than those who received healthy doses.

In the current study, researchers found that intake of more than 400 IU of vitamin D from food sources was associated with a 20 percent lower risk of depressive symptoms compared with intake of less than 100 IU. This was a significant benefit from a very small amount of vitamin D -- as 400 IU is far too low to benefit most people (not to mention your body is made to get vitamin D primarily from the sun, not food or supplements, as I'll explain below).

It now appears as though most adults need about 8,000 IU's of vitamin D a day in order to get their serum levels above 40 ng/ml, which is the lowest they should be. Ideally your serum levels should be between 50-70 ng/ml, and up to 100 ng/ml to treat cancer and heart disease."

With these findings, if you live in North America, you might think about getting your blood tested for the Vitamin D levels and taking action if they are low. Your entire mood might change!

Do You Eat Irradiated Food?

2011-11-05T14:19:00.005-04:00

Although this process has been around since 1963, most people do not know how their food is treated before it gets to the grocery store shelves. In the quest to keep bacteria out of food, causing food poisoning, there are methods being used to irradiate food that absolutely have consequences to the health benefits one is supposed to obtain from the food.

According to Dr. Mercola "The level of gamma-radiation used starts at 1 KiloGray -- equivalent to 16,700,000 chest x-rays -- and goes all the way up to 30KiloGray (500,000,000 chest x-rays or 10,000 times a human lethal dose)."

What do you do to mitigate your risks? While more research is needed, you might decide to hold off on eating irradiated food until we know more about its affects on humans. Know the symbol for irradiation, and buy products that are not treated. The image below is the image for irradiation:

A "Must See" Video about Alternative Cures for Cancer

2011-10-02T23:36:00.002-04:00

The Health Ranger has posted a video that is quite interesting, and worth the $19.95. I'd actually like to have the DVD (yes, I'm old fashioned) however, the download is quick.

The alternative cures are not for everyone. Some folks don't have the mental fortitude to go against their doctors, whom they trust and respect. It's a very personal decision, and I think the most important aspect is to just keep an open mind and stay informed of the ability to have an alternative.

When my step-father and my uncle both were diagnosed with lung cancer, around the same time, they chose two different methods of dealing with the disease. Unfortunately, there are very few people who survive lung cancer, especially after a certain age. My step-father chose to go with the radiation and chemo-therapy, and my uncle decided to just let nature take its course. My uncle actually lived about a year longer than my step-father. Of course, everything is different, but the physical drain on my step-father from the radiation and chemo took a major toll on his body. He was too weak to fight.

One thing is certain; there are things you can do to minimize your chances of getting cancer, and one of the most important is to stop smoking and stop being around second hand smoke. Another, is to stop using household chemicals that are known to be cancerous. In another post later this week, I'll get the list of cancer-causing household cleaners so you'll know how to be more careful. Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent this disease.

B12 Study links the brain

2011-09-29T21:32:00.003-04:00

Life Extension Foundation has reported:

"Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The September 27, 2011 issue of the journal Neurology® reveals an association between unfavorable serum markers of vitamin B12 status and reduced brain volume and cognitive function."

I was visiting my mother in the hospital a few weeks ago. The food on her plate of hospital cafeteria food was disgusting. Rather than food that is filled with healthy proteins, vitamin rich veggies and fruits, her plate was full of starches, bleached flour white bread, and cheap imitation of real food; margarine! Is it any wonder our health care system is over burdened? If the hospitals themselves do not understand the value of nutrition and healing, how will we turn it around?

The article on B-12 and brain function is nothing short of amazing. Selecting the correct food for your body type can be difficult. But if you slow down long enough to listen, you will find the right food for your energy level. Many doctors are starting to understand their patients that take vitamins and exercise daily are healthy. They don't need blood pressure medications, they don't need cholesterol controlling drugs, and most of all...they have energy.

If you are lacking in energy, give under-the-tongue B-12 tablets a try. I also have had some great luck with the B-12 'behind the ear' patches.

Studies show chocolate reduces cardiovascular disease

2011-08-30T21:13:00.004-04:00

During my travels around the globe, I always asked my women friends "Do women need chocolate? The answer was unanimous! YES! Guys, you may be laughing at us when on Valentines Day we are really, really looking for that box of Godiva Chocolates, but when you look at the longevity of women compared to men, well...you gotta' wonder?

The article, which is linked above, states:

For a new study, which was just published in the online version of the British Medical Journal, Dr. Oscar Franco and colleagues from the University of Cambridge carried out a large scale investigation of existing research on chocolate. In all, they looked at research involving over 100,000 participants with and without existing heart disease. Then the scientists evaluated the effects of eating chocolate on cardiovascular events including heart attacks and stroke.

For each of seven studies that were analyzed, the research team compared the group with the highest chocolate consumption against the group with the lowest consumption (to minimize bias, they factored in differences in the way each study had been designed). Bottom line: the highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with an astounding 37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease and an almost 30 percent reduction in stroke compared with lowest levels of chocolate eating.

The studies did not differentiate between dark or milk chocolate and included consumption of chocolate bars, drinks, biscuits and desserts -- which raises an obvious question not answered by the new research analysis. Would the cardiovascular protection be even more pronounced if the chocolate didn't include extra sugars, unhealthy fats or chemical additives found in many chocolate drinks and candy bars?

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033463_chocolate_heart_disease.html#ixzz1WZ5r3LUg

Vitamin D deficiency linked to diabetes in study

2011-08-28T21:00:00.003-04:00

I always enjoy reading "NaturalNews" and this time the Health Ranger is onto something big. There seems to be a correlation between the amount of people with diabetes, and the number of pale faces who swear by sunscreen (don't want skin cancer do we!) Here's what they are saying:

"One study published in the journal Diabetes Care explains that a simple 25 nanomole per liter (nmol/L), or 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), increase in blood levels of vitamin D results in a roughly 24 percent reduction in diabetes risk, while another study similarly reveals a correlation between high blood levels of vitamin D and reduced risk of diabetes.

Having been clinically diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, and thank goodness I found a doctor that knew to check for it, I now understand how important it is. I used to have joint pain, and since adding 5,000 I.U. of D3 with Iodine from Life Extension Foundation (www.lef.org) I no longer have any joint pain. I wonder if the people out there who have been taking over-the-counter pain killers for their joint pain have tried some Vitamin D? I wonder if the sunny Phoenix, AZ was a cure for arthritis pain because of the sunlight and the additional Vitamin D production in the body?

There is so much to be known about this vitamin, but meanwhile, check with your doctor and see that your levels are where they should be!

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/033446_vitamin_D_diabetes.html#ixzz1WNL3sxC7

Affordable Blood Testing Available via LEF.org

2011-05-12T15:34:00.000-04:00

It doesn't take much time to figure out that most of what we need to know about our health comes from a blood analysis. With the ability to determine heart disease risk via C-Reactive Protein testing and Homocysteine levels, there is really no reason to not know exactly what is going on. If your doctors orders these tests, or not, may be a problem for you. Did you know that you don't have to rely on your doctor to order the tests? That's right. You can go to Life Extension Foundation and get the testing done, at a very affordable rate, with a local lab they have set up. Some of the testing includes hormone levels, which we now know can control a lot of the aging process. Check out www.lef.org/Blood/ and take advantage of the sale they have going until June 6, 2011!

What are American's Top Prescription Drugs

2011-05-03T20:47:00.002-04:00

What prescriptions do Americans take? Number one is Vicodin...which is a narcotic pain killer. Scary. For the entire list, please see the link: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/03/what-are-americas-most-popular-drugs.aspx

Link between MS and vitamin D deficiency

2011-05-02T13:05:00.003-04:00

Due to a lot of travel abroad, and lots of activity in my professional life, I've barely had time to post my daily research. But today, with several friends suffering from MS, I thought I'd better take time to pass on the latest research.

I remember when passing through Death Valley, coming upon a tourist site called "Scotty's Castle." It was a magnificent place with a story of a Kentuckian named Walter Scott who built it with money from a rich man in New York named Albert Mussey Johnson. The New Yorker had ailments, probably what we call arthritis, that were "cured" while he was at the homestead. Scotty told everyone the castle was built with the gold from the mines he found, but in reality, the gold was from Johnson, and his gold was from the sun which he really needed and loved.

The reality to many of the cures we have heard about, most likely lie in the vitamin D people need. Now the research points to a cure for MS. Wonderful, powerful, once again, our sun is the cure. And if you live north, or you are fair skinned, order up the vitamin D in capsules.

I have been using 5,000 I.U. from Life Extension Foundation (www.lef.org) and have never felt better. For my friends who suffer from MS, I surely hope they find the relief, as it is a horrible disease.

Sluggish Brain Function? Check this out!

2010-08-03T14:14:00.004-04:00

Dr. Mercola exposes interesting reasons for sluggish brain functions.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/03/tylenol-pm-causes-brain-damage.aspx

Time to Feed the Brain

2010-01-04T10:50:00.003-05:00

Greetings and Happy New Year!

It will be a great 2010! The economy is bouncing back, people are becoming more aware of their planet and their desire to live a more healthy lifestyle. During my holiday break, I was able to get some very necessary research done in how our bodies can heal without medications and without traditional medicine. The book I found really interesting on the subject is by Deepak Chopra, author of over 40 books on healing, spirituality, performance and connection. The book is titled "REINVENTING THE BODY, RESURRECTING THE SOUL - How to Create a New You" and is nothing short of a breakthrough in how we treat disease.

Written in 2009, this book chronicles miracle after miracle in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and all sorts of ailments that are dumbfounding modern medicine today. Give it a try, and if you have someone you love suffering, send a book their way!

Live well!
Dianna

H1N1 Reports Available from the CDC

2009-12-03T07:49:00.002-05:00

One cannot turn on the news without the H1N1 flu virus being on the list of topics. However, getting "pre-digested" news isn't always the most comforting. Now, via the Center for Disease Control, you can get the actual numbers of people who have confirmed H1N1, track it by state, and understand your risks while working, going to school, and traveling on vacation or business.

I give a big "thank you" for the people at the CDC for coming up with this method of communication.

Enjoy and stay healthy this season!

Here is the link: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

How Clean is YOUR Water?

2009-10-20T14:41:00.002-04:00

My friend, if you are not drinking purified water, you are putting you and your family at risk. Not just for heavy metals, but for e-coli, and various other "bugs" that our municipal water companies are not able to deal with. Have your own well? Great, but you need to understand what is running into it, and how to purify the heavy metals and toxins coming in from the environment.

The New York Times has just completed an investigation that even the EPA cannot compete with. They used the Freedom of Information Act to secure records from all 50 state agencies. What they found was horrible. Our water is far from safe. According to their article "Pollution Grows with Little Fear of Punishment" they state "In the past five years, companies and workplaces have violated pollution laws more than 500,000 times. But the vast majority of polluters have escaped punishment."

They have put together an interactive map, showing you how your state is doing with clean water. Check it out, and then go buy a state-of-the-art water purifier for your home!

http://projects.nytimes.com/toxic-waters

Keeping you informed,
Dianna Sabo

When is a flu pandemic not a pandemic?

2009-10-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

As the fall leaves begin to fall, I am reminded of the hustle and bustle to get your children, your elderly and yourself the flu shot. I realize I'm writing about a very controversial subject, especially if someone you love has passed on due to complications from the flu. However, the amount of research I have personally done on the H1N1 flu virus has me on edge.

Basically, the vaccines are being highly criticized for their contents, including traces of mercury and aluminum and a sizable amount of data relating all vaccines to the increase in autism.

The best, most compelling article I have seen was sent to me by my son, who is also a health researcher, in search for the truth. Thank you Nick for the information. You hit the nail on the head with this one.

Read what he sent about the real problem with this campaign:

http://medicalconsumers.org/2009/09/24/why-the-h1n1-virus-is-not-a-major-threat/

As always, be well, be healthy and drink your water!

Dianna Sabo

Immortality? Maybe

2009-08-18T15:05:00.003-04:00

THE DEBATE ON TELOMERASE ACTIVATION IS ON!

What is telomerase you might ask? The Wikipedia definition states:

"Telomerase is an enzyme that adds specific DNA sequence repeats ("TTAGGG" in all vertebrates) to the 3' end of DNA strands in the telomere regions, which are found at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. The telomeres contain condensed DNA material, giving stability to the chromosomes. The enzyme is a reverse transcriptase that carries its own RNA molecule, which is used as a template when it elongates telomeres, which are shortened after each replication cycle."

Whew...that is a mouthful!

The introduction of telomerase into human cells transforms the aging cells into immortal cells without transforming them into cancer cells according to William Andrews, PHD and Michale West, PHD, writing for the August 2009 issue of Life Extension Foundation. The article provides two viewpoints, pro and con, and explains the issues. This research is too new for there to be a lot of answers, but there is certainly a lot of interest in the idea that it might provide people a great quality of life while they are on earth.

This one will be on the radar. For more information check out www.tasciences.com

Enjoy your health!
Dianna

From Mouth to Belly

2009-07-18T10:25:00.006-04:00

Scientists Discover Relationship Between Oral Bacteria and Obesity

It seems there may be more reasons to visit your dentist than just your teeth. We have recently heard that bacteria in the mouth may contribute to heart disease, but researchers at the International Associate of Dental Research have completed a study that shows a bacteria present in obese women, that was not present in normal weight women. This may well be one of the most important breakthroughs in the history of the study of obesity. Could it be the bacteria creates a substance for its survival that makes the "host" hungry? This is one aspect of the study still unknown, but further research may hold the answers.

The bacteria has a name: Selenomonas Noxia

Life Extension Foundation in its Daily News reported on this study and remarked:

To investigate this possibility, the study's researchers J.M. Goodson, D. Groppo, S. Halem and E. Carpino measured salivary bacterial populations of overweight women. Saliva was collected from 313 women with a body mass index between 27 and 32, and bacterial populations were measured by DNA probe analysis. Levels in this group were compared with data from a population of 232 healthy individuals from periodontal disease studies. The median percentage difference of seven of the 40 bacterial species measured was greater than 2 percent in the saliva of overweight women. Classification tree analysis of salivary microbiological composition revealed that 98.4 percent of the overweight women could be identified by the presence of a single bacterial species (Selenomonas noxia) at levels greater than 1.05 percent of the total salivary bacteria. Analysis of these data suggests that the composition of salivary bacteria changes in overweight women.

It seems likely that these bacterial species could serve as biological indicators of a developing overweight condition. Of even greater interest, and the subject of future research, is the possibility that oral bacteria may participate in the pathology that leads to obesity.

Life Extension Foundation has the full report.

Now, I'm running off to brush my teeth!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Dianna

Canadian Researchers Find Bioflavinoid Naringenin Corrects Metabolic Syndrome and More

2009-07-17T13:02:00.005-04:00

I am predicting the sale of citrus fruit will be phenomenal after word of this study leaks out among all of us who battle the "bulge" on a daily basis. Perhaps this is another reason why there appears to be better health in some warmer climates where citrus fruit is plentiful and part of the daily diet year round.

Murray W. Huff of the Robarts Research Institute at the University of Western Ontario and his associates were recently published in the journal Diabetes for their research on mice with metabolic disorders and the use of Naringenin, a component found in citrus fruit, to correct the disorder.

As published in Life Extension Foundation's report:

The research team discovered that naringenin genetically reprograms the liver to burn extra fat as opposed to storing it. "We are examining the pharmacological properties of naringenin." Dr. Huff stated. "The next step is to find out if naringenin prevents heart disease in animal models and to explore the feasibility of clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy in humans."

"These studies show naringenin, through its insulin-line properties, corrects many of the metabolic disturbances linked to insulin resistance and represents a promising therapeutic approach for metabolic syndrome," he concluded.

For more information, visit Life Extension Foundation.

Everyone is Talking About Red Wine Benefits - Why?

2009-07-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

I think you might have to be a hermit not to have heard that "RED WINE IS GOOD FOR YOU!" Well, I'm not exactly sure if this is being marketed by the wine industry, but my doctor says alcohol is not good for you, and if you can get the benefits of red wine without drinking it...that's even better!

I just adore the occasional expensive Cabernet Sauvignon, and the more it cost, the better I like it. However, there is a much less expensive way for me to get the benefits of this new wonder and it is called RESVERATROL! Resveratrol is being studied by just about every pharmaceutical company out there, and the results from these studies are nothing short of OUTSTANDING! The most exciting of these studies is showing how resveratrol may help protect against devastating age-related diseases including cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's.

In the latest issue (August 2009) of Life Extension Magazine, they outline "What You Need To Know" about Resveratrol:

1) The plant derived polyphenol resveratrol probably accounts for many of the beneficial effects of the "French Paradox" in which high-fat diets fail to produce devastating effects when red wine is also consumed.
2) Most of resveratrol's benefits have traditionally been ascribed to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
3) Emerging research now shows that resveratrol also stimulates cells to behanve as if they had been exposed to caloric restriction, the most powerful life-extending approach known.
4) Through its action on potent cellular-regulating proteins called sirtuins, resveratrol mimics caloric restriction, stimulating healthy cells to survive and diseased cells to die in an organized fashion.
5) Resveratro-mediated sirtuin activation is nw understood to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with resveratrol supplementation, including protection from aging-associated disorders like cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
6) Drug companies are rushing to exploit the new findinsg about resveratrol by runing it into a drug-but highly active supplements are already available, and existing data are all based on use of the natural product.

As many of you know, I have been studying Life Extension's work for over 8 years. They are an organization of highly respected doctors and medical professionals dedicated to the study of the prevention of human aging and disease. Their unprecidented research, and proof of validity on studies is one reason I rely heavily on their recommendations. They are in search of preventing disease or reversing it, not covering up the symptoms. If everyone would participate in this type of lifestyle, we could dramatically cut our healthcare expenses, and be a more productive nation.

For more information on resveratrol please go to:

www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4752354n

For information on Life Extension Foundation and how to become a member go to:

www.lef.org

As always, I have no association monetarily with any of the doctors, organizations or products I discuss, but I love sharing some good information.

Have a wonderful July!

Dianna

What Salt is Good for You if Any?

2009-07-05T10:02:00.003-04:00

Himalayan Salt...have you heard of it? In the discussion of "sea salt" with my trusted health guru Mario from Canada, he made me aware NOT ALL SALT IS CREATED EQUAL!

I have used Sea Salt for decades, but I didn't know there are better Sea Salts and I might not be doing my body any good with the one I had from the Mediterranean Sea in Spain.

Your body needs salt. Without salt, you cannot survive. Your body cannot adjust its own water content without it. The problem we face in modern life is our salt on the table is the wrong kind of salt; over-processed, undernourished, and containing pollutants. However, in the Himalayan's there is a salt source that is over 250 million years old, without modern day contaminants and with all of the natural minerals that enhance the salt and feed our bodies.

I cannot re-write Dr. Mercola's entire educational pitch on Himalayan Salt, but I have quoted his top ten reasons to use it. Also, at the bottom, you can listen to his interview with a German nutritionist who has become an expert in the area of salts and minerals.

Here is what Dr. Mercola says about Himilayan Sea Salt:

Containing all of the 84 elements found in your body, the benefits of natural Himalayan Crystal Salt include:

Regulating the water content throughout your body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells in your body.
Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating your sleep -- it naturally promotes sleep.
Supporting your libido.
Promoting vascular health.
In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of your blood pressure.

Check out more about Himalayan Salt on his site: http://products.mercola.com/himalayan-salt/

Have a healthy Sunday!

Dianna

ACHES AND PAINS....listen to your body

2009-07-04T10:45:00.002-04:00

Have you begun to get those achy legs, tight back, shoulders that feel they just need a little more "oil" to keep you from feeling like the Tin Man? This doesn't come with age...it comes from deficiencies of life saving water, vitamins and minerals.

A nutritionist told me that everyone he sees test out to be dehydrated. It seems that we are unable to "feel" thirst the way we should be able to, so many times we eat instead of drink water. His recommendation was to divide your body weight in half and to drink that many ounces of pure water (not tea, coffee or other liquid) DAILY. So if you weight 180 pounds, you should have 90 ounces of water daily. And for every other drink you have, such as coffee, add the equal amount of water. Well, I tried it. It was VERY DIFFICULT. I found that just in order to get the water I needed, I didn't have stomach room to waste on other beverages. But I felt wonderful. All sorts of little aches and pains completely went away. Weird...but so true.

Next on the list of ridding yourself of aches and pains is VITAMIN D. Turns out that we are deficient, and it is at a record pandemic rate. Life Extension Foundation (www.lef.org) has many articles on the situation, and the most recent can be found at:

http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2009/0703_Vitamin-D-Insufficiency-Global-Issue.htm?source=eNewsLetter2009Wk28-2&key=Article&l=0#article

Since doctors are being educated (after their schooling) by the pharmaceutical companies, many times the diagnosis of a chronic pain disease such as fibromyalgia or polymyalgia rheumatica are incorrect. What sometimes happens is pain from a severe vitamin deficiency. In defense of our medical doctors, the big business of medicine leaves them little time to do the research and stay up to date on everything. The pharmaceutical reps have daily access to educate doctors on the latest of new drugs, the statistics on treatments, and for this we are thankful. However, not every disease needs to be treated with a drug. Often our disease is based on a nutritional deficiency, and our doctors are not specialized in nutrition.

If you are experiencing "old age aches and pains" try researching the Vitamin D connection, and make sure you're covered. That's the cheapest insurance anyone can have...good health is a bargain!

Running to get my water and vitamins! Have a great holiday!

Dianna

Is Fluoride or Chlorine a Problem FOR YOU?

2009-07-01T09:12:00.005-04:00

Greetings to all from sunny Lexington, Kentucky! Our state this year is the most brilliant green I have seen in years. A combination of a very rainy spring, and a very hot summer.

Yesterday's research session proved to be exceptionally informative. I found a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition by Phyllis A. Balch. I already had a prior edition, but so much more has been added in the hypothyroid section, I decided to get the updated version.

One thing I did not know: fluoride and chlorine are so close to the iodine molecule, they can block the iodine receptors in the thyroid. WOW! I was an experimental "fluoride kid!" I'm wondering if I have blocked receptors, and that is the reason for the poorly functioning thyroid. In addition, my favorite "power foods" are spinach, brocolli, cabbage, brussel spouts and all of them are on the DO NOT EAT THESE IF YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM!

With this new information in my head, I went straight to the Good Food Store for some new organic veggies, because my fridge is filled with all the wrong stuff. I also bought some liquid iodine, in the form of "Liqui-Dulse" which you can just add to your water. This insures that whatever iodine receptors are left, will get the iodine they need.

Finally, I am off tap water all together. I purchased a large container of spring water, and some Tom's Toothpaste without fluoride.

Sometimes, if you are serious about "healing" you might have to take some extra measures to get well. I think the two hardest things for me will be to make sure I get only spring water, and no spinach. I have been eating spinach at least once or twice a day for at least a couple of years. I just love the stuff! (The spinach eating Popeye was my favorite cartoon when I was little.) But, in search of the cure, it's worth it.

Goodbye Popeye!
Dianna

Why Some Diets Don't Work

2009-06-26T13:00:00.003-04:00

If you have tried many, many diets, and nothing is working, perhaps you are not finding the right diet for your body type. in William Wolcott's and Trish Fahet's book "Metabolic Typing Diet" the fundamental of 'one size fits all' diet is completely dispelled and explained.

Your body type, metabolic makeup, although genetic, can be totally different from another in your family. Basically, there are three types:

1) Protein Type who are fast oxidizers or parasympathetic dominant
2) Carbo Type who are slow oxidizers or sympathetic dominant
3) Mixed Type who neither fast nor slow oxidizers and neither parasympathetic, nor sympathetic dominant

I've mentioned in a previous article that my doctor was amazed at my excellent body changes when I went on the Dr. Aktins Diet Revolution high protein diet. The feeling of well being, drop in weight, blood pressure, cholestrol and wonderful energy was very telling. My body doesn't handle carbohydrates. It took me a long time to "figure it out on my own!" In my experience, doctors do not work, discuss, or diagnos conditions about these different metabolic and dietary differences. If you are having difficutly controlling your weight, it might pay to read up on the metabolic types and give it a try.

In this book, there is a 65 question test that helps you figure out your metabolic type. Once you figure out which type you are, there are sections of the book specifically written to help you avoid your "poisons" and work with your metabolism. I highly recommend this book to anyone with thyroid disorder, as well, because as Dr. Oz says "Food is a drug, and you must select it for optimum health."

Cheers!
Dianna

Is the Food You Eat Making You Sick: Celiac Disease

2009-06-24T10:47:00.004-04:00

If you suffer, and suffer and suffer from unresolved issues such as gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, anemia, itchy skin conditions, thyroid and other autoimmune disorders - to name just a few, you might look into a condition where you are allergic or intolerant of gluten products....called Celiac Disease. This disease has been a "sleeper" as far as mainstream medicine.

My thoughts on this, as I have done many years of research is this: Perhaps this Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance is why so many of us do well on the South Beach or Atkins high protein, low carbohydrate diets. These diets are inherantly void of gluten! When I'm on this lifetsyle (prefer to call it that over "diet") I have at least 2 hours more energy a day! Unbelievable, but true.

What is gluten? Wheat, barley and rye contain substances that after the starch comes out, the gluten (technically called gliadins, secalines, hordeins) remain. These proteins are hard to digest by many humans.

What products can be considered your gluten enemy? This list is not complete, but it contains a lot of the common sources:

1) Wheat and rye breads, buns, rolls, dough, bisquits...anything with flour
2) Pizza and pizza dough
3) Pasta containing wheat
4) Pies, pot pies, many frozen food dinners
5) Cakes, muffins, sweet rolls, most desserts
6) Gravies thickened with flour
7) Soups thickened with flour

If you are familiar with the South Beach Diet and the Atkins Diet, you would notice none of these things are allowed on the diet. If you find that your symptons go away when you are on these types of diets, by all means discuss this with your doctor. The testing for Celiac Disease is involved and expensive, but can affect your overall health, including your immune system.

If you suspect you might have this disease, check out the book by Peter H. R Green, M.D. and Rory Jones, called "Celiac Disease, A Hidden Epidemic." It is an excellent book for giving you a head start on the diagnosis and treatment.

The Truth Will Set You Free: Diabetics Don't Have To Continue Having Diabetes

2009-06-23T21:33:00.007-04:00

Want to insure you never have diabetes? Want to lower your cholesterol? Want to insure you stave off heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Stop your consumption of food products containing corn syrup, white flour, starches, and high-glycemic index carbohydrates.

Dr. Atkins spoke the truth. You can completely control your cholesterol, along with your weight, by cutting out the junk carbohydrates and consuming the high quality, low-glycemic index carbohydrates found in fresh vegetables like spinach, kale, salad greens and good fresh garden stuff. By using his high protein, low carbohydrate diet, I lost 47 pounds in just 10 weeks. I looked great, felt great, and my doctor couldn't believe the change in my blood pressure, cholesterol and overall health.

It upsets me to see millions of dollars wasted on pills to control a disease that is the product of very bad eating habits, and a lack of education on how the body works. We need to educate to the "new" facts that reduce the amount of simple carbohydrates and replace them with high quality protein. Whenever I visit my Grandmother in the nursing home, I am constantly reminded by the amputated limbs on many of the patients...WHY DIDN'T THEIR DOCTORS TELL THEM TO STOP EATING SUGAR! If you knew you would lose your feet, your legs, and your life...wouldn't that be enough to stop eating this poison? I really believe doctors are not educating their patients on the truth about diabetes. You do not have to have diabetes. The cure is the high protein diet and exercise. Not pills!

Now, I must state here that I am not talking about Type 1 diabetes that occurs in children as a result of genetic conditions. What I am referring to is the "age onset" Type 2 diabetes that is a direct result of lifestyle choices (lack of exercise, improper eating, etc.) The type your doctor refers to as Metabolic Syndrome.

If you are suffering from Metabolic Syndrome, try The South Beach or Atkins diets, and remove yourself from the prescription drug feed trough. You just might find you feel the best you have ever felt, lose weight, gain energy, and protect your heart.

It can't hurt to try it...and you just might fall in love with it!

"BREAKTHROUGH" by Suzanne Somers

2009-06-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

The New York Times Best Seller "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers is full of some of the lastest findings in anti-aging and living well. If you don't own this book in your library of health and wellness information, it is highly recommended by many health practitioners. A nutritionist here in Lexington, KY advised me to buy it, read it, understand it and use it. He said it is one of the best for staying healthy. In the book, Ms. Somers outlines 8 Steps to Wellness:

1) Get Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
2) Avoid Chemicals and Detoxify Your Body
3) Take Nutrition Seriously
4) Create a Healthy GI Tract
5) Avoid Pharmaceuticals Unless Absolutely Necessary
6) Supplement Your Diet
7) Exercise Regularly
8) Get Proper Sleep

This book is over 400 pages of absolutely the latest in findings about how people live longer, productively and feeling great. If you are suffering from lack of sleep, hair loss, lack of energy, lack of sex drive, being cold when everyone else is comfortable, cracking nails, hypertension, and sugar cravings...and the list goes on, you need to read this book before you do anything else.

There is a lot of medical research lately that relates to our bodies not absorbing the nutrients we take in. There are various reasons for this, but after the age 30, basically, bodies can decline for a number of reasons, many related to hormones out of balance. You can take all the vitamins and minerals you want, BUT IF THE BODY WON'T ABSORB THEM, YOU WILL NOT GET THE BENEFIT!

Feed your brain, feed your body!

Dianna

Help Us Keep Natural Vitamins and Minerals Available to the Citizens

2009-06-23T08:42:00.001-04:00

Good morning! After reading the morning update of Dr. Mercola, there is a letter you can sign and it will be sent on your behalf asking for congress to protect our right to purchase vitamins and minerals without prescriptions, as is the push by big pharmaceutical companies.

I just recently got a prescription for an antibiotic. The cost was $94.73 for 7 pills. Needless to say, I passed on this one. Proper health care starts with prevention. Access to vitamins and minerals that actually work, at reasonable cost is part of our rights as human beings. To put corporations and profits ahead of our nations health is dangerous and cannot be tolerated.

Check out the link below and sign it if you want freedom to buy vitamins, just like you have in the past!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/23/Big-Pharma-and-the-FDA-Suppress-the-Science-and-Ban-the-Natural.aspx

Where's the BEEF?

2009-06-22T20:16:00.001-04:00

Unless you've been hiding in a closet, you must be concerned about our current state of beef in the U.S. I am worried about the hormones, the antibiotics and all that stuff, so I've switched to certified organic beef whenever I am able to buy it. Of course, when we eat out, we rarely know what we are eating, so for the sake of profit I am assuming it is the cheapest, most processed version available...so I don't worry. I know it is probably bad. I therefore, decide to eat a lot of seafood when I am out.

Meanwhile, people are getting scared to eat meat. If you listen to the teachings of one of the foremost doctors in the U.S., Dr. Barry Sears, past U.S. Olympic nutritionist, you don't have to read far in "The Zone" to know that we are starving ourselves of protein and putting our health at great risk in the U.S.

In his book, "The Zone" I quote "For the past fifteen years, the people of this country have been unwitting participants in a massive scientific experiment. The goal of that experiment was exceptionally noble - the reduction of excess body fat in the American population. If such a goal was attainable, our healthier population would dramatically decrease the burdens on the existing health-care system, especially for an aging population....We are now fifteen years into the experiement, and one deosn't have to be a rocket scientist to see that it isn't working. In fact, all data analysis during the last fifteen years of this experiment shows that in spite of the fact that the American publich as dramatically cut back on the amount of fat consumed, the country has experienced an epidemic rise in obesity."

I might add that along with that epidemic rise in obesity, along with it has come the epidemic of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a host of other expensive and deadly diseases.

This is an excellent book to read if you have diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions running in your family as a genetic pre-disposition. From conversations I've had with my father, in regards to the amount of protein Dr. Sears is recommending, my father stated he doubted he got his daily recommended ounces IN AN ENTIRE WEEK! Certainly, if you use Dr. Sears forumla for calculating your required protein, you might discover you don't have any room left over for junk food, empty calories, or sugary desserts if you eat the right amount of filling protein.

For convenience, I have put a small summary of the calculations, but I recommend you read his book and understand the science behind the recommendations. For a female you need your hip measurement, your abdomen measurement, and your height to come up with your percentage of body fat. For men, you use your waist measurement and your wrist measurement. (But, you need the charts in the book to do this, or you need to look online for the calculator.)

Once you have your Total Weight, and your Total Body Fat, you subtract the Total Body Fat from the Total Weight and get your LEAN BODY MASS.

Your ideal protein intake is specific to your individual LEAN BODY MASS AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY FACTORS.

But, to illustrate Dr. Sears formula, a person with a lean body mass of 140 lbs, who is considered active (1 hour per day of physical activity) would use this formula: 140 x 0.8 = 112 g of protein a day.

Now, what makes up 112 grams of protein?

Dr. Sears provides a list showing 7 gram "protein blocks" and here are some examples:

1.5 oz chicken breast
1 oz lean beef
1 oz tofu

Keep in mind you need 16 servings of these protein blocks if you are 140 lbs lean body mass and active.

Of course, I can only provide a summary here, but if you are having trouble with your weight, your health, or your energy levels, you just might be missing out on the required protein on a daily basis.

So, don't feel so guilty chowing down on that delicious steak when you have the craving! Your body just might be telling you something. Skip the potato, and have yourself a nice steak and salad....then see if you are IN THE ZONE!

Let me know if you find this helpful.

Regards,
Dianna

Antibiotics vs. Old Fashioned Remedies

2009-06-22T13:47:00.001-04:00

Would we still be here, any of us, without antibiotics? As I write this, I'm suffering with a UTI (urinary tract infection) probably brought on by stress of filing taxes, dealing with unemployment and getting ready to return to the university to get more education. (Working was so much easier than this!)

The problem with antibiotics, as I have experienced, is that the old ones we knew were good, are no longer working. The bacteria are smarter these days. They have "morphed" into warriors that are stronger and resistant to the old antibiotics. So, my doctor said I had to try a new one, assuming the old one was not working because testing showed I still had some bacteria. I'll not mention the new antibiotic's name, because I don't want to give anyone the impression that it is bad. But, I had a major allergic reaction, and had I not had a lot of experience with these types of allergic reactions, I would have gone to the emergency room immediately. Throat and tongue were swelling, started into asthma, etc.

Now I have a new prescription and I sit here looking at it wondering if gallons of cranberry juice, the old prescription that I've always taken, and some R & R might not be the best answer. The new drug is $94/7 pills. That is not what scares me. It is the fact that my body rejects just about any antibiotic and if I don't have to take it, I should not take it but rather let my body heal itself with the older antibiotic which I thought was not working, but now I'm willing to wait and see.

Fear of an allergic reaction is a powerful fear, if you have ever experienced one! So...I will take the slow road, for now, and hope I have made the right gamble. Either route for me is a gamble at this point.

Cheers for now!
Dianna

Indium...Rare, But Maybe a Silver Bullet to Good Health

2009-06-21T11:12:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all you guys out there with little ones...or perhaps big ones running around in your life! Parenting can be stressful. I hope today's little blog about Indium gives you something to think about and research on your own.

My good Canadian friend, Mario, has just opened my eyes to a possible thyroid "cure". (I don't claim to have any cures, but as you might know, I've been trying to heal my thyroid for over 20 years!) There is a rare mineral on earth called Indium. Indium is number 49 in the Periodic Table of Elements. This trace mineral is touted to aid in the absorption of our other minerals and according to a study by Dr. Schroeder's Dartmouth Medical School research team, "Indium improved the average mineral absorption of Chromium, Copper, Manganese and Zinc in major mice glads 142%; and raised Chromium in all organs average 333%...90% in the spleen, 112% in the kidneys, 242% in the liver, 536% in the heart." (Indium; New Mineral Discovery of the 21st Century, 2nd Edition, by Joseph B. Marion.)

In this study, the Indium gave the mice 26% fewer cancers, and 42% fewer malignant tumors for the 500-day mice lifespan; and the mice had lived on average about 7% longer than the controls.

Hum...sounds good so far.

But studying further, it appears this element works on the cellular level, and can restore metabolic balance through the entire glandular system. Now, I'm getting very excited! Glandular balance is touted by many to be the one thing that prevents premature aging.

So, today, is my first day taking this supplement. As I begin this journey, I'm suffering from non-ending troubles with hypothyroidism which has puzzled my doctors for 20+ years. No matter how much medication they give me, either with all natural Armor Thyroid, or with the synthetic varieties, it is never enough and my body doesn't respond.

There have been many, many folks tell me the "cure" to thyroid problems. I've tried them all and nothing has worked for me. Some doctors have told me I have been exposed to a high level of radiation and that is why my thyroid is non-functioning. But, in the quest for better living, I will continue trying to find the "silver bullet." Will this be it? I'm willing to try!

Dr. Mercola's view on health

2009-06-18T11:20:00.001-04:00

If you want to see a really good, unbiased view of vitamins and minerals from a doctor's perspective, check out Dr. Mercola on the web. Today his newsletter talks about the risk of too much selenium in the diet, and its relationship to diabetes. What I like about Dr. Mercola's site is that his research is based on the facts, and he obviously spends a lot of time researching as his articles are filled with data...not just opinions. (As an engineer, I'm always hungry for the data...show me the numbers!)

Please note that I do not get any sort of financial or other kickbacks from any of the people whom I talk about. I'm simply a person who does a lot of research on my own, and I like to share what I find with others who are in search of better, higher quality lifestyle.

Cheers (as my good Canadian friend Mario always says!)
Dianna

FDA Pulls Nasal Zicam Off the Shelves

2009-06-17T09:45:00.001-04:00

For the moment, better toss the Zicam nasal products into the trash. The Wall Street Journal reported this morning (June 17, 2009, 1st page of Marketplace Section) there are over 130 cases of people losing their sense of smell. Due to this situation, the FDA has moved to stop the sale of this product, pending further investigation. However, there is nothing wrong with the other Zicam products such as tablets, "rapid melts" and liquid forms, according to this article.

I have had great results with Zicam and I'm sorry to hear about their issues. However, being an engineer and knowing the things that can go wrong with even the best intentions, I believe it is better to be safe. Your sense of smell is so important to your ability to enjoy and taste food. People I know who have had their sense of smell taken away tell me food is pretty much like eating sand when you cannot taste it. Not good...not good at all!

We will hear more on this, but it is probably best to discontinue any use of this product until the studies are complete.

Have a safe and healthy day!

Dianna

CALLING ALL SOURCES....HOW DID OPRAH DO IT?

2009-06-16T19:56:00.001-04:00

Have you heard the latest on Oprah? She is 100% drug free, no prescriptions and that includes the prescription for thyroid disorder. She claims that she is "cured." If you know or have read how she did this, please pass it my way.

I have an update to this posting. A link to Dr. Mercola's website may hold some key to the science behind her cure. Check it out:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/18/Media-Blast-Oprah-for-Supporting-Alternative-Medicine.aspx

Thank you so much!
Dianna

Have You Had Your Magnesium Today?

2009-06-16T19:08:00.001-04:00

First of all, I'm going to be frank about this deal we call constipation! It is a national crisis that no one talks about! Google it. You will see estimations as high as 60+ million people experiencing it just in the United States. WOW! That's awful!

In the old days, back when my Grandma was checking in pretty close on all my bodily functions, the idea of skipping a day without a "BM" was unheard of! Being the contrary child and getting pretty darn tired of the question "Have you had your BM today?" I just yelled out "Grandmaaa! I haven't had one in a week!" Oh my God...the next thing I knew, Milk of Magnesia was being poured down my throat and every attempt to rectify the situation by admitting I lied, well, it fell on deaf ears.

But, Grandma knew something! She knew that it was very important that your body rid itself of toxins ON A DAILY BASIS! If this wasn't happening, you were going to be sick. People didn't have a lot of money for doctors and being sick wasn't tolerated back in those days. I have to add, my Grandmother is still living and just turned 93 in April of 2009. The shelves of the drug stores are lines with constipation remedies. But here's the little secret no one is really talking about. All you need is a little 500mg magnesium supplement, and you'll never walk those isles spending huge dollars on things that only mask the problem...deficiency!

What I like about magnesium is that there are so many other benefits from taking something natural, that your body uses and needs. I have friends and family that take products that work, but they are made of plastic; a known carcinogen. That worries me. I like the fix for a problem to not create another problem. Ingesting plastic scares me.

For years we have known our soil in North America is low in magnesium. Veterinarians always see there is magnesium, selenium and a whole host of minerals added to the livestock feed, yet we don't add it to our own "feed."

I have attached a link to one of my favorite sites; Life Extension Foundation. They have researched the situation on magnesium, and if you don't think spending $5 a month can save you thousands and add years of wonderful productivity and health....well, this article will convince you! And, in case anyone is thinking that I get paid by Life Extension Foundation, nope. I wish!

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=3464&query=magnesium%20deficiency&hiword=DEFICIENCIES%20DEFICIENCYIN%20DEFICIENCYIS%20DEFICIENCYS%20DEFICIENT%20MAGNESIA%20MAGNESIUMBASED%20MAGNESIUMON%20MAGNESIUMS%20deficiency%20magnesium

Start with a Walk in the Park

2009-06-16T18:51:00.002-04:00

Greetings from rainy Lexington, KY!

Dr. Oz was on Oprah this afternoon. If you are new to Dr. Oz, he is famous for his series of "YOU" books such as "YOU ON A DIET". The one thing that struck me as very important was walking and how much a person needs to walk. Basically, he stated that you must get in 10,000 steps a day. You can start with a few thousand, but to be healthy, we must work up to 10,000 steps a day. Depending on your stride, this could be different for each person. I did a little research, and here's the deal.

Man's average stride = 2.5 ft
Woman's average stride = 2.2 ft
There are 5, 280 feet in a mile. So, if you are a woman and you walk a mile, you have taken about 2400 steps. (Just divide 5280 by your stride and you have the steps.)

According to Dr. Oz, 10,000 steps are the goal, which is approximately 4.16 miles.

I have often commented to my friends and family that unless I walk 5 miles, I don't feel a thing in terms of improvement to my body. Now I understand why that is the case. I actually like to walk 6 miles in one hour, and of course for anyone who walks, you know that is very aggressive. But, after listening to Dr. Oz, we need to rethink our idea of how much walking we really need.

Well, I'm getting my walking shoes on now!

Dianna

FDA is Denying Americans access to a low-cost dietary supplement

2009-06-16T17:16:00.001-04:00

I don't know how this happened, and how nothing was said about it in the national news, but your vitamin bottle with B-6 pyridoxamine is no longer available to you. You cannot buy it at the store any longer. Why? Because big corporate interests are being served, ahead of the public safety and interest for billion dollar profits. I am not against profit, not at all. But don't take my vitamins away from me, which are cheap and readily available, and make me pay thousands in prescriptions, creating more problems in our already overburdened health care system.

"The FDA is denying Americans access to a low-cost dietary supplement (pyridoxamine) in order to make this natural vitamin an expensive prescription drug."

There have been initial research done to show that vitamin B-6 may be successful in treating Alzheimer's disease, as well as some other conditions. The FDA went along with this request and banned this vitamin, even though it has been available to the public and there are no known safety issues with this vitamin.

LEF goes on to say "Safety is not the issue. The FDA admits its plan to ban pyridoxamine is in direct response to a petition filed by a pharmaceutical company. This company wants the FDA to grant it exclusinve status to sell the safest form of vitamin B6 as a drug!"

"At stake are the lives of millions of Americans whose health can be protected against a host of age-related diseases if pyridoxamine can be freely added to dietary suppliement formulas."

Our freedom to be healthy is at stake. To read more about this issue, and to write your congressman, you can go to www.lef.org/pyridoxamine.

More to come on this in the future....stay tuned!

Today Begins the First Broadcast - Introduction to Dianna

2009-06-16T12:08:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone out there in 'cyberspace!' I have been an automotive engineer for over 20 years. This has required me to become a great 'researcher' as we are always having issues that require us to know more...and know it now. With this passion to 'solve the problem' I have become aware that I have another passion; health and the natural power of vitamins and minerals.

There are a ton of sites in which information is being gathered, shared and stored. A large part of my spare time is spent on the study of health. Not traditional medicine, which has sometimes failed me miserably, but in the study of how we survived, or thrived, before 'modern western medicine' and what we can do to improve our health on a daily basis.

Now, through more research, I find we are a nation short on magnesium, vitamin D, B-6 and a host of other things that actually are causing our diabetes, heart disease, dementia, etc. Meanwhile, the FDA just granted the pharmaceutical companies their desire to have vitamin B6 taken away from the public and available by prescription only because they are finding a huge link between B6 and Alzheimer's. You can find more on this at www.lef.org/pyridoxamine.

More to come. This is my first day. Welcome to my blog!