Research on the Quality of Vitamins and Minerals

Just like everything in life, not all things are equal, no matter what the ingredients list state on the bottle.  This can be very critical when looking for supplements that one takes to improve their health...not hurt it.  I have had a copy of the "NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements" by Lyle MacWilliam MSc, FP for years, but there is a new 2011-2012 edition that has included research about the benefits of vitamin D to overall health.

In this body of research, 3 companies rise to the top in their compliance to the highest levels of quality and ingredients;  USANA Health Sciences, Douglas Laboratories, TrueStar Health.  There are other 5 star companies, but these three set the "gold" standard in every aspect of measurement.

Before you invest your time and money in a particular supplement, check out the rankings and performance in this book.  You'll be amazed at the differences in quality and the science behind the supplements.

After careful review, I have switched to USANA.  I'll let you know how it goes!  Here's to your health!

Dianna

From a bear in Canada

This is off the topic, however, the most amazing video I have ever seen on the human impact to the wild.  This video is award winning and found on Webby because I was looking for award winning sites.  Enjoy!
http://bear71.nfb.ca/#/bear71

Secrets to Look 10 Years Younger

It's a gray Sunday morning here in Dallas, so I find it a great time to sip some Life Extension Foundation specially processed coffee (keeps the antioxidants in the coffee bean) and update the blog with some amazing research presented on the Dr. Oz show a few weeks ago.

The idea of getting a face lift scares most people to death!  The risks associated with anesthetic, bacterial infections, and unknown results is enough to send some people running for their life.  I might just fit in the category!

There is hope for those of us who would rather wrestle a rattlesnake as be in the doctor's office.  One of the most important ways to improve your skin lies in the magic Dr. Linus Pauling (Nobel Prize winner twice) and is readily available for anyone, and without a prescription.  VITAMIN C.  

Vitamin C is:
1)  Essential for the building of collagin
2)  Essential to protect against UV damage

And applied directly to the skin is absorbed as much as 20 times more than when taken orally.  The products you need to look for are products that contain 3-10% ascorbic acid and are mixed with vitamin A (retinol).  Use first thing in the morning and moisturize after with a sunblock.  Along with your topical vitamin C, it is wise to also take amino acid supplements.  Collagen is made up of Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline and Arginine. If you are missing these amino acids, your body cannot rebuild.

Another new breakthrough in faking a facelift is phytoceremides in pill form.  These hydrate the body from the inside out, plumping the skin cells and removing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  You need 350 mg per day, plant derived.  It takes about 4 weeks to see the results, but they are amazing.  (Sweet potato or rice derived is available if you have gluten sensitivity).

I don't endorse any particular products, however, if you have had good results with any, please feel free to post them!

All Natural Facials

Dr. Oz reminded us that great facials don't have to come from the department store and break the bank!  The one he mentioned on his show was a combination of nutmeg powder and honey. 

I have my own recipes:

Hair Mask:
If you have never tried mayonnaise on your hair, you have missed a great way to rebuild the protein, add moisture and shine, and its pennies per treatment.  Take 2 tbsn and mix with one tbsn organic olive oil.  Mix it into your hair, and wait 30 minutes.  The vinegar in the mayo actually cuts the buildup of hair products, and the protein in the egg and the oil rebuild your hair shaft.  Of course, don't forget...you must shampoo it out!

Facial to Restore Skin, non-drying:
As you age, your skin seems to have trouble maintaining moisture.  Part of the problem is the need to rid your dead skin cells (scrubbing needed) and part of it is the lack of nutrition.  This is not "pretty" but it is amazing.  Mix 2 tbsn of honey with 2 tbsn of oatmeal, rough cut.  Do not cook...you want the hard oats.  Next, add a tbsn of olive oil.  The mixture is difficult to mix, but give it about a minute of stirring.  Slather on your face and wait 30 minutes.  Rinse in warm water, while scrubbing with the oats.  Keep your eyes shut!

Facial to Improve Acne:
This facial was famous when I was younger.  Whip up 2 egg whites.  Add the juice of one lemon, or about a slight tbsn.  Spread on face and wait 30 minutes.  The egg whites work to clean the oil from the pores, and the lemon juice provides vitamin C to your skin.  Rinse in warm water, then close your pores with cold water

Enjoy your skin renewal treatments and let me know how they work for YOU!

How to Tell if Your Vitamin D is Low...without Going to the Doctor

Dr. Oz gave us all a great way to self-test for Vitamin D deficiency last week and anyone can do this.  Take your thumb and press it somewhat hard on the center of your breastbone.  If you feel pain, it is a sign that your bones are deficient in Vitamin D.  Vitamin D3 supplements are readily available, and if you are deficient you need to immediately "boost" your levels with between 5,000 to 10,000 I.U. and after taking this amount for a month, check in with your doctor for a blood test so you know your levels.  I find 10,000 I.U. daily just barely put me on the low side of normal, and in 2006 I suffered a clinical deficiency that was misdiagnosed for polymyalgia rheumatica.  It was almost a year of suffering until I went to a different doctor who looked for the root cause of the pain.

Take a stoll through an arboretum for your health

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where there is a public garden or arboretum, this time of year is especially beautiful with cooler days and a slight wind.  In Dallas, the arboretum is displaying Chihuly glass sculpture and I've managed to embed a slide show (a miricle for technolgy challenged me) and I hope you enjoy it!

Cavities...caused by bacteria....who knew?

My mother was a big fan of Listerine.  Now I read that cavities are caused by bacteria.  Germs....they were the culprit for the cavities suffered by many of my friends. I was lucky, I never had any until I became an adult.  I kissed my boyfriend...next thing you know, I have a cavity in college.  Who knew?  My mom!  She told me cavities are contagious.  Somehow she knew. 

I don't think Listerine is necessarily the answer, but certainly seeing your dentist and keeping an eye on plaque build up cannot hurt. 

Check out the recent article from Life Extension Foundation for the details:

http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=15045&Section=DISEASE&utm_source=DailyHealthBulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Disease&utm_content=Body+ContinueReading&utm_campaign=DHB_120828

Are you eating "clean?"

There is a new term among the fit and healthy!  It's called "clean" eating.  Have you heard it yet?  Clean eating is the art of eating real food, real fresh, and without additives or toxins of any sort.  I'm living in Dallas, TX and it is the land of big!  Our roads are big, our restaurants are big, but unfortunately, it is hard to find "clean" eating in this metroplex. 

The book "The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged" is an excellent book for learning the overall health benefits of eating "clean."  Two weeks on a clean diet and you might find no more sinus headaches (from preservatives), no more aches and pains (from hidden preservatives), and an overall feeling of better energy and clearing thinking.  You can find this book at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Clean-Diet-Recharged-Lasting-Better/dp/1552100677/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346204321&sr=1-3&keywords=clean+eating

If you want to reach further into healthy eating, try the art of Paleo...the caveman diet!  Eating "clean" and "Paleo" has to be an awesome combination!  Try it and let me know!

Your blender - your best friend

I am experimenting with the ability to show some of my favorite products, and you can click on them and see what they might add to your juicing experience!  To your health!

Non-GMO Food Guide Available

No matter where you look, genetically modified foods are getting the thumbs down from around the world.  Many European countries have actually outlawed Monsanto's products.  Finally, via Dr. Mercola, there is a food guide to how to avoid GMO foods.

The bad news...if you eat out, you are eating GMO food. 

Here's the link for the guide:
http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/GMObrochure.pdf

Radiation from Fukishima Found in Tuna off California Coast

Ninja Xl BlenderThe news this weekend was not good for us sushi lovers!  Many of us going gluten free, and watching our intake (or eliminating) red meat, rely on a good sushi dinner and in particular, tuna for the protein intake requirements.  I'm certain more information will come out on this, but until then, we have reports from California with the details.

The report:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47594461/ns/local_news-los_angeles_ca/#.T8Tc68WwVJc

The recommendation:
Although the amounts found in the tuna are in the "safe" zone, it might be prudent to reduce or eliminate the intake of the large fish found off the coast of Japan until further information is available.  The thyroid gland is especially sensitive to radiation.  If you believe you are particularly prone to exposure to radiation due to your location (travel to Japan, etc.) you might look into the protection offered from iodine.  The CDC has this report on the use:  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp

Taking Charge of Your Health - Blood Testing without a Doctor

You do not have to rely on your doctor for blood screening for your overall health.  Many people do not have time to schedule an appointment, wait in the doctor's office, then get a lab slip and go to the lab...wait again, just to get their annual blood testing that reveals their overall health.  Life Extension Foundation (www.lef.org) provides blood testing at very good rates.  For example, the Male or Female Life Extension Panel tests CBC/Chemistry Profile, DHEA-S, Estradios (PSA for men), Homocysteine, C-Reactive Protein, hormones depending on male/female, TSH for thyroid, and Vitamin D.  Member prices are $199.  Additional tests are available for Coenzyme Q10, Food Safe Allergy tests, heavy metals, as an example.

Why choose tests that aren't covered by insurance?  In many instances, insurance will not cover a full panel of testing unless there is "cause."  This creates a chicken-egg scenario because you want to know if there is a problem before you get sick.  Nip all this in the bud by ordering your own testing, and taking any negative results to your doctor for followup.

A Shopping LIst for You from Dr. Oz

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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