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Hidden Hazards in Milk.
The Nutrition for Optimal Health Association (NOHA), an organization I have been involved with for decades, published an incredible piece
in their Winter Newsletter, NOHA News. It is a summary of the recent book written by world renowned University of Chicago Professor Samuel S.
Epstein entitled, What's in Your Milk? An Expose of Industry and Government Cover-Up on the Dangers of the Genetically Engineered (rBGH) Milk
You're Drinking.
Here are a few of the shocking revelations:
- Cows treated with rBGH are seriously stressed, have chronic mastitis - infection of the udder - giving pus in their milk. To treat mastitis, the cows are given antibiotics, which are passed onto humans in the milk.
- Milk from rBGH cows have much higher levels of natural Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) and is not destroyed during pasteurization. Research suggests an association between increased blood levels of IGF-1 and increased risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
- The nutritional quality of rBGH milk is altered by an increase in saturated fat and less casein protein.
- rBGH milk produced at Monsanto's plant was reportedly contaminated with Staphylococcus, the antibiotic-resistant superbug that has been infecting hospitals at an alarming rate.
- Another contaminant reported to be found at the Monsanto plant was Propioni-bacterium acnes, a common cause of pimples (acne).
Food for the Winter Doldrums.
According to recent research, serotonin levels (mood-boosting hormones) drop 40 percent during the winter months. Here are some
foods that can help stem the serotonin freefall:
- Avocado
- Dark Chocolate
- Watermelon
- Turkey
- Fatty Fish or Cod Liver Oil
- Omega-3 Eggs
- Walnuts
A supplement that I recommend sparingly to boost serotonin is 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), a naturally occurring amino acid precursor. However, this should only be taken under the direction of a licensed health professional and should not be taken if on neurologic or antidepressant medication.
Valentine's Day Tip.
Valentine's Day for most means CHOCOLATE! Make it a guiltless event by purchasing dark chocolate for your loved ones.
Chocolate that contains 70% or more cocoa content is actually healthy because of its high antioxidant content, low glycemic index, and magnesium/mood boosting effect.
February Heart Health Sale.
20% OFF nutrients that promote healthy heart function:Metagenics CoQ10ST & ST-100 Co-Enzyme Q10 plays a crucial role in energizing the cell. No organ requires more energy than the heart. Lifestyle choices and medications such as statins have been shown to deplete CoQ10 stores.
Metagenics EPA/DHA Extra Strength Recent research in AmJCN showed that fish oil and plant sterols together may be more effective in reducing CVD risk than fish oil alone.
Metagenics Insinase Patented product that promotes healthy insulin levels by regulating inflammatory cytokines.
Metagenics Meta-Sitosterol 2.0 Plant sterol esters and plant stanol esters may reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Metagenics Vasotensin Bonito fish protein may promote healthy blood pressure.
Twinlab Daily One Caps no iron A good multivitamin is the foundation for your nutrient regimen.
Fatigue Update.
I recently attended a conference on Chronic Fatigue. I was pleasantly surprised with their findings. Here are some highlights:
- The #1 lifestyle suggestion was dietary: balancing meals (lean protein, healthy fat, low glycemic carbohydrates) and reducing portion sizes.
- The #1 nutrient to treat fatigue is magnesium.
- Other lifestyle suggestions included implementing safe detoxification techniques, reducing inflammation, balancing blood sugar, and balancing fatty acids.
- Other important nutrients suggested were EPA/DHA fatty acids, Lipoic Acid, and Co-Enzyme Q10.
Gum to Prevent Tooth Decay?
After a nice discussion with our family dentist this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised to hear her lauding the benefits of
chewing xylitol gum, especially for kids (it has also been shown to reduce susceptibility to ear infections).According to her, outside of fluoride treatment, chewing gum with xylitol is the only trusted antimicrobial to fight tooth decay and cavities. She recommends chewing two pieces daily.
Xylitol is one of the only alternative sweeteners (besides stevia) that we endorse consuming in moderation.
One problem many of our clients have is that 99% of the xylitol products are derived from corn, to which many are sensitive digestively. However,
we carry a brand called Xylichew that extracts xylitol from birch bark, which is allergically benign.
If you chew xylitol gum, make sure that it does not contain other sugars, alternative sweeteners, artificial colors or flavors (it renders the xylitol
useless).
While the battle rages on regarding the safety and efficacy of treating our water supply with fluoride as well as in dental products, xylitol is a
wise additional preventative.
Jay Robb Egg White Protein Powder Recalled.
Jay Robb, the maker of Egg by Jay Egg White Protein powder, notified us that they have recalled all egg white products in all flavors and
sizes because traces of dairy were found.
Jay Robb estimates that a new, untainted, batch of product will be available in mid-March. For those who are dairy allergic, discontinue the product and contact Jay Robb at 877-JAY-ROBB for a refund. For a temporary replacement, we recommend Nutribiotic Rice Protein (well-tolerated for anybody who is not rice sensitive) or Metagenics Bio Pure Protein (well tolerated for anyone who is not dairy-allergic).
Response to Article on Dietary Supplements - Part II
In case you missed the last update, we responded to a poorly researched New York Times article entitled,
"Dietary Supplement Safety: Some Disquieting Data."
It seems our response was on the mark. The reporter made a gargantuan error that was revealed in a "Correction" February 6th.
The Times editors said the writer reported 125,595 incidents of poisonings in 2005 related to vitamins, minerals, essential oils, herbs, and other
supplements. However, the American Association of Poison Control Centers wanted to clarify that the 125,595 were "exposures," not
poisonings.
Exposures can be actual or potential exposures to a substance, which can result in unknown or benign outcomes, rather than adverse outcomes. The
database has no category for poisonings.
The AAPCC stated the number of adverse reactions in 2005 were only 5,334. A big difference.
Why are Healthy, Thirty-Something's Dropping Dead?
In case you missed the last update, you have heard me talk about magnesium countless times. It is the most important nutrient I
recommend. I am creating awareness yet again, because recently, I have heard about too many healthy thirty-somethings, be it family friends, or
friends/acquaintances of clients, who have died suddenly engaging in rigorous exercise (basketball and marathons, for example). All of the deaths had
a similar theme: cardiac related...reason for death, inconclusive.
February happens to be Heart Health Month, so there is no better time to reiterate the importance of magnesium.
Nutritional Concepts, Inc.