According to a new study coming out of Canada, Vitamin d supplements have shown the ability to counter the negative effects associated with Crohn’s disease.
A team of researchers from McGill University Health Centre in Montreal suggest that if you suffer from Crohn’s Disease, having a deficiency in vitamin d can actually make it worse. To help with Crohn’s, it is suggested you get more sun or take a supplement to help fight off the deficiency.
Marc J. Servant, professor and collaborator on this project:
“This discovery is exciting, since it shows how an over-the-counter supplement such as Vitamin D could help people defend themselves against Crohn’s disease. We have identified a new treatment avenue for people with Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel diseases.”
Continue reading: “New Research: Vitamin D Supplements could help fight Crohn’s Disease”
Lead researchers from a University of Rochester study presented a disturbing study that found that chemicals in many common household plastics may be altering male hormones in the brains of baby boys. This represents more evidence directly linking chemicals in plastics to harmful effects in humans.
Published recently in the International Journal of Andrology, the report is a clear indication of the dangers of a plastic chemical additive, called phthalates. These additives are commonly added to vinyl flooring, PVC shower curtains and many other every-day products.
The Study
It is a well-known fact that boys have different hormonal compositions than girls. These “male hormones” drive specific types of actions in young boys associated with “rough-and-tumble,” play-fighting behavior.
When these hormonal chemicals are altered, researchers have noted that boys begin to play more like little girls. This may be related to the fact that phthalates cause male hormones to behave more like the female hormone, estrogen, and therefore may reduce the male drive to “play rough.”
Dr. Shanna Swan is a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and environmental medicine, as well as director of the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology at the University of Rochester. She was also the lead scientist looking into phthalate composition in urine samples of pregnant mothers. This study took the incidence of phthalates in mothers, and compared them to behavioral play in their children.
Continue reading: “Study: Chemicals Found in Common Plastics may be “Feminizing” to Boys”
We have all heard about how important calcium is for maintaining healthy bones, muscles and nerves. We also may be aware of the role calcium plays in inter-cellular communications. But many are unaware that the common American daily diet is not offering enough calcium. Sadly, this calcium that is lacking from our diet is then slowly leeched from the bones, creating a plethora of joint and bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
Many people realize that they need more calcium, and make the conscious choice to take calcium supplements, but are still unaware of the different forms of calcium being sold on the market today. Which forms of supplements are actually being absorbed by the body? Which types of calcium actually make their way into penetrating the cellular membrane?
Hopefully this will help you understand the different types of calcium currently on the supplemental market.
Continue reading: “Understanding Calcium: The Best Forms of Calcium Supplements”
Many consumers are unaware that different cell phones emit different amounts of harmful radiation, particularly when used closed to the ear and head. And, the debate as to whether radiation from these cell phones can be directly linked to cancer has been circulating for years.
Recent reports from the watchdog agency, the Environmental Working Group, show that cellphone radiation levels may vary widely according to brands, and that some phones may be dangerously high. This comes as additional clarification on reports from the EWG showing that individuals using cellphones for over ten years may have higher cancer risk than those who have not been using phones.
On the other end of the fence is the CTIA, a cellphone industry lobbying group, which fully denies the link between radiation and harmful health effects, stating that “scientific evidence has overwhelmingly indicated that wireless devices do not pose risk.”
Within these two ranges of differing opinions, what are we, the consumer, supposed to believe?
Perhaps the better questions is to ask ourselves, “Within the on-going debate and emerging research, is it helpful to know which cell phones are emitting high amounts of radiation?” The answer is an emphatic, “yes.”
Continue reading: “Study: Cell Phone Radiation May Vary According to Brand”
Everyday, we are bombarded with heavy metals and chemicals that can have a negative affect on our health. This can include the development of cancer, as well as many other diseases. There are things you can do to prevent these heavy metals from affecting your overall health. I personally recommend doing a heavy metal cleanse with Zeotrex.
- One out of every ten women of childbearing age has dangerously high concentrations of mercury “…within one tenth of potentially hazardous levels” in their bloodstream.[1]
- Many people have developed colitis from chronic ingestion of mercury-containing laxatives.
- Industrial contaminants (such as dioxins, PCBs, and mercury), microbial contaminants (such as E. coli), and natural contaminants (such as aflatoxin) [can be found in foods].”[2 (PDF)]
- “In 1994, 62% of all food samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP) had detectable levels of at least one pesticide.”[2 (PDF)]
- “PDP data from 1994-96 … [stated 25] percent of the food samples tested had detectable levels of carcinogenic (cancer causing) pesticides, and 34%” possessed detectable levels of neurotoxic pesticides.[2 (PDF)]
- Some studies estimate 99% of the breastmilk in women residing in the United States contains measurable levels of DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane), the first modern toxic chemical pesticide.
- In the United States, eight times more antibiotics are used for the livestock industry than for human inoculation against disease.[3]
- In a study where pigs were fed large amounts of synthetic B vitamins, the pigs produced sterile offspring. Synthetic vitamins provide no nutritional value-they are poisonous!
- Chlorine, acetone peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, and nitrogen dioxide are the most common oxidizing agents used during white flour processing in the production of white bread.
- The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nutritional lobbying group, claims that sodium chloride (common table salt) could be “…the single deadliest ingredient in the food supply.”[4 (PDF)]
- MSG is a toxic substance and causes adverse reactions, brain lesions, endocrine disorders, and other negative health problems.”[5]
- “The chemical, acrylamide, which is used industrially in the manufacturing of some plastics, is also apparently formed by the heating of starches. Foods with especially high levels of the chemical included French fries, potato chips and crackers.”
- An alarming study published in the American Journal of Public Health estimates a 95% risk of developing cancer from regular consumption of chlorinated tap water![6 (PDF)]
- After being inside the body for 20 minutes, Aspartame begins breaking down from its original compound into methanol, formaldehyde (a Class-A carcinogen used to embalm corpses) and formic acid (ant venom).
- Over 70% of the world’s coffee supply is contaminated with toxic pesticides and chemicals. It’s estimated that just one cup of coffee contains more than 2,000 chemicals, many of which are gastrointestinal irritants and cancer-causing agents. Also, the high heat used in roasting coffee beans causes the natural oils to turn rancid, further contributing to its chemical load.
- Playing and crawling on a typical floor exposes babies to contaminants such as dust mites, mold and mildew. Just one day of exposure introduces the equivalent of four cigarettes into an infant’s lungs.[7]
- “Every year, indoor air pollution is responsible for the death of 1.6 million people – that’s one death every 20 seconds… due to pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease and lung cancer…”[7]
- The EPA lists over eighty “regulated” contaminants found in tap water such as chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, and numerous pesticides. This figure doesn’t even include unregulated toxins such as perchlorate (a chemical found in rocket fuel!).
- The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates “…as many as 56 million people in the 25 states reviewed by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency … have been drinking water with unsafe levels of arsenic…”![8] Arsenic is the number 1 cancer causing agent!
- Bottled water, infant formulas, toothpaste, mouthwash and even vitamin supplements, now contain fluoride! Fluorides are more toxic than lead and only slightly less poisonous than arsenic.
Continue reading: “20 Reasons Why You Need A Chemical & Heavy Metal Cleanse”
You may be familiar with the human body’s need for calcium. Calcium enables us to have strong bones and prevents bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis. But depleted calcium levels in your body spans far beyond the scope of weakened bones.
Studies done at the Osteoporosis Research Center at Creighton University have found that calcium plays a major role in a multitude of the body’s functions. And unfortunately, estimates from federal health statistics show that only 20% of Americans are getting the levels of calcium required for proper body function, especially those involving the heart and the circulatory system.
Research shows that calcium can also aid in the prevention of weight gain, as well as the maintenance of healthy weight levels.
When the body does not receive enough calcium, it enters emergency starvation mode, and begins to leach calcium into the bloodstream. The hormones involved in stimulating this response (parathyroid hormone and calcitriol) are also responsible for stimulating and storing our fat cells.
Adequate amounts of calcium also ensures healthy hair, nails and teeth. Without enough dietary calcium, the body will begin to extract it from the bones in the body. Good levels of calcium in the body is also very important for growing children and teenagers, and studies show that it may reduce the risks of osteoporosis in the later stages of life.
Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Calcium Orotate”
Zinc Orotate is a mineral salt found in the human body in trace amounts. Discovered by Dr. Hans Nieper, each molecule of zinc orotate is composed of two molecules of orotic acid and one zinc atom.
This innovative German doctor found that this particular form of zinc was more readily absorbed by the human body, and thus was more indicative for the treatment and prevention of disease. Nieper also showed that zinc orotate, when compared to zinc carbonates, chlorides and sulfates, provided increased bioavailability in the body.
Many of us are aware that zinc is an essential element for not only humans, but all living things. But what few of us are aware of is the fact that many forms of zinc supplementation are not absorbed within the cellular membrane.
Research shows that zinc orotate, which is essentially a chelated form of zinc, has the ability to enhance absorption through cellular membranes.
Continue reading: “The Benefits of Zinc Orotates”
Iodine is an essential element for a vibrant and radiant body. It is a key player in the integrity of our DNA, it boosts the immune system, keeps our metabolism in balance, and even aids cardiovascular health. Many of us are suffering from “iodine deficiency,” even in our ultra-modern times.
In fact, estimates show that more than half of the US population may be deficient in iodine. Studies show lower incidences of breast cancer and fibrocystic disease in women who had higher iodine levels. If we look at the amount of iodine typically consumed by the modern American (240 micrograms (µg) of iodine a day) with amounts in Japan (12,000 µg), a country typically associated with lower rates of breast cancer, we may be witnessing a startling lack.
What is more, iodine plays an important role in the function of the thyroid gland, particularly in the creation of the hormones T3 and T4, which are important for the body’s ability to regulate its own metabolism.
More than thyroid help, iodine is also critical for many other basic physical functions, including the body’s detoxification process from the negative effects of environmental and radiation pollution. Lack of iodine can also lead to emotional disorders, malfunctioning glandular systems, and weight gain associated with hormonal imbalance. Dr. David Brownstein also believes that iodine deficiency may be linked to breast, ovarian, uterus and prostrate cancers and cysts.
Below I overview several forms of iodine supplements, citing many advantages and disadvantages to each:
Continue reading: “Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use”
Colic is a mysterious, frustrating and exhausting condition for both infants and parents. Months or years spent raising a colicky child are fraught with sleepless nights and nearly endless screaming. You may think it will never end, but here are some colic remedies that may help.
The exact causes of colic in infants is controversial and the condition is thought to be aggravated by a variety of things, including:
- Food allergies (especially to dairy and soy formulas)
- Underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract
- Emotional stress
- General fussiness
- Vaccinations
The best way to figure out if your childs discomfort is caused by a food allergy is to use an elimination diet.
If the baby is switching to solid food for the first time this can be rather simple, if you are breastfeeding it may take some more effort. In order to use the elimination diet you have to remove all dairy and wheat products, some vegetables (legumes) and fruits, and all sugars. Once you have removed all of these foods for 30 days you can slowly start adding foods back in to see if the symptoms come back.
Of course if you believe that the colic is being caused by an inability to digest lactose or other particular group, then the obvious solution is to reduce your infant’s intake of foods in that group (or yours, if you are breastfeeding). The elimination diet is inconvenient and can be expensive, if you end up throwing out 90% of your pantry, but it is the most effective way of eliminating discomfort that comes from a food allergy. Luckily, this is only one of many colic remdies you can try for your infant or toddler.
Continue reading: “Natural Remedies for Colic in Infants”
No one likes the looks of ugly toenail fungus. Brittle, distorted and discolored toenails can be the source of major insecurity for many people, as well as a real hassle to get rid of. This form of fungus can be extremely difficult to treat, as oftentimes several forms of fungus are present in the infected toenail simultaneously.
Lets start by defining toenail fungus, listing its major causes and symptoms, as well as information on how you can naturally and effectively prevent and reduce these types of infections.
Continue reading: “The Signs of Toenail Fungus: Do You know if your feet are infected?”
