VITAMIN D-3…DO I NEED IT?

Q.    Why do I need to take Vitamin D?  For years I heard too much of it was a bad thing.  Now, from what I read, I can’t get enough! 

Joseph P.

A.  Vitamin D (specifically D-3) is the only vitamin the body can manufacture from sunlight (UVB).  Yet with today’s indoor living and the extensive use of sunscreens due to concern about skin cancer, we are now a society with millions of folks deficient in life-sustaining, bone building and immune modulating vitamin D-3. 

For more than a century, scientists have recognized that vitamin D-3 is involved in supporting bone health.  Research has continued to accumulate, documenting D-3’s role in reduction of the risk of fractures to a significant degree.  The latest research, however, shows that a vitamin D-3 deficiency is linked to a surprising number of other health conditions.  These conditions could include depression, back pain, cancer, both insulin resistance and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, impaired immunity and macular degeneration.

You are correct, for years we were told that vitamin D was essentially the same as the other fat soluble nutrients (vitamins A, D, E & K) and to be careful not to overdose.  Due to modern technological research, this recommendation has changed.  Vitamin D-3 research has shown that most of us need from 1000 to 5000 units of the nutrient daily for “optimal” health.

Vitamin D-3 (at the above recommended dosages) is available at most health food stores, drug stores and online retailers.  D-3 is also available in a variety of forms ranging from capsules to sub-lingual spray bottles.

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

STRONTIUM…SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING FROM COMICS?

Q.    My Doc. says that I have inherited my Mom’s brittle bone disease.  I figured he would want me to take more or better calcium but instead he wants me to take strontium.  What the heck is strontium?  Is it safe?  Where do I get it?

Cindy L.

A.  The name STRONTIUM sounds like something from the super hero comics.  In truth, strontium seldom gets the press that calcium does but may be just as vital to your bone tinsel strength.  Recent research is showing that strontium may be the “missing link” when combined with calcium for bone strength and health.  As a result of this research more and more manufacturers are including strontium in their nutritional bone formulas. 

Strontium is a naturally occurring mineral present in water and food.  The influence of strontium on bone metabolism has been researched since the 1950’s.  This research has shown that strontium has an affinity for bone and is taken up at the bone matrix crystal surface.    Studies also show that strontium positively affects bone metabolism by promoting bone formation and a marked decrease in bone re-sorption, leading to normalized bone density.

Most supplement manufacturers are combining strontium citrate along with their calcium.  Strontium citrate is also a naturally occurring compound supplying stable strontium that is safe and suitable for consumption as a dietary supplement.

Strontium can be purchased in supplement form either alone or in combination.   These formulas are available in most health food stores or online retailers.  

 

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

DOES ZINC CURE THE COMMON COLD?

Q.    Does Zinc really help a cold or boost your immune system? If so what kind and how much?

Cheryl S.

A.  This year over 62 million of us will get sick with a cold.  80 percent of those will be school age children.  Back in the late 1980’s it was discovered partly by accident that one specific form of zinc…ZINC GLUCONATE was able to surround and destroy 9 out of 10 rhino viruses.  Vitamin supplement manufacturers ran with this research and created supplements such as Cold-Ez , Cold-B-gone etc.  Since their main market was kids, they had to provide the zinc using a “kid friendly” delivery system.  By the early 1990’s zinc gluconate LOZENGES were everywhere.

A 2011 research report from the Cochrane Collaboration (the most extensive research on zinc gluconate to date) revealed the following: 

1.  Zinc administered within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people.

2.  When supplemented for at least five months, it reduces cold incidence, school absenteeism and prescription of antibiotics in children.

3.  There is potential for zinc lozenges to produce side effects.

I do believe zinc lozenges work to increase your immune response and ward off infection.  The only problem I have found is trying to find one that doesn't leave a metallic taste in my mouth.

 

If you already have an infection, I would recommend 3 lozenges per day, take one every 4 hours.  As a preventative I would suggest 1 lozenge every other day.  Don’t maintain a high dosage for an extended period of time as too much zinc can cause an imbalance in other minerals.

Most zinc lozenges are running from 100 to 200 mg. per lozenge and can be purchased from any health food store, drug store or online retailer.

  

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

HERB “BERBERINE” MAY CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES!

Q.    What can you tell me about Berberine?  Believe it or not, my Dr. (endocrinologist) wants me to try this herb before he puts me on meds.  Is it safe?   

Michael T. L.

A.  Its uplifting to see that your Dr. is forward thinking and enlightened towards alternative medications.  From my experience, this is a rarity for the endocrinology branch of medicine.  Hopefully more physicians will take heart and follow this same alternative route.

The herb Berberine can be extracted from several different plant sources such as Oregon Grape, Turmeric or even Coptic Goldenthread.  This bitter tasting, crystalline substance has been used for more than 2500 years in both ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine to prevent infectious disease such as the plague.   

According to Healthline.com most recent studies have shown that berberine may play a significant role in controlling and treating modern diabetes.  In 2006, studies on diabetic animals using berberine showed surprising results in lowering A1c (insulin blood level marker) levels by over 8 percent.  This same group also had a significant reduction in “fasting insulin” by a whopping 29 percent.  Another 2010 Chinese study had similar results.  It is believed that berberine may help treat type 2 diabetes by decreasing the concentration of free fatty acids in the blood.

According to WebMD.com berberine is safe for most adults.  However, having sold berberine for several years we have found that it can act as a rather strong blood thinner.  If you decide to go the berberine route please keep yourself monitored by your physician.  Berberine capsules and liquid can be purchased from most health food stores and online retailers.

Resources:  Healthline.com, WebMD.com

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

THE DIGESTIVE DOUBLE WHAMMY!

Q.    Hi, I read your AMV posts and blogs all of the time.  I like your insight and relevancy.  Question…I am 38, eat well and work out 3 times per week, but gas and bloating is driving me nuts!  I tried Beano.  It helped for a while but then seemed useless.  Any suggestions?

Chris J.

A.  Your digestive system is getting the double whammy.  As most of us age, our ability to digest the fiber in foods that are usually considered healthy decreases.  These high fiber foods contain a rich source of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, seeds, legumes, fruit etc.) which are also more difficult to digest.  The fiber combined with the complex carbs. is probably causing your persistent gas and bloating.

Beano is inexpensive and easily available but contains a very low potency of enzymes required to break down these foods.  Beano can work but regular usage you can also quickly reach a level of tolerance therefore rendering it less and less effective.  Enzymedica Inc. has recently released a product called BEAN-ASSIST which contains twice the potency of the main ingredient…Alpha-Galactosidase. 

BEAN-ASSIST is a new release but you should be able to purchase it at your health food store or online very soon.

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

“Asta-ZAN-thin”…NATURES ANTI-INFLAMMATORY!

Q.    What is astaxanthin and what is the proper amount of astaxanthin to take?

Patrick L.

A.  Astaxanthin is a carotenoid substance.  Like beta carotene (found in carrots) astaxanthin causes its host to turn red.  It can be found it the flesh parts of lobster, shrimp, salmon and crab.  It’s also found in red algae and krill, but in very small (trace) amounts.  Astaxanthin has been dubbed the “king of carotenoids” due to its wide range of nutritional applications. 

The buzz on astaxanthin hit the fan when Dr. Oz featured Dr. Joe Mercola on his hit TV show.  It wasn’t yet widely available at pharmacies so literally within hour’s health food stores across the nation sold out of their shelf stock of astaxanthin.

In our bodies astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with a broad rang of uses.  Some of the most recent research has shown us that astaxanthin can be used for the following:

1.  PAIN RELIEF & INFLAMATION:  Even though it's 100 percent natural, astaxanthin works like some prescription analgesics, but without the risk of addiction, GI bleeds or heartburn. 

2.  HELPS FIGHT FATIGUE:  Pure, natural astaxanthin is indicated for recovery of muscles, better endurance, and enhanced strength and improved energy levels.

3.  EYE SUPPORT:  Studies have shown it to help diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye strain and fatigue and seeing in fine detail. 

4.  OXYGEN QUENCHING ANTIOXIDANT:  2007 study found astaxanthin was 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than green tea catechins and 75 times stronger than alpha lipoic acid.

5.  SKIN PROTECTION:  Astaxanthin penetrates the skin cells and reduces UVA damage. Think of it as an internal sunscreen. 

To get a decent potency of astaxanthin you would have to eat over 6 oz. of “wild pacific salmon” daily or scarf down 328 lbs. of North Atlantic krill.  Krill oil capsules have naturally occurring astaxanthin but not enough to see the benefits listed above.  Go to your health food store and purchase a 10 or 12 mg. astaxanthin capsule and take it daily.  Consistency is the key.

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

KRILL...MINI SHRIMP CONTAIN NUTRITIONAL WALLOP!

Q.    I'm just about to purchase Krill oil, as I've seen and read many good things about it.  My question is this, is it better than the other fish oils?  Any particular brand you suggest?  Thank you so much and continued success to you!

Patrick L.

A.  Krill oil is extracted from the tail region of the tiny (krill) crustacean.  It looks like a miniature shrimp and is found in abundance in the cleanest and most pristine parts of the North Atlantic Ocean. 

It was discovered about twenty years ago that this “whale food” packs a decent wallop of nutrition.  So much so that krill oil has emerged as the nutritional leader in omega-3 supplementation.  As with fish oil, krill oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.  However, unlike most other fish oils krill was found to contain fairly high levels of antioxidants (especially astaxanthin).  For us, the consumer this nutritional aspect is a home run.  For supplement manufacturers this little shrimp was a dream come true.  Fish oil in the capsule can go rancid over time.  These antioxidants in krill act as near perfect and naturally occurring preservatives.  Even the oil based krill in the capsule. 

A 2007 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that 300 mg daily supplementation of krill oil resulted in significant decreases in inflammation and arthritic symptoms in cardiac and arthritis patients.  Other studies have found that krill oil works as effectively as omega-3s from other sources, yet at a much lower dose.  Furthermore, krill oil has been found to raise our good HDL cholesterol and lower our triglycerides as well.

The majority of the world’s supply of “raw material” krill oil comes from one major Japanese supplier.  All of the supplement manufacturers are buying the same raw material from the same source so brand isn't really a concern.

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.