July 15, 2009

Use It (your body) or Lose It (your mind)!

Fit Body, Fit Mind? Your Workout Makes You Smarter

So you want to be smarter? Then exercise your body together with your brain for overall better results. A study released in Scientific American, reports of the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. If you find yourself struggling to break through a mental block, try exercising to break down that barrier and get your mind fit as well as your body. There are three key concepts explained below that should help spur you to add consistent, moderate exercise to your daily regime. On a personal note, I have found that when I am struggling to overcome a mental block, I take a long walk or a hike in the nearby mountains and let my subconscious mind go to work. on the issue. This has proven incredibly beneficial; the only real problem is that I can lose myself to thought so much I can find myself exercising into my work time! A healthy body and health mind can be achieved at the same time, try it for yourself and reap the benefits.

*Below are the key concepts from the article.


Key Concepts
  • We are used to thinking of intelligence as largely a matter of genetic inheritance, but that is not the whole picture. What you do affects your mental well-being: staying physically and mentally active helps us stay sharp as we age.
  • Nevertheless, our personal efforts to bolster cognitive enhancement cannot forestall all declines in our cognitive performance.
  • What is especially surprising is the powerful link between physical activity and mental acuity. Staying fit helps us keep cognition more robust as well.

    Sources:
    Scientific American magazine
    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fit-body-fit-mind

    by Derek Burreson

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:36 AM |

July 07, 2009

B.O......Uh Oh.

During summer when we tend to be active in the heat, we can face problems of being a sweaty mess.  That's one thing, but staving off B.O. is another.  Discovering what causes B.O. in the first place may give us answers as to how to control it.  Underarm odor in particular is not caused simply by perspiration.  Perspiration by itself is generally odorless.  Notice that the sweat on your face or other parts of the body doesn't really have a stench.  When sweat is in a confined, damp area it decomposes and causes odor-causing bacteria to form.  When this combines with the body's natural salt and uric acid, it can bring about odor.  So, keeping perspiration at bay, and using a deodorant to "mask" the potential odors is the most common way to say "no to B.O."

by Cindy Burreson 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:44 AM |

July 06, 2009

It’s So Easy Being Green (Tea)

Green Tea Could Delay Prostate Cancer: U.S. study

Green tea, a great alternative to the cup of java to get our morning started but here is some helpful information to its other benefits as well. In the great reference book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, green tea is said to have *antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral health-enhancing properties.
According to a recent research article, it’s reported the active antioxidant compounds in green tea have shown to slow down the progression of prostate cancer. The testing is in its early stages but it looks promising. The article goes on to state that Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. The American Cancer Society projects prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 192,280 men and will kill 27,360 in 2009. These are some scary statistics, but it’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Whether you enjoy drinking your green tea or through supplements, it can be a healthful addition as part of an overall nutrition plan that includes multiple-antioxidants that can work synergistically to support the body.

Source:
(Reporting by I-Ching Ng; Editing by Maggie Fox and Eric Walsh)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090619/hl_nm/us_cancer_tea_1

* Though green tea has shown to have antioxidant properties, the FDA currently does not recognize it as an “antioxidant” for marketing and label claims.
by Derek Burreson

 

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:42 AM |

July 03, 2009

Do You Mean Drinking Red Wine Can Actually be Good for Me?

Red Wine Compound Resveratrol Demonstrates Significant Health Benefits

If this is music to your ears, hold on; there’s a little more you should know before throwing caution to the wind.
Drinking in moderation has been shown to yield some health benefits, while drinking too much can cause a multitude of health problems. How does red wine have health benefits? It contains polyphenols including one called resveratrol that researchers have identified as having potent antioxidant benefits that act as free radical scavengers in the body. This is the basis of the “French Paradox” which is the observation that the French suffer a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, despite having a diet rich in saturated fats, due to their higher consumption of red wine. There are many studies being conducted on the benefits of consuming moderate amounts of red wine, but confusion still remains with researchers on whether the health benefits extend to beer, white wine or distilled spirits. Resveratrol has shown to have antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties but only vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene are recognized “antioxidants” by the FDA.  In addition to red wine, resveratrol can be found in non-alcoholic beverages and in supplement form as well.

by Derek Burreson

Posted by Derek Burreson at 11:53 AM |

June 30, 2009

Is Botox Just the Beginning?

Marijuana is often labeled as a "gateway" drug.  It is considered a starter drug, that once a tolerance is achieved, many move on to more "serious" drugs.  Botox has been considered the same with regard to the plastic surgery genre.  Botox has become more commonplace, both for it's seeming benefits and it's considered low price. Despite the fact that it is the most toxic protein known, it is used world over in minute quantities to treat muscle spasms. Administered properly, it prevents a muscle from contracting for three to four months at a time, which makes it appealing for those with facial lines and such.  But, what happens when the effects of Botox don't' seem enough anymore?  Many are moving from Botox, to Restalyne, to full-on face lifts.  As I've said before, I am for whatever makes you feel good about yourself, because YOU have to look at yourself in the mirror each day and one's perception of them self is reflected in all aspects of their life.  However, there is something to be said for living a healthy life, and growing old gracefully. 

By Cindy Burreson

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:56 AM |

June 03, 2009

Female Athletes Could be at Increased Health Risks

By Cindy Burreson 

Female athletes such as ballerinas or track participants could be at risk for several health problems such as low bone density and abnormal vascular function according to a new study.  Because these athletes are exerting more energy, but not necessarily eating enough calories to support it or overstressing their bodies, they can develop eating disorders, dehydration, and the cessation of menstruation and other conditions which can lead to additional medical problems.  In the study I read, done on a group of young ballerinas, thirty-six percent of the group had disordered eating habits and 77 percent were in a calorie deficit. Twenty-seven percent were currently amenorrheic, 23 percent had low bone mass density and nine percent were taking birth control.  Arterial ultrasound measurements revealed that 64 percent had abnormal artery dilation in response to blood flow.  It is a catch-22 that being athletic is seemingly healthy, but sometimes the things one does to their body to achieve overall success in athleticism is counterproductive.  As a parent, if your children are involved in sports, encourage them to have healthy diets and exercise programs. 

Source: 

Medical College of Wisconsin. "Ballerinas And Female Athletes Share Quadruple Health Threats." ScienceDaily 31 May 2009. 3 June 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/05/090530094456.htm>.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:33 AM |

June 02, 2009

Are You Waiting For The “Health Pill”?

by Derek Burreson

A study of middle-aged and older Americans who eat right, exercise and keep their weight down has declined substantially in the past two decades. Only 26 percent of Americans ages 40 to 74 said they ate five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day -- down from 42 percent in 1988. When it came to exercise, 43 percent said they worked out at least 12 times per month, versus 53 percent in 1988.
If you fall into this category, what are you waiting for?
Our health is of the greatest importance, but we must make an effort to take responsibility to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Modern medicine has made incredible advances in treating sickness and disease, but our goal should be to do all we can to prevent or prolong it in the first place.  Take an honest look at your health habits today then think about how that may affect you five, ten and even twenty years from now. How does your future look? If you’re not happy with the road you’re on, change it. Make small steps toward a healthier future and give yourself at least ninety days to let your new habits become part of your life style.
The prescription for health lies within you, don’t wait around for a health pill.

Source:
Fewer Americans Following A Healthy Lifestyle
http://health.yahoo.com/news/reuters/us_fewer_lifestyle.html

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:51 AM |

May 28, 2009

Anyone For a Spot of (Green) Tea?

by Derek Burreson

Is coffee or tea a part of your morning ritual to get you going? According to researchers in Japan green tea has been found to be beneficial for your gum health. The antioxidants in the tea help reduce the inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria in the mouth.
Though I like to have a cup of java in the morning perhaps I will try a little spot of tea every now and then. So have some green tea and enjoy; your dentist may thank you.

Source:

Green Tea May protect Gums against Disease

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/NutraIngredients.com/Research/Green-tea-may-protect-gums-against-disease/?c=ysnBbfNQPrK93n%2FCvzoPCw%3D%3D&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily

Posted by Derek Burreson at 09:45 AM |

May 22, 2009

Are We Going to Need a Prescription to Buy Cheerios?

by Derek Burreson

The FDA blasts the cereal maker, General Mills, because of their claim that Cheerios can “lower cholesterol 10 Percent in a month” which makes it a drug. The agency has been increasingly clamping down on many companies that connect their products with treating, curing or preventing diseases.
The advertising and labeling guidelines for natural products are very specific by the agency although it may seem that every health malady now falls under the guise of a “disease”. General Mills may not have thought that “lowering cholesterol 10 percent” fell under the category of a disease claim, but the health products industry has not been helped by companies that have made wild disease claims about their products that prompted the FDA to crack down.
More than likely the cereal maker will have to modify their message a little to come into alignment with the labeling laws and everything will be fine. No prescription needed to eat your daily bowl of Cheerios.

Source:
http://wcbstv.com/health/cheerios.general.mills.2.1007986.html

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:13 AM |

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

by Cindy Burreson

 But....we may also scream at it's effects on our waistline!  Ice cream is a seemingly logical treat in the summer months, but have you ever really taken a look at your favorite ice cream's nutritional contents (or lack thereof)?  Don't be fooled by key marketing words like "organic, healthy ingredients, hormone-free, dairy-free", etc.  Just because an ice cream is ANY of those things, doesn't mean it isn't full of fat and calories.  For example, half a cup of the ever popular "Chubby Hubby" by Ben & Jerry's, contains over 1/3 of your RDA fat intake.  Eat too much of that this summer, and you could be wearing a sash bearing that title!  Many ice creams contain the equivalent of eating an entire fast food meal, so be aware of what you are consuming.  An alternative to traditional ice creams is making homemade Popsicles using fresh fruit juices; they cool you off and are better for you!!! 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:52 AM |

May 21, 2009

Don't Get Bombed at Prom

by Cindy Burreson

Prom season is upon us; a time when parents get excited about finding the "perfect dress" for their daughter, helping pick out and instruct their son on how to pin the corsage without drawing blood, and helping arrange for transportation and such.  It is also a time of worry for parents with the increasing number of teenagers engaging in drinking, sexual activity and drugs.  I remember when I went to prom (ions ago, of course), I was a very good girl.  I wasn't involved in ANY of those things, but it was definitely a night of peer pressure from both my date and friends.  So, how, as a parent can you set your mind at ease that your teenager will "behave"?  The only thing you can do is teach them right from wrong.  The main reason I DIDN'T do those things is because I didn't want to disappoint my mom, but more importantly, my mom taught me the repercussions of those actions.  I read an article today that talked about just that- rather than lecturing your kid, "Use Science to Convince Teens a Sober Prom is Better".  They suggest some things to remind your teenager with regard to alcohol consumption and how it can ruin prom:  1)   Not remembering- this is an important time of their lives and imbibing in alcohol can impair their memories or even cause them to blackout.  2)  Doing things they may not want to do- explain that alcohol can impair their judgment causing them to indulge in risky behaviors they may ordinarily avoid.  It impairs their ability to reason and weigh options.  3)  Fighting- research shows that teens who drink are often more violent than those who don't.  Fighting or damaging property may land you in trouble with the law, let alone with your peers.  4)  Sickness- the repercussions of drinking may not only be felt that evening, but in the days to follow.  Alcohol poisoning is a very real possibility and can lead to death.  Another side note, is the fact that with impaired judgment, one may be inclined to drive under the influence which could put you, your guests, and others at risk, as well as land you in jail or dead.  All of this may sound extreme, but it's the truth and it's not worth one night of trying to "be cool". 

Source:  Sober Prom Is Better." ScienceDaily 21 May 2009. 21 May 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/05/090520140410.htm>.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:45 AM |

May 13, 2009

Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular pathway may contribute to age related diseases

by Derek Burreson

Oxidative stress on our cells have been shown to be a major factor of many non-germ caused diseases or as they have been called - age related diseases. An article I came across in Science Daily website reports on a  Harvard Medical School study about this oxidative stress in our cells that can cause a build-up of damaging excess free radicals. There have been many studies about the effects of this cellular damage, but what I found quite interesting in the article was the fact that their conclusion seemed to be that these findings may “pave the way for new drugs and diagnostic strategies”.  Our bodies produce free radicals through our cells conversion of oxygen to energy and we combat these with antioxidants, (think of vitamins C, E and beta carotene to be the most recognized) but excess free radicals can damage our cells over time and this is where many problems can be found.
Are drugs needed to mimic the processes of natural antioxidants? That’s an individual choice to be made, but it takes many years of research and millions of dollars to bring a new drug to market. For now I will stick to an antioxidant rich diet and supplementation to give my body the tools to help combat cellular free radical damage.

Source:

Harvard Medical School (2006, June 2). Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular Pathway May Contribute To Age Related Diseases.
ScienceDaily  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060601220956.htm

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:55 PM |

May 08, 2009

Supplements: Are they really necessary?

by Derek Burreson

I came across this article today that I wanted to share that asks if supplements are really necessary. The argument seems to be that if we eat a well a balanced diet, we don’t really need them. The article states that supplements help to bridge the nutritional gap from what our bodies require on a daily basis for proper growth, structure and function and the nutrients we are receiving. In no way should supplements act as replacements for proper nutrition but we should all strive for a healthy balance in our diet. As we put increased demands on our bodies, we will require more nutrients for our biochemical machine to operate properly and supplements are part of that role. 

Source:
Nutraingredients
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/Supplements-Time-to-change-the-nay-saying-record?nocount

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:22 PM |

May 07, 2009

Vitamin D, what you should know

by Derek Burreson

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for our bodies but how do we get enough and where does it come from? It is classed as a fat-soluble vitamin but also has properties as a hormone as well. Adequate amounts in the body are necessary for the absorption and utilization of both calcium and phosphorous. It is important for the development of our bones and teeth, especially for children. It protects against muscle weakness and involved in the regulation of the heartbeat as well as many other important functions.  According to the book of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, usually exposure of the face and arms to the sun for fifteen minutes three times a week is an effective way to ensure you are getting enough. But dark skinned people (because the skin pigment blocks the sunlight) and those living in the upper third of the continental United States experience little or no sunshine during the winter months causing their bodies makes little or no vitamin D at all, meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are seen by many as the best way to boost intakes of vitamin D. Perhaps vitamin D deficiency and “cabin fever” are related…not quite the same, but interesting to think about.
Not all vitamin D is the same and it is available in several forms. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from food sources, D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the skin in response to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays: and vitamin D5 is a synthetic. Of the three, vitamin D3 is considered the natural form and the most active.
Here is another study (click here to read article) of vitamin D and an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits of maintaining healthy levels.
Our bodies need the nutritional tools to function properly and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels can go a long way toward your preventive maintenance routine.     

Sources:
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume 179, Pages 765-771, doi: 10.1164/rccm.200808-1361OC
“Serum Vitamin D Levels and Markers of Severity of Childhood Asthma in Costa Rica”
Authors: J.M. Brehm, J.C. Celedon, M.E. Soto-Quiros, L. Avila, G.M. Hunninghake, E. Forno, D. Laskey, J.S. Sylvia, B.W. Hollis, S.T. Weiss, A.A. Litonjua

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Fourth Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Posted by Derek Burreson at 11:27 AM |

May 06, 2009

CoQ10: Some helpful nutritional information beyond heart health

by Derek Burreson

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is fat-soluble vitamin-like substance produced by the human body and present in every cell that serves several  key enzymatic steps in the production of energy necessary for the basic functioning within the cell. CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels.
It is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods but is particularly high in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts. Levels of CoQ10 in the body can also be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements. It is known to be highly concentrated in heart muscle cells due to the high energy requirements of this cell type.
Heart health certainly is a main focal point of supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), but the antioxidant and protective effects of this nutrient may benefit other areas of your health. As always, I encourage you to eat a wide variety of foods in your daily diet that will help you to get the nutrients necessary for your body to perform properly, though this is easier said than done.

Sources:
National Institute of health:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-coenzymeq10.html

Natural Products Marketplace:
http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/551/coq10--beyond-heart-health.html

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:58 PM |

April 11, 2009

Maybe Now The Hubby Will Dance With Me

by Cindy Burreson

In a new study, it has been shown that dancing has many social, mental and physical benefits for older people.  The study says it can stave off illness and even counteract the common signs of aging.  Jonathan Skinner, a lecturer in Anthropology studied the long-term effects of dancing on the elderly.  He said "I have found that social dancing leads to a continued engagement with life - past, present, and future - and holds the promise for successful ageing. It contributes to the longevity of the dancers, giving them something to enjoy and focus upon - to live for. It alleviates social isolation and quite literally helps take away the aches and pains associated with older age."  That makes sense to me...and I think there is no time like the present to start incorporating habits that are anti-aging....May I have this dance?

Source: <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/04/090401103127.htm>.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 12:00 PM |

March 15, 2009

Get a Kleenex!

by Cindy Burreson

As I go on my walks and hikes for exercise, I see the overabundance of color and smell the sweetness of everything in bloom.  I love this time of year when the sun is shining, the grass is green as can be, and flowers reach to the sky from the pots they've been stuck in through the winter months.  BUT, I don't have sinus problems....so, I thought I would offer up some advice to those of you who sniff and sneeze your way through these lovely spring days.  In most cases, symptom relief makes a big difference in the way that you feel.  A nasal spray can do wonders for keeping your nose moist;  they’ve been shown to significantly reduce nasal symptoms and may help make your nose more resistant to irritants and bacteria.  Using a humidifier can also keep your nose moist, just remember to keep it clean and free from fungus which can worsen your symptoms.  Avoiding the irritants that you are aware of such as smoke, pet dander, grasses, etc seems obvious, but many people put themselves in situations around these things and then wonder why they feel like garbage!  If you have a stuffed nose, using a steamer can loosen the nasal passages and promote drainage.  Something as simple as a hot shower can help tremendously!  OTC decongestants can also help to make your symptoms more bearable too.  For a runny nose, antihistamines are effective, only if the runny nose is caused by allergies.  They have been shown to do little with regard to runny noses from colds, etc.  I find that nasal spray like Afrin works really well for me with drying up my nose; just don't use it for too many days in a row.  Call your doctor if your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days or you have any of the following conditions along with a stuffy or runny nose:
  • Thick nasal discharge (clear, colored, or bloody)
  • Coughing up mucus (clear, colored, or bloody)
  • Headache or facial pain (especially if it is worse when you bend your head forward)
  • Sudden bad breath
  • Fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit lasting more than 3 days
  • History of frequent or recurrent sinus infections

Source: Realage.com

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:54 AM |

March 03, 2009

In 4-diet study, all lost weight if they watched their calories--- The common sense diet!

by Derek Burreson

I came across this article in the Health and Behavior section in USA Today. It states “A landmark study shows that people can lose weight on a variety of diets — including low-fat plans and low-carb ones — as long as they consume fewer calories”. So to break it down a little more, if you burn more calories than you consume, you can lose weight. A diet consists of everything you consume. You can eat a healthy diet or an unhealthy diet. Now I may be pointing out the extremes, but in general if you can find a health balance (all of us being human) we will probably have a better chance of sticking with it. A lot of it will depend on you health goals as well. If you are a bit outside of your healthy weight and you find it difficult to put together a meal plan, than some of these programs may prove helpful in providing direction and discipline toward better eating habits. If you are like me and have a difficult time in following a set plan than it’s important that you are able to ‘self-regulate” your diet, and work out as much as possible. I can always eat more fruits and vegetables and I find at times I start to eat more protein, that’s when my internal voice helps to set me back on my path for balance. Taking care of our health is a life long endeavor and should be the highest on the priority list. Take care of the “temple” and it will take care of you.

Source:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-02-25-diets-calories_N.htm

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:45 PM |

February 20, 2009

Vitamin C Good for Arteries

by Derek Burreson

We know that vitamin C plays an important role in our body, but what kind of role? Well it's involved in at least three hundred metabolic functions including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland functions, healthy gums as well as being an effective antioxidant against excess free radical damage. Vitamin C is essential in the formation of collagen and this helps to strengthen the cell walls of our veins, arteries and capillaries. As we age it's increasingly important to get the nutrients necessary for our bodies to function properly. Even if you are eating a healthy balanced diet our bodies may not have the ability to absorb the nutrients from the foods, so supplentation may become an important addition to your daily diet. Vitamin C also works synergistically with both vitamin E and beta-carotene, thus having an effect greater than they can individually. Our body cannot manufacture vitamin C so it must be obtained through our diet or supplementation and there are also different forms of vitamin C like ascorbic acid or an esterfied form which we will cover in a later post. Please be aware that smoking, alcohol, oral contraceptives and many medications can deplete your levels of vitamin C so be sure you are getting the proper amounts your body needs on a daily basis. The RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) of vitamin C is 60-95mg. This amount may help to ward off scurvy, but many studies have shown that we need a far greater amount even up to 3000mg or more in some cases. Do a little research to determine what is right for you.

Sources:
 http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/vitamin-c-good-for-arteries.html
 Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Fourth Edition   Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/vitcrda.htm

Posted by Derek Burreson at 12:09 PM |

February 16, 2009

Cardiologists Recommend Dietary Supplements for a Healthy Heart

by Derek Burreson

A cardiologist is a physician who is certified to treat problems of the cardiovascular system—the heart, arteries, and veins. Cardiology is classified as an internal medicine subspecialty, so it's fairly safe to say they are pretty familiar with how our hearts work. New research from the “Life ... supplemented” Healthcare Professionals (HCP) Impact Study found 72 percent of U.S. cardiologists recommend dietary supplements to their patients, and more than half (57 percent) take supplements themselves. In an effort to living a healthier lifestyle, taking supplements coupled with moderate exercise and a healthy diet can go a long way toward a healthier life. As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".


Sources:
www.lifesupplemented.org
www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/cardiologists-supplements-heart-health.html

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:22 PM |

February 08, 2009

Vitamin E and Free Radicals- What you should know.

by Derek Burreson

I came across another study in the Natural Products Insider that was done on vitamin E and its beneficial effects against free radicals in the body. You can read the report by clicking the link below, but what is vitamin E and how does it work? Much like vitamin C, vitamin E is a power antioxidant that protects human cells and LDL cholesterol from damage caused by free radicals. According to research, vitamin E is actually a family of eight antioxidant compounds. I will save the specifics for a later post, buy it also protects other fat-soluble vitamins from oxidative damage and aids in the utilization of vitamin A.  The recommended daily intake U.S.R.D.A. for vitamin E is about 22 IU (International Units) up to the maximum upper intake level of 1,500 IU. It is also recommended that you take the natural form of vitamin E which is listed as d-alpha-tocopherol, rrr-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol-acetate or d-alpha-tocopherol succinate. The natural form of vitamin E is better absorbed by the body than the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol, all-alpha-tocopherol). Synthetic is only 67 percent as active as the natural form. So if you are currently taking a supplement that contains vitamin E, check the label to see what form it is and you are getting what you pay for.

Sources: Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Fourth Edition:    Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
               National Institute of Health
               Natural Products Insider
 
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/vitamin-e-fights-free-radicals.html

Posted by Derek Burreson at 01:32 PM |

February 06, 2009

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients? What’s the difference?

by Derek Burreson

We have often seen these terms thrown around to mean the same thing but there is a difference. So what is a phytochemical? Simply it is a compound that is present in plants that make them biologically active. These nutrients are the ones we consume and our bodies utilize that form the foundation for our own biological processes. These compounds become phytonutrients or Nutraceuticals when they are extracted and concentrated into capsules, powders and tablets. The advantage of taking a phytonutraceutical is you can get the beneficial compounds of the plants quickly and easily as opposed to ingesting a large amount of the raw product. But, I have to say that in no way should this be a replacement for eating a good balance of fruits and veggies. There are many extra benefits to a healthy diet and you should not expect that you can utilize supplements to replace the nutrients in unhealthy eating habits. Our bodies require fuel to operate properly in the form of the food we eat. Think of our bodies as a biochemical machine, if we are not getting the proper fuel, it will not run right.
The following link to the U.S.D.A (Department of Agriculture) can help answer more questions you may have about phytonutrients.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=4142   

Posted by Derek Burreson at 12:57 PM |

February 04, 2009

Children & Supplements – Too Much of a Good Thing?

by Derek Burreson

The following article in Natural Products Insider as published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine brings up the question about children and supplementation and the benefits of taking a daily multivitamin. There are many discussions about children and supplements but the fact remains that vitamins, minerals, nutrients and essential fatty acids are important building blocks to a child’s development. This of course goes hand-in-hand with a balanced diet and adequate physical activity. Kids can be picky eaters so how can a parent help to ensure your kids are getting enough nutrients? A good multi may help fill the bill but remember they are called “supplements” and not “replacements”. This goes for adults as well. You cannot achieve optimal health while consuming an unhealthy diet. Balance is the key but it also helps to set a good example for your kids. As we advance in age our nutritional needs become greater especially since we may not be absorbing many of the nutrients we are ingesting. Our bodies will start to send us warning signs that we may be deficient in certain nutrients so it’s important to heed these signals and not just mask symptoms. A balanced diet, physical activity and proper supplementation to cover nutritional shortfalls is not only good for kids but adults as well. 

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/children---supplements---too-much-of-a-good-t.html 

Posted by Derek Burreson at 10:38 AM |

January 13, 2009

Happy New Year!

As 2009 is now upon us it’s important to look forward to the opportunities that await us.
Many changes seem to take place around this time and the Daily Health Bits blog is changing as well. I will be taking over the bulk of entries to continue bringing you informative health information from a variety of sources. No matter what may be happening around us, our personal health should be at the top of the list and it is never too late to start. To break it into simple terms:

1. Eat a balanced diet (diet involves everything you consume, not just something you
     go on)
2. Get adequate exercise
3. Restful sleep is a must
4. Optimal water intake (your body is 70% water, how much are you drinking?)
5. Proper supplementation to cover nutritional shortfalls

These simple steps can help set you on the path to health. But here is the most important point to remember, it often takes effort and commitment by you to get on this path. Often-times people are looking for that “magic bullet” that sets everything right with minimal effort or sacrifice. Have you ever heard of the quote “if you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten”. If you ignore destructive habits and continually do them, what do you think the outcome will be over time? If you want better results then you have to retrain yourself to adopt healthier habits. If you are committed to changing your path then you need enough time to see, feel and condition yourself to this direction. Give yourself and honest ninety days to a new you, make small adjustments and you will retrain your habits into positive benefits that can last a lifetime. Life poses many challenges and you can be faced with great difficulties but I can tell you from my own personal experiences that no matter how great the challenge and I have had many, I have always fallen back on maintaining my personal health and this has translated into strengthening my mental health and overcoming anything in my path. If you can see the opportunities through challenges (they are there) you will become unstoppable. Set your course, blaze your own path and make no excuses…..oh, and don’t forget to have fun doing it!      

Yours in Health,

Derek Burreson  

Posted by Derek Burreson at 11:44 AM |

November 11, 2008

Nothing Less Than 2-Ply

I'm sorry, but there is really no reason to buy anything less than two-ply toilet paper.   Am I right?  We have a friend, who has more money than he knows what to do with, but he insists on buying single ply because it is a better value.  If you are a toilet paper snob, like me, you will be surprised at what our ancestors used to clean their backsides.  Before modern toilet paper was introduced by Joseph Gayetty in 1857, Americans were stuck using corn cobs or mussel shells. Wealthy Romans used a salt-water soaked sponge tied to the end of a stick to get a clean behind, while the Vikings were fans of leftover sheeps' wool. Coconut shells were the bottom cleansers for Hawaiians, the French used bidets and the Japanese used wooden sticks.  This doesn't have a lot to do with health, more with cleanliness and hygiene, but I still thought it was interesting!

 

Source: AOL

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:43 AM |

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The information in this blog is for entertainment and information purposes only and is not meant to replace the relationship between you and a medical professional.  All views are based on my personal experience and research. 

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