On the news last night, some tidbits of information on nutritional supplementation were given. The emphasis was on calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin E. I’d like to expand on the story from a naturopathic perspective beginning with calcium.
Calcium supplementation is typically used for women over the age of 50, for the purpose of osteoporosis prevention. At first glance this is a logical solution. However, osteoporosis is no longer has begun to be understood as a result of calcium loss, as opposed to deficiency. What this means, is that it isn’t so much that our diet does not supply sufficient calcium. Rather, the problem is that we lose much of the calcium that is ingested. How? Well, a diet high in refined carbohyrates including sugar, saturated fats, animal protein and low in mineral rich vegetables causes that calcium in the bones to be leached out to offset this imbalance in the blood stream.
Furthermore, too much calcium supplementation can actually increase one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Surprised? A correlation between calcium supplementation and heart disease has been found by a study conducted by Dr. Ian Reid, a professor of medicine and endocrinology at University of Auckland; this study was published by the British Medical Journal in April of last year. For more details on the study, go to:
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20110419/calcium-supplements-heart-110419/
The Take home message is that without a well-balanced diet, calcium supplementation would not provide the protection against osteoporosis as you may think it does. On the contrary, it can even predispose one to heart attacks. The best way to get adequate calcium into your bones is to get it though dietary sources, where the form of calcium is much more readily absorbed by the body, thereby reducing cardiovascular event risk compared to supplementing with calcium pills.
For information on Magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin E, please check back, I will be discussing those at a later date!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Dirt Is Good For You.
Do you always try your best to keep your house clean by using antibacterial wipes, soaps & dish detergents? Are you especially careful with your children's areas, their dishes, bottles, rooms etc.? Did you ever think that maybe you might be doing more harm than good by over-sterilizing your living space?
According to two recent German studies (involving over 15000 study subjects), children who grow up on farms have less incidences of asthma and allergies compared to children raised in urban environments. This is attributed to the fact that children living on farms are exposed to a much wider variety of microbes compared to those living in urban areas.
More exposure to microorganism early in life stimulates the immune system such that it is less likely to result in hypersensitivity (allergic reactions).
In addition to the above, another reason not to over sterilize your home environment is that the antibacterial cleaners don't kill 100% of the bacteria. The small percent (<1%) of bacteria that are not killed will multiply and create a new strain of bacteria, all of which resistant to these cleaning agents. In other words, by cleaning vigorously with antibacterial products will turn your home into breeding ground for tougher, stronger bacteria, which if infects your body, may not respond to antibiotics!!
For more detailed review of the two studies, you can go to http://dermatology.jwatch.org
According to two recent German studies (involving over 15000 study subjects), children who grow up on farms have less incidences of asthma and allergies compared to children raised in urban environments. This is attributed to the fact that children living on farms are exposed to a much wider variety of microbes compared to those living in urban areas.
More exposure to microorganism early in life stimulates the immune system such that it is less likely to result in hypersensitivity (allergic reactions).
In addition to the above, another reason not to over sterilize your home environment is that the antibacterial cleaners don't kill 100% of the bacteria. The small percent (<1%) of bacteria that are not killed will multiply and create a new strain of bacteria, all of which resistant to these cleaning agents. In other words, by cleaning vigorously with antibacterial products will turn your home into breeding ground for tougher, stronger bacteria, which if infects your body, may not respond to antibiotics!!
For more detailed review of the two studies, you can go to http://dermatology.jwatch.org
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Found To Increase Diabetes Risk
In 2010, The Lancet published a meta-analysis stating that after all stain drug use, there is a small increase of new-onset diabetes (diabetes that wasn't found prior to drug use). Following this finding, the Journal of American College of Cardiology published three more studies which all indicated the same result. Further analysis showed that this risk did not decrease significantly between small doses(10mg/day)vs. higher doses(80mg/day).
Authors of both studies concluded that the benefit of statin drugs far outweight the risks. The trials along with the analysis were sponsored by the manufacturer of atorvastatin.
Neither set of studies took into consideration the option of using the first-line of defense against high cholesterol- lifestyle changes. The group of patients given statin drugs were compared to those given a placebo. The questions come to mind are:
1. What if both groups were told to make lifestyle changes such as health diet and regular exercise, would this help prevent the increased risk of diabetes?
2. Better yet, what if patients who were given the drugs (without lifestyle changes)were compared to those who were NOT given any drugs but do make improvements on dietary habits and daily activity levels?
Take home message (from Lei): don't take drugs unless it's absolutely necessary, because they do pose side effects, some you may not even yet know about.
Authors of both studies concluded that the benefit of statin drugs far outweight the risks. The trials along with the analysis were sponsored by the manufacturer of atorvastatin.
Neither set of studies took into consideration the option of using the first-line of defense against high cholesterol- lifestyle changes. The group of patients given statin drugs were compared to those given a placebo. The questions come to mind are:
1. What if both groups were told to make lifestyle changes such as health diet and regular exercise, would this help prevent the increased risk of diabetes?
2. Better yet, what if patients who were given the drugs (without lifestyle changes)were compared to those who were NOT given any drugs but do make improvements on dietary habits and daily activity levels?
Take home message (from Lei): don't take drugs unless it's absolutely necessary, because they do pose side effects, some you may not even yet know about.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Free Seminar on Sunscreen and Skin Cancer
Summer is officially here, today is the longest day of the year!
Dr. Lei Gu ND is holding a free seminar on sunscreen and skin cancer.
Come and join us to learn about how to REALLY prevent skin cancer and facts that you may not know about!!
Date: Tuesday, June 29th
Time: 5:00pm-5:30pm
Location: 69 Yonge Street, suite 301 (The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre)
Call ahead to reserve your spot at (416) 504-8880
Dr. Lei Gu ND is holding a free seminar on sunscreen and skin cancer.
Come and join us to learn about how to REALLY prevent skin cancer and facts that you may not know about!!
Date: Tuesday, June 29th
Time: 5:00pm-5:30pm
Location: 69 Yonge Street, suite 301 (The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre)
Call ahead to reserve your spot at (416) 504-8880
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Eat nuts to lower your cholesterol!!!
Nut Consumption Associated with Improved Cholesterol Levels
Consumption of nuts may lead to significant improvements in blood lipid levels, according to an industry-funded study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researches compiled data from 25 studies that assessed the effects of nut dietary interventions on blood lipid levels in nearly 600 adults. After at least 3 weeks, nut diets were associated with reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, compared with control diets.
The mean nut consumption with the intervention diets was about 2.5 ounces per day. Greater lipid improvements were observed in participants who had greater nut consumption and who had higher baseline LDL or lower BMI. The effect was similar for different types of nuts.
Consumption of nuts may lead to significant improvements in blood lipid levels, according to an industry-funded study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Researches compiled data from 25 studies that assessed the effects of nut dietary interventions on blood lipid levels in nearly 600 adults. After at least 3 weeks, nut diets were associated with reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol, and ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, compared with control diets.
The mean nut consumption with the intervention diets was about 2.5 ounces per day. Greater lipid improvements were observed in participants who had greater nut consumption and who had higher baseline LDL or lower BMI. The effect was similar for different types of nuts.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Spring Cleaning For Your Body
The human body, when functioning optimally, has the inate ability to nutrualize certain toxins and then eliminate it through a number of different routes. These toxins include by-products from our normal metabolism, and some from foods that we ingest, and to a small extend toxins from the environment that we live in. The routes of elimination include our skin, lungs, kidneys, and one other very important detoxification organ, the liver.
Unfortunately, however, our environment is has become heavily polluted with more toxins and our our foods are laced with them as well. Poor lifestyle, prolonged pharmacuetical drug use, exccessive alcohol consumption along and/or long term stress all contribute to a compromised detoxification functions. A sub-optimally detoxifation systems leads to accumulation of these toxins, which in turn predispose us to health problem such as skin breakouts, indigestion, low energy, frequent colds and flus etc.
It goes without saying that that a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy stress managment methods would mean a perfectly balanced body that functions optimally. The reality, however is that no one lives in an ideal world, we all neglect some aspect of healthy living, some times, at best. This is why it is important to do a “detox” on a regular basis. This way, you are giving your body a break, a chance to recuperate from the prolonged stress.
A detox can be done in a variety of different ways and in different combinations, the two most well-known are herbal supplementation and/or dietary changes. Dietary changes is the core of the process, while herbal supplementation is also necessary. By “cleaning up” your diet, you would essentially be eliminating or minimizing the input of toxins into the body, breaking the constant assault. Because detoxification after a long period of poor lifestyle is a taxing activity on the body, herbal supplementation are needed to help support the organs, such as the liver and also help quicken the elimination of the increased toxin load.
While there are many detox kits on the market, some may not be suitable for your specific needs. It is important to consult a licensed health prfessional to ensure that you are not doing your body a dis-sevice by taking the supplements that are not suited for your health needs. Naturopahtic doctors have the expertise to advise you to detox effectively and safely. Give us a call today and book an appointment with our naturopathic doctor Lei Gu to see how you can best begin your detox this year.
Unfortunately, however, our environment is has become heavily polluted with more toxins and our our foods are laced with them as well. Poor lifestyle, prolonged pharmacuetical drug use, exccessive alcohol consumption along and/or long term stress all contribute to a compromised detoxification functions. A sub-optimally detoxifation systems leads to accumulation of these toxins, which in turn predispose us to health problem such as skin breakouts, indigestion, low energy, frequent colds and flus etc.
It goes without saying that that a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy stress managment methods would mean a perfectly balanced body that functions optimally. The reality, however is that no one lives in an ideal world, we all neglect some aspect of healthy living, some times, at best. This is why it is important to do a “detox” on a regular basis. This way, you are giving your body a break, a chance to recuperate from the prolonged stress.
A detox can be done in a variety of different ways and in different combinations, the two most well-known are herbal supplementation and/or dietary changes. Dietary changes is the core of the process, while herbal supplementation is also necessary. By “cleaning up” your diet, you would essentially be eliminating or minimizing the input of toxins into the body, breaking the constant assault. Because detoxification after a long period of poor lifestyle is a taxing activity on the body, herbal supplementation are needed to help support the organs, such as the liver and also help quicken the elimination of the increased toxin load.
While there are many detox kits on the market, some may not be suitable for your specific needs. It is important to consult a licensed health prfessional to ensure that you are not doing your body a dis-sevice by taking the supplements that are not suited for your health needs. Naturopahtic doctors have the expertise to advise you to detox effectively and safely. Give us a call today and book an appointment with our naturopathic doctor Lei Gu to see how you can best begin your detox this year.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Does Oseltamivir Reduce Influenza Transmission?
Oseltamivir is an effective treatment for influenza, but little is known about whether it reduces infectiousness. To explore this possibility, researchers performed a secondary analysis of a community-based trial that took place in Hong Kong during the influenza seasons of 2007 and 2008, before the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) epidemic. Individuals were enrolled in the trial at the time of influenza diagnosis and were followed, along with household members, for 7 to 10 days. Decisions regarding oseltamivir use were made by the treating physician.
Of the 384 eligible study participants, 90 received oseltamivir; the rest received no antiviral therapy. Oseltamivir use was associated with a significant reduction in the time to resolution of all symptoms (P=0.01) and of respiratory symptoms (P=0.03), in particular. However, the drug was not associated with a significant reduction in the duration of viral shedding or in the likelihood that household contacts would become infected. The secondary attack rate did vary, though, according to the time of initiation of oseltamivir: 4.7% when it was initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset, 6.0% when it was initiated within 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset, and 7.0% when it was initiated >48 hours after symptom onset (P for trend<0.01).
Reference: Journal Watch Infectious Diseases (March 24, 2010)
Take home message: Oseltamivir is effective in reducing severity of influenza symptoms and shortens recovery time. However, it may not have an effect on decreasing the infectiousness unless administered early on in the course of the infection.
Of the 384 eligible study participants, 90 received oseltamivir; the rest received no antiviral therapy. Oseltamivir use was associated with a significant reduction in the time to resolution of all symptoms (P=0.01) and of respiratory symptoms (P=0.03), in particular. However, the drug was not associated with a significant reduction in the duration of viral shedding or in the likelihood that household contacts would become infected. The secondary attack rate did vary, though, according to the time of initiation of oseltamivir: 4.7% when it was initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset, 6.0% when it was initiated within 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset, and 7.0% when it was initiated >48 hours after symptom onset (P for trend<0.01).
Reference: Journal Watch Infectious Diseases (March 24, 2010)
Take home message: Oseltamivir is effective in reducing severity of influenza symptoms and shortens recovery time. However, it may not have an effect on decreasing the infectiousness unless administered early on in the course of the infection.
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