Health Wise - Michele Sevier

Vitamin D…Medically Approved

Vitamin D appears to be one of the most popular vitamins this past year. Even our medical community has jumped on the “Benefits of Vitamin D” bandwagon.

Over 1000 studies indicate that Vitamin D helps prevent cancer (breast, colorectal, ovarian and others), supports cardiovascular health (getting too little Vitamin D may cause premature death due to heart disease) and helps lower the risks of developing autoimmune disorders including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Because of Canada’s northern latitude, we fail to obtain sufficient sunlight to manufacture this important vitamin in the fall and winter.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society:

1) Adults living in Canada should consider taking Vitamin D supplementation of 1,000 international units (IU) a day during the fall and winter.

2) Adults at higher risk of having lower Vitamin D levels should consider taking a Vitamin D supplement of 1,000 IU/day all year round. This includes people:
• 50 years of age and older
• with dark skin
• who don’t go outside often
• who wear clothing that covers most of their skin.

And speaking of Vitamin D, I am off for 2 weeks to get my much needed Sunshine Vitamin! A trip to the tropics will certainly help fulfill my vitamin D requirements.

Back Soon!
Michele

Fighting the Flu Season

The flu season has hit hard. Most individuals are suffering from some type of respiratory condition at this time. So which is it? Cold or flu?

Cold and flu are two very common illnesses that can be caused by exposure to over 200 different viruses. While the common cold possesses irritating symptoms (sore throat, cough, headache, runny nose, and sneezing), it is important to realize that influenza can carry far greater health complications. The flu tends to have a very rapid onset with more severe symptoms (fever, chills, aches and pains, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough) that can lead to significant respiratory infections and complications including pneumonia.

Some great herbs including Oil of Oregano, Olive Leaf Extract, Echinacea, and Goldenseal can help prevent and fight these viral invaders as can zinc and vitamin C.

Don’t forget the importance of a well-balanced diet low in refined products and sugar to support and enhance the body’s immune system.

Battle Mood Disorders Effectively

The winter blues continue to put a damper on most people’s emotional health. Although the days are getting longer, it certainly doesn’t seem fast enough for me!

Cancer and cardiovascular wellness often take front and center in news and health headlines, but mood disorders and emotional illness is a very common condition impacting North Americans.

For those seeking natural remedies to help them with their condition, check out this great article from Natural Products Marketplace on the various supplements to improve mood..

http://naturalproductsmarketplace.com/articles/don-t-worry--be-happy.html

Science to Support the Use of Cranberry and the Nutrition House Cran-Cherry Greens Extra

The use of cranberries and cranberry supplements including the Nutrition House Cran-Cherry Greens Extra continue to rise as the growing body of scientific evidence increases. And why not?

Cranberry possesses many health benefits including its efficacy in the fight against urinary tract infections. A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, a peer-reviewed publication considered to be among the foremost in antimicrobial research, showed administration of Cran-Max®, a proprietary cranberry concentrate found in the nutrition house Cran-Cherry Greens Extra, was comparable to the commonly prescribed antibiotic, trimethoprim, for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older women.

But the case for cranberry doesn’t stop there. Results from a study published in Life Sciences suggest that cranberries may prevent cardiovascular disease by inhibiting LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation and help reduce LDL levels.

Yesterday there was more evidence from a study at the University of PEI confirming that extracts from cranberry may prevent colon cancer via an anti-inflammatory mechanism.

Taking the Nutrition House Cran-Cherry Greens Extra not only provides you with a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, but one serving delivers the equivalent dose of almost 2 cups of cranberries!!!!!!!!! Try to match that!

Sexy Foods to Supplement Valentines Day

Cupid’s arrow will be working overtime this Valentines weekend and who doesn’t want to add some extra sizzle in their love and sex life; not just for Valentines, but the whole year through.

Then consider incorporating some of the following foods into your diet. A healthy supply of various vitamins and minerals can help increase libido and a healthy reproductive system.

Oysters – High in zinc, a mineral especially important for males, it is used for the production of testosterone.

Chocolate – a comfort food for most people, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which helps delivers the “feel” good factor.

Almonds – a libido booster due to their mineral content. Zinc, copper and manganese; all required for the enzyme SOD that supports sexual potency.

Red Wine – a glass of red wine can be a great addition to your romantic encounter. It supports blood flow and heart health due to the antioxidant resveratrol. If wine is not your favourite, opt for a glass of grape juice.

Hot chili peppers – A spice of life, chili peppers contains capsaicin which can increase heart rate, breathing and blood flow. If you have no chili peppers add some cayenne to your food.

The Misunderstood Multi

Yes, another study that slams the use of a multi-vitamin. Headlines rage “Multivitamins Fail to Protect Women from Heart Disease and Cancer”

Is this a no-brainer or what? Of course a multi will not prevent disease. It cannot compensate for a high fat, saturated fat, trans fat, lack of good fat, fast food restaurant fat, couch potato diet. It cannot erase the toxic effects of daily exposure to chemicals, environmental toxins, fragrances. It cannot reduce the extreme levels of refined sugar, from the modern day white veggie-less diet – white rice, white bread, white pasta, cookies and other baked goods.

According to a 2001 US Department of Agriculture report on diet and food intake, a large majority of people, (up to 95% in some cases) are failing to obtain adequate vitamins, minerals and nutrients from their food.

Multivitamins are not intended to be magic bullets that will assure the prevention of chronic diseases, like cancer. They are not meant to replace the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. They are like all other dietary supplements, meant to be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Big pharma will probably continue to slam the benefits of a daily multi. It won’t stop me from taking mine or hopefully you taking yours…..

Funnily enough the Journal of the American Medical Association advises adults to take a multivitamin each day. Hmmmm. It makes one think.

Fight Depression with Omega 3

More and more research points to the overwhelming health benefits of omega 3 fish oils. These essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are healthy fats that are deficient in most diets today.

Supplementation with an omega 3 high-potency DHA/EPA can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and support brain health.

DHA is found in high concentrations in the brain. This omega 3 healthy fat positively influences mood. Studies have found that people with low levels of DHA tend to have higher levels of depression. Now a new study sheds even more proof that omega 3 fish oils can help with depression.

For more information. Check out this link:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Publications/Food-Beverage-Nutrition/NutraIngredients/Research/Study-raises-hopes-for-omega-3-and-female-depression

Attention Chocolate Lovers

With Valentines Day fast approaching it brings to mind the delectable chocolate treats that we all love and find comfort in….

Check out the article “Loco for Coco” and find out why Organic, Fair Trade Chocolate can be so good for you!

http://www.shared-vision.com/20090123/loco-for-cocoa

Power Packed Nutrition House Greens Extra

I often get questions regarding the nutritional make-up of nutrition house greens extra products. So, here’s some information and insight as to why these products are so invaluable in your daily diet.

Greens Extra products (Regular, Veryberry and Crancherry) are a premium quality, antioxidant-rich, collection of the vital phyto-nutrients (plant nutrients) required to enhance the quality of one's diet and promote overall superior health.

These “superfoods” blends are considered to be the most nutritious whole food supplement. Each of the Greens Extra can help to naturally increase energy levels, reduce fatigue and stress, aid in digestion, boost immunity and support the health of the blood and circulation.

There are no artificial colours or flavours in this product. Any colouring is naturally derived from the wholesome ingredients and they really are the best tasting greens product on the market.

For diabetics and other health conscientious individuals here is the nutritional breakdown of the Veryberry and Crancherry greens per serving.

• Approximately 2 grams of fibre
• 1 gram of polyunsaturated fats, principally omega-6, equivalent to approximately one EFA softgel
• 42 calories per serving

In addition to the antioxidants and other vital nutrients, each serving of the Veryberry greens supplies the equivalent of 2 1/2 – 3 cups of berries while one serving of Crancherry greens supplies the equivalent of almost 2 cups of berries.

Here’s to the nutrition house Greens Extra. Cheers!

Michele

Slowing Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Found a great article on Tips on Slowing Age Related Cognitive Decline. Check out the following link:

http://www.supplementinfo.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Feb09_Featured_Slow&category=zHealthnotes_Newsletter

But don’t forget your omega 3’s - specifically DHA from fish oil. Research has shown that this essential fat can be used to help reduce memory loss and improve brain function. It may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.