Filed under: Uncategorized
Recent research has found at least 70% of American children are extrememly low of vitamin D, and in fact 50-75% of ALL Americans do not get enough of this crucial nutrient.
Low vitamin D has long been associated with bone problems such as osteoporosis and rickets, but newer research is now indicating a link with several cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and even conditions like infertility, memory loss and weight.
In keeping with the latest research findings, Shaklee has increased the amount of vitamin D present in its Vita-Lea multivitamins, including Vitalizer and the children’s chewable Incredivites. Since many Americans only get a fraction of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D through food, it is all the more important to make up the difference through supplementation.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: health, multivitamins, nutrients, nutrition, Shaklee, supplements, vitamins, wellness
Despite recent economic woes, sales of vitamins and nutritional supplements have increased. For many people, a trip to the doctor or filling a prescription is too costly. So, consumers are turning to preventive measures to keep themselves healthy. It has been said that for every $1 spent on supplements, one is saving approximately $28 in healthcare costs down the road–no small change, for sure!
Not too long ago, the Washington Post reported on dietician Danielle Omar, who was attempting to create a diet that met the government guidelines for daily nutritional standards, without the aid of a daily multivitamin. When all was said and done, Omar concluded that supplementation is wise.
For one thing, our food supply is not as nutritionally dense as it was several decades ago. In an era of convenience, people turn to more prepared items and processed foods. Even our fruits & vegetables contain less nutrients than before, due in part to a decrease in soil quality and agricultural practices. The best insurance to getting adequate nutrients and minerals is a balanced diet partnered with a quality food-based multi.
Not All Multis Are Equal!
If you take vitamins, have you ever given much thought to what goes in to them, or how they are manufactured?
There are 3 types of vitamins. The first are test tube or synthetic vitamins, typically found in the drug store aisle. These are man-made, contain inorganic substances, have no enzymes, and may even contain stimulants or cause side effects. (Doesn’t sound like something I want to put in my body!)
The second category are formed with isolates or extracts, often found in a health food store. Though weak, these contain some enzymes. However, they may also use chemical or heat extraction methods, which degrade the quality of the nutrients. They do contain organic substances, though generally low quality raw materials. They often still contain harsh binders and fillers. Labeling can be misleading: these types of supplements need only contain 10% of natural ingredients to be classified as containing *natural ingredients*!
The third category is the most beneficial, because the nutrients are in a natural or unaltered state. They present a strong enzymatic action, and are produced via a low heat and low pressure process. The organic substances used are of the highest quality raw materials, and because they are as close to nature as possible, they feed and improve cell health.
The previous 2 categories of vitamins are classified by the USFDA as *drugs*; whole food supplements are classified as *food*. Now which type do you think the body better processes: synthetic nutrients created in a laboratory, or whole food nutrients? The answer should be obvious!
Many brands of multis will also skimp on the more *expensive* vitamins, like the B vitamins biotin and folic acid. In fact, when I looked at the majority of multi labels in the drug store, all but one contained 10% of the DV for biotin, which is a catalyst for energy production!
In 2002, the American Medical Association revised its position on multivitamins. Previously they maintained that having a balanced healthy diet was enough to consume adequate daily nutrients and minerals. They now state that regardless of age, health concerns or activity, everyone should take a multivitamin.
In addition to that multi, there are times when additional supplementation may be necessary. We are often deficient in one area or another. For a free self-assessment to determine where to start supplementing, send an email to HealthByNature@Shaklee.net with *wellness profile* in the subject field.
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People often ask me, “How do you do organic with a family of 5?” To that, I say, “I don’t.”
Much as I would like to be able to 100% shop organic, let’s face it, it’s expensive and not readily available. One thing to take into account is that organic doesn’t *necessarily* mean better. One needs to look at other factors; for example, sometimes choosing local over organic.
First, consider what your family uses a lot of. When we started switching to organic, we began with milk, eggs, and apples. Next, refer to the *dirty dozen* list. This is the top 12 foods that are most likely to retain pesticide residue. You can print a handy list of the dirty dozen and keep it in your purse or wallet: http://www.foodnews.org/ (There’s even an iPhone app of the list!)
Certain fruits & vegetables tend to *not* have pesticide residue, such as bananas, avocados, onions, broccoli, asparagus, mangoes, kiwi and pineapple. With these, buy conventional if you like. Next, fruits & veggies which are in season tend to be cheaper, so plan your menus around what’s in season. In summer, the farmer’s market brings you lovely local produce at great prices. This also helps minimize the environmental impact, since your produce will not be using fuel and energy to be shipped cross-sountry.
Private label organics also tent to be cheaper, since they cut out the middle man. More and more chain stores are creating an organic line. We like Dominick’s/Safeway’s O Organics, and Trader Joe’s organics are often cheaper than the conventional counterparts found at the larger chain grocers.
Small changes can make a big impact–on your health, your wallet, and the environment. Don’t feel like you have to take an all-or-none approach. Change comes about one step at a time!
Filed under: Shaklee, health, natural, nutrition, wellness | Tags: autoimmune diseases, calcium, cancer, cardiovascular health, diabetes, health, health by nauture, magnesium, MS, multiple schlerosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Shaklee, supplements, vitamin D, vitamins, wellness
It’s common knowledge that vitamin D is good for your bones. But did you know all the other health benefits this vitamin has to offer?
As we age, we lose muscle strength which can lead to risk of falls which result in bone fractures; studies show that supplementing with vitamin D helps maintain both muscle strength and balance, lessening these risks. Vitamin D also aids in the absorption of calcium. Our Osteo supplement provides 100% of the daily value for both calcium and vitamin D, as well as 100% of the daily value of magnesium, to help incorporate calcium into bones and strengthen them.
Vitamin D can also help alleviate chronic pain; muscle pain and weakness can often be attributed to a vitamin D deficiency.
Studies also suggest that vitamin D may protect against cancer by helping regulate cellular growth. It is believed to strenghthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, offering protection from type-1 diabetes, MS and rheumatoid arthritis. In one particular study, researchers discovered a 40% lower risk of MS in women who supplemented with at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily.
Low vitamin D levels have also been associated with cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure.
While the body naturally produces vitamin D through natural light exposure, most people still need a supplement to reach recommended levels. We are the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S., so you can be confident that our products are safe and pure–never synthetic or artificial.
Filed under: Shaklee, health, natural, nutrition, wellness | Tags: Shaklee, nutrition, health, supplements, wellness, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, carotonoids, vitamin e, macular degeneration, eye health, lutein, zeaxanthin, eyesight, vision, cataracts, prevention, healthbynature
The leading cause of blindness is age-related macular degeneration. The glare from computer screens, sunlight, and intense headlight beams all take their toll on even the healthiest eyes, and can contribute to macular degeneration. Carotenoids, found in brightly-colored fruits and veggies, can help combat vision problems.
In a recent study investigating the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, scientists found that supplementing with these carotenoids over a 6-month span significantly increases macular pigment optical density in healthy adults with normal eyesight.
The Women’s Health Study finds that when you add in vitamin E to these carotenoids, it decreases the chance of developing cataracts. In addition to eating plenty of fruits & veggies (including a variety of leafy greens), our Carotenoid supplement provides maximum potency of 6 of the most beneficial carotenoids, and like all our supplements, do not contain synthetic material. You’d have to eat 285 servings of pink grapefruit to get the same lutein & zeaxanthin content in one serving of our supplement!
Additionally recommended supplements are the Vitamin E complex or Vitamin E tablet, both with 400 IU of E.
Filed under: environment, green, health, natural, nutrition, wellness | Tags: antibiotics, bacteria, GMOs, health, health by nature, herbicides, organic, pesticides, toxins, wellness
Certified organic production prohibits:
• persistent, toxic herbicides and pesticides, increasingly linked to birth defects, cncer and other health problems
• genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which have not yet been tested for their impact on the environment or human health
• ionizing radiation
• sewage sludge- a source of asbestos, bacteria, fungi, heavy metals and industrial solvents
• antibiotics, which contribute to drug-resistant bacteria, and growth hormones
SOURCE: The National Organic Program, www.ams.usda.gov/nop, 1/07
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bottled water, BPA, Camelbak, carbon, filtration, health, Klean Kanteen, landfills environment, Nalgene, nutrition, phthalates, plastic, Shaklee, SIGG, tap water, water, wellness
In our rushed and hurried society, bottled water has become a major product of convenience. It is easy and quick to buy a case of bottled water to grab on our way out the door, or to run in and buy a bottle at a convenience store or at the gas station. But did you ever stop and think about the implications of using bottled water regularly?
FIrst, there is an environmental impact. Significant energy is used to produce, manufacture, and transport bottled water, which in turn uses nonrenewable energy sources. In addition, about 80% of water bottles end up in landfills, and those bottles that get recycled still require energy in the recycling process.
Economically, bottled water can put quite a dent in the pocketbook. Think about the cost of fetching a glass of water from the tap, and then compare it to the cost of a bottle of water, which is often overpriced municipal water.
There are different sources of bottled water. Spring, mineral, sparkling, purified, and drinking are some of the common varieties. But surprisingly, water from the tap can be purer and healthier than the bottled variety.
For starters, the plastics used to make many bottles of water contain phthalates, which is why these bottles are meant for one-time use–never wash and reuse them, as the plastic is prone to break down and leach phthalates. The resin used in the bottle is indicated within the triangle recycle symbol at the bottom. #7 is not recommended, as it may leach BPA (bisphenol A), which is identified as a hormone disruptor.
Using a reusable water bottle and filling it with purified water from the tap is a much better choice over bottled water for environmental, financial, and health reasons. There are various home water filtration products, from affordable carbon-filter pitchers to mid-range under-counter filtration systems. Filters can also remove a common contaminant called cryptosporidium, which often gets past municipal water treatments as well as bottled water processing.
When selecting a reusable bottle, there are a number of factors to consider: material safety, weight, mouthpiece/lid, and size. Aluminum bottles like the Swiss made SIGG have no taste compromise, are lightweight, and have a sturdy construction. Stainless steel bottles like those made by Klean Kanteen are a bit heavier and sometimes add a slight metallic taste to water. Plastic bottles should be selected carefully to ensure they are phthalate- and BPA-free. Popular Nalgene water bottles are phasing out their products containing BPA. Camelbak uses a BPA/phthalate-free polymer for their bottles. You’ll also want to consider use; a bottle you take in the car or to the office will probably be different from one used for biking or exercise.
So resolve to break the bottled water habit. Make the small investment of some sort of home filtration system and a good travel bottle, and you’ll be making a significant investment in your planet, your health, and your bank account.
Filed under: Shaklee, health, natural, nutrition, wellness | Tags: alfalfa, allergies, anti-histimine, asthma, cholesterol, detoxify, diuretic, gout, health, health by nature, herbal, herbal medicine, menopause, minerals, natural, nutrition, respiratory, Shaklee, supplements, urinary tract infections, UTI, vitamins, wellness
Nicknamed the “father of all foods”, alfalfa has been used as herbal medicine for over 1,500 years. A highly nutritive plant, its approximately 20 foot deep root system has the capacity to absorb minerals from deep within the soil.
In food form, alfalfa sprouts can be added to salads or sandwiches. Alfalfa also comes in supplement form, and people who supplement with alfalfa do so for a wide variety of health benefits. Alfalfa’s high manganese content has been shown to slighly lower blood sugar levels. To manage cholesterol levels, alfalfa can be beneficial because its fibers stick to cholesterol, preventing it from remaining in blood or collecting in blood vessels. It has been known to strengthen one’s immunity. Those suffering from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions have found their symptoms improve or even clear up entirely through a regimen involving alfalfa, a natural anti-histimine. It can be a mild diuretic; alfalfa may relieve swelling and water retention, and aid in eliminating urinary tract infections. Because it mimics estrogen, some find it useful for menopausal symptoms.
Alfalfa has an impressive resume of nutritional content. It contains calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll, bioflavonoids, trace minerals and vitamins. Its leaves and stems are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals as well.
Alfalfa also detoxifies. It balances and cleanses the blood, alkalizes and detoxifies the body. It can also relieve gout, a painful foot ailment from excess toxins.
Just about anyone can benefit from the use of an alfalfa supplement. Visit the Health By Nature store for ordering information.
Filed under: Shaklee, green, health, kids, natural, wellness | Tags: asthma, Bill Moyers, chemicals, children, health, PBS, Shaklee, toxins, wellness
KIDS AND CHEMICALS, A SPECIAL PBS REPORT
BILL MOYERS TRACKS THE SCIENTIFIC SEARCH FOR
ANSWERS ABOUT HOW ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS AFFECT AMERICA’S CHILDREN
It is a medical mystery marked “urgent.” Across America growing numbers of children are suffering from asthma, childhood cancers like leukemia, as well as learning and behavioral disabilities. Scientists are searching for clues to the causes of these illnesses, and a growing body of research suggests that everyday environmental toxins-what kids eat, drink, and breathe-may put them at risk. Equipped with new technology and more sophisticated analysis, these scientists are asking compelling questions about the health risks to children growing up exposed to an ever-increasing number of untested chemicals in our environment.
Kids and Chemicals, a special edition of NOW with Bill Moyers that was broadcast on PBS, features medical investigators and health officials engaged in the latest research on links between childhood illness and environmental contamination. The program looks at families around the country who are coping with the consequences to their children of potentially toxic exposures.
“The disturbing increases in childhood illness in America cannot be ignored,” says Bill Moyers. “How does the exposure affect children’s health? The new research is studying how chemicals enter the human body, and posing questions that they could never ask before: Do chemicals affect children, babies and unborn fetuses more than adults? What factors increase toxicity, and how can we protect children from harm?” Kids and Chemicals’ producers Gail Ablow and Greg Henry go to Fallon, Nevada, a small desert town that has had 15 recorded cases of childhood leukemia in just five years. A l armed, Dr. Mary Guinan, who was one of Nevada’s top health officials, called in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the potential links between this childhood cancer and the environment. Could toxic substances in water, food, air, schools, homes or the ground in Fallon be responsible for this “cancer cluster”? If so, which chemicals? Without clear evidence of a specific cause, everything-from jet fuel emissions to pesticides to naturally occuring arsenic in the water-is suspect.
As Moyers and his team learn in Fallon, research on cancer clusters once focused mainly on gathering environmental samples because investigators simply didn’t have tools sensitive enough to measure which toxins had been absorbed into people. Dr. Richard Jackson, the director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains how his laboratories are using the latest instruments. His research scientists are using sophisticated blood and urine analysis to test for minute traces of toxins in the bodies of the sick children and their families in Fallon.
This work is part of a larger movement in children’s environmental health unfolding nationwide. Dr. Phillip Landrigan of
the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City works with scientists around the country to understand how kids are affected by exposure to chemicals. “Of the 3000 high production volume chemicals in use in this country today, only 43% have been even minimally tested,” he tells Moyers. “Only about 10% have been thoroughly tested to examine their potential effects on children’s health and development.”
Speaking with Landrigan, Moyers learns that children are potentially more vulnerable to chemicals than adults. “First of all they’re more heavily exposed pound for pound,” says Landrigan. “They eat more food, they drink more water, they breathe more air. Then, of course, kids play on the ground. They live low, they put their hands in their mouth and so they transfer more toxic chemicals into their body than we do.”
Traveling to Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Moyers meets Dr. Linda Sheldon of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Exposure Research Lab. Sheldon demonstrates how her team of scientists is gathering evidence of exposure to everyday chemicals in nursery schools, homes and daycare centers.
In New York City, a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Frederica Perera at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, follows more than 500 expectant mothers. These women are wearing air quality monitors in backpacks to trap the environmental toxins they breathe. As their children are born and as they grow, Dr. Perera and her team will look for links between the chemicals that the mothers were exposed to while their babies were developing in the womb and asthma, cancer risk, and learning disabilities.
Dr. Sandra Steingraber, a biologist at Cornell University, joins Dr. Landrigan in asserting that exposure during pregnancy doesn’t, by itself, mean a child will get ill. What matters is the intensity of the exposure and when it occurs during fetal development. A chemical exposure occurring early in pregnancy might cause a miscarriage, argue the researchers. If it occurs later on, it might cause physical birth defects. Later still, it might damage brain cells. Scientists are trying to precisely identify these “windows of vulnerability.” Says Dr. Steingraber: “Maybe certain problems that we understand . . . as attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, the inability to pay attention, aggressive and violent behaviors, might have their origins during those windows of vulnerability during pregnancy and these questions are just being asked. Data is just beginning to come in.” Dr. Perera’s team at Columbia is also studying the way that chemicals can actually bind to human DNA in the womb and cause a mu t ation called an “adduct.” Work by Dr. Perera has shown that the greater the number of adducts, the greater the risk for cancer. “And that’s the missing link in all of this,” says Dr. Steingraber. “That’s the link we’re beginning to fill in.”
To place the current studies in a public health policy context, Moyers revisits the firestorm over lead research; recalling the revolutionary work of Dr. Herbert Needleman, who correlated low-level lead exposure to lower IQ’s in children in 1979. Twelve years later, Needleman’s work was attacked by the lead industry as it tried to protect its economic stake in lead products. Ultimately, the validity of Dr. Needleman’s work was fully vindicated, and new public policy required unleaded gasoline and restrictions on lead paint. And many scientists believe that, as a result, children’s IQ scores have risen, on average, three points. Yet, as Moyers points out, lead remains the number one environmental threat to children’s health; many old houses and even many school buildings are still testing positive for lead today.
In Herculaneum, Missouri, lead contamination is a very current issue. The community is up in arms about the astonishingly high levels of lead to which their families have been exposed because the town’s primary industry, the Doe Run lead smelter, failed to comply with EPA standards. “Doe Run played a really good game,” Robyn Warden, a
mother, tells Moyers. “They told people everything was under control and we were safe. And people weren’t educated enough to know any different. It took people actually investigating lead to figure out that we were being lied to.”
Dr. Steingraber knows the importance of informed parenting. Even in a seemingly pristine environment in rural New York, she knows there are possibilities of risk. “Just because there are no smoke stacks visible around us, just because you live a long way from the source of these chemicals, doesn’t mean that natu r e won’t bring them to you in some way,” she says. A mother who breast feeds her infant son, Dr. Steingraber also realizes that she passes toxins directly to her baby every time she nurses. “No woman has uncontaminated breast milk on this planet,” she states. Dr. Steingraber tries to reduce her children’s exposure at home by using non-toxic products. “But we can’t shop our way out of our current situation,” she warns. “We still need to take action. It’s time that our public policy takes action to get our kids out of harm’s way.”
There are unknown answers to many questions. Moyers reports on a proposed new project called “The National Children’s Study,” which will track 100,000 children from the womb to age 18 if it receives full funding from Congress. This long-term study may provide the definitive answers necessary for new regulations and laws protecting children from exposure to toxins. “Without conclusive science,” Moyers says, “it is a constant fight to protect children’s health.”
