Medical researchers are growing increasingly excited about a wonder drug that may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many other diseases -- sunshine.
A recent study found that men who are deficient in vitamin D, which your body produces in response to sunlight, have more than double the normal risk of suffering a heart attack.
Another study found that low levels of vitamin D increased the risk of diabetes, and yet another linked vitamin D deficiencies to an increased risk of dying from breast cancer.
These findings all join a growing body of evidence indicating that an adequate level of the vitamin, which many people can get from 20 minutes in the sun, is crucial to maintaining good health.
Sources:
* Los Angeles Times June 10, 2008
Showing posts with label Vitamin D. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vitamin D. Show all posts
17 June 2008
3 June 2008
Rebel Scientist Battles Dangerous Vaccines and Antibiotics
Dr. Shiv Chopra, as a vaccine and drug regulator for Health Canada for nearly forty years, evaluated every red-hot topic in public health. He tried, sometimes successfully, to protect the public from ineffective and harmful vaccines, genetically modified foods, pesticides, carcinogenic antibiotics and hormones used in food-producing animals, and agricultural practices that promote Mad Cow Disease.
Unsurprisingly, he was fired from Health Canada in 2004 for “insubordination” -- in other words, refusing to bow to corporate and government pressure to give a pass to unsafe substances. Dr. Chopra has now written a book, Corrupt to the Core, about his decades of struggle to have the law recognized as being above political policy.
Chopra observes that despite vaccinations, some childhood diseases are appearing with increasing frequency in the very populations that have been vaccinated for several generations. He finds it alarming that “the list of vaccines being administered to young children has been enlarged to include many more viral and bacterial infections with little or no scientific rationale.” The U.S. Center for Disease Control continues to argue that 36,000 people die annually of the flu, even though available statistics show that the true number is less than 100. Meanwhile, current research, has shown that merely increasing vitamin D levels reduces the incidence of the flu by more than 70 percent.
Vaccination programs whose scientific basis is so flawed as to border on the absurd include Tamiflu, which has been discontinued in Japan because of so many deaths from sudden serious psychiatric disorders, and Gardasil, which during the first year of its use has resulted in more than 3,500 adverse events, more than any vaccine in history. Gardasil contains a whopping 675 micrograms of toxic aluminum, and one of the scientists who developed it, Diane M. Harper, warned that the vaccine had never been tested on young girls before it was released for widespread use by them.
Perhaps the words is MMR, which supposedly provides immunity against mumps, measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. More than 4,900 U.S. families have filed lawsuits after their children became autistic within days of getting this shot.
A second area of concern in Dr. Chopra’s career was bacterial antibiotic resistance, which is wholly avoidable and caused solely by use of antibiotics in food-producing animals and the reckless over-prescribing habits of doctors. There are currently entire classes of antibiotics that should not even be on the market; Dr. Chopra fought vigorously and unsuccessfully to keep Baytril and Revelor-H off the market. They were finally banned more than a decade after his warnings because of the undeniable harm they caused.
Sources:
* Vitality Magazine April 2008
Unsurprisingly, he was fired from Health Canada in 2004 for “insubordination” -- in other words, refusing to bow to corporate and government pressure to give a pass to unsafe substances. Dr. Chopra has now written a book, Corrupt to the Core, about his decades of struggle to have the law recognized as being above political policy.
Chopra observes that despite vaccinations, some childhood diseases are appearing with increasing frequency in the very populations that have been vaccinated for several generations. He finds it alarming that “the list of vaccines being administered to young children has been enlarged to include many more viral and bacterial infections with little or no scientific rationale.” The U.S. Center for Disease Control continues to argue that 36,000 people die annually of the flu, even though available statistics show that the true number is less than 100. Meanwhile, current research, has shown that merely increasing vitamin D levels reduces the incidence of the flu by more than 70 percent.
Vaccination programs whose scientific basis is so flawed as to border on the absurd include Tamiflu, which has been discontinued in Japan because of so many deaths from sudden serious psychiatric disorders, and Gardasil, which during the first year of its use has resulted in more than 3,500 adverse events, more than any vaccine in history. Gardasil contains a whopping 675 micrograms of toxic aluminum, and one of the scientists who developed it, Diane M. Harper, warned that the vaccine had never been tested on young girls before it was released for widespread use by them.
Perhaps the words is MMR, which supposedly provides immunity against mumps, measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. More than 4,900 U.S. families have filed lawsuits after their children became autistic within days of getting this shot.
A second area of concern in Dr. Chopra’s career was bacterial antibiotic resistance, which is wholly avoidable and caused solely by use of antibiotics in food-producing animals and the reckless over-prescribing habits of doctors. There are currently entire classes of antibiotics that should not even be on the market; Dr. Chopra fought vigorously and unsuccessfully to keep Baytril and Revelor-H off the market. They were finally banned more than a decade after his warnings because of the undeniable harm they caused.
Sources:
* Vitality Magazine April 2008
30 May 2008
Current Vitamin D Recommendations Are Dangerously Low
The current recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D for children is 200 International Units (IUs). However, new research reveals that children may need ten times that amount. An order-of-magnitude increase in recommended levels could improve the bone health of children worldwide, and may have other long-term health benefits.
According to the research, vitamin D at doses equivalent to 2,000 IUs is not only safe, but is actually necessary for achieving desirable vitamin D levels.
Children were given various doses of vitamin D at various intervals. Only children given the maximum amount in the study, 2,000 IUs a day, increased their blood levels of the vitamin to the level considered optimal. None of the children showed any evidence of vitamin D intoxication.
Sources:
* Eurekalert May 27, 2008
According to the research, vitamin D at doses equivalent to 2,000 IUs is not only safe, but is actually necessary for achieving desirable vitamin D levels.
Children were given various doses of vitamin D at various intervals. Only children given the maximum amount in the study, 2,000 IUs a day, increased their blood levels of the vitamin to the level considered optimal. None of the children showed any evidence of vitamin D intoxication.
Sources:
* Eurekalert May 27, 2008
What's the Most Dangerous Part of Sun Exposure?
Although the risks of sun exposure have been greatly overblown, anyone who has ever gotten a sunburn knows that too much sun genuinely can damage your skin. What is less well known is that for many years, sunscreens only protected you from the potentially beneficial, vitamin D producing UVB rays, while letting through skin-damaging UVA light.
Both UVA and UVB can cause both tanning and burning, although UVB does so far more rapidly. UVA, however, penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, and may be a much more important factor in photoaging, wrinkles and skin cancers.
Even today, while most sunscreens do a good job blocking UVB, fewer filter out all of the UVA. That means they do not help to prevent the beginnings of melanoma formation. In fact, a sunscreen without adequate UVA protection can end up increasing your risks. If you think you are protected by sunscreen, you are likely to stay out in the sun longer -- and all the while, you will be soaking up the highly penetrating, wrinkle and cancer causing UVA radiation without the warning sign of a burn (remember that a UVA burn takes much longer to appear).
I’m not a big fan of sunscreen use on a regular basis; even when it works, it blocks your body’s natural production of vitamin D. But in situations where you must be out in the sun long enough to burn, be sure to use a product that protects against both UVA and UVB, such as Natural Sunscreen, which uses a titanium dioxide/zinc combination that reflects both types of rays -- while also giving you a beautiful, glowing and healthy tan.
Sources:
* Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology May 2008, 58 (5 Suppl 2): S160-6
* Medical College of Wisconsin Healthlink
Both UVA and UVB can cause both tanning and burning, although UVB does so far more rapidly. UVA, however, penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, and may be a much more important factor in photoaging, wrinkles and skin cancers.
Even today, while most sunscreens do a good job blocking UVB, fewer filter out all of the UVA. That means they do not help to prevent the beginnings of melanoma formation. In fact, a sunscreen without adequate UVA protection can end up increasing your risks. If you think you are protected by sunscreen, you are likely to stay out in the sun longer -- and all the while, you will be soaking up the highly penetrating, wrinkle and cancer causing UVA radiation without the warning sign of a burn (remember that a UVA burn takes much longer to appear).
I’m not a big fan of sunscreen use on a regular basis; even when it works, it blocks your body’s natural production of vitamin D. But in situations where you must be out in the sun long enough to burn, be sure to use a product that protects against both UVA and UVB, such as Natural Sunscreen, which uses a titanium dioxide/zinc combination that reflects both types of rays -- while also giving you a beautiful, glowing and healthy tan.
Sources:
* Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology May 2008, 58 (5 Suppl 2): S160-6
* Medical College of Wisconsin Healthlink
21 May 2008
Eating Foods Rich in Antioxidants May Reduce the Risk of Dietary Diseases
Through scientific research it has been discovered that antioxidants may help prevent dietary diseases such as Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, Depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Macular degeneration and may also delay aging. Antioxidants are molecules that are capable of retarding oxidation of other molecules which in turn leads to inflammation. Inflammation has been shown to be present in persons with the above diseases.
The Failure of Vytorin
A recent major scientific study showed that lowering cholesterol using Vytorin had no measured effect on the risk of heart disease. Doctors were shocked on March 30, 2008 when those results were released. They now believe that Statins should be the drugs of choice. Unfortunately, Statins have side effects that are unacceptable such as extreme muscle pain and muscle disease (statin induced myopathy). Controlling inflammation through what we eat is far preferable.
Antioxidants
Common antioxidants are Vitamins C & E. Studies related to the benefits of Vitamin E have not been conclusive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant). Vitamin E is a collection of 8 molecules including alpha-Tocopherol and gamma-Tocopherol. It appears that the inconclusive studies involved only the alpha-tocopherol variety. Recently, researchers have shown that gamma-Tocopherol would be more likely to show positive results with respect to reducing the risk of heart disease (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/6/714) .
Anti-aging and antioxidants
"According to the Free Radical theory of aging, aging occurs in a cell when mitochondria begin to die out because of free radical damage. The focus of the project is to neutralize the effect of these free radicals with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the ionic reaction. The antioxidant nutrients themselves don't become free radicals by donating an electron because they are stable in either form" ((http://www.dadamo.com/wiki/wiki.pl/Oxid...).
Type 2 Diabetes and antioxidants
The following abstract of a clinical trial concludes that dietary intake of antioxidants may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, see ((http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/co...) for the full report.
"RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A cohort of 2,285 men and 2,019 women 40–69 years of age and free of diabetes at baseline (1967–1972) was studied. Food consumption during the previous year was estimated using a dietary history interview. The intake of vitamin C, four tocopherols, four tocotrienols, and six carotenoids was calculated. During a 23-year follow-up, a total of 164 male and 219 female incident cases occurred."
"RESULTS - Vitamin E intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The relative risk (RR) of type 2 diabetes between the extreme quartiles of the intake was 0.69 (95% CI 0.51–0.94, P for trend = 0.003). Intakes of -tocopherol, -tocopherol, -tocopherol, and ß-tocotrienol were inversely related to a risk of type 2 diabetes. Among single carotenoids, ß-cryptoxanthin intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.78, P < 0.001). No association was evident between intake of vitamin C and type 2 diabetes risk."
"CONCLUSIONS - This study supports the hypothesis that development of type 2 diabetes may be reduced by the intake of antioxidants in the diet. "
Antioxidant Sources
Many foods such as vegetable oils are rich in Vitamin E with gamma-Tocopherol but also have a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that can add to inflammation (http://naturalnews.com/023072.html) . Here is a list of foods rich in gamma-Tocopherol that have their n-6:n-3 ratio of 10:1 or less: English Walnuts, Flaxseeds, Butter blend margarine with soy oil, green peas, green and red sweet peppers, mashed potatoes with milk and margarine, sautéed yellow onions, yellow mustard, blackberries, raspberries, cinnamon, yellow mustard seed, black pepper, ginger, and paprika.
There are Vitamin E supplements on the market that contain gamma-Tocopherol. One in particular has 300 mg of gamma-Tocopherol per capsule and the manufacturers recommended serving size is 2 capsules per day. A person would not be able to eat enough food to have 600 mg per day of this antioxidant. However the recommended minimum daily amount of Vitamin E is only about 15 mg which could be achieved with 2.6 ounces of English walnuts or flaxseeds or 3.5 ounces each of sautéed yellow onions and red or green sweet peppers.
Vitamin C is abundant in many foods. The minimum daily requirement for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. People who smoke need an additional 35 mg. Foods highest in vitamin C with their n-6:n-3 ratio below 10:1 are: Acerola (West Indian Cherry), Guavas, Litchis dried, European black currants, Green and red sweet peppers, Thyme, Orange juice, Mustard spinach, Kale, Grapefruit juice, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and Cabbage. For a more complete antioxidant list please visit ((http://jmyarlott.com/Food/health/antiox...).
About the author
John Yarlott developed his writing skills during his career as a Mechanical Engineer with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. His work included testing jet engines and writing the test reports for use by the design and management groups. He later worked at IBM as writer of guides for computer design. He ran technical symposiums and published the hundreds of technical reports on computer packaging. John was also a store systems engineer in IBM marketing where he wrote computer programs for customers that generated reports based on transaction data in the checkout terminals. John's last assignment before retiring was as a technical support engineer for IBM's database software. During retirement he wrote training manuals for Microsoft Office Products at Hill & Knowlton, a division of WPP. He wrote web based data acquisition programs that captured human resources data in a MS Access database. The firm had offices in 52 countries therefore using the Internet to communicate with the database in New York was a time saving solution. Now retired for the second time, John has turned his attention to web publishing about matters of his own interest including health, nutrition, food economics, and global energy on his personal website: http://jmyarlott.com .
###
The Failure of Vytorin
A recent major scientific study showed that lowering cholesterol using Vytorin had no measured effect on the risk of heart disease. Doctors were shocked on March 30, 2008 when those results were released. They now believe that Statins should be the drugs of choice. Unfortunately, Statins have side effects that are unacceptable such as extreme muscle pain and muscle disease (statin induced myopathy). Controlling inflammation through what we eat is far preferable.
Antioxidants
Common antioxidants are Vitamins C & E. Studies related to the benefits of Vitamin E have not been conclusive (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant). Vitamin E is a collection of 8 molecules including alpha-Tocopherol and gamma-Tocopherol. It appears that the inconclusive studies involved only the alpha-tocopherol variety. Recently, researchers have shown that gamma-Tocopherol would be more likely to show positive results with respect to reducing the risk of heart disease (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/74/6/714) .
Anti-aging and antioxidants
"According to the Free Radical theory of aging, aging occurs in a cell when mitochondria begin to die out because of free radical damage. The focus of the project is to neutralize the effect of these free radicals with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the ionic reaction. The antioxidant nutrients themselves don't become free radicals by donating an electron because they are stable in either form" ((http://www.dadamo.com/wiki/wiki.pl/Oxid...).
Type 2 Diabetes and antioxidants
The following abstract of a clinical trial concludes that dietary intake of antioxidants may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, see ((http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/co...) for the full report.
"RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A cohort of 2,285 men and 2,019 women 40–69 years of age and free of diabetes at baseline (1967–1972) was studied. Food consumption during the previous year was estimated using a dietary history interview. The intake of vitamin C, four tocopherols, four tocotrienols, and six carotenoids was calculated. During a 23-year follow-up, a total of 164 male and 219 female incident cases occurred."
"RESULTS - Vitamin E intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The relative risk (RR) of type 2 diabetes between the extreme quartiles of the intake was 0.69 (95% CI 0.51–0.94, P for trend = 0.003). Intakes of -tocopherol, -tocopherol, -tocopherol, and ß-tocotrienol were inversely related to a risk of type 2 diabetes. Among single carotenoids, ß-cryptoxanthin intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.78, P < 0.001). No association was evident between intake of vitamin C and type 2 diabetes risk."
"CONCLUSIONS - This study supports the hypothesis that development of type 2 diabetes may be reduced by the intake of antioxidants in the diet. "
Antioxidant Sources
Many foods such as vegetable oils are rich in Vitamin E with gamma-Tocopherol but also have a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that can add to inflammation (http://naturalnews.com/023072.html) . Here is a list of foods rich in gamma-Tocopherol that have their n-6:n-3 ratio of 10:1 or less: English Walnuts, Flaxseeds, Butter blend margarine with soy oil, green peas, green and red sweet peppers, mashed potatoes with milk and margarine, sautéed yellow onions, yellow mustard, blackberries, raspberries, cinnamon, yellow mustard seed, black pepper, ginger, and paprika.
There are Vitamin E supplements on the market that contain gamma-Tocopherol. One in particular has 300 mg of gamma-Tocopherol per capsule and the manufacturers recommended serving size is 2 capsules per day. A person would not be able to eat enough food to have 600 mg per day of this antioxidant. However the recommended minimum daily amount of Vitamin E is only about 15 mg which could be achieved with 2.6 ounces of English walnuts or flaxseeds or 3.5 ounces each of sautéed yellow onions and red or green sweet peppers.
Vitamin C is abundant in many foods. The minimum daily requirement for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. People who smoke need an additional 35 mg. Foods highest in vitamin C with their n-6:n-3 ratio below 10:1 are: Acerola (West Indian Cherry), Guavas, Litchis dried, European black currants, Green and red sweet peppers, Thyme, Orange juice, Mustard spinach, Kale, Grapefruit juice, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and Cabbage. For a more complete antioxidant list please visit ((http://jmyarlott.com/Food/health/antiox...).
About the author
John Yarlott developed his writing skills during his career as a Mechanical Engineer with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. His work included testing jet engines and writing the test reports for use by the design and management groups. He later worked at IBM as writer of guides for computer design. He ran technical symposiums and published the hundreds of technical reports on computer packaging. John was also a store systems engineer in IBM marketing where he wrote computer programs for customers that generated reports based on transaction data in the checkout terminals. John's last assignment before retiring was as a technical support engineer for IBM's database software. During retirement he wrote training manuals for Microsoft Office Products at Hill & Knowlton, a division of WPP. He wrote web based data acquisition programs that captured human resources data in a MS Access database. The firm had offices in 52 countries therefore using the Internet to communicate with the database in New York was a time saving solution. Now retired for the second time, John has turned his attention to web publishing about matters of his own interest including health, nutrition, food economics, and global energy on his personal website: http://jmyarlott.com .
###
13 May 2008
Staying Out of Sun Proven to Increase Depression
Older people with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood levels of parathyroid hormone are more likely to be depressed, according to a new report. It remains unclear whether these are causes or consequences of depression.
Past studies have linked altered levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone with depression, but the relationship has never before been studied systematically. Researchers examined more than 1200 men and women aged 65 to 95.
Nearly 40 percent of the men and 57 percent of women had low levels of vitamin D in their blood; vitamin D levels averaged 14 percent lower among the 195 people suffering from depression. Blood levels of parathyroid hormone, which increase with vitamin D deficiency, were 5 percent higher in people with minor depression and 33 percent higher in those with major depression.
Sources:
* Reuters May 5, 2008
Past studies have linked altered levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone with depression, but the relationship has never before been studied systematically. Researchers examined more than 1200 men and women aged 65 to 95.
Nearly 40 percent of the men and 57 percent of women had low levels of vitamin D in their blood; vitamin D levels averaged 14 percent lower among the 195 people suffering from depression. Blood levels of parathyroid hormone, which increase with vitamin D deficiency, were 5 percent higher in people with minor depression and 33 percent higher in those with major depression.
Sources:
* Reuters May 5, 2008
8 May 2008
Vitamin D Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer Death by 72 Percent
People with higher levels of vitamin D in their bodies are 72 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Colorectal cancer kills approximately 50,000 people in the United States per year.
Researchers tracked the health status of 16,818 people in a nationwide government health survey. Participants joined between the years of 1988 and 1994 and were followed until the year 2000. Their blood was measured regularly to determine their bodies' levels of vitamin D. Those with higher levels of vitamin D at the beginning of the study were 72 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer than those who began the study with the lowest levels of the nutrient.
Vitamin D is produced by the body when ultraviolet radiation from the sun strikes the skin. This means that deficiency can be a serious health problem in northern latitudes, particularly during the winter. For this reason, many milk products and non-dairy milk substitutes are fortified with the vitamin. Certain fatty fishes, such as salmon, are naturally high in vitamin D.
Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets, a condition characterized by soft, weak bones, particularly in children.
Prior research has indicated that in addition to acting as an essential nutrient, vitamin D may inhibit the growth of tumors or even kill cancerous cells.
In an accompanying editorial, National Institutes of Health experts Cindy Davis and Johanna Dwyer warned that vitamin D supplementation is not the end-all of cancer prevention.
"While vitamin D may well have multiple benefits beyond bone, health professionals and the public should not, in a rush to judgment, assume that vitamin D is a magic bullet and consume high amounts of vitamin D," they wrote. "More definitive data on both benefits and potential adverse effects of high doses are urgently needed."
Vitamin D can be toxic in high concentrations, but toxicity cannot result from sunlight exposure, because the body ceases production when the needed bodily levels have been reached.
Researchers tracked the health status of 16,818 people in a nationwide government health survey. Participants joined between the years of 1988 and 1994 and were followed until the year 2000. Their blood was measured regularly to determine their bodies' levels of vitamin D. Those with higher levels of vitamin D at the beginning of the study were 72 percent less likely to die from colorectal cancer than those who began the study with the lowest levels of the nutrient.
Vitamin D is produced by the body when ultraviolet radiation from the sun strikes the skin. This means that deficiency can be a serious health problem in northern latitudes, particularly during the winter. For this reason, many milk products and non-dairy milk substitutes are fortified with the vitamin. Certain fatty fishes, such as salmon, are naturally high in vitamin D.
Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets, a condition characterized by soft, weak bones, particularly in children.
Prior research has indicated that in addition to acting as an essential nutrient, vitamin D may inhibit the growth of tumors or even kill cancerous cells.
In an accompanying editorial, National Institutes of Health experts Cindy Davis and Johanna Dwyer warned that vitamin D supplementation is not the end-all of cancer prevention.
"While vitamin D may well have multiple benefits beyond bone, health professionals and the public should not, in a rush to judgment, assume that vitamin D is a magic bullet and consume high amounts of vitamin D," they wrote. "More definitive data on both benefits and potential adverse effects of high doses are urgently needed."
Vitamin D can be toxic in high concentrations, but toxicity cannot result from sunlight exposure, because the body ceases production when the needed bodily levels have been reached.
New Studies Find Calcium and Vitamin D May Prevent Colon Cancer
Specific vitamins and minerals in the diet appear to prevent the development of colon cancer. However, too much iron may cause malignancies to grow. Emory University scientists recently announced these findings, based on biological markers that influence colon cancer risk, at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in San Diego.
Earlier studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D reduce colon cancer risk and the new Emory data may explain why. In a clinical study of 92 patients, the researchers found that diets supplemented with calcium and vitamin D increase the levels of a protein called Bax which "turns on" the programmed death of pre-cancerous cells in the colon, according to Emory researcher Veronika Fedirko.
"We were pleased that the effects of calcium and vitamin D were visible enough in this small study to be significant and reportable. We will have to fully evaluate each marker's strength as we accumulate more data," Fedirko stated.
In other related Emory research, a 200 patient case-control study found high levels of calcium and vitamin D together are associated with increased levels of E-cadherin, the main adhesion molecule of epithelial cells (cells that line internal and external body surfaces, including the inside of blood vessels and small cavities). Loss of E-cadherin mediated adhesion is known to contribute to the change from benign lesions to invasive, metastatic cancer, so an increase of the molecule could protect from colon cancer.
The studies, which used colorectal biopsy samples, are part of a larger effort to identify a host of measurements that together can estimate a person's risk of developing colon cancer. "We want to have the equivalent of measuring cholesterol or high blood pressure, but for colon cancer instead of heart disease," said Roberd Bostick, MD, MPH, professor of epidemiology at Emory's Rollins School of Public Health. "These measurements will describe the climate of risk in the colon rather than spotting individual tumors or cells that may become tumors."
Another Emory study shows that one mineral, iron, in excess might up the risk of colon cancer. High levels of dietary iron were linked to low levels of APC, a protein whose absence in colon cancer cells leads to their runaway growth. Although iron is a necessary nutrient, it is needed only in small amounts. Previous research has shown that when too much iron is absorbed, it is associated with an increased risk for heart disease as well as cancer.
Bostick and his research team are participating in a ten-year multi-center study of the effects of increased vitamin D and calcium and biomarker-guided treatment of colon cancer recurrence. The study involves close to 2,500 people throughout the U.S. who have regular colonoscopies.
Bostick is currently working on the development of non-invasive blood and urine tests for colon cancer risk ((http://whsc.emory.edu/_pubs/hsc/winter0...) .
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps that, over time, transform into colon cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually according to the American Cancer Society.
About the author
Sherry Baker is a widely published writer whose work has appeared in Newsweek, Health, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Yoga Journal, Optometry, Atlanta, Arthritis Today, Natural Healing Newsletter, OMNI, UCLA's "Healthy Years" newsletter, Mount Sinai School of Medicine's "Focus on Health Aging" newsletter, the Cleveland Clinic's "Men's Health Advisor" newsletter and many others.
Earlier studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D reduce colon cancer risk and the new Emory data may explain why. In a clinical study of 92 patients, the researchers found that diets supplemented with calcium and vitamin D increase the levels of a protein called Bax which "turns on" the programmed death of pre-cancerous cells in the colon, according to Emory researcher Veronika Fedirko.
"We were pleased that the effects of calcium and vitamin D were visible enough in this small study to be significant and reportable. We will have to fully evaluate each marker's strength as we accumulate more data," Fedirko stated.
In other related Emory research, a 200 patient case-control study found high levels of calcium and vitamin D together are associated with increased levels of E-cadherin, the main adhesion molecule of epithelial cells (cells that line internal and external body surfaces, including the inside of blood vessels and small cavities). Loss of E-cadherin mediated adhesion is known to contribute to the change from benign lesions to invasive, metastatic cancer, so an increase of the molecule could protect from colon cancer.
The studies, which used colorectal biopsy samples, are part of a larger effort to identify a host of measurements that together can estimate a person's risk of developing colon cancer. "We want to have the equivalent of measuring cholesterol or high blood pressure, but for colon cancer instead of heart disease," said Roberd Bostick, MD, MPH, professor of epidemiology at Emory's Rollins School of Public Health. "These measurements will describe the climate of risk in the colon rather than spotting individual tumors or cells that may become tumors."
Another Emory study shows that one mineral, iron, in excess might up the risk of colon cancer. High levels of dietary iron were linked to low levels of APC, a protein whose absence in colon cancer cells leads to their runaway growth. Although iron is a necessary nutrient, it is needed only in small amounts. Previous research has shown that when too much iron is absorbed, it is associated with an increased risk for heart disease as well as cancer.
Bostick and his research team are participating in a ten-year multi-center study of the effects of increased vitamin D and calcium and biomarker-guided treatment of colon cancer recurrence. The study involves close to 2,500 people throughout the U.S. who have regular colonoscopies.
Bostick is currently working on the development of non-invasive blood and urine tests for colon cancer risk ((http://whsc.emory.edu/_pubs/hsc/winter0...) .
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps that, over time, transform into colon cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually according to the American Cancer Society.
About the author
Sherry Baker is a widely published writer whose work has appeared in Newsweek, Health, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Yoga Journal, Optometry, Atlanta, Arthritis Today, Natural Healing Newsletter, OMNI, UCLA's "Healthy Years" newsletter, Mount Sinai School of Medicine's "Focus on Health Aging" newsletter, the Cleveland Clinic's "Men's Health Advisor" newsletter and many others.
22 April 2008
Managing Arthritis With Diet and Exercise
Positive Lifestyle Changes Can Help You Take Control of Your Arthritis
By STEFAN ASCHAN
"I'll jump out this window before I do any of those exercises today."
Yes, it's a fact that pain can drive you insane, affecting your mood, productivity and even how you express yourself. When you are in pain, the only thing that you are interested in is relief.
Many will automatically reach for pain medication. Yet, is it always necessary to do so? Are there any other solutions that might work just as well, or even better?
To answer this question in relation to arthritis, it might help to take a closer look at what arthritis is and why it is such a painful condition.
A healthy joint consists of strong bones, each with a healthy complement of cartilage, to ease the friction between the ends of the bones when movement occurs. To further this aim, a sac containing synovial fluid also lubricates the joint for smooth function.
It's an elegant system. But overuse and nutritional imbalances can lead to a breakdown of the cartilages, leading to painful friction. This is when arthritis occurs.
A Closer Look at Arthritis
In general, there are two different kinds of joint pain which are classified as arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease involves deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. It can be caused by injury, or through an inherited protein defect that causes improper formation of this cartilage. But this kind of arthritis is most commonly blamed on wear-and-tear of the joint through lifestyle, diet and aging.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. This kind of arthritis develops because the immune system identifies the synovial membrane as foreign. Inflammation results, which damages the cartilage in and around the joint. Fever, fatigue, swelling, weight loss and crippling pain are some of the hallmark signs of rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis also tends to develop all over the body, which makes it particularly difficult.
For either of these conditions, however, a change in lifestyle and diet might help.
Supplements: a Key to Fighting Arthritis?
The potential of supplements to help combat the pain and loss of function that accompanies arthritis is a matter of contention. When it comes to solid, research-proven benefits, the jury is still out. Yet, many swear by certain supplements for this condition. Here are just a few examples:
Bromelain is an enzyme that is thought to help to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. This supplement is often taken between meals.
Essential fatty acids are another nutrient that may help generate prostaglandins, according to some studies. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Glucosamine and SAMe are thought by some to be important in the formation of the tissues around the joint and fluids. Yet, many have argued against taking these supplements, maintaining that there is no proof that these substances are stored by the body where they are needed.
Yet, the best supplement of all to implement is proper food. Proper, nutritious food has yielded health effects that surpass any kind of supplement that you can take into your body.
Exercising for Pain Relief
You probably thought that you would get away without hearing about exercise when it comes to arthritis relief, right? Well, you're wrong!
Many people with arthritis experience pain not only when they move, but they also experience stiffness soreness in the body after long periods of sitting. One individual with those issues recently told me, "I walk fairly regularly, but I do not do anything else fitness-wise no machines, no weights, floor exercises, exercise balls or classes."
Sorry, but walking is not just enough to improve your condition. Exercises, including activities that engage the full body, are recommended for individuals with arthritis. This is not just to help joint mobility, or to prevent loss of lean muscle tissue through the aging process, or to maintain strength, or to reduce pain and stiffness, or even to mobilize stiff or contracted joints. The most important benefit of this activity is that it helps people with arthritis to stay independent.
Of course, the type of exercise performed needs to be done with due consideration to each individual's stage of arthritis. Yes, it will be sometimes challenging because of fatigue and discomfort following an exercise program. Hence, it is important to find the right balance for your condition. But don't shy away from physical activity; our body's systems are designed to move, and when you stop moving that system starts to fall apart.
Here are a few guidelines for working with pain and stiffness:
Do low-impact activities, which includes walking, speed walking, swimming and lifting weights.
Put all joints through the full range of motion at least once a day, according to your ability. If you need help starting out, hire a personal trainer who can assist you.
Emphasize proper body alignment at all times. As a rule, your toe, ankle, knee, hip and shoulder should be in one line if you look at yourself in front of a mirror.
Modify the intensity on days where you have flare-ups.
Take enough time for warm-up. Prepare your body for your workout activities to come.
It is up to you and your doctor to decide whether you will require supervision of a healthcare practitioner to exercise with arthritis.
But please make an effort to stay mobile, in shape and independent. These days, we are living to 80, 90 and 100. Preparation for your life at that age does not just happen overnight; it is a process. And your progress should start now.
http://www.stefanaschan.com/
By STEFAN ASCHAN
"I'll jump out this window before I do any of those exercises today."
Yes, it's a fact that pain can drive you insane, affecting your mood, productivity and even how you express yourself. When you are in pain, the only thing that you are interested in is relief.
Many will automatically reach for pain medication. Yet, is it always necessary to do so? Are there any other solutions that might work just as well, or even better?
To answer this question in relation to arthritis, it might help to take a closer look at what arthritis is and why it is such a painful condition.
A healthy joint consists of strong bones, each with a healthy complement of cartilage, to ease the friction between the ends of the bones when movement occurs. To further this aim, a sac containing synovial fluid also lubricates the joint for smooth function.
It's an elegant system. But overuse and nutritional imbalances can lead to a breakdown of the cartilages, leading to painful friction. This is when arthritis occurs.
A Closer Look at Arthritis
In general, there are two different kinds of joint pain which are classified as arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease involves deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. It can be caused by injury, or through an inherited protein defect that causes improper formation of this cartilage. But this kind of arthritis is most commonly blamed on wear-and-tear of the joint through lifestyle, diet and aging.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder. This kind of arthritis develops because the immune system identifies the synovial membrane as foreign. Inflammation results, which damages the cartilage in and around the joint. Fever, fatigue, swelling, weight loss and crippling pain are some of the hallmark signs of rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis also tends to develop all over the body, which makes it particularly difficult.
For either of these conditions, however, a change in lifestyle and diet might help.
Supplements: a Key to Fighting Arthritis?
The potential of supplements to help combat the pain and loss of function that accompanies arthritis is a matter of contention. When it comes to solid, research-proven benefits, the jury is still out. Yet, many swear by certain supplements for this condition. Here are just a few examples:
Bromelain is an enzyme that is thought to help to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. This supplement is often taken between meals.
Essential fatty acids are another nutrient that may help generate prostaglandins, according to some studies. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Glucosamine and SAMe are thought by some to be important in the formation of the tissues around the joint and fluids. Yet, many have argued against taking these supplements, maintaining that there is no proof that these substances are stored by the body where they are needed.
Yet, the best supplement of all to implement is proper food. Proper, nutritious food has yielded health effects that surpass any kind of supplement that you can take into your body.
Exercising for Pain Relief
You probably thought that you would get away without hearing about exercise when it comes to arthritis relief, right? Well, you're wrong!
Many people with arthritis experience pain not only when they move, but they also experience stiffness soreness in the body after long periods of sitting. One individual with those issues recently told me, "I walk fairly regularly, but I do not do anything else fitness-wise no machines, no weights, floor exercises, exercise balls or classes."
Sorry, but walking is not just enough to improve your condition. Exercises, including activities that engage the full body, are recommended for individuals with arthritis. This is not just to help joint mobility, or to prevent loss of lean muscle tissue through the aging process, or to maintain strength, or to reduce pain and stiffness, or even to mobilize stiff or contracted joints. The most important benefit of this activity is that it helps people with arthritis to stay independent.
Of course, the type of exercise performed needs to be done with due consideration to each individual's stage of arthritis. Yes, it will be sometimes challenging because of fatigue and discomfort following an exercise program. Hence, it is important to find the right balance for your condition. But don't shy away from physical activity; our body's systems are designed to move, and when you stop moving that system starts to fall apart.
Here are a few guidelines for working with pain and stiffness:
Do low-impact activities, which includes walking, speed walking, swimming and lifting weights.
Put all joints through the full range of motion at least once a day, according to your ability. If you need help starting out, hire a personal trainer who can assist you.
Emphasize proper body alignment at all times. As a rule, your toe, ankle, knee, hip and shoulder should be in one line if you look at yourself in front of a mirror.
Modify the intensity on days where you have flare-ups.
Take enough time for warm-up. Prepare your body for your workout activities to come.
It is up to you and your doctor to decide whether you will require supervision of a healthcare practitioner to exercise with arthritis.
But please make an effort to stay mobile, in shape and independent. These days, we are living to 80, 90 and 100. Preparation for your life at that age does not just happen overnight; it is a process. And your progress should start now.
http://www.stefanaschan.com/
3 April 2008
'Omega-3 can help control eczema'
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the severity of eczema symptoms reported one newspaper (28 March 2008). The newspaper report generally accurately summarised the findings of a well-conducted randomised controlled trial. The small size of the trial means that further research is needed to confirm the findings.
*
A diet rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help eczema sufferers reduce the severity of their symptoms, reported the Daily Telegraph (1) on 28 March 2008.
*
The report was based on a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2) involving 53 volunteer patients aged 18-40 years of age who were suffering from atopic eczema. The study was a randomised controlled trial undertaken in Germany: 44 participants completed the study course, 21 in the study group and 23 in the control group. The study group received a daily dose of 5.35 g of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.37 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for 8 weeks. The control group received a daily dose of saturated fatty acids over the same period. After 8 weeks eczema symptoms had improved significantly in the DHA group but not in the control group. However, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant.
*
The Daily Telegraph (1) accurately reported the results. The research appears well conducted but the small sample size and lack of a significant difference between groups mean that further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Evaluation of the evidence base for omega-3 fatty acids in eczema
Where does the evidence come from?
The evidence comes from a randomised controlled trial led by Margitta Worm and conducted in the Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergology in Berlin, Germany.
What were the authors' objectives?
To determine the impact of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on clinical and immunological variables in patients with atopic eczema.
What was the nature of the evidence?
This was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving fifty-three patients suffering from atopic eczema aged 18-40 years.
What interventions were examined in the research?
Patients received a daily dose of 5.35 g of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.37 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared with a control group receiving a daily dose of 4.17 g of caprylic acid and 2.84 g capric acid over 8 weeks.
What were the findings?
After 8 weeks patients in the DHA group showed a significant clinical improvement of atopic eczema in terms of a decreased Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score equivalent to an 18% reduction in symptoms. The control group also showed an improvement in SCORAD score over the same period, equivalent to an 11% reduction in symptoms, but this reduction was not significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the DHA and control groups.
A significant reduction of anti-CD40/interleukin 4-mediated IgE synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected in the DHA group only. Supplementation led to a modulated activation status of PBMC in both groups. The DHA group showed an increase of plasma n-3 PUFA and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.
What were the authors' conclusions?
The clinical results imply that dietary DHA may be beneficial in supporting the standard treatment of eczema. Different doses of DHA and long-term treatment may be more effective in patients with atopic eczema but the results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
How reliable are the conclusions?
The research was a generally well-conducted RCT. Appropriate methods were used for randomisation and the trial was double-blinded. A major limitation was the small sample size, which limited the statistical power of the comparisons and meant that the authors could not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect influencing the results. A larger follow-up study would be required to address these shortcomings.
Systematic reviews
Information staff at CRD searched for systematic reviews relevant to this topic. Systematic reviews are valuable sources of evidence as they locate, appraise and synthesize all available evidence on a particular topic.
There were no related systematic review identified on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) however there was one on the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE)(3).
References and resources
1. Omega-3 can help control eczema. The Daily Telegraph, 28 March 2008, p2.
2. Koch C, Dölle S, Metzger M, Rasche C, Jungclas H, Rühl R, Renz H, Worm M. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in atopic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2008;158(4):786-792.
3. Van Gool C J, Zeegers M P, Thijs C. Oral essential fatty acid supplementation in atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. British Journal of Dermatology 2004;1506(4):728-740. [DARE Abstract]
*
A diet rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help eczema sufferers reduce the severity of their symptoms, reported the Daily Telegraph (1) on 28 March 2008.
*
The report was based on a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2) involving 53 volunteer patients aged 18-40 years of age who were suffering from atopic eczema. The study was a randomised controlled trial undertaken in Germany: 44 participants completed the study course, 21 in the study group and 23 in the control group. The study group received a daily dose of 5.35 g of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.37 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for 8 weeks. The control group received a daily dose of saturated fatty acids over the same period. After 8 weeks eczema symptoms had improved significantly in the DHA group but not in the control group. However, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant.
*
The Daily Telegraph (1) accurately reported the results. The research appears well conducted but the small sample size and lack of a significant difference between groups mean that further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Evaluation of the evidence base for omega-3 fatty acids in eczema
Where does the evidence come from?
The evidence comes from a randomised controlled trial led by Margitta Worm and conducted in the Charité Department of Dermatology and Allergology in Berlin, Germany.
What were the authors' objectives?
To determine the impact of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on clinical and immunological variables in patients with atopic eczema.
What was the nature of the evidence?
This was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving fifty-three patients suffering from atopic eczema aged 18-40 years.
What interventions were examined in the research?
Patients received a daily dose of 5.35 g of omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.37 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared with a control group receiving a daily dose of 4.17 g of caprylic acid and 2.84 g capric acid over 8 weeks.
What were the findings?
After 8 weeks patients in the DHA group showed a significant clinical improvement of atopic eczema in terms of a decreased Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score equivalent to an 18% reduction in symptoms. The control group also showed an improvement in SCORAD score over the same period, equivalent to an 11% reduction in symptoms, but this reduction was not significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the DHA and control groups.
A significant reduction of anti-CD40/interleukin 4-mediated IgE synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected in the DHA group only. Supplementation led to a modulated activation status of PBMC in both groups. The DHA group showed an increase of plasma n-3 PUFA and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio.
What were the authors' conclusions?
The clinical results imply that dietary DHA may be beneficial in supporting the standard treatment of eczema. Different doses of DHA and long-term treatment may be more effective in patients with atopic eczema but the results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
How reliable are the conclusions?
The research was a generally well-conducted RCT. Appropriate methods were used for randomisation and the trial was double-blinded. A major limitation was the small sample size, which limited the statistical power of the comparisons and meant that the authors could not exclude the possibility of a placebo effect influencing the results. A larger follow-up study would be required to address these shortcomings.
Systematic reviews
Information staff at CRD searched for systematic reviews relevant to this topic. Systematic reviews are valuable sources of evidence as they locate, appraise and synthesize all available evidence on a particular topic.
There were no related systematic review identified on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) however there was one on the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE)(3).
References and resources
1. Omega-3 can help control eczema. The Daily Telegraph, 28 March 2008, p2.
2. Koch C, Dölle S, Metzger M, Rasche C, Jungclas H, Rühl R, Renz H, Worm M. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation in atopic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology 2008;158(4):786-792.
3. Van Gool C J, Zeegers M P, Thijs C. Oral essential fatty acid supplementation in atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. British Journal of Dermatology 2004;1506(4):728-740. [DARE Abstract]
1 April 2008
Why Infant Formula Must Contain Omega-3's
New recommendations by international experts state that infant formula should include DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 to guarantee a correct eye and brain development.
These recommendations were developed by a panel of child health experts from 11 countries. They have been endorsed by organizations such as The World Association of Perinatal Medicine, Child Health Foundation and the Early Nutrition Foundation.
They emphasized that breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding. However, in cases where the mother is unable or chooses not to breastfeed, they argued that many research studies have highlighted the importance of DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 in infant development.
Sources:
* Eurekalert March 26, 2008
These recommendations were developed by a panel of child health experts from 11 countries. They have been endorsed by organizations such as The World Association of Perinatal Medicine, Child Health Foundation and the Early Nutrition Foundation.
They emphasized that breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding. However, in cases where the mother is unable or chooses not to breastfeed, they argued that many research studies have highlighted the importance of DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 in infant development.
Sources:
* Eurekalert March 26, 2008
28 March 2008
7 Ills That Don’t Need Pills
In the April 2008 issue of the Harvard Health Letter, researchers explained how seven common conditions can be managed without medication. In many cases, the nonpharmacological approach can do as much or more than pills.
Arthritis: Combine weight loss with exercise, and you may have less pain and more mobility -- especially if the exercise that doesn't put any load on the joints, such as swimming, reduces pain.
Cholesterol: Adding soluble fiber to your diet can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
Cognitive decline: Memory training can help you stay sharp, and physical exercise can do even more.
Depression: Regular physical activity has a potent antidepressant effect.
Diabetes: Exercise makes muscle more receptive to the insulin, and eating fewer sweets and simple carbohydrates helps control blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure: Lose weight, get more exercise, and eat less sodium.
Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercise causes bone tissue to get stronger and denser. Extra vitamin D and calcium are key for your diet.
Sources:
* Live Science March 25, 2008
Arthritis: Combine weight loss with exercise, and you may have less pain and more mobility -- especially if the exercise that doesn't put any load on the joints, such as swimming, reduces pain.
Cholesterol: Adding soluble fiber to your diet can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
Cognitive decline: Memory training can help you stay sharp, and physical exercise can do even more.
Depression: Regular physical activity has a potent antidepressant effect.
Diabetes: Exercise makes muscle more receptive to the insulin, and eating fewer sweets and simple carbohydrates helps control blood sugar levels.
High blood pressure: Lose weight, get more exercise, and eat less sodium.
Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercise causes bone tissue to get stronger and denser. Extra vitamin D and calcium are key for your diet.
Sources:
* Live Science March 25, 2008
26 March 2008
Why Sunlight is Better Than Supplements
Dietary sources of vitamin D are not ideal; it is much better to get vitamin D from natural sunlight exposure. Dietary supplementation of vitamin D may actually be related to the increase in allergies and asthma.
Vitamin D3 supplementation has been linked to asthma, which regulates many "allergy" genes and also regulate an antimicrobial response within the immune system. Oral vitamin D supplementation early in life may lead to fewer infections -- but this in turn results in a less-prepared immune system and more allergies.
But while too much vitamin D in the diet can increase the incidence of allergic diseases, too little vitamin D can make allergic diseases worse. However, it is impossible to overdose on vitamin D from sunlight exposure, because the process destroys any excess vitamin D. However, it's easy to get hyper-doses of vitamin D through oral supplementation.
Sources:
* AchooAllergy.com March 21, 2008
Vitamin D3 supplementation has been linked to asthma, which regulates many "allergy" genes and also regulate an antimicrobial response within the immune system. Oral vitamin D supplementation early in life may lead to fewer infections -- but this in turn results in a less-prepared immune system and more allergies.
But while too much vitamin D in the diet can increase the incidence of allergic diseases, too little vitamin D can make allergic diseases worse. However, it is impossible to overdose on vitamin D from sunlight exposure, because the process destroys any excess vitamin D. However, it's easy to get hyper-doses of vitamin D through oral supplementation.
Sources:
* AchooAllergy.com March 21, 2008
25 March 2008
Taking a Closer Look at the Inuit Paradox and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is rare in Inuit people who continue to eat their 'traditional' diet. But how can eating a diet predominantly consisting of seal meat, fat and blubber and almost completely void of greens, fruits and fiber be 'preventative' of the very disease which plagues the entire western world and for which medical orthodoxy blames on diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol? Also, by adopting medicine's low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and drug regimes, CVD continues to increase with no cures in site. Herein lies the paradox... if high fat and high cholesterol diets cause CVD, then what is 'protecting' the traditional Inuit, which has thrived on a diet rich in both?
One of the differences is that the traditional Inuit's diet is very high in Omega-3 fats while our western diet is very high in Omega-6 fats. Science has shown that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be as close to a ratio of 1:1 and certainly no more than 4:1. Inuits are about the only peoples to approach the 1:1 ratio while we typically come in at 20:1 and the real junk foodists are measuring in at upwards of 50:1 ratios. A balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio promotes a homeostasis, non-inflammatory state in the body while a tilt to the high Omega-6 side will promote an inflammatory and therefore disease and degenerative state.
Here is what happens with the imbalance. Man-made vegetable oil diets (margarine and other hydrogenated oils) are high in Omega-6 fatty acids and as such convert into high levels of Arachidonic Acid ('AA'). This molecule is the necessary precursor to Prostaglandin 2, a 'pro-inflammatory', albeit necessary hormone-like molecule found in all cells. The excessive amounts of 'AA' in our Omega-6 rich western diets thus contribute largely to our chronic inflammatory degenerative diseases such as CVD, asthma and arthritis.
Conversely, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids contains the now well-known essential fatty acid molecule 'EPA'. EPA is responsible for the production of Prostaglandin '3', an anti-inflammatory molecule and therefore a soothing response to our runaway 'silent' and not so silent inflammatory and disease states. Therein is one of the secrets to preventing the majority of cardiovascular diseases.
Inuits consume large amounts of seal meat and blubber and thus receive significant amounts of three (3) essential fatty acids EPA, DHA, DPA. The latter, is not readily found in fish oils. DPA is an important factor in preventing plaque and keeping the arteries soft and elastic. EPA is a huge factor in fighting inflammation while DHA is the essential molecule for brain, nerve and eye tissues and is a powerful factor for normalizing blood and tissue triglycerides. You can see why seal oil has become my first choice for the 3 pre-formed Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA's) and is an integral part of my heart prevention trio of necessary therapeutic nutrients.
Vitamin C is anther important factor. But where do Inuits get their Vitamin C? This puzzled me for many years until I discovered that seal and whale skin and blubber ('Muktuk' or 'Muktaaq', an Inuit favorite), and to a lesser extent seal meat, are rich in this essential collagen forming antioxidant vitamin. Thus the Inuit on a traditional diet gets more Vitamin C than the average westerners typically do. We know that Vitamin C is essential in Collagen synthesis, a necessary factor in artery strength and integrity, and a prime factor in reversing and preventing heart disease.
Seal meat and especially blubber, are also very high in Vitamins E, A, D and selenium. Recently, researchers have concluded that these inherent antioxidants are very big reasons why Inuits are free of CVD while other mostly fish eating populations are still prone to this disease. Fish oils alone will not do the same as will seal oil.
Important in the conversion of Omega-6 oils into Omega-3 EFA's are optimum levels of magnesium, selenium, zinc, B3 (niacin) and B6. The conversion just won't happen without these essential nutrients. Liquid ionic magnesium forms part of my heart prevention 'trio' of nutrients mentioned above.
To gain the upper hand on Cardiovascular Disease and other inflammatory degenerative diseases, we can all learn from the tried and true Omega 3 fat-rich Inuit diet. We should immediately strive to achieve a better balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats in our deficient Western diets. While eating seal meat and blubber does not appeal to the vast majority of us, supplementing with 3-4 grams of seal oil daily could go a long way in reversing the trend towards heart disease and strokes. Eating more fish is another good way.
One of the differences is that the traditional Inuit's diet is very high in Omega-3 fats while our western diet is very high in Omega-6 fats. Science has shown that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be as close to a ratio of 1:1 and certainly no more than 4:1. Inuits are about the only peoples to approach the 1:1 ratio while we typically come in at 20:1 and the real junk foodists are measuring in at upwards of 50:1 ratios. A balanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio promotes a homeostasis, non-inflammatory state in the body while a tilt to the high Omega-6 side will promote an inflammatory and therefore disease and degenerative state.
Here is what happens with the imbalance. Man-made vegetable oil diets (margarine and other hydrogenated oils) are high in Omega-6 fatty acids and as such convert into high levels of Arachidonic Acid ('AA'). This molecule is the necessary precursor to Prostaglandin 2, a 'pro-inflammatory', albeit necessary hormone-like molecule found in all cells. The excessive amounts of 'AA' in our Omega-6 rich western diets thus contribute largely to our chronic inflammatory degenerative diseases such as CVD, asthma and arthritis.
Conversely, a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids contains the now well-known essential fatty acid molecule 'EPA'. EPA is responsible for the production of Prostaglandin '3', an anti-inflammatory molecule and therefore a soothing response to our runaway 'silent' and not so silent inflammatory and disease states. Therein is one of the secrets to preventing the majority of cardiovascular diseases.
Inuits consume large amounts of seal meat and blubber and thus receive significant amounts of three (3) essential fatty acids EPA, DHA, DPA. The latter, is not readily found in fish oils. DPA is an important factor in preventing plaque and keeping the arteries soft and elastic. EPA is a huge factor in fighting inflammation while DHA is the essential molecule for brain, nerve and eye tissues and is a powerful factor for normalizing blood and tissue triglycerides. You can see why seal oil has become my first choice for the 3 pre-formed Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA's) and is an integral part of my heart prevention trio of necessary therapeutic nutrients.
Vitamin C is anther important factor. But where do Inuits get their Vitamin C? This puzzled me for many years until I discovered that seal and whale skin and blubber ('Muktuk' or 'Muktaaq', an Inuit favorite), and to a lesser extent seal meat, are rich in this essential collagen forming antioxidant vitamin. Thus the Inuit on a traditional diet gets more Vitamin C than the average westerners typically do. We know that Vitamin C is essential in Collagen synthesis, a necessary factor in artery strength and integrity, and a prime factor in reversing and preventing heart disease.
Seal meat and especially blubber, are also very high in Vitamins E, A, D and selenium. Recently, researchers have concluded that these inherent antioxidants are very big reasons why Inuits are free of CVD while other mostly fish eating populations are still prone to this disease. Fish oils alone will not do the same as will seal oil.
Important in the conversion of Omega-6 oils into Omega-3 EFA's are optimum levels of magnesium, selenium, zinc, B3 (niacin) and B6. The conversion just won't happen without these essential nutrients. Liquid ionic magnesium forms part of my heart prevention 'trio' of nutrients mentioned above.
To gain the upper hand on Cardiovascular Disease and other inflammatory degenerative diseases, we can all learn from the tried and true Omega 3 fat-rich Inuit diet. We should immediately strive to achieve a better balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats in our deficient Western diets. While eating seal meat and blubber does not appeal to the vast majority of us, supplementing with 3-4 grams of seal oil daily could go a long way in reversing the trend towards heart disease and strokes. Eating more fish is another good way.
20 March 2008
Omega-6 fatty acids found to be dietary cause of depression, heart disease
Researchers found a correlation between a higher omega-6-to-omega-3 blood ratio and the occurrence of depression, as well as the occurrence of inflammation-promoting compounds in the blood, according to a small study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.
Researchers from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus looked at fatty acid intake, inflammation and depression levels in 43 senior citizens. Six of the participants were found to meet the criteria for major depression. These six participants had a significantly higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than the participants who were not depressed, an average of 18:1 compared with 13:1.
Among those who were depressed, a higher omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio was found to correlate with the level of depressive symptoms.
The study authors said that the average hunter-gatherer diet provides a ratio of two or three to one, compared with the modern Western ratio of 15-17:1.
Participants who were depressed also had higher blood levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and other compounds known to cause inflammation. These compounds have been linked to arthritis, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Researcher Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser calls them "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging."
The exact nature of the relationship between inflammation, depression and fatty acid ratio is unclear. Prior studies have demonstrated that depression, in and of itself, causes inflammation, while other studies have shown that increased omega-3 intake helps prevent depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids naturally occur in foods such as flax seed oil, walnuts and fish. Omega-6 fatty acids are the kind found in the refined vegetable oils most commonly used for cooking. The spike in omega-6 intake in the West dates to the early 20th century, when refined vegetable oil use first became common.
In addition to eating foods rich in omega-3s, those wishing to achieve a healthier omega-6:omega-3 balance can also take steps to lower their omega-6 blood levels.
"If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6," Kiecolt-Glaser said.
Researchers from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus looked at fatty acid intake, inflammation and depression levels in 43 senior citizens. Six of the participants were found to meet the criteria for major depression. These six participants had a significantly higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than the participants who were not depressed, an average of 18:1 compared with 13:1.
Among those who were depressed, a higher omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio was found to correlate with the level of depressive symptoms.
The study authors said that the average hunter-gatherer diet provides a ratio of two or three to one, compared with the modern Western ratio of 15-17:1.
Participants who were depressed also had higher blood levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and other compounds known to cause inflammation. These compounds have been linked to arthritis, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Researcher Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser calls them "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging."
The exact nature of the relationship between inflammation, depression and fatty acid ratio is unclear. Prior studies have demonstrated that depression, in and of itself, causes inflammation, while other studies have shown that increased omega-3 intake helps prevent depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids naturally occur in foods such as flax seed oil, walnuts and fish. Omega-6 fatty acids are the kind found in the refined vegetable oils most commonly used for cooking. The spike in omega-6 intake in the West dates to the early 20th century, when refined vegetable oil use first became common.
In addition to eating foods rich in omega-3s, those wishing to achieve a healthier omega-6:omega-3 balance can also take steps to lower their omega-6 blood levels.
"If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6," Kiecolt-Glaser said.
26 February 2008
Is Vitamin D the "Nutrient of the Decade?"
This New York Times article posits that Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is poised to become the “nutrient of the decade”. A growing legion of medical researchers now maintain that high levels of vitamin D can counter a host of serious ailments.
Vitamin D increases bone and muscle strength and strikingly reduces tumor growth. Many observational studies have linked low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of cancer, including cancers of the breast, rectum, ovary, prostate, stomach, bladder, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, uterus, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Vitamin D can also dampen an overactive immune system, and lower the risk of multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Researchers like Bruce W. Hollis believe that the current top recommended daily level of 2,000 I.U. for vitamin D is far too low. Dr. Hollis has been giving pregnant women 4,000 I.U. a day, and nursing women 6,000, with no adverse effects.
Sources:
* New York Times February 19, 2008
Vitamin D increases bone and muscle strength and strikingly reduces tumor growth. Many observational studies have linked low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of cancer, including cancers of the breast, rectum, ovary, prostate, stomach, bladder, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, uterus, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Vitamin D can also dampen an overactive immune system, and lower the risk of multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Researchers like Bruce W. Hollis believe that the current top recommended daily level of 2,000 I.U. for vitamin D is far too low. Dr. Hollis has been giving pregnant women 4,000 I.U. a day, and nursing women 6,000, with no adverse effects.
Sources:
* New York Times February 19, 2008
Vitamin D in Your Skin
Researchers have found that the production of previtamin D3 in your skin varies depending on several factors, which include skin type, weather conditions, and sunscreen use.
During the winter at altitudes above 35 degrees, there is minimal previtamin D3 production in the skin. Darker skin pigmentation, application of sunscreen, aging and clothing can also have a dramatic effect on previtamin D3 production.
However, at the other end of the scale, excessive exposure to sunlight does not result in vitamin D overdoes, because previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 are photolyzed to biologically inert chemicals before they can build up to dangerous levels.
Sources:
* Eurekalert February 20, 2008
During the winter at altitudes above 35 degrees, there is minimal previtamin D3 production in the skin. Darker skin pigmentation, application of sunscreen, aging and clothing can also have a dramatic effect on previtamin D3 production.
However, at the other end of the scale, excessive exposure to sunlight does not result in vitamin D overdoes, because previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 are photolyzed to biologically inert chemicals before they can build up to dangerous levels.
Sources:
* Eurekalert February 20, 2008
14 February 2008
The Light Side of MS
Genetic susceptibility cannot fully explain the geographical variations in Multiple Sclerosis. There are a number of other factors which are consistent predictors of MS risk, including cigarette smoking, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus ... and vitamin D status.
A number have studies have shown that latitude correlates very closely with MS risk, and the most important factor that changes with latitude is the duration and intensity of sunlight. There is evidence of both reduced sun exposure and reduced vitamin D status for MS patients. Overall, the results of epidemiological studies support a protective role for vitamin D.
For MS prevention, adequate vitamin D status during childhood and adolescence is particularly important.
Sources:
* Seminars in Neurology 2008; 28: 017-028
A number have studies have shown that latitude correlates very closely with MS risk, and the most important factor that changes with latitude is the duration and intensity of sunlight. There is evidence of both reduced sun exposure and reduced vitamin D status for MS patients. Overall, the results of epidemiological studies support a protective role for vitamin D.
For MS prevention, adequate vitamin D status during childhood and adolescence is particularly important.
Sources:
* Seminars in Neurology 2008; 28: 017-028
12 February 2008
How Vaccines Can Damage Your Brain
Vaccines, Depression and Neurodegeneration After Age 50: Another Reason to Avoid the Recommended Vaccines.
By Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., CCN
It has been estimated that 14.8 million Americans suffer from major depressive disorder and of this number 6 million are elderly. If we include anxiety disorders, which commonly accompany depression, the number jumps to 40 million adults. At a cost of $44 billon dollars a year just for care of the seniors, this impacts the national budget as well. Depression later in life tends to last longer and be more severe than at younger ages. It is also associated with a high rate of suicide.
Previously, it was thought that major depression was secondary to a deficiency in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly the monoamines, which include serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. While alterations in these important mood-related neurotransmitters is found with major depression, growing evidence indicates that the primary culprit is low-grade, chronic brain inflammation. In addition, we now know that inflammatory cytokines can lower serotonin significantly and for long periods by a number of different mechanisms.
Researchers have also discovered that most people with major depressive disease (MDD) have higher levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in their spinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma. This is the same glutamate found as a food additive-for example, MSG (monosodium glutamate), hydrolyzed proteins, calcium or sodium casienate, soy protein isolate, vegetable protein concentrate or isolate, etc. Much of the free glutamate in the brain of depressed people comes from within, that is it escapes from special cells within the brain itself (microglia and astrocytes). Free glutamate, that is, existing outside the neurons, is very toxic to brain connections and brain cells themselves -- mainly by a process called excitotoxicity.
This connection between high brain glutamate levels and major depression was discovered quite by accident, when researchers observed that the anesthetic drug ketamine could relieve depression for a prolonged period. Ketamine is a powerful blocking drug for a class of glutamate receptors (NMDA receptors).
For quite some time it was known that depression could cause a loss of neurons in the hippocampus of the brain-the area most important for recent memory (declarative memory or working memory), the form of memory most affected in Alzheimer’s disease. This shrinkage of the brain usually occurred with long-term depression, yet it was shown, using sophisticated testing, that even without brain shrinkage, memory could be adversely affected. Some antidepressants could not only reverse the memory loss but could reverse the shrinkage as well.
The implication was that the elevated brain glutamate, via excitotoxicity, was destroying brain connections and later killing brain cells in the hippocampus and that the antidepressants were lowering brain glutamate levels. Subsequent studies have confirmed that drugs that block excitotoxicity also reduce depression and that some antidepressants reduce brain glutamate levels.
The Link Between Elevated Brain Glutamate and Inflammation
A tremendous amount of research has now demonstrated the link between chronic low-level brain inflammation, elevated brain glutamate levels and major depression. We know that as we age, the level of inflammatory immune cytokines increase (such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1), IL-6 and TNF-a). That is, the level of inflammation in our body increases, with high levels being seen at the extremes of life -- the 80s and 90s.
This progressive elevation in the body’s inflammation increases our risk of a number of inflammation-linked diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, muscle weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory loss and confusion. People with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have even higher levels of these inflammatory cytokines -- much higher.
When inflammatory chemicals are elevated in the brain it makes brain cells more vulnerable to a number of toxins, many of which are in the environment. One study demonstrated, using a series of sophisticated techniques, that if brain cells were exposed to low levels of a pesticide there was little toxicity seen and that if you exposed these same brain cells to an immune stimulant alone, little damage occurred. But if you first exposed the brain cells to the immune stimulant, the same low dose of pesticide could destroy a great number of brain cells.
The importance of this observation was that the vaccine made the brain cells hypersensitive to the toxin so that even in concentrations that normally would do not cause harm, could wiped out most of the neurons. One of the strongest connections between an environmental toxin (pesticides) and a neurological disorder is with Parkinson’s disease. The reason it is more common in the elderly is that they have the highest levels of inflammatory cytokines. This also explains the high incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, which reaches incidences of 50% after age 80.
The link depression was also by accident. Doctors using immune cytokines to treat patients with cancer or hepatitis found that one third of the patients developed major depressive illness within days of the treatment and that it resolved only when the treatment was terminated. Other studies, in which inflammatory cytokine levels were measured in people with major depressive illness, also found most had high levels of these inflammatory chemicals.
To their surprise, they found that many of the antidepressant medications commonly used lowered inflammatory cytokines levels and that patients who failed to respond had the highest level of the cytokines.
So, how is this linked to excitotoxicity? Neuroscientists have known for some time that inflammatory cytokines cause the brain to release higher levels of glutamate -- the more intense the inflammation, the higher the brain glutamate level. The highest levels are found in the prefrontal lobes and limbic system, the areas most related to mood control. MSG also increases brain inflammation.
Vaccination and Brain Inflammation
A great number of studies have shown that when you vaccinate an animal, the body’s inflammatory cytokines not only increase dramatically, but so do the brain’s inflammatory chemicals. The brain has its own immune system that is intimately connected to the body’s immune system. The main immune cell in the brain is called a microglia. Normally, these brain cells are lying throughout the brain in a resting state (called ramified). Once activated, they can move around, traveling between brain cells like amoeba (called amoeboid microglia).
In the resting state, they release chemicals that support the growth and protection of brain cells and their connections (dendrites and synapses). But when activated, they secrete a number of very harmful chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, complement, free radicals, lipid peroxidation products, and two excitotoxins -- glutamate and quinolinic acid.
In essence, these brain immune cells are out to kill invaders, since the body’s immune system sent an emergency message that an invasion had occurred. With most infections, this phase of activation last no more than a few days to two weeks, during which time the immune system successfully kills off the invaders. Once that is accomplished, the immune system shuts down to allow things to cool off and the brain to repair what damage was done by its own immune system.
What researchers knew was that during this period of activation, people generally feel bad and that what they experience closely resembles depression -- a condition called “sickness behavior”. Most of us have experience this when suffering from a viral illness -- such things as restlessness, irritability, a need to get away from people, trouble sleeping, fatigue and difficulty thinking.
Studies have shown that there are two phases to this “sickness behavior”; one in which we have the flu-like symptoms and a later onset of depression-like symptoms that can last awhile. They have also shown that all of these symptoms are due to high levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain, which come from activated microglia.
A number of studies have also shown that after age 50, people have exaggerated and prolonged “sickness behavior”, much more so than younger people. This is one of the reasons why many elderly hang onto flu symptoms for months after exposure.
There is also another immune phenomenon that plays a major role in vaccine-related brain injury. Researchers discovered that when you vaccinate an animal, the brain microglia immune cells turn on partially (called priming), that is, they are in a state of high readiness. If the immune system is activated again soon after (days, weeks to months), these microglia explode into action secreting levels of their destructive chemicals far higher than normal. This overreaction can be very destructive and make you feel very depressed.
Stimulating the immune system with a vaccine is far different than contracting an infectious illness naturally. Vaccines are made of two components -- the agent you wish to vaccinate against -- for example, the measles virus; and an immune system booster called an immune adjuvant. These adjuvants are composed of such things as aluminum compounds, MSG, lipid compounds and even mercury. Their job is to make the immune system react as intensely as possible and for as long as possible.
Studies have shown that these adjuvants, from a single vaccine, can cause immune overactivation for as long as two years. This means that the brain microglia remain active as well, continuously pouring out destructive chemicals. In fact, one study found that a single injection of an immune activating substance could cause brain immune overactivation for over a year. This is very destructive.
Flu Vaccines and An Expanding Vaccine Schedule for the Elderly
Public health authorities and physician societies are in an all out campaign to have every elderly person vaccinated every year with the flu vaccine as well as a growing number of newer vaccines. When I was practicing neurosurgery, the hospitals had an automatic written order on all older patients’ charts mandating a flu vaccine, unless it was countermanded by the physician, which I always did. Now, they are giving the shots in malls, tents and every available site they can muster. And worse still, using lies and scare tactics to frighten the elderly onto getting the shots (such as the bold lie of 36,000 elderly dying of the flu every year).
As you age your immune system, including that special immune system in your brain, releases significantly more inflammatory immune cytokines than when you were younger. This serves to prime the microglia, as discussed. So, when you get your first flu shot your microglia overreact and does so for a very long period -- perhaps years. Many elderly report that the flu shot gave them the flu. Proponents of vaccines, retort with a condescending laugh, that it is impossible because the flu vaccine contains killed flu viruses. In truth, what these people are reporting is a prolonged, intense “sickness behavior” response to the vaccine. To the body, it is worse than getting the flu. Remember, no one is recording the number of elderly who die after getting the flu shot, especially if they die months later, which can happen with sickness behavior, especially if they have a preexisting chronic illness or are infirm.
Here is the shocking truth. With the elderly already having increased inflammatory cytokine levels both systemically and in their brain, stimulating these primed microglia so that a chronic overstimulation of the brain’s immune system is triggered, will not only increase their risk of developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases, but will also substantially increase their risk of developing major depression. Remember, this also increases their risk of suicide and even homicide dramatically.
Anxiety is a major problem with depression, and vaccinations will greatly worsen the condition. In fact, vaccination, especially multiple vaccinations, will maintain the brain in a state of inflammation that will be self-perpetuating, because the excess release of glutamate in the brain, as well as glutamate in the diet, will further enhance microglial activation and excitotoxicity.
Those who are prone to developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease will be at a drastically increased risk as we have seen experimentally when even animals exposed to subtoxic concentrations of environmental toxins and vaccinated develop neurologic worsening.
Most people use pesticides in their home and studies have shown that the concentrations in homes are sufficient to trigger Parkinson’s disease in susceptible people. Vaccinations, as these studies have shown, will greatly increase risk. Most doctors are completely unaware of this important research.
You must keep in mind that “health authorities” urge the elderly to get the flu vaccine each and every year. This will keep the microglia in a primed and even activated state continuously. Recently, neurologists announced that the incidence of neurodegenerative disease had been grossly underestimated and that neurological diseases of aging were increasing at a frightening rate. They have no explanation. Over the last three decades the number of elderly receiving yearly flu vaccines has risen from 20% before 1980 to over 60% today.
If this were not depressing enough, now the public health authorities and medical specialty societies are adding a whole new set of vaccines for those above 50 years of age, including the pneumococcal and meningiococcal vaccines. What is being completely ignored by the promoters of these vaccines is the effect of multiple doses of immune adjuvant that accompany each of these vaccines.
Lets, say you see your doctor and he talks you into getting the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal and meningiococcal vaccine all during the same office visit. That way, he can save you extra office visits. What your doctor ignores is that he is giving you three doses of powerful immune adjuvant all in one sitting, which means that your body and brain are assaulted by a massive dose of powerful immune activators, which have been proven to activate the brain’s immune system to dangerous levels, even when given as a single dose. Proof of this mechanism exists not only in animal studies, but in humans as well.
Mercury and Aluminum
There are other ways that vaccines can cause havoc in the brain. Most vaccines contain aluminum compounds. A multitude of studies have shown that aluminum, especially if combined with fluoride, is a powerful brain toxin and that it accumulates in the brain. With each vaccine injection, a dose of aluminum is given. These yearly aluminum inoculations accumulate not only at the site of the injection, but travel to the brain, where it enters neurons and glial cells (astrocytes and microglia). A number of studies have shown that aluminum can activate microglia and do so for long periods. This means that the aluminum in your vaccination is priming your microglia to overreact. The next vaccine acts to trigger the enhanced inflammatory reaction and release of the excitotoxins, glutamate and quinolinic acid.
You must also appreciate that any infection, stroke, head injury or other toxin exposure will also magnify this inflammatory brain reaction initially triggered by your vaccines. Studies have now indicated that the more one’s immune system is activated the more like he or she will suffer from one of the neurodegenerative diseases.
Mercury is also a powerful activator of brain microglia and can do so in extremely low concentrations-in nanomolar amounts. Because of its numerous reactions with sulfhydral compounds in the body (which are ubiquitous), mercury can poison a number of enzymes both systemically and in the brain. Of special concern is the ability of mercury, especially ethylmercury (the kind found in vaccines called thimerosal) to inhibit the regulation of brain glutamate levels. (It does this by inhibiting the glutamate transfer proteins that control the removal of glutamate from outside the neuron, where it does its harm.)
In essence, mercury, in the concentrations being injected with vaccines, triggers excitotoxicity, increases brain free radicals and lipid peroxidation products, inhibits critical brain enzymes, inhibits antioxidant enzymes and impairs DNA repair ability. The flu vaccine contains enough mercury to do all of these things. You must keep in mind that each flu vaccine adds to the mercury supplied by your last vaccine, that is, it is progressively accumulating in your brain.
In addition, the aluminum in the vaccines also primes microglia and when combined with mercury is infinitively more toxic to the brain. Now, if this is not enough, we also have to consider the contamination of vaccines with foreign viruses and viral components. Studies have shown that this is not a rare occurrence, with up to 60% of vaccines being contaminated in one study of several major manufactured vaccines. When confronted with this fact, vaccine proponents just shrug their shoulders and say -- “We don’t think these things are harmful.”
Yet, the studies say otherwise. It has been found that insertion of viral fragments, not even the whole virus, is sufficient to trigger the brain’s microglial system and subsequent excitotoxicity, leading to progressive brain degeneration. This is accepted to be the mechanism by which the HIV virus causes dementia in a great number of AIDS victims. Fragments of the virus (gp140 and Tat) are engulfed by the microglia and this triggers chronic brain inflammation and excitotoxicity. The herpes virus and measles virus can do the same thing.
Danger of Live Virus Vaccines
A number of studies have shown that live viruses used in vaccines can enter the brain and reside there for a lifetime. One such study, in which autopsied elderly were examined for the presence of the measles virus, found that 20% of the brains had live measles viruses and 45% of other organs were infected. These viruses were highly mutated, meaning that they could be just as potent as other measles viruses, but could be even more virulent. Worse, is that in most cases they cause a smoldering destruction of tissues without the obvious symptoms of infection, which has been shown in a number of studies.
Live virus vaccines are made using a process to attenuate the pathogenic or disease-causing virus by passing it through a series of cultures. The problem is that the reverse can also happen within the body. A number of studies have shown that when we produce free radicals in our body (and we produce tons of such radicals over a lifetime), it mutates the viruses residing in our tissues. This is what was found in the autopsy study I referred to above.
Likewise, these viruses can trigger brain inflammation and degeneration, which has been shown in a number of studies-that is, there exist a chronic degeneration of the brain over years or decades. Because it is so far separated from the time of the original vaccine, physicians just attribute it to old age or heredity, anything but the vaccines.
Virologists are also concerned that such mutated live viruses can also infect other people, leading to outbreaks of disease totally unsuspected by health authorities.
Conclusion
Current recommendations by the CDC for adult vaccinations include a total of 14 separate inoculations with infectious agents and powerful immune adjuvants. To be fair, some of these are for special medical risks and conditions, such as high-risk behaviors, illegal drug use and HIV infected individuals. If we eliminate these, women will be exposed to 10 inoculations and men 7, should they follow CDC guidelines, which doctors follow.
According to CDC recommendations, multiple vaccinations for a single disease are separated by no more than 4 weeks, which is close enough together to produce priming and subsequent hyperactivation of brain microglia. We have seen that this can trigger a smoldering process of brain inflammation and excitotoxicity that can not only result in depression, anxiety and high suicide rates, but can increase one’s risk of developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases as well.
We have also seen that in many cases a person will be injected with several vaccines during a single office visit and that this means their body is exposed to a very large dose of immune adjuvant. Compelling studies, using many animal species as well as humans, have shown that this overactivates brain inflammatory mechanism that can last for years.
In addition, several additives to vaccines, such as mercury and aluminum, are powerful brain toxins that are known to accumulate in the brain over years and can trigger brain inflammatory/excitotoxic mechanisms. Vaccine contaminants, such as bacteria, mycoplasma and viral fragments can also produce prolonged brain inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Because the elderly already have high levels of inflammatory cytokines, they are at a special risk. The very young (babies and small children) are at a high risk because their brains are undergoing the most rapid development at the very time they receive the greatest number of vaccinations -- the first two years of life. In fact, they receive 22 vaccines during the first year of life, one of which contains a full pediatric dose of mercury. Like adults, they receive many inoculations (up to 9 inoculations) in one office visit. This is insane and in my estimation, criminal.
Nasal flu vaccines are even worse, because they introduce a live virus into the nasal passages, which can then travel along the olfactory nerves, which leads to the very part of the brain first and most severely affected by Alzheimer’s disease. A number of studies have shown that viruses and bacteria can pass along this route to the brain. In fact, in one study scientists sprayed a bacterium into the nose of mice and observed a rapid development of Alzheimer’s type plaques in the mouse’s brain.
So, what should older people do? First, studies have shown that the primary cause of immune deficiency in the elderly is purely dietary. The carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein and lycopene significantly enhance the immunity of the elderly. Zinc, magnesium and selenium are also essential. One should also avoid omega-6 oils (the vegetable oils-corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, soybean and peanut oils), since they greatly enhance inflammation and depress immunity. The EPA component of fish oils (omega-3 oils) is also a powerful immune suppressant. DHA is not. A healthy immune system means that you can fight infections efficiently and rapidly.
Regular exercise, such as brisk walking or weight exercises three to five times a week also boost immunity, while extreme exercise suppresses immunity. Sugar and refined carbohydrates also suppress immunity and inflame the brain. Exercise protects the brain from aging effects and from degeneration.
Adequate sleep is also vital to both brain health and good immune function. Pubic health officials and spokesmen for the major medical societies are lying to the public concerning vaccine safety. We now possess sufficient information from a great number of studies to halt this disastrous vaccine policy. We are facing a medial disaster in this country, which is already well on its way.
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32. Vaccine Excepients and Media Summery Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (also the source for recommended vaccines for adults and children).
By Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., CCN
It has been estimated that 14.8 million Americans suffer from major depressive disorder and of this number 6 million are elderly. If we include anxiety disorders, which commonly accompany depression, the number jumps to 40 million adults. At a cost of $44 billon dollars a year just for care of the seniors, this impacts the national budget as well. Depression later in life tends to last longer and be more severe than at younger ages. It is also associated with a high rate of suicide.
Previously, it was thought that major depression was secondary to a deficiency in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly the monoamines, which include serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. While alterations in these important mood-related neurotransmitters is found with major depression, growing evidence indicates that the primary culprit is low-grade, chronic brain inflammation. In addition, we now know that inflammatory cytokines can lower serotonin significantly and for long periods by a number of different mechanisms.
Researchers have also discovered that most people with major depressive disease (MDD) have higher levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in their spinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma. This is the same glutamate found as a food additive-for example, MSG (monosodium glutamate), hydrolyzed proteins, calcium or sodium casienate, soy protein isolate, vegetable protein concentrate or isolate, etc. Much of the free glutamate in the brain of depressed people comes from within, that is it escapes from special cells within the brain itself (microglia and astrocytes). Free glutamate, that is, existing outside the neurons, is very toxic to brain connections and brain cells themselves -- mainly by a process called excitotoxicity.
This connection between high brain glutamate levels and major depression was discovered quite by accident, when researchers observed that the anesthetic drug ketamine could relieve depression for a prolonged period. Ketamine is a powerful blocking drug for a class of glutamate receptors (NMDA receptors).
For quite some time it was known that depression could cause a loss of neurons in the hippocampus of the brain-the area most important for recent memory (declarative memory or working memory), the form of memory most affected in Alzheimer’s disease. This shrinkage of the brain usually occurred with long-term depression, yet it was shown, using sophisticated testing, that even without brain shrinkage, memory could be adversely affected. Some antidepressants could not only reverse the memory loss but could reverse the shrinkage as well.
The implication was that the elevated brain glutamate, via excitotoxicity, was destroying brain connections and later killing brain cells in the hippocampus and that the antidepressants were lowering brain glutamate levels. Subsequent studies have confirmed that drugs that block excitotoxicity also reduce depression and that some antidepressants reduce brain glutamate levels.
The Link Between Elevated Brain Glutamate and Inflammation
A tremendous amount of research has now demonstrated the link between chronic low-level brain inflammation, elevated brain glutamate levels and major depression. We know that as we age, the level of inflammatory immune cytokines increase (such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1), IL-6 and TNF-a). That is, the level of inflammation in our body increases, with high levels being seen at the extremes of life -- the 80s and 90s.
This progressive elevation in the body’s inflammation increases our risk of a number of inflammation-linked diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, muscle weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory loss and confusion. People with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have even higher levels of these inflammatory cytokines -- much higher.
When inflammatory chemicals are elevated in the brain it makes brain cells more vulnerable to a number of toxins, many of which are in the environment. One study demonstrated, using a series of sophisticated techniques, that if brain cells were exposed to low levels of a pesticide there was little toxicity seen and that if you exposed these same brain cells to an immune stimulant alone, little damage occurred. But if you first exposed the brain cells to the immune stimulant, the same low dose of pesticide could destroy a great number of brain cells.
The importance of this observation was that the vaccine made the brain cells hypersensitive to the toxin so that even in concentrations that normally would do not cause harm, could wiped out most of the neurons. One of the strongest connections between an environmental toxin (pesticides) and a neurological disorder is with Parkinson’s disease. The reason it is more common in the elderly is that they have the highest levels of inflammatory cytokines. This also explains the high incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, which reaches incidences of 50% after age 80.
The link depression was also by accident. Doctors using immune cytokines to treat patients with cancer or hepatitis found that one third of the patients developed major depressive illness within days of the treatment and that it resolved only when the treatment was terminated. Other studies, in which inflammatory cytokine levels were measured in people with major depressive illness, also found most had high levels of these inflammatory chemicals.
To their surprise, they found that many of the antidepressant medications commonly used lowered inflammatory cytokines levels and that patients who failed to respond had the highest level of the cytokines.
So, how is this linked to excitotoxicity? Neuroscientists have known for some time that inflammatory cytokines cause the brain to release higher levels of glutamate -- the more intense the inflammation, the higher the brain glutamate level. The highest levels are found in the prefrontal lobes and limbic system, the areas most related to mood control. MSG also increases brain inflammation.
Vaccination and Brain Inflammation
A great number of studies have shown that when you vaccinate an animal, the body’s inflammatory cytokines not only increase dramatically, but so do the brain’s inflammatory chemicals. The brain has its own immune system that is intimately connected to the body’s immune system. The main immune cell in the brain is called a microglia. Normally, these brain cells are lying throughout the brain in a resting state (called ramified). Once activated, they can move around, traveling between brain cells like amoeba (called amoeboid microglia).
In the resting state, they release chemicals that support the growth and protection of brain cells and their connections (dendrites and synapses). But when activated, they secrete a number of very harmful chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, complement, free radicals, lipid peroxidation products, and two excitotoxins -- glutamate and quinolinic acid.
In essence, these brain immune cells are out to kill invaders, since the body’s immune system sent an emergency message that an invasion had occurred. With most infections, this phase of activation last no more than a few days to two weeks, during which time the immune system successfully kills off the invaders. Once that is accomplished, the immune system shuts down to allow things to cool off and the brain to repair what damage was done by its own immune system.
What researchers knew was that during this period of activation, people generally feel bad and that what they experience closely resembles depression -- a condition called “sickness behavior”. Most of us have experience this when suffering from a viral illness -- such things as restlessness, irritability, a need to get away from people, trouble sleeping, fatigue and difficulty thinking.
Studies have shown that there are two phases to this “sickness behavior”; one in which we have the flu-like symptoms and a later onset of depression-like symptoms that can last awhile. They have also shown that all of these symptoms are due to high levels of inflammatory cytokines in the brain, which come from activated microglia.
A number of studies have also shown that after age 50, people have exaggerated and prolonged “sickness behavior”, much more so than younger people. This is one of the reasons why many elderly hang onto flu symptoms for months after exposure.
There is also another immune phenomenon that plays a major role in vaccine-related brain injury. Researchers discovered that when you vaccinate an animal, the brain microglia immune cells turn on partially (called priming), that is, they are in a state of high readiness. If the immune system is activated again soon after (days, weeks to months), these microglia explode into action secreting levels of their destructive chemicals far higher than normal. This overreaction can be very destructive and make you feel very depressed.
Stimulating the immune system with a vaccine is far different than contracting an infectious illness naturally. Vaccines are made of two components -- the agent you wish to vaccinate against -- for example, the measles virus; and an immune system booster called an immune adjuvant. These adjuvants are composed of such things as aluminum compounds, MSG, lipid compounds and even mercury. Their job is to make the immune system react as intensely as possible and for as long as possible.
Studies have shown that these adjuvants, from a single vaccine, can cause immune overactivation for as long as two years. This means that the brain microglia remain active as well, continuously pouring out destructive chemicals. In fact, one study found that a single injection of an immune activating substance could cause brain immune overactivation for over a year. This is very destructive.
Flu Vaccines and An Expanding Vaccine Schedule for the Elderly
Public health authorities and physician societies are in an all out campaign to have every elderly person vaccinated every year with the flu vaccine as well as a growing number of newer vaccines. When I was practicing neurosurgery, the hospitals had an automatic written order on all older patients’ charts mandating a flu vaccine, unless it was countermanded by the physician, which I always did. Now, they are giving the shots in malls, tents and every available site they can muster. And worse still, using lies and scare tactics to frighten the elderly onto getting the shots (such as the bold lie of 36,000 elderly dying of the flu every year).
As you age your immune system, including that special immune system in your brain, releases significantly more inflammatory immune cytokines than when you were younger. This serves to prime the microglia, as discussed. So, when you get your first flu shot your microglia overreact and does so for a very long period -- perhaps years. Many elderly report that the flu shot gave them the flu. Proponents of vaccines, retort with a condescending laugh, that it is impossible because the flu vaccine contains killed flu viruses. In truth, what these people are reporting is a prolonged, intense “sickness behavior” response to the vaccine. To the body, it is worse than getting the flu. Remember, no one is recording the number of elderly who die after getting the flu shot, especially if they die months later, which can happen with sickness behavior, especially if they have a preexisting chronic illness or are infirm.
Here is the shocking truth. With the elderly already having increased inflammatory cytokine levels both systemically and in their brain, stimulating these primed microglia so that a chronic overstimulation of the brain’s immune system is triggered, will not only increase their risk of developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases, but will also substantially increase their risk of developing major depression. Remember, this also increases their risk of suicide and even homicide dramatically.
Anxiety is a major problem with depression, and vaccinations will greatly worsen the condition. In fact, vaccination, especially multiple vaccinations, will maintain the brain in a state of inflammation that will be self-perpetuating, because the excess release of glutamate in the brain, as well as glutamate in the diet, will further enhance microglial activation and excitotoxicity.
Those who are prone to developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease will be at a drastically increased risk as we have seen experimentally when even animals exposed to subtoxic concentrations of environmental toxins and vaccinated develop neurologic worsening.
Most people use pesticides in their home and studies have shown that the concentrations in homes are sufficient to trigger Parkinson’s disease in susceptible people. Vaccinations, as these studies have shown, will greatly increase risk. Most doctors are completely unaware of this important research.
You must keep in mind that “health authorities” urge the elderly to get the flu vaccine each and every year. This will keep the microglia in a primed and even activated state continuously. Recently, neurologists announced that the incidence of neurodegenerative disease had been grossly underestimated and that neurological diseases of aging were increasing at a frightening rate. They have no explanation. Over the last three decades the number of elderly receiving yearly flu vaccines has risen from 20% before 1980 to over 60% today.
If this were not depressing enough, now the public health authorities and medical specialty societies are adding a whole new set of vaccines for those above 50 years of age, including the pneumococcal and meningiococcal vaccines. What is being completely ignored by the promoters of these vaccines is the effect of multiple doses of immune adjuvant that accompany each of these vaccines.
Lets, say you see your doctor and he talks you into getting the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal and meningiococcal vaccine all during the same office visit. That way, he can save you extra office visits. What your doctor ignores is that he is giving you three doses of powerful immune adjuvant all in one sitting, which means that your body and brain are assaulted by a massive dose of powerful immune activators, which have been proven to activate the brain’s immune system to dangerous levels, even when given as a single dose. Proof of this mechanism exists not only in animal studies, but in humans as well.
Mercury and Aluminum
There are other ways that vaccines can cause havoc in the brain. Most vaccines contain aluminum compounds. A multitude of studies have shown that aluminum, especially if combined with fluoride, is a powerful brain toxin and that it accumulates in the brain. With each vaccine injection, a dose of aluminum is given. These yearly aluminum inoculations accumulate not only at the site of the injection, but travel to the brain, where it enters neurons and glial cells (astrocytes and microglia). A number of studies have shown that aluminum can activate microglia and do so for long periods. This means that the aluminum in your vaccination is priming your microglia to overreact. The next vaccine acts to trigger the enhanced inflammatory reaction and release of the excitotoxins, glutamate and quinolinic acid.
You must also appreciate that any infection, stroke, head injury or other toxin exposure will also magnify this inflammatory brain reaction initially triggered by your vaccines. Studies have now indicated that the more one’s immune system is activated the more like he or she will suffer from one of the neurodegenerative diseases.
Mercury is also a powerful activator of brain microglia and can do so in extremely low concentrations-in nanomolar amounts. Because of its numerous reactions with sulfhydral compounds in the body (which are ubiquitous), mercury can poison a number of enzymes both systemically and in the brain. Of special concern is the ability of mercury, especially ethylmercury (the kind found in vaccines called thimerosal) to inhibit the regulation of brain glutamate levels. (It does this by inhibiting the glutamate transfer proteins that control the removal of glutamate from outside the neuron, where it does its harm.)
In essence, mercury, in the concentrations being injected with vaccines, triggers excitotoxicity, increases brain free radicals and lipid peroxidation products, inhibits critical brain enzymes, inhibits antioxidant enzymes and impairs DNA repair ability. The flu vaccine contains enough mercury to do all of these things. You must keep in mind that each flu vaccine adds to the mercury supplied by your last vaccine, that is, it is progressively accumulating in your brain.
In addition, the aluminum in the vaccines also primes microglia and when combined with mercury is infinitively more toxic to the brain. Now, if this is not enough, we also have to consider the contamination of vaccines with foreign viruses and viral components. Studies have shown that this is not a rare occurrence, with up to 60% of vaccines being contaminated in one study of several major manufactured vaccines. When confronted with this fact, vaccine proponents just shrug their shoulders and say -- “We don’t think these things are harmful.”
Yet, the studies say otherwise. It has been found that insertion of viral fragments, not even the whole virus, is sufficient to trigger the brain’s microglial system and subsequent excitotoxicity, leading to progressive brain degeneration. This is accepted to be the mechanism by which the HIV virus causes dementia in a great number of AIDS victims. Fragments of the virus (gp140 and Tat) are engulfed by the microglia and this triggers chronic brain inflammation and excitotoxicity. The herpes virus and measles virus can do the same thing.
Danger of Live Virus Vaccines
A number of studies have shown that live viruses used in vaccines can enter the brain and reside there for a lifetime. One such study, in which autopsied elderly were examined for the presence of the measles virus, found that 20% of the brains had live measles viruses and 45% of other organs were infected. These viruses were highly mutated, meaning that they could be just as potent as other measles viruses, but could be even more virulent. Worse, is that in most cases they cause a smoldering destruction of tissues without the obvious symptoms of infection, which has been shown in a number of studies.
Live virus vaccines are made using a process to attenuate the pathogenic or disease-causing virus by passing it through a series of cultures. The problem is that the reverse can also happen within the body. A number of studies have shown that when we produce free radicals in our body (and we produce tons of such radicals over a lifetime), it mutates the viruses residing in our tissues. This is what was found in the autopsy study I referred to above.
Likewise, these viruses can trigger brain inflammation and degeneration, which has been shown in a number of studies-that is, there exist a chronic degeneration of the brain over years or decades. Because it is so far separated from the time of the original vaccine, physicians just attribute it to old age or heredity, anything but the vaccines.
Virologists are also concerned that such mutated live viruses can also infect other people, leading to outbreaks of disease totally unsuspected by health authorities.
Conclusion
Current recommendations by the CDC for adult vaccinations include a total of 14 separate inoculations with infectious agents and powerful immune adjuvants. To be fair, some of these are for special medical risks and conditions, such as high-risk behaviors, illegal drug use and HIV infected individuals. If we eliminate these, women will be exposed to 10 inoculations and men 7, should they follow CDC guidelines, which doctors follow.
According to CDC recommendations, multiple vaccinations for a single disease are separated by no more than 4 weeks, which is close enough together to produce priming and subsequent hyperactivation of brain microglia. We have seen that this can trigger a smoldering process of brain inflammation and excitotoxicity that can not only result in depression, anxiety and high suicide rates, but can increase one’s risk of developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases as well.
We have also seen that in many cases a person will be injected with several vaccines during a single office visit and that this means their body is exposed to a very large dose of immune adjuvant. Compelling studies, using many animal species as well as humans, have shown that this overactivates brain inflammatory mechanism that can last for years.
In addition, several additives to vaccines, such as mercury and aluminum, are powerful brain toxins that are known to accumulate in the brain over years and can trigger brain inflammatory/excitotoxic mechanisms. Vaccine contaminants, such as bacteria, mycoplasma and viral fragments can also produce prolonged brain inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Because the elderly already have high levels of inflammatory cytokines, they are at a special risk. The very young (babies and small children) are at a high risk because their brains are undergoing the most rapid development at the very time they receive the greatest number of vaccinations -- the first two years of life. In fact, they receive 22 vaccines during the first year of life, one of which contains a full pediatric dose of mercury. Like adults, they receive many inoculations (up to 9 inoculations) in one office visit. This is insane and in my estimation, criminal.
Nasal flu vaccines are even worse, because they introduce a live virus into the nasal passages, which can then travel along the olfactory nerves, which leads to the very part of the brain first and most severely affected by Alzheimer’s disease. A number of studies have shown that viruses and bacteria can pass along this route to the brain. In fact, in one study scientists sprayed a bacterium into the nose of mice and observed a rapid development of Alzheimer’s type plaques in the mouse’s brain.
So, what should older people do? First, studies have shown that the primary cause of immune deficiency in the elderly is purely dietary. The carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein and lycopene significantly enhance the immunity of the elderly. Zinc, magnesium and selenium are also essential. One should also avoid omega-6 oils (the vegetable oils-corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, soybean and peanut oils), since they greatly enhance inflammation and depress immunity. The EPA component of fish oils (omega-3 oils) is also a powerful immune suppressant. DHA is not. A healthy immune system means that you can fight infections efficiently and rapidly.
Regular exercise, such as brisk walking or weight exercises three to five times a week also boost immunity, while extreme exercise suppresses immunity. Sugar and refined carbohydrates also suppress immunity and inflame the brain. Exercise protects the brain from aging effects and from degeneration.
Adequate sleep is also vital to both brain health and good immune function. Pubic health officials and spokesmen for the major medical societies are lying to the public concerning vaccine safety. We now possess sufficient information from a great number of studies to halt this disastrous vaccine policy. We are facing a medial disaster in this country, which is already well on its way.
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1 February 2008
Low Vitamin E Levels Linked to Greater Physical Decline
Low blood levels of vitamin E have been linked to greater physical decline in older adults. Researchers looked at several micronutrients, including folate, vitamins B6, B12, D and E, but only vitamin E was associated with physical decline.
The study examined almost 700 people in Tuscany, Italy. Over a period of three years, physical performance was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery, which included three objective tests of physical function.
The researchers proposed three possible mechanisms which could explain the vitamin E relationship. Vitamin E could prevent the oxidative stress can result in damage to muscle or DNA, diminish atherosclerosis or other pathologic conditions, or prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
Sources:
* NutraIngredients.com January 23, 3008
The study examined almost 700 people in Tuscany, Italy. Over a period of three years, physical performance was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery, which included three objective tests of physical function.
The researchers proposed three possible mechanisms which could explain the vitamin E relationship. Vitamin E could prevent the oxidative stress can result in damage to muscle or DNA, diminish atherosclerosis or other pathologic conditions, or prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
Sources:
* NutraIngredients.com January 23, 3008
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