I realize that most of us are aware of at least some of the health benefits of antioxidants. My blog posting from 4/26/10 gives an overview of the importance of antioxidants and includes a recommendation at the end for when it's best to take antioxidants, including right after vigorous exercise. A bit more about that...since so many of my friends & family members are really getting into serious exercise routines & training for marathons---you're my inspiration!
Dr. Kenneth Cooper (considered the 'father' of aerobics---founded The Cooper Institute in Dallas at the Cooper Aerobics Center) states that "antioxidant supplements are mandatory for adults who exercise." (Dr. Kenneth Cooper's Antioxidant Revolution: 1994; Thomas Nelson Publishers) This is due in part to the increase in oxygen reactions in our bodies that occur with exercise, especially high-intensity exercise. These oxygen reactions can lead to free radical production, which can, as the April blog posting explains, damage cells and accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and age-related diseases.
Dr. Russell Blaylock echoes Dr. Cooper's recommendation by explaining it this way: "The important thing to remember is that the number of free radicals generated during exercise depends on the intensity of the exercise and its duration...Unless antioxidants in the diet are proportionately increased, intense exercise can actually do more harm than good." (Health & Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life: 2006; Health Press)
Now don't even think about using this as the perfect excuse to avoid exercising---there are WAY too many health benefits derived from regular exercise. :) The key is to give your body what it needs to 'deal with' the effects of exercising---and it's as simple as eating afoods high in antioxidants or taking a comprehensive antioxidant supplement (preferably an organic, whole food version).
Foods high in antioxidants: raisins, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, spinach (raw is highest), kale, broccoli, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas...most fruits & veggies have antioxidants...these are some of the 'heavy hitters.'
My family & I incorporate many of these fruits & veggies into our diet (juicing helps!) and take a whole-food, organic antioxidant juice blend as well. Very inexpensive 'health insurance' we have built into our daily lives.
Back to the books---God's blessings on your health!
Sana
Friday, September 24, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
No, High Fructose Corn Syrup is NOT a 'Sweet Surprise!'
A new study from Cancer Research [70(15); 6368–76] reports that cancer cells can readily metabolize fructose to increase proliferation (which means that one way cancer cells are fed is from fructose). This has major significance for cancer patients given dietary high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption, and indicates that efforts to reduce HCFS intake may disrupt cancer growth. That’s great news!!
Today, 55% of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing are made from corn--and the #1 source of calories in America is soda--in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup. It’s challenging to find bottled drinks, beverages, packaged/processed foods without it! (Yet it’s totally worth the effort as you learn more about the many negative effects of HFCS).
This isn’t new information--Among the many studies which have uncovered the negative effects of HCFS, a 2004 study (already 6 years old) in Nature (5/12/2004) credited the significant rise of diabetes cases to the growing consumption of refined carbohydrates (HFCS). The researchers found that the drop in fiber consumption and heavy consumption of corn syrup found in most processed foods were at the root of the problem--not the number of proteins, fats or carbohydrates.
Dr. Richard Johnson, a professor of Medicine at the U of CO, has been heavily involved in researching the effects of fructose on the metabolic system in animals and cell culture, as well as in clinical studies. Much of his research has concentrated on how fructose might cause obesity, high blood pressure, and other health-related problems (like cancer). His book, The Sugar Fix, explains how HFCS can increase a person’s risk for liver & kidney diseases, premature aging and certain types of cancer.
Most conventional cancer programs still do not adequately address healthy eating habits or the benefits of avoiding or at least minimizing sugar intake (before, during & after cancer treatments). All forms of sugar have negative effects on our health in general (as well as promote cancer)--but in slightly different ways & to a different extent. Fructose, however, obviously seems to be one of the overall most harmful.
One of the ways that HFCS has been found to promote weight gain is related to 2 hormones called ghrelin & leptin. Glucose suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin and stimulates leptin, which suppresses your appetite. Fructose has no effect on ghrelin and interferes with your brain’s communication with leptin, resulting in overeating.
The 'corn industry' has been working hard (under the guise of the innocent title of 'Sweet Surprise') to misinform the public---and, when you think about it, to promote major diseases, in the name of financial gain. It takes educated people making healthy choices to get the message across that we are taking charge of our health and will be avoiding HFCS products in the future. Let's make sure 'they' get the message...are you with me?
Blessings on your health--
Sana
Today, 55% of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing are made from corn--and the #1 source of calories in America is soda--in the form of High Fructose Corn Syrup. It’s challenging to find bottled drinks, beverages, packaged/processed foods without it! (Yet it’s totally worth the effort as you learn more about the many negative effects of HFCS).
This isn’t new information--Among the many studies which have uncovered the negative effects of HCFS, a 2004 study (already 6 years old) in Nature (5/12/2004) credited the significant rise of diabetes cases to the growing consumption of refined carbohydrates (HFCS). The researchers found that the drop in fiber consumption and heavy consumption of corn syrup found in most processed foods were at the root of the problem--not the number of proteins, fats or carbohydrates.
Dr. Richard Johnson, a professor of Medicine at the U of CO, has been heavily involved in researching the effects of fructose on the metabolic system in animals and cell culture, as well as in clinical studies. Much of his research has concentrated on how fructose might cause obesity, high blood pressure, and other health-related problems (like cancer). His book, The Sugar Fix, explains how HFCS can increase a person’s risk for liver & kidney diseases, premature aging and certain types of cancer.
Most conventional cancer programs still do not adequately address healthy eating habits or the benefits of avoiding or at least minimizing sugar intake (before, during & after cancer treatments). All forms of sugar have negative effects on our health in general (as well as promote cancer)--but in slightly different ways & to a different extent. Fructose, however, obviously seems to be one of the overall most harmful.
One of the ways that HFCS has been found to promote weight gain is related to 2 hormones called ghrelin & leptin. Glucose suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin and stimulates leptin, which suppresses your appetite. Fructose has no effect on ghrelin and interferes with your brain’s communication with leptin, resulting in overeating.
The 'corn industry' has been working hard (under the guise of the innocent title of 'Sweet Surprise') to misinform the public---and, when you think about it, to promote major diseases, in the name of financial gain. It takes educated people making healthy choices to get the message across that we are taking charge of our health and will be avoiding HFCS products in the future. Let's make sure 'they' get the message...are you with me?
Blessings on your health--
Sana
Friday, August 13, 2010
Rules For Food---Check Them Out! :)
Author Michael Pollan has a great (small) book out called, "Food Rules." It's one of those books that just has a few words per page---a very quick read---very witty/funny---and very true! We, as a nation, should honestly NOT need a book like this. Since Michael has gone to the work of writing it, though, I feel we should check it out, smile, and take heed to his sound advice.
I'll share a few to give you an idea of what Michael means by "Food Rules":
*Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.
*Avoid foods you see advertised on TV.
*Eat only foods that will eventually rot.
*Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans.
*It's not food if it arrived through a window in your car.
*The whiter the bread, the sooner you'll be dead.
*Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.
And...My favorite:
*It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos or Pringles)
Pretty basic stuff...great reminders when we're shopping, thinking of what to eat and teaching our kids and grandkids about healthy eating choices.
"Food Rules" also offers simple explanations to go along with the 'rules' given.
Yet another way to build health into your life...
May you be blessed with great health--
Sana
I'll share a few to give you an idea of what Michael means by "Food Rules":
*Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.
*Avoid foods you see advertised on TV.
*Eat only foods that will eventually rot.
*Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans.
*It's not food if it arrived through a window in your car.
*The whiter the bread, the sooner you'll be dead.
*Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.
And...My favorite:
*It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos or Pringles)
Pretty basic stuff...great reminders when we're shopping, thinking of what to eat and teaching our kids and grandkids about healthy eating choices.
"Food Rules" also offers simple explanations to go along with the 'rules' given.
Yet another way to build health into your life...
May you be blessed with great health--
Sana
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bottled Water Blues...Definitely NOT Green!
It’s hot out there! (For most of us, that is!) Spending time outside this time of year can quickly remind us of how much water our bodies need to stay hydrated, as our thirst mechanism kicks in. Water is still at the top of the list for hydration and always will be…although occasional drinks of various assortments hit the spot as well!
If you’re still uncertain about tap water vs. bottled water/filtered water, check out my two blog entries from 6/10/2009 and 6/23/2009---they’re archived in the list to the left of the main articles. Hopefully that info will make a solid case in your mind for the need to avoid tap water. Distilled and reverse osmosis waters are also discussed with emphasis on the fact that both types of water are acidic, which we don’t want!
As we ‘wade’ through all the information on bottled water…and try to keep our head from ‘swimming’ as we search for quality bottled or filtered water…here are some facts that may be helpful:
-->A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested more than 1,000 bottles of 103 brands of bottled water. About one-third of the waters tested contained levels of contamination -- including synthetic organic chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic. At the national level, the Food & Drug Administration is responsible for bottled water safety, but the FDA's rules are completely exempt for all bottled water that is packaged and sold within the same state, which accounts for 60-70% of all bottled water sold in the US---and about 20% of the states don’t regulate these waters either.
-->Standard water bottles are composed of a plastic called PET which is made from crude oil. Estimates are as high as 17 million barrels of oil being needed for water bottles in the US each year. Over 85% of these water bottles are tossed in the trash instead of being recycled. Not exactly ‘green’ since these bottles take 400-1000 years to degrade!!
-->All plastic bottles leach synthetic chemicals into water, some more than others. Even the popular refillable polycarbonate water bottles are known to release BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water. The best and healthiest solution is a quality home water filter and refillable non-BPA plastic bottles or glass water bottles.
-->Estimated costs for bottled and filtered water:
$400-$500/year for bottled water (conservative estimate)…year after year…plastic bottle after plastic bottle…
$250-$450 one time cost for a good quality water filter…with once/twice a year filter change ($20-$40)
-->If you choose to go the route of a water filtration unit, look for an activated carbon filtration component (0.5 micron filter if possible) in the unit with the end-resulting water being slightly alkaline. Well-filtered, slightly alkaline water is what our bodies are looking for and are thirsty for!
I admit there are times (ie. travelling) when I will buy bottled water. Tap water is not an option in my humble opinion. I look for slightly alkaline versions and always look forward to returning home to the great filtered water we have in our Wellness Home! So simple, so green, and, most importantly, so very good for our health and the health of our precious families!
Remember...drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water every day--more when working out and when you're out in hot weather. Please let me know if you have questions---I love 'em!
Happy Summer! Blessings on your health--
Sana
If you’re still uncertain about tap water vs. bottled water/filtered water, check out my two blog entries from 6/10/2009 and 6/23/2009---they’re archived in the list to the left of the main articles. Hopefully that info will make a solid case in your mind for the need to avoid tap water. Distilled and reverse osmosis waters are also discussed with emphasis on the fact that both types of water are acidic, which we don’t want!
As we ‘wade’ through all the information on bottled water…and try to keep our head from ‘swimming’ as we search for quality bottled or filtered water…here are some facts that may be helpful:
-->A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested more than 1,000 bottles of 103 brands of bottled water. About one-third of the waters tested contained levels of contamination -- including synthetic organic chemicals, bacteria, and arsenic. At the national level, the Food & Drug Administration is responsible for bottled water safety, but the FDA's rules are completely exempt for all bottled water that is packaged and sold within the same state, which accounts for 60-70% of all bottled water sold in the US---and about 20% of the states don’t regulate these waters either.
-->Standard water bottles are composed of a plastic called PET which is made from crude oil. Estimates are as high as 17 million barrels of oil being needed for water bottles in the US each year. Over 85% of these water bottles are tossed in the trash instead of being recycled. Not exactly ‘green’ since these bottles take 400-1000 years to degrade!!
-->All plastic bottles leach synthetic chemicals into water, some more than others. Even the popular refillable polycarbonate water bottles are known to release BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water. The best and healthiest solution is a quality home water filter and refillable non-BPA plastic bottles or glass water bottles.
-->Estimated costs for bottled and filtered water:
$400-$500/year for bottled water (conservative estimate)…year after year…plastic bottle after plastic bottle…
$250-$450 one time cost for a good quality water filter…with once/twice a year filter change ($20-$40)
-->If you choose to go the route of a water filtration unit, look for an activated carbon filtration component (0.5 micron filter if possible) in the unit with the end-resulting water being slightly alkaline. Well-filtered, slightly alkaline water is what our bodies are looking for and are thirsty for!
I admit there are times (ie. travelling) when I will buy bottled water. Tap water is not an option in my humble opinion. I look for slightly alkaline versions and always look forward to returning home to the great filtered water we have in our Wellness Home! So simple, so green, and, most importantly, so very good for our health and the health of our precious families!
Remember...drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water every day--more when working out and when you're out in hot weather. Please let me know if you have questions---I love 'em!
Happy Summer! Blessings on your health--
Sana
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Nutritional Supplements + Chemo/Radiation = ?OK?
I started my last blog posting with The Question of the Day re: surgery and taking nutritional supplements. Next question: How do cancer treatments (chemo/radiation) and nutritional supplements fit together? Here’s the rhetorical question from the last post one more time (just changing a few words): As we continue to learn about the powerful benefits of basic nutritional supplementation when we’re (fairly) healthy, wouldn’t it make sense to maintain those benefits when our bodies are under even greater stress as during times of chemotherapy and radiation?
Things that make you go ‘Hmmm…..’
I feel the need to include this paragraph as well from my last posting as well since it fits perfectly in this context as well (with just a few word changes): What is a person to do…if a health care provider instructs patients to avoid all vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements before/during/after chemotherapy or radiation? How about asking the health care provider for the specific ‘why’ behind their instructions…and the ‘reference’ where a person could access the studies/research their instructions are based on. If these two requests aren’t met with satisfaction, how about pursuing additional, evidence-based advice? “Because I said so” or “That’s just how it is” are NOT acceptable answers.
First on the agenda is the reminder to us all that each of us are uniquely created (by an amazing Creator, I might add!)—thus, there is no simple cookie-cutter piece of advice that fits all situations. Second on the agenda is one other very important reminder that nutritional supplements are NOT created equal! ‘Whole food’ and ‘Organic’ are two of the most important factors to look for when deciding on supplements. ‘Whole food’ means that the various nutrients are being provided as they would be found in nature—with just the water & fiber removed—no mega-dosing, just proper balance (as opposed to singling out certain nutrients, hoping our body will be able to use them appropriately, which usually doesn’t happen). ‘Organic’ means that you’re getting pure product, without pesticides/herbicides/fillers, etc. that can be harmful to us.
Below are just a few examples of research (from multiple textbooks & sources in my studies) that attest to the many benefits of basic nutritional supplementation, tailored to a person’s individual needs:
*CoQ-10 (an antioxidant) has been found to help alleviate many toxic effects of cancer drugs. It has also been found to reduce the risk of breast & prostate cancers---as well as the rate of tumor growth once the cancer has begun.
*Protease (a digestive enzyme) promotes healing and recovery from cancer—and can also dissolve the fibrin coating on cancer cells, allowing the body’s defenses to function better.
*Acidophilus (a probiotic) has been found to kill pathogens that contribute to cancer. A 1997 study showed the growth of breast cancer cells slowed by up to 85% after exposure to acidophilus.
*Indole-3-carbinole (powerful phytonutrient) prevents cancer in 2 ways: by improving enzyme pathways for our bodies to get rid of cancer-causing agents & by inhibiting certain cancer-causing materials from binding to DNA.
* Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) can inhibit growth of some cancer cells, including melanoma.
*Maitake (mushroom) is highly effective against hormone-driven cancers like breast, prostate & endometrial---and even high mortality cancers like lung, liver, pancreas. It has also been found to be helpful in lessening the side effects from chemo (nausea & loss of appetite). It also appears to protect healthy cells from becoming cancerous & prevent spread of cancer once it has taken hold.
*Shiitake (mushroom) enhances the body’s natural ability to eliminate a tumor.
*Royal Agaricus (mushroom) is a rich source of beta glucan---a powerful cancer-fighting agent.
Realize that these few examples are also designed for PREVENTING big, bad diseases & health challenges, such as cancer. My family & I take a ‘whole food’ organic mushroom blend every day for that very reason, along with a few other foundational nutritional products----to me, THAT’S true ‘Insurance.’
Thanks for reading…for taking time to stretch your knowledge…for continuing the journey we’re all as ‘Owners’ of our own health—
Here’s to a most healthy you—
Sana
Things that make you go ‘Hmmm…..’
I feel the need to include this paragraph as well from my last posting as well since it fits perfectly in this context as well (with just a few word changes): What is a person to do…if a health care provider instructs patients to avoid all vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements before/during/after chemotherapy or radiation? How about asking the health care provider for the specific ‘why’ behind their instructions…and the ‘reference’ where a person could access the studies/research their instructions are based on. If these two requests aren’t met with satisfaction, how about pursuing additional, evidence-based advice? “Because I said so” or “That’s just how it is” are NOT acceptable answers.
First on the agenda is the reminder to us all that each of us are uniquely created (by an amazing Creator, I might add!)—thus, there is no simple cookie-cutter piece of advice that fits all situations. Second on the agenda is one other very important reminder that nutritional supplements are NOT created equal! ‘Whole food’ and ‘Organic’ are two of the most important factors to look for when deciding on supplements. ‘Whole food’ means that the various nutrients are being provided as they would be found in nature—with just the water & fiber removed—no mega-dosing, just proper balance (as opposed to singling out certain nutrients, hoping our body will be able to use them appropriately, which usually doesn’t happen). ‘Organic’ means that you’re getting pure product, without pesticides/herbicides/fillers, etc. that can be harmful to us.
Below are just a few examples of research (from multiple textbooks & sources in my studies) that attest to the many benefits of basic nutritional supplementation, tailored to a person’s individual needs:
*CoQ-10 (an antioxidant) has been found to help alleviate many toxic effects of cancer drugs. It has also been found to reduce the risk of breast & prostate cancers---as well as the rate of tumor growth once the cancer has begun.
*Protease (a digestive enzyme) promotes healing and recovery from cancer—and can also dissolve the fibrin coating on cancer cells, allowing the body’s defenses to function better.
*Acidophilus (a probiotic) has been found to kill pathogens that contribute to cancer. A 1997 study showed the growth of breast cancer cells slowed by up to 85% after exposure to acidophilus.
*Indole-3-carbinole (powerful phytonutrient) prevents cancer in 2 ways: by improving enzyme pathways for our bodies to get rid of cancer-causing agents & by inhibiting certain cancer-causing materials from binding to DNA.
* Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) can inhibit growth of some cancer cells, including melanoma.
*Maitake (mushroom) is highly effective against hormone-driven cancers like breast, prostate & endometrial---and even high mortality cancers like lung, liver, pancreas. It has also been found to be helpful in lessening the side effects from chemo (nausea & loss of appetite). It also appears to protect healthy cells from becoming cancerous & prevent spread of cancer once it has taken hold.
*Shiitake (mushroom) enhances the body’s natural ability to eliminate a tumor.
*Royal Agaricus (mushroom) is a rich source of beta glucan---a powerful cancer-fighting agent.
Realize that these few examples are also designed for PREVENTING big, bad diseases & health challenges, such as cancer. My family & I take a ‘whole food’ organic mushroom blend every day for that very reason, along with a few other foundational nutritional products----to me, THAT’S true ‘Insurance.’
Thanks for reading…for taking time to stretch your knowledge…for continuing the journey we’re all as ‘Owners’ of our own health—
Here’s to a most healthy you—
Sana
Friday, May 14, 2010
Nutritional Supplements + Surgery = ?OK?
Wow, the weeks fly by (in between blog postings!) as I continue on with my studies---All is well---just limited time and so much to learn! :) My goal in posting blogs like this is to potentially stretch your current knowledge in specific areas related to health. I encourage you to learn as much as you can, as you continue to ‘Take Ownership of your Health.’ Let’s get started…
The Question of the Day: How do surgery, pre & post-op recovery and nutritional supplements fit together? This is definitely becoming an ‘FAQ’ (frequently asked question) in my conversations –– and rightly so! As more and more of us are learning about the powerful benefits of basic nutritional supplementation when we’re (fairly) healthy, wouldn’t it make sense to maintain those benefits when our bodies are under even greater stress as during times of surgery and recovery?
Things that make you go ‘Hmmm…..’
Some examples of what can occur in the body during and after surgery: Vitamin B12 deficiency from anesthesia---reduced oxygen to cells & decreased blood flow from blood loss (both causing an increase in free radicals)---a profound suppression of the immune system from surgery and anesthesia---liver stress from anesthetic agents and medications---magnesium depletion from steroids and diuretics---impaired wound healing from vitamin C & zinc depletion and low protein intake. These are just a few examples…to emphasize the importance of appropriate nutritional supplementation during this critical time in anyone’s life. Just the trauma of surgery increases the body’s metabolic rate, which increases the production of free radicals-->not a good thing!
(Learn more about free radicals & antioxidants in my 4/26 blog entry).
Next Question: What is a person to do…if a health care provider instructs patients to avoid all vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements for several weeks before and after surgery? How about asking the health care provider for the ‘why’ behind their instructions…and the ‘reference’ where a person could access the studies/research their instructions are based on. If these two requests aren’t met with satisfaction, how about pursuing additional, evidence-based advice? “Because I said so” or “That’s just how it is” are NOT acceptable answers.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of a nutrient does NOT apply to surgical patients or those with significant injuries since the stress of the situation dramatically increases nutritional needs. RDA’s were developed to provide healthy individuals with adequate nutrient intake to avoid diseases of deficiency, like rickets and scurvy (not to promote optimal health).
According to Dr. Eldon Haas in his textbook, Staying Healthy with Nutrition, ‘Vitamins A & C and the mineral zinc help tissue repair after surgery and lessen chance of infection.’ What a simple step to take to increase your healing ‘odds.’ Dr. Haas thoroughly covers nutrients that can be of benefit before and after surgery. Quick examples: B vitamins (especially B2-riboflavin) help with tissue repair…Magnesium activates multiple enzymes that promote the healing process.
Dr. Russell Blaylock (in Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life) refers to several studies which report that maintaining adequate levels of the mineral magnesium in the body tissues can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism after surgery. Studies abound… revealing the benefits of nutritional supplementation before, during and after all types of surgery. Another example: Using a combination of flavonoids (antioxidants), magnesium, selenium, zinc and the antioxidant vitamins helps protect the brain during and after neurosurgery. Sounds like that would be a good idea…
In case you’re remembering past media reports pertaining to studies investigating the use of specific vitamins, antioxidants, etc. and finding them ineffective or even harmful, realize that those studies used single vitamins…single antioxidants, not vitamins and antioxidants found in ‘real food’ or in whole food supplements. Honestly, I’ve noticed multiple news stories recently about elevated infection rates in hospitals…making this information even that much more important!
Thanks for reading--I look forward to your comments and questions. :)
Blessings of wellness to you...
Sana
The Question of the Day: How do surgery, pre & post-op recovery and nutritional supplements fit together? This is definitely becoming an ‘FAQ’ (frequently asked question) in my conversations –– and rightly so! As more and more of us are learning about the powerful benefits of basic nutritional supplementation when we’re (fairly) healthy, wouldn’t it make sense to maintain those benefits when our bodies are under even greater stress as during times of surgery and recovery?
Things that make you go ‘Hmmm…..’
Some examples of what can occur in the body during and after surgery: Vitamin B12 deficiency from anesthesia---reduced oxygen to cells & decreased blood flow from blood loss (both causing an increase in free radicals)---a profound suppression of the immune system from surgery and anesthesia---liver stress from anesthetic agents and medications---magnesium depletion from steroids and diuretics---impaired wound healing from vitamin C & zinc depletion and low protein intake. These are just a few examples…to emphasize the importance of appropriate nutritional supplementation during this critical time in anyone’s life. Just the trauma of surgery increases the body’s metabolic rate, which increases the production of free radicals-->not a good thing!
(Learn more about free radicals & antioxidants in my 4/26 blog entry).
Next Question: What is a person to do…if a health care provider instructs patients to avoid all vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements for several weeks before and after surgery? How about asking the health care provider for the ‘why’ behind their instructions…and the ‘reference’ where a person could access the studies/research their instructions are based on. If these two requests aren’t met with satisfaction, how about pursuing additional, evidence-based advice? “Because I said so” or “That’s just how it is” are NOT acceptable answers.
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of a nutrient does NOT apply to surgical patients or those with significant injuries since the stress of the situation dramatically increases nutritional needs. RDA’s were developed to provide healthy individuals with adequate nutrient intake to avoid diseases of deficiency, like rickets and scurvy (not to promote optimal health).
According to Dr. Eldon Haas in his textbook, Staying Healthy with Nutrition, ‘Vitamins A & C and the mineral zinc help tissue repair after surgery and lessen chance of infection.’ What a simple step to take to increase your healing ‘odds.’ Dr. Haas thoroughly covers nutrients that can be of benefit before and after surgery. Quick examples: B vitamins (especially B2-riboflavin) help with tissue repair…Magnesium activates multiple enzymes that promote the healing process.
Dr. Russell Blaylock (in Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life) refers to several studies which report that maintaining adequate levels of the mineral magnesium in the body tissues can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism after surgery. Studies abound… revealing the benefits of nutritional supplementation before, during and after all types of surgery. Another example: Using a combination of flavonoids (antioxidants), magnesium, selenium, zinc and the antioxidant vitamins helps protect the brain during and after neurosurgery. Sounds like that would be a good idea…
In case you’re remembering past media reports pertaining to studies investigating the use of specific vitamins, antioxidants, etc. and finding them ineffective or even harmful, realize that those studies used single vitamins…single antioxidants, not vitamins and antioxidants found in ‘real food’ or in whole food supplements. Honestly, I’ve noticed multiple news stories recently about elevated infection rates in hospitals…making this information even that much more important!
Thanks for reading--I look forward to your comments and questions. :)
Blessings of wellness to you...
Sana
Monday, April 26, 2010
The BIG Kid on the Block: Antioxidants
Antioxidants may not be the ‘new kid on the block’ – but they could well be described as the ‘big kid on the block’ – that is, if you want to be healthy…stay healthy…minimize your risk of major diseases…minimize the aging process…you get the picture!
Here’s the deal (just a little chemistry---it’s OK!):
A Free Radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron in its outer orbit. Often described as nasty… or angry…they’re produced by our bodies any time our metabolism increases (think stress, trauma, inflammation, infections, burns, exercise, x-rays, UV radiation…). Electrons like to hang out in pairs, so they will ‘steal’ an electron from wherever they can (called oxidation). This process can damage cells and accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
Now before you start thinking that this gives the excuse to avoid exercising (because exercise is a major key to good health), let’s take a look at antioxidants.
Antioxidants do their job by supplying electrons to the free radicals to neutralize or stabilize them, which, in turn, protects our cells from damage. Anti (against)-oxidants (oxidation)…antioxidants help protect against oxidation. Ignoring this daily occurrence of free radical production in our bodies can lead to the ‘big, bad diseases’ we hear about every day…cancer, heart disease, stroke…just to name a few.
A few examples of Antioxidants: Vitamins C & E, beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc, selenium, glutathione, garlic, milk thistle…just a few…it’s a long list. Each antioxidant has its own area of defense, which emphasizes the fact that antioxidant nutrients and herbs are needed in balance to adequately defend our cells.
Important Point: Taking single antioxidant supplements can actually lead to the formation of free radicals---which is what we’re trying to avoid! We weren’t designed to depend on the antioxidant from the juice of one amazing berry only found in a remote mountain range for all of our antioxidant needs. Combined antioxidants (found in whole food supplements) have a much greater effect than single antioxidants—a powerful example of synergy in our body. This combination of antioxidants creates an antioxidant network, providing powerful protection against free radical damage (oxidation). Everything in balance…just as God intended it to be. My family and I take a ‘whole food’ organic juice product that has 21 juices, herbs & extracts…no water, no sugar, sweeteners or preservatives…just wonderful antioxidant goodness. Our diet is heavy in veggies, fruits and whole grains as well.
Set a life-time goal of making sure your antioxidant-defense system stays strong… through plenty of fresh, organic veggies & fruit—and a balanced, whole-food, organic antioxidant supplement. Critical times to supplement antioxidants: after exercising, after injuries, with inflammation & during times of high stress.
Blessings of good health and antioxidants to you…
Sana
Here’s the deal (just a little chemistry---it’s OK!):
A Free Radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron in its outer orbit. Often described as nasty… or angry…they’re produced by our bodies any time our metabolism increases (think stress, trauma, inflammation, infections, burns, exercise, x-rays, UV radiation…). Electrons like to hang out in pairs, so they will ‘steal’ an electron from wherever they can (called oxidation). This process can damage cells and accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
Now before you start thinking that this gives the excuse to avoid exercising (because exercise is a major key to good health), let’s take a look at antioxidants.
Antioxidants do their job by supplying electrons to the free radicals to neutralize or stabilize them, which, in turn, protects our cells from damage. Anti (against)-oxidants (oxidation)…antioxidants help protect against oxidation. Ignoring this daily occurrence of free radical production in our bodies can lead to the ‘big, bad diseases’ we hear about every day…cancer, heart disease, stroke…just to name a few.
A few examples of Antioxidants: Vitamins C & E, beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc, selenium, glutathione, garlic, milk thistle…just a few…it’s a long list. Each antioxidant has its own area of defense, which emphasizes the fact that antioxidant nutrients and herbs are needed in balance to adequately defend our cells.
Important Point: Taking single antioxidant supplements can actually lead to the formation of free radicals---which is what we’re trying to avoid! We weren’t designed to depend on the antioxidant from the juice of one amazing berry only found in a remote mountain range for all of our antioxidant needs. Combined antioxidants (found in whole food supplements) have a much greater effect than single antioxidants—a powerful example of synergy in our body. This combination of antioxidants creates an antioxidant network, providing powerful protection against free radical damage (oxidation). Everything in balance…just as God intended it to be. My family and I take a ‘whole food’ organic juice product that has 21 juices, herbs & extracts…no water, no sugar, sweeteners or preservatives…just wonderful antioxidant goodness. Our diet is heavy in veggies, fruits and whole grains as well.
Set a life-time goal of making sure your antioxidant-defense system stays strong… through plenty of fresh, organic veggies & fruit—and a balanced, whole-food, organic antioxidant supplement. Critical times to supplement antioxidants: after exercising, after injuries, with inflammation & during times of high stress.
Blessings of good health and antioxidants to you…
Sana
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