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

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

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 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

Asthma...Natural Solutions

I’ve been asked to share information pertaining to natural health solutions for asthma---thanks for asking, Sharon & Colleen! This information has been a work in progress from my studies…from accomplished leaders in the field of natural medicine, like Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Russell Blaylock and Dr. Eldon Haas. It’s so confirming to see how in agreement these leaders are in so many aspects in natural medicine, focusing on true evidence-based medicine.

This information is for your education. You may be aware of some of the content, which is good! Work with your health care provider to see what parts, if any, are a good choice for you. Always keep in mind that YOU are the 'Owner' of your health. If your health care provider isn’t interested in working with you, don’t be discouraged---and don’t give up! If a health care provider isn’t willing to work with you except in writing prescriptions, it could be time to look for someone who is willing to work with you. Good for you in being open to learning about natural, safe options for your health!

You’re probably well aware of all the advantages---for EVERYONE---of a diet high in veggies and fruit. Some studies suggest that apples, carrots, tomatoes & leafy vegetables can be especially beneficial for people with asthma.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease. Free radicals increase (not a good thing) in your body whenever there is inflammation. Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium are among the many antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Magnesium has been found to be helpful in relaxing muscle, including the muscles in our airways. Potassium and zinc assist with cell hydration. A well-rounded, whole-food multivitamin/mineral supplement can provide this nutritional support we need in addition to our healthy eating.

Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapples believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect. The herbs ginkgo biloba and licorice root help decrease inflammation in the lungs. Ginger and turmeric have great anti-inflammatory qualities as well.

Asthma control is very dependent on a proper fatty acid profile. Asthmatics can greatly benefit from a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. For most of us, that means increasing omega-3 intake and decreasing omega-6 intake. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have been found to be helpful in controlling asthma and inflammation. EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon and trout as well as walnuts and flax seed. It can also be obtained from good quality fish oil capsules. Vegan versions of EPA & DHA are available as well. Using extra virgin olive oil for cooking is one way to keep the healthy omega-3’s in balance.

A fatty acid known as arachidonic acid (an omega-6 that is found in egg yolks, shellfish and meat) may increase the risk for asthma and asthma symptoms. Replacing animal protein with plant protein as much as possible can prove beneficial for some asthmatics.

Sometimes a specific food can trigger asthma attacks. Eliminating wheat, corn, soy and sugar (one at a time) for 6-8 weeks to watch for changes in asthma status can identify certain problem foods/food groups. Using a quality mineral salt (RealSalt) instead of standard table salt is beneficial for overall health and has positive implications for breathing challenges.

Increasing water intake can decrease asthma attacks. Water keeps ALL of our cells hydrated. Drinking ½ our body weight in ounces is a standard goal, increasing the amount with exercise and during very warm weather. This should be good quality water---not tap water. Slightly alkaline water is best---both reverse osmosis and distilled water are quite acidic and not well absorbed. (More info in my archived blogs)

Installing a good air filtration system in the home can dramatically reduce the levels of respiratory irritants such as smoke, dust, molds and harsh chemicals. Air filtration systems that produce ozone should be avoided. Ozone is a respiratory irritant. The EPA is undergoing further analysis as to whether ozone should labeled as a toxic gas. Negative ions are good, ozone is not--except way up in the ozone layer! (More info in my archived blogs)

Magnetic technology in the form of thin magnetic pads, necklaces, etc. has been found beneficial by many in easing asthmatic symptoms. (More info in my archived blogs)

Thousands of former asthmatics have found chiropractic adjustment to work for them. A chiropractic adjustment can remove interference to the nervous system, allowing your body to heal itself and minimize symptoms. Manipulative work done on the chest can help in breaking up restrictive patterns in nerves and muscles that develop in chronic asthma (ie. osteopathic manipulation, especially from a practitioner of cranial therapy, deep-tissue massage).

As you can see, there are many avenues of safe, effective options to explore. Thanks for reading and learning---and keeping an open mind to safe options for a significant health challenge.

May you be blessed with wellness...
Sana
PS: I look forward to your comments!

What It Takes For Health...Cardiovascular and Overall Health

Another class completed---two more are waiting for me: Nutritional Influences on Health and Basic Herbology. Then it's on to Elements of Traditional Naturopathy...and yes, I'm a nerd...I think they sound very interesting and I can't wait to dive in! Oh, well, someone has to play the nerd role/I love to study & read huge books...and apply all this amazing knowledge in what I do! And it's only by God's grace that I'm moving forward with this---yes, He answers prayers!

This will be a short entry (yeah, right!) being I'm soon ready to head out the door to meet my sweet husband in Phoenix--then leave in the AM for a week! Yes, I'm taking my textbooks with me...and my highlighters...and our laptop. :)

In the middle of one of my chapters in 'Staying Healthy with Nutrition' the author ends a segment in the Special Supplements section with the following statement:

Ultimately, we'll see that maintaining alkalinity and lowering inflammation in the body with consistent good nutrition and regular exercise is going to be our best program for ensuring (and insuring) cardiovascular health.

Hmmmm.....He didn't mention a single medication or treatment for cardiovascular health...Hmmm...
I would take his statement one step further and change the words 'cardiovascular health' to 'overall health.'

The KEY is NOT waiting until something big/bad happens healthwise. Time for building prevention and a true feeling of wellness into our lives is NOW.

Taking small steps in changing what we eat...in the quality of our water...in the quality of our sleep...in making sure we get regular exercise...will pay off immensely in the long run. Remember his mention of 'alkalinity' -- check out some of my previous blogs if you're not familiar with it and how important it is to our health.

One last pointer when it comes to what we eat. Ditch the "I'm going on a diet" or "I'm on a diet" -- we're ALL on some type of diet (obviously some tremendously more healthy than others)! How about saying, "I'm changing my diet" or "I'm changing my diet for the better" (making one small change at a time, like adding a green salad every day).

May you each be blessed with great health--
Sana

This Could Save Someone's Life: Do You Know Anyone Taking Avandia for Diabetes?

A bit different focus today---jumping to the 'other side' for a moment---because a big part of WELLNESS involves knowing what NOT to take and finding SAFER, HEALTHIER options. Please share this with anyone you know who may be taking Avandia, a popular diabetes medication.

Check out these excerpts from an article in today's New York Times(2-20-2010):
Hundreds of people taking Avandia, a diabetes medicine, needlessly suffer heart attacks and heart failure each month, according to confidential government reports that recommend the drug be removed from the market.

Avandia, intended to treat Type 2 diabetes, is known as rosiglitazone and was linked to 304 deaths during the third quarter of 2009. “Rosiglitazone should be removed from the market,” one report, by Dr. David Graham and Dr. Kate Gelperin of the FDA, concludes. Both authors recommended that Avandia be withdrawn.

The internal FDA reports are part of a fierce debate within the agency over what to do about Avandia, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline said that it had studied Avandia extensively and that “scientific evidence simply does not establish that Avandia increases” the risk of heart attacks.

Avandia was once one of the biggest-selling drugs in the world. Driven in part by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign, sales were $3.2 billion in 2006. But a 2007 study by a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist suggesting that the drug harmed the heart prompted the FDA to issue a warning, and sales plunged. A committee of independent experts found in 2007 that Avandia might increase the risk of heart attack but recommended that it remain on the market, and an FDA oversight board voted 8 to 7 to accept that advice.

Hundreds of thousands still take the medicine, although some top endocrinologists say they have sworn off the drug.

The bipartisan multiyear Senate investigation — whose results are expected to be released publicly on Monday but which were also obtained by The Times — sharply criticizes GlaxoSmithKline, saying it failed to warn patients years earlier that Avandia was potentially deadly.

“Instead, G.S.K. executives attempted to intimidate independent physicians, focused on strategies to minimize or misrepresent findings that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risk, and sought ways to downplay findings that a competing drug might reduce cardiovascular risk,” concludes the report, which was overseen by Senator Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, and Senator Charles E. Grassley, an Iowa Republican.

Mr. Baucus said of the report, “Patients trust drug companies with their health and their lives, and GlaxoSmithKline abused that trust.”

In response, GlaxoSmithKline said that it disagreed with the Senate investigation’s conclusions. The company said that it could not comment on internal FDA documents but that “the official ruling from FDA is that Avandia remain on the market.”

Safer, healthier options are available for those with type 2 Diabetes, involving simple lifestyle changes. I look forward to your comments and questions.

May you be blessed with true wellness...
Sana