Strontium, more involved in bones strenghts than calcium

(NaturalNews) Calcium is known to prevent broken bones. But a study conducted on nurses from Harvard University showed that calcium was not an important nutrient for bone density. However, the mineral strontium has been shown to prevent bone loss and bone fractures. Over ten million Americans have weak bones while we consume the most calcium of any peoples in the world. The Japanese have half our rate of fractures and consume only one-third the calcium Americans do. Chinese rarely fracture bones and consume very little calcium.

The Harvard Nurses Health Study was conducted over a twelve-year period. Women were given 900 mg of calcium a day. Those who consumed the calcium had twice the amount of hip fractures as a group who only consumed 450 mg a day. Other studies concurred. A study of over 36,000 women gave one group a thousand mg a day of calcium and the other group a placebo. With both groups also taking vitamin D, the results were the same for each group. No change with the calcium supplementation.

Strontium usage for bone density has been in use since 1959. There are over 200 published studies on strontium and its effects on the health and formation of bone. The renowned Mayo Clinic conducted a study that showed great results. Recent studies have shown similar results. In women over the age of 80, adding strontium supplements decreased their risk of bone fracture by 59%. The New England Journal of Medicine also published a study that showed risk of fracture reduction of 49%. A control group in this study consumed both calcium and vitamin D, but did not show any reduction in the amount of bone fractures compared to the dramatic improvement in the group consuming strontium. In another study, height loss related to aging was reduced by 20%.

Strontium works in the body by stimulating the growth of new bone. It does this by attracting the other bone building minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. McGill University in Montreal conducted a study with supplemental strontium and showed that in just six months, study participants increased bone formation by 172%.

One of the best ways to keep bones strong is by exercise. Weight bearing exercise and weight training are great ways to build both strong muscles and strong bones. And add strontium to the diet. Hormones also have an effect on bone density and a bone density test can identify those in need of additional nutritional supplementation.

Strontium supplementation can be started at any age and there are no known side effects.

http://www.worldhealth.net/news/str...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stront...
http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle...
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...

Think twice before making an excess of Cola drinks

(NaturalNews) People who drink more than two quarts of cola per day may induce severe and possibly fatal potassium deficiency, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Ioannina, Greece, and published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes," researcher Moses Elisaf said. "Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions."

Researchers reviewed the cases of several patients who had consumed between two and 10 quarts of cola per day, including two pregnant women. One of these, a 21-year-old who drank as much as three quarts per day, was admitted to the hospital for persistent vomiting, fatigue and appetite loss. The other was admitted after drinking seven quarts per day for 10 months and suffering from progressive weakening of her muscles.

Both women recovered after they stopped drinking cola and were treated with intravenous or oral potassium.

Potassium plays a critical role in the functioning of the body's nerves, muscles and heart. Critical deficiency like that experienced by the patients in the University of Ioannina study can lead to cramping, paralysis, irregular heartbeat and even death. In one of the cases studied, a man suffered lung paralysis after drinking 10 quarts per day.

The researchers believe that both caffeine and sugar contributed to the observed potassium deficiency.

In an accompanying editorial, Clifford D. Packer at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland warned, "There is very little doubt that tens of millions of people in industrialized countries drink at least 2-3 [quarts] of cola per day. The soft drink industry needs to promote safe and moderate use of its products for all age groups, reduce serving sizes, and pay heed to the rising call for healthier drinks."

Sources for this story include: www.upi.com; www.reuters.com; www.newsinferno.com.

Seleniul helps mercury cleansing

(NaturalNews) While high levels of Mercury are often found in large species of fish, a more important factor to consider is the relative amount of Selenium the fish contains. Selenium, also abundant in seafood, actually helps remove Mercury from the body. Thus, consuming certain types of seafood (and other foods) that have a high Selenium to Mercury ratio can purify the body of heavy metals even when the fish contains those same elements. This article will explore the benefits of Selenium, those foods with the highest Selenium content, and the Mercury to Selenium ratio of several types of fish.

What is Selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant and promotes a healthy immune system. Selenium is required in remarkably small amounts, with recommended daily amounts measured in the millionths of a gram (micrograms). Selenium is also toxic in larger amounts. Selenium has strong anti-cancer effects and is known to help detoxify the body and remove heavy metals including Mercury.

In the early 1970's it was discovered that Selenium is incorporated into proteins to produce selenoproteins, important enzymes that are antioxidants (they destroy free radicals and prevent cellular damage). Selenoproteins boost the immune system and help regulate thyroid function.

How Much Selenium is Required?

The average person gets about 65 micrograms of Selenium per day. 200 micrograms is considered the optimal amount while 400 micrograms is the maximum allowable daily dose. Note that too much Selenium is highly toxic to the body.

* Symptoms of too little Selenium: Cancer, heart disease, fatigue, stunted growth, high cholesterol, compromised immune system function, liver impairment, pancreatic insufficiency and sterility.

* Symptoms of too much Selenium: Arthritis, brittle nails, bad breath, hair loss, irritability, liver and kidney problems, tooth loss, jaundice.

Note that in most places including South America, most of North America, Africa, Russia and China there is little or no selenium in the soil. Northern Nebraska and the Dakotas have very high levels of Selenium however.

Seafood: Selenium Benefits

According to a recent study by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, a new standard (called the Selenium-Health Benefit Value or Se-HBV) is being proposed by leading researchers to measure seafood safety.

The following types of fish have very high Se-HBV, containing between 10 and 25 times as much Selenium than Mercury. High quality servings of the following fish can be expected to lower blood levels of Mercury along with providing a healthy amount of Selenium.

* Yellowfin Tuna
* Albacore Tuna
* Skipjack Tuna
* Mahi Mahi
* Wahoo

Only one fish in the Western Pacific study (Mako shark) showed higher levels of Mercury than Selenium, while one other (Swordfish) had an even, 50/50 ratio of Mercury and Selenium.

Another study by Dr. Nicholas Ralston at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that (southern) Flounder and (wild Pacific) Salmon (including Chinook, Sockeye and Coho) have much more Selenium than Mercury. It also shows that Pilot Whale, Tarpon and most types of Shark should be avoided, with Grouper being about even.

Foods high in Selenium

* Brazil Nuts (dried, unblanched) - Brazil nuts are the only truly concentrated, natural source of Selenium, and may contain so much Selenium that one shouldn't consume too many! However different sources can vary based on the soil they are grown on. Brazil nuts can contain as much as 550 micrograms per ounce, an amount large enough to be toxic.

* Tuna (light, canned in oil) - a 3 ounce serving of Tuna contains nearly 100% the RDA of Selenium (about 63 while 65 micrograms is the RDA). Note that most cans contain dangerous BPA (Bisphonol-A, a hormone disruptor) in the liners and only two companies are known to not use this in their canned tuna. Meanwhile, higher quality tuna has as little as .08 ppm of Mercury per serving versus .38 ppm in lower quality sources.

Other foods that may contain Selenium in lesser amounts include kelp, molasses, whole wheat, turkey, chicken and beef.
_______________________
References

Selenium Fact Sheet
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/se...

Prescription for Nutritional Healing
(Fourth Edition, pg 38)

Mercury to Selenium Ratio in Seafood Poster
http://www.wpcouncil.org/councilmtg...

Selenium: Mercury Magnet
http://www.mercuryfacts.org/fSeleni...

Mercury Calculator
http://www.gotmercury.org/article.p...

Selenium to Mercury Ratio Article - Craig Weatherby, July 2009
http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/mod...

Learning the best time of the day to take vitamins/minerals

(NaturalNews) The body performs different functions at different times of the day. Many people suggest adding food supplements at varied times of the day to accommodate for the digestion and assimilation of these nutrients.

At night, many suggest taking calcium. This is because calcium is utilized at night, and also because calcium can help you get to sleep when taken at bed time. Remember the adage of a glass of milk before bed? Calcium absorption is the reason this makes sense. Magnesium is needed to work hand-in-hand with calcium. Many people take magnesium along with calcium, in the same supplements, at bedtime, although some suggest that magnesium is best absorbed in the day time. If the calcium supplement contains magnesium, taking both at the same time is appropriate.

Many vitamins are best ingested with food, so taking them at meal time is advised. It's easy to remember to take vitamins with meals, since you are eating and drinking at that time, anyway.

Fat-soluble vitamins need fat in order to be absorbed, so they should always be taken with meals that contain fat. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.

Vitamin C lasts only a few hours in the bloodstream. It should be repeated every three hours for best results, or the entire dose should be divided up to take a third with each meal.

Fiber is best ingested in the morning upon rising. That way it will do its work in the colon without being impeded by food. Fiber can cause vitamins to not absorb, as it can act as a coating to the intestines, so it is best to not take vitamins before fiber. Iron is especially not absorbed well with fiber.

Probiotics are taken with meals and sometimes before a meal, usually about 20 minutes. Digestive enzymes are taken with meals as well, for best effect.

Stimulating vitamins, such as vitamin C, should not be taken before bedtime, as it can keep a person awake. Some even suggest that citrus juice and vitamin C cause nightmares, but this is unconfirmed.

If you are taking many nutritional supplements you might want to organize them in a pillbox that provides a separate box for each time of the day. A few minutes preparation can ensure that you take the recommended doses and that you remember to get all your doses in, in a timely manner. Setting the box near your dining area will remind you to take the vitamins when you eat. Even if you don't take vitamins at the "appropriate" time, adding nutrients to your diet will build health at any time of the day.

http://www.drweil.com/
http://www.prevention.com/cda/artic...
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/ess...

Fulvic acid- solution for body's mineral needs

(NaturalNews) According to U.S. Senate Study Document Number 264, due to agricultural topsoil depletion, 99 percent of Americans are deficient in minerals and trace elements due to food crop topsoil depletion. No big surprise maybe, except this study was reported in 1936! Since then, there have been USA and UK studies that have shown disturbing decreases in the mineral contents of foods from the soil over the past 50 years.

An excerpt from that 1936 report to the U.S. Senate states: "Disorder and disease result from any vitamin deficiency. It is not commonly realized, however, that vitamins control the body's appropriation of minerals, and that in the absence of minerals they have no function to perform. Lacking vitamins, the system can make some use of minerals, but lacking minerals, the vitamins are useless".

The Problem and Some Solutions

Okay you may say, but I'm eating all organic! Well, that's great. No pesticides or inorganic fertilizers for you. And organic farmers are using natural techniques to revitalize their topsoil, which was probably not in great shape when they started farming it. But depletion from poor farming practices, such as monoculture (no crop rotation) without fallow periods (soil plowed but not used for a season), has been going on for a really long time. It takes a long time to bring topsoil health back. Currently, there are other external environmental issues that affect soil adversely as well. Acid rain and pollution from factories and aircraft, all add to topsoil depletion.

So even if you are consuming organic and locally grown vegetables and fruits, chances are you may still suffer from mineral, trace element, and associated micro nutrient deficiencies that at least render less than optimal health. Most modern diseases are attributed to mineral malnutrition. Many health experts claim it is impossible to get all the nutrition our bodies need from today's food sources, no matter how much good food we eat. And not all of them are pushing mineral supplement products!

Nutrients missing from mostly depleted topsoils can be easily supplemented with inexpensive natural remedies. One is blackstrap molasses. The sugar cane's roots from which molassesis derived go way beneath the topsoil, from 6.5 to 15 feet down. From there they are able to draw up the minerals that appear in blackstrap molasses, once it is separated from the sugar.
See www.naturalnews.com/026296_molasses...

But an even more potent tonic, also inexpensive and available, is rooted in the Himalayas. It contains every mineral and trace element the human body needs. Actually, it is derived from a tarry substance that oozes from rocks in the lower Himalayan Mountains. The creation of this substance has been going on for centuries. Once it is processed into a liquid form, its nutrients are easily assimilated on a cellular level. It has been known in India and surrounding regions for centuries as Silajit, and its principle active ingredient is fulvic acid.

About Fulvic Acid

For centuries, Silajit was used basically to rejuvenate energy and bring about outstanding well being. The name itself is Sanskrit for "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness". It's healing properties for a wide spectrum of ailments and diseases were discovered over time in India, mostly by Ayurvedic doctors. Since the principle active ingredient of Silajit is fulvic acid, the terms Silajit and fulvic acid are virtually synonymous.

More recently, the west has been "discovering" fulvic acid's potential and properties. Fulvic acid has proven to be an extremely powerful organic electrolyte, which balances cell life. This can literally bring life back to dying or disintegrating cells. Fulvic acid has a natural way of chelating heavy metals, turning them into absorbable bio-available forms that allow their removal.

Fulvic acid complexes have the ability to react one with another or with cells to synthesize new mineral compounds. So it enhances mineral absorption even while providing more than what you're taking in. It has detoxifying capabilities of some of the very pesticides used in conventional farming, just in case you have to go there now and then.

Fulvic acid increases the activity of enzymes, especially those associated with the respiratory system. It also metabolizes protein. These are determinations of researchers in the west.

There are many documented anecdotal successes as well. As with Shilajit, it rejuvenates all energy levels and libido; it has anti-aging qualities, and it has even helped many overcome depression. It has been used successfully to overcome nervous disorders and mental fatigue.

For example, a woman reports that her middle aged husband's rapid, two week recovery from heavy alcohol use and chronic depression was facilitated by using fulvic acid. She claimed he didn't quit alcohol. He simply lost his desire to drink. He didn't suffer any withdrawal symptoms, and he felt better than he ever had in his life!

Fulvic acid is sometimes used in conjunction with other supplements or chelators, such as zeolite, to enhance the other's properties. There are several on line sources for fulvic acid as Shilajit, or simply fulvic acid, and fulvic acid used as a base for other substances. The point is to use this inexpensive, ancient, and time tested solution to compensate for the minerals and nutrients you aren't getting from food, regardless of how well you eat.

Sources:
What are Micronutirents? http://davesgarden.com/guides/artic...
Fulvic Acid Research http://road-to-health.com/69/Fulvic...
Shilajit: Benefits and Research http://road-to-health.com/69/Fulvic...
Our Earth, Our Cure = Fulvic Acids and Shilajit http://asktom-naturally.com/fulvic-...
1936 U.S. Senate Report: Soil Depleted, 99% of Americans Nutrient Deficient by Sygnus Centauri
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/92623

Mental health linked to chromium and insulin

(NaturalNews) Long known for its beneficial effects on blood sugar, chromium (Cr) has most recently been tied to cognitive health as well. In May of 2009, scientists from the USDA and the Medical College of Georgia reported that Cr supplementation helped prevent Alzheimer`s disease in rodents. In humans, Alzheimer`s is a process that is decades in the making, and has been tied to poor diet, blood sugar and insulin dysfunction. A virtual explosion of new studies on the relationship between dementia and metabolic disorders - such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood lipids - has surfaced. Understanding these connections is giving rise to novel strategies for prevention of this disorder.

Many of today`s health issues are tied to insulin health. Insulin is known mainly as an injection taken to control blood sugar after a meal. Most people, including those with diabetes, produce their own insulin as they eat. Yet, in up to a quarter of the population, it is not functioning properly. Insulin is needed to utilize nutrients from food, helping to transport these nutrients into every cell in the body. It`s job is to disburse macronutrients (sugar, protein and fat) after a meal. Thus, insulin is called the "master metabolic hormone" or the "storage hormone" because it helps store the major nutrients in our cells. Insulin is also vital because it prevents a build-up of blood sugar and fat, which inflame blood vessels. Chronic inflammation of endothelial tissue (the inner lining of arteries) leads to hypertension and artherosclerosis. It is amazing how important this one protein is for health and longevity.

Insulin dysfunction is the central problem that links many chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, Alzheimer`s disease and depression. Insulin problems result in uncontrolled blood sugar, which leads to a cascade of problems. Sugar and its byproducts tend to stick to things in blood, including proteins, cells and vessel walls. The damage is gauged by the HbA1c test, which measures the percent of hemoglobin destroyed by sugar. High blood sugar and diabetes can lead to kidney damage, blindness and amputation, and speed up the aging process. A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet promote the process, by taxing insulin's capacity to function under non-ideal conditions.

The main problem is diet-related. It`s in the bread, cereal, crackers, pasta, pastries, rice, cookies, potatoes, soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices, table sugar and other starchy foods we eat. High fructose corn syrup - one of the worst offenders is abundant in many processed foods. Even "healthy" whole grains can elevate blood sugar, though not usually to the same extent. At least whole grains have some of the nutrients that promote good metabolism. Excessive carbohydrate intake causes insulin to spike and stresses the insulin-making machinery in the pancreas. After years of metabolic stress, the body may stop responding to insulin, which causes further carb cravings and promotes obesity. After years of addiction to refined carbs and fast foods, the disorder cascades to the point of breakdown, which manifests differently in different people.

Insulin's job is simple enough. However, the body can stop responding to insulin - a condition called insulin resistance (IR). Dr. David Katz of the Yale Prevention Research Center defines IR as when insulin can no longer inject enough glucose into the body`s cells for fuel. Rather than feeding the body, sugars and fats build up to dangerous levels in the blood, and contribute to chronic and debilitating disease. Meanwhile, the cells are starving, so the person eats more and never feels satiated. IR is on the rise, with more than 60 million Americans at risk. The common signs of IR include obesity, elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, fatigue, cognitive problems, hypoglycemia, bloating and depression.

In the latter stages of diabetes, high blood sugar reflects a dual problem: first, not enough insulin is being made by a failing pancreas (insulin deficiency); second, the body is not responding to the insulin present (IR). IR usually precedes insulin deficiency by decades. In other words, people spend years and decades in a pre-diabetic state. After the onset of diabetes, IR continues, so even injected insulin does not function all that well.

Recent research is making the picture clearer. Taking in energy-rich foods minus the nutrients to help utilize that energy, and minus the effort to burn that energy, results in obesity. Fat cannot be burned for fuel on a high-carbohydrate diet. Chronically high insulin levels keep the liver from releasing fat into the bloodstream and promote more fat build up, and dangerously so in the liver. So, the potential for energy is there (as fat), but it`s not available as long as insulin levels remain high and carbs are the main staple. The body feels starved despite the vast stores of energy available. Restricting carbohydrates can correct many of the metabolic problems related to IR.

The number of U.S. adults with diagnosed diabetes is projected to more than double by 2050. This trend, if continued, could very well destroy our health care system. As it is, the management of diabetes and its complications imposes an enormous medical and economic burden on the country - to the tune of nearly 132 billion dollars a year, or $13,000 dollars yearly per person. Given the epidemic of IR and its close connection with diabetes, primary prevention has become a public health imperative. Two recent landmark clinical trials in Finland and the U.S. have demonstrated that modest weight loss and physical activity can significantly reduce diabetes among older adults at high risk. Even modest changes in lifestyle can reduce diabetes incidence by nearly 60 percent.

Controlling insulin is a very powerful anti-aging strategy. High blood insulin is the single largest physical cause of accelerated aging. The result of elevated insulin is a build-up of fat, particularly in the mid-section, which promotes inflammation throughout the body. The good news is that insulin is easily influenced by lifestyle changes, especially by reducing excess abdominal fat. A diet low in refined carbohydrates, but rich in green, leafy veggies, is one of the most effective ways to lower one`s insulin levels, especially when combined with an aerobic exercise program. Additionally, nutrient supplementation has been shown to make a difference in insulin health. Many well-controlled clinical studies show blood glucose improvements with a variety of nutritional supplements.

An often-overlooked nutrient in this equation is chromium (Cr). Cr is a trace mineral that helps insulin work more efficiently. Cr was known to help control blood sugar in animals as far back as the middle of the last century. It was designated an essential trace mineral by the National Research Council, and is now recommended to be included in diets and IV solutions. However, Cr is not so easy to procure from foods, largely because this mineral is not required for plant growth. Plus, the Cr form found in many foods (e.g., beer) may not be absorbed efficiently in the gut.

Cr is an essential element required for normal carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Nutritional Cr is an essential co-factor for insulin function. It helps insulin transport nutrients out of the blood to feed every cell in the body. Cr helps get sugar and fat where it is needed instead of building up to dangerous levels in blood vessels. It has been shown to alleviate IR in numerous animal and human studies.

In previous articles by the current author, it was emphasized that not all Cr supplements are created equal. Until recently, only chromium picolinate (CrPic) has been solidly supported by science. Recently, a new member of the chelated Cr family, chromium histidinate (CrHis), has been introduced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that rivals CrPic in supporting blood sugar control.

Recent data presented at the Experimental Biology 2009 conference in New Orleans revealed that CrHis significantly increased brain serotonin levels in animal models of obesity and diabetes. Increased serotonin (the feel-good hormone) levels are known to improve mood and decrease carbohydrate cravings. This indicates that CrHis is being absorbed by animals after oral intake, and is helping insulin feed brain cells, which helps curb appetite. It is also known that Cr promotes brain uptake of an amino acid called tryptophan, which is converted directly to serotonin (with help from vitamin B6). It can then be converted to melatonin, an important sleep inducer. Thus, Cr may be useful in sleep and mood disorders. In fact, several psychiatrists have supported these effects in their studies in humans. CrPic has been shown to improve a certain type of depression common in overweight people with carb cravings. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of CrPic have been reviewed by the FDA, which granted a qualified health claim for IR and blood sugar control. No other Cr supplement and virtually no supplement of any kind can make this claim.

In the latest chapter on the benefits of Cr for brain health, scientists have shown that CrHis and CrPic reduced the expression of a protein (Tau) involved in Alzheimer`s disease. Notably, the high doses of CrPic used in these studies were deemed safe and did not cause kidney dysfunction in experimentally-diseased animals. These data suggest that by improving blood sugar metabolism, daily Cr supplementation can reduce dementia over the long haul. This is especially true in people with diabetes, wherein the aging process is happening at full speed. These data provide new reasons to get high quality Cr in the diet to address significant quality of life issues in mental health.

References:
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayR...

Anderson RA, Polansky MM, Bryden NA: Stability and absorption of chromium and absorption of chromium histidinate complexes by humans. Biol Trace Elem Res 2004;101:211-218.

Attenburrow MJ, Odontiadis J, Murray BJ, Cowen PJ, Franklin M: Chromium treatment decreases the sensitivity of 5-HT2A receptors. Psychopharmacol 2002;159:432-436.

Broadhurst CL, Domenico P. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus- A Review. Diabetes Technol Therapeutics 2006;8:677-687.

Davidson JRT, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MN: Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2003;53:261-264.

de la Monte SM, Wands JR: Review of insulin and insulin-like growth factor expression, signaling, and malfunction in the central nervous system: Relevance to Alzheimer`s disease. J Alzheimer`s Dis 2005;7:45-61.

Docherty JP, Sack DA, Roffman M, Finch M, Komorowski JR: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory trial of chromium picolinate in atypical depression: Effect on carbohydrate craving. J Psychiatr Pract 2005;11:302-314.

Domenico P. Komorowski JR. Minerals and Insulin Health. In Neutraceuticals, Glycemic Health and Type 2 Diabetes. V. Pasupuletti, J.W. Anderson (eds), IFT Press, Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa, 2008, pp. 167-200.

Domenico P, Myers A. Chromium Breakthrough for Healthy Living. 2007. Digital copy available from Amazon.com.

Heimbach JT, Anderson RA: Chromium: recent studies regarding nutritional roles and safety. Nutr Today 2005;40:2-8.

Martin J, Wang ZQ, Zhang XH, Wachtel D, Volaufova J, Matthews DE, Cefalu WT: Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006;29:1826-1832.

McLeod MN. Lifting Depression: The Chromium Connection. Basic Health Publications, Laguna Beach, CA. 2005.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Qualified Health Claims: Letter of Enforcement Discretion-Chromium Picolinate and Insulin Resistance. 8-25-0005;(Docket No. 2004Q-0144) 8-25-0005. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qhccr... (Accessed date: July, 2005).

Zinc and selenium to fight breast cancer

(NaturalNews) Any woman wanting to avoid breast cancer or its recurrence needs to be aware of the real risk factors. These are not the factors you hear about from the typical oncologist who is interested in pushing drugs. Imbalances in the body are the real risk factors that explain why women get breast cancer, not lack of drugs. The only way to avoid cancer or its recurrence is to address these imbalances. Two minerals, zinc and selenium, are key in maintaining balance in the body and keeping cancer away. Recent research has added to the pile of data underscoring the importance of these minerals in keeping women cancer-free.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have reported that glands in the breast have unique zinc requirements resulting from their need to transfer extraordinary amounts of zinc into milk during lactation. When nursing women's breasts are deficient in zinc, the result can be severe zinc deficiency in the infant, resulting in impaired growth and development. When zinc is deficient or not properly metabolized, breast cancer is often an additional outcome. Lack of zinc has been implicated not only in the initiation of breast cancer, but also in the transition, progression, and metastasis of the disease. When zinc is deficient, cellular functioning in the breast is compromised. (Genes and Nutrition, April 2)

In France, scientists report that estrogen receptor expression in breast cancers is associated with differentiated tumors and a more favorable prognosis. The greater the resemblance of cancerous breast cells to non-cancerous breast cells, the less threatening is the disease. Although the exact mechanism underlying the protection ERs play against cancer progression remains to be researched, these scientists studied the actions of ER alpha, and documented that one of the ways this ER inhibits invasion is though its first zinc finger. A zinc finger is a group of proteins organized around a zinc ion that can bind to DNA and influence gene regulation. (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2008)

In other research, Dr. David Watts reviewed the hair trace mineral reports of thousands of women and found that a pattern of elevated boron, copper and calcium levels with lower levels of zinc occurred in women with breast cancer. According to Dr. Watts, boron and copper appear to make the body more sensitive to the stimulatory effects of estrogen, and less responsive to the quieting effects of progesterone. Zinc is the mineral that aids in the production and utilization of progesterone, so this pattern of mineralization makes women less progesterone responsive and more estrogen sensitive. Raising zinc levels and lowering boron, copper and calcium levels can bring these women into mineral balance and help in the creation of hormonal balance.

The primary gene protecting women from breast cancer, p53, is thought to be the most frequently mutated or altered gene in the development of cancer. This gene requires zinc, and if it is missing, the gene becomes mutated, resulting in it becoming inactivated or suppressed. Dysfunction of p53 is well documented in the development of breast cancer, indicating that a zinc deficiency is a risk factor for breast cancer independent of the levels of boron, copper and calcium.

Zinc is important in prostate gland function and may help prevent and treat prostate cancer. It has another important role in the lives of women too. Zinc is required for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Without adequate levels of zinc, skin begins to sag and lose its elasticity. The optimal balance ratio for copper and zinc is 1 to 10 according to nutrition experts Phyllis Balch CNC and James Balch M.D.

In addition to sagging skin, deficiency of zinc may result in the loss of the senses of taste and smell. It can cause fingernails to become thin, peel and develop white spots. Other possible signs of zinc deficiency for women include hair loss, high cholesterol levels, impaired night vision, increased susceptibility to infection, memory impairment, diabetes, skin lesions, and slow wound healing.

Food sources for zinc are brewer's yeast, egg yolks, kelp, lamb, legumes, lima beans, liver, meats, mushrooms, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soy lecithin, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ. Zinc is found in alfalfa, burdock, cayenne, chamomile, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seeds, milk thistle, nettle, parsley, rose hips, sage, skullcap, and wild yam. Zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, and zinc as methionine are good choices for supplemental zinc. These are available from many supplement companies.

The relationship between selenium status and intake among breast cancer patients was studied by scientists in Kuala Lumpur. 64 women with breast cancer and 127 matched controls were interviewed to obtain information on their habitual dietary intakes, demographic data, and medical history. Selenium status was determined from toenail and hair analysis. The researchers found that total energy and protein intake was significantly higher among controls than among the breast cancer cases. The selenium intake among the women with breast cancer was significantly lower than the controls. Breast cancer risk decreased with the increasing quartiles of selenium intake. Selenium in hair did not differ among breast cancer cases and controls, but selenium status in the nails of controls was significantly higher compared to the breast cancer cases. (Sinapore Medical Journal, March).

In a recent study done at the University of Washington, scientists investigated the signaling pathways modulated by selenium. They compared global gene expression profiles in mammary tissues from pubescent female rats maintained on a selenium (3ppm) diet with those on a standardized diet. The selenium-enriched diet altered the steady-state levels of genes involved in various cellular functioning, the most dramatic of which was the changes in the expression of multiple genes that regulate circadian rhythm.

The normal mammary tissue of rats fed the standardized diet showed little circadian oscillation relative to liver tissue. However, the mammary tissue of the selenium fed rats showed a progressive, time-dependent increase in the expression of circadian gene Per2, and a circadian regulated transcription factor. Further, the results showed that the expression of Per2 and transcription mitigated RNA was significantly decreased in mammary tumors arising in selenium fed rate, but not in tumors of rats on the control diet. This suggests that selenium-induced elevation in the expression of circadian genes was incompatible with mammary cancer. The researchers concluded that the Per 2 gene is an important target of selenium for cancer prevention. (Cancer Prevention Research, July, 2008)

Selenium's main role is inhibiting the oxidation of fats as a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, one of the most powerful of the body's own antioxidants. When combined with vitamin E, selenium protects the immune system. It plays a vital role in regulating the effects of thyroid hormone on fat metabolism. In a study, men who consumed 200 mcg of selenium daily over a ten-year period had roughly half the risk of developing lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer compared with men who did not.

Symptoms of selenium deficiency are exhaustion, high cholesterol, infections, liver impairment, and pancreatic insufficiency. Westerners often do not have enough selenium, because it is processed out of the foods typically eaten. This is one of the reasons that American men are five times more likely than Japanese men to die from prostate cancer. The typical Asian diet contains four times the amount of selenium as the typical American diet.

Selenium is found in meat and grains, but the level depends on the soil content where the food was grown. It can be found in brewer's yeast, broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, kelp, liver, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, vegetables, wheat germ, and whole grains. Perhaps the best source of selenium is Brazil nuts. Eating two of the nuts a day provides 240 mcg of selenium. Earl Mindell, in his Vitamin Bible, recommends 200 mcg of selenium intake daily.

For more information:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-...

http://www.naturalnews.com/024456.html

http://www.survivordiver.com/breast...

Phyllis and James Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth edition.

Zinc-essential for health

(NaturalNews) We are constantly being told that to keep our bodies in tip top condition we need to take vitamin supplements, whether it be Vitamin C to help fight colds and to boost the immune system, Vitamin B for increased energy or spirulina for an all round blast of nutrients. But recent studies have shown that zinc is the one mineral that many of us lack and the one that none of us can afford to be without.

Zinc and the cold virus

It has long been recognized that Zinc is essential to all living things in maintaining healthy skin, bones, teeth and even brain function. It is thought that teenagers with acne problems are actually suffering from a Zinc deficiency, with many experts now prescribing Zinc supplements for severe cases. But maintaining healthy hair and skin is not the only thing that Zinc is good for. Zinc is fast gaining the same reputation as Vitamin C for fighting cold and flu like symptoms. This is mainly due to a 2002 study conducted at an American High School. Students were given Zinc lozenges to see if there was a reduction in the number of reported cases of cold and flu viruses. The results were published in a 2002 issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics and showed a massive 62% drop in reports of cold like symptoms and an increase in student attendance. While this seems to prove that Zinc has great preventative measures and helps build the immune system, other studies have shown that taking Zinc while you have a cold can reduce the duration of the symptoms from an average of nine days to an average of 3. "Zinc is a great tool in the battle against colds," says Dr Phillip Melville.

Zinc and diabetes

Diabetes is caused by a malfunction of the insulin producing pancreas and can lead to complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease. While the only real tool for fighting diabetes is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a study conducted at Harvard University seems to show that taking Zinc may stimulate the pancreas therefore helping control diabetes. Dr Robert Young Director of Research at the pH Miracle Living Center says, "The mineral zinc can reduce dietary and metabolic acid supporting the pancreas and its insulin producing beta cells and protect the alkaline environment of the small intestine, responsible for the creation of stem cells, erythroblasts and erythrocytes." While this sounds like great news for all diabetes sufferers it is important to note that these studies are still in their early stages.

Zinc and pregnancy

Zinc is an essential element for repair, production and functioning of DNA. It is because of this that it is vitally important that men and women get enough Zinc while trying to conceive as it promotes the production of healthy sperm and eggs. It also means that women need to increase their Zinc intake by around 2 mg throughout their pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This will help ensure that the fetus develops properly and that the breast milk is full of nutrients.

FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN ZINC

One of the most potent sources of Zinc can be found in oysters. Just six medium sized oysters can contain nearly 80mg, which is well over the 15mg daily allowance recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But if like many people you can`t stomach oysters, there are many other foods that you can include in your diet to gain the Zinc your body needs. Breakfast cereals can contain up to 25% of your daily Zinc allowance. Other foods with good Zinc amounts include baked beans, cashew nuts, cheese and kidney beans making it easy to get all the Zinc you need without having to take supplements.

www.chiff.com/vitamins/zinc.htm

www.womenrepublic.co.uk/diet_fitnes...

www.hdg.org.uk/150_Zinc_-_Essential...

Potassium-sodium ratio for your heart's health

(NaturalNews) Excessive sodium intake can be damaging for heart health. On the other hand, eating more potassium gives cardiovascular wellbeing a boost. A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that it is not just about the quantities of these two nutrients which are important; instead, it is the ratio of their amounts which is a crucial factor. The study had found that a 2:1 intake of potassium to sodium may lower one's risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 50%.

Details and Findings of Study

For the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers had looked at data from two large trials which were originally carried out in the late 80s and early 90s to find out the link between blood pressure and several factors, for example diet and weight loss. During those studies, some of the study subjects were asked to reduce their sodium intake by up to 35%. A few times during the study period, urine samples over a 24-hour period were collected. These samples were then used by the researchers to assess the nutrient intake of each person. This procedure improved the accuracy of the experiment by not using self-reported information, which can be unreliable.

Results published earlier in 2007 had revealed that study subjects who ate less sodium, even for just a short period of a few years, had a 25% lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease 10 to 15 years later, as compared to those who carried on eating large amounts of the mineral.

For the current study, the team zoomed in on the latter group and discovered that even among those who continued eating a lot of sodium, the subjects who consumed more potassium generally had a lower long-term risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Further, they found, too, that those with the highest potassium-sodium intake ratio (about 2:1) had only half the risk of cardiovascular disease death as compared to those with the lowest ratio (about 1:4). According to the study's findings, the said ratio actually mattered more than the actual quantities eaten.

Potassium, Sodium and Their Ratio

Indeed, potassium and sodium play a key role together in the body in maintaining water balance and blood pressure. Current dietary patterns are, however, heavily skewed in favor of sodium. Most Americans in fact consume a lot more than the American daily recommended maximum amount of 2,300 milligrams. This trend is highly undesirable as numerous studies have shown that too much sodium can cause fluid retention, elevating blood pressure and the risk of heart disease death.

On the flip side, potassium has been shown in studies to help regulate blood pressure; elevated blood pressure, of course, greatly increases one's risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Current American guidelines suggest a minimum of 4,700 mg of daily potassium, which is incidentally about double the recommended maximum amount of sodium. Surveys, however, have suggested that Americans are on average eating 4,000 mg of sodium and only 2,600 mg of potassium each day. This is certainly an alarmingly lopsided ratio.

The realization of the importance of the potassium-sodium ratio is a crucial one. At the same time, it is also a reminder to us of the intricate and often complex interactions between different nutrients and compounds in our bodies. This lends some weight to the belief that it is better to obtain our nutrition from a balanced diet containing largely whole foods and whole food supplements, as opposed to loading up on specific nutrients with the hope of achieving a specific purpose.

Boosting Your Potassium-Sodium Ratio

A great way to boost your potassium-sodium ratio is to eat more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, and to lower your intake of salty, refined and processed foods, which are common features of the typical modern day diet. Besides helping to boost cardiovascular health, fruits and vegetables, of course, also come with a host of other beneficial nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, to name a few.

Indeed, a study conducted in the 1990s found that men who ate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry and fish had 30% less chance of suffering heart attacks, as compared to those who ate less of these foods. On the other hand, those who ate more refined grains, sweet foods, processed meat and red meat had a 64% elevated risk of heart attacks, as compared to men who ate the least of such foods. Further, another study carried out on women revealed a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular issues in those who ate a lot of fruits and vegetables, as compared to those who ate low amounts of these foods.

Speaking about the recent study's findings, Eva Obarzanek, a registered dietitian and research nutritionist at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and a member of the study team, said: "This provides further proof that sodium is bad and potassium is good."

That is perhaps a rather simplistic generalization, as both nutrients are actually necessary for good health. However, in view of the fact that typical modern day diets are heavily skewed in favor of the "wrong" mineral, so to speak, that statement then makes a lot of sense when taken in the right context. The overall moral of the story is actually quite simple - consume less (or no) salty processed foods, and more fruits and vegetables. You can't go far wrong with that.

Sources

Potassium to sodium ratio affects the heart (http://www.latimes.com/features/hea...)

Kinosian B, Glick H, Garland G. Cholesterol and coronary heart disease: predicting risks by levels and ratios. Annals of Internal Medicine 1994;21:641-7.

Kannel WB. Hazards, risks, and threats of heart disease from the early stages to symptomatic coronary heart disease and cardiac failure. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy 1997;11:199-212.