This is an interesting finding (article copied from Medscape), reminding us that everything is generally best in moderation. To summarize - although vitamin D has been found to assist with bone growth, proper immune cell function, and some elements of cancer control; it has recently been found that people who live longer seem to have lower vitamin D levels. This is an initial finding, meaning more work needs to be done to determine whether vitamin D levels are just a bio marker for some other physiologic process, or directly associated with longevity.
Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Longer Life Laurie Barclay, MD Nov 05, 2012 New genetic findings in those predisposed to longevity cast doubt on whether low levels of vitamin D cause age-related diseases and mortality, according to an analysis from the Leiden Longevity Study published online November 5 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. "Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone formation, immune cell differentiation, and in the inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis in cancer," write Raymond Noordam, MSc, from the Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and coauthors. "Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH] vitamin D) are associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, multiple sclerosis, allergy, asthma, infection, depression, mental illness and musculoskeletal pain. However, because of design limitations, previous studies have not been able to infer causality." The goal of this study was to examine a possible causal association between low levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and various age-related diseases and mortality. The Leiden Longevity Study allowed assessment of vitamin D levels in the middle-aged offspring of nonagenarians who had 1 or more nonagenarian siblings, using a sample of 380 white families with 2 or more siblings at least 89 years of age for men or 91 years of age for women. This was useful because the prevalence of age-related diseases is lower in these offspring than in the general population, and they are more likely to survive to old age. Control patients (n = 461) were the partners of the offspring (n =1038) and were of similar age and had similar environmental exposures that could affect vitamin D levels. In addition to anthropometric measurements, 25(OH) vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone levels, and dietary vitamin D intake, the investigators studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 3 genes known to be associated with vitamin D levels. Compared with the control participants, the offspring had significantly lower levels of vitamin D (64.3 nmol/L vs 68.4 nmol/L; P= .002). These findings were independent of possible confounding factors (age, sex, body mass index, month of blood sampling, tanning bed use, dietary and supplemental vitamin D intake, and creatinine levels). Levels of parathyroid hormone did not differ between groups. The rs2060793 genetic variant in the CYP2R1 gene occurred less frequently in the offspring than in the control participants (P= .04). Across the 2 most prevalent genotypes of this SNP, there was a persistent difference in vitamin D levels between offspring and control patients. "Compared with controls, the offspring of nonagenarians who had at least one nonagenarian sibling had a reduced frequency of a common variant in the CYP2R1 gene, which predisposes people to high vitamin D levels; they also had lower levels of vitamin D that persisted over the 2 most prevalent genotypes," the study authors write. "These results cast doubt on the causal nature of previously reported associations between low levels of vitamin D and age-related diseases and mortality." Limitations of this study include the availability of data on tanning bed use and sun exposure for only a small, but random, subpopulation of participants. In addition, the analyses excluded 36% of participants because of missing data on possible confounding factors. However, the excluded participants also showed similar differences in vitamin D levels between offspring and control patients, suggesting they were representative of the total study group. The investigators put forth a theory that the offspring of nonagenarians may have increased expression of the klotho protein, which is thought to be an "aging suppressor" protein. "We found that familial longevity was associated with lower levels of vitamin D and a lower frequency of allelic variation in theCYP2R1 gene, which was associated with higher levels of vitamin D," the study authors conclude. "Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms that explain the lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels in familial longevity and other genetic variants associated with vitamin D metabolism, such as the vitamin D receptor." The study was supported by the Innovation Oriented Research Program on Genomics, the Center for Medical Systems Biology, and the Netherlands Genomics Initiative/Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research. The study authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. CMAJ. Published online November 5, 2012. Abstract Medscape Medical News © 2012 WebMD, LLC Send comments and news tips to news@medscape.net. Cite this article: Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Longer Life. Medscape. Nov 05, 2012.
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Naturopathic Doctor Jacqueline Cooper wrote an excellent blog post about how to enjoy Hallowe'en in the most healthy way possible. Here is the link: http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2012/10/healthy-halloween.html And, here is the content: Healthy Hallowe'en Hallowe’en can be a challenge for parents who are conscientious about their children’s health and diet. If you spend most of the year avoiding junk food, what to do when your child comes home after a night of trick or treating with a sack of it? Here are some approaches to making sure that this Hallowe’en is a healthier one. Beforehand
Hallowe’en Night
After Some of the health concerns to expect with increased sugar intake are difficulties with sleep, hyperactive behavior, diminished concentration, digestive symptoms, outbreaks of skin conditions in those predisposed, compromised immune function and therefore greater propensity to developing a cold or flu. Strategies you can employ to counteract the effects of sugar include: · Having your child take their immune support for one week following Hallowe’en, even longer if your child's immune system is weakened or if they seem to be dealing with a cold or flu. · If your child is taking a fish oil, double the dose as this will help lessen potential hyperactivity, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. · If your child is on a multi-vitamin double the dose for the week following as it will assist in balancing out the impact of food that is calorie-dense and nutrient-deficient. · Homeopathic liver support also provides a beneficial boost to the body’s pathways of elimination, helping to more effectively restore balance to the system and decreasing the digestive or skin impact of a lot of junk food. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to see if this is advisable for your child. Another important health reason to limit the candy consumption to a few days following Halloween is thatrepeated exposures of sweets over a long period of time (even in small portions) is more damaging to your teeth than a greater amount consumed in a short period. Provide additional oral protection, by stepping up your children’s oral hygiene regimen. Make sure they spend extra time brushing and flossing post-candy consumption. Remember Hallowe’en can be healthy AND fun. A moderate amount of holiday indulgence, buffered by a few extra health measures ensures both short and long term health and happiness. French scientists recently completed a study on the long-term effects of eating genetically modified foods. Turns out chemicals only need to be proven to be 'safe' in test animals for 90 days. This study found some upsetting long-term consequences from GM foods, and the pesticides used on them. http://www.naturalnews.com/037249_gmo_study_cancer_tumors_organ_damage.html
For a slightly different take on the study, including pointing out some of its weaknesses, check out the BBC's coverage http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19654825 And, last but not least, here's the study itself if you want to check it out. http://research.sustainablefoodtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Final-Paper.pdf I always thought Dr. Brian Goldman was a pretty great guy (CBC's White Coat, Black Art), but now I like him even more! This is his recent show about complimentary and alternative health care. The link is on the right under "Most Recent Podcast." Check it out!
http://www.cbc.ca/whitecoat/blog/2012/09/21/complementary-alternative-medicine-time-for-a-rethink-and-a-live-chat/ The light coming from tablets suppresses the hormone melatonin (involved in sleep patterns and circadian rhythm). Your body starts producing melatonin a couple of hours before your natural bedtime (meaning the time nature intended you to go to bed). The closer you are to the light, the more significant the suppression. Solutions include:
1) turning town the brightness of your device 2) exposure times of less than an hour 3) limiting exposure a few hours before bedtime. [Article link and text below] http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/770765?src=nldne Melatonin Disruption Seen With Self-Luminous Tablets Nancy A. Melville September 12, 2012 — Light emanating from self-luminous tablet computers can suppress levels of the sleep hormone melatonin, potentially having a negative effect on the body's circadian rhythm, new research suggests. Researchers with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center in Troy, New York, have previously explored the effects of light from computer monitors and 70-inch televisions but found little to no suppression of melatonin. But the availability of tablet devices raise new concerns, not only because they emit optical radiation at short wavelengths near the sensitivity for melatonin suppression but also because they are often viewed for hours on end and at close range, said lead author Mariana Figueiro, PhD. "The main issue with tablets and computer screens, and less of an issue with TV, is that the device is placed close to the eyes, so light at the back of the eye, which is what matters for the circadian system, is increased with proximity of the source," said Dr. Figueiro, an associate professor and director of the LRC Light and Health Program at the Lighting Research Center. Their findings were published online July 31 in Applied Ergonomics. Participants viewed tablets without goggles, through orange-tinted goggles capable of filtering out radiation that can suppress melatonin, and through clear goggles fitted with blue LEDs to suppress melatonin. Nocturnal Melatonin In a small study to investigate how self-luminous tablet display screens affect nocturnal melatonin, Dr. Figueiro and her colleagues measured melatonin suppressions in 13 participants after exposures to backlit tablet devices (Apple iPads) viewed under 3 experimental conditions. Under one condition, the tablets were viewed through a pair of clear goggles fitted with 470-nm (blue) light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which served as a "true positive" condition because the blue light is known to be a strong stimulus for suppressing melatonin. Under the second condition, the tablets were viewed through orange-tinted glasses that filtered out the short-wavelength radiation, representing a "dark control" condition. In the third condition, no glasses or goggles were worn. The iPad display is approximately 9.7 inches diagonally and is backlit with LEDs. The tablets in each viewing condition were set to full brightness. Each of the participants also wore dimesimeters, small light meter devices that were developed at the RPI Lighting Research Center. The devices are worn near the eye and continuously record circadian light and activity levels. Although the results showed no significant melatonin suppression after 1 hour of normal exposure, the suppression after 2 hours was significantly greater than 0 (P = .006). "Our study shows that a 2-hour exposure to light from self-luminous electronic displays can suppress melatonin by about 22 percent," the authors write. The dimesimeter measurements indicated that the level of photopic illuminance from tablet use can vary significantly according to the type of task being performed and the distance from the device to the eyes. Illuminance levels ranged from 5 lux, which would typically not affect melatonin levels, to 50 lux, which could have a significant effect over 2 hours. Type of Task "The type of task will influence the color of the background," Dr. Figueiro explained. "White background, such as with Microsoft Word documents or Facebook, emits more light than darker backgrounds, like movies or black screen with white fonts. And for the same light being emitted by the device, the farther from the eye, the least amount of light at the retina." Teens and adolescents may be particularly prone to the melatonin-suppressing effects of tablet device usage, and not just because they are known to be heavy users, Dr. Figueiro noted. "Studies suggest that adolescents are more sensitive to light in the evening and will respond more to an evening light," she said. "Having said that, the effect can occur in any population." Melatonin onset occurs approximately 2 hours before natural bedtimes, Dr. Figueiro explained. "If one suppresses the onset of melatonin in the evening, it will delay the timing in which the biological clock will tell the body to fall asleep." By disrupting normal sleep patterns, the suppression of melatonin has been implicated in other health issues, including an increased risk for obesity and other serious disease, such as breast cancer. One easy solution is for tablet users to adjust the brightness of their devices at night to allow less interruption with normal circadian rhythms. Dr. Figueiro and her colleagues also suggest the potential development of more "circadian-friendly" electronic devices. "Since a large portion of the population spends most of their waking hours in front of a self-luminous display, it is important that manufacturers and users have a tool to increase or to decrease circadian stimulation delivered by their self-luminous displays," they write. "However, it is also important to consider how and how long these devices are used." A Real Concern Asked to comment on these findings, William Kohler, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, pointed out that melatonin is key in regulating the body's circadian rhythms, and the ability of light from handheld or close-range electronic devices and tablets to disrupt melatonin is indeed a concern. "The concern is that the bright light inhibits the production of melatonin, which acts on the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a group of neurons in the anterior hypothalamus. This is basically our pacemaker and allows us to be alert," explained Dr. Kohler, who is director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill. The findings offer some early insights into the potential effect the devices can have on sleep patterns, he added. "It was interesting that the researchers did show the melatonin was suppressed not only with the bright light, but also the duration and the type of light." "But we're in a virgin field of expanding knowledge right now, and it's exciting because almost every week there is new research coming out on therapies for sleep problems." The study was funded by Sharp Laboratories of America. Dr. Figueiro and Dr. Kohler have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Appl Ergon. Published online July 31, 2012. Abstract Medscape Medical News © 2012 WebMD, LLC Send comments and news tips to news@medscape.net. A new report from the Environmental Working Group suggests avoiding using air fresheners, antibacterial products, fabric softeners, and caustic drain & oven cleaners because they have a higher chance of containing toxic ingredients. The authors of the report also refer to the regulation of cleaning products as the "Wild West."
This summary of the report comes from WebMD Health News (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/770678?src=nldne%3Fsrc%3Dstfb) Many Cleaning Products Said to Contain Toxins Kathleen Doheny September 10, 2012 — Household cleaning products may contain toxic substances linked to health problems such as asthma, allergic reactions, and cancer, according to a new report by the Environmental Working Group. The environmental group rated more than 2,000 household cleaners -- from laundry soaps and stain removers to bathroom cleaners and floor care products. Products are graded A to F based on the safety of the ingredients and how well the maker discloses those ingredients. One industry trade group disputes the findings, though, saying the report doesn't make the grade. According to the EWG report, more than half the products evaluated contain ingredients known to harm the lungs. In other cases, it was difficult to figure out what was in the product because of incomplete labeling. "Companies are still hiding information from us, and we have a right to know what we are buying," says Rebecca Sutton, PhD, a senior scientist at EWG involved in compiling the report. "Ninety-three percent [of the products] provided ingredient lists that were incomplete or not specific enough," she says. "We were surprised to see a few 'green' brands were still a little cagey about their ingredients.” The 'Wild West' Cleaning products are largely unregulated, says Sutton, calling it a ''wild West'' situation. "It's a largely self-policing industry," she says. One exception is that the EPA requires a product that is antibacterial to disclose the name of the antibacterial used, she says. Sutton does see improvement. While the report was in progress, she learned that some companies are reformulating their products with an eye to health. And some cleaning products did get high marks. Among the many products that received an A rating:
"It distorts information about products," Brian Sansoni says. "It could mislead people." EWG Guide: Details It took 14 months to compile the guide. EWG scientists compared the ingredients listed on the labels of cleaning products and manufacturers' web sites with information from toxicity databases from government, industry, and academic sources. They looked at medical literature on health and environmental problems linked with cleaning products. Among the key findings, according to EWG:
Even some ''green brands'' could do better on disclosing ingredients, the report states. Among them: Earth Friendly Products and BabyGanics. More Industry Feedback "We are certainly addressing the issue [of label disclosure]," says Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, vice president of Earth Friendly Products. "Our European labels already have the disclosures," she says. "The U.S. labels will have it by the end of the year." Lindsay Joyce, a spokeswoman for BabyGanics, says it is unfortunate that the EWG has deemed their descriptions inadequate. One problem, she says, is a lack of uniform industry standards. "All BabyGanics products contain ingredient statements, including our household, hand hygiene, diapering, skin care, sun care, and oral care solutions. The household product category remains the only one that still does not have a uniform set of industry standards." In a statement, Sansoni of the American Cleaning Institute says: "It is a fact that anything can be safe or unsafe -- it all depends on the amount. Manufacturers work to ensure that they use levels of ingredients that are 'just right' -- in that they provide a benefit in the products, but at the same time are safe." EWG Guide: How to Use The cleaning products are categorized in the online guide into nine types. Consumers can check out a product they already use, Sutton says. They can also use the guide to help them shop for less toxic choices. Another option, Sutton says, is to make your own cleaning products from white vinegar and water, for instance. The full report is online at www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners. SOURCES: Rebecca Sutton, PhD, senior scientist, Environmental Working Group. Brian Sansoni, spokesman, American Cleaning Institute. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, vice president, Earth Friendly Products. WebMD Health News © 2012 Medscape, LLC Eating low-carb is now being proven more effective than low-fat/calorie-restricted diets in regards to weight loss, lipid balance, and diabetic parameters. Eating low-carb is remarkably simple. The attached article is a wonderful survey of the topic....check it out!
http://www.kriskris.com/low-carb-vs-low-fat/ See the attached article for why you SHOULDN'T get a scan right away if you have recent low back pain. It's fascinating stuff! Diagnostic imaging, and the medical interventions that follow, can simply interfere with a back that had a high statistical probability of healing on its own.
The article explains "Red flags that can make such testing worthwhile include a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, fever, recent infection, loss of bowel or bladder control, abnormal reflexes, or loss of muscle power or feeling in the legs. In other cases, you probably don’t need an imaging test for at least several weeks after the onset of your back pain, and only after you’ve tried the self-care measures described..." http://consumerhealthchoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ChoosingWiselyBackPainAAFP.pdf According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report' (which sounds like a fun read), gonorrhea is starting to become untreatable with any antibiotics. We're currently experiencing a tuberculosis outbreak right here in Canada, which is also becoming resistant to antibiotics. " A high percentage of hospital-acquired infections are caused by highly resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci" (per link below).
What can you do? The less antibiotics we all take, the less resistance will develop. Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor if you're sick. If you're seeing your medical doctor for an infection, ask them if it is appropriate to try a naturopathic approach for a few days first. If you're seeing your naturopathic doctor, we'll let you know if an infection is best treated with antibiotics, because sometimes they are the best choice. Naturopathic treatment options can be extremely effective without altering the flora of your body in a way that can lead to subsequent yeast infections, digestive upset, side effects, etc. Botanical antimicrobials don't tend to develop resistance in bacteria the way pharmaceuticals do, and they naturally incorporate symptom relief. Also, naturopathic treatments are ideal for viral infections! It's amazing stuff! http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs194/en/ If you have a second, please consider supporting my profession. The Ontario government is in the final stages of passing very restrictive legislation that will negatively affect all of us for years to come. You can stop by my clinic to pick up a postcard, or click on the link below to learn more and send an email to your MPP. Thanks!
http://oand.org/advocacy/ |
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