tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61761651617659298502024-02-07T20:19:52.829-06:00A Healthier YouDesigned to provide the latest news and studies related to supplements and healthy living.Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-78213067195639818782011-10-25T23:47:00.000-05:002011-10-25T23:47:26.962-05:00Can Vitamins Really Kill You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSun8K4xFyxmnQP7uep_Ax71j76J1ZTlIajzx-J4BJp89uwM5WpIpiT6mHUY2blvke0TM9opSaQBAx1WeBSRqrKbdjy5HqOAMzQSuFX_wV2Ua4FYNScSUr9GEvhTsO6V2wj08QEqnfzI_/s1600/jolly_roger.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSun8K4xFyxmnQP7uep_Ax71j76J1ZTlIajzx-J4BJp89uwM5WpIpiT6mHUY2blvke0TM9opSaQBAx1WeBSRqrKbdjy5HqOAMzQSuFX_wV2Ua4FYNScSUr9GEvhTsO6V2wj08QEqnfzI_/s200/jolly_roger.png" width="200" /></a></div>Recently, a study was published in the <i>Archives of Internal Medicine </i>which stated vitamins could be harmful, or even deadly, to older women. You may have heard about this study through the various mainstream media outlets. Suffice to say, you don't have much to worry about.<br />
<br />
Vitamins and mineral do not kill people. If that were so, there would be a ban on oranges. Truth of the matter is, this "study" was poorly conducted. In fact, it wasn't even a scientific study, but rather a survey. One in which the results were horribly skewed until they got the results they wanted. This is just another case of the pharmaceutical companies attempting to steer people away from taking things that actually help people.<br />
<br />
Take this study published in the <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/10/taking-dietary-supplements-it-may-be-too-much/?test=latestnews"><i>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</i></a> for example. Regan Bailey, who headed the study, actually stated, "People need to choose supplements which help meet, but not exceed, the recommended daily intake levels". This is completely backwards. And here's why. The recommended daily intake (RDI) level of Vitamin C is 60mg/day. The same amount found in one orange. So, if you had more than one orange per day, you would be in danger according to Ms. Bailey. In fact, many types of orange juice contain over 100% of the RDI of <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-is-function-of-vitamin-c.html">Vitamin C</a> in one 8oz glass. So apparently we need to be careful at the breakfast table now?<br />
<br />
The results from this latest study where the conclusion is "vitamins could kill you" wouldn't even pass a high school science class. One always need to be careful of what the hear or read in the mainstream media when it comes to vitamins. Do your own research rather than blindly believing what you read.<br />
<br />
If you would like an excellent retort to this study, I would recommend taking a look at the post <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/033908_vitamins_David_Brownstein.html">Mike Adams at NaturalHealth.com put out regarding the matter</a>. Reading this two-part post will open your eyes and see just how flawed this "study" was.<br />
<br />
To Your Health<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6u-ZU-xy09LjmrDY2oUpZuQRr9Q_MN-jhOGXfnZXQ2SpH6eJeNuXapnXgO6CIyzJUBWEGbQY71GUg5KEx0V3_GGORqvHt5C0XXr-wK9aH-P-b0RQ-C0BjXSppKRtCwtsfza6A2CJ1Kmf/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6u-ZU-xy09LjmrDY2oUpZuQRr9Q_MN-jhOGXfnZXQ2SpH6eJeNuXapnXgO6CIyzJUBWEGbQY71GUg5KEx0V3_GGORqvHt5C0XXr-wK9aH-P-b0RQ-C0BjXSppKRtCwtsfza6A2CJ1Kmf/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals for over 5-years through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on these products or the unique opportunity, visit us at <a href="http://www.huffster.usana.com/">www.huffster.usana.com</a><a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com"></a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-29482948111945773202011-08-08T23:16:00.000-05:002011-08-08T23:16:28.927-05:00Sunscreen Actually Increases Skin Cancer???As reported in Natural News on July 14th, 2011:<br />
<br />
<br />
A new report issued by the consumer protection organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that many popular sunscreens contain ingredients known to spur the growth and spread of skin cancer cells, which defeats their stated purpose of preventing skin cancer.<br />
<br />
Data indicates that the sun’s rays combine with certain sunscreen ingredients in the skin and damage skin cells, which can lead to lesions and tumors — and worst of all, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allegedly been aware of this critical information for the past ten years, but has done absolutely nothing to warn people about it.<br />
<br />
According to a report by AOL News, about half of the sunscreens tested contained vitamin A ingredients and derivatives like retinol and retinyl palmitate, which FDA’s own studies have shown are photocarcinogenic, meaning they become toxic when exposed to sunlight. In fact, an older FDA report explains that sunscreens containing vitamin A ingredients cause tumors and lesions to develop and spread 21 percent faster than sunscreens that do not contain vitamin A ingredients.<br />
<br />
Not to be confused with the vitamin A found in food and supplements that is absolutely essential for good health, vitamin A additives in sunscreen are different — their interactions with ultraviolet sun rays actually produce carcinogens in the skin.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.prisonplanet.com/study-many-sunscreens-increase-skin-cancer-risk-fda-has-known-for-a-decade-but-done-nothing.html">Read the full article here</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPhzAtZFUQN7htuxlUeGgZ_NY0C75GuwbxmVTG5KhRWS8RV1t_bZlR9unx-ixDptyhdb8ey5pKUq8PmDfopZqatj4x6NRwlV-FSulRg4xqHMCoEsVdPOXn611RhOfwrOcwWsQK3Q7AMA/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPhzAtZFUQN7htuxlUeGgZ_NY0C75GuwbxmVTG5KhRWS8RV1t_bZlR9unx-ixDptyhdb8ey5pKUq8PmDfopZqatj4x6NRwlV-FSulRg4xqHMCoEsVdPOXn611RhOfwrOcwWsQK3Q7AMA/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, send an email with questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-88778750307262771722011-02-12T02:06:00.000-06:002011-02-12T02:06:36.583-06:00Liquid Vitamins vs. Tablet Vitamins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTGK__mlOPVtKnsd_BF5mqI32sqUz1LfAsei9uagtQVXojKeCooXI2TNWdYCrTCtJax_qxweFOKdR7-8j2EbKGZtVj3pLnbJZT6hGA-4zEXVIIwZ-H4MDbKgtjnsL0kEu9IO_5UYWlzTA/s1600/boxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTGK__mlOPVtKnsd_BF5mqI32sqUz1LfAsei9uagtQVXojKeCooXI2TNWdYCrTCtJax_qxweFOKdR7-8j2EbKGZtVj3pLnbJZT6hGA-4zEXVIIwZ-H4MDbKgtjnsL0kEu9IO_5UYWlzTA/s200/boxing.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>Liquid Vitamins vs. Tablet Vitamins - what is best for you? This is probably one of the most widely disputed arguments in the supplement industry. Some will say liquid vitamins are better because the absorb better. While others suggest the tablet form not only has a better absorption rate, but also contains more vitamins and minerals.<br />
<br />
So who is right? Before providing one scientist's answer to this question, I need to emphasize the fact that we are talking about pharmaceutical grade table vitamins and not the discount vitamins you will find at your local Walmart.<br />
<br />
This excellent answer was given by a scientist at Usana: a company which produces pharmaceutical grade supplements in tablet form. The company was voted the #1 supplement company in America just a few short weeks ago by the National Sanitation Foundation. Take a look at the answer and hopefully it will provide you the information you need to make an educated decision for yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>The Claims</b><br />
Many liquid supplement manufacturers claim that because their product is in a liquid<br />
form that it is more bioavailable. In fact, some even use phony statements regarding the<br />
Physician's Desk Reference to support such claims. The statement they reference about<br />
liquid supplements being more bioavailable first appeared in the PDR under a listing for a<br />
specific nutritional supplement product. That statement has since been removed because<br />
it was false and could not be substantiated. In addition, the PDR organization itself does<br />
not make any such statement about liquid vitamins vs. tablets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How Are Nutrients Absorbed?</b> <br />
Nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine, unless they are taken sublingually or<br />
injected. When you ingest a supplement in either a liquid or tablet form, it must first go<br />
through the stomach and is then absorbed by the small intestine. If liquids were simply<br />
absorbed directly in to the bloodstream, as some supplement companies claim, would the<br />
same happen when you ate soup?<br />
<br />
Bioavailability is defined as the degree and rate at which a substance (as a drug) is<br />
absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity.<br />
Different vitamins and minerals have different absorption rates no matter if they come<br />
from a tablet, liquid, powder, or food. For example Calcium has a pretty standard<br />
absorption rate around 25-35%. The form does not generally make a significant<br />
difference.<br />
<br />
<b>The Differences</b> <br />
A well-made tablet provides a very effective delivery system and is the chosen form of<br />
most pharmaceutical medications. This is because tablets have been shown to be a very<br />
efficient delivery system for medications. Why would vitamin and mineral supplements<br />
be any different? Does anybody doubt that an aspirin tablet is less effective because it<br />
comes in a tablet?<br />
<br />
Tableted products provide the advantage of an increased amount of active ingredient<br />
(almost 3 times as much as a capsule and much more than a liquid or spray). In general,<br />
the stability of tablets is also superior to liquids.<br />
<br />
<b>Determining Factors</b> <br />
There are many factors that can affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the<br />
body. Some of these factors are a function of the person taking the nutrient and are<br />
dependent on the age of the person, the integrity of their digestive system, the state of<br />
their health, the time of day, the person's gender, and if the supplements was taken on a<br />
full or empty stomach. People whose nutrient needs are greater, such as growing children,<br />
pregnant or lactating women, and those who are currently deficient, may have<br />
significantly enhanced absorption rates for certain nutrients. Recently, some individuals<br />
and companies have made claims that their products are superior because they are "98-<br />
percent absorbed" or some similar number. This is a misleading statement because there<br />
are too many variables to imply that an individual's absorption is a certain percent of the<br />
material consumed. Even absorption of minerals from food sources can vary<br />
significantly. Boron, molybdenum, and iodine can be absorbed at over 90 percent while<br />
the average absorption rates of zinc, copper, and selenium can range from 30 to 80<br />
percent depending on the form. It should seem reasonable then, that stating an average<br />
absorption rate is very misleading.<br />
<br />
<b>USANA Vitamins</b> <br />
The USANA tablets are formulated to meet United States Pharmacopoeia standards<br />
requiring full disintegration within 30-45 min. They are also formulated to meet<br />
standards for dissolution. Because the USANA tablets are formulated to these standards,<br />
the vitamins and minerals found in our supplements are properly absorbed into the body<br />
and are very beneficial. Innovative formulations have been developed to optimize<br />
nutrient bioavailability. Each lot of USANA tablets is tested against finished product<br />
specifications to ensure that it meets standards for: identity, target weight, hardness,<br />
thickness, disintegration, potency, purity, and (microbial counts). USANA provides its<br />
vitamins and minerals in amounts and forms so that, in conjunction with a healthy diet,<br />
you will receive maximum bioavailability, full effectiveness, and uncompromised safety.<br />
A couple of questions to ask:<br />
<br />
<b>Liquid Vitamins Are Not Used In Scientific Studies</b> <br />
The supplement industry itself originated on account of published studies in the scientific<br />
literature that contributed to the knowledge and insight into nutritional elements. With the<br />
hundreds of studies connecting calcium and vitamin D supplements with bone health, it is<br />
hard to dispute that tableted supplements provide an effective delivery system. If tablets<br />
weren't any good, why did the researchers get positive results? If liquid or spray<br />
supplements are so much better, why are they rarely, if ever, used in published scientific<br />
research?<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusions</b> <br />
Keep in mind that we are speaking of multiminerals and multivitamin formulations.<br />
There may be certain products that may be appropriate in a liquid (just as some<br />
medications are liquid). However, these are the exceptions, not the rule.<br />
Finally, liquid supplement promoters often contend that liquids are better because they<br />
don't contain fillers (excipients used in tablets for disintegration, form, binding, coating,<br />
etc). That is a ridiculous argument since liquid supplements require even more "other"<br />
ingredients such as emulsifiers, solvents, preservatives, stabilizing agents, coloring,<br />
flavoring, etc. The more ingredients in a liquid supplement, the more excipients that may<br />
be required.<br />
<br />
To Your Health<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPhzAtZFUQN7htuxlUeGgZ_NY0C75GuwbxmVTG5KhRWS8RV1t_bZlR9unx-ixDptyhdb8ey5pKUq8PmDfopZqatj4x6NRwlV-FSulRg4xqHMCoEsVdPOXn611RhOfwrOcwWsQK3Q7AMA/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPhzAtZFUQN7htuxlUeGgZ_NY0C75GuwbxmVTG5KhRWS8RV1t_bZlR9unx-ixDptyhdb8ey5pKUq8PmDfopZqatj4x6NRwlV-FSulRg4xqHMCoEsVdPOXn611RhOfwrOcwWsQK3Q7AMA/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, send an email with questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-42249626679173286862011-01-23T12:45:00.000-06:002011-01-23T12:45:15.928-06:00Vitamin D: My Personal Journey And Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnD0LLDmQIq22m0BStV63OxslsHELjMsQFXTxvNF6VBFxxJHkqfzQfc2Go1DCiOwbo28rqaSCTFoE27BFZFs6qr5dSgs2ac6BOyVk7_RdKJ93SDFNtKcvDjVSMza9YB8nOXWc8FViqFcP/s1600/Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnD0LLDmQIq22m0BStV63OxslsHELjMsQFXTxvNF6VBFxxJHkqfzQfc2Go1DCiOwbo28rqaSCTFoE27BFZFs6qr5dSgs2ac6BOyVk7_RdKJ93SDFNtKcvDjVSMza9YB8nOXWc8FViqFcP/s1600/Sun.jpg" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit…with all the knowledge I’ve gained over the years regarding the potential health benefits of supplements, not even I was aware of the effects of <i>vitamin D</i>.<span> </span>Sure, I knew it was called the “<b>sunshine vitamin</b>” because our skin is able to synthesize UV light from the sun and convert it to <i>vitamin D</i>.<span> </span>I also knew you could receive more from dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.<span> </span>But I didn’t “see the light” until earlier this year.<span> </span>That was when I began to really dig into the benefits of <i>vitamin D</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A Theory is born.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, I’ve had a theory for quite some time.<span> </span>Here in Wisconsin, our cold and flu season begins in the Oct/Nov time frame.<span> </span>And it lasts until early spring.<span> </span>I started to wonder WHY we don’t see more colds and cases of influenza in the spring or summer.<span> </span>The old song-and-dance from your mother may have gone something like this:<span> </span>“Make sure you put a hat on and dress warm when going outside or you’ll catch a cold”.<span> </span>Sound familiar?<span> </span>If you think about it, it makes sense.<span> </span>You get colds in the winter.<span> </span>So as soon as I would get one, I would go back and try to remember when I had gone outside without a coat or hat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem is, it’s not true.<span> </span>Even Mythbusters debunked it in one of their shows.<span> </span>The fact is, these are spread through germs and contact with people.<span> </span>Someone sneezes into their hand, then grabs a doorknob, shakes someone’s hand, and passes a glass around.<span> </span>Everything that person touches becomes a little time-released germ bomb.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So if colds and influenza are actually spread around from these germ bombs and NOT cold weather, then why wouldn’t we see more cases in the summer.<span> </span>If they truly have nothing to do with the temperature outside, we shouldn’t have a cold and flu season…it should be a year-round thing.<span> </span>But that’s not the case…WHY?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Getting Closer to the Truth.</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I started to put the pieces of the puzzle together.<span> </span>I knew we absorbed vitamin D from the sun.<span> </span>I also knew, in order to accomplish this, we needed our skin exposed while outdoors.<span> </span>Outside of a couple crazy fans watching the Packers play at Lambeau Field in December…without shirts on…the odds are pretty slim one would have much of any skin exposed during the harsh Wisconsin winters.<span> </span>Not to mention the fact people tend to stay indoors more often.<span> </span>Could this be the reason we have colds in the winter?<span> </span>That’s when I started researching.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It turns out, I wasn’t far off.<span> </span>While skin exposure to the sun is very important, the main issue here is the angle of the sun in the sky.<span> </span>During the fall, through the winter, and into spring the sun is at such a low angle in the sky that our bodies do not absorb the UV rays critical for the creation of vitamin D.<span> </span>You could sit outside in a swimsuit for 3hrs with snow blowing around you and it wouldn’t help your vitamin D creation one bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Upon listening to presentations by Dr. Myron Wentz and Dr. John Whittcomb, I felt compelled to write multiple blog entries on vitamin D.<span> </span>And as you have probably noticed, this is the topic I have written about the most.<span> </span>Namely because I feel it is information everyone should have.<span> </span>But this time, I wanted to pass along my own personal experiences.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Using Vitamin D to Change Lives.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Following my research, I began to supplement my diet with additional vitamin D.<span> </span>I am already receiving 2000IU from the multi-vitamin and fish oil I take.<span> </span>I began taking an additional 2000IU back in early October when I knew I wouldn’t be receiving any more from the sun.<span> </span>Since then, I have increased that amount and have been taking 6000IU every day.<span> </span>My wife also began taking an increased amount of vitamin D.<span> </span>And after watching Dr. Whittcomb’s presentation and reading the research from Japan regarding children taking vitamin D, I started giving my 2 children 2000IU/day.<span> </span>The tablet we use is about the size of a Tic-Tac and is chewable, so it’s easy enough for them to take.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Regardless of the recent FDA ruling to limit yourself to only 600IU of vitamin D/day, based upon the scientific studies I had read, my belief was, and still is, that we are perfectly safe.<span> </span>In fact, physicians are recommending their patients take 5000IU/day in lieu of receiving the flu shot.<span> </span>Suffice to say, my personal opinion is that the FDA ruling was either a matter of being overly cautious or an attempt at protecting the pharmaceutical industry.<span> </span>Perhaps both.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here we are with January coming to a close.<span> </span>To date, we have had no sickness in our household this winter.<span> </span>An occasional runny nose, sure.<span> </span>But no colds or flu.<span> </span>An amazing feat considering my wife works in a hospital and my children attend daycare, which is a germ-bomb factory.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How Well Has It Been Working? </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, am I saying my family’s results are typical and you should immediately go out and start taking vitamin D?<span> </span>Yes and no.<span> </span>It is my opinion that it can only help…there are no negative effects that I am aware of.<span> </span>But I’m also not a doctor and can’t “officially” give out that type of advice.<span> </span>So it’s up to you to make your own decision.<span> </span>If you want to base it off my family’s experience, or the various other posts I’ve made is entirely up to you.<span> </span>But before you start up on something, you may also want to consider consulting with your family physician and looking into a pharmaceutical grade supplement.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, send an email with questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-50621929208668321692011-01-19T00:40:00.000-06:002011-01-19T00:40:23.986-06:00Can You Use Bilberry And Lutein For Eye Health?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R7ij8n31yJt6iyixxy4OiUaz-XRD5HDKJW9XV1UN5NQGexsMIsE4dxDbUmnE2OUzWZPeG5kr43vFL5x7GCjkdF3GGl6sAq48T3VETnlpBtz-BsKher6BAMAvEy7GofgqAilsytfX822m/s1600/bilberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R7ij8n31yJt6iyixxy4OiUaz-XRD5HDKJW9XV1UN5NQGexsMIsE4dxDbUmnE2OUzWZPeG5kr43vFL5x7GCjkdF3GGl6sAq48T3VETnlpBtz-BsKher6BAMAvEy7GofgqAilsytfX822m/s200/bilberry.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Bilberry is a powerful antioxidant which protects blood vessels within the eyes and promotes eye health. It has been used to prevent and treat Macular Degeneration, night blindness, glaucoma and cataracts. But it's benefits are not limited to eye health. It may also help to treat varicose veins in early stages and has traditionally been used to control blood sugar levels in diabetics.<br />
<br />
During World War II, British pilots reported increased night vision after consuming bilberry jam. However, actual scientific studies on the effects and benefits of bilberry are very limited. Suffice to say, even though it has been traditionally used to treat various eye disease, there has not been a sufficient number of studies to back these claims. Does that mean it will not work? Not necessarily. Simply that more research needs to be conducted.<br />
<br />
Lutein is found in certain fruits and vegetables such as carrots and squash. This has also been traditionally used for eye health and may lower your risk of cataracts and Macular Degeneration. In a study published in the <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15117055">April 2004 edition of <i>Optometry</i></a>, visual function was found to improve in patients taking lutein.<br />
<br />
Another study reported in the <a href="http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday/080125/vitamin-e-lutein-may-fight-cataracts.htm">January 25th, 2008 edition of <i>Health</i></a>, and published in the January issue of <i>Archives of Ophthalmology</i>, showed an 18% decrease in the risk of cataracts when consuming a combination of lutein and zeaxanthin. This combination can be found in some high quality supplements, or in foods such as spinach, peas, and broccoli.<br />
<br />
So, while studies are lacking with regards to the use of bilberry with regards to promoting eye health, there are studies available showing potential benefits when using lutein. As such, supplementing your diet with these substances may lower your risk of developing eye disease.<br />
<br />
Choosing how to obtain lutein and bilberry is a different matter. While it is possible to receive the benefits through food, it may be easier to take a high quality, pharmaceutical grade supplement to ensure you are receiving ample amounts in a bioavailable form. As always, before making any changes to your diet, I recommend consulting with your physician.<br />
<br />
To Your Health<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, send an email with questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-40038526204376063502011-01-09T22:04:00.000-06:002011-01-09T22:04:36.848-06:00Does Body Cleansing And Colon Cleansing Work?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsHrgEk_LvwH6xbl7YIALbs4NdtIaZUPIH3wOlDSIpHPM3_iZk-Hzi_IDATl-yD4xa5oOa5cJdWLV96DXIXkIzjoKpsavYYE5MiTR74VfpjAdt_gO0MKAUHS528dDHrbYCAoMLroui7PN/s1600/detox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsHrgEk_LvwH6xbl7YIALbs4NdtIaZUPIH3wOlDSIpHPM3_iZk-Hzi_IDATl-yD4xa5oOa5cJdWLV96DXIXkIzjoKpsavYYE5MiTR74VfpjAdt_gO0MKAUHS528dDHrbYCAoMLroui7PN/s200/detox.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>Body Cleansing</i>, <i>Colon Cleansing</i>, and <i>Body Detox</i>. These techniques have been gaining in popularity over the last couple of years. But do they work? And do you need them?<br />
<br />
<b>What is it?</b> <br />
But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Exactly what are these techniques? What is the intent? And what do they consist of? A <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/detox-diets-cleansing-body"><b>detox diet</b></a> is one method. Generally, this consists of some type of fasting such as drinking only water for a weekend. Or it could consist of a diet of water, fruit juice, and foods high in fiber. The intent here is two-fold: to lose weight and to rid your body of toxins.<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/natural-colon-cleansing-is-it-necessary"><b>Colon Cleansing</b></a>, on the other hand, is not a type of diet. Your main goal here is not to lose weight, but rather to rid yourself of toxins in the body.<br />
<br />
<b>Where do these toxins come from?</b><br />
Toxins are around us everyday. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink. The theory is that when you eat foods, some of those particles get left behind in the digestive tract. These particles which do not get flushed out sit in your colon or intestines and break down, releasing toxins into the body as they do so. In other words, they rot inside your body.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
As these toxins are released into your body, they can build up. Some believe these can cause health issues, low energy, and even lead to colon cancer.<br />
<br />
<b>How do you go about doing a cleansing?</b><br />
Enzymes and Probiotics<b> </b>are two of the methods used to help with the detox process. Digestive enzymes help to properly digest food, pull vitamins and minerals out of the food and into the body, while at the same time, assisting the liver and colon with getting rid of harmful toxins. Probiotics are, according to WHO, "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". You can find these in foods such as yogurt, or you can purchase actual probiotic products.<br />
<br />
<b>Probiotic Benefits. </b><br />
Some of the potential benefits you may experience with the use of probiotics include:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Colon Cancer Prevention</li>
<li>Lowering Cholesterol</li>
<li>Lowering Blood Pressure</li>
<li>Improving Your Immune System</li>
<li>Reducing Inflammation</li>
<li>Improving Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome</li>
</ul> <b>Do You Need It?</b><br />
As stated earlier, your liver and colon does the heavy lifting when it comes to detoxifying your body. So you may be wondering why you would need to take alternative measures. It is important to remember that you are not trying to replace the body's process, but instead you are assisting the process. Very similar to taking vitamins. This is not meant to replace eating healthy foods. You are simply supporting your body.<br />
<br />
In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with giving your body a little support. To date, no one has ever died from eating yogurt or taking additional digestive enzymes or probiotics. There is absolutely no downside here and can only help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="style9" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, send an email with questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-76209958218612041402010-12-29T00:16:00.000-06:002010-12-29T00:16:53.992-06:00Diabetes Risk In AmericaAnother 'Quick Hit' posting from Dr. Ray Strand on the growing diabetes problem in America:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The exact mechanism by which type 2 diabetes occurs is unknown, but a number of correlating risk factors - particularly obesity and physical inactivity - are well-established. Unfortunately, the number of individuals with type 2 diabetes has increased sharply in recent years, with an estimated $174 billion cost to the United States in 2007 alone.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></span> <br />
<div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A number of papers have attempted to project type 2 diabetes prevalence 5, 10, and 20+ years into the future. Unfortunately, most of these projections have relied on weak or outdated metrics, including old census data, static mortality rates, and overly simple estimations of diabetes incidence. A recent paper from researchers at the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion hoped to overcome these weaknesses by utilizing recent census data and a matrix of factors derived from an extensive literature review. </span></span></div><div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The researchers describe their results as "a sobering picture of the future growth of diabetes." Their most optimistic values point to 21% of the U.S. adult population having type 2 diabetes in the year 2050. A middle-ground scenario predicts a prevalence of 25%-28%, while high-end data points to a diabetes prevalence of 33%, or 1 in 3 adults. To put these numbers in perspective, approximately 7% of the U.S. adult population had type 2 diabetes in 2007. In 1990, prevalence was below 5%. </span></span></div><div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Unlike some chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced by relatively moderate lifestyle changes. Losing weight (if overweight or obese), improving dietary choices, and regular exercise are all known to reduce risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. The authors of this paper note that such changes "can help to decrease loss in quality of life and the future cost of providing care for people with diabetes. Indeed, such efforts are essential if we hope to moderate or slow the growth of diabetes prevalence." </span></span></div><div class="style7" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="style9" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Boyle JP, Thompson TJ, Gregg EW, Barker LE, Williamson DF. Projection of the year 2050 burden of diabetes in the US adult population: dynamic modeling of incidence, mortality, and prediabetes prevalence. 2010. Population Health Metrics 8:29. </span></span></div><div class="style9" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR1Cd_uP-NFBRAAbZ5W_AGfLRIO9jNAO9rKVzc81c9rhd8HMdU2rGe3Rexco2biYPqM2ipoqJrILmXtCQx2rHNFr5BBebzLU2DNnuAhBrzAmw8Vwq1ML9Os76_jkInHnRbkY7-hm32yD3/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR1Cd_uP-NFBRAAbZ5W_AGfLRIO9jNAO9rKVzc81c9rhd8HMdU2rGe3Rexco2biYPqM2ipoqJrILmXtCQx2rHNFr5BBebzLU2DNnuAhBrzAmw8Vwq1ML9Os76_jkInHnRbkY7-hm32yD3/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="style9" style="padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-49245266712745351652010-12-16T01:12:00.000-06:002010-12-16T01:12:32.192-06:00Losing Weight Requires A Lifestyle Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfO3VgIbdSfZRzRkGDy6p3FRK0UkqRDf8wEeHd7Ub3bfZa39vOw2qm29vo0BDBlT3NqQcFzZgMLx_EWTOwQ6x_aNeHWPgcll_loGvtQrVYQai2AbyJPf9yemGxLzI2ab4DCap4OOUKaoX/s1600/Diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfO3VgIbdSfZRzRkGDy6p3FRK0UkqRDf8wEeHd7Ub3bfZa39vOw2qm29vo0BDBlT3NqQcFzZgMLx_EWTOwQ6x_aNeHWPgcll_loGvtQrVYQai2AbyJPf9yemGxLzI2ab4DCap4OOUKaoX/s200/Diet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Tis the season for diets. New Years resolutions are full of people vowing to lose weight. And so many people go on crash diets or fad diets. They take diet pills or begin to count calories. But the shocking fact is, many of these people will actually gain the weight back. A successful diet, one which will lose weight and KEEP it off, requires a <b>lifestyle change</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Lifestyle Change To Lose Weight</b><br />
<br />
Changing your lifestyle is the best, and healthiest, way to lose weight and keep it off. Is it always the easiest way to lose weight? Maybe. It depends upon what your current lifestyle is like. It may only require slight modifications to what you are used to, or it may entail several changes which can take time. Suffice to say, a lifestyle change requires only a two simple changes:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Change what you eat and drink</b><br />
<b>2. Exercise</b><br />
<br />
That's it. Yes, it's that simple.<br />
<br />
<b>Change What You Eat</b><br />
<br />
The obvious thing to look at here is junk food and fast food. There are so many calories built into these products, that it doesn't take long to pack on extra pounds. Contrary to popular belief, eating fewer times does not help much in attaining your goals. In fact, it is recommended to eat more often, but in smaller portions. Up to 6 times/day. A healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in smaller portions, along with snacks consisting of fruit, veggies, or yogurt. Staying away from soda, especially diet soda, is also key.<br />
<br />
<b>What You Should Eat</b><br />
<br />
Back in August, I wrote a piece entitled, "<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/top-4-secrets-to-losing-weight.html">The Top 4 Secrets To Losing Weight</a>". In this post, I discussed the <b>Glycemic Index</b>. I won't go into the details here, but in a nutshell there are certain foods which have a high <b>Glycemic Index</b>, and others with lower index ratings. Foods with a high glycemic index spike the blood sugar levels in your body. They also cause your blood sugar levels to come down rapidly, causing those cravings you may experience. Whereas, foods with a lower index will rise the blood sugar slower and will come down more gradually, thus reducing those cravings.<br />
<br />
Some examples of foods which are high glycemic would be: <b>pretzels, rice cakes, white bread, potatoes, and white rice</b>. Examples of low glycemic foods are: most fruits and vegetables, wheat bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and yogurt. You can find a larger list by <a href="http://www.the-gi-diet.org/lowgifoods/">visiting this site</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>What About Exercise?</b><br />
<br />
If you change your eating habits, cut out soda, and follow the gylcemic index chart your odds are pretty good that you will lose weight. To improve your chances and increase the amount of weight you lose, exercise becomes very important. Gaining weight comes down to simple chemistry. If you consume more calories than you burn off, the excess calories are stored as fat. It is a basic survival method of the body.<br />
<br />
So the secret to losing weight is to burn off more calories than you take in. Obviously, if you start to eat better you are going to be consuming less calories. Therefore, if you lead a life where you get very little exercise, you will probably still burn off more calories/day than you take in. It's just that the difference won't be very large. However, if you start to exercise you will widen that gap. Burning off more calories creates a larger difference and will, therefore, result in losing more weight.<br />
<br />
Getting 20-30 minutes of exercise/day is all you need. Depending upon the TYPE of exercise. If you are doing something which increases your heart rate, then you are looking at 20-30min. However, if you are simply walking around the block, your heart rate may not increase very much and you will need to exercise longer.<br />
<br />
<b>Making The Change</b><br />
<br />
Now, before you go off changing your lifestyle, you may want to consult with your doctor first. The last thing you want to do is to to do too much at one time. An increase in the amount of exercise after leading a fairly sedentary life may cause injury. So just be cautious.<br />
<br />
But if you give this method a try, I think you will be happy with the results. Not only should you start to see a decrease in your weight, but it is very possible you could see some beneficial side effects. Things like lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are just some of these benefits. You will have more energy, you'll be in better shape, and you'll be healthier. And best of all, you can decrease your risk of certain diseases like diabetes and heart disease. I can recommend a system which will help you though this lifestyle change, so if you are interested simply send me an email and I will be happy to discuss it with you.<br />
<br />
To Your Health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-51196350246701150272010-12-10T19:39:00.000-06:002010-12-10T19:39:23.926-06:00Best Vitamins: What Is Your Supplement Rating?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoI-vB0KptBAIjVLDaJPOaK4Z3VbJQiFsbDwYuDgAlBTGNgwZMqKk3_ygqUP6WLWm_iBpHNoPxpiW6eC6_8zHk9CM-vXaWRVrV5Vt2fb24LJCErJOYfkbPkuPMYVt10avOBIn4HMqrBLK/s1600/Cosmetics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoI-vB0KptBAIjVLDaJPOaK4Z3VbJQiFsbDwYuDgAlBTGNgwZMqKk3_ygqUP6WLWm_iBpHNoPxpiW6eC6_8zHk9CM-vXaWRVrV5Vt2fb24LJCErJOYfkbPkuPMYVt10avOBIn4HMqrBLK/s200/Cosmetics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You've made the choice to take a supplement. But what are the<b> best vitamins</b> out there? Where does your <b>supplement Rate</b>? The answers may shock you. As you saw in one of my previous posts, <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/07/all-supplements-are-same-right.html">all supplements are not the same</a>. In fact, the vitamins you take to improve your health may, in fact, be doing absolutely nothing for you.<br />
<br />
In this post I'm going to use the "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097325386X/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0973253800&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1N5NZBRYFCW9EPF4NHSM">Comparative Guide To Nutritional Supplements</a>" by Lyle MacWilliam, both the 3rd and 4th editions. This book came about at the request of Canadian Parliament so as to provide the public with information in order to make good decisions when it came to supplements.<br />
<br />
I am going to go through some of the more popular vitamins on the market...vitamins YOU may be taking now...and showing you how they hold up to scientific study. Are they as good as they say? Do they actually do anything for you? You'll find in this top 10 list.<br />
<br />
<b>The Top 10</b><br />
<br />
1. <b>Centrum</b>. In the 3rd edition, it rates a 3.2 out of 100, and in the 4th edition...0-stars out of 5 possible. And yes, there are several "versions" of Centrum out there, but they all rate essentially the same: low. The reasoning for the low rating comes down to several facts. First, they do not always use natural ingredients. For instance, if you have a bottle in the house, take a look at the type of vitamin E they use. It will be the dl-Alpha Tocopheryl form. This is the synthetic form, and as such, it does not absorb as well into the body. Fillers and additives are also allowed in these types of supplements, meaning if they advertise 60mg of vitamin C on the bottle, you may only be receiving a portion of that. Suffice to say, these vitamins are not doing much for you and are probably not even breaking down and absorbing into your body.<br />
<br />
2. <b>One-A-Day</b>. In the 3rd edition, it rates a 5.1 out of 100, and in the 4th edition a mere 1/2 star out of 5. Again, there are several versions of this supplement, but they are all essentially the same. And as in the case of Centrum, it runs into the same issues about synthetic ingredients and absorption.<br />
<br />
3. <b>GNC</b>. Here we run into our first decent supplement, the MegaMan. However, it still only rates a 21.1 out of 100 in the 3rd edition and a 2.5 out of 5 stars in the 4th edition. <br />
<br />
4. <b>Nature Made</b>. Weighing in at 17.9 in the 3rd edition and 0-stars out of 5. A decent supplement when compared to the "well known" products, but still falls short of acceptable.<br />
<br />
5. <b>Shaklee - Basics With Iron</b>. Weighing in on our first network marketing supplement, Shaklee comes up with a 30.5 rating in the 3rd edition, but was not rated in the 4th edition. As you can see, even though the product is a comes from a network marketing company, it is rated higher than the previous store bought supplements available on the market.<br />
<br />
6. <b>Melaleuca Vitality Pack</b>. Another network marketing company, but it doesn't fare as well as Shaklee. A 6.2 ranking in the 3rd edition and a 1-star in the 4th edition.<br />
<br />
7. <b>Herbalife - Formula 2</b>. Again, another network marketing company that falls a little short. This rates at a 14.8 in the 3rd edition and a 1 star in the 4th edition<br />
<br />
8. <b>Mannatech</b>. So far, the highest rated network marketing supplement coming in at a rating of 33.1 in the 3rd edition and a 2.5 star rating in the 4th edition.<br />
<br />
9. <b>Nature's Way - Alive</b>. The highest rated supplement so far, at a 60 in the 3rd edition and 3 stars in the 4th edition.<br />
<br />
10. <b>Pharmanex LifePak</b>. Rated at a nice 52.7 in the 3rd edition, and a 3 stars out of 5 in the 4th edition. A fairly decent supplement.<br />
<br />
So if these well-known supplements are not rated very well, then what ARE the top rated supplements? When it comes to "stand alone" products, these are the top 4 according to the 4th edition. All of these are rated at 5-stars.<br />
<br />
1. Usana Health Sciences (96.1 in the 3rd edition)<br />
2. Creating Wellness Alliance (not included in the 3rd edition)<br />
3. Douglas Laboratories (75.1 in the 3rd edition)<br />
4. TrueStar Health (not included in the 3rd edition)<br />
<br />
So as you can see, what you are taking now may not be what you expected. As I always say, you want to look for a <b>pharmaceutical grade supplement</b> so you can be certain of the ingredients and bioavailability. <br />
<br />
Is there another you are currently taking which was not included in the ranking above? Add a comment or send me an email and I will provide you with the ranking of what you are taking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-12167123252540438582010-12-06T23:58:00.000-06:002010-12-06T23:58:17.827-06:00Grape Seed Extract Benefits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yy9hA2MqErtQ9gEmMmRs1JziT5k3vDBsS-DTVq4eApOl8mMyuQ0bFl2xuToKrj9ualaBTqwehEIVHC-s2TXYf0oXnXWd9DGBAhtMpD2K6cODRbsdZsioPgvg_11rz6gWwWPgZt9W408U/s1600/1-30days-pour-wine-lg-63555269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yy9hA2MqErtQ9gEmMmRs1JziT5k3vDBsS-DTVq4eApOl8mMyuQ0bFl2xuToKrj9ualaBTqwehEIVHC-s2TXYf0oXnXWd9DGBAhtMpD2K6cODRbsdZsioPgvg_11rz6gWwWPgZt9W408U/s200/1-30days-pour-wine-lg-63555269.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>There are two questions here. First, what is grape seed extract, and second, what sort of benefits can you hope to receive.<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, the answer to the first question is fairly straightforward. Grape seed extract is simply an extract of grape seeds. This extract unlocks the powerful antioxidants from the grape.<br />
<br />
As far as the benefits go, this is not as easy of a question to answer. For the benefits are many. Cancer prevention and cardiovascular disease protection are just two of these benefits.<br />
<br />
This is a substance which is 20x more powerful than vitamin C and 50x more powerful than vitamin E. Suffice to say, its use as an immune system boost is well documented. However, <a href="http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/Leukemia/12347">studies also suggest</a> that grape seed extract leads to apoptosis, or self destruction, of cancer cells. Is this a cure for cancer? No. However, cancer cells are created within the body every day. Normally, your body is able to fight off and destroy these cancer cells on it's own. The problem is when your body is not able to fend off these cancer cells. Grape seed extract simply helps the body perform its normal function.<br />
<br />
Another study was conducted to look at the effects of grape seed extract and <a href="http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20060327/grape-seed-extract-blood-pressure">reducing blood pressure</a>. Within 4wks of this study, the group receiving the grape seed saw their blood pressure reduced; whereas the blood pressure in the placebo group did not change at all.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you have heard of the French Paradox. In a nutshell, researchers noticed the fact that the French tend to eat fatty foods, such as cheese, but their risk of cardiovascular disease remains low. Interestingly enough, they also tend to consume red wine on a regular basis. Therefore, studies focuses on the affect of red wine on cardiovascular disease. From there, it was narrowed down to the grape seed extract...not nearly as fun to consume, but it does the job in much smaller quantities.<br />
<br />
If you have high blood pressure, concerns about cardiovascular disease, or even a history of cancer in your family, you may want to consider beginning a regiment of grape seed extract to help your body confront these issues. Again, this should not be looked upon as a solution, but rather a helping hand for your body's immune system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-7755326639882919462010-12-02T22:46:00.000-06:002010-12-02T22:46:41.603-06:00The Latest Vitamin D Recommendations From The IOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuTswWZSD56XQEAkG0zM3P92fK9F1Wk21eW1BKjxQTM5CuvI3f9IbxLxulkl7W7wevfH2MahO6N5H7Uab-kqM24W6fd6hpeSMcc1_X2yRIrbAPsAak4x5zjLlJAuVVtdiOF9CfhkQ9639/s1600/vitamin_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuTswWZSD56XQEAkG0zM3P92fK9F1Wk21eW1BKjxQTM5CuvI3f9IbxLxulkl7W7wevfH2MahO6N5H7Uab-kqM24W6fd6hpeSMcc1_X2yRIrbAPsAak4x5zjLlJAuVVtdiOF9CfhkQ9639/s200/vitamin_d.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You may or may not have heard the Institute of Medicine (IOM) changed their <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/vitamind--andcalcium-shouldwe--becautious_b_789842.html">recommendations for vitamin D</a> earlier this week. This is the same organization responsible for the RDA values you see on product labels.<br />
<br />
Previously, the recommended amount of vitamin D had been set at 200IU/day. However, they have just raised that amount to 600IU/day. Which is a step in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>However, the IOM goes on to say that you should not go over this amount.</b> <br />
This is absolute bunk. As you hopefully saw in my last post on <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-secrets-of-vitamin-d-part-3.html">vitamin D</a>, the studies show levels above 600IU/day are safe. And not only are they safe, but they have incredible health benefits. Especially, when you are getting 4000IU or more/day.<br />
<br />
<b>People are deficient in Vitamin D.</b><br />
I also covered this in great detail during the 3-part series I just finished up. The fact that a majority of the United States (anyone north of Atlanta, GA) gets absolutely no vitamin D production from sunlight for over half of the year is one reason. Another reason is, during the summer, when you can get about 15,000IU from the sun, many people are stuck in a building working. So you are missing the opportune time to receive vitamin D from the sun: between 10am and 3pm.<br />
<br />
<b>Others are doubting the results as well.</b><br />
I am not the only one calling shenanigans on the IOM. <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/030598_vitamin_D_Institute_of_Medicine.html">Natural News</a> goes so far as to say it is a deliberate attempt to keep the public deficient in vitamin D. Afterall, with the studies showing significant decreases in the risk of everything from cancer to MS to diabetes to the flu with adequate levels of vitamin D in the blood, it does seem odd they would not have increased the recommendations further. Or at least to say it is safe at higher levels. As is the case with most things, one only needs to follow the money. And who stands to profit from the public continuing to become ill? The pharmaceutical companies.<br />
<br />
A well known <a href="http://www.whatsupusana.com/2010/12/vitamin-d-latest-news-from-usanas-r.html">nutritional supplement company</a> also voiced their disappointment at the latest recommendations. They cited studies they had conducted themselves, which show the decreased levels of vitamin D blood levels.<br />
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Suffice to say, if you have any doubts or concerns I would recommend discussing the topic with your physician. Bring along the studies which I have cited on this blog. Or, fill out the form at the top of the page and I will send you a free copy of the recent presentation Dr. Whitcomb just gave on vitamin D. Why is it free? Surely there must be a catch? There isn't. It is important to get this information out to people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-7617893565244795252010-11-30T01:57:00.000-06:002010-11-30T01:57:27.959-06:00More Secrets Of Vitamin D - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s1600/vitamind-778540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s200/vitamind-778540.gif" width="200" /></a></div>Following a brief break from Thanksgiving, I'm back for the final article of this 3-part series on <b>More Secrets of Vitamin D</b>. If you are just coming across this article, it is based upon a presentation Dr. John Whitcomb gave in October of 2010. If you want to get caught up, <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-secrets-of-vitamin-d.html">part 1</a> and <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-secrets-of-vitamin-d-part-2.html">part 2</a> can be found by following the links.<br />
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In my last article, I touched upon a few studies Dr. Whitcomb had brought up. In this posting, I am going to cover the other studies he brought up. I hope you find them as insightful as I did. I'll also answer the question, can you <b>overdose on vitamin D</b>.<br />
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If you will recall from part 1, once we get into the fall and winter your body does not produce <b>vitamin D from sunlight</b> if you live north of Atlanta, GA. As such, it becomes necessary to supplement in order to keep your blood level up. Here are a few more studies which support this.<br />
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In the July 2006 edition of the Journal of Science, it was reported that vitamin D actually makes your immune system work better. At a blood level of 32, a protein called catheliciden is released. However, is is NOT released when your blood levels are below that magic number of 32.<br />
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This protein is a natural anti-biotic. It enables monocytes, which kill viruses. This lends credibility to the theory of why we have a cold and flu season in the winter. In fact, in Wisconsin the influenza season starts right around October 1st. Coincidentally, our ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight stops around September 1st, dropping our blood levels.<br />
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These monocytes also kill tuberculosis. The treatment many years ago for tuberculosis patients was to admit them into a sanitarium and have them sit in the sun. And, this treatment worked! Could it be because of the additional vitamin D production?<br />
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Another test was conducted at a California prison for the criminally insane. A psychiatrist measured the serum levels of vitamin D in convicts. In the focus group, he supplemented them with 2000IU of vitamin D every day. An influenza outbreak came to the prison in March of 2006. Not a single person of the 45 supplementing with vitamin D came down with the flu; whereas, 45% of the rest of the population became sick.<br />
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April 2010 - Japan. Japanese scientists conducted a randomized, controlled trial with school children and influenza. Children who had been immunized still saw a 19% infection rate. However, children who were supplementing with 5000IU of vitamin D only saw a 10% infection rate. Almost a 50% reduction! Children who had no immunization had a 40% infection rate.<br />
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Another stunning report comes from the Archives of Internal Medicine where they found a 7% reduction in mortality from <b>any amount of vitamin D</b>. <br />
<br />
in May of 2010, the Intermountain Heart Study conducted a randomized trial of vitamin D and heart disease. It was scheduled to run for 5 years, but it was canceled after only 1 year. Not because people were dying, but because of the incredible results. They saw a <b>70% reduction in death</b> in the vitamin D group where the men being studied had a blood level over 43. In fact, you are twice as likely to survive a stroke or heart attack if your blood level is above 32 when compared to someone who has a level below 20. If you do not supplement in the winter, this becomes a distinct possibility.<br />
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If you have been keeping up with these articles and have taken note of the studies, you may be thinking vitamin D is sounding pretty incredible. But, you may also be asking if you can overdose on vitamin D. The answer is...not really. To date, no one has ever died from a vitamin D overdose. You can take 10,000IU of vitamin D every day for the rest of your life and be safe.<br />
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Getting a shot of 600,000IU once/year is a safe level. There have been cases of individuals getting 50,000,000IU. They did become disoriented and confused, but did not die. If you take 40,000IU/day for 6-months it will become toxic. But even then, you will only suffer disorientation and confusion. Within a week you will be back to normal.<br />
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So how do you go about getting started with vitamin D supplementation? To start, Dr. Whitcomb recommends finding a <a href="http://shop.usana.com/shop/cart/ProductDetails?ProductID=109.010100">pharmaceutical grade vitamin D supplement</a>, as this is the only way to be certain you are getting the right amounts in the most bioavailable form. Meaning, it will absorb into your body. He suggests starting with a "loading dose" of 10,000IU/day for 1 month to get your blood levels up. From there, taking 5000IU/day should get your blood level to about 60. The optimal level is 80, but to really see the benefits you should be in a range of 53-60. Ask your doctor to test your vitamin D blood levels to see where you are at.<br />
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Vitamin D supplementation isn't just for adults either. In Finland, they give children 2000IU/day from the time of birth. There is no toxicity at these levels for children. They have also seen an 80% reduction in Type II diabetes.<br />
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I want to thank Dr. Whitcomb, once again, for this outstanding presentation. Vitamin D is starting to gain recognition in the medical community, and the information needs to be spread to as many people as possible. Isn't it better to prevent disease from happening, rather than treating it when it happens? This just helps your body's natural disease prevention. As always, if you have questions you should consult with your physician. Bring along these studies if you need to.<br />
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In an effort to publicize this information and make as many people as possible aware of the benefits of vitamin D, you can get a free copy of Dr. Whitcomb's presentation simply by filling out the form located at the top of the page. There is no catch...Dr. Whitcomb has made it clear that education and information is the way to go.<br />
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To Your Health<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-74482305809045343382010-11-24T01:23:00.000-06:002010-11-24T01:23:42.240-06:00More Secrets Of Vitamin D - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s1600/vitamind-778540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s200/vitamind-778540.gif" width="200" /></a></div>In my <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-secrets-of-vitamin-d.html">previous post</a> I told you about the excellent presentation on <b>vitamin D</b> given by Dr. Whitcomb for Aurora Health on Oct 13th, 2010. Essentially, the groundwork was laid in this first post.<br />
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In this second post, I'm going to relay some of the stunning research and conclusions Dr. Whitcomb brought up. It's sure to raise an eyebrow.<br />
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The first bit of information to store is the 20-20-20 rule. According to Dr. Whitcomb, this rule states that if a white 20yr old with 50% of the skin exposed gets 20min of mid-day sun on the 20th of June the body will create 20,000IU of vitamin D over the next 24hrs. That translates to 1,000IU/minute of exposure. However, different skin types result in changes to this rule. For instance, and African-American would need 4-5x as much sun. And the elderly would also need 4-5x as much due to the fact that our ability to create vitamin D from the sun decreases with age.<br />
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A 1yr old child will create about 200IU/minute of sun exposure. And a young African American makes about 160IU/minute. Drinking a glass of milk would give you 100IU of vitamin D. So you would only need to drink 200 glasses of milk/day to get the same benefits as 20min in the sun.<br />
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If you put on sunscreen before even stepping out the door, and SFP-8 will reduce vitamin D production by 95% and an SPF-15 by 98%. Does this mean you should never use sunscreen? No. But you should probably get some sun exposure before putting it on. Just 15min of exposure between 10am and 3pm is all you need.<br />
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Dr. Whitcomb then got into specifics on vitamin D blood levels. 32ng is the minimum level we should be at. An optimal amount is 60ng. Generally, we are somewhere between 32-40ng in the summer, but only 15-20ng in the winter. To get to a level of 60ng, we need 5000IU/day.<br />
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Why is the 32ng level so important? Remember, vitamin D is actually a hormone which tells cells to start growing. This includes white blood cells, which fight off viruses. At a vitamin D blood level under 32ng, it no longer functions. Interestingly enough, we generally hit 32ng around Sept 1st, again, due to the decrease in the amount of sun we get (for people north of Atlanta). Just as interesting, the flu season starts about 1 month later. Dr. Whitcomb suggest that<b> influenza is actually a vitamin D deficiency</b>.<br />
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One placebo controlled study in which people were given 5000IU/day of vitamin D had their blood level increase to 60ng in 1 year. The density of their hip bone also increased by 22%. Important because 25% of people will suffer a broken hip between the ages of 75 and 80.<br />
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Does vitamin D have an effect on cancer? It would appear so. In Wisconsin, the risk of breast cancer is 33% higher than in the southern U.S. In fact, it is not just Wisconsin, but all northern states have a higher risk of breast cancer than the southern states.<br />
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A study was performed at Creighton University and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They were studying the effects of vitamin D and the reduction of fractures over a period of 25-30 years. However, the study was stopped after only 5 years when it was discovered that these patients had a 76% reduction in cancer within the group receiving 1100IU of vitamin D and 1g of calcium.<br />
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In the 3rd part of this series, I will report on a few other studies Dr. Whitcomb brought up, as well as information on the maximum amounts of vitamin D you can take. Does vitamin D really help fend off the flu and help with heart health? Can you overdose on vitamin D? Can children take vitamin D supplements, and if so, how much? These questions will all be answered in the 3rd and final part to this series.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-7667476574966826752010-11-20T00:33:00.000-06:002010-11-20T00:33:12.884-06:00More Secrets Of Vitamin D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s1600/vitamind-778540.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAQVijy8_MH_xLTKZfg5yNDYze8IpaD9XrFN6XtHAKxobRG_I28xGywuwvXeWKvUGmSD88lWcDMelh9cmUFfcyrEZErlxOEtkxw9wAvF6vHV-1ZPSDJ8jSJetw_EVtdrwXOHlA7U0kepf/s200/vitamind-778540.gif" width="200" /></a></div>On Oct 13th, 2010, Dr. John E. Whitcomb gave a presentation at Aurora Health in Sheboygan,WI. He covered multiple topics regarding <i>vitamin D</i>, including: <i>the benefits of vitamin D</i>, why you should be using a <i>vitamin D supplement</i>, and <i>vitamin d toxicity</i>...among other topics. You can get a DVD copy of his presentation by filling out the form on the right.<br />
<br />
While I have done several blog posts in the past regarding the benefits of vitamin D (<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamin-d-benefits-from-sun-exposure-pt.html">Vitamin D, Part 1</a>, <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamin-d-rather-than-flu-shot-vitamin.html">Vitamin D vs flu shot</a>, and <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/10/do-uv-light-bulbs-produce-vitamin-d.html">Do UV Light Bulbs Produce Vitamin D</a>), Dr Whitcomb provided even more information on the subject. Enough to do another multi-part series on this important vitamin.<br />
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First, let's get a foundation down and discuss some of the history and facts about vitamin D. In the early 1900's, 90% of children had rickets...a vitamin D deficiency illness. In the 1930's, milk was supplemented with vitamin D and this helped to drastically reduce the cases of rickets.<br />
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Vitamin D works as a hormone and tells cells to start growing. It turns "on" 2000 genes and, interestingly, "sticks" where auto immune disease and cancers are made. Keep that in mind.<br />
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As I have mentioned in my previous posts, our skin creates vitamin D from the sun. However, as we grow older our skin produces less of it. In fact, a 70yr old makes only 25% of what a 20yr old makes. Another interesting fact is we cannot make vitamin D from the sun north of 35-degrees Latitude in the winter. So if you live north of Atlanta, GA, you are not getting any vitamin D from the sun. It's simply not at the correct angle in the horizon.<br />
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Let's go back to the rickets example from 1900. Back then, and before vitamin D, they cured rickets by taking a tablespoon of cod liver oil, which happens to contain vitamin D. In fact, it is about 400IU. Which is why the RDI value of vitamin D today is 400IU. As I have explained before, the RDIs are the MINIMAL amount we need to take in order to fend off these "classic" diseases.<br />
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So if we can't make vitamin D in the winter, you may ask yourself how the Inuit people living in the arctic can survive. After all, do they not experience winter for half of the year? That is very true. However, their main diet is fatty fish...a source of vitamin D. In fact, the people of Norway have a similar diet...and their rates of Muscular Sclerosis is "dramatically lower" than in the U.S. Why is that?<br />
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That is exactly what I will cover in the next blog post. I'll get into some specific studies regarding vitamin D, I will also relay what Dr. Whitcomb stated were safe, advisable, and toxic levels of vitamin D. Why influenza may be a "vitamin D deficiency" disease and how vitamin D affects your risk of diabetes, cancer, and Muscular Sclerosis I think you will find the next article very eye-opening when it comes to potential disease prevention.<br />
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Again, I want to thank Dr. Whitcomb and Aurora Health for allowing me to report on his presentation. The views presented here are his. They have also given me permission to offer his presentation to you...free of charge. Again, if you would like to receive a DVD of his presentation, fill out the form in the upper right.<br />
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To Your Health <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-37894895054877237922010-11-15T23:44:00.000-06:002010-11-15T23:44:34.866-06:00Parabens And Cancer - What Is The Link?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDizTGWcypbGlhz2I4a43GHdJbmQOZvIAj2fR4-B6EimoBbAPG4lFJIURIcFM96ah-V4EvVSSt_crDuVRejNZjR-dajU666TheB4UFzxHh1Y3rKN-BNTdTBusvVUSL8ofWJjNb_kWvvs5N/s1600/Cosmetics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDizTGWcypbGlhz2I4a43GHdJbmQOZvIAj2fR4-B6EimoBbAPG4lFJIURIcFM96ah-V4EvVSSt_crDuVRejNZjR-dajU666TheB4UFzxHh1Y3rKN-BNTdTBusvVUSL8ofWJjNb_kWvvs5N/s200/Cosmetics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There are now studies which link <i>parabens </i>to <i>breast cancer</i>. So what exactly is a paraben? In short, these are chemical compounds used in a variety of products as a preservative. Specifically, you can find them in cosmetics and deodorant. <a href="http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/chemicals-glossary/parabens.html">The Breast Cancer Fund</a> goes into a more specific definition.<br />
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It is a simple process to determine if any products you currently use contain parabens. But first, you'll need to take a trip to your bathroom. Grab any shampoo, lotion, cosmetic, or deodorant you use and take a look at the ingredients. If you see any ingredient which ends with "paraben", then you know you are using one of these products.<br />
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Some common ingredients you find may include: methylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben. Now, while there have been studies showing a link, there has yet to be any concrete evidence of parabens causing breast cancer. Additional research is being conducted.<br />
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In the meantime, is there anything you can do about it? Assuming you want to err on the side of caution. The answer is fairly simple. You just need to look for products which are <i>paraben free</i>. This can be done by paying attention to the ingredients listed on the bottle, or by purchasing paraben free products from a <a href="http://shop.usana.com/shop/cart/Categories?parentCat=5">trusted company</a>.<br />
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As I said, research is still being performed on parabens and they are still approved by the FDA. But then again, how many other FDA-approved products have been taken off the shelves due to causing harm or even death? Consumer beware.<br />
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To Your Health<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XEi6Ps-FYi63NPCrd6aVMWP8v7By5MxHkp_pBVrmiVx-hrpZX-bFFtiVIPkptqz3iz8hv0XQbxKGboqQRCudTjtADdILMg5XM3yngw8viyzXx045E2fFeC15geoh_mONQE5hfaoCN_lW/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XEi6Ps-FYi63NPCrd6aVMWP8v7By5MxHkp_pBVrmiVx-hrpZX-bFFtiVIPkptqz3iz8hv0XQbxKGboqQRCudTjtADdILMg5XM3yngw8viyzXx045E2fFeC15geoh_mONQE5hfaoCN_lW/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content"><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-48245421275327942822010-11-13T21:32:00.001-06:002010-11-13T21:35:00.107-06:00Tips To Stay Healthy This Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwS4wc4HgvWGAXItwFqSbWjgINUGXyvBUVY2Ou9X1ciW4hL0bthFiVbKJ_2IAwHayFT8Xgpwl-NUioGkNOQDdQ-GkfEXMYKpFO2r08T3kaXcnTaav6Yz2WtcJbrQKEym6vlATAO__VPPm/s1600/winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwS4wc4HgvWGAXItwFqSbWjgINUGXyvBUVY2Ou9X1ciW4hL0bthFiVbKJ_2IAwHayFT8Xgpwl-NUioGkNOQDdQ-GkfEXMYKpFO2r08T3kaXcnTaav6Yz2WtcJbrQKEym6vlATAO__VPPm/s200/winter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="content"><span class="content">Winter can be fun. Who doesn’t enjoy building a snow fort in the backyard? However, winter is also a time when many dangers loom large. Whether from the cold temperatures, the shorter days with less sunlight, or even the large family get-togethers, your immune system is more susceptible in this season than any other. <br />
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</span><span class="content"></span><span class="content">Here are some helpful tips to make sure that you have the upper hand this year in the fight against winter.<br />
<ul><li>Wash your hands frequently during the day, not just before meals or after using the restroom. You never know when germs have made their way onto your hands and are ready to invade your system.</li>
<li>Eat raw foods that are rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, appl<span class="content"></span>es, and pecans. You may not know it, but red, pinto, and kidney beans are also packed with immune-boosting antioxidants.</li>
<li>Exercising and increasing physical activity helps your immune system stay in shape too. Regular exercise can increase your body’s ability to deal with stresses and builds up stronger immune defenses.</li>
<li>Use a disinfectant spray in your workspace or areas where you or your guests may frequently visit.</li>
<li>Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of coffee or soda. Sugar can weaken the ability of white blood cells to defend against bacteria for up to five hours after consumption.</li>
<li>Take a pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D supplement to make up for the lack of vitamin D production from sunlight.</li>
</ul>To Your Health<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span><br />
</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-81567941141198642122010-11-11T01:23:00.000-06:002010-11-11T01:23:56.889-06:00Justifing The Cost Of Nutritional Supplements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcYP6gGZCNhwdpoQWpOXjJJStHafvW38cioL4Srr9NEIb4UIHhkjd8S4BwjyZR0ewv8dBay7DHn3Ed7uaMCcPvq0MYonZpODhVT0HGZ0nSSXVaZkVJeRK74w25LcOoqRHdqQeI2TujCFz/s1600/supplements-pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcYP6gGZCNhwdpoQWpOXjJJStHafvW38cioL4Srr9NEIb4UIHhkjd8S4BwjyZR0ewv8dBay7DHn3Ed7uaMCcPvq0MYonZpODhVT0HGZ0nSSXVaZkVJeRK74w25LcOoqRHdqQeI2TujCFz/s200/supplements-pills.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You have decided to start taking a <i>nutritional supplement</i> to better your health. Bombarded by advertisements and network marketers, you decide to just purchase a popular brand name, or maybe the cheapest supplement you can find on the shelf. But is this really giving you any benefit?<br />
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In a previous post I answered the question, "<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/07/all-supplements-are-same-right.html">All Supplements Are The Same, Right?</a>". If you haven't read this post, it goes hand-in-hand with this one. Essentially, I run down the differences between these store bought supplements (yes, even the popular ones you see on TV) and <i>pharmaceutical grade supplements</i>.<br />
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But how can you hope to justify the increased cost of pharmaceutical grade supplements. Some store bought multivitamins go for around $6/bottle and will last quite awhile. Whereas, pharmaceutical grade supplements may cost $40, $50, or more for only a 1 or 2 month supply. Common sense would tell you to just go with the cheapest product out there. Afterall, all supplements are the same.<br />
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Suffice to say, this is not the case. I cover this subject in great detail in my "<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/07/all-supplements-are-same-right.html">All Supplements Are The Same, Right?</a>" post. But to summarize, store bought supplements follow different regulations than pharmaceutical grade supplements. For instance, fillers and additives are often used in these store bought supplements. Meaning, if they advertise 100% of the RDI of, say, Vitamin C you may only be getting 50%. The rest are fillers.<br />
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Then there is the problem of using synthetic materials to produce these supplements. Take Vitamin E for example. There are two types used in supplements: d-alpha tocopheryl and dl-alpha tocopheryl. The d-alpha version is natural, will break down, and absorb into your body. The dl-alpha version is synethetic and does NOT absorb into the body nearly as well, if at all. Take a look at this picture:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqeO_uzAInepDYs1XUy_McI1aUGbUkHnjdrCXGe-uUjugX1bM0Z0Sw9Wquxolp1K_iOSTa8cxeVvUeXOEftAK13Ix5i_21FAmaFt56X7xn2d6rlSe-cGhvvuWfFXIzV19lm4zuC8Uj-Oj/s1600/xray_pills_in_colon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqeO_uzAInepDYs1XUy_McI1aUGbUkHnjdrCXGe-uUjugX1bM0Z0Sw9Wquxolp1K_iOSTa8cxeVvUeXOEftAK13Ix5i_21FAmaFt56X7xn2d6rlSe-cGhvvuWfFXIzV19lm4zuC8Uj-Oj/s200/xray_pills_in_colon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
This picture is an x-ray of some store bought supplements in the colon. That's just one short stop away from the toilet. In fact, many nurses call these well-known supplements, "bed pan pills". Because they come out the same way they go in. Why? Because they do not break down or absorb into your body.<br />
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What it boils down to is this. If you are spending $6 for a bottle of supplements at your local store, and they don't break down or absorb into your body, you are literally flushing your money down the toilet. Not to mention the possibility of not even receiving the amounts advertised on the label.<br />
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A pharmaceutical grade supplement needs to be over 99% pure. Higher grade materials means they will absorb into your body. In fact, many of these companies will guarantee their bio-availability (absorption). They are also required to contain the amounts advertised on the label in every dose. Store bought supplements are not. <br />
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As a result of using higher grade materials to make a pharmaceutical grade supplement, you pay more for that product. But I ask you, isn't the higher cost worth it if you know these supplements are actually absorbing into your body and providing a benefit, rather than getting flushed down the toilet? That's the question you need to ask yourself.<br />
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To Your Health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-5640588189170436132010-11-07T16:55:00.000-06:002010-11-07T16:55:37.845-06:00Warning: Diet Soda Linked To Premature Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdKJPSJBIn47ILjD2eSJX7QnrxVth5h0tTVUHiT7035DilWCEj6QDgn-Lt_ibvikT29GJr0LPEZzDpP6vJVwukkHK2ZKysxKP6eXpwZpMycVgrYvyOM47W58ChJCQIGrS3oWNb1VcdYnU/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdKJPSJBIn47ILjD2eSJX7QnrxVth5h0tTVUHiT7035DilWCEj6QDgn-Lt_ibvikT29GJr0LPEZzDpP6vJVwukkHK2ZKysxKP6eXpwZpMycVgrYvyOM47W58ChJCQIGrS3oWNb1VcdYnU/s200/baby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A recent study in Denmark, and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests drinking diet soda can increase the risk of premature birth.<br />
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In the study, a group of 60,000 pregnant women were followed. Women who had at least one diet soda per day were 38% more likely to have a premature baby versus women who did not drink diet soda. Even more frightening, women who had at least four diet sodas per day were 80% more likely to deliver prematurely. Results were the same for both normal-weight and overweight women.<br />
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According to the March of Dimes, 13% of babies born are born prematurely. Therefore, this study suggests women who have at least one diet soda would see that risk rise to 17% and up to 22% for those who consume at least four diet sodas.<br />
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There appears to be an indirect link with the artificial sweetener, aspartame, and premature births. According to the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66M4AF20100723">Reuters article</a>, "<span id="articleText">Aspartame breaks down into methanol and other substances in the body, which can in turn be converted to toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid, the researchers explain. And studies in non-human primates have linked even very low exposure to methanol to shortened pregnancy and labor complications."</span><br />
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<span id="articleText">To Your Health</span><br />
<span id="articleText"> </span><br />
<span id="articleText">Scott Huff has been helping people obtain optimal levels of vitamins and minerals through the use of pharmaceutical grade <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">nutritional supplements</a>. He is also experienced in helping people create an alternate source of income, simply by educating and helping others with their health. For more information on this unique opportunity, please watch this <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">short video tour</a>, or send an email with any questions to: <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">huffster@usana.com</a>.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-45868983020259266752010-11-02T22:07:00.000-05:002010-11-02T22:07:05.040-05:00Risk Of Lymphoma Decreased With Vitamin CAnother Quick Hit from Dr. Ray Strand:<br />
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"I have always been a proponent of supplementing a healthy diet. I recommend that you eat 6 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each and every day along with taking high-quality, complete and balanced supplements. Well, a study reported by Mayo Clinic looked at over 35,000 Iowa women between the ages of 55 and 69. The researchers looked at the health benefits of consuming additional antioxidant nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Those with the higher intake of vitamin C had a 22% decrease risk in developing lymphoma. They also noted that increase intake of alpha-carotene, proanthocyanidins (found in grape seed extract), and manganese were associated with a 29, 30, and 38% reduction in the incidence of lymphoma."<br />
<br />
To Your Health<div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-70411136339832968852010-10-30T15:44:00.001-05:002010-10-30T16:06:24.163-05:00Do UV Light Bulbs Produce Vitamin D?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnD0LLDmQIq22m0BStV63OxslsHELjMsQFXTxvNF6VBFxxJHkqfzQfc2Go1DCiOwbo28rqaSCTFoE27BFZFs6qr5dSgs2ac6BOyVk7_RdKJ93SDFNtKcvDjVSMza9YB8nOXWc8FViqFcP/s1600/Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnD0LLDmQIq22m0BStV63OxslsHELjMsQFXTxvNF6VBFxxJHkqfzQfc2Go1DCiOwbo28rqaSCTFoE27BFZFs6qr5dSgs2ac6BOyVk7_RdKJ93SDFNtKcvDjVSMza9YB8nOXWc8FViqFcP/s1600/Sun.jpg" /></a></div>With the winter months now here, I've been receiving an increased number of questions about <i>Vitamin D</i>. First some background on why you may be deficient in Vitamin D during the winter months. And then I'll touch specifically upon <i>UV lights</i> and<i> UV light bulbs</i>.<br />
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I've covered the positive effects of Vitamin D in previous posts. In fact, you can look at <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamin-d-benefits-from-sun-exposure-pt.html">part 1</a> of a 3-part series I did earlier. So I won't be going any deeper in this post. Suffice to say, Vitamin D has MANY benefits.<br />
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So let's start with some basics and get a good foundation. Vitamin D is called the "sunshine vitamin" because our body turns the suns rays into Vitamin D. During the summer months, 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight when the sun is at its highest (10:30am - 2:30pm) can result in 15,000-20,000 IU of Vitamin D produced by your body.<br />
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Let's dig a little deeper into that. The sun produces two types of rays: UVA and UVB. Now, UVA rays are the type you hear all the negativity about. They damage the skin and are also responsible for tanning. Tanning salons will use UVA bulbs in their beds (though some do also use UVB). However, vitamin D production comes from the UVB rays. When we are talking about natural sunlight, there is another big difference between UVA and UVB. Our atmosphere will actually deflect UVB rays. So, depending upon the season and the time of day, you may not get much, if any, UVB rays for Vitamin D production.<br />
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In fact, from mid-October through mid-March, the sun will be at such an angle that all the UVB rays will be deflected and not even reach the surface. That translates into zero Vitamin D production from sunlight. To get any production, the UV Index needs to be at 3.0 or above. You can find the UV Index for your area by looking at the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html">EPA's UV Index</a> website.<br />
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An easy way to keep track of this...if you live above 42-degrees latitude, then during the winter months the UV Index will be below 3.0 and you will not be able to absorb any UVB rays for Vitamin D production, due to the angle of the sun. 42-degrees latitude runs from the northern border of California through Chicago, IL, and over to Boston, MA. So if you live north of these locations, you aren't going to get any Vitamin D from the sun during these months.<br />
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If you are in one of these locations, then you may want to consider getting your Vitamin D through other methods, due to the plethora of benefits. My recommendation would be a pharmaceutical grade supplement, as this is the only way you can be guaranteed of receiving the full amount advertised on the bottle in a bioavailable form. Meaning, it will absorb into your body.<br />
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However, there is another method gaining in popularity. And that would be UV lights and light bulbs. Light therapy is especially popular with treating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). But do these lights actually produce Vitamin D? Well, it depends. You now know your body needs UVB rays to produce Vitamin D. So it simply comes down to that. If the light you are using will emit UVB rays, then you will be able to use it effectively as an alternate to natural sunlight. It's that simple.<br />
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As I stated above, my personal preference is a pharmaceutical grade Vitamin D supplement. <a href="http://shop.usana.com/shop/cart/ProductDetails?ProductID=109.010100">And this one</a> is top notch. Not only is it pharmaceutical grade, but it is also NSF certified, so it goes through rigorous 3rd party testing. Each pill is smaller than a Tic Tac and contains 2000IU of Vitamin D.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XEi6Ps-FYi63NPCrd6aVMWP8v7By5MxHkp_pBVrmiVx-hrpZX-bFFtiVIPkptqz3iz8hv0XQbxKGboqQRCudTjtADdILMg5XM3yngw8viyzXx045E2fFeC15geoh_mONQE5hfaoCN_lW/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XEi6Ps-FYi63NPCrd6aVMWP8v7By5MxHkp_pBVrmiVx-hrpZX-bFFtiVIPkptqz3iz8hv0XQbxKGboqQRCudTjtADdILMg5XM3yngw8viyzXx045E2fFeC15geoh_mONQE5hfaoCN_lW/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Just keep in mind, if you live in the northern hemisphere, and above the 42nd parallel, you're going to go almost half-a-year without sufficient UVB rays to manufacture Vitamin D on your own.<br />
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For more information, please feel free to contact me via <a href="mailto:huffster@usana.com">email</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/huffster316">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/profile.php?id=1282398360">Facebook</a>, or join our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ahealthieryou">Facebook Fan Page</a>. And please feel free to link to my blog or share the information via your favorite social media websites.<br />
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To Your Health<div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-86919187391124389832010-10-26T23:17:00.001-05:002010-10-26T23:18:24.598-05:00Question: Are Children Vitamins Worthwhile?I have discussed how important supplements are, but does the same hold true for <i>children vitamins</i>? Do children actually benefit from taking vitamins? And what do you need to look for when selecting one?<br />
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Obviously, this decision is left up to the parents. But I can tell you, the importance of taking supplements for children is no different from the importance of taking them as an adult. Nowadays, our diets just are not very good so we generally do not get enough of the vitamins and minerals we need for optimal health. And even if our eating habits are top notch, due to food processing and modern farming techniques, we simply do not get enough vitamins and minerals from the food we eat.<br />
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Now, the big difference here is that children do not require as much as adults do. So I believe the odds of children getting what they need from eating are a little better. The question is...do they get what they need? That said, there are certain supplements which can be of extra value to kids.<br />
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Fish oil is important as early as a fetus. It helps with brain development. And that effect continues through life. Not to mention the added benefit of cardiovascular health. Did you know atherosclerosis can be found in children as young as 10-years old? It's never too early to start thinking about cardiovascular health.<br />
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Calcium is also important at a young age to help with the development of bone growth. But make sure the calcium supplement also has magnesium included, as this assists in the calcium absorption into the bone.<br />
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When it comes to choosing a vitamin for children, the same rules apply to children as they do for adults. You want to find a pharmaceutical grade supplement to ensure your children are getting an actual benefit from what they are taking. To be quite honest, the gummy vitamins and "popular cartoon" vitamins you find in your local store do not provide much benefit for children.<br />
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The book "Comparative Guide To Children's Nutritionals" by Lyle MacWilliam is an excellent resource to use for making your selection. The book rates some of the most popular children's vitamins on the market. I use it in my business to show people the vast differences in supplements. Incidentally, the gummy and "cartoon" vitamins I took as a kid and are still being marketed today? They were rated 1/2 star out of 5.<br />
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If you are looking for more information on supplements, for children, I would highly recommend starting with this book. And if you are specifically looking for information on pharmaceutical grade supplements, <a href="http://huffster.usana.com/">my other site</a> has detailed information on ingredients and benefits.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Post a comment if there is a specific topic you would like me to post on. I would be happy to research the subject matter and report on the findings here.<br />
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To Your Health<div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-29178662149942448892010-10-24T15:33:00.000-05:002010-10-24T15:33:16.141-05:00Top 5 Supplements For Breast Cancer Prevention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWM0oRgAnMvd8pBQTuJdgtMrHjrNeibXb3rXN2pXy_rQfnstejeg1NEU1w8JTvRYv0VQXzhH3pM92g0MrXjSsXURfdHutdkPXl9ZVlBbu91LVD7sH-JA_ATDGCsMgVPH9QaNZKhftFrAK/s1600/pink_ribbonv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWM0oRgAnMvd8pBQTuJdgtMrHjrNeibXb3rXN2pXy_rQfnstejeg1NEU1w8JTvRYv0VQXzhH3pM92g0MrXjSsXURfdHutdkPXl9ZVlBbu91LVD7sH-JA_ATDGCsMgVPH9QaNZKhftFrAK/s1600/pink_ribbonv.jpg" /></a></div>As it is <i>Breast Cancer Awareness Month</i>, I felt it appropriate to write a post detailing some of the studies out there showing how supplements may assist in <i>breast cancer prevention</i>, and in some cases <i>breast cancer recurrence</i>. If you think about it, you have probably been told to do regular breast exams or get a mammogram to prevent breast cancer. However, this does not PREVENT breast cancer, but rather DETECTS breast cancer. This post will show studies which suggest certain supplements can actually reduce your risk of breast cancer, thus preventing it.<br />
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If you ever have questions regarding the use of these supplements, I always encourage you to have a discussion with your physician. Feel free to print off the studies I reference and ask your physician to comment on them. In no particular order, these are the Top 5 Supplements For Breast Cancer Prevention:<br />
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<ol><li><b>Fish Oil/Omega-3</b>. On July 8th, 2010, <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/breast-cancer-fish-oil-omega-fatty-acids-reduce/story?id=11112520">ABCNews</a> reported on the findings of a study which looked at the effectiveness of fish oil for breast cancer prevention. The "Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle followed 35,016 post-menopausal women who had no history of breast cancer.". These women were followed for an average of 6 years. It was found those who used fish oil supplements had a 32% reduced risk of developing breast cancer. The study was published in <i>Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention </i>and was also referenced in this <a href="http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20100708/fish-oil-linked-to-lower-breast-cancer-risk">WebMD</a> article.</li>
<li><b>Olive Oil</b>. The people of Greece have some of the world's lowest rates of heart disease and cancer. And now studies are showing a direct link to their use of olive oil with regards to these decreased risks. This article from <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/03/0321_050321_oliveoil.html">National Geographic</a> outlines a study from 2005 which showed oleic acid (the main fatty acid in olive oil) "can cripple a cancer gene responsible for 25 to 30 percent of all breast cancers.". Another article in <a href="http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20081218/extra-virgin-olive-oil-evoo-vs-breast-cancer">WebMD</a> reported on a study which showed olive oil reduced the risk of breast cancers having the HER2 molecules. Another major study was begun this year and will last approximately 5 years. You can also view my previous post on the benefits of olive oil, "<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-olive-oil-benefits-your-health.html">How Olive Oil Benefits Your Health</a>".</li>
<li><b>Grape Seed Extract</b>. In a previous post, "<a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/09/top-5-best-supplements-for-your-health.html">The Top 5 Best Supplements For Your Health</a>", I touted the effects of grape seed extract as it relates to heart disease and cancer. In fact, studies show grape seed extract actually promotes apoptosis, or self-destruction, of cancer cells (see this <a href="http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/11/1869.short">Oxford study</a>). Currently, studies are being undertaken to specifically look at the effects of breast cancer prevention in humans. However, test tube studies have been promising.</li>
<li><b>Vitamin D</b>. Back in August and September, I had done a 3-part series on Vitamin D. You can read <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamin-d-benefits-from-sun-exposure-pt.html">part 1</a>, <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamin-d-rather-than-flu-shot-vitamin.html">part 2</a>, and <a href="http://ahealthieryou4life.blogspot.com/2010/09/vitamin-d-benefits-part-3-of-3.html">part 3</a> if you haven't seen them yet. But looking just at cancer risks, the results are quite stunning. <a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/vitamin-D">The National Cancer Institute</a> states, "an inverse relationship was found between sunlight exposure levels in a given geographic area and the rates of <a class="definition" href="http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000046145&version=Patient&language=English">incidence</a> and death for certain cancers in that area. Individuals living in southern latitudes were found to have lower rates of incidence and death for these cancers than those living at northern latitudes. Because sunlight/UV exposure is necessary for the production of vitamin D<sub>3</sub>, researchers hypothesized that variation in vitamin D levels accounted for the observed relationships.". Furthermore, Vitamin D has shown to create apopotosis in cancer cells. They also highlighted a study which followed 1300 post-menopausal women who took calcium supplements and 1100IU of Vitamin D every day. The women taking the supplements showed a <b>60% reduction in cancer rates</b>. <a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/Prevent-Breast-Cancer-with-Vitamin-D-Dr-Christiane-Northrup">Dr. Christine Northrup</a> also recommends Vitamin D supplementation as a aid in preventing cancers of all types, including breast cancer.</li>
<li><b>Vitamin E</b>. The general consensus here is that Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. And some cancers have been shown to be the result of free radical damage. Antioxidants help protect against these free radicals. When it comes to specific studies regarding Vitamin E, the jury is still out. However, the Nurses Health Study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine 1993;328: 1444-9, studied 83,234 women for 14 years. And they found women with a family history of breast cancer who took the highest quantity of Vitamin E showed a 43% reduction in breast cancer as opposed to women with no family breast cancer history (16% risk).</li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> As someone who has lost a dear friend to breast cancer, I can only hope people look into these preventative measures a little closer. As you can tell from the studies, I am not suggesting you will never be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, it appears as though your risks can be decreased. Please distribute this post via your favorite social media outlet (Twitter, Facebook, etc) and email so we can get the word out. There's a chance you could help save a life.<br />
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You can follow me on Twitter by clicking on the 'Follow Me' icon to the right. Also, please friend me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/profile.php?id=1282398360">Facebook</a> and join our Facebook Fan Page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ahealthieryou">www.facebook.com/ahealthieryou</a>.<br />
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To Your Health.<br />
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Scott Huff is a professional marketer of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements. For more information on the specific products he markets, please visit <a href="http://www.huffster.usana.com/">our online store</a>. And if you are interested in seeing how easy it is to create a residual income simply by helping yourself and other become healthier, take a <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">free video web tour</a> where you can learn about this unique opportunity<div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-34372239830796323402010-10-20T00:00:00.002-05:002010-10-21T14:27:23.875-05:00Sugar In Soda And The Diabetes Link<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZvUwKm-AA6GxecaPzbEpPvNOTJW_CddiHKYUOt_C7LR1nl_QRhBbkOWsP6cdQScOY87ksWfWeptsc-yhT6Wzlg3yTIh79lvbZdsnsGJpNuvvZF_9wAHVnpPVy98pjsfnD5FEzizmESCg/s1600/pepsi-coke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZvUwKm-AA6GxecaPzbEpPvNOTJW_CddiHKYUOt_C7LR1nl_QRhBbkOWsP6cdQScOY87ksWfWeptsc-yhT6Wzlg3yTIh79lvbZdsnsGJpNuvvZF_9wAHVnpPVy98pjsfnD5FEzizmESCg/s200/pepsi-coke.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Soda has sugar in it. Nothing new there. But it's the amount of <i>sugar in soda</i> that can be dangerous towards your health. And many people do not realize <i>how much sugar is in soda</i>. A 12oz cola has between 9 and 10 teaspoons of sugar. And an orange soda has up to 13 teaspoons. Head to your kitchen, grab the sugar bowl, and measure out 9 teaspoons of sugar into a bowl if you want the full effect.<br />
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But before you put down the soda and grab a fruit drink, take a look at the amount of sugar. 12ozs of <a href="http://www.hookedonjuice.com/">apple juice</a> can have just as much sugar as a soda (10 teaspoons, or 39g). Even if it's advertised as sugar free. Why? Because fruit naturally has sugar in it.<br />
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So what kind of effect does this have on your risk of diabetes? It's huge. According to this <a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,995040,00.html">Time article</a>, "A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who regularly drank sugar-sweetened soda or fruit punch gained significantly more weight and had a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than women who rarely indulged in high-sugar drinks.". A 40% greater risk. But the risks are not confined just to women.<br />
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</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">But surely if you drink diet soda you're safe, right? According to the same study, there was no significant effect with drinking diet soda. Participants were just as likely to develop diabetes. Unfortunately, the bad news doesn't end there for diet soda drinkers. An <a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/15880/trouble-diet-soda">8-year study</a> at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, found that individuals who consumed "several cans of diet soda every day were more likely to become overweight or obese than those who drank several regular sodas".</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">The American Heart Association also found individuals who drank at least one <i>diet or regular soda</i>/day had an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.<br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">So in order to cut down on your risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and a generally healthier lifestyle, put the soda down. Have a glass of water or milk instead, and if you have to have a soda now and then, moderation is the key.<br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">If you have found this article beneficial, please feel free to share it via your favorite social media website such as Twitter or Facebook. And if you would like information on how you can help change the lives of others, as well as yourself, take a look at our <a href="http://www.incomesafetynet.info/">video web tour</a>. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">To Your Health.</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Scott Huff</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-89555519041423274312010-10-18T15:23:00.001-05:002010-10-21T14:28:21.344-05:00Vitamin B May Reduce Lung Cancer RiskA quick-hit post from Dr. Ray Strand. Wanted to get this out, as it has important info regarding a study of the B vitamins and your risk of lung cancer.<br />
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"There are have been several studies in regards to the use of nutritional supplementation and lung cancer. Beta carotene was one of the most famous nutrients studied. However, a recent study just released in the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT73">June 16, 2010</span> issue of the JAMA looked at vitamin B levels and the risk of lung cancer. There results suggest that above average levels of B6 and methionine reduced the risk of developing lung cancer by 50%. When you also looked at above normal levels of folate, another B vitamin, along with vitamin B6 and methionine, there was a reduction in lung cancer by nearly two-thirds."<br />
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"Again, supplementing your diet with high-quality, complete and balanced nutritional supplements including the B vitamins is an excellent choice."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s1600/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKAnciYTogBBBuWB2ARmNF5QU9GQ_77gW2TetILsXN17491crEmttxEEzcn4J-aARgxaWaZSKqC72uoQ0yoVh61b1ZNsImSufRo4TqkuK9ycqxoRwE-_nh7R0HemE0xMzh9HwwWlNYQiJ/s200/BrilliantCompPic.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>To Your Health<div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176165161765929850.post-21239732232165448912010-10-15T23:41:00.000-05:002010-10-15T23:41:54.263-05:00CoQ10 - What Is It?CoQ10 is the shorthand version of CoEnzyme Q10. The purpose here is to show you some CoQ10 benefits. But first, we need to explain what it is.<br />
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CoQ10 is produced naturally in your body and is essential for the functioning of cells. Specifically, as an antioxidant, boosting the immune system, and increasing energy. In fact, if you think of your heart as a furnace, CoQ10 is the coal that keeps the furnace going. As such, the majority of studies done on CoQ10 have focused on it's benefits with relation to heart disease. And these studies have all confirmed it's effectiveness.<br />
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Studies also show CoQ10 benefits when it comes to hypertension and high blood pressure. <a href="http://faculty.washington.edu/ely/coenzq10.html">In a study</a> "<span>...of 109 patients with essential hypertension, 51% were able to stop between one and three antihypertensive drugs at an average of 4.4 months after starting CoQ10 treatment..."</span><br />
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<span>Another study showed individuals who started taking CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of suffering a heart attack were "significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain.". </span><br />
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<span>CoQ10 even has an effect on cholesterol, as show by the <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm">University of Maryland</a>, "</span>Levels of CoQ10 tend to be lower in people with high cholesterol compared to healthy individuals of the same age. In addition, certain cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins (such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin) appear to deplete natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Taking CoQ10 supplements can correct the deficiency caused by statin medications without affecting the medication's positive effects on cholesterol levels. Plus, studies show that CoQ10 supplementation may decrease the muscle pain associated with statin treatment."<br />
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<span>To Your Health </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Sign-up to receive our free monthly newsletter by emailing me your name and email address</div>Scott Huffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06351390729188275575noreply@blogger.com0