Chocolate Seduction, Natural Health Benefits of the Cocoa Bean

A red heart shaped box of chocolates is an iconic gift shared on Valentine's Day. With its ancient traditions and legends chocolate has a long history as the food of luxury, pleasure and romance.

The cocoa tree was discovered by indigenous people in the jungles of the Central America nearly 3000 years ago. Since then the cocoa bean, chocolate and the foods that contained them were always prized and enjoyed. Cocoa beans were used as a mode of currency by the Mayan and Aztec people. The use of cocoa was sacred to the Mayans. Cocoa was reserved for important occasions and religious ceremonies. Cocoa was said to be the "food of the Gods".

Between 1502 and 1504, on his fourth expedition to the Americas, while in Nicaragua, Christopher Columbus became the first European to sample the sacred cocoa bean. He obtained several cases of cocoa beans while raiding the cargo of a Mayan merchant. Believing that cocoa, was a type of almond and that it may be valuable, Columbus brought them to Europe. However, the Europeans did not know how to prepare the beans, thus they were discarded. It took another voyage in 1519, this time by the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, for cocoa to become viewed as a delicacy amongst Europeans. Mistaking Cortes for a god, the Aztec Emperor Montezuma introduced Cortes to a drink called "chocolatl" that was served in a goblet of gold. The Aztecs believed that cocoa beans were a gift from the heavens and eating the fruit of the cocoa tree would bring power and wisdom.

Today, presenting someone with a box of chocolates symbolizes appreciation and love, but it was not always viewed this way. Many ancient traditions associate chocolate with love and it seemed that chocolate exhibited aphrodisiac qualities. For that reason, the Aztecs prohibited women from eating cocoa. Actual chocolate candies were first manufactured in 1824 by George Cadbury. However, because chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac, it was deemed to be inappropriate for the ladies. A man bestowing a box of chocolates to a lady at would have been an offensive act. Chocolates were only given to prostitutes of that time.

Newly rediscovered Health Benefits of Chocolate and the Cocoa Bean

Cocoa beans are rich in many essential minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, potassium, zinc and manganese. Women who crave chocolate are often magnesium depleted. The pleasure of eating chocolate is not only because of its rich taste melting in your mouth. Chocolate actually has several chemicals that stimulate our brain and make us happy. Specifically these include PEA (phenylethylamine), tryptophan, theobromine and caffeine. Another chemical found in chocolate is anandamide that has a similar effect to cannabinoids (narcotic like substances) on our brain. The chemical anandamide stimulates pleasure sensors, promotes relaxation and was found to inhibit human breast cancer cell proliferation (though there are only trace quantities present in chocolate).

It's no wonder people claim that eating chocolate makes them feel less stressed out and easies their depression. Women have been found to exhibit greater sensitivity to chocolate's mood enhancing properties when compared to men. Due to the fact that these constituents of chocolate improve our mood and make us feel "in love", chocolate continues to be considered by many as an aphrodisiac.

Chocolate for the Heart, Cocoa improves more then our emotions

The newest scientific studies on the health value of cacao and chocolate are proving that chocolate is literally good for our hearts. Chocolate is a very rich source of polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants that protect our cardiovascular health. The higher the cocoa content in the chocolate the higher the ORAC value. Dark chocolate containing more cocoa usually has an ORAC value of around 13,000. For the greatest health benefits choose chocolate that has at least 70 percent cocoa content. Cocoa polyphenols decrease the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol contributing to healthy cholesterol levels. Cocoa polyphenols  also lower insulin resistance.

In addition, the polyphenols found in chocolate have a very beneficial effect on the arterial wall improving its elasticity and blood flow as well as preventing platelet aggregation therefore protecting against heart attack and stroke. Chocolate polyphenols prevent the inactivation of nitric oxide making it more bio-available. The well known drug Viagra that treats erectile dysfunction (ED) works by enhancing nitric oxide pathways in a similar way to that of chocolate polyphenols. It is said that Emperor Montezuma consumed as much as 50 goblets of chocolate a day. This may have kept his libido on especially high levels and Montezuma was known for having a very large harem that included hundreds of wives.

Nowadays, chocolate isn't what it use to be. Once only reserved for kings and powerful rulers, a "gift from paradise", chocolate is now consumed on a massive global scale by millions of people. The chocolate craze has sparked the growth of an immense cocoa industry and there is something you should know about the world's most seductive sweet.

The Dark Side of Chocolate

You may want to think twice before you indulge in that box of chocolates…
it may contain more guilt then you realize.

The cocoa tree needs a very specific environment in order to produce cocoa beans. Cocoa trees require a shaded plot of land, temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity with over 80 inches of rainfall. Ideal locations that fit this description just happen to be tropical rainforests. The majority of chocolate consumed today comes from cocoa farms that are situated on what once use to be bio-diverse rainforest ecosystems. It is estimated that cocoa production is responsible for the deforestation of 8 million hectares of tropical rainforests including those in Brazil, Peru, Indonesia, Cameroon Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ecuador (source: World Wildlife Fund, WWF, Hardner et al. 1999). This type of deforestation is accountable for the release of tons of Co2 into our atmosphere and further amplifies the devastating effects of the climactic imbalance.

How dirty is your chocolate bar? It may be tinted with a child's blood.
Slavery was abolished, right? Not in the sweet production of chocolate.

One of the most controversial aspects of the chocolate industry is the prevalent exploitation of children in cocoa production. Specifically cocoa imported from Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), which supplies 46 percent of the world's cocoa, may be gathered using child labor. UNICEF reported that Ivory Coast farmers use enslaved children from neighboring regions and force them to work through hundred-hour weeks in inhumane conditions. If a child attempts to escape, he or she is then severely punished and brutally beaten. Another report from BBC stated that children under the age of 11 are forced to carry sacs with kilos of cocoa so heavy that open wounds form over their shoulders. These facts were acknowledged by the Chocolate Manufactures Association which admitted that some of the cocoa had indeed been gathered by child slaves. Many international chocolate manufacturers including Hershey's, Nestle, and Cadbury acquire cocoa that has been grown in the Ivory Coast. Maybe we should pause a moment before we take a bite of our favorite chocolate bar or mix ourselves a nice cup of hot chocolate. You simply may be consuming more then cocoa. A little something extra that's not mentioned on the ingredient list. This chocolate may possibly have the blood, sweat and tears of enslaved children on it. Are you still addicted to it now?

In 2008 Fortune magazine stated "little progress has been made" to act upon the current conditions under which coca continues to be produced.

Therefore, you should only purchase chocolate products that use certified fair trade and sustainably cultivated cocoa. In fact, sustainable agriculture methods for growing cocoa provide the farmer a higher standard of living, encourage other farmers to restore deforested areas and do not use child labor.

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Bones, the Foundation of the Body

Bones are the only part of your body that will virtually outlast every aspect of your life. In a hundred, thousand, even millions of years, there is a good chance that your bones will still be here. If only the rest of your body could last that long...

Nutrients, hormones and physical movement maintain our bones in good health and are the essential factors that influence proper bone development. After all, bones are the support of the human body and the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system. Even after they stop growing in size, our bones are being continuously changed and rebuilt.

The process in which old and worn bone tissue is replaced by new healthy bone cells in known as bone remodeling. Minerals that are the building blocks of bones, vitamins that assist bone metabolism (including vitamin D and vitamin K) and hormones such as testosterone, estrogens and progesterone that support correct bone formation must remain in balance to assure healthy bone remodeling.

Different forms of weight bearing exercises (such as push-ups and squats with added weights) that place resistance and involve muscles pulling and pushing against the bones enhance the bone remodeling process. Studies suggest that these types of weight bearing exercises do more then simply prevent bone diseases including osteoporosis; these exercises may actually help replace current bone loss.

Diseases and age can slow down bone tissue replacement, especially when it comes to new bone development. This can lead to weak, less dense bone formation and conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. People with low bone density are predisposed to fractures.

The importance of nutrition for the growth of strong bones is not a new concept. Significance of calcium in a diet is well-known to everybody. An average American diet usually provides adequate amounts of calcium. However, if there is a low level of vitamin D in the body, calcium cannot be properly incorporated into the bone.

Nutritional factors and hormonal imbalances that affect bone loss:

Women after menopause are at an increased risk for bone density loss due to a decline in hormones such as estrogens and progesterone. Postmenopausal women therefore are advised by their doctors to increase their calcium intake, either through diet or nutritional supplements. This scenario may actually be dangerous. If an adequate amount of vitamin D is not present, then calcium cannot be integrated into the bone. This unabsorbed calcium is referred to as "circulating calcium". An excess of circulating calcium levels can be deposited in the arterial walls causing stiffening of the arteries. In addition, a surplus of circulating calcium can create kidney stones and breasts calcifications.

Studies show that an overload of calcium and a lack of vitamin D can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension in postmenopausal women. Young women who drink excessive amounts of carbonated soda beverages are also at risk for decreased bone density due to an imbalance of the calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Many believe that osteoporosis is a disease of women after menopause; however men over the age of 50 are also at risk for osteoporosis due to a decline in androgenic hormones such as testosterone and DHEA.

Allopathic medicine addresses osteoporosis with prescription drugs such as Fossamax® and Actonel® (known as bisphosphonates). These drugs increase binding of calcium into the bone. This makes the bone harder, denser, but less flexible and easier to break. Unfortunately, bisphoshonates have very serious side-effects, the most infamous being "jaw death" (a condition in which bone tissue in the jaw cannot heal after minor injury like a dental procedure). Bisphoshonates have also been known to increase one's risk for esophageal cancer and cardiac arrhythmia.

So why would anybody risk such devastating negative outcomes with prescription drugs when more effective natural treatments for preventing and reversing osteoporosis are readily available?

These natural alternatives and therapies for ensuring bone health include:    

1.  Natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy - BHRT through the use of 
     bioidentical hormones strengthens bone structure by preventing bone loss and restoring bone 
     tissue that already has been lost. Bioidentical hormones have been effectively used in the 
     treatment of osteoporosis for both men during andropause and postmenopausal women.       

2.   Mineral supplements - consisting of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, strontium, boron, 
     silicon, zinc, manganese and copper, facilitate proper levels of bone specific nutrients needed 
     for the development of healthy bones.

3.   Vitamins that support bone health - vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and 
     vitamin A. These specific vitamins are required for bone remodeling as they allow for the 
     satisfactory incorporation of minerals into the bones.

4.   Adequate protein - protein will sustain collagen support in the bones. Collagen acts as a 
     connective tissue for bone cells. However, an excess of protein can cause the body's acidity 
     level to increase that results in accelerate calcium loss from the bone.

Hormones play a very important role in correct bone formation and metabolism. Hormones that have a profound influence on the health of bones are steroid hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone. Other hormones include thyroid hormones, cortisol, human growth hormone HGH, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone.

Women at menopause and men during andropause (male menopause) who take nutritional supplements for bone health, exercise regularly and are on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can enjoy strong and healthy bones for years to come.

 

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The pharmaceutical industry and many doctors keep pushing the norm lower and lower for what are considered healthy cholesterol levels. Therefore more and more people fall into the category of having too high cholesterol. With more people being told that they have high cholesterol, statin drugs manufacturers get a financial advantage.

For many years statin drugs have been the best selling pharmaceuticals world wide accounting for billions of dollars in profits to their producers and claiming to protect against arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (also known as atherosclerosis). However, statin drugs alone will not protect you against cardiovascular disease.The benefits of statin drugs in preventing atherosclerosis have been, and continue to be greatly exaggerated by their manufactures.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not a toxic substance, unnecessary and dangerous for the body. Cholesterol is a precursor, a major building block for the whole group of steroid hormones that includes: DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, estrogens (estrone, estradiol and estriol) and cortisol. The growing human body needs cholesterol to develop into a fully functioning adult individual. Young people rarely have high cholesterol problems. This is due to the fact that their body efficiently transforms cholesterol into steroid hormones. The troubles with elevated cholesterol usually begin around menopause or andropause (male menopause). At this time the circulating cholesterol that typically would have been transformed into hormones is not needed any longer for the synthesis of steroid hormones. If at that time one's diet is not adjusted to accommodate lower cholesterol requirements, or if the liver is not functioning properly and overproduces cholesterol, its levels in the body can increase, sometimes significantly.

What are normal cholesterol levels?

Some experts believe that 150 should be the norm. However, you do not need to keep your cholesterol this low. Having your cholesterol too low can be dangerous and can negatively affect your hormone levels leading to hormonal imbalances. Hormonal imbalances may be corrected through the use of natural bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).If the level of estrogens (for a woman) or testosterone (for a man) becomes excessively low, this will increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Most medical practitioners consider a total cholesterol of approximately 200 mg/dl to be in optimal range.

How can we keep our cholesterol on optimal levels?

Majority of people with mild cholesterol elevation (less then 250 mg/dl) can effectively bring it to the 200 mg/dl level through healthy lifestyle adjustments. These include proper nutrition, exercise and utilization of natural nutritional supplements.
 
What are the best ways to measure cholesterol?

Cholesterol is easily measured by a blood test. Besides the total cholesterol level, it is important to pay attention to the levels of HDL, the good cholesterol which should be higher then 50 mg/dl and LDL or bad cholesterol that should be below 100 mg/dl. For some people elevated cholesterol levels may not pose a danger. While for others the slightest elevation in their cholesterol can be lethal. To evaluate this situation best, the VAP cholesterol test can be performed. It measures the size of cholesterol particles and their ability to attach to the wall of the artery. Even if the total cholesterol is elevated, but the majority of its particles are large and buoyant the risk for cardiovascular disease is low. However if the particles of cholesterol are small, sticky and can easily be attached to the arterial wall, it can increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease.

Natural effective ways to lower cholesterol without dangerous statin drugs.

There are many natural nutritional supplements that can effectively help maintain healthy cholesterol levels without using statin drugs. Statin drugs can lead to serious depletion of the body's reserves of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and this can cause miopathy (a condition of muscle degeneration). Therefore it is highly recommended for those taking statin drugs to add Coenzyme Q10 to their treatment regimen. Triplichol is a natural nutritional supplement that through the synergy of its ingredients can assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in the body.

Other natural supplements for healthy cholesterol management include:

Niacin - a B vitamin that has been used for years to support cardiovascular health. The NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Panel) recognizes Niacin for maintaining blood lipid levels that are already within normal range.

Lipitrol - fromulated using precise doses of cardiac specific nutrients including chromium, inositol hexaniacinate, gugul resin and artichoke extracts to help support normal cholesterol levels as well as proper lipid management.

Policosanol - a unique natural product derived from sugar cane wax. In clinical studies, Policosanol has been found to promote healthy platelet function, healthy lipid metabolism and provides powerful antioxidant protection for optimal cardiovascular health. The active component of Policosanol is octacosanol. Octacosanol has been found to reduce muscular dystrophies as well as blood cholesterol levels.

Plant Sterols - First introduced as a food additive that prevented absorption of cholesterol, plant sterols are now approved by the FDA for the follwing heart health claim: "Products containing at least 0.65 grams per serving of plant sterol esters, taken twice daily with meals for a daily total intake of at least 1.3 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."

Pantethine - the precursor to cysteamine and pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is a key element of CoA (coenzyme A). Coenzyme A is needed by our cells to be able to properly transport and metabolize fatty acids. Cystemine is thought to modify specific enzymes in the liver to maintain healthy lipoprotein marker levels.

Orthomega Fish Oil - The FDA has recognized the importance of omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, and allows the following health claim to be placed on fish oil products: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - CoQ10 (also called ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10) is a strong antioxidant used to support optimal cardiovascular health and nervous system health. The wealth of evidence for CoQ10 supplementation has been embraced in virtually every corner of the medical and scientific communities. << MORE >>

Natural HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

When someone discovers the fountain of youth what do you expect them to do? Keep it for themselves of course.

HGH has always been a taboo in the medical society. Its use restricted, its benefits controlled.

"In the United States, off-label distribution or marketing of GH to treat aging or aging-related conditions, and for the enhancement of athletic performance is illegal and punishable by imprisonment." 

            - (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists)

Growth hormone replacement in the adult population remains controversial, especially if used for anti-aging therapies. However, approximately 30 percent of HGH prescriptions in the US are for the treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency due to aging.
The use of HGH (human growth hormone) for anti-aging purposes started to gain popularity after Dr. Daniel Rudman's famous HGH study that was published on July 5 1990 in the New England Journal of Medicine. In his study Dr. Daniel Rudman documented significant benefits of HGH replacement in the aging population. Additional proof of the safety and effectiveness of utilizing human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes was presented in 1993 by American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Until recently, allopathic physicians and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) were against the implementation of HGH (human growth hormone) in treating any adults with growth hormone deficiency, even those who suffered from GHD (growth hormone deficiency) due to a pituitary gland disease.
However, in November 2009, the AACE issued new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone deficiency is described as: a condition in which human growth hormone is secreted in lower then normal values for the appropriate age and sex.

In their new guidelines, the AACE acknowledges that growth hormone deficiency in adults increases one's risks for cardiovascular disease as well as osteoporosis and that low levels of growth hormone are associated with diminished quality of life. It has been also recognized by AACE that head trauma and traumatic brain injury contribute to growth hormone deficiency.

The October 2009 AACE Guidelines State: 

    THE SYNDROME OF GHD (GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY) IN ADULTS
    Adult GHD is a recognized clinical syndrome associated with abnormal body composition, reduced 
    physical performance, altered lipid metabolism, decreased bone mass, increased insulin resistance, 
    and reduced QOL (Quality of Life).

    CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED GHD
    Cardiovascular complications
    Previous epidemiologic studies have shown that hypopituitarism in adults may be associated with 
    increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. GH-deficient adults have an increased number 
    of atheromatous plaques in carotid and femoral arteries.

    Metabolic complications
    Patients with GHD (Growth Hormone Deficiency) have increased visceral fat and elevated levels of 
    total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Adults with GHD have also been consistently shown to 
    have reduced skeletal muscle and lean body mass and increased fat mass with central distribution of 
    fat mostly in the visceral compartment being associated with an increased risk of mortality and 
    morbidity from cardiovascular disease. Adults with GHD demonstrated fasting insulin levels above the 
    normal reference range.

    Therefore, in treating adults with GHD, physicians should consider evaluating the fasting glucose, 
    hemoglobin A1c, fasting lipid profile, body composition through the measurements of BMI, waist 
    circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and lean and fat mass quantification using DEXA scans at baseline 
    and periodically during GH treatment, since these factors are the main parameters that are impacted 
    if adult GHD is untreated.

    Osteopenia / Osteoporosis
    There have been studies showing that treating GH-deficient adults with GH therapy improved BMD 
    and reduced fracture risk.

    Quality of life
    The majority of studies have shown that adults with COGHD (Childhood Onset Growth Hormone 
    Deficiency) and AOGHD (Adulthood Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency) experience diminished QOL 
    (Quality of Life). Reductions in physical and mental energy, dissatisfaction with body image, and poor 
    memory have been reported.

These new 2009 guidelines for adult growth hormone supplementation are validation of the safety and effectiveness of HGH human growth hormone. Like other bioidentical hormones (testosterone, DHEA, progesterone, estrogens, thyroid hormones, cortisol), human growth hormone when replaced in adult growth hormone deficient patients, can generate significant health benefits such as decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. It can also significantly improve quality of life in those who are growth hormone deficient. Growth hormone significantly decreases during our adult years and can be very low in the elderly. However, despite the well documented health benefits and safety of HGH (human growth hormone) replacement, the AACE doesn't recognize age-related decline in growth hormone as an indication for treatment.

There continues to be a lack of research concerning the effects of HGH replacement therapy on the aging human body. Further scientific studies are mandated in order to be able to accurately determine whether human growth hormone truly possess its legendary "fountain of youth" properties.

You can naturally boost your body's growth hormone production through a Healthy Lifestyle.

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Research has shown that the majority of people will develop some degree of visual impairment as they grow older. The primary cause of age related blindness is macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can lead to total loss of vision over time. Conventional allopathic medicine is helpless in addressing this condition. There is no successful treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, nutritional interventions through a healthy diet and natural nutritional supplements offer an effective approach to the prevention of macular degeneration. The most important supplements for optimal ocular health and vision support are antioxidants from the carotenoids group such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and omega 3 fatty essential fatty acids.

Clinical trails established a significant role of B vitamins in helping vision preservation.

Age related macular degeneration is caused by degenerative atherosclerotic changes in the arteries of the eye. Homocysteine plays a major role in the process of degeneration of ocular blood vessels. Elevated homocysteine levels increase one's risk of age related macular degeneration. Healthy homocysteine metabolism is dependent on B vitamins, especially: vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Therefore, low levels of these B vitamins are assocaited with elevated homocysteine.

Recent scientific studies have also linked the importance of hormonal balance to proper vision and eye health. Hormonal imbalances can cause macular degenerated that leads to impaired eye health and vision loss.

The retina of the eye contains hormone receptors. The retina can also make its own hormones such as DHEA from molecules of cholesterol. Patients with macular degeneration were found to have very low levels of the hormone DHEA.

The ability of the retina to produce its own hormones can be altered by the following:

• Age
• Smoking
• Nutrient deficiencies
• A diet rich in processed foods

It was observed that women who enter menopause at a younger then average menopausal age are at an increased risk for developing macular degeneration due to a decline in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Drugs that lower estrogen levels such as Tamoxifen (a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer) can lead to macular degeneration that results in damage to the retina of the eye.

Restoring hormonal balance to youthful levels can prevent macular degeneration and even improve an early stage of macular degeneration.

To protect your eye health and preserve your vision you need to:

• Maintain a healthy balanced diet complete with antioxidant rich foods.
• Exercise regularly by means of aerobic training (this improves blood circulation throughout your body including your eyes).
• Supplement with high quality natural nutritional supplements such as lutein, zeaxanthin, antioxidants, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid and omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Restoring healthy hormonal balance through bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is vital for ocular health and vision support.

Only bioidentical hormones are known to contain these vision protective properties. Research has shown that synthetic hormones do not provide the same beneficial effects on the health of the eye as oppose to bioidentical hormones.

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Natural Vitamin D the Sunshine Vitamin

For a long time vitamin D was recognized only for its role in bone health. Because vitamin D is made by the body under the influence of sunlight and because milk is fortified with it, the majority of health practitioners believed that the general population was receiving sufficient amounts of vitamin D. In recent years the fear of skin cancer prompted many people to avoid sunlight and to cover their skin with sunscreens.

Lately, vitamin D is in the center of everyone's attention and new scientific discoveries regarding the importance of vitamin D on men's health and women's health are being realized on a daily basis. Vitamin D can be classified as a steroid hormone which assists calcium absorption from the small intestine. In addition, vitamin D help allows for the adequate incorporation of calcium into the bone matrix.

Postmenopausal women are often encouraged to increase their calcium intake in order to prevent postmenopausal bone loss. However when women take increased amounts of calcium while being vitamin D deficient, the excess of calcium that cannot be built into the bones circulates throughout the body and becomes deposited in the cardiovascular system causing hardening of the arteries as well as hypertension. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Kidney stones and breast calcifications can also results from an excess of circulating calcium.

• Vitamin D can ease the intensity of aches and pains associated with fibromyalgia as well as chronic lower back pain and nonspecific musculoskeletal pains.

• Vitamin D improves carbohydrate metabolism and decreases insulin resistance. Adequate levels of vitamin D in the body also decrease one’s risk for developing type I diabetes.

• Vitamin D has also been researched to protect against cancer especially breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. In clinical trails involving prostate cancer patients, scientists determined that vitamin D expresses its' anti-carcinogenic properties by protecting the integrity of normal healthy prostate cells, while disrupting the growth of cancerous prostate cells through oxidation.

• Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased rates of depression. Vitamin D is a major antioxidant for brain tissue; it also improves learning ability, memory and social behavior.

Furthermore, vitamin D is necessary for the immune system and has a balancing effect on healthy immune system function. A vitamin D insufficiency can negatively influence auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Natural vitamin D supplements have also been observed to assist with other health conditions such as allergies and asthma.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in protection against influenza, including H1N1 swine flu. Vitamin D assists the body in the production of antimicrobial peptides that are the first line of defense against a constant onslaught of bacteria and viruses. These antimicrobial peptides are abundantly produced by the cells of the respiratory tract to protect against inhaled microorganisms.

Besides these many health benefits that vitamin D provides, it also acts as a strong anti-aging vitamin. Vitamin D increases one's life span by altering the genetic expression.  This safeguards against the development of diseases that would result due to one's genetic predisposition.

Nowadays, the majority of people (including those who live in southern countries) have vitamin D deficiency. This vitamin D deficiency can be attributed to unnatural lifestyle habits such as spending an excessive amount of time indoors. The daily sunlight exposure needed to allow the body to produce an adequate amount of vitamin D is approximately 30 minutes per day, exposing the face, arms and hands.
Morning and afternoon sun is the safest. Aging skin requires longer sun exposure to generate the same level of vitamin D as young skin. Also, people with a light complexion require less sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D then people with a darker complexion. This is due to melanin (the darkening pigment of the skin) that lowers the production of vitamin D. Obese individuals have lower levels of vitamin D because a large amount of body fat inactivates vitamin D.

To evaluate the level of vitamin D in your body, a blood test can be performed that checks the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The optimal levels are considered those of 50 to 80 ng/ml.

If your vitamin D levels are low, supplementation with natural vitamin D3 is recommended.

 

Protecting hormonal health through diet and natural nutritional supplements.

To attain the greatest benefits from natural bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), proper food and natural nutritional supplements are crucial. If you consistently remain on a balanced nutritional supplement regimen and a healthy diet, you will help your body to utilize and metabolize bioidentical hormones through the most natural pathways and decrease your risk for developing cancer.

Nutrients found in food that enhance hormonal health:

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale and cabbage are of significant importance in ensuring that the body's estrogen is metabolized through the correct pathways. This decreases the risk for developing breast and prostate cancer. The particular component found in cruciferous vegetables that provides these hormonal health benefits is indole-3-carbinol (I3C). This powerful natural substance helps the liver to detoxify many carcinogens including xenoestrogens.

Isoflavones from soy products such as: soy beans, soy milk and tofu can also beneficially influence hormones metabolism and decrease breast and prostate cancer risk. When consuming soy products it is wise to make sure that they are organic and do not contain any genetically engineered organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately almost all non organic soy is genetically engineered.

Flax seed powder is a very rich source of lignans that can protect against breast, prostate and uterine cancer.

Fish oil (and omega 3 essential fatty acids) besides providing cardiovascular and mental health benefits, positively influences breast and prostate health.

Antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables are known for significantly decreasing one's risk for breast and prostate cancer. Drinking several cups of green tea a day will protect you from free radicals and improve your hormonal health. When consuming fruits and vegetables, remember that organic are the best, eating non organic fruits and vegetables can overload your body with toxic pesticides.

Natural nutritional supplements that complement bioidentical hormone replacement therapy:

Eating the correct diet and taking natural nutritional supplements on a daily basis can significantly (up to 90%) reduce your risk for many types of cancers. Since receiving all the nutrients that your body needs from food alone is nearly impossible, to obtain anti-cancer benefits from nutrition we have to supplement with high quality, natural nutritional supplements.
The supplements most beneficial for hormonal health are:

• Indole-3-carbinol and DIM such as Estrodim improve estrogen metabolism pathways and help liver in detoxification process.


• Calcium D-glucarate protects against genetic mutations.


• Soy isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) are selective estrogen receptor modulators, having protective effects on breast cells and prostate cells.


• High quality pure fish oil (tested to be free from chemicals and heavy metals) such as Orthomega fish oil, helps to significantly reduce risk for breast and prostate cancer.


• Vitamin C and vitamin E supplements by reducing oxidative stress were shown to have protective effects on breast tissue and reduce breast cancer risk. Vitamin C and vitamin E also reduce one's risk for endometrial cancer.


• Vitamin D plays an important role in assisting the body to absorb calcium into bone tissue. It also is essential in breast and prostate cancer prevention.


• Iodine, a microelement known for its role in thyroid hormone production, is also necessary for proper function of breast tissue. Low iodine levels may cause fibrocystic breast disease and increase risk of breast cancer.

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Do You Really Need a Flu Shot?

As the so called "flu season" approaches, people are lining up for flu shots. Ads in the media urge everyone to get a flu shot. The frightening news of flu vaccine shortages place many people in panic mode. And pharmaceutical companies that produce the flu vaccines make multimillion dollar profits.

Flu shots will not assure that you will remain healthy throughout the flu season. Flu vaccines have many limitations. They are not very specific due to the very frequent mutations of flu viruses. Also, many illnesses that are called "flu" are not caused by the influenza virus. Even when you get a flu shot, you still can catch a cold, get throat infection, sinusitis or upper respiratory infections that are caused by other viruses or bacteria.

The better the health of your immune system, the lower your risk for infectious diseases.

Antioxidants are always beneficial especially in balancing the immune system. Antioxidants aid the body by reducing the risk for flu and colds. In addition, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, etc.) by improving phase II liver detoxification, protect the body against infections and toxins including those produced by viruses and bacteria.

You can greatly improve the health of your immune system through the use of natural nutritional supplements.

Vitamin C is well known to possess anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Many dangerous infectious diseases (including West Nile virus, and HIV) were successfully treated with vitamin C. In order to be effective, the dose of vitamin C must be higher then 3,000 mg per day.

For the body to be able to better tolerate these higher doses of vitamin C, buffered vitamin C is recommended. Vitamin C does not create dangerous side effects even at higher dose and is considered to be safe. For the best utilization by the body, vitamin C should be taken in multiple doses of 1,000 mg several times per day.

Vitamin A becomes a natural antibiotic when taken at higher doses of 60,000 to 100,000 units per day. However due to the fact that vitamin A is stored by the body, it can be used at these high doses for a few days only. (Caution: Pregnant women should avoid high doses of vitamin A).

Vitamin D is a very important defense against influenza. Studies showed that vitamin D supplementation prevents influenza better then a flu shot. Individuals with low levels of vitamin D are especially predisposed to getting the flu and upper respiratory infections. The sun's UV rays reduce the incidence of viral respiratory infections. During the winter months in northern regions, it is impossible to get adequate sunlight, therefore vitamin D supplements are an important factor in maintaining your health through the winter.

Zinc helps improve immune function; however many over-the-counter zinc containing cold medicines, especially topical sprays have been associated with permanent smell loss and therefore should be avoided. Since zinc is a mineral, thus in order for your body to be able to absorb it, zinc should be taken in a chelated form. A chelated zinc supplement means that the molecules of zinc have been broken down into the smallest form for maximum absorption.

By keeping your immune system in good balance, you may avoid many viral and bacterial infections in a natural way without the risk of side effects from flu shots that contain toxic elements such as aluminum, mercury and formaldehyde among others.<< MORE >>

Bioidentical hormones can effectively help with multiple hormone related issues such as menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), andropause (male menopause), perimenopause, under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism), etc.
Recent scientific studies have demonstrated newly discovered advantages of using natural bioidentical hormones through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) :

Progesterone is beneficial in brain trauma and helps with post traumatic brain recovery.
Scientists at Emory University discovered that adding progesterone to the treatment regimen of brain injury patients reduced the death rate from brain trauma by 50% as well as improved recovery of brain function. Bioidentical progesterone may be a valuable treatment for many neurological conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Studies from Mayo Clinic revealed that an estradiol metabolite (2-methoxyestradiol) has natural properties that are effective against many cancers including: breast, prostate, ovarian as well as pancreatic and gastric cancer. The healthy levels of this natural metabolite of estradiol can be enhanced by normal methylation pathways of the human body. However, the majority of people nowadays have abnormal methylation pathways. This may be another reason for the growing cancer rate in modern societies.

The health of your methylation pathway can be assessed by a laboratory test and balanced through natural nutritional supplements, as well as natural detoxification programs.

The pharmaceutical industry is now attempting to claim the benefits that bioidentical hormones provide to the health of the human body. Estradiol in the body is naturally metabolized to 2-methoxyestradiol. This natural metabolite of estradiol is presently awaiting FDA approval to be sold as a prescription drug under the name Panzem®.

Should Big Pharma be allowed to patent natural hormone metabolites and reap huge monetary rewards?
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October is breast cancer awareness month and all the attention is focused on "Help to Find the Cure".

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and each year many women are diagnosed with it. While scientists and medical researchers are trying to find the cure for it, there are several simple steps every woman should take to prevent getting breast cancer.

Very often genetics are stressed out as a very important factor; however your genes cannot find expression without the appropriate environment. You have a lot of control of your environment.
The environmental factors that significantly increase your risk for developing breast cancer are:

• Pesticides, herbicides and other chemical substances that are often labeled as "lawn care"
• Chemicals out gassing from dry cleaning of your clothes
• Phthalates from plastics (plastic bottles and containers)

In Canada the use of pesticides by homeowners is prohibited. The Canadian Government pays for healthcare; by eliminating the unnecessary health hazard that pesticides pose, their Government saves money (in addition to lives).

Another controllable factor is your diet. An excess of hydrogenated oils and charred meats, such as from grilling, increases your risk for breast and colon cancer.

Breast cancer risk is very much influenced by hormonal imbalances.
If your body's estrogen is metabolized mostly through the16-hydroxyestrone pathway, this can significantly increase your risk for breast cancer. Pesticides, being xenoestrogens (chemical compounds that exert negative estrogenic effects on the body), significantly disrupt estrogen metabolism pathways.

Hormone replacement therapy using synthetic progestins can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer by 69%.
By contrast bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) through the utilization of bioidentical progesterone decreases one's risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that women with high progesterone levels had a 70% lower breast cancer risk as compared to women with low progesterone levels.

It may seem surprising that many young premenopausal women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The majority these women had been using birth control pills (BCPs) for years. Due to the fact that BCPs (birth control pills) significantly decrease the body's natural progesterone levels, my observation is that birth control pills may increase a woman's risk for breast cancer.

Avoiding the above mentioned health hazards will help you decrease the odds of developing breast cancer and improve your overall health status.

You can wait and hope that someday a cure will be found "a miracle pill", or you can decide to eliminate the risk factors that trigger negative changes leading to breast cancer.
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