June 2010 Natural Health Newsletter

In This Issue:

Peak Physical Performance

Toxic Cadmium in Kids' Jewelry

Smart Sun Exposure for Some Vit D

Honey Facts - A Fun Quiz

Antibacterial Soaps Raising Dioxin Levels

Chocolate May Help Cardio Health

Two Hormone Imbalances That Could Be Keeping You Fat

Seasonal Allergies - By Chris D. Meletis, ND

Light Summer Menus

_____________________________________

Peak Physical Performance

Today's fast paced lifestyle has everyone on the go and there is little time to think of the impact that diet has on our body functions. In the last few decades, our ability to perform physically at its peak level has dropped drastically. In this article I will offer you solutions how to improve physically and build a healthy body. These solutions include concentrated and standardized fruit and herbal extracts that can make a significant difference in how you perform.

Supplements are vital but I would never want you to think that supplements are the answer to good health and not address the importance of a high quality healthy and nutritious diet. You would never expect to run an engine on poor fuel and you would never expect to feed an expensive show horse improperly if you expected them to be healthy and perform at their highest level.

Based on a survey of the American diet, American's are eating foods that contain little in way of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The American diet is made up of sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and all the chemicals used to flavor, color and preserve them. And people are now living on the highest number of prescription drugs than ever. We are now chronically deficient in numerous micro and macro components that are only found in food.

Since nature supplies all the food of the earth, I have to believe that all the elements necessary to run the human body has to be found in our food. Let supplements be what they are and that is to reinforce the diet with highly concentrated and standardized herb, fruits and vegetables to make up the difference for the loss of nutrients due to poor soil, harsh chemical fertilizers, soil erosion, pesticides, chemical additives and chemical preservatives.

Supplements for Physical Performance

Grapes are truly a nutritious food. Decades ago a very famous German physician created the Grape diet and the recommendation was to consume two pounds of grapes per day. This famous physician was able to cure a number of diseases including cancer. There are no scientific studies to prove the grape diet was effective. I don't know if it's true or not but I do know that grape as a food ingredient holds a great potential to be used by anyone who wishes to improve their physical performance.

A very special grape extract which includes the skin, pulp and seed, has recently been studied as a new and innovative active food supplement particularly adapted for athletes and anyone wishing to be more physically fit. The results of the study indicated that oxidative stress is usually related to numerous known unhealthy conditions such as cramps during exercise, muscle weakness and fragility and inability to recover in a reasonably short period of time. The study also indicated the power of the grape was able to protect against muscular damage linked to intensive or irregular sports. Moreover, recent scientific data have brought to light the narrow link between oxidative stress and the lack of energy. The more the oxidative stress increases, fewer cells are supplied with energy.

The power of this grape extract can also be used to fight against the effects of aging. Our current way of life exposes us to an excessive quantity of environmental pollution, smoking, UV exposure, radiation and drugs which tend to aggravate the production of reactive oxygen species generating free radical damage and death to the cells. By reducing oxidative stress in humans, this special grape extract is able to protect the body against these harmful environmental factors.

Physical exercise can be a healthy addition to our lifestyle. However, as healthy as it is, it is also damaging to our cellular and muscular structure. It is healthy when we are able to recover from the exercise at a normal rate of recovery. But based on the American diet, we are severely deficient in nutrients that would provide the proper recovery. Exercise can be stressful under these conditions.

Based on research in Europe there are two powerful components that can be added to the diet as a supplement to reduce the stress of exercise and aging. Grape extract with all its components,skin, pulp and seeds, provide a significant measure of resistance against disease, oxidative damage (cell death) and aging. The second component, Rhodiola rosacea, is one of my favorites as it is one of the most powerful adaptogens known to man. Rhodiola may reduce the effects of stress, both mentally and physically, and provide a powerful support to the adrenal function. It is commonly known as an adrenal and stress complex. Stress may never go away but your body can be supported to withstand the ravages of stress.

Rhodiola has been studied and shown to reduce depression, anxiety, nervousness and strengthen the adrenal function. The stronger the adrenals the more powerful we are able to respond to challenges of life. People generally with adrenal insufficiency are continuously filled with fear and worry many times for no reason, and usually think of something to worry about. They cry easily and again for no apparent reason. They are usually anti-social. They like to work by themselves. They don't like people looking over their shoulders and usually require 8-10 hours of sleep just to feel halfway decent. They may have afternoon headaches and swelling of the lower legs and ankles in the evening.

Other symptoms which pertain to the adrenal insufficient person is one that never gets well regardless of the changes, has a craving for sweets, muscular soreness, noise sensitivity, general fatigue, insomnia, inability to concentrate, easily confused, frequent stuffy nose and allergy to some foods. Adding a formula of Grape extract and Rhodiola can help physical stamina, endurance and adrenal function.

By Terry Lemerond

Founder & President, EuroPharma, Inc.

www.TerryTalksNutrition.com

When in doubt, always consult your physician or health care practitioner. This column is to provide you with information to maintain your health.



Back to top
____________________________________________

Toxic Cadmium in Kids' Jewelry

LOS ANGELES - Federal regulators announced another recall of children's jewelry with high levels of the toxic metal cadmium Monday, also saying they've expanded their investigation in an effort to keep dangerous items off store shelves in the first place.

A spokesman for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission told The Associated Press its inspectors at 10 of the nation's largest ports are now screening children's jewelry - typically imported from China - for cadmium.

"Our surveillance and detection program has now been expanded" through the use of special guns that shoot X-rays into jewelry to estimate how much cadmium each item might contain, spokesman Scott Wolfson said.

Word of increased scrutiny came as the agency announced the voluntary recall of about 19,000 "Best Friends" charm bracelet sets made in China and sold exclusively at the jewelry and accessories store Claire's, which has more than 3,000 stores in North America and Europe.

Agency scientists confirmed independent test results that were reported by AP in January, which showed high levels of cadmium in the "Best Friends" bracelet.

The recall pertains only to such items previously sold at Claire's; several days after AP's initial investigation became public, the chain said it would immediately stop selling the item.

While the CPSC does not release its results, testing done for the AP revealed that bracelets sold at Claire's contained up to 91 percent cadmium by weight, and shed alarming amounts during a test that examined how much cadmium children might be exposed to if they accidentally swallow the charms.

"Cadmium is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects," the agency said in its recall announcement. Medical research shows that cadmium in high levels is a known carcinogen and can harm kidneys and bones.

Consumers should take away from children the bracelets, which were sold for about $12, and return them to Claire's for a replacement or refund, according to the announcement.

The CPSC identified the manufacturer as Dae Yeon Industries Corp., of China.

As part of its announcement in January that it was pulling the item from store shelves, the chain released a statement saying the items were safe, but that the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution." On Monday, Claire's did not immediately respond to a request for comment, including why it had waited four months to agree to a recall for the "Best Friends" bracelets it had sold in the year before the AP story.

Monday's recall was the third prompted by AP's investigation. Before this year, no consumer product in the United States had been recalled because of cadmium.

Representatives of jewelry importers and manufacturers have rejected the idea that children's metal jewelry is unsafe. Michael Gale, the executive director of the Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association, has told several state legislatures that are considering strict limits on cadmium in jewelry that if those laws pass, it might be impossible to put any lower-priced children's jewelry on stores shelves where those laws apply.


Back to top
__________________________________________

Smart Sun Exposure for Some Vit D

San Francisco - One April day after weeks of rain, Daniel Jiminez took a detour on his way to class: Dolores Park in San Francisco.

He needed the sun.

"I know what they say about skin cancer, but I just feel better when I'm warm and tan," said Jiminez, 24. "I'm sorry, but I'd rather be happy."

Turns out doctors are coming around to his point of view. After decades of slathering on SPF protection, more people are discovering through routine medical screens that they have deficiencies in vitamin D - a hormone produced in the body by sun exposure.

As a result, doctors are seeing a resurgence of rickets and are concerned with osteoporosis in adults over 50. But for most people with low vitamin d levels, symptoms are hard to pinpoint: feeling tired, sluggish or a general malaise.

Known for causing bowed legs and fractured bones primarily in children, rickets all but disappeared in the United States in the 1930s as diets improved and vitamin D was added to certain dairy products.

But in the ensuing decades, as people turned to increasingly stronger sunscreen to ward off melanomas, and work shifted from predominantly outdoor activity to office work, vitamin D has been slowly slipping out of our systems, according to Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University Medical Center, who writes in his new book "The Vitamin D Solution" that lack of vitamin D can lead to heart disease, cancer, depression, insomnia, diabetes, chronic pain and perhaps autism.

"We've done studies that show that people living at higher latitudes with less sun are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency," Holick said.

Levels in breast milk

Another study of lactating women in South Carolina showed negligible levels of vitamin D in their breast milk.

"Evolutionarily, that makes no sense when our forefathers made thousands of units of it a day," Holick said.

National guidelines have not kept up with the dipping D levels, he said.

Federal health experts currently recommend between 200 and 600 international units of vitamin D a day. But those benchmarks are due to change this summer, as the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board responds to the new research about vitamin D.

"It should be 10 times that," Holick said.

While vitamin D is found in some foods, such as wild caught salmon, fortified milk and mushrooms, it's not enough to replenish what's missing.

Receiving serious attention

Holick has caught some flack from dermatologists for suggesting that 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure on the legs and arms per day, a few days a week, can restore vitamin D levels. Vitamin D created via sun exposure versus supplements lasts twice as long in the body.

Despite being fired from Boston University's department of dermatology in 2004, Holick is now getting more serious attention because of his stance. He's Boston University's lead vitamin D researcher, studying the vitamin's effect on genes.

"Just a light pink color, before burning, then put on the sunscreen, will do it," he said, adding that the face should always be protected.

Holick keeps his own vitamin D levels up with three glasses of milk, a multivitamin and a 2,000-unit vitamin D capsule each day.

He plays tennis, gardens and cycles each week for brief periods with sunscreen only on his face.

But pills can also do the trick, and that's what more doctors are suggesting.

Patients can ask doctors to do a special screen for vitamin D (the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test) that costs about $200 and may or may not be covered by insurance. The magic number doctors are looking for is at least 30, which stands for nanograms per milliliter.

Prescribing further units

If levels are too low, doctors typically prescribe 50,000 units once a week for eight weeks to fill up the tank, then every two weeks thereafter. The next two months, patients take anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 units until a healthy vitamin D level is reached.

Maintenance is considered anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 units a day.

"It's kind of a mixed message: Do you want cancer or do you want brittle bones?" said Wren Wolf, 21, a friend who joined Jiminez on his impromptu Dolores Park picnic.

"I think it all boils down to everything in moderation."

E-mail Meredith May at mmaysfchronicle.com.


Back to top
____________________________________________

Honey Facts - A Fun Quiz

We do requests at Nutrition Quiz, and loyal reader Ellen Johnson of Sacramento, Calif., implores us to feature raw honey. Hey, we are The Sacramento Bee, so Ellen's wish is granted.

1. One tablespoon of honey contains 60 calories. How does that compare to 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar?

a) 12 more calories than sugar

b) 12 fewer calories than sugar

c) Same number of calories as sugar


2. According to Columbia University Health Services, why do most people use a smaller amount of honey as a sweetener, compared with sugar?

a) They worry about caloric intake and weight gain.

b) Honey is harder to digest than sugar.

c) Honey is sweeter and more dense than sugar.


3. True or false: Most vegans permit themselves to eat honey, even though it comes from bees.


4. According to a 1993 study in the journal Surgery, the topical use of honey can help which condition?

a) Gout

b) Gangrene

c) Gingivitis


5. True or false: You should not give a child under 12 months honey because of the risk of infant botulism.


6. What is one reason for a darker-hued honey?

a) Heat and indoor storage time

b) Honey cultivated in southern climes

c) Darker-colored bees



ANSWERS: 1: a; 2: c; 3: false; 4: b; 5: true; 6: a

Sources: thedailyplate.com; goaskalice.columbia.edu; www.mayoclinic.com.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/25/2699264/nutrition-quiz-042510.html#ixzz0mXd1y35b


Back to top
___________________________________________

Antibacterial Soaps Raising Dioxin Levels

Levels of dioxins associated with an antibacterial agent used in hand soaps, deodorants, dishwashing liquids and other consumer products have increased markedly in Lake Pepin, a University of Minnesota study shows.

The dioxins are derived from triclosan, which the university says has been linked to disruptions of hormonal function and may play a role in the evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The Food and Drug Administration is looking into its safety.

In a study appearing online in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, researchers from the university's Institute of Technology found that over the past three decades, the levels of the four dioxins derived from triclosan have risen by 200 percent to 300 percent. All other dioxin levels, meanwhile, have declined by 73 percent to 90 percent.

In earlier research, university civil engineering professor William Arnold and a colleague discovered that triclosan, when exposed to sunlight, generated a specific suite of four dioxins.

In the current study, spearheaded by former university student Jeff Buth, researchers examined sediment core samples from Lake Pepin, a widening of the Mississippi River southeast of the Twin Cities.

The cores, which contain a 50-year record of pollutant accumulation, were analyzed for triclosan, the four dioxins derived from it, and the entire family of dioxin chemicals.

"In the deepest part of the sediment, there is no triclosan and these dioxins are

not present," Arnold said. "Once triclosan was introduced, a record of triclosan and these four dioxins appears in the sediment."

In use for four decades, triclosan was added to commercial liquid hand soap in 1987, and by 2001, about 76 percent of commercial liquid hand soaps contained it. About 96 percent of triclosan from consumer products goes down residential drains, and much of it eventually reaches wastewater treatment plants.

It is not completely removed during that stage, and when treated wastewater is released into rivers, sunlight converts some of the triclosan into dioxins.

Triclosan and the dioxins then end up in Lake Pepin sediments by sticking to organic particles, which sink in the calmer waters of the lake.

Arnold said neither the toxicity of the dioxins derived from triclosan nor the extent of the dioxins distribution in the environment is well understood.

Asked what message consumers should take from the study, he said, "It's up to them to decide if they should be alarmed or not. If they are, the message is, read the labels on the products they buy."

He didn't recommend Lake Pepin anglers alter fish consumption based on the study.

"These compounds aren't driving fish-consumption advisories, but it's always good to follow fish-consumption advisories," he said.

The study was a collaboration involving researchers at the University of Minnesota, Pace Analytical in Minneapolis, the Science Museum of Minnesota and Virginia Tech.

Dennis Lien can be reached at 651-228-5588.

Editor's note: Purchase regular soap. It cleans and removes dirt and bacteria from hands just as well.

To see more of the Pioneer Press, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.twincities.com.

Copyright 2010, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Back to top
_______________________________________

Chocolate May Help Cardio Health

Hamburg (dpa) - Eating a little chocolate every day seems to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a team of German scientists.

The researchers have produced a study that builds on evidence that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can lower your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke by 39 per cent, albeit if taken in very small amounts.

The study was careful to caution against eating too much chocolate, however.

The study's lead author, Brian Buijsse of the German Institute of Human Nutrition, recommended replacing sugary or high-fat snacks with small amounts of chocolate.

Buijsse added, "Dark chocolate exhibits the greatest effects, milk chocolate fewer, and white chocolate no effects."

The results, published in the European Heart Journal, showed chocolate consumption appears to lower cardiovascular disease risk, in part through reducing Blood Pressure.

The inverse association may be stronger for stroke than for heart attacks, the German scientists said. But they cautioned that further research is needed, in particular randomized trials.

In the eight-year study, dietary intake, including chocolate, and Blood Pressure were assessed in 19,357 participants aged 35 to 65 years free of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke and not using Blood Pressure medication. The trials were conducted in association with the Potsdam arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

The test subjects answered questionnaires asking about their diet and exercise habits. The subjects who consumed an average of 7.5 grams of chocolate a day had a significantly lower incidence of heart attack or stroke than those who consumed much less chocolate, an average of 1.7 grams a day.


Back to top
____________________________________________

Two Hormone Imbalances That Could Be Keeping You Fat

If the numbers on your scale keep creeping up despite your best efforts to slim down, you might wonder what's not working. But the truth is simple-diet and exercise isn't always enough in the fight against fat-because, believe it or not, several common hormone imbalances can undermine even the most dedicated attempt to lose weight.

Hypothyroidism - a condition in which your body doesn't generate enough thyroid hormone-is one of the most common hidden culprits behind stubborn weight gain. In fact, research suggests that even very modest increases in serum TSH concentrations-higher levels of which indicate that your thyroid is underactive - may be associated with those few extra pounds.

Fortunately, the solution for a sluggish thyroid gland is often as easy as getting a little extra iodine, low levels of which are often implicated in hypothyroidism. A simple iodine sufficiency test can help you to assess your dosage needs - and optimal levels can usually be achieved with a quality iodine supplement (such as Iodoral) within six months of use.

The stress hormone cortisol is another common weight loss roadblock. During a stressful event, your adrenal glands release cortisol as part of your body's natural "fight or flight" response. Under normal circumstances, your cortisol levels begin to drop once the stressful event has passed. But, in cases of prolonged stress this natural balancing act can fail, resulting in chronically elevated levels of this stress hormone-with a number of negative consequences, especially where your weight is concerned.

Chronically elevated cortisol levels are linked to both metabolic syndrome and the accumulation of dangerous visceral fat-the dense "belly fat" that envelops your internal organs, increasing inflammation and raising your risk of both diabetes and heart disease. Meanwhile, stress can sabotage your weight loss efforts in other ways, such as triggering overeating and suppressing critical fat-burning hormones.

Stress may be one of your single worst enemies in the quest for a smaller waistline-but more often than not, it's impossible to avoid. That's why "adaptogens" - resistance-boosting compounds that can help your body weather the daily storm of stress-are some of the most essential supplements you can take. Botanicals like Eleutherococcus senticosus, Manchurian thorn tree (Aralia manchurica), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root, and Schisandra chinensis are among the most powerful adaptogens nature has to offer-with studies showing that they can both support your adrenals and balance elevated cortisol levels, safely and effectively.

You can find potent extracts of all of these adaptogenic herbs as part of a single liquid formula called AdaptaPhase I. This combination of adaptogens pairs perfectly with a formula like Cortisol Control - a daily supplement that harnesses the benefits of a special patented form of ashwagandha in combination with an anxiety-fighting blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense-to deliver maximum stress protection.
References:

1. Fox CS, Pencina MJ, D'Agostino RB, Murabito JM, Seely EW, Pearce EN, Vasan RS. Relations of thyroid function to body weight: cross-sectional and longitudinal observations in a community-based sample. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Mar 24;168(6):587-92.

2. Mann JN, Thakore JH. Melancholic depression and abdominal fat distribution: a mini-review. Stress. 1999 Aug;3(1):1-15.

3. Anagnostis P, Athyros VG, Tziomalos K, Karagiannis A, Mikhailidis DP. Clinical review: The pathogenetic role of cortisol in the metabolic syndrome: a hypothesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Aug;94(8):2692-701.

4. Epel ES. Psychological and metabolic stress: a recipe for accelerated cellular aging? Hormones (Athens). 2009 Jan-Mar;8(1):7-22.

5. Upton R, ed. Schisandra Berry: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1999;1-25.

6. Lee S, Kim DH, Jung JW, et al. Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in mice. Phytother Res 2007 Dec;21(12):1187-92.

7. Martinez B, Staba EJ. The physiological effects of Aralia, Panax and Eleutherococcus on exercised rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1984 Jun;35(2):79-85.


Back to top
____________________________________________

Seasonal Allergies - By Chris D. Meletis, ND

Millions of people suffer year around from environmental allergens, yet there is a definitive surge during the spring and summer seasons. According to the scientific research, there has been a strong and growing prevalence of allergic rhinitis over the last couple of decades. I can also attest to this increased prevalence by the number of patients I see with this problem in clinical practice. The number of people who suffer from seasonal allergies also is reflected in the billion-dollar industry of prescription and over the counter drugs to control allergic symptoms.

There are some interesting observations that have been documented in the medical literature relative to risk of allergic rhinitis that presents with allergy induced inflamed runny or stuffy, itchy nose and sneezing. Research has indicated that individuals who live in higher pollution regions, have a family history of allergies, who were fed formula or food early in infancy, who were born during peak allergy season and who received antibiotics at an early age have an increased risk of developing seasonal allergies (Table 1).

TABLE 1. Factors Associated with Higher Risk of Seasonal Allergies1-2
- Living in high pollution region
- Higher socioeconomic status
- Family history of allergies
- Being the firstborn
- Children fed formula or food early in infancy
- Being born during peak allergy season
- Exposure to cigarette smoke first year of life
- Non caucasian
- Come from a smaller family
- Did not go to daycare center at early age
- Received antibiotics at early age for childhood infections

Proactive Stance

It is important to proactively tackle allergic symptoms before the avalanche of symptoms cascades throughout the mucous membranes including the eyes, nose, throat and sinuses. Individuals that suffer from environmental allergens also know all too well that the risk for developing secondary health concerns is all too real and include: sinusitis and sinus infections, middle ear infections and fluid accumulation, bronchitis and asthma.

Clinically there are four steps that I implement with all my patients with allergic rhinitis.
1. Minimize exposures
2. Control histamine levels naturally
3. Enhance mucous membrane resistance
4. Lessen inflammation

Minimize Exposures

The microscopic pollen released by trees, grasses and weeds or molds and mildews and animal dander are common culprits for those of us who are nasally challenged.

Minimizing exposure is critical-total burden is the real factor. Many people can get away with a quick passing exposure for a few moments, yet anything other than one's personal threshold will start a cascade of events that can have long-lasting consequences for hours, days and sometimes weeks. So try to incorporate the following simple ways to help keep exposure to a minimum.

-Keep your home's doors and windows closed.
-Use the air conditioner rather than opening a window.
-Limit outdoor activity, particularly in the morning (5 AM to 10 AM) and mid-evening.
-Keep track of pollen counts in your area and don't exercise outside during your allergen peak.
-Don't go outside more than necessary on windy days.
-Keep your car windows up and sunroof closed and keep air on re-circulate while driving.
-Shower prior to going to bed including your hair, because pollen will collect on you throughout the day.
-Change your clothes after being outside, otherwise you will contaminate your inner sanctum.
Controlling Histamine Levels Naturally

What all allergies have in common is the antigen (allergen) stimulation of two related cell types: mast cells and basophils. Mast cells line the blood vessels in the connective tissue of the lungs, inner eyelids, gut, ear, nose, throat and skin. Basophils are a type of white blood cell. Both mast cells and basophils are full of granules of histamine and other allergic chemical mediators. When allergen/antigens in the blood contact mast cells or basophils in sufficient numbers, a burst of histamine and other allergic mediators is released into the bloodstream. It is the histamine and other allergic mediators that trigger the misery of allergic reaction: runny, itchy nose and sneezing, watery, itchy red eyes, tickling and itching in ears, nose and throat, skin rash, headache, asthma, etc.

A number of natural substances that can help ameliorate this process are of interest to allergy sufferers. Quercetin is a powerful inhibitor of antigen-stimulated histamine release from basophils and mast cells, even at low levels (5-50 micromoles, or 1.51-15.1 mcg/ml). Unlike most anti-allergy substances, quercetin is highly effective at inhibiting histamine release during both the first and second stage of basophil histamine release.

The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin might be due to inhibition of the production and activity of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, and inhibition of histamine release by basophils and mast cells.7 Preliminary evidence suggests that quercetin inhibits antigen-stimulated histamine release from mast cells of patients with allergic rhinitis.

Enhance Mucous Membrane Resistance

The first and most important way to protect your mucous membranes from irritation other than avoidance to unnecessary exposure is to maintain proper hydration. This can be as simple as drinking at least a minimum of 64 ounces of clear fluids per day and limiting caffeine intake. Moist membranes are more resilient and less likely to become irritated. Additionally, if you have sufficient hydration, a quick flow of mucus from the nasal passages or tearing of the eyes can naturally rid the body of the burdensome exposure more efficiently opposed to allowing it to cozy up to your mucous membranes for long term mast and basophil stimulation.

The next important step in protecting your mucous membranes is to ensure that you are immunocompetent to the best of your individual capacity. This is where EpiCor can play a significant role, as it has been shown to increase natural killer cells, phagocytosis, enhance your CD4/CD8 ratio and most importantly for this conversation enhance your sIgA. It is this immune coating of your mucous membranes that protect against foreign substances and helps prevent the spread of infection that can readily occur with ongoing irritation and longstanding presence of mucus. As I share with my patients, the human body is moist and warm, and with excess mucus, we become a "human petri dish," which serves as the host of opportunistic infections.

The immune properties of EpiCor have also been shown to help directly with allergies. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects were given either EpiCor (1,000 mg) or placebo for 5 weeks. At the end of 5 weeks, the salivary sIgA increased while the serum IgE decreased. Though not reaching full statistical significance due to the nature of this pilot trial, this was a strong trend. These results helped confirm the findings of a previous trial supporting the efficacy of EpiCor. On the other hand, the decreased serum IgE suggests the important immune balancing effects of this substance.

Since this trial was conducted in the spring when allergies are a problem for many people, one would expect serum IgE to increase, since this immune parameter is associated with allergies. This was seen in the controls. However, in the EpiCor group, the levels stayed nearly at baseline, giving laboratory confirmation of the subjects reporting fewer allergy problems than usual. This was also reflected in a standardized questionnaire showing fewer health complaints with the EpiCor group. It was also observed that cytokine profiles were shifting in the EpiCor group-from Th1 (pro-inflammatory) to Th2 (pro-adaptive) and vice versa-again demonstrating the immune balancing properties of EpiCor.

A study published in the journal Urologic Nursing confirms EpiCor's immune-enhancing effects. In the new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers studied 116 people recently vaccinated against the flu. Subjects received either daily supplements of EpiCor (500 mg) or a placebo. The University of Michigan scientists collected data on the subjects at the study's start and after six and 12 weeks.

The researchers found that the subjects given EpiCor experienced significantly fewer cold and flu symptoms and significantly shorter duration of symptoms, compared to subjects taking the placebo. Among the 116 study participants, those who did have symptoms experienced a reduction in the duration of symptoms by 14 percent after taking EpiCor. The overall occurrence of cold and flu symptoms was reduced by 21 percent in the EpiCor group.10

Lessen Inflammation

It is essential to control inflammation when it comes to allergic response, to avoid the "itis" factor. Whether it is rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis from post nasal drip, or bronchitis, the "itis" designates inflammation of the particular body part. Inflammation furthers the irritation of the tissues and in the case of the airway, it also further narrows it, making it hard to breathe and increasing congestion.

The use of bromelain has demonstrated its clinical utility over the years to help ameliorate inflammatory symptoms. When taken on an empty stomach approximately 40 percent of the bromelain is absorbed into the bloodstream intact.11 Bromelain stimulates the production and release of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs), while simultaneously reducing the production and release of proinflammatory PGs.12

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. It both prevents histamine release and increases the detoxification of histamine. A study found that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily lowered blood histamine levels 38 percent in healthy adults in just one week. People with low levels of plasma vitamin C seem to have higher levels of histamine, so ongoing use of vitamin C to achieve sustained levels clinically appears to optimize the overall benefits.13

Conclusion

It is absolutely essential to become proactive at the first sign of allergic symptoms. In an ideal world, one will have the correct supplements on hand, so that a strong offense to protect the body's mucous membranes can begin before the full speed of the allergic cascade is underway. Some simple approaches include consuming a formula with the synergistic ingredients of quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C, optimizing immune health with EpiCor, and minimizing exposure to allergens, a strategy that can strengthen the health of allergy sufferers.

References

1.Skoner DP. Allergic rhinitis: definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, detection, and diagnosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108:S2-8.
2.Rosenwasser LJ. Treatment of allergic rhinitis. Am J Med. 2002;113:17S-24S.
3.Pearce, F, et al Mucosal mast cells III. Effect of quercetin and other flavonoids on antigen-induced histamine secretion from rat intestinal mast cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 73 (1984): 819-23.
4.Middleton, E. et al Quercetin: an inhibitor of antigen-induced human basophil histamine release. J Immunol. 127 (1981): 546-50.
5.Foreman J. Mast cells and the actions of flavonoids. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73: 769-73.
6.Middleton E, et. al. The effects of plant flavonoids on mammalian cells: implications for inflammation, heart disease and cancer. Pharmacol Rev. 2000;52: 673-751.
7.Anon. Quercetin. Alt Med Rev. 1998;3:140-3.
8.Otsuka H, Inaba M, Fujikura T, Kunitomo M. Histochemical and functional characteristics of metachromatic cells in the nasal epithelium in allergic rhinitis: studies of nasal scrapings and their dispersed cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1995;96:528-36.
9.Unpublished study.
10.Moyad MA, Robinson LE, Zawada ET, Jr, Kittelsrud JM, Chen DG, Reeves SG, Weaver SE. Effects of a Modified Yeast Supplement on Cold/Flu Symptoms. Urologic Nursing. February 2008;28(1): 50-55.
11.Taussig S. The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain. Med Hypoth. 1980; 99-104.
12.Kelly G. Bromelain: A literature review and discussion of its therapeutic applications. Alt Med Rev. 1996;243-57.
13.Johnston C, et al. Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis. J Am Coll Nutr. 1992; II:172-76.


Back to top
____________________________________________

Light Summer Menus

Summer rules! Time to wind down, wear shorts on weekdays, dine outside and declare a free zone away from all the fuss.

Foods lighten up, too. Summer issues a new crop of restaurant menus featuring more salads, grilled entrees, cold soups, frozen drinks and fruit for dessert.

The problem is that "light and fresh" don't always mean light in fat and calories.

Easy on the toppings

Beware of the summer salad "blockbusters." Many huge entree salads aren't a slam dunk for summer dieters, so check Web site nutrition information for the big chain restaurants. Many weigh in around 1,000 calories.

Anywhere you dine, stop and do the mental math: High-fat ingredients add about 100 calories per ounce. So chances are when you pile on the cheese, fried chicken, croutons, bacon bits and salad dressing, you've probably eaten more calories than a large burger and fries.

Remember that the principal ingredients in a salad are supposed to be fresh, raw vegetables, which are low in calories and a good source of fiber to keep you feeling full. Pick veggies in lots of different colors to contribute a wide variety of nutrients to your diet.

Add a total of three to four ounces of lean proteins such as hard-cooked egg, grilled chicken or steak, steamed shrimp, seared tuna or deli-sliced roast beef, turkey or ham. Accessorize with a few nuts or a small amount of grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese.

Creativity inspires

What's really refreshing to see is a bumper crop of culinary creativity in the salad category.

Cheryl Orlansky, dietitian and spokeswoman for the Georgia Dietetic Association, likes what's on the menu at Metro Fresh in Midtown.

"To help plan, I check their daily specials online before I go. For example, English peas and black-eyed peas in a salad with mint from their garden with a little feta cheese and lemon zest with olive oil."

Orlansky also likes Metro Fresh's version of spaghetti and meatballs, which turns the dish into sort of a salad. "Instead of pasta, they use julienned zucchini and yellow squash topped with marinara and meatballs. There's lots of creativity here."

Summer menu savvy

Look for menus that take advantage of summer's bountiful harvest of low-calorie, nutrient-rich produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, field peas, peaches, basil and all kinds of berries. Did you know that the Vitamin C in produce is essential for building collagen for healthy skin?

Don't be fooled by the fire. Grilled meats and fish are often slathered with butter or oil, so request that your order be brushed lightly with oil. Orlansky likes what's going on at the wood-fired grill at Fuego Mundo, a South American-inspired restaurant in Sandy Springs.

"It's easy to eat well here. Pick a protein, such as tilapia, tuna, sea bass, honey citrus salmon, chicken, chicken sausage, steak, lamb or tofu. Then you choose your veggie sides such as plantains, rice, quinoa or black beans. You can go vegan, vegetarian or full-on carnivore at this fun spot."

Summer soups. Avoid cream-based cold soups, and go for choices chock-full of vegetables such as gazpacho. Fruit soups, from melon to strawberry, are delicious and nutritious.

Cool calories. Instead of ice cream or gelato, you'll save hundreds of calories per serving by choosing fresh fruit sorbets or frozen desserts made with low-fat or fat-free milk. Many of those trendy frozen yogurt outlets make versions with fat-free milk, but watch the toppings. Choose fresh fruit when possible, and skip the crushed candies. (Milk and muscle note: A study in the June issue of Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise reports that women who drank two glasses of fat-free milk a day after their workouts improved muscle tone and lost more fat.)

Think about your drink. Pina coladas may be popular poolside cocktails, but the high calorie content really doesn't pair well with a bikini! Count 400 calories per eight ounces of a pina colada, margarita or fruit daiquiri. Look for the new "skinny" mixers made with no-calorie sweeteners such as sucralose or stevia. Or for less than 100 calories per eight ounces, choose a light beer, vodka and soda with a spritz of fruit juice, or a rum and diet cola.

Carolyn O'Neil is a registered dietitian and co-author of "The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!" E-mail her at carolyn@carolynonei l.com.


Back to top
____________________________________________