House of Nutrition Blog

Many people ask me if our bodies make essential fatty acids. The answer is No. This is the reason we must use supplements like fish oils, without these oils we dry out throughout our bodies. These oils nourish us with essential fatty acids, acting as anti-inflammatories; lubricants for our eyes, brains, bones, skin and muscles; increasing our ability to focus, therefore increasing our mental acuity; helping lower our reactions to allergens in the air; increasing HDL, the good cholesterol (imperative for good cardiovascular health) and also helping with conditions, e.g., Asthma, Autoimmune Disease, Diabetes, Inflammatory problems, etc.

Many customers have used Nordic Naturals EFA’s, Renew Life Critical EFA’s and Carlson’s Omega 3 with excellent results. They are consulting with their doctors to get necessary blood work needed and are doing well. Doctors are recommending the aforementioned oils as well in their practice.

There is substantial evidence that Omega 3, 6 and 9 play a major role in our health. There are clinical studies on how EFA’s may cure many problems.

More and more women have come in the store complaining about being anxious, depressed, feeling tired, gaining weight, etc. Thank God our society has changed enough to realize that these women aren’t crazy. Many years ago women were put away in mental institution if they suffered from these problems accompanied with depression.

Please don’t start on anxiety drugs. I know of several people who were misdiagnosed and ended up more depressed and/or manic. Please be sure you seek a good alternative doctor with a medical background.

The thyroid gland is the body’s metabolism master, which is the catalyst for every cell and organ in the body, affecting our weight, skin, hair, mood, energy level. If too high — hyperthyroid causes anxiety, insomnia and weight loss. Some people’s thyroid fluctuates causing a cycle of weight loss and later weight gain (or the other way around). If thyroid is too low it’s hypothyroid.

Your TSH should be checked by an endocrinologist along with other T levels. I’m not a doctor, however, I know that blood work is sometimes inconclusive. If you suspect that you truly have a thyroid problem seek the help of an alternative doctor.

According to the American Thyroid Association, there are about 20 million Americans (men & women) with thyroid disease. Keep in mind many don’t know what they have. Thyroid disease is hard to detect with normal blood work.

Many Americans who have the aforementioned disease have cardiovascular problems along with other health problems. Usually they’re put on high blood pressure pills and cholesterol lowering meds. Unfortunately, this doesn’t take care of the thyroid problem and meds may cause problems with the liver (check warnings on your prescription printout from your pharmacy).

The products I like make a synergistic blend of herbs, vitamins and/or aminos to balance your thyroid and body. It’s very important to modulate the body rather than over-stimulate. This is especially imperative, if you have Graves or Hishimoto’s, which are autoimmune (over-active immune system).

Many of our customers are taking Natural Factor’s Thyrosense with very good results. This can be taken with thyroid meds as well. If you’re against taking medication, be assertive with your doctor and mention that you wish to try natural supplements.

Why is there such a large epidemic of cancer, especially in children? Is this because of our imported vegetables, fruits, etc. or does it start here in the USA.  Mass production may be one reason, who knows the real answer. Most grown foods are genetically engineered (with what we don’t really know).

The meat, chicken and fish injected with growth hormones. Even though you think you’re getting free range meats, some supermarket butchers tell me it’s not always getting what the label says. There is so much deception in America — what can we do to stop it.

Unfortunately, the aforementioned may be a factor in why there is so much cancer and other illnesses. Who really knows what we’re truly eating, i.e., when you think you’re eating a tomato (it may be injected with pork). Something for vegans to ponder.

Did you hear about the drugs in our drinking water – scary. I, myself, try to be positive but when you hear this kind of news and it’s makes it difficult.  This may also be a big factor why we have more  and more people getting cancer including children.

Besides our foods, it’s what we put them in for storage. Don’t put food in plastic containers and place in freezer or microwave.  I use stainless steel and glass now for storing.  For microwaving I use glass or paper.

We must educate ourselves and pass it on to others.

To help inhibit cancer cells we can use some of the following products:

Enzymatic Therapy IP6 (Inositol Hexophosphate 6) , which was studied in Japan; Fungi Perfect Host Defense,  Vibrant Health Green Vibrance and/or Jarrow N-A-C.

Of course, as always check with your doctor if you are on medications, especially.

So many people want a fast fix when it comes to losing weight.  First of all diets don’t work, eat good foods.  Treat your body to its needs.  We need good fats to focus and keep our organs working properly. 

A leading cause of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is lack of omega 3’s in our diets.  Also, people that suffer from depression usually are omitting fats from their diet.   There has also been a higher incidence of skin problems in babies having ezcema at birth because pregnant women ate a low fat diet.  I know several women who stopped menstruating because of strict dieting, especially eliminating good fats from their diet. 

Fracturing as early as 17 (seventeen) years old because of lack of fats in their diets.  It frustrates me to think that people still are convinced low/no fat diets are healthy.  The less frequently you eat, you force your body to think your body to think its starving, therefore, we start storing more fat cells as a reserve.

Less good fats in your diet means loss of muscle, resulting in a flabby appearance.  Usually a dieter’s goal is to look toned (I hope), so keep in mind what I’m trying to convey.  Your scale may actually be your enemy if you losing muscle you’ll weigh less.  Unfortunately this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re leaner; you are probably getting flabby. Hopefully, we all know muscle weighs more than flab.

Also, Eye doctors are now recommending Fish Oils for eye health, especially for dry eyes.  When you have a severe case of dry eyes, you feel like somebody threw sand in your eyes.  So take it from me include your omega’s in your diet. 

As I’ve mentioned in my other blogs, try supplementing with Nordic Naturals Omega 3,6,9.  If you consume vegetable oils and nuts, take Nordic Naturals DHA.  Also include free range eggs in your diet and throw away that yolk because it’s high in phosphatidyl choline & serine.  PC & PS are  imperative for brain and heart health.   If you can supplement with Solgar’s Lecithin, which contains PC&PS (people with thyroid disease, check with doctor before using soy products).

Don’t fry with good oils.  Fried foods, especially deeped fried are not recommended for a healthy heart and brain.  They taste good but they’ll increase your weight and clog your arteries.  If you want the taste of fried food, you can dip your chicken or veggies in oil then a crumb mixture of your choice and put in oven.

Fuel your body with good nutrients and you’ll be healthier and happier in the long run.  Good Luck!

Why do we crave certain foods?  Let’s discuss all the different cravings; we crave everything for a reason.  Our brain actually signals us when we’re lacking certain nutrients.  For instance, chocolate cravings is indicative of magnesium deficiency.   Before you reach for anything fattening maybe you should try some supplements first (especially if you are watching your waistline).  Of course, that little piece of dark chocolate is an excellent source of catechins — antioxidants, which are beneficial to your health. 

I don’t recommend restricting your diet when pregnant.  Have a little ice cream once a week and enjoy eating when you’re hungry, but always choose healthy foods and healthy portions.  Don’t binge and try to eat different nourishing foods every day.  Some doctors think  food allergies in babies may be linked to mothers eating the same food every day while pregnant.

When you crave peanut butter you probably need B vitamins and amino acids.  One tablespoon of peanut butter is fine and it will stop you from overindulging  on other foods during the day — so go for it.  People think when you eat fat, you get fat — not true if you don’t overindulge and stay on a healthy diet. 

Banana cravings as you know means you need more B vitamins and/or potassium in your diet — so go for it.  My grandmother ate a banana a day when she got older, she lived to 100 yrs. old.  I’m not saying it was the banana but it sure didn’t hurt.  She ate everything fresh, drank veggie juices everyday and ate organic. 

Cheese cravings  usually indicate lack of calcium.  Whatever you do, stay away from american cheese and any processed cheeses — they’re also loaded with aluminum and salt.  I like organic cheddar, goat cheese , brie, mozzarella and provolone myself – which are fine in moderation.  Broccoli would be a good substitute to help with this craving.  If you don’t like broccoli try a good calcium supplement.  Other sources of calcium are dandelion, horsetail, hydrilla, kukicha tea from Japan, almonds, and almond milk, etc.

Cola or coffee indicates an addiction to caffeine.  If you want to stop this craving try Boiron Coffea  Cruda pellets.  However, if you must have, go for the coffee instead (w/o sugar).  Cola soda will deplete your body of necessary minerals/vitamins.  It’s unhealthy!  If you must have soda choose a ntural brand (cold pressed).

Nuts!  No you’re not nuts for craving nuts, you probably need more good fats, protein and B vitamins in your diet.  Have a handful a day — they are good for you.  Keep in mind, if you get constipated go for walnuts because they are high in fiber and great for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL).  Also, walnuts may have a calmative effect for those that are stressed.

Did you know walnuts have an anti-inflammatory effect similar to drugs, without the side effects, for ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and heart disease.  When you boil walnuts, you can drink the liquid , this may help with pain in the chest (according to one herbalist from Europe).  Of course, please go to the ER if you have persistent pains in the chest.

Pickles indicates usually a need for potassium.  Remember  they are usually high in salt.  Go for coconut water or a banana instead.  If it’s salt you’re craving check with a doctor to see if there’s an underlying health problem, i.e., thyroid disease.  Try dulse (kelp) on your food instead.

Tart foods usually indicates a medical problem as well if it persists.  Again ask your doctor to check.

Always remember that the more we nourish our bodies with the proper nutrients the less we will crave bad foods. 

Here’s a list of some vitamins I suggest:  Solgar Calcium Citrate or Mega Food Calcium,  and/or  Vibrant Health Green Vibrance

Often customers ask me what nut butter is best?  It depends on taste of course, but it also has a lot to do with what is better for you.  I personally like almond and macadamian butter.   Did you know why you get a craving for peanut butter, it is usually a sign that you are lacking B vitamins.  Remember don’t overindulge , have a tablespoon instead of a third of a cup, which yields over 200 calories.

You might want to invest in a Vita Mixer to make your own butters from nuts.   It’s a good idea to include walnuts because they are high in fiber and polyphenols, which makes these nuts beneficial in fighting breast cancer, etc.  NOW certified organic nuts are a good choice.

Also choose sesame or sunflower seed butter.  They are very beneficial, in fact, one alternative doctor claims  we could survive on seeds alone.  Let’s talk about sesame/tahini butter first.  Sesame butter per tablespoon has about 7 grams of fat –but keep in mind this is good fat loaded with Omega 3&6 and lignans as well.  Therefore, this is an excellent source for heart health.  It’s high in amino acids, minerals and folate as well.  We already know that folate benefits the heart and is vital for woman during pregnancy as well as post-menopausal women.

Recently one of my clients was told by her MD to increase her folate because her homocysteine and CRP were both elevated.  Folate because of its anti-inflammatory benefits also helps those with arthritis, especially RA (which I’ve mentioned before in previous blogs).

Amino acids, we know are essential for every function in our bodies.  Without amino acids we can’t utilize our vitamins properly; we can’t make the proper hormones; we can’t repair our tissues/muscles properly and we lose firmness.  Amino acids are also neurotransmitters — making serotonin, dopamine, melatonin, enorepinephrine, etc.

Let’s face it — we really are what we eat.  The more good fats we eat — will make us radiate on the outside.

Vitamin C is not just for colds. It has so many benefits. It is needed for maintaining collagen and forming red blood cells providing antioxidant protection against free radical scavangers.  OPC’s found in grape seeds and pine bark are 50 (fifty) times more powerful than vitamin C, in terms of antioxidant action.  Solgar Advanced Proanthocyanidin is an excellent pine bark and grape seed product.

In tests, people who were given 200 mg. per day of OPC’s  showed significant improvement in vision, over a 5-6 week period, compared to those who took placebo.  Usually 50 mg.’s of standarized OPC’s, i.e., Nature’s Way True OPC’s, is good for general maintenance.  For therapeutic use, usually 150 to 300 mg.’s is recommended.  Mose vitamin companies have added OPC’s to their vision products, i.e., Jarrow Vision Optimizer.

People ask about controversy about using C when smoking. My answer is you need more vitamins when you smoke because your body gets depleted when smoking. Also, most drugs also deplete your body of this important vitamin.

Vitamin C works with Zinc when using for colds and/or flu. However, for general health you can use it alone. Studies have shown use of  C & Zinc together have cut the duration of colds.  Some customers tell me that since using this approach they hardly catch colds anymore (good for them).

In University of California many years ago they did studies utilizing C with people that were addicted to heroin. Large doses of C elevated opiates (acting like sedative) therefore decreasing the desire for usage. Conclusion, it is imperative to use when dealing with such addictions.

Also, keep in mind that large doses of abscorbic acid C may cause diarrhea in most people. For sensitive stomachs use buffered C or American Health Ester C. One older woman used too much abscorbic acid C  and, of course, the aforementioned happened to her and she tried to sue the vitamin company — ridiculous. Always read carefully information on any supplement before using.  We are all different — I always question our customers before giving any supplements.

As always check with your health professional/doctor before using anything.

Recently Luke asked me — what E is best?  I like the Life ExtensionTocotrienols  with sesame lignans.   Their new improved Super-Absorbable Tocotrienols is another great choice This product.  This product not only helps support cardiovascular health, but it also helps block DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in cases of hair loss according to studies from Life Extension. 

Sesame lignans have shown to also have shown to have anti-inflammatory reactions.  I highly recommend this product to anyone with a high CRP (C Reactive Protein) in the blood — a main factor in heart attack.  Also should have an effect on carcinogens because of the beneficial fiber in lignans that have been extensively studied.

This product also contains phytonutrients (squalene, phytosterols and trace amounts of mixed  carotene) naturally extracted together with tocotrienols.  Most people usually will find an improvement in their skin as well.

There are, of course, other good vitamin E’s you can purchase such as Solgar Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols or their Tocotrienol E.  Jarrow makes several excellent Vitamin E products, e.g., Jarrow FamilE, which contains both tocopherols and tocotrienols from phytonutrients and seeds.  Cancer research institutes like Massachusetts Institute of Technology have concluded that certain chemicals in phytonutrients are potent and apparently safe inhibitors of some carcinogens (cancer inhibitors).

You must metabolize and neutralize toxins in the liver so that are easily excreted through the urine and/or bile. One way we can detoxify is by trying products with glutathione and/or methionine, which Renew Life includes in their Liver Detox products along with many other herbs and supplements.

Why use Milk Thistle? It acts as an antioxidant which supports glutathione levels (which works on an intracellular level) and acts to normalize liver cell regeneration.

L-Methionine is an amino acid necessary for the production of SAMe and the
methylation pathway, which aids in fat metabolism and glutathione production.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) helps in the formation of glutathione; may also have anti-cancer benefits.

L-Glycine (amino acid) helps to neutralize wastes, etc. Especially important to individuals on a low protein diet that may be deficient.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a fat and water soluble antioxidant that may help recycle other natural antioxidants involved in liver metabolism. This antioxidant is important for every organ in your body. I highly recommend this, especially in people with high liver enzymes and people with diabetes.

I have had excellent feedback from customers/clients regarding the aforementioned. Both people with liver problems and diabetes have had excellent results, as well as people using it for better health.

If you’ve been drinking alcoholic beverages too often or on prescription medication for long periods, I would recommend this product as well.

Please note the above is not meant to treat or diagnose. I am just giving my feedback on what I’ve learned as a Health Practioner.

After suffering from lymphedema since 20 years old, Brianna acclaims that she’s finally seeing less swelling in both her legs due to using Quantum Lymphatic Activator Tincture 3x per day as recommend by me, Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to raise her alkaline, Health from the Sun Black Currant Oil and Life Extension’s Omega 3 with Olive Fruit and Sesame Lignans (for inflammation). I also recommended Rainbow Light Women’s One a Day, made with phytonutrients, which also helps raise alkaline and gives her enzymes, probiotics and other nutrients necessary for optimal health.

She says her figure, hair and skin have also improved, her cholesterol levels are optimal, and she feels better at 50 than she did when she was younger.

The aforementioned condition is usually caused by obstruction(s) in lymph vessels, tumors and/or worm parasites that may block lymph drainage. Quantum Lymphatic Activator contains herbs that work synergestically to possibly aid in inhibiting more tumors and ridding the body of worms/parasites. Apple Cider vinegar works by raising alkaline which may be the reason for the body healing itself.

I suggested that she finds an alternative doctor or an open-minded doctor who believes in Integrative Medicine (integrating conventional and alternative). Since her last visit, she has done so.

Also, I suggested that she stays away from lotions that contain parabens, which may be another contributing factor in causing tumors under the skin. We carry many lotions that are paraben free, e.g., Avalon Organics and Jason (to name a few).