Archive for September, 2011

If food could be controversial, then tuna must be in the conversation. There is so much talk as to how much mercury is in the fish and how damaging it could be. Mercury, in excessive amounts, can be damaging to the nervous system, liver, kidneys and practically the whole body! Yet with the excessive toxicity it is commonly used in tooth fillings such as amalgam. Always refuse amalgam fillings as these are composed of mercury and are common sources of mercury poisoning.

But, what about the fish? Okay, well the most common fish to watch for mercury are the large fish such as tuna, shark, mackerel and swordfish. These fish are highest in the food chain, so they eat all the other little fish. Little fish have little quantities of mercury. The big fish eat a lot of little fish, and all that mercury builds up in the big fish, which is why we find high amounts of mercury in bigger fish.

Does this mean you should stop eating fish? NO! Instead fish is much healthier than most red meat and chicken in the market. Try eating smaller fish like salmon, tilapia, flouder, bluefish and snapper.

A recent study done by Purdue University found that when individuals ate tuna the amount of mercury absorbed decreased after consuming oat bran, wheat bran and black tea. In many Asian cultures that consume large amounts of fish, they also have a high intake of tea, coincidence? Likely not so.

Here are a few products that would help with inhibiting mercury absorption:

Solaray – Black Tea Extract

Choice Organic – Black Tea

Now Foods – Oat Bran

Written by:

Ralph Esposito

Follow me on Twitter @NutritionDocNYU

So, Dr. Oz finds himself in a little bit of hot water and rightfully so.  It’s irresponsible to tell the truth on American TV as liberally as his show often does – especially when it comes to blowing the whistle on either ‘big pharma’ or ‘big corps’.  And now added to your long list of things to be cautious about, you must add the river of apple juice coming from China and the high arsenic levels found in that flow. They’re busy now trying to discredit his testing methods but, the question is….

Was he right?  YES!

The combo of Apples & arsenic levels was enough to cause Food & Water Watch to call upon Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to set a tolerance level for heavy metals like arsenic in apple products – as recently as July. The national environmental group also wants stepped up testing on imported foods.

The request for FDA action came after F&WW and its partner, the Empire State Consumer Project, announced the results of tests by Paradigm Environmental Services showing Mott’s Apple Juice with arsenic levels of 55 parts per billion.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits arsenic in public drinking water to 10 parts per billion, a level that has forced some communities to invest millions on treatment to cut existing levels.

According to F&WW, more than 70% of the apple juice consumed in the United States now comes from the People’s Republic of China, where the government has acknowledged ‘a problem enforcing a new food safety law’. F&WW also reports that China makes wide use of arsenic-based pesticides in farming.  It’s not just juice. Since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, U.S. food safety inspectors have been overwhelmed by the surging food imports from China, where environmental, food safety and labor laws are weaker, and regulatory oversight is lax. In 2009, 43% of processed mushrooms, 22% of frozen spinach and 78% of tilapia Americans ate came from China. To read more about the escalating problem read here: A Decade of Dangerous Food Imports from China.

In a letter to Hamburg, F&WW’s Wenonah Hauter and Empire State’s Judy Braiman say apple juice should come in for special attention because it “is regularly consumed by children.” “We find it unconscionable that FDA has not established tolerance levels for arsenic and other heavy metals in the foods we consume, especially for foods that are staples in children’s diets,” they wrote.

You and your family absolutely have a right to clean products that you can trust and safely feed your children. Here you can quickly send a pre-formatted letter to the FDA: Commissioner Margaret Hamburg

You can protect yourself quite easily by always buying organic produce and juices and yes – reading the label to find out where the juice in your particular product is from.  This has the added benefit of supporting local US farmers and encouraging more and less expensive organic products at your local store.

Also it is important that you wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly – no matter where they come from.

We carry a great rinse: Citrus Magic’s Veggie Wash Fruit & Vegetable Wash Trigger Spray which uses is 100% natural, using ingredients from citrus, corn and coconut to remove harmful substances, like wax, soil and agricultural chemicals from produce.

Best Health,

Jeanne Ricks CHC, AADP

About 13 million in America may be dealing with this deadly man killer. No, I am not speaking of heart disease, cancer or diabetes. I’m talking about low testosterone, or commonly known today at Low-T. Testosterone, which is found in both men and women, is what gives a man many of his manly characteristics. Having low testosterone is common in men as they reach their middle ages, commonly referred to as male menopause. What does Low-T feel like…

1. Fatigue
2. Low libido (low sex drive)
3. Decreased muscle gains
4. Mood issues
5. A lack of a sense of well-being
6. Low or weak erections

Low testosterone can be hidden by many other diseases or health conditions. Commonly it is misdiagnosed as a mental chemical imbalance or depression, and is treated with anti-depressants. So what do you do if you’re experiencing these symptoms? The first thing is to go see your doctor and have him test you for low testosterone. However many doctors will just check for testosterone levels, but I suggest you go into your doctor’s office prepared. Here are a few things you should ask your doctor to check so he can have the whole picture and not just one independent blood work test.

1. Total and free testosterone: Your total testosterone only tells half the story. There is a protein called SHBG, which binds to your total testosterone. Whatever it doesn’t bind to is then free testosterone.
2. Estradiol: Just as woman have some testosterone, men also have estrogen. In men, some testosterone is converted into estrogen by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.
3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone is release by the pituitary gland and causes the testicles to produce testosterone.
4. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is released by the pituitary and controls sperm production. It works closely with LH.
5. Prolactin: This hormone is commonly known for its impact on lactating woman. But it is also an indicator of any hypothalamic issues.
6. Cortisol: This hormone is also known as the stress hormone. When stress levels are high, cortisol is likely to follow.

So when you go in to see your doctor make sure he see checks these things so you get the best blood work.

Here are a few supplements that can naturally increase your free testosterone levels. A great alternative to hormone therapy.

Life Extension Super Miraforte

Designs for Health Libidostim M

-Ralph Esposito

For more nutrition news and tips follow me on Twitter @NutritionDocNYU

Nope, this isn’t about gasoline prices but, the fact that millions of Americans are running out of physical and emotional energy. Also, this isn’t directly referring to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but the growing number of people who suffer from being tired all of the time

Our active lives – balancing family, career, friends etc., poor diets, lack of rest and lack of proper supplementation have created an energy drain among most of us. We all end-up trying to burn the candle at both ends (some of us even burn the middle) and zap the strength and energy we need to maintain optimal health.

So what’s happening in the body to cause us to feel tired all of the time? The constant stress and our poor diets weaken our adrenal glands (responsible for the body’s ability to adapt to stress and fatigue-as well as many other functions in the body).  When these lifestyle choices continue over time, the body is unable to keep up with our demands and begins to suffer in many different ways. Fatigue is just the most obvious effect.

In order to help re-build your energy stores it’s essential to add more Greens to your diet. This includes fresh salads and even juicing.  In this case, a supplement like Kyo-Green or Green Vibrance could be great additions to your everyday diet. Greens act to purify the body and promote increases in energy and well-being. It is a win-win!

It can also be beneficial to try taking a look at a few key nutrients. Taking a closer look at each of these will better explain why they are so helpful in getting you back on the road to more energy.

Magnesium activates enzymes that contribute to energy production and helps regulate the levels of important nutrients like calcium, copper, zinc, potassium and Vitamin D. While you can get magnesium from foods like whole grains, nuts and leafy green vegetables, most of us need a supplement to reach the recommended daily value: 400 mg magnesium with 600 mg calcium. One of our most popular combos is: Solgar Calcium/Magnesium Citrate

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid and a building block for the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Chronic stress can deplete your level of tyrosine and contribute to feelings of exhaustion. Tyrosine supplements should be taken in 500 mg doses 3 times a day, at least 30 minutes before meals.

You might consider: Kal’s L-Tyrosine 500mg

Melatonin known as the sleep hormone is naturally occurring in the body and can improve circadian rhythm and help you fall asleep faster. This improved rest will help the body to recharge your batteries so you can feel more energetic each morning. There are many great brands to choose from here: Melatonin

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green and white tea. It helps produce a calming effect in the brain. It is thought that this is why green and white tea can cause a restful alertness (due to low levels of caffeine and L-theanine). L-theanine helps control mood which in-turn will aid the body in dealing with stress. You can find several brands here: L-theanine

B-Complex is the last part of this program. Since it’s best never take one B-vitamin by itself, you need to make sure you are getting the synergy provided by taking all of the B-vitamins. Also, other B-vitamins like Folic Acid, B-6 and B-12 will have a positive effect on your fight against fatigue.  Among our most popular brands is Solgar, but we have many more for you to choose from here: B-Complex

Folks worried about their heart health will be relieved to learn that a number of recent studies suggest that you already have a cheap yet very powerful weapon against heart attacks, strokes and other heart disease conditions. At a cost of less than $2 it sits, waiting, on your bathroom counter and is none other your humble toothbrush.

Researchers have found that people with Periodontal Disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from Coronary Artery Disease as those without Periodontal Disease. One study even found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (Gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting Heart Disease as cholesterol levels!

How can that be? Some studies point to the culprit in the, ‘bad gums = heart disease’ connection as an inflammatory process. They explain that plaque build-up at the gum-line, produces inflammation which sets-off a cascade of events producing inflammation in the arteries of the heart.

Oral bacteria may provoke inflammation, which may increase levels of white blood cells and C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, Will said. C-Reactive Protein is an inflammatory marker found in the blood that has been linked to Heart Disease.  A form of this protein called, ‘Highly Sensitive CRP (or hs-CRP) is considered a good predictor of recurrent heart attacks. The hs-CRP is also associated with lower survival rates, according to the American Heart Association.  Consumer Reports cites a recent study that found periodontal therapy actually reduced patients’ levels of CRP.

Yet most recent studies point to bacteria rather than CRP as the connection between Heart Disease and Gum Disease. Researchers at Howard University did a retrospective look at 11 studies that examined the connection between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease.

Results point to a strong correlation between subjects’ levels of systemic bacteria, the presence of Periodontal Disease and the development of Heart Disease.  “They found that individuals with Periodontal Disease whose biomarkers showed increased bacterial exposure, were more likely to develop coronary heart disease or atherogenesis;” which is the formation of artery-blocking plaque, according to study results published by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Periodontitis has been linked in multiple studies not only to heart disease, but also Diabetes complications, pneumonia, stroke and even premature births.

The milder form of gum disease is gingivitis and, with proper treatment, it usually can be reversed with improved oral care and mouth rinses. The more aggressive form is periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.  When the gums become red and inflamed due to poor oral hygiene or a disease in the body affecting soft tissue, “the spillover of bacteria gets into the bloodstream,” said Gayle Will, deputy health editor of Consumer Reports.

Another study by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York looked at people with no known Heart Disease, and the levels of bacteria in their mouth. They found people with higher blood levels of certain oral bacteria were more likely to have clogged carotid arteries in the neck, which can cause strokes.  Yet the lead author of that study, Dr. Moise Desvarieux, said the results could lead to the old “which-came-first, the-chicken-or-the-egg” question. It is difficult to know for certain whether one caused the other and further research is needed.

Still, he suggests, even if severe gum disease doesn’t cause Heart Disease, it could be just as important to know if Gum Disease is a precursor to heart disease. That’s because Heart Disease is difficult to diagnose before patients are symptomatic — and sometimes by then, significant damage is already done.

Why not begin to make changes to safe-guard your heart health today?  You can easily start by establishing a routine of flossing and brushingafter each meal, followed by a refreshing natural mouth rinse. This is especially important as a bedtime habit.  A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you’re sleeping and bacterium are gathering on your teeth.

So start your new routine today!

Best Health,

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

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Are You Ready?! Researchers announced they have identified the mechanism of action of lipoic acid, a remarkable compound that in animal experiments appears to slow down the process of aging, improve blood flow, enhance immune function and perform many other functions.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a vitamin-like antioxidant that is produced naturally in the body. As a free radical scavenger, it is unique because it is both fat and water soluble. It is easily absorbed and transported across cell membranes offering protection (against free radicals) both inside and outside the cell. Other antioxidants only provide extra cellular protection.

“The evidence suggests that lipoic acid is actually a low-level stressor that turns on the basic cellular defenses of the body, including some of those that naturally decline with age,” said Tory Hagen, an LPI researcher and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics at OSU. “In particular, it tends to restore levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound, to those of a young animal. It also acts as a strong anti-inflammatory agent, which is relevant to many degenerative diseases.”

“Our studies have shown that mice supplemented with lipoic acid have a cognitive ability, behavior, and genetic expression of almost 100 detoxification and antioxidant genes that are comparable to that of young animals,” Hagen said. “They aren’t just living longer, they are living better — and that’s the goal we’re after.”

What the OSU researchers now believe is that the role of lipoic acid is not so much a direct one to benefit cells, but rather an indirect aid that “kick starts” declining function in cells and helps them recover the functions that came more easily and naturally in young animals.

In various effects, lipoic acid appears to help restore a cellular “signaling” process that tends to break down in older blood vessels. It reduces mitochondrial decay in cells, which is closely linked to the symptoms of aging. With age, Glutathione levels naturally decline, making older animals more susceptible to both free radicals and other environmental toxins – but, lipoic acid can restore Glutathione function to near normal. And the expression and function of other genes seems to come back to life.

“We never really expected such a surprising range of benefits from one compound,” Hagen said. “This is really unprecedented, and we’re pretty excited about it.”

This is exciting news and House of Nutrition has some incredible bargains right now on supplements.  Stop by and check out our low prices on Alpha lipoic Acid supplements:

Jarrow’s Formula – Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg is very popular.

But these are great too!

Country Life’s – Biochem Lipoic Acid 100mg

Food Science’s – Alpha Lipoic Acid 60Caps

Kal’s – Alpha Lipoic Acid 100mg

Best Health,

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

The one thing I truly loathe hearing is people blaming their past, current or future health problems completely on genetics. It bothers me that people are so easy to put their own personal health out of their own hands. When someone blames their health condition completely on genetics, not only have they attempted to take blame off of their lifestyle, but even more important is that they have taken the healing out of their hands. Well, your genetics are not the end-all-be-all, epi-genetics is a more accurate way of looking at health conditions.

Epigenetics, straight from its Latin derivative is outer-genetics meaning outside sources that impact gene expressions. What this means is that there are non-genetic influences on your DNA, which impacts how it is expressed. So if you tell me that you have high cholesterol because it’s ‘genetic’… Sorry but I just don’t buy it.

Some people will read this and be upset that unless they take control of their lifestyle and their health issue may not resolve. Others may read this and be content that they actually have control over their health condition and then they can resolve their health issue. Which one are you?

I think you can take control of your health condition, modify your lifestyle and eliminate this outer source that is causing chaos upon your body. Essentially, the environment impacts your genes and can cause your body to change and modify itself it order to compensate. Take for example the infamous genetic-blaming disorder hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol and high triglycerides. Many people will see their doctor, and they will be told that they have high cholesterol and if dieting and exercise doesn’t help then it ‘must’ be genetic. However, what if they are just not introducing the right foods, or perhaps they are doing other things like excess alcohol, that could be contributing to their cholesterol issues. Or perhaps they are cholesterol-deprived and their body is trying to compensate with excess cholesterol production. Maybe they are under extreme stress. Each of these aspects are epi, or outside environmental sources.

Nutrigenomics, the study of nutrients on gene expression is a new up and coming science. A book I just read by Naturopath Dr. D’Adamo (of the Blood Type diet) goes very deep into nutrigenomics. It is called The Genotype Diet. This book is way ahead of its time, and I highly suggest you read it. It essentially takes everything I said, but puts it in a book with personalized genetic analysis. Go get it!

-Ralph Esposito

Follow me on twitter @ nutritiondocnyu