What's in Your Multivitamin & Why It Matters

When it comes to vitamins and other nutrients, experts agree on only one thing: Insofar as possible, it's best to get them from food.
Why? Foods contain a wealth of nutrients, all bundled together the way that evolution has shaped our bodies to use them. In addition to protein and carbohydrates plus essential fats and vitamins and minerals . . .

• plant foods—including vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains—contain fiber and important phytochemicals
  
• fish contains vital omega-3 essential fatty acids
  
• nuts contain healthful unsaturated fats and other nutrients
  
   

all of which help our bodies fight off cancer and heart disease and diabetes, the major killers of the 21st century in industrialized countries. However, it is sometimes difficult to obtain enough of a particular nutrient from food. Processing can destroy nutrients. Lifestyle choices can lead to inadequate intake of some nutrients. Special circumstances, such as pregnancy or reduced absorption by older people, can lead to higher needs for various nutrients. Even though fortification of foods has done its best to close these gaps, taking a multi-vitamin can be a wise strategy to ensure getting enough. And many Americans do. Multivitamin/mineral formulas are the most widely purchased supplement in the marketplace. Which variety of multi is best?

Regular tablet or time release?
Here again, opinions vary. A regular tablet discharges all its nutrients into the stomach in a single burst, while time-release formulas are intended to produce more of a steady-stream effect over the course of a day. One scientist recommends the time-release formulation, because any nutrients that the body cannot use within a few hours goes to waste, and are excreted through the urine or perspiration or stool. Another scientist points out that the human gut is designed to absorb specific nutrients in particular "sweet spots" along its length. Any nutrients that are released "downstream" of those absorption points are simply wasted. Probably the best strategy for the minimalist approach is to cut a single tablet into halves or thirds or quarters, and take one with each main meal of the day. Our bodies are designed to absorb vitamins and minerals together with the foods that normally contain them.

Synthetic or natural?
Most vitamins are made now synthetically—which means they are assembled in state-of-the-art chemical laboratories. This process ensures that they are identical both to one another and to the "naturally occurring" forms made by plants and animals. The main exception where the "naturally occurring" nutrient is superior to the synthetic is vitamin E, which consists of eight forms in nature and is better absorbed by the body. The essential minerals are all atomic elements (in other words, like hydrogen and oxygen), and their natural forms are usually some variety of rocky ore. Plants absorb these minerals from the earth and water where they grow, and use them in many different ways. In multi-mineral formulas, the minerals are supplied in a variety of different molecular forms. Questions about which molecular forms are better absorbed by the body could fill an entire article in itself, and will not be addressed here. We recommend that you ask a nutritionist to review any claims about absorption that you wish to know more about. Generally speaking, the labels of multi-mineral formulas are required to say how much of the mineral is supplied and in what form. For example, "500 mg calcium (as calcium carbonate)" should mean that your body will be supplied with 500 mg of calcium, and that the source is calcium carbonate. Alternatively, "500 mg calcium carbonate" would mean 500 mg of the entire mineral—which means getting considerably less calcium because it is only part of that mineral! Unscrupulous manufacturers have been known to use misleading language, so read labels carefully and compare brands.

Does your multi-vitamin dissolve properly?
Some manufacturers claim that many brands of vitamin tablets are so hard that they go through the body undissolved, and quote nurses who find vitamin pills in the bedpans of their patients. While this can happen, here's a simple "acid test" you can apply to find out if your multi—or any other pill!—dissolves properly:

1. Place approximately one cup of white vinegar in a small bowl and warm it to 98 degrees or so by placing it inside a larger bowl of water that you "top up" several times with warm water from the tap. (The goal is to keep the vinegar reasonably close to 98 degrees for half an hour.)

2. Drop your multi-vitamin (or other pill) into the vinegar, and jostle it about every five minutes or so by gently shaking or swirling the cup. While you can also stir the mix with a wooden stick or toothpick, be careful not to touch the tablet itself.

3. The tablet should dissolve within 30 minutes. (This is the USP standard for all pharmaceutical tablets.) If it doesn't dissolve within a full hour, it's not doing you much good. Get another brand!

What about all those "inactive" ingredients on the label?
Inactive ingredients in vitamin tablets—technically called excipients—serve several functions.

Fillers: Sometimes the active ingredients in a tablet would result in a pill too small to hold. Or as in multi-vitamins, the formula can include "oil and water" ingredients that don't mix with one another. In these cases, the manufacturer adds one or more filler ingredients to the brew so it can be formed into a tablet either big enough or stable enough to hold. Fillers can be a problem for people who are allergic to them. Read the ingredient and "does not contain" lists for substances you are concerned about. Common fillers include lactose (milk sugar), microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, sugars (including sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, dextrose), whey and yeast.

Binders: These do exactly what the term implies: They are sticky or gluey substances that hold the pill together. Commonly used binders can include povidone, xanthan gum and Carbopol (an acrylic resin). Some fillers may also act as binding agents.

Coatings: These help hold the tablet together so it doesn't break apart in the mouth. They also mask any unpleasant tastes, and often contain colorants. If you prefer to avoid dyes, these should appear in the list of ingredients.

Lubricants: These assist the manufacturing process in releasing tablets from the tablet-forming machines. Commonly used lubricants include magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, polyethylene glycol, and hydrogenated vegetable oil.  All excipients used must be listed in the US Pharmacopeia or National Formulary (for products sold in the USA), and are usually either food products and thus digested normally, or chemically inert so that they pass through the body and are not absorbed.

Does price matter?
Yes and no. When the formulas for two brands are essentially the same, purchase the cheaper one unless:

• you wish to avoid specific excipients
• the tablet does not dissolve in the "acid test" described above
• the brand has not passed GMP inspections

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) procedures establish methods of ensuring that raw materials are indeed what they are supposed to be, and that the final product contains the ingredients and potencies listed on the label. Inspections are crucial because they ensure that the manufacturer actually follows these GMPs.

Recommended brands

Shaklee 
 

Effectiveness of Statins Called into Question

Who really benefits from taking statins?  There are natural approaches for lowering cholesterol that may be much safer for certain people.  The information revealed in this article is alarming and should be shared with anyone you know who is currently on a statin. 

Effectiveness of statins is called into question - latimes.com

If you are currently taking a statin and have not already had a heart attack, you might want to explore other possibilities.  This can be used to replace your current statin medication.  Try something that doesn't cause you more health problems.

Natural Skin Care...so good you can eat!

In my own quest for good skin care and suffering from sensitive skin issues most of my life, the following organic home remedies I have found work pretty well regardless of your skin type.  Olive oil is extremely high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants are nutritional powerhouses that protect against age-accelerating free radicals. The oil of this miraculous fruit will guard your body and your skin... from the inside out.

Organic Olive Oil

For centuries, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and others took advantage of olive oil not just in food, but as a healing agent and anti-aging skin regiment.  No wonder women from Italy have such wonderful skin.  There are many ways you can use Olive Oil for skin.  I use mine as a mask, I use about 1 teaspoon and spread on face, leave on for 10-15 minutes and then wipe off with wet wash cloth.  Doing this about 2-3 times a week will help reduce redness--best for people with face irritation (rosacea and/or acne).  Another way you can use this is as an everyday moisturizer, use about 1/4 teaspoon.  

Other uses of olive oil include: Bath: For a moisturizing soak, add about ¼ cup olive oil and several drops of essential oil to your bathwater, Dry Skin: Gently massage a small amount of olive oil on extra dry areas such as elbows or heels, Feet: Apply a liberal amount of oil to feet at bedtime. Cover with cotton socks. Not sexy... but oh-so-soft feet in the morning!, Hair: For a simple oil treatment, warm several tablespoons of olive oil (again, not hot). Rub into scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap or small plastic bag. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, Lips: Alleviate chapped lips with straight olive oil. Dab on lips... especially helpful at bedtime. Also eating 1 tablespoon of olive oil a day will improve overall skin.

Organic Oat Flour

Oats can be very soothing to irritated skin.  The key is to make sure the Oat flour is not bleached (organic) and does not contain any wheat or gluten as this can be very irritating to your skin.  Mix oat flour with water to create a paste like consistency.  Then spread on face, keep on for about 10 minutes and then rinse off.  This also works great as a bath, but the results will not be as dramatic because the consistency will be diluted.  

Calendula

Calendula has a long history of use as a wound-healing and skin-soothing botanical. This lovely marigoldlike flower (although called pot marigold, it is not a true marigold) is considered a vulnerary agent, a substance that promotes healing. Calendula also has anti-inflammatory and weak antimicrobial activity.  However, you have to be careful in identifying the correct type--any type of fat-based ointment or cream could cause further skin issues.  You can either take this orally or find a organic skin care product with higher amounts.  Best works with Linden, the two together provide skin healing agents calming in flamed skin.

**If you have any questions about any of these or would like recommendations, please email me.

Creating Healthy Skin

Skin is our largest organ. We should want to take good care of it—wouldn’t you agree?

What chemicals are you wearing?
There are many ways we take in toxins, and one of them is by absorption through our skin. So it’s important to know what ingredients are in the products we use on our skin day-in and day-out. If you are using products that contain questionable ingredients you may be putting yourself at great risk.

Rachel Carson first introduced the possibility that chemicals may have a detrimental effect on human health when she wrote the book, Silent Spring in 1962. Theo Colborn in her book Our Stolen Future furthered the premise that synthetic chemicals that mimic natural hormones (also called hormone disruptors) are upsetting normal reproductive and developmental processes. And then in the year 2000 the book Hormone Deception by D. Lindsey Berkson was called “a wake-up call for the 21st. Century” by Ann Louise Gittleman. 

We cannot make the assumption that a product is safe just because it comes from a well known company. Also, with so much information available on the internet, we must be careful that we are dealing with reputable sources when doing our research. I am going to discuss a few of the many questionable ingredients commonly found in drug store and department store brands, but ultimately, it is up to each of us to due our own due diligence before choosing any products.

Ingredients we should avoid:

• Formaldehyde: a highly toxic substance. It is a known cancer-causing agent. It damages the neurological connectors in the body. It is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
• Parabens: used primarily as a preservative in skin care. A chemical that can disrupt hormones and possibly a link to breast cancer and heart problems.
• Triclosan: can disrupt hormones and remain stored in the body and eventually damage the lungs and kidneys. It is used widely in a number of household products. Also causes thyroid concerns.
• 1,4-dioxane: a contaminant produced during manufacturing, so the FDA does not require it to be listed as an ingredient on product labels. Found in products that create suds, like shampoo, liquid soap and bubble bath.

Some of the other questionable chemicals that are routinely found in personal care products are:
Polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance...and the list goes on.

To add to the confusion of reading labels - many of these chemicals are listed under other names. For instance you will not find “formaldehyde” on a label, but maybe methylene oxide.

How Does Skin Age?
First of all, there is chronological aging or the natural aging process where skin gets older with the passage of time—Cellular functions simply slow down, skin elasticity declines, pigment becomes irregular. The result is wrinkled and sagging skin with uneven skin coloring.

There is also a component of aging called accelerated aging. This occurs in part because of increased exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants, which create free radicals on the skin. Simply put: pollution plus UV radiation equals free radicals. When free radicals reach the skin a chemical reaction occurs that creates inflammation and genetic mutations at the cellular level. It is estimated that 80% of visible aging is from sun and environmental exposures.

Every day 73,000 free radical attacks on each skin cell trigger damaging enzymes...Skin you don’t even see already looks older! 

So What’s The Answer?
Scientists have discovered that the same nutrients that keep us healthy on the inside also keep us healthy on the outside. To create a successful skin care line, each and every one of the biochemical reactions involved in the free radical damage process had to be identified and blocked – we are talking about antioxidant protection.

You might be wondering “If I’m taking a lot of antioxidant supplements, wouldn’t that protect my skin?” Good question. But it doesn’t work like that. Good nutrition is indeed essential for overall health, including the health of the skin. But there are free radical assaults from the outside of our bodies. Scientists know that effective amounts of antioxidants are very difficult to formulate into skin care products. There are plenty of products out there with vitamin C, E and B6 on the label but many of these ingredients are in forms that the skin can’t utilize and they’re often present at very low levels. At best they only address certain parts of the biochemical chain reaction and only the visible problems. They don’t address all of the causes.

There's only one company that I know of who has successfully been able to look at each destructive link in the chain of damage and then block that part of the reaction with the appropriate antioxidant. To do this took a unique complex of 7 ingredients which they called Vital Repair®. This signature complex now has three patents on it.

It is important to note that extensive research went into the formulation of this anti-aging skin care system, and after the products were developed, the company spent over one million dollars in independent clinical testing to insure safety & effectiveness.

The company who developed these products is Shaklee - recognized as pioneers in the development of nutritional supplements for over 50 years; and the line, introduced in 1998, is called Enfuselle. In all Shaklee has 8 patents on Enfuselle - a rarity in the skin care industry.

Whether you choose Enfuselle or another line of anti-aging skin care, the most important thing is that you are sure the products contain no toxic ingredients and that the vitamins in the products actually penetrate into the skin layers to reverse past damage and prevent against future aging. Your skin will thank you, AND you won’t have to worry about the chemicals you might be wearing.

Here’s to your healthy skin! (And don’t forget your sunscreen).

The Truth about Toxins in Personal Care & Cosmetic products

Here is a helpful link on toxins in personal care and cosmetic products, click here.

For a safer non-toxic alternative check out these products, click here.

Importance of Dietary Supplements for Blood Sugar Regulation

* I received this information in a health bulletin* 


Prevalence of Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Approximately 17 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, or 5.6% of the population, according to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services. Another 16 million are estimated to be pre-diabetic with impaired glucose tolerance. One of every 3 to 4 individuals (70 million), is likely to be insulin resistant and have increased risk to develop prediabetes, Syndrome X, or type 2 diabetes. Genetic predisposition is likely to be 50 percent responsible for insulin resistance, and lifestyle habits are likely to account for the other half.
Definition and Diagnosis of Pre-diabetes The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has formally defined pre-diabetes as having either impaired fasting glucose (IFG) concentration between 110 and 126 mg/dL, or, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with a fasting glucose less than 126 mg/dL and plasma glucose concentration between 140 and 200 mg/dL 120 minutes after intake of 75 grams of oral glucose. The utility of the diagnosis of pre-diabetes is to initiate weight loss programs in overweight individuals, encourage increased physical activity in sedentary individuals, and to identify and treat the other coronary heart disease risk factors of dyslipidemia and hypertension which are increased in prevalence in these individuals. Each year, approximately 5% of all individuals within the pre-diabetic group progress into developing type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of pre-diabetic individuals, even if they don’t develop type 2 diabetes, have
manifestations of Syndrome X and increased risk of heart attack. According to a recent survey of physicians
commissioned and reported by the ADA, “…of the more than 17 million people living with diabetes, 65 percent will die from a heart attack or stroke.”
Lifestyle Modifications
Many scientists believe that calorie restriction, a healthy diet and weight loss combined with increased physical
activity would be an effective means—possibly even more effective than drugs like metformin—to reduce the
incidence of diabetes in those that are pre-diabetic, and there is definitive evidence to support that idea. Studies show that dietary changes alone can somewhat reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. Some studies have also
shown that moderate alcohol intake among those who drink alcohol may decrease risk. Smoking worsens prediabetes, Syndrome X, and type 2 diabetes, as can certain prescription drugs for hypertension, which increase LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while lowering HDL cholesterol.

Use of Individual Supplements
Chromium
Description. Chromium is essential for normal binding of insulin to cell receptors and receptor activity. When
insulin receptors are activated, a complex signaling system and set of reactions begin that result in the transport of glucose from plasma into cells.
Actions and Pharmacology. Chromium’s mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, chromium may activate insulin receptor kinase activity and inhibit insulin receptor tyrosine phosphatase, leading to increased phosphorylation of the receptor and increased insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies have suggested that chromium 2 improves glucose tolerance. Chromium may also have anti-atherogenic effects through glucose regulatory mechanisms.
Usage and Dosage. From 200-1000 mcg daily. Chromium has been used safely in amounts up to 1000 mcg daily.
Research Summary. Since the mid-1960’s, more than 30 studies have reported beneficial effects of supplemental chromium in people ingesting normal diets. However, not all studies conducted showed benefit. The response to chromium supplementation for glucose, insulin, and lipids is related to the amount and form of supplementation, duration, and degree of glucose tolerance in subjects. Recent studies using chromium supplementation ranging from 200-1000 mcg report improved glucose and insulin parameters in type 2 diabetics, and improved insulin sensitivity in healthy obese subjects with a family history of type 2 diabetes and overweight, exercising young women. Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions. Generally, chromium supplementation is well tolerated. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should limit their intake to the recommended safe dose of 50-200 mcg per day, unless monitored by their physician. Those with type 2 diabetes mellitus should consult their physician so that their blood glucose levels can be appropriately monitored and medications adjusted, should their insulin resistance decrease.
Interactions: Drugs. Beta-blockers taken in conjunction with chromium may increase HDL-cholesterol levels.

Vanadium
Description. Vanadium is a trace mineral that may be life-essential.
Actions and Pharmacology. Research suggests that vanadium is essential to normal insulin function. Evidence is accumulating, showing that vanadium mimics insulin action in isolated cell systems.
Usage and Dosage. Range of 10 mcg to 1800 mcg. is considered safe. However, clinical studies with vanadium compounds have shown benefits in increasing insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics at a dosage of 100 milligrams vanadyl sulfate (31 mg elemental vanadium) daily for up to 4 weeks.
Research Summary. Studies demonstrate that vanadium significantly mimics insulin action and lowers plasma glucose at pharmacological doses in animals and humans with diabetes. Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. No known contraindications at physiologic
doses. Adverse reactions of diarrhea, green tongues, nausea, vomiting, and cramps are reported at dosage levels 4.5 to 22.5 mg per day. Ferrous ion, chloride, EDTA, chromium, and aluminum hydroxide may impair absorption of vanadium.

Magnesium
Description. Magnesium is an essential mineral affecting more than 300 metabolic functions and every biological process.
Actions and Pharmacology. Magnesium may have profound glucose-regulatory activity. The mechanism is
unclear, but may affect insulin receptor binding or signal transduction.
Usage and Dosage. Studies show an inverse relationship between amounts of magnesium ingested and uptake, with lower amounts showing more efficacious absorption. Doses varied between 7 to 1,000 mg.
Research Summary. Supplemental magnesium has been shown to improve insulin response and glucose handling in the elderly and in type 2 diabetics. Several large scale, prospective studies have associated low serum magnesium with greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or have found that non-diabetics consuming the highest amount of magnesium can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about one-third, compared to those consuming the least magnesium. Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. Ensure adequate levels. Contraindicated in people with heart block or renal failure. Amounts over 350 mg. may cause loose stool in some sensitive individuals.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Description. Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound involved in energy production, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Actions and Pharmacology. Alpha-lipoic acid is synthesized in the body, where it acts as an antioxidant with free radical scavenging activity, and is involved in the regeneration of antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and
glutathione. It may stimulate glucose transport.
Usage and Dosage. For treating diabetic neuropathy: 600-1200 mg daily. In Europe it is available for diabetic neuropathy in 300 mg doses, divided into 150 mg doses twice daily.
Research Summary. Experimental studies in cell culture and animal models of diabetes suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may stimulate glucose transport. Safety of large oral and intravenous doses has been demonstrated in clinical trials showing benefit in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. In studies of type 2 diabetics, large oral doses have been shown to improve insulin resistance or glucose effectiveness after 4 weeks of treatment.
Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should
avoid alpha-lipoic acid supplements at pharmacologic doses. In general, it is well tolerated.

Taurine
Description. Taurine is a non-protein amino acid manufactured in the body. Dietary intake averages 40-300 mg daily.
Actions and Pharmacology. Taurine plays a role in detoxification, platelet function, central nervous system
development, and acts as a membrane stabilizing antioxidant.
Usage and Dosage. Normal dosages range from 500 to 1000 mg.
Research Summary. Experiments have shown taurine to improve insulin sensitivity in animal models of insulin resistance and spontaneous type 2 diabetes. Some researchers have proposed that taurine supports glucose transport by its effects on membranes. Decreased nerve conduction velocity in diabetics is correlated with taurine depletion, and studies have shown that taurine supplementation prevents diabetic neuropathy and counters oxidative stress in animal models.
Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. No adverse reactions. Pregnant women and
nursing mothers should consult their physicians before taking taurine.

Zinc
Description. Zinc is a mineral that plays a clear role in normal production, storage and secretion of insulin. It is necessary for the conformational integrity of insulin.
Actions and Pharmacology. Zinc is vital for numerous immune and metabolic functions, but it’s role and influence is not fully understood. It is known to have antioxidant activity.
Usage and Dosage. Deficiencies in zinc can lead to adverse health effects. Typical supplemental dose: 15 mg daily.
Research Summary. Studies have found that increased urinary loss of zinc is common in diabetes. Evidence also suggests that elevated glucose may induce higher intracellular levels of zinc-requiring antioxidant enzymes, and that zinc and chromium supplementation can significantly reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetics Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. Doses up to 30 mg daily are well tolerated. Significantly higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and sleepiness. A typical doses for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 15 mg daily.

Banaba/Colosolic Acid
Description. Colosolic acid is a triterpene compound derived from the Lagerstroemia speciosa plant, also known as banaba, from Southeast Asia. Used as a remedy for obesity and diabetes.
Actions and Pharmacology. Banaba extract has been reported to stimulate glucose transport, although how it exerts this action within the cellular insulin-signaling cascade is not known.
Usage and Dosage. Banaba may decrease blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. Studies have not established a
recommended dosage. Take only with meals.
Research Summary. Most evidence of banaba’s efficacy comes from safe, historical use by indigenous populations in Asia. Experimental studies have shown that colosolic acid and other components of banaba extract stimulate glucose transport activity in cultured cells. Other small placebo controlled studies have shown modest hypoglycemic effects in type 2 diabetics, and improved glucose and insulin response.
Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Interactions. No adverse reactions reported. Due to potential additive effects when taken in combination with insulin or drugs to manage type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels should be monitored. Fasting or reactive hypoglycemics, type 1 diabetics, children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take banaba.

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50. Zeigler D et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid : A 7 month multicenter randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care 22:1296-1301, 1999.
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52. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 27:309-14, 1999
53. Konrad T et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 22:280-7, 1999.
54. American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Creates Serious Cardiovascular Risk, In The News, 2002-06-17.

Is your sunscreen in the Hall of Shame?

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When it comes to protecting yourself from the sun, it's easy to go wrong. To help you go right, instead, we whipped up a list of the really bad actors because sometimes, knowing what's on the "avoid" list is a good way to land a safer product. To that end, here are some prime examples of products that typify what's wrong with the sun protection business - and remember, don't buy them - or their marketing claims:

 1. Banana Boat Baby Max Protect, SPF = 100
Sky-high SPF protects against sunburn but leaves skin exposed to damaging UVA rays.
One of at least 79 sunscreens on the market this year with high SPFs (greater than "SPF 50+"), this product protects babies from UVB radiation and the sunburns it causes but leaves them exposed to UVA radiation that penetrates deep into the skin. UVA is known to accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer (IARC 2009). A standard industry sunscreen model estimates that the actual UVA protection factor for this sunscreen is only 9.3 - a far cry from 100 (BASF 2010). The best possible UVA protection in U.S. sunscreen lotions is currently about 20 (BASF 2010). Sunscreen makers are waiting for the FDA to decide whether to approve a wider selection of chemicals that could help boost UVA protection. In the meantime, high-SPF products may tempt people to stay in the sun too long, suppressing sunburns but upping the risks of other kinds of skin damage. EWG recommends that consumers avoid products labeled with anything higher than "SPF 50+" and reapply sunscreen often, regardless of SPF.

2. IS Clinical SPF 20 Powder & Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30
Loose powder sunscreens can enter the airways and may move from the lungs to the bloodstream. Health concerns include cancer and tissue damage. These sunscreens are in a loose powder form. The particles of zinc and titanium they contain can offer strong UV protection for the skin, but they end up in the lungs, too, inhaled from a cloud of airborne particles with each use. There, they can cause damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies inhaled titanium dioxide as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," based on studies of rats and of people who work in dusty environments (IARC 2006). Once in the lungs, the minerals may move into the bloodstream and throughout the body. In 2008 a research group based in China reported that nanoscale titanium dioxide like that used in many sunscreens can accumulate in the brain and cause lesions and other tissue damage (Wang 2008). Nano and micronized zinc oxide cause lung inflammation (Sayes 2007). The bottom line? Sunscreen belongs on your skin, not in your lungs. EWG recommends that people stick to creams and avoid powders, pumps and sprays.

3. Hawaiian Tropic Baby Creme Lotion SPF 50
"Advanced UVA protection"? Not so much. Many U.S. sunscreens claim to provide "broad spectrum" protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, but the reality is that they don't. Hawaiian Tropic Baby Creme Lotion SPF 50 lists "Advanced UVA protection" on its website and "UVB/SPF with UVA" on its label. But it would earn only 1 star in FDA's proposed 4 star UVA labeling scheme, according to EWG analysis using a standard industry sunscreen model. Hawaiian Tropic is not required to back up its claim of "advanced UVA protection," and the fact is that no currently available sunscreen chemical has been shown to block UVA rays effectively. Regulations in Japan and Australia prohibit making such claims altogether for products that provide such weak UVA protection (Diffey 2009), but there is no such restriction in the U.S. Based on a review of partial label information published by online retailers, EWG researchers identified 218 beach sunscreens that claim "broad spectrum" or "full spectrum" protection for 2010. Many would garner only "low" or "medium" UVA protection in FDA's proposed labeling system.

4. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 55
"Mild as water." Sure it is. Can a product be "mild as water to the skin" if the label warns to "Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts"? And certainly when swallowed this product is nothing like water: "Keep out of reach of children" and "get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away," reads the warning label.

5. Anthony Logistics for Men Sunstick SPF 15
Safe for eyes? Not really. This product's directions tell users to "Apply to eye area," but the warnings advise: "Keep out of eyes." Since there are no regulations to ensure it, you would hope that common sense would lead sunscreen makers to formulate products for use around the eyes that are actually safe for the eyes. No such luck!

Tip for consumers: Wear sunglasses and keep sunscreen (including from sprays) out of your eyes.

6. Panama Jack Naturals Baby Sunblock SPF 50
Potential hormone disruptor in baby sunblock. Panama Jack advises users of this baby product to "apply liberally." Scientists who have researched a key sunscreen chemical in this sunblock, the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone, advise the opposite: "It would be prudent not to apply oxybenzone to large surface areas of skin for extended and repeated periods of time, unless no alternative protection is available. There may be an additional concern for young children who have less well developed processes of elimination, and have a larger surface area per body weight than adults, with respect to systemic availability of a topically applied dose" (Hayden 1997). This Panama Jack sunscreen is one of at least 26 sunscreens offered in the 2010 season with the word "baby" in their name and the chemical oxybenzone on their ingredient list. EWG advises consumers to avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone. Plenty of safer products are available. Oxybenzone is readily absorbed through the skin; government studies have detected the compound in 97 percent of the population (Calafat 2008). In rodents, it mimics estrogen and increases the weight of the uterus (Schlumpf 2004). In people, higher maternal exposures to oxybenzone have been linked to decreased birth weight in girls (Wolff 2008). One more thing: This so-called "natural" sunscreen contains at least ten compounds that do not occur in nature. Most are made from petroleum.

7. Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
"It doesn't break down," says the manufacturer of the Banana Boat sunscreen stick. Maybe it doesn't break down, but it also doesn't last forever. You might think one coat would do you for a whole day. Not so. Even though sunscreen makers like Banana Boat often use stabilizing additives to keep their ingredients from breaking down in sunlight, the product still doesn't last forever on the skin. Sunscreens wash off in water and rub off on clothes and towels.

Tip for sunscreen users: Some sunscreen chemicals break down in the sun. They also wash off in water and rub off on towels and clothes - reapply them as directed.

8. Baby Blanket Tender Scalps Scalp Sunscreen Spray for Babies SPF 45+
"Instantly provides 45 times your babies' natural protection," claims the manufacturer. More like: Instant protection from sunburn, instant exposure to UVA rays. While that may be true for UVB rays and the red burns and blisters they cause, it's not the case for UVA. This product would earn only one of four stars for UVA protection in FDA's proposed rating system, according to EWG's analysis. Your baby's scalp may not get burned, but UVA rays could instantly penetrate deeply and cause skin damage and trigger cancer later in life. At least 18 other products EWG assessed claim "instant" or "immediate" protection.

If your sunscreen made it into our 2010 Hall of Shame, go ahead and find a better one by searching this online database. For a safer, chemical-free sunscreen click here.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Not Good for You

I'm sure at one point or another you have all seen a commercial ad similar to this one:


This new ad campaign in now attempting to show that high fructose corn syrup is just as healthy and/or safe as regular sugar with in moderation. Let's examine this a bit.

What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?

It s a sugar substitute made from heavily processed corn. During one of the chemical processes, enzymes and bacteria are added, breaking the corn down until it becomes a sweet syrup. The syrup can be used for sweetening soda, baked goods, cereals, meats, frozen meals, candy and candy bars. Food manufacturers include the sweetener in many products you would not necessarily think need to be sweetened-- low fat dressings, pizza crusts, cough syrup, ice cream bars, pickles, beef jerky, lunch meat etc. The low cost of high fructose corn syrup makes it appealing to profit-minded food manufacturers. This low cost can be attributed to a surplus of corn in the market, largely supported by farm subsidies from the U.S. Government. The price of corn is kept artificially low by these subsidies, which makes processed food manufacturers very happy. These food companies can sweeten up their processed foods at a low price and advertise it as a great value. Food companies even inject their “healthy” products with high fructose corn syrup.

So What is the Problem?

Unfortunately, food companies generally do not tell you about the potential harmful health effects of high fructose corn syrup. For many of us who battle the scale, high fructose corn syrup is a big problem. Studies suggest a link between high fructose corn syrup consumption and increased weight gain and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Peter Havel an endocrinologist, found that when people consumed high fructose corn syrup-sweetened beverages with food it inhibited the production of insulin and leptin – hormones that help regulate food intake and body weight. Another study found that lab rats fed small doses of high fructose corn syrup became obese across the board, in comparison with lab rats fed a high-fat diet that do not universally become obese. Disruption to your body's engineering causes incremental damage that make it more likely that weight gain and disease will take hold in the long term. Think about fueling your car with diluted gasoline instead of pure unleaded gasoline and then expecting your car to run at top form. The car will quickly deteriorate and be made susceptible to break-downs and poor performance.

Sweet Cravings

Many of us crave sweet things, including high fructose corn syrup products. Sugar and artificial sweeteners like HFCS can be addictive. In another lab rat study, the rats, given a choice, generally preferred sugar over cocaine. You can probably guess that the more of something addictive you consume, the greater your dependence on it becomes. The addiction keeps on getting stronger. So, the more foods we eat that contain high fructose corn syrup or refined sugar, the more likely we are to reach for seconds or thirds. Logically, consumption of sugar and high fructose corn syrup leads us to eat larger portions than we need, encouraging weight gain. It may seem that I am demonizing high fructose corn syrup without giving other refined sugars their fair share of criticism. Don't get me wrong, consuming too much of any sweetener will be damaging to our health and fuel the addiction. My concern is that many products containing high fructose corn syrup don't always jump out at us as being “sweetened.” It's easier to identify and avoid items one traditionally thinks of as sweet, like cookies, ice cream, or cake. The problem with high fructose corn syrup, as I noted earlier, is that it is embedded in a lot of products you would not typically think of as sweetened. In fact, many of these products we are led to think of as healthy based on how they are advertised to us. high fructose corn syrup is contained in much of the modern diet and much processed food. Also, as alluded to in the research, the chemical process of extracting high fructose corn syrup is cause for alarm.

The Incredible Eatable Egg

 Eggs are one of the most beneficial foods you can eat, and it's a shame they've been vilified for so long in the United States. In the U.S., roughly 280 million birds give us about 75 billion eggs per year, which is about 10 percent of the world supply. But not all eggs are created equal.  Eggs from truly organic, free-range chickens are FAR less likely to contain dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, and their nutrient content is also much higher than commercially raised eggs.

The dramatically superior nutrient levels are most likely the result of the differences in diet between free ranging, pastured hens and commercially farmed hens. If you are eating organically, then you have learned how important the diet and care of an animal is to the quality of its meat, and in this case, their eggs. But have you ever thought about what happens to these eggs AFTER they are collected?

You would think that organic eggs would be your best choice when picking them up at the grocery store. However, most states have laws that make them illegal unless all the eggs that are sold commercially are processed in a way that could damage them.

Some states require that all eggs receive a chlorine bath and mineral oil coating before they are nestled into their cartons.  There are vast differences in how eggs are processed and handled, even under the "certified organic" label.  As it turns out, what happens outside the shell is as important as what happens inside the shell, and that is the focus of this report.

Your Egg's Journey from Hen to Market 

Ideally, eggs should be processed the day after they are laid. The USDA requires processing within 30 days of lay. High quality eggs are processed within seven days of lay.

Egg processing involves the following six steps:

1. Egg collecting
2. Cooling
3. Cleaning/Disinfecting
4. Candling (a measure for assessing the interior quality of the eggs whereby eggs are held up in front of a high-intensity light and visually examined; among other problems, cracks can be identified that necessitate disposal of the egg)
5. Grading
6. Packing/Labeling

 It is the cleaning process that you as a consumer should be aware of, because in this step, chemicals and contaminants may be introduced that compromise your eggs' quality.

Why Eggshells are Like Your Skin 

Did you know that, like your skin, eggshells are actually a porous membrane rather than an impermeable barrier? An eggshell contains approximately 7,500 pores or openings. The outer surface is covered with a waxy cuticle (called the bloom when on a chicken egg), sealing the egg and helping prevent bacteria from entering.Gases are transferred and moisture is lost through these pores.When moisture is lost, carbon dioxide is also lost, speeding up the breakdown of the egg.  Loss of carbon dioxide causes the egg's pH to increase, which results in thinning of the albumen. 

Why is this important? 

Because commercial processing regularly destroys this protective cuticle.  As it turns out, it is standard industry practice to wash chicken eggs. Depending on the method of washing, the cuticle can be easily damaged, which leaves your eggs vulnerable to contamination and faster spoilage. The egg industry knows this, so to replace what Mother Nature put there for good reason, they must coat the egg with something—often mineral oil. It's akin to adding preservatives to processed foods.Not only is mineral oil a non-natural agent, but it's a petroleum product hat was never intended for you to eat.  Some egg producers use vegetable oil as a more natural alternative.  If you are a culinary talent, you might be surprised to hear that using eggs whose shells were oiled will prevent those "stiff peaks" from happening, because some percentage of the oil seeps into the egg white.  Not all eggs undergo oiling, but many larger producers do, particularly if they are preparing their eggs for long-distance shipment and/or storage.  According to the "incredible edible egg"  website, about 10 percent of all eggs are oiled. I could find no statistic about what percentage of eggs are cleaned in a way that their cuticle has been wiped out, but I suspect it is much higher than 10 percent.  Like your skin, what's put ON your egg goes INTO your egg. Meaning, whatever the eggshell comes into contact with can cross over this semi-permeable membrane and end up in your scrambled eggs, from chlorine to mineral oil to dish soap -- to salmonella.

Your Organic Eggs May Be Chlorinated or Rinsed in Lye 

According to A Guide to On-Farm Processing for Organic Producers: Table Eggs detergents and other chemicals used for "wet cleaning" eggs must either be non-synthetic or among the allowed synthetics on the National List of allowed non-agricultural substances (205.603 of the National Organic Standard).

These synthetics include:

• Chlorine (sodium hypochlorate)
• Potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide (lye)
• Sodium carbonate
• Ozone
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Peracetic acid (peroxyacetic acid) -- a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.

 These agents serve mostly as sanitizers, rather than washing agents.  If chlorine is used at levels over 4 ppm, it must be followed with a clean water rinse at no more than 4 ppm residual levels. Chlorine itself is relatively benign and breaks down to chloride in your body -- which is not much different from the chloride ion in table salt.  However, chlorine can interact with organic materials to form highly toxic compounds called DBPs (Disinfection Byproducts), which can be carcinogenic and mutagenic. And eggs are an "organic material," which bears the question of what chemical interactions are occurring in a chlorinated egg that have yet to be discovered?  Instead of harsh chemicals, the guide cited above recommends cleaning eggs with plain vinegar (mixed with 3 parts water) because it is non-synthetic and quite effective at removing both bacteria and stains on the eggshells (which some people find objectionable).  Some farmers report rinsing eggs very quickly in water, just to dislodge any debris, and believe this is adequate. Others use a dry brushing process -- no liquids at all -- just a brush, sandpaper, or a loofah sponge.  This dry brushing technique is highly recommended for small producers.  If eggs are rinsed in water, it is very important that the wash water be about 20 degrees warmer than the eggs, and at least 90 degrees F, but not more than 40 degrees above the eggs' temperature because of the risk of thermal cracking. This proper temperature gradient encourages the contents of the egg to swell and push the dirt out of the pores. If the water is too cold relative to the egg, the egg can literally "suck in" the washing solution -- along with the bacteria in it. Water exposure should be as brief as possible to minimize the potential for contamination, and the eggs dried immediately.  Mineral oil is not listed in the National List of allowed substances.  I think it is unlikely that an organic farmer would choose to use mineral oil, but the regulations are so variable from state to state, and the national guidelines so nebulous, that there is lots of wiggle room.

Scrambled Federal and State Regulations on Eggs 

There are different federal and state regulations for egg farmers, depending on what the eggs are intended for. Eggs that are going to be used in egg products (i.e., those that will be cracked and emptied) are subjected to one set of regulations, and eggs that are sold as "table eggs" or "shell eggs," which are sold fresh and whole "in the shell," are subject to another set of regulations. And then there are state regulations, in addition to federal regulations.  In 1970, Congress passed the Egg Products Inspection Act (administered by the USDA) to ensure that eggs and egg products are safe for consumption. This act imposes specific inspection requirements for both shell eggs and egg products for anyone who sells eggs to retailers (grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.).  In 1972, on-site inspections of all shell egg producers became required quarterly. However, any producer with a flock of less than 3,000 birds is EXEMPT from this act.  Every state has its own specific egg laws, which makes it more complicated to figure out what process your eggs have gone through. Although the USDA does not allow immersion washing (allowing eggs to soak in water), most small producers are not subject to those restrictions.  And most state egg laws do not specify washing methods.  For an extensive list of egg regulatory agencies, you can refer to this USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service "fact sheet."

Egg Cleaners and Sanitizers 

According to the USDA's publication "Guidance for Shell Egg Cleaners and Sanitizers": 

"Compounds used to wash and destain shell eggs are potential food additives. Therefore, they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, FDA does not have any published regulations dealing with shell egg cleaning and destaining compounds." 

Leaves it wide open, doesn't it? The publication goes on to give some guidelines for egg cleaning chemicals, basically instructing farmers to use substances that are "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe), but these substances are not limited in any way.  Since organic egg producers are interested in producing high-quality eggs, many of them—especially small, local farming operations—have implemented gentle washing methods that don't compromise the cuticle.  Interestingly, in Europe, Grade A eggs are not washed. According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service:

"This practice is a result of research done in the early 1900s that indicated washing eggs before storage resulted in unpredictable and sometimes deleterious results. However, the length of wash time, cleanliness and temperature of the water and the proper use of sanitizers varied widely in these studies.
Older egg production books do not recommend washing eggs at all. In the past, it was important to protect the cuticle because refrigeration was not always possible."

To Refrigerate or Not to Refrigerate 

Despite what you've heard, eggs that are fresh and have an intact cuticle do not need to be refrigerated, as long as you are going to consume them within a relatively short period of time. In other countries, including most of Europe, eggs are frequently not refrigerated. In the U.S., refrigeration of eggs became the cultural norm when mass production caused eggs to travel long distances and sit in storage for weeks to months before arriving at your superstore. The general lack of cleanliness of factory farms has increased the likelihood that your eggs have come into contact with pathogens, amplifying the need for disinfection and refrigeration. Not only that, but as a culture, we are rather "germ phobic" here in the U.S., compared to other countries. So, IF your eggs are very fresh, and IF their cuticle is intact, you do not have to refrigerate them. According to Hilary Thesmar, director of the American Egg Board's Egg Safety Center:

"The bottom line is shelf life. The shelf life for an unrefrigerated egg is 7 to 10 days and for refrigerated, it's 30 to 45 days. A good rule of thumb is one day at room temperature is equal to one week under refrigeration."

Eggs purchased from grocery stores are typically already three weeks old, or older. USDA certified eggs must have a pack date on the carton, and a sell-by date. Realize that the eggs were often laid many days prior to the pack date. For cracking the egg carton dates code, click here. For more information about how to maximize the health benefits of your eggs.

Hello, Big Farma 

 About 95 percent of the eggs produced in the U.S. come from gigantic egg factories housing millions of hens under one roof. 

According to the American Egg Board:

• Prior to World War II, most egg production came from farm flocks of less than 400 hens. By the early 1960s, technological innovations caused a shift from small farms to huge commercial operations.
• There are currently about 245 egg companies with flocks of 75,000 or more.
• Of these 245 companies, 60 have at least one million laying hens, and 12 have more than 5 million hens.

You can only imagine how difficult -- if not impossible -- it is to keep 5 million hens healthy and happy, under one roof... a clucking nightmare! This is just another reason you should buy from your local organic farmer.  According to Robert Plamondon's Poultry Pages, the most common sources of dirty eggs are the following:

• Hens who sleep and poop in the nest boxes
• Hens who enter the nests with muddy feet
• Broken eggs (from insufficient nest litter, or too many hens jammed together)
• Traffic (too many hens coming and going in a small area)

 It is much easier to produce clean eggs than to clean dirty eggs.  Preventing dirty eggs is best done through better management of the hens and their nesting spaces, which greatly reduces the need for egg cleaning in the first place.  As the guide states, "Disease prevention in organic systems starts with clean birds." Your egg farmer should be paying attention to proper nutrition, clean water, adequate housing space, and good ventilation to reduce stress on the hens and support their immunity.  Crowded conditions in factory farms are a major reason why so many commercial eggs have to be bathed in caustic chemicals in order to be "safe" for you to eat!

How Can You Guarantee Clean, Fresh Eggs?

So, how can you tell if your eggs have been washed in chlorine or lye, or in some other chemical, or coated with mineral oil?

You certainly can't tell by looking at them.

The only way to know if your eggs have been washed or oiled (and using what agents) is to ask the producer -- and the only way to do that is to buy from small local farmers you have direct contact with.

It is important to know where your food comes from. And if you don't ask, they won't tell you.

The key here is to buy your eggs locally.  About the only time I purchase eggs from the store is when I am traveling or for some reason I miss my local egg pickup. But finding high quality organic eggs locally is FAR easier than finding raw milk as virtually every rural area has individuals with chickens. If you live in an urban area visiting the local health food stores is typically the quickest route to finding the high quality local egg sources. Farmers markets are another great way to meet the people who produce your food. With face-to-face contact, you can get your questions answered and know exactly what you're buying. Better yet, visit the farm -- ask for a tour. If they have nothing to hide, they should be eager to show you their operation.

Remember, clean and happy chickens lead to healthy eggs.

Color Them Hyper(active)

By Dr. Stephen Chaney, PhD

Each year between 3 and 10% of school aged children are diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as hyperactivity. Most of these children are currently being treated with drugs. And these drugs have side effects - ranging from relatively minor (loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia and mood swings) to major (suicidal thoughts, psychotic behavior and drug abuse).

So it is only natural for parents to ask whether there is a more natural approach that they could follow and, more specifically, whether diet could make a difference?  To answer that question lets start by looking at just one aspects of children's diets - the increasing prevalence of artificial food colors and preservatives in the diet. The average child today is consuming over 10 pounds of food additives every year!

The idea that food additives - specifically artificial colors and preservatives - might be responsible for hyperactivity was first raised by Dr. Ben Feingold over 30 years ago. He devised the Feingold Diet - a diet that was free of artificial food colors, preservatives and other artificial food additives.

Some small scale clinical studies suggested that the diet might be successful and millions of parents used the diet for their hyperactive children with great success. But the medical authorities pooh-poohed the Feingold Diet. They pointed out that when parents are putting their child on a special diet they are also giving that child more attention - and it might be the parent's increased attention that decreased the child's hyperactive behavior.

They also pointed out when you eliminate food additives from the diet you are decreasing the "junk" food and increasing fresh fruits and vegetables - in short the child's diet is much healthier. So eventually the Feingold Diet lost popularity - but the idea that artificial food colors & preservatives might trigger hyperactivity has refused to go away. In fact, a couple of recent studies have substantially strengthened the link between artificial ingredients and hyperactivity.

The first study was a meta-analysis of 15 previous studies looking at the effect of artificial food colors and preservatives on hyperactivity (Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 25: 423-434, 2004). This meta-analysis concluded that artificial food colors & preservatives caused an increase in hyperactivity in 28% of the children tested. Almost all of the children in those previous studies were selected for the study because they had been diagnosed as hyperactive (ADHD).

However, a more recent study looked at 297 children from Southampton England who had not been diagnosed as hyperactive (Lancet, 370: 1560-1567, 2007). After an 8 week elimination phase in which artificial food colors and preservatives were removed from their diets, they were given a one week challenge consisting of fruit juice containing one of two different mixtures of four artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate or a placebo.

The amount of artificial food colors and sodium benzoate in the fruit juice drinks was designed to match the average amount found in the English diet (which isn't all that different from the American diet). Once again, the results were clear. The amount of artificial food colors and preservatives found in the typical child's diet is enough to trigger hyperactivity in many children.

So what does that mean to you if you have a hyperactive child?  Could the simple act of eliminating artificial colors, flavors & preservatives from your child's diet eliminate hyperactivity and give you back that calm, sweet child that you love?

The available data suggest that removing artificial food additives from your child's diet can make a difference in their behavior, but I tend to side with experts who suggest that a holistic approach is best.

Eliminating food additives from your child's diet is important, but also make sure the diet is a healthy one, that your child is getting all of the nutrients that they need and that they are getting all of the attention and support that they need.


To Your Health!
Dr. Stephen G Chaney

note: If you would like my free information on a natural approach to ADD/ADHD please contact me. Thanks!

Infections, Fractures Linked to Acid Reflux Drugs

It saddens me when I read articles like this one. The first line of action is usually a drug approach. But there are natural remedies that are much safer and often times equally as effective. Taking good quality digestive enzymes and acidophilus (probiotics) have been known to work well and with no negative side effects. It would be great to get people off these nasty medications and onto a program of prevention and better health.

What do you think?

Previous Blog

Previous blog entries can be found at : www.healthydefenses.blogspot.com