Cholesterol...some important information...

Elevated cholesterol is not always something to be concerned with as there are other measures which are FAR more indicative of cardiovascular problems, they are: elevated triglycerides, poor ratio of HDL (good) to LDL (bad) cholesterol; elevated homocystein levels and elevated levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, low Vitamin E levels

* Cholesterol is actually a very important anti-oxidant in the body, and is raised when there are other disturbances. Contrary to what most people believe, eating foods high in cholesterol (butter, eggs, shrimp etc) will NOT raise cholesterol. In fact, the most common causes of elevated cholesterol levels include: genetic predisposition, STRESS, reduced liver function (often occurs in a toxic body or when drugs or alcohol are abused/over-consumed or due to a virus such as hepatitis); consuming too much sugar, eating a low to no fat diet.

* A few things to consider: the diet should be low in refined sugar and simple carbohydrates (candy, cookies, white flour products etc); high in vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids (help break up choleseterol deposits) ~ fish intake should increase, while fried and overly fatty foods (animal meats) should be minimized

* the diet should be high in soluble fiber, from: apples, oranges, pears, peaches, berries, grapes, seeds, nuts, oat bran, dried beans, whole grains & vegetables

* Other beneficial foods are: onions, olive oil, coconut butter (unrefined), avocado

* Exercise is important~ try to get 20-30 minutes in each day

* Stress MUST be managed ~ through: deep breathing, yoga, meditation, journaling ~ it doesn’t matter HOW, just as long as it is reduced! Sleep should also be improved, and a minimum of 6 ½ hours should be slept each night

* QUIT smoking! And do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol, some red wine is good, but too much is not

* Supporting the liver would also be helpful: teas: milk thistle or hepatic support (dandelion root, burdock root, yellow dock); hot water with lemon first thing in the morning is also important ~ foods for the liver: garlic, lemons, bitter greens (dandelion greens, kale, collards, rapini, radicchio), beets, carrots

* Statin drugs cause CoQ10 deficiencies ~ it is IMPORTANT to supplement if you are taking these medications. Other side effects of statins include: muscle pain, impaired kidney function (even leading to kidney failure), liver damage, insomnia, skin rashes

For more information, I think the following will be of help... enjoy

Here is an excerpt from Dr. Kim’s Health blog (http://drbenkim.com) which come from the book by author Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, The Cholesterol Myths : Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease. Dr. Ravnskov is considered by many to be the world’s leading expert on the relationship between cholesterol and human health.

Here are some facts from his book:

1. Cholesterol is not a deadly poison, but a substance that you need to be healthy. High cholesterol itself does not cause heart disease.
2. People who have low blood cholesterol have the same rates of heart disease as people who have high blood cholesterol.
3. The cholesterol found in your blood comes from two sources: cholesterol in food that you eat and cholesterol that your liver makes from other nutrients.The amount of cholesterol that your liver produces varies according to how much cholesterol you eat. If you eat a lot of cholesterol, your liver produces less. If you don’t eat much cholesterol, your liver produces more. This is why a low cholesterol diet does not typically decrease a person’s blood cholesterol by more than a few percent.
4. Drugs that solely lower your cholesterol do not decrease your risk of dying from heart disease, nor do they increase your lifespan. These drugs pose dangers to your health and may decrease your lifespan.
5. The newer cholesterol-lowering drugs – called statins – do reduce your risk of heart disease, but through mechanisms that are not related to lower blood cholesterol. And alarmingly, statins like lipitor mevacor, zocor, pravachol, and lescol are known to stimulate cancer in rodents.

What about HDL and LDL?

Well, here are some facts about LDL and HDL that the vast majority of my patients are surprised to learn:

• LDL and HDL are not types of cholesterol.
• LDL and HDL are lipoproteins that transport cholesterol through your blood circulatory system.
• LDL stands for Low Density Lipoprotein, and HDL stands for High Density Lipoprotein.
• LDL is often mistakenly thought of as being bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to your arteries.
• HDL is often mistakenly referred to as good cholesterol because it carries cholesterol away from your arteries (to your liver).
• LDL and HDL carry the same cholesterol.

Here are the main points to take away from the facts presented above:

Cholesterol that naturally occurs in animal foods is not harmful to your health. But it can become harmful to your health if it is damaged by exposure to high levels of heat and/or harsh processing techniques.

If you regularly consume damaged cholesterol and foods that are rich in free radicals, you likely have significant quantities of damaged cholesterol floating through your circulatory system.

And if you regularly have damaged cholesterol floating around in your blood, then a high LDL level correlates with a higher-than-average risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and a high HDL level correlates with a lower-than-average risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

In other words, if you have significant amounts of damaged cholesterol in your blood circulation, you don’t want a lot of LDL to be available to carry this cholesterol to your arteries, where the damaged cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, and you want a lot of HDL available to shuttle damaged cholesterol away from your arteries.

So while it’s true that a high HDL/total cholesterol ratio can reflect a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, what’s most important when it comes to cholesterol and your health is to avoid eating animal foods that have been cooked at high temperatures, since these foods are typically rich in damaged cholesterol.

Hope this helps ease your worries when it comes to the dangers of cholesterol

:)

m

Live Healthy, Live Zen

Naturally Treating Bladder Infections in Kids

Just recently I was consulted on how to treat a bladder infection in a 4 year old girl. As with most health emergencies (at least in my life!), this happened over the weekend, and the parents were quite concerned, didn't know what to do, and were on the verge of going to emerg, when I got the call.

The good news is, that within a few hours, using a few natural therapies, symptoms began to subside, and their little girl grew more comfortable. Score one for natural medicine!!

This situation is quite common. There are many natural therapies that can help with all kinds of acute (as well as chronic) conditions, if the time is taken to try them, and if you are even aware that they exist.

In this particular situation, it would've taken a few days to get cultures back, and then the usual course of treatment would've been antibiotics (as is the course of action in most acute situations these days!). But, did you know that it can take your body up to 18 months to recover from antibiotics??

In this case, the mom was quite surprised as to how and where her 4 year old got this bladder infection, but during our conversation, she told me that a few weeks prior she had gotten strep throat and was given...you guessed it...antibiotics!! So, the connection here was clear. The previous course of antibiotics weakened her body, killed off the good bacteria, and made her more susceptible to new bacterial infections.

Now, I am not saying that all antibiotics are bad, just that they are, often enough, over-used. And parents who are scared and feel horrible that their little ones are suffering are willing to try almost anything to help ease their discomfort, and succumb to them frequently without trying alternative therapies.

So, the next time you, or little one, succumb to any kind of infection, especially early on, contact a natural practitioner (or me ;) ) and get some advice on natural therapies. I will warn you, sometimes these natural treatments take a bit longer to take effect, but at least they won't leave the body more wiped out. Besides, if the natural therapies don't work, you always have the antibiotics to fall back on, and this may actually reduce the frequency with which you use them and ensure that they are effective when you finally do.

Wishing you an antibiotic-free remainder of winter!
:)
m

Live Healthy, Live Zen

The Factors That Lead to Dis-Ease

As a species it seems that we are getting more and more unhealthy. Here is a quick list as to why to better help you make some much needed changes NOW to ensure a long and healthy life!

1. Genetic Link:
but even genes do not determine that disease will develop, they merely predispose one to certain ailments. Diet, emotions and lifestyle factors play a greater role in initiating the disease process. So, if certain ailments run in your family, do NOT fret, YOU still have the power to avoid them, that is, if you stay positive and develop healthy eating andliving habits!

2. EFA Deficiency:
not supplementing with omega 3 & 6, which are found in: flax oil, walnut oil, almond oil, hemp oil, fish & cod liver oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil

3. Vitamin, Mineral & Antioxidant Deficiency:
caused by consuming primarily non-nutritive foods such as: processed, refined or fast foods; as well as not eating sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables; and not taking a multi-vitamin & mineral supplement

4. Fiber Deficiency:
leads to foods staying in the body longer and fermenting. This leads to the re-absorption of toxins, cholesterol & hormones, all of which can lead to imbalances within the body.

5. Quietude-Exercise Deficiency:
lack of movement causes the muscles to become lazy and work inefficienty. Lack of quietude means insufficient relaxation, something that is becoming ever more important in the fast paced society we are living in. This can lead to adrenal exhaustion, which is an underlying factor to MANY ailments!

6. Anti-Nutrients & Toxic Substances:
Ingesting too much: saturated fat, cholesterol & trans fats, by relying on a diet high in animal protein & fast food. Consuming too much sugar and refined flour products. Drinking too much caffeine (which negatively impacts the adrenals and makes one less adept at handling stress). Drinking too much alcohol, which dissolves cell membranes and increases cholesterol. SMOKING! This expensive habit depletes vitamin C levels, constricts veins & capillaries reducing circulation, and increases exposure to toxins. Careless use and over-use of prescription and non-prescription drugs (including pain relievers, antacids and anti-histamines). And lastly, environmental pollutants, such as: smog, cleaning products, paints etc

7. Poor Digestion!

Hope this helps
:)
m

Mayo Jar & Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar... and the coffee.

A professor stood before his Philosophy class and had some items infront of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes"

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured them into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed

"Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life"

"The golf balls are the important things - your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full."

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff"

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there would be no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life"

"If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you"

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness
Play with your children
Take time to get medical check-ups
Go out for dinner with your spouse or partner
Get together with your friends

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal

Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter
Set your priorities, the rest is just sand

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented

The professor smiled, "I'm glad you asked"

"It just goes to show that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend"

I thought this was uplifting and so very true. In today's world, we stress too much, sleep too little, and miss opportunities to rest, play and laugh. So, be sure to think of this whenever life gets hectic, and go grab a coffee (or tea!) with a good friend.

:)
m

H1N1 Update

If you are still worried about H1N1 the good news is that by this time, most people, including you, will have already been exposed to the virus and have developed their own immunity to it (even without being vaccinated). But this is unlikely to be reported by mass media outlets. After all, thus far we have not been hearing that this virus, although initially feared due to its ability to mutate into something quite deadly, proved itself to be quite mild (in the southern hemisphere which saw their flu season a few months before we did here in the great north).

Second, we keep hearing about how many deaths have been incurred thus far, but not so much about the thousands (if not millions) that have been exposed or sick but found that this flu strain was no more 'deadly' than other flu strains they have had in the past. After all, it is the flu, and just like any flu, it will knock you out and force you to get back in touch with your bed (or sofa) as you recuperate.

So, its time to lighten up and try to think about something new. I don't know about you, but I am getting a little tired of all the media attention on H1N1 and how important it is to get vaccinated, and am looking forward to something new to chat about.

Just remember, it is flu season, and regardless of the strain you are trying to avoid, be sure to keep your immune system strong. And, two of the most important things you can do for yourself is to sleep and stress less, go figure!

Stay healthy,
:)
m

What is a Fever?

What is a Fever?
A fever is a form of inflammation, and inflammation is a local fever. It is NOT good to suppress a fever, because it is a normal response by the body as a way to defend itself against pathogens. It is especially important to allow young children (under 7 years old) to have a fever as it will help build their immune function and thereby their specific immunity.

Fever of 37.5°C or 99.5°F: encourages more bacterial growth
Fever 37.5°-39°C or 99.5°-102.2° F: stops bacteria and viruses from growing
Fever 39-40.5°C or 102.2°-104.9°F: kills bacteria
Fever over 40.5°C or 104.9°F: in older children and adults can start destroying the body’s own
cells, which is not ideal. However, in younger children it is not uncommon to reach high fevers.

So, you want to allow the body to have a fever, so that it can kill off bacteria and viruses, however, you don’t want to let it get too high or last too long as that can start to be a substantial energy drainer.

Make sure that with a fever you stay hydrated, sipping fluids on a regular basis. It is also recommended to drink electrolyte drinks (such as Cell Food or Endurlyte) and eat chicken soup to ensure that you keep your electrolyte levels up and prevent dehydration.

Things About H1N1 That Make U Go Hmmmm??

Ok, so there are a few things that I just have to ask when it comes to all that is being reported about H1N1... some things just don't add up.

First, it takes a week to do an autopsy, however, the minute the 13 yr old Etobicoke boy died, the cause of death was immediately H1N1... how did they know so quickly??

Canada bought 50 million flu vaccines (for just over 30 million people why so much?), but now they are trying to scare people into believing that there may be flu vaccine shortages. How so??

According to the Irish times, "Despite rising prevalence, the H1N1 virus remains a mild infection for the vast majority of those who get it. Most will recover by staying at home for seven days, taking paracetamol (?) and drinking plenty of fluids. A small number may require treatment with anti-virals at home, with just the occasional person requiring hospital admission because of complications. The most serious of these are pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and kidney failure. Of those admitted to hospital, about 45 per cent have a pre-existing condition.

Data out of New South Wales provides perhaps the most comprehensive description of the pandemic using multiple surveillance systems. The pandemic there lasted 10 weeks and had a substantial impact on intensive care units (ICUs), with an increased risk of severe illness, including respiratory failure, in those aged between 35 and 60. Vulnerable groups included pregnant women, indigenous people, those with chronic respiratory disease, and those with morbid obesity. However, the good news is the general influenza-related mortality between April and September 2009 was lower than that seen during the same period in recent years, which suggests the H1N1 virus carries a lower mortality rate than regular seasonal influenza.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1023/1224257294052.html
GAITHERSBURG, Maryland (Reuters) - The U.S. government has bought 195 million doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine for a possible autumn vaccination campaign, a U.S. federal official said on Thursday. (July 23, 2009)
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE56M4F420090723

If that is so... I can understand that back when this first started, there was a great deal of fear because no one knew how and if this strain would mutate into something quite deadly, however, after seeing that in the Southern Hemisphere this did not happen, why did we (and the US) not change our approach? Instead governments are proceeding as if people are dropping dead left right and centre from this strain of flu, why? Could it be that all the vaccine was purchased back in July and now they simply have to justify spending the funds?

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that of the 36 children who died from H1N1 from April to August, six had no chronic health conditions. But all of them had a co-occurring bacterial infection.

The most common co-occurring infection that causes flu-related deaths is staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, said Pat Schlievert, a microbiologist at the University of Minnesota and an expert on staph-related deaths. A third of the population carries it on their body, most in their noses or on their skin. Often it's benign or causes minor skin infections. Schlievert has studied dozens of cases of children who died unexpectedly from flu combined with staph.

"The [flu] causes upper respiratory damage, which allows the staph to get where it's not supposed to be. It makes it's way into the lungs," he said.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/63531287.html?page=2&c=y

Why has this association (between Staph and influenza) not made it to main stream media? Would it not be more useful to test for carriers of Staph and perhaps treat them differently rather than inject all people (especially kids) with a vaccine that has been rushed into production? Because the usual protocol for vaccine development has been overlooked for this particular H1N1 vaccine.

So, these are just a few things that make me wonder, why isn't the media asking some of these questions instead of just talking about how there are long line-ups at vaccine injection sites.

There are a lot of conspiracies out there right now, and I think the most important thing for all of us to do, is to do our research, look at credible sources and try to think logically. Try not to panic, and keep your immune systems strong, because there are many ways that we can protect ourselves (and our families) apart from getting vaccinated. And if you decide to get vaccinated, that is fine too, I just hope that you do so not out of fear, but because the research you did has led you to believe that is the best solution for you

Wishing you great health,

:)m


And, in case you are interested, here is a list of ingredients in the vaccine...

List of Vaccine Ingredients
Antigen suspension vial: Thimerosal (mercury), sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections. The drug substance contains trace residual amounts of egg proteins, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate and sucrose.
Adjuvant emulsion vial: sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, water for injections.

Shelf Life:
The antigen suspension is stable for 18 months.
The adjuvant emulsion is stable for 3 years.

After mixing, the vaccine should be used within 24 hours. Although it is recommended to maintain the mixed product between 2°C and 8°C, it may be kept at room temperature during this period if required.
http://www.gsk.ca/english/docs-pdf/Arepanrix_PIL_CAPA01v01.pdf