Healthy by Nature radio show this week
We will have open lines with Fred Pescatore, MD and talk about what interests YOU. While we are waiting for your call, I will ask him a few questions about thyroid and the trendy Paleo diet. Dr. P is the author of a number of books, including The Hamptons Diet: Lose Weight Quickly and Safely with the Doctor’s Delicious Meal Plans; The Hamptons Diet Cookbook: Enjoying the Hamptons Lifestyle Wherever You Live; The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program; and Feed Your Kids Well: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight and Get Healthy. Please call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Reader question about a parent
 It occurred to me that many of you readers might benefit from the information given this reader—and not just for parents because most of the information applies to all of us.

Q. Irene asked:  What supplements would you recommend for my mother who is 87 years young, for her daily regimen. She takes no meds. She needs to stay strong, young with a strong immune and circulation system?

A. Irene, your mom is doing a GREAT job to be drug free at 87! That alone goes a long way toward maintaining health. Since older folks don’t usually like swallowing a lot of pills (especially big ones), in answering your request I’ve selected items that are easy to take. You will also see that I have included links to Andy Hopkins’ online store, HealthWorksMart, not just because he is a long-time under-recognized sponsor of the radio show but, mainly because he carries the brands that I recommend and at internet competitive prices. (Order online or call toll free 1-877-673-2536.)

These are tiny sublingual pellets :
These dissolve almost immediately on or under the tongue.
Vitamin D – Helps with virtually everything since all our cells have receptors for it. D is especially helpful to seniors in maintaining muscle strength and avoiding falls.
Vitamin B12 – Important for nerve and brain function. B12 deficiency is sometimes mistaken for dementia. (So is iron deficiency.)
Vitamin K2 – Helps make sure that calcium goes into bones not arteries.

Probiotics – These good bacteria improve immune function, digestion, absorption of other nutrients and much more. Here is a link to an article on what they do and another on why I recommend this particular one. (This is a small, easy to swallow soft gel that does not need refrigeration. Take one or two a day.)

Meal replacement drink. This drink is a fast, easy and delicious breakfast or a quick meal any time. It helps assure intake of sufficient protein which is often a problem for the elderly because they may not feel up to cooking. Also, it does not spike blood sugar like fruit smoothies might. (This simple recipe is the base for my own breakfast drink most days. However, I add a lot more ingredients and still tastes good in spite of somewhat resembling pond slime.)

Put some ice (start with 2 cubes or 1/2 cup crushed ice and see what you like) into the blender jar and fill with water to the 10 ounce line. Add the following ingredients and blend. This drink provides a total of 460 calories. That could be a diet meal for a younger person, but may be a big meal for the elderly who, left to their own devices, will sometimes settle for a piece of toast (68 calories) and a cup of tea (0 calories) that provide almost no nutritional value.

Protein meal replacement powder -This brand is easy to mix, smooth and has a great flavor. As a meal replacement, it has a fair assortment of vitamins and minerals. Don’t worry that it is called a “fat burner”—it is low in sugar and has nutrients that improve metabolism but it contains no stimulants. (Flavors include Vanilla, Chocolate and Orange Cream.)
Fruit of the Spirit – I love this concentrated source of plant antioxidants and polyphenols which is low in sugar and delicious. Add 1 liquid ounce.
Fish oil – I don’t know where to start with the benefits. In my new booklet on fats, I devote several pages to why it is so important. The liquid is much more cost-effective than capsules and a fresh product like this one does not taste at all fishy. (Use 1 teaspoon)
MacNut Oil – Helps the drink satisfy longer and adds calories that the elderly may need. Monounsaturated oils are good for cardiovascular health and this buttery oil tastes much better in a smoothie than does olive oil. (Use 1 Tablespoon) You could use coconut oil instead. However, note that coconut needs to be warmed up a hair to liquefy and should be added while the blender is running. Otherwise, you end up with what feels like pieces of crayon in your drink!)
Fiber – This brand tastes good and isn’t gritty. Older folks don’t always want to eat fibrous foods and many start to have their elimination slow down–½ a scoop of this fiber in the drink makes big poop. (More regularity suggestions below.)
Frozen banana, ½.  Adds flavor, texture and potassium as well as a few more calories.(We keep a zip bag of peeled bananas in the freezer.)

Cost? Many of the items above are less expensive in larger sizes, but it is probably best to try them out with small sizes before really stocking up. Even in the smaller sizes the cost of what I’ve listed above is only about $6 a day…and remember that includes one nutritious meal plus the life-saving supplements.

Irene, you might also suggest that your mom not rely on her arms when getting up from sitting because keeping the thigh muscles strong is key to staying mobile and independent.

Next week I’ll discuss some items I would encourage her to add after she has gotten these basics under her belt.

Side note on regularity
 
Folks in their golden years are often constipated. Some of that may be due to lack of exercise, an under-functioning thyroid gland and/or inadequate water intake. (Everyone should drink as many ounces as 1/2 their body weight is in pounds. E.g. 150 Lb person = 75 ounces.) Continuing to boost good intestinal bacteria (see “probiotics” above) is quite important to bowel function. That is in part because, unfortunately, most medications harm probiotics and a diet too high in sugar and starch feeds their enemies, the bad critters. Another key factor is inadequate consumption of the mineral magnesium which among many other benefits (listed in my article), brings fluid into the intestinal track to avoid hard dry stool. For the purpose of regularity, this inexpensive form will typically be sufficient.
 
Dallas area conference
Resolve Emotions to Resolve Disease Conference
Dallas TX June 20 & 21, 2014
Lee Cowden, MD called to notify me of this event. He said it is designed for professionals but open to anyone.

Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives.  Matthew Budoff, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute was interviewed on television concerning a fascinating study which showed that aged garlic extract can reverse plaque in the arteries. Also, one of our show favorites, Stuart Tomc, Educator for Nordic Naturals brought information from the World Economic Forum on top international trends—including the effect of misinformation on the internet.

Please help spread the good word-forward this newsletter to friends and family.

MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN