Healthy by Nature radio show this week: I’m honored to have health journalist Bill Sardi as my guest. He is so smart that there are a zillion important things we could talk about. I’m still trying to decide where to start, so tune in to not only be surprised, but to also be a part of the show. Call the show with questions (or answers) at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and ways to listen nationwide.
 
TOXINS
What is toxic? (That sounds a bit like a “Jeopardy” show answer to the question “name the tone of the current political debate”.) Seriously, toxins are poisons. A fast-acting poison such as arsenic might come to mind, but toxins can be much more subtle and extremely tiny amounts can slowly accumulate over time. They can be chemicals in the form of food additives, ingredients in skin care product or cleaning supplies, contaminants in drinking water, cigarette smoke and pollution. Medications act as toxins as does the mercury in dental fillings and the radiation we experience during air travel. We even create toxins internally when natural processes don’t go optimally or when yeasts over grow in our digestive tracts.

These ubiquitous poisons cause inflammation and free radical damage that sabotage the function of every cell, organ and system. There are two ways to help this situation and we should do both: (1) avoid toxins as best we can and (2) prepare our bodies to defend against them. Here are a few recent research studies that highlight the issue.
 
Diesel exhaust / cardiovascular and lung disease. To avoid diesel fumes, wear a gas mask when outdoors or at least don’t tailgate 18-wheelers. This animal study showed that Curcumin (the yellow pigment isolated from the spice turmeric) provided a potent anti-inflammatory effect and protected the animals against the toxic effects of diesel exhaust on lungs and cardiovascular systems. LINK  (How ever did they do the study? Little bitty trucks backed up to the mice cages?)

Oxidative stress and dementia. Most toxins do their nasty work by creating free radical or oxidant damage to cells such as those of the brain. This human study showed the protective effect of antioxidant nutrients on memory. Researchers “found that blood vitamin C and ß-carotene [beta carotene] concentrations were significantly lower in demented than in control persons even after adjusting for school education, intake of dietary supplements, smoking habits, body mass index, and alcohol consumption.” LINK

How much vitamin C is enough? Vitamin C is one of the most well-known antioxidants. The US government sets the daily levels of various nutrients with an eye to preventing deficiency disease. In the case of vitamin C, that would mean they were protecting against scurvy.  However, the vitamin’s benefits are so diverse that a lot of other damage may have been done by the time a vitamin level has gotten so low as to cause a deficiency disease.

These authors contend that that there is reliable data that “…establishes biological plausibility and mechanisms of action for vitamin C in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer…” They also note that “vitamin C supplementation lowers hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and Helicobacter pylori infection, which are independent risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.”  (Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the cause of most ulcers, heartburn and probably stomach cancer.)  The abstracts states that the wrong type of tests have been used to determine dosage and that there is now sufficient research to warrant increasing the recommended daily intake. LINK

Here is the fun part. They advise that the level be adjusted up to 200 mg a day from the current ridiculous level of 60 mg a day. Based on the safety of vitamin C, the variability of individuals’ chemistry, C’s other effects such as helping with allergies, I take at least 1,000 mg / day and wouldn’t consider taking less than 500 mg. Well, at least these folks recognize that Vitamin C does have benefits and they are headed in the right direction.

A great resource
Sunday, when I was a guest on Howard Garrett’s show (he is the “Dirt Doctor”), it reminded me what a very important resource he is. He teaches us how to improve our yards, gardens and houseplants without using toxic chemicals. He also talks about natural pest control. On his site you can find answers to a myriad of questions and learn about his radio show, newspaper columns, books, appearances, etc. You can also sign up for his free weekly newsletter at this LINK.
LAST WEEK
LINK to Archive. We interviewed veterinarian Dr. Stanley Wolfe (see a video of him- LINK), Pain Management Specialist, Helen Smith (1.214.385.8020 or email [email protected]) and chiropractor, Darcy Brunk, DC. We discussed how they use micro-current devices in their various practices. Energy medicine is a safe, effective and low cost tool for healing and for reducing pain. It should have a much bigger role in health care. Here is a video on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. LINK

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My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

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 2012 Martie Whittekin, CCN