Healthy by Nature radio show this week
Dig out the blood test results from your last medical checkup. Was anything out of the “normal” range or even close to being out? Want to know what those cryptic initials mean? Call the show and get those questions answered by my guest Jim LaValle, R.Ph.,C.C.N. author of Your Blood Never Lies: How to Read a Blood Test for a Longer, Healthier Life. I want to also ask him about PSA / prostate; the best allergy testing; what additional tests should we request with a physical; what thyroid tests are needed; how to know if iron storage is too high; optimum vitamin D levels; and best tests for zinc, magnesium and vitamin C. Call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
 Dr. Oz goes to Washington
Well it wasn’t exactly his idea. The Senate consumer protection panel called the celebrity TV doc on the carpet this week for promoting “magic weight loss cures”. On the one hand I’m not a fan of stimulant weight loss aides. But, I sympathize with the poor guy. He is a journalist who does not himself sell products. Therefore, he is allowed to say what he believes and with enthusiasm if it suits him. Congress sides with the FDA which says that supplement marketers break the law if they talk about health benefits that have not been proven. If you want to “prove” a drug (albeit toxic and new-to-the-planet), a study or two performed by the manufacturer itself is enough. However, there is a catch-22 for supplements because the agency’s regulations do not have any provision for reaching “proven” status for them. Case in point: Last week’s guest, Dr. Kyl Smith, worked hard to get the FDA to approve a brain health claim for Phosphatidylserine. He submitted something like 700 studies and the agency still requires the claim to state that “FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim.” (Thanks a lot, right?)

Like beating a tired horse?
 
Speaking of stimulants, as we discussed on last week’s show, people seem desperate for better mental function and many will to try almost anything to get it. Many common approaches to getting even a short burst of mental energy use stimulants to basically whip the adrenal glands into releasing adrenaline. In his new book, Adrenal Fatigue for Dummies, Dr. Richard Snyder cautions against depending on stimulants because that contributes to adrenal fatigue and may raise blood pressure. The person may feel jittery and stressed and, over time, it may take larger and larger doses to get the same boost. If you want to know more about the so-called energy products, here are some resources:
   Energy Shots
   Energy Drinks
   Caffeine Facts and Fiction
   Addicted?
   Amounts of caffeine in beverages

 Better Way
Last week Dr. Smith discussed a safe natural way to improve concentration, mental energy, memory, and mental performance with his invention MemoryWorks®. One of my readers said that a single packet of MemoryWorks does for his alertness what had previously required 2-3 cups of strong coffee. The “side effects” of the product include building brain health and moderating stress effects plus another one discussed in the next section. Click here to read a one page article on this nifty product.

Rediscovering Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the predominant form of fat in the blood. The legendary Dr. Robert Atkins thought elevated triglycerides (especially along with low HDL) were the primary cause of heart disease. However, notice of them has been all but lost in the hullabaloo over cholesterol. An article in today’s paper highlighted the discovery of gene mutations among people with naturally low triglyceride levels. The report waxed enthusiastic that perhaps drugs can be invented to mimic the action of the mutated genes. We wouldn’t need those drugs if people would just do what Dr. Atkins showed to be effective—cut down on the sugars and starches that the body turns into triglycerides. One more “side effect” that many have noticed with MemoryWorks is a reduction in cravings for those very foods.
 
Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives. Who wants better concentration, mental energy, memory and mental performance? College students, executives, those learning the requirements of a new job, older persons who feel they’ve lost their edge, composers, writers, bridge players, race car drivers and someone serious about their Bible studies…the list goes on. Dr. Kyl Smith, author of the authoritative book, Brighter Mind has previously discussed a brain-healthy diet and daily exercise. On this show he discussed his new invention. When you go to the website to read more about the product, don’t let the term “joining” worry you. There are no dues and no requirement to place a future order. It is just part of a plan that allows you (only if you’d like to) to have your product paid for by recommending it to others. Read my article. Go to the MemoryWorks website..

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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