Nutritionist, author, blogger and terrific radio host, Bill Sardi discusses over-mineralization–how the minerals calcium, iron and copper can increase the risk for disease and premature aging when adults store them in excess. We’ll also cover some ways to reduce those excesses, including resveratrol.  I may bring up recent news on vitamin D. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Remembering
As I started to format this email I was saddened to realize that it would go out on September 11th. God bless the families of those lost that day who surely still grieve. I’m as frustrated as every other sane person in wishing I had the secret to preventing another such atrocity. All I can hope to do is provide information on how to build a little more resiliency to better handle whatever lies ahead.

 Sexy Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral. “Trace” means that we don’t need it in large quantities, e.g. they are dosed in microgram (mcg) rather than milligram (mg) amounts. (There are one thousand micrograms in a milligram.) These minute activators of processes are critical but, they often don’t get the attention they deserve. Below are research tidbits on one of my favorites, selenium. It is frustrating that in the abstracts of studies they seldom mention which type of selenium supplement was used. As you will see next under the prostate connection, the form of selenium can make a big difference.

Prostate. In an exciting interview with Dr. Richard Passwater, the researcher told us about a large randomized trial showing that selenium yeast (methylselenocysteine) cut overall deaths from cancer in half! It also dramatically cut the incidence of various cancers (e.g. prostate cancer reduced by 63%, colon cancer by 58%, etc.). Other selenium pills (e.g. the more common selenomethionine and sodium selenite), while somewhat useful have not been shown to have this dramatic effect. Sadly, when the National Cancer Institute began a study supposedly to “replicate” the research, but they used the wrong kind. Some scientists noticed. (Egad. It would be like saying that the chromium on your trailer hitch works well there so why not eat it.) Several companies sell the yeast (methylselenocysteine) form. I suggest Jarrow Formulas’ product SeleNext.

Thyroid. In this study the researchers said: “Previous randomized controlled trials have found that selenium supplementation decreases thyroid-disease-specific antibody levels. We hypothesize that selenium might be beneficial in the treatment of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.”

Postpartum Depression. One study said: “Multiple factors, including supplementary selenium intake, are associated with the risk of postpartum depressive symptoms. Future research on dietary supplementation in pregnancy with special attention to selenium intake is warranted.” Another said: “These findings suggest that supplementation with selenium during pregnancy might be an effective approach for the prevention of postpartum depression.”

In short, good things may come in small packages. Make sure your supplement program contains enough (probably 200 mcg).

Frozen shoulder, FINAL NOTICE
This is the final notification of the opportunity to participate at no cost in a study of a micro-current treatment for frozen shoulder. It is a non-invasive pain method has been reported to improve shoulder function in as little as one treatment. The makers of the Avazzia micro-current will conduct the small study at a doctor’s office in Plano, TX on Monday, September 22. There is no cost for the treatment. To see if there is space left and if you qualify, call Devyn at 214-575-2820. Study details here.

Last Week Follow-up
LISTEN to that show in the archives. I talked with Deanna Minich, PhD, CN, RYT about how functional medicine differs from alternative or even integrative medicine. We also discuss a mutual friend, Dr. Jeffrey Bland , the genius who founded the concept. Dr. Minich is a mind-body-spirit nutritionist with a novel approach to eating. We talked about a study that she conducted to help students appreciate the food beliefs of others. Deanna is the author of an impressive number of books such as the Complete Handbook of Quantum Healing, The: An A-Z Self-Healing Guide for Over 100 Common Ailments and An A-Z Guide to Food Additives: Never Eat What You Can’t Pronounce, See her website and an article she wrote. Maybe I’ll ask about the cause of cravings.

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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