My guest, nutritionist, Tim Mount, and I will talk about the effects of an often overlooked B vitamin—Biotin. We’ll also discuss how Alpha lipoic Acid and hyaluronic acid work synergistically with Biotin to minimize skin wrinkles, sagging and sun damage. In case you guys are satisfied with your skin (and don’t care if you end up prune-like), we will also talk about hair growth. Call the live show with questions at 1-800-281-8255. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Making sense of the science
You probably saw or heard a news account of this report from the U.S. Surgeon General saying we should avoid sunbathing. The guidance was triggered by a spike in the number of cases since 1973 of the potentially lethal skin cancer, melanoma. Surely, we were all long ago nagged into using sunscreen and staying in the shade. So, what has changed since 1973 that might have contributed to the spike?

Severe sunburns received as children are apparently a major cause of skin cancer in adults and the average age of melanoma detection is 61. Compared to 1972, we have a lot more Baby Boomers!  Back when today’s seniors were kids, parents didn’t have the sunscreen options and the sense of urgency about using sunscreen that is felt by today’s parents. We also now have more poor nutrition. Logically, that might be an additional factor in boosting the spike. We forget that antioxidants from fruits and vegetables (which are under-consumed) provide sunscreen from the inside. And then there is the pervasive excess sugar consumption. Sugar reduces the effectiveness of the immune system.

Unintended Consequence?
Melanoma is a very serious problem (statistics) and the use of tanning beds and baking in the mid-day sun certainly pose unnecessary risks. (See risk factors.) But, a blanket recommendation to just avoid the sun can have a serious downside–studies show that lack of sun exposure increases deaths from all causes. Staying away from sun reduces a person’s ability to make vitamin D. Coincidentally, Vitamin D studies show that vitamin D deficiency increases all-cause mortality. Furthermore, vitamin D is important to helping the immune system fight skin cancer. A recent study also links low vitamin D levels to a condition where young girls mature physically too early.

The news media didn’t pick up on it, but bless the Surgeon General for at least mentioning vitamin D toward the bottom of the news release. Unfortunately, he had to dance around how to actually get a sufficient amount. The vitamin D in food is often the wrong type and the FDA always recommends too small of a supplement dose. This page of the non-profit Vitamin D Council discusses guidelines for safe sun exposure.

Keep an eye on your skin
More men than women contract melanoma. That is probably because they have more outdoor jobs and hobbies. (Is it possibly viewed as “sissy” to apply sunscreen on the golf course or fishing boat? Hello, Duck Dynasty, help us out!) Interestingly, male survival isn’t as good either—about 50% more men than women die of the disease. Treatment of melanoma is more successful if started early. (So, in this case, is it actually a good thing that we girls spend more time mercilessly scrutinizing what we see in the mirror?) The information below on signs to watch for comes from the American Cancer Society.

“The ABCDE rule is another guide to the usual signs of melanoma. Be on the lookout and tell your doctor about spots that have any of the following features:
  

• A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
• E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

WebMd has some pictures you can see by clicking through the presentation on their site. (Don’t view this right before or after a meal.)

Ebola followup
In the opening of last week’s show I mentioned an article by Bill Sardi about nutrition and medication factors related to Ebola, that awful disease raging in Africa. His article is now posted online.

Last Week Show Follow-up
LISTEN to that show in the archives. Certified Clinical Nutritionist and author Radhia Gleis, PhD, and Certified Traditional Naturopath and author Peter McCarthy, BS, MA, ND were our guests. They are hosts of The Wellness Connection radio program in Austin on KJCE 1370 AM. Link to podcasts. We could talk about any aspect of health with these two experts, but for sure we will discuss Peter’s book, Adrenaline Nation and about preserving health while flying. (I didn’t find the link he mentioned, but here are some exercises you can do on a plane.) Radhia talked about autoimmune conditions and weight. Both are  leaders in the Texas Health Freedom Coalition.

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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