Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Milk Strike


Infant Feeding


Health experts say the best source of nutrients for a baby is breast milk. Breastfeeding has benefits for the baby and for mom. For the baby, breast milk contains the right amount of nutrients to support the infant’s growth and development. For the mom, breast milk is readily available (no mixing formula or heating bottles). Breastfeeding also provides a close bond between mom and baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding until a baby is at least six months old. Women who don’t breastfeed can use iron-fortified infant formula. At about four to six months, many infants can be introduced to baby cereals. Other baby foods are slowly offered starting around six months.

Milk is an important source of nutrition for children as they grow older. It provides calcium, vitamin D and minerals needed by the body. Whole milk is recommended for most children until they reach two because most children need the extra fat and calories. After two, parents can switch to low-fat or nonfat milk.

Experts warn parents should avoid giving cow’s milk until a child reaches his/her first birthday. Tyrala says cow’s milk is a great source of nutrition for calves, but not for humans. A baby’s digestive system can’t handle the extra protein in cow’s milk. Adding it too early to a child’s diet can cause liver and kidney damage and increase the risk for an allergic reaction.


Transition Troubles

Most children take the change from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk in stride. But sometimes babies become very fussy and don’t want to accept cow’s milk. Occasionally, a baby will refuse to drink cow’s milk and go on a “milk strike.”

Eileen Tyrala, M.D., Pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, says taste is probably the biggest obstacle for babies when parents try to transition to cow’s milk. Human milk and formulas are much sweeter than cow’s milk and there are differences in the thickness and temperature of the milks. For breastfed babies, the change to a bottle or cup can trigger a loss of bonding associated with breastfeeding.


Tyrala offers some tips for parents who are having trouble with infants on a “milk strike”:

Offer cow’s milk in a sippy cup. This helps the baby make the association between the new drink and the different taste and texture.

Go slowly. If the child is very resistant to the change, try just one serving of cow’s milk a day. Then gradually increase the number of servings of cow’s milk. It can take several days to two weeks for the child to reach the goal of drinking all cows’ milk.

Dilute the familiar drink. Use three parts breast milk or formula to one part water. This will slightly alter the taste and texture of the “familiar” drink and, hopefully, enable the child to gradually accept a different drink (cow’s milk). Tyrala says it should only take a few days for a child to accept cow’s milk using this technique, so the temporary loss of calories won’t have any great affect on the infant.

Add some low-sugar flavor. Tyrala doesn’t like the idea of adding sugar-laden flavorings to make cow’s milk as sweet as formula or breast milk. If taste appears to be an issue, she suggests adding powdered flavorings with less sugar.

Try a substitute. Try an alternative to cow’s milk, like soy milk, rice milk or potato milk. Make sure these substitutes are pasteurized and are supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. If a child continues to refuse to drink cow’s milk, try yogurt, soft cheeses or calcium fortified orange juice.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about feeding your children, talk with your health care provider. For general information:

  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development


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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Winter Back Pain? Low Vitamin D May Be to Blame


Is it possible that your chronic winter backache could be due to the lack of sun exposure during the fall and winter months?

Based on a review of research by Stewart Leavitt, PhD, Executive Director of Pain Treatment Topics, vitamin D may be just the “pain pill” your body is looking for.

Leavitt found that patients with chronic back pain usually had inadequate vitamin D levels. And when they were given adequate vitamin D supplementation, their pain either vanished or was significantly relieved.

This could be a simple solution to years of nagging pain. Get your D levels checked and if they’re low, start supplementing. Work with your doctor to see just how much vitamin D it takes to get your levels in the optimum range. Experts consider 30 to 60 ng/ml of 25-hydroxyvitamin D as the preferred range.

Dr Leavitt’s report, "Vitamin D: A Neglected 'Analgesic' for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain," which was peer-reviewed by a panel of experts, includes important points, for instance:

While many people suffer from chronic back aches and soreness during the winter, many times there doesn’t seem to be any injury, disease or bone problem to justify it.

In a study of 360 patients with chronic back pain, all of them were found to have inadequate levels of vitamin D. After taking vitamin D supplements for 3 months, symptoms were improved in 95% of the patients.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Among other things, inadequate vitamin D intake can result in a softening of bone surfaces, called osteomalacia, which causes pain. The lower back seems to be particularly vulnerable.

You may know that current suggested intake of vitamin D (600 IU a day) is outdated. Many people need much more, especially during late fall and winter in the northern regions of the world. Vitamin D is safe in doses up to 10,000 IU a day (and some experts say much more) and has few interactions with medicines. It’s very inexpensive and certainly worth a try.

Of course that doesn’t mean you should take vitamin D and forget about exercise, stretching, good posture, or that you won’t need some additional analgesic for your particular pain problem. But it’s certainly a healthy road to travel. It won’t irritate your stomach or damage your liver, like some pain medications. And there are so many other benefits associated with maintaining optimal levels!

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: We’re seeing more and more benefits of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, particularly during the fall and winter when many people don’t get enough sun exposure to make their own vitamin D. A nagging backache may be your body’s warning that your levels are low. Commonly recommended dosages range from 1,000 to 5,000 IU a day. A specific blood test for the major circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, can show how well your dosage is working.



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Sunday, December 27, 2009

We need our place in the sun, too


While it is important to protect the skin from the sun and the melanomas which can result from over exposure, it is also critical that people understand the many benefits of vitamin D - the production of which is stimulated by ultraviolet radiation.

Exposure to the sun is known to be responsible for the initiation of melanoma and other skin cancers.

In New Zealand we have the highest rates of death from melanoma in the world because our temperate climate means being out in the sun is taken for granted.

To reduce the incidence of melanoma and other cancers a trendy mantra - slip, slop, slap and wrap - was introduced and SunSmart advice provided in schools.

Most could see the logic, were captivated and assiduously followed the recommendations.

But have the consequences been fully understood? Is the advice taken too diligently? Recently I saw a television advertisement for a product containing SPF 80+! Dunedin and Invercargill have 75% of the sunshine per year that Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington do.

We have a cooler climate, so there aren't as many days when it's comfortable to be out in the sun and besides there's shopping, DVDs and computers keeping us indoors and to make life more comfortable we're even planning to build a covered stadium!On the other hand, the sun's ultraviolet radiation promotes the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin so not getting enough time in the sun leads to low levels of vitamin D.

The sun is our main source of vitamin D because the few foods that contain vitamin D, like oily fish and eggs, provide only a small amount.

So it is important for everyone to have regular safe sun exposure.

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, what is made in the summer can be stored for the winter months, when it is colder and being out in the sun is less inviting, but that means it's imperative to be exposed to the sun when appropriate during the summer.

Vitamin D has an important role in maintaining blood calcium and phosphate levels by enhancing absorption of these minerals to promote bone formation and the production of strong healthy bones.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to reduced immunity, cancers, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, schizophrenia, depression and autism.

Even now there are pleas for more funds to publicise the danger of being out in the sun.

But let's be rational - while keeping the danger of overexposure to the sun in mind, in the South it is essential to spend some time out in the sun.

Enjoy.



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Friday, December 25, 2009

'The Biggest Loser' Champ Lives Well With Milk

Losing has never felt so good for "The Biggest Loser" Danny Cahill. Danny knows maintaining his healthy new lifestyle means continuing to make smart choices everyday to help him stay fit. Drinking fat free milk is one healthy choice that is an important part of living well. And it's a simple step everyone can take. Every glass of milk has nine essential nutrients like protein for lean muscle, potassium to help maintain normal blood pressure, and calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.

Danny's ad copy reads, "Losing never felt better. Loving the new me means making smart choices every day. That's why I drink fat free milk. Every glass is packed with 9 essential nutrients including protein that helps keep me fit and strong. Now that's a winning combo."

Check out Danny's new ad, exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, photos from his Milk Mustache shoot and more at whymilk.com.

About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign

The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the Nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board, through MilkPEP, runs the national Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.whymilk.com. Lowe New York is the creative agency for The National Milk Mustache "got milk®" Campaign.


SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program



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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Formula for health is not in the vitamin aisle

It's estimated that 40 per cent of Canadians take vitamin and mineral supplements each day. Yet according to a report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the formula for optimal health isn't in the supplement aisle of a health-food store.

Instead, the best strategy for staying healthy and lowering your risk for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers is to eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods – a practice that for many people is not a habit.

Still, the report recognizes that some people do require vitamin and mineral supplements. Knowing which ones to take – and how much – can be confusing.

The fact is, the maintenance of good health is related more to the types and amounts of foods you eat than to the amount of certain vitamins or minerals you consume. When obtained from foods, certain nutrients have been demonstrated to guard against a number of health conditions. But studies investigating the effect of supplements on health outcomes have turned up disappointing results.

Foods are complex, providing more than just a single vitamin or mineral. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains also contain fibre, along with hundreds of disease-fighting compounds called phytochemicals. It's thought that vitamins and minerals work in concert with other components of food to exert health benefits.

You've heard it over and over: Choose mainly whole grains, get seven to 10 daily servings of fruit and vegetables, eat beans and lentils more often, and so on. Yet a very small percentage of Canadians lives by Canada's Food Guide.

According to national survey data, Canadians of all ages don't get enough magnesium, folate or potassium from their diet. Most adults don't get enough calcium from foods. And women under 50 consume too little iron.

While it's ideal to try to meet your daily nutrient requirements from food, for some people this is hard to do. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, strict vegetarians, people with food intolerances and allergies, and elderly adults often need to fill dietary gaps with a multivitamin and mineral pill.

People with certain health conditions, or who take medications that alter their need for some vitamins or minerals, may also need to rely on supplements. And older adults, people with dark skin and those with inadequate sun exposure require extra vitamin D.

If you fall into one of the following categories, consider taking certain supplements in addition to eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods.

Women of childbearing age

Women who may become pregnant should take a multivitamin supplement that provides 0.4 to 1 milligram of folic acid, a B vitamin that reduces the risk of neural tube defects – birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord.

Menstruating women also need 18 milligrams of iron per day, an amount that's challenging – if not impossible – to get from foods alone. Look for a multivitamin with 10 to 18 milligrams of iron. (Vegetarians need an extra 14 milligrams to account for reduced iron absorption from plant foods.)

Pregnant women

During pregnancy, women need 0.6 milligrams of folic acid from a daily supplement in addition to food sources of folate. Natural sources include spinach, lentils, asparagus, broccoli, avocados and oranges.

Pregnant women also need 27 milligrams of supplemental iron each day (vegetarian women 48 milligrams). Choose a prenatal multivitamin supplement with 0.6 to 1 milligram of folic acid and 27 milligrams of iron.

Older adults

The U.S.-based Institute of Medicine advises that people over 50 get 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day in the form found in fortified foods and supplements. That's because aging reduces ability to digest B12 from food.

Vitamin B12 helps maintain nerve function, keeps red blood cells healthy and is needed to make DNA. Evidence also suggests it may guard against heart disease and maintain cognitive function.

To get your B12, choose a multivitamin and mineral supplement. If you prefer, take a B-complex supplement that contains all eight B vitamins.

Choose a product that provides no more than 0.4 milligram of folic acid, the recommended daily intake. Recently, there's concern that higher doses may accelerate the growth of pre-cancerous cells or early cancer growths.

In healthy cells, folic acid ensures that DNA replicates normally. But cancer and pre-cancer cells synthesize new copies of DNA faster than normal cells and need folic acid to multiply.

There's no evidence that the B vitamin in foods is harmful. In fact, the evidence shows that a diet rich in natural sources of folate is good for you.

At 50, calcium requirements increase to 1,500 milligrams daily. In most cases, people need to rely on calcium supplements in addition to diet to meet daily needs.

More vitamin D

Evidence suggests that optimal vitamin-D status helps prevent certain cancers, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The fact that Canadians don't produce enough vitamin D in their skin from sunlight between October and March prompted the Canadian Cancer Society in June, 2007, to recommend that adults take 1,000 international units (IU ) of the vitamin daily in fall and winter.

Older adults, people with dark skin, those who don't go outdoors often, and those who wear clothing that covers most of their skin should take the supplement year-round.

Before you buy, figure out how much vitamin D you're already getting from multivitamin and calcium supplements. Choose a supplement than contains D3 instead of D2, which is less potent.

Haphazard eaters, dieters

If you don't eat well despite your best intentions, or you consume less than 1,600 calories per day, a multivitamin and mineral supplement can help make up for shortfalls. But keep in mind that supplements can't replicate the nutritional and health benefits of whole foods.

Speak to your dietitian or doctor about which supplements and what doses might be appropriate for you. If you take medications, ask about possible interactions.



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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Eagle's Eye: Smart health habits that can extend life

In addition to plenty of calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone mass, we need protein to keep bones strong. Take dairy products such as milk and yogurt that contain the whole suite of nutrients, including calcium and protein.

During our parents' middle years, the belief is that after a certain age, decline is inevitable. Now, research reveals that smart health habits can extend an active, joyful midlife indefinitely. In fact, it rests upon two key pillars.

The first pillar is a lifelong commitment to preventive health. We've sifted through the latest research about how to remain physically strong, ward off diabetes and heart disease, preserve perceptual skills, and bolster an immune-boosting sunny outlook.
The second pillar is an active social life. We're also aware of the protective benefits of emotionally satisfying relationships. Now, new research details the advantages conferred by happy friendships.

Know to imbue these with more personal contentment, joy, and vibrancy:

1. A Strong Heart: It's the engine that drives an active lifestyle, essential to our ability to maintain healthy muscles and bones, a sharp mind even an upbeat attitude. It is all about cholesterol. If it is high, control it with a low-fat diet.

2. Stable Blood Sugar: For most people, type 2 diabetes is preventable meaning the associated higher risks of heart attack, circulation problems, and dementia are too. Eating complex carb whole grains, nuts, and vegetables is the key to preventing diabetes.

3. Comic Relief: A good laugh is one of the easiest and most reliable tools for managing health because the benefits of laughter are so much like those of physical activity. Latest study found that over the course of a year, the levels of good HDL cholesterol in volunteers participating in a mirthful-laughter group jumped 26%, while their levels of C-reactive proteins, a measure of inflammation linked to both heart disease and diabetes risk, dropped 66%.

4. Good Vision: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) damages the retina, eventually threatens the vision of about one-third of people. See better with supplements. Those with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc can slow vision loss by 25% in people with early signs of AMD.

5. Keen Hearing: Load plate with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and take a standard multivitamin and, of course, avoid very loud, sustained noises, a leading cause of hearing loss.

6. Close Friends: Friends save lives. Happiness spreads through social networks, affecting not only friends but also friends of friends. Surrounding yourself with cheerful companions is beneficial. The real pals evoke a host of positive emotions that bolster immunity.

7. Sturdy Bones: A strong skeleton provides the foundation for an active lifestyle. In addition to plenty of calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone mass, we need protein to keep bones strong. Take dairy products such as milk and yogurt that contain the whole suite of nutrients, including calcium and protein.

8. Deft Balance: One-third of older adults suffer tumbles, and serious falls can hamper ability to remain active. Do exercises that promote balance, flexibility, and strength regularly.



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Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Good Stuff - High Fat Foods You Should Keep on your Diet Menu

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, chances are you’re already thinking about the foods you’ll be chopping from your menu. Lasagna, chocolate chip cookies, devil’s food cake and other fat-laden treats probably top the list. But Hy-Vee dietician Sheri Caldwell says as crazy as it sounds, there are some fattening foods that you should eat when you’re on a diet. These foods provide valuable nutrients that your body needs.

So if you’re making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, make sure you keep these foods on your plate.

Nuts

“Many people think they should avoid nuts because they are high in fat and calories,” Ms. Caldwell says. “The good news is nuts provide unsaturated fats — the kind that is better for your heart health — protein, fiber and minerals.”

They also make a great snack when the afternoon munchies hit. They’re easy to grab and go, have a pretty good shelf life and provide more nutritional value than most “snack foods.” They also can be filling enough to last a few hours.

“Add a sprinkle of nuts on salads or in trail mixes,” Ms. Caldwell suggests. “Keeping the portion to about a handful will provide the health benefits without overdoing the calories.”

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a great source of protein, fat and other vitamins and minerals and is another quick, economical option for a meal or snack. Again, the key is moderation. A tablespoon or two of the peanuty spread is all you need, and Ms. Caldwell says the best overall choice is a peanut butter that has the oil on top and doesn’t have any added sugars and hydrogenated fats. And be sure to check the labels. A reduced-fat peanut butter may contain more sugar and sodium than regular peanut butter.

“I recommend to stir the oil into the peanut butter before using,” she says. “This makes it possible to get a thin layer instead of a thick glob of peanut butter. If you prefer a peanut butter that is a bit sweeter and does not require mixing before use, select one with the least saturated fat and sugar.”

Cheese

Besides being pretty yummy, cheese is a good source of all kinds of nutrients including calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein, which are important for a healthy bone mass and a reduced risk for osteoporosis. Those nutrients also help regulate the body’s fluid balance and maintain healthy blood pressure.

“It is recommended for most healthy adults to consume three to four servings of dairy daily, including milk, yogurt and cheese,” Ms. Caldwell says. “To reduce fat intake, try a low-fat variety or try using less of a stronger flavored cheese.”

Pasta/bread/rice

Pasta, bread and rice often get a bad rap because many people mistakenly view them as fattening. The truth is if consumed in moderation, these carbohydrates are a great source of important nutrients like B vitamins, minerals and fiber. And if they’re whole-grain varieties they can provide a unique nutrient package that refined foods lack.

“I recommended selecting whole-grain pasta, bread and brown rice,” Ms. Caldwell says. “To find whole-grain products, look for the word “whole” on the food label and in the ingredient listing, preferably as the first ingredient. Then pair them with lean meat or peanut butter and fruits and vegetables for meals and snacks.”



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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Watson Announces New Program to Help Promote Good Bone Health in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients on Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy


Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI) today announced a new program encouraging health professionals to help maintain the bone health of prostate cancer patients who are on long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Nearly two million men are receiving ADT, a palliative treatment for prostate cancer that, while highly effective and considered the "gold therapy," can cause bone loss and increase a man's risk for osteoporosis.

As part of the program, Watson is providing urologists, oncologists and other health professionals with free 30-day supplies of calcium and vitamin D supplements along with educational patient brochures on how to help maintain bone health in men with prostate cancer on ADT.

Each supplement tablet contains 600 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D, and when taken twice daily, can help prostate cancer patients meet the daily amounts recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for adult men 50 years of age or older.

"The bone health side effects of long-term ADT are a serious issue, yet few cancer patients are being informed about this risk or about the lifestyle changes and drug therapy that can help prevent bone loss," said Neal Shore, MD, FACS, CPI, Medical Director at the Carolina Urologic Research Center. "Because men with prostate cancer are more often receiving their care from a urologist or oncologist, it is important that specialists are educating their male patients about bone health rather than assuming it is the responsibility of the general practitioner."

Androgen deprivation therapy - the use of synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogs (LHRH) therapy - is an effective and commonly used long-term therapeutic option for treating localized and advanced prostate cancer. LHRH therapy slows the growth of prostate cancer by suppressing the production of testosterone in the testicles. Over time, this decreased level of testosterone can, however, cause bone loss. Men, on average, lose about 0.5 percent to 1 percent of their bone mineral density every year. That loss can increase to about 4 percent to 13 percent per year in men on long-term ADT.

Given the risk of bone loss with ADT therapy, NCCN recommends that men with prostate cancer discuss the risk with their oncologist and personal physician as well as undergo frequent monitoring for osteoporosis using the NOF's guidelines for the general population. The guidelines include recommendations for calcium supplements (1200 mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU daily) for all men over age 50 years and additional treatment for men who have a greater than or equal to 3 percent likelihood of suffering a hip fracture or greater than or equal to 20 percent likelihood of suffering a major osteoporosis-related fracture within the next 10 years.

Along with getting the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D, the NOF also recommends older men protect their bone health by exercising regularly (weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises), avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and talking to their doctor about a bone mineral density test. Prescription medication that helps protect against bone loss also might be an option for patients at high risk for fracture.

"Watson is committed to urologic health," said Fred Wilkinson, Executive Vice President, Global Brands at Watson. "Our new supplement program will help physicians encourage their prostate cancer patients who are on long-term androgen deprivation therapy to make a commitment to good bone health."

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the development and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on Urology and Women's Health. Watson has operations in over 20 countries including many of the world's established and growing international markets.

In the U.S., the Watson portfolio includes RAPAFLO, GELNIQUE, Oxytrol®, TRELSTAR® LA and TRELSTAR® Depot, Ferrlecit®, and INFeD®. In addition, Watson markets the following brands under co-promotion agreements: AndroGel®, with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Femring®, with Warner Chilcott Limited. The Watson pipeline portfolio includes a number of products, including a six-month formulation of TRELSTAR®, for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer which is currently under review by the FDA; URACYST®, under development for cystitis; and a novel new oral contraceptive.

For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watson.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to Watson's estimated or anticipated future results or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. For instance, any statements in this press release concerning prospects related to Watson's strategic initiatives, product introductions and anticipated financial performance are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that Watson's goals and expectations are not predictions of actual performance. Watson's performance, at times, will differ from its goals and expectations. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainty associated with financial projections; successful integration of the Arrow acquisition and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of the Arrow acquisition; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of litigation; variability of revenue mix between the Company's Brand, Generic and Distribution business units; periodic dependence on a small number of products for a material source of net revenue or income; variability of trade buying patterns; changes in generally accepted accounting principles; risks that the carrying values of assets may be negatively impacted by future events and circumstances; timely and successful consummation and implementation of strategic initiatives; the timing and success of product launches; the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of product development efforts and FDA or other regulatory agency approvals or actions; the uncertainty associated with the identification and successful consummation of external business development transactions; market acceptance of and continued demand for Watson's products; costs and efforts to defend or enforce intellectual property rights; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; the availability and pricing of third party sourced products and materials; successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to Watson's and its third party manufacturers' facilities, products and/or businesses; uncertainties related to the timing and outcome of litigation and other claims; changes in the laws and regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid, affecting among other things, pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products; and such other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2009. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.



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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Vitamin C Is Good But Vitamin D Is The Key

We’ve always been told Vitamin C is best for colds. More and more studies show Vitamin D in boosting the immune system and preventing chronic disease. Vitamin D deficiencies play a major role in most diseases.

To understand what Vitamin D really does we must first understand what it is.

“It’s not just a vitamin,but rather the only known substrate for a potent, pleiotropic (meaning it produces multiple effects), repair and maintenance seco-steroid hormone that serves multiple gene-regulatory functions in your body.

Just one example of an important gene that vitamin D up-regulates is your ability to fight infections. It produces over 200 anti microbial peptides, the most important of which is cathelicidin, a naturally occurring broad-spectrum antibiotic.”

The human body has over 30,000 genes and vitamin D positively affects 2000 of them. Long story short the positive affects of Vitamin D on the body are numerous. Did you know the sun is a major source of Vitamin D? Do you think it’s a coincidence that dermatologist and sunscreen manufactures spend so much time trying to keep you out of the sun?


Vitamin D is know to prevent numerous chronic diseases such as:

Caner, Heart Disease, Autism, Obesity, Diabetes, Cohrn’s Disease, Muscle Pain, Signs Of Aging, Multiple Sclerosis, Tuberculosis, Imflammatory Bowl Disease, Eczema, Dementia, Migranes, Cavities and Peridontal Disease.

To give you another idea of the importance of Vitamin D. “Researchers have calculated that simply increasing levels of vitamin D3 could prevent diseases that claim nearly 1 million lives throughout the world each year!” Here’s another interesting statistic that involves the sun. There is overwhelming evidence which shows the further you live from the equator the higher your risk of dying from cancer. Many of us are deficient in vitamin D, the question now is how do we address it.

According to Dr. Mercola, exposure to sun is the best source of Vitamin D. Secondly, Vitamini D3 is the best supplement. Before you run out and get your share of the sun and start taking Vitamin D3 make sure you have your Vitamin D levels checked so you will know where you are currently. For information on Vitamin D intake click here. Look into Vitamin D on your own and I look forward to hearing what you find.



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Sunday, December 13, 2009

'Tis The Season for Vitamin D

My favourite time of year is summer: the sun shining on my skin, a warm breeze through my hair and the health benefits of vitamin D flowing through my veins. Sunshine is absolutely the best way to obtain vitamin D, but during the approaching winter months, the suns’ rays aren’t powerful enough to produce an ample amount.

Vitamin D plays a vital role in sustaining healthy bones and teeth — by helping to absorb calcium. And without it, bones can become weak and brittle. It is also an integral part of boosting the body’s immune system to ward off any seasonal colds or flus. The “sunshine vitamin” is even a beneficiary tool in reducing the risk of cancer.

So, in order to get the lowdown on vitamin D, I went to my local health store and asked the woman behind the counter what she recommended. The most efficient choice would be to take daily vitamin D supplements, she suggested. But if you’re one of those people who can’t remember where your shoes are in the morning — let alone systematically taking a vitamin supplement — there are other ways to get your daily-D fix.

Foods rich in vitamin D, like salmon, tuna, mushrooms, soymilk, eggs and fortified cereals, are sensible sources as well. These foods will also help to increase serotonin levels, which will help stabilize your mood and energy. Mushrooms are the only food that darkens when exposed to sunlight, and is therefore able to produce vitamin D on its own.

She also suggested I go to a tanning salon as a solution to up my vitamin D intake. Now, I’m not one to bake myself in a burning cauldron of cancer, so I did some extra research on that subject. And what I learned is that the sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. When braving the tanning bed, one must make sure the lamps are those of medium pressure, which are jam-packed with UVB rays. UVB will ensure that you don’t burn, but that you will still get loads of vitamin D.

So, whatever method you choose, make sure you stock up on vitamin D… until next summer of course, when we’ll be able to reap the benefits of sunshine once more.


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Friday, December 11, 2009

The Importance of Multivitamins

Dr. Michael Roizen knows your secret. You're not eating enough fruits and veggies.

That's why most Baby Boomers need a multivitamin, said the chairman of the Wellness Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

When it comes to opinions about the need for multivitamins, there seems to be, ahem, one a day.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine's Dr. Victor Herbert famously fell on the side of the skeptics, declaring, "supplements help some, harm some, and do nothing for most, so the bottom line is a wash," in the book Total Nutrition: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need, first published in the mid 1990s.

Until recently many doctors sided with Herbert, telling their patients that spending money on vitamins amounted to creating expensive urine.

But as Boomers have aged, nutrition science has advanced as well.

Studies are increasingly showing large gaps between optimal nutrition and what typical Americans are taking in from food, gaps that are easily surmounted with vitamins.

Roizen has data to prove it.

Co-author of You: The Owners Manual, Roizen is also the co-creator of the Web site RealAge.com . On that Web site, people report on their health status, including diet, to learn whether their "real age" is younger or older than it should be, and to glean wellness tips.

Based on users' responses, Roizen says he's certain about most adults' need for a multivitamin.

"We've had 27 million people take the RealAge program," Roison says. "A little less than 1 percent can get the right vitamins and minerals from their diet alone. It's possible, but it isn't done commonly in America. We just don't eat right."

For once, Boomers are following their doctors' advice.

According to Nutrition Business Journal estimates, U.S. consumer sales of dietary supplements reached $25.2 billion in 2008 on 6.2 percent growth. The multivitamin category accounted for $4.7 billion of these sales in 2008, on 4.3 percent growth.

But it's not necessary to go broke buying fancy brand-name vitamins, Roisen said. He tells patients at the Cleveland Clinic that a low-cost multivitamin will meet their basic needs. Grocery store brands are usually fine, he said. They're often manufactured by the same companies as the expensive vitamins, using the same basic ingredients.

But there are some other vitamins he suggests adding to the multivitamin.

His tips:

"You want to look for a multivitamin that has less than 3,500 international units of vitamin A," he said.

Buy a pill splitter, and take part in the morning, part at night, to improve absorption, he said.

Most Boomers need extra vitamin D, in the form of D3, as well, he said. Those under age 50 need around 1,000 IUs, while those over age 50 should get 1,200 IUs.

Two hours after taking their multivitamin and extra D, he recommends taking 600 mg of calcium two times a day, plus 200 mg of magnesium two times a day.

Last, he wants most of his adult patients to take fish oil, for the omega 3 fatty acids which benefit heart, brain and vascular health. Look for ones that offer 600 mg of DHA, he said. In his books, Roizen cautions patients to stay within his guidelines, and not fall for the "if a little is good, a lot must be better" mentality.

"There is toxicity from too much of some of the vitamins and minerals, so you want to make sure you stay within the guidelines of what we write," he said.

In Boynton Beach, internist Dr. Stacey Shinder has her patients bring in their vitamins, to ensure they're taking the right amounts, and not taking anything that might interfere with their prescription drugs.

Niacin, for example, can affect liver function, she said, and high doses of that and selenium can pose problems. Fish oil and blood-thinning drugs may be a bad combination.

Shinder, part of the MD VIP concierge group, charges members $1,500 a year for the extra attention. But she doesn't just go over vitamins with her patients. She orders blood tests to assess their levels of vitamin D, iron and other nutrients.

And she wants to hear about their diet.

"I often will have patients keep food diaries for me. Especially when we have weight management issues."

While she prefers good diet to vitamins, she's realistic.

"I am more of a believer in getting people to eat more fruits and vegetables, more colors, more varieties," she said. "No vitamin is a magic pill."

Rich or poor, the advice is similar.

Sue Grammond, registered dietitian at the Palm Beach County Health Department, also encourages clients to take a multivitamin. But she tells them if money is short, it's most important to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, and go for frozen veggies if fresh are difficult to keep, she tells them.

"One of the mantras in nutrition is food first," Grammond said. "It comes with the vitamins, the fiber, the whole package when you eat the whole thing."

Dr. Roizen's vitamin advice for Boomers:

1. Take a multivitamin that contains no more than 3,500 IUs of vitamin A. Buy a pill splitter, and take half the multivitamin in the morning, half at night.

2. Take additional vitamin D3. Those under age 50 need around 1,000 IUs a day, while those over age 50 should get 1,200 IUs a day.

3. Add calcium two hours after your multivitamin. Aim for 600 mg of calcium two times a day, plus 200 mg of magnesium two times a day.

4. After checking with your doctor, take a fish oil capsule with 600 mg of DHA per day.

5. Beware mega doses of vitamins. Too much vitamin A, niacin, vitamin E, and other nutrients can cause health problems, so talk to your doctor about what you're taking.

The buzz word is phytonutrients. The claim is that hundreds of plant compounds are still unknown, and benefit the immune system, the vascular system and general health.

But can they be turned into juice, freeze-dried, pressed into a capsule, and still offer health benefits? Top brands promising whole-food benefits include Juice Plus+, Nutrilite, Dr. Mercola's Whole Food Multivitamin and GNC's Maximum Greens, among others. These supplements can be much more expensive than a multivitamin.

A 31-day supply of Nutrilite's Double X multivitamin/mineral and phytonutrient pack costs a whopping $71.41. A month's supply of Juice Plus+ is $41.75. And a month's supply of GNC's Maximum Greens Ultra Mega Green Vitapak costs $35.99.

But are they worth it?

Nutrition Professor Susan Percival thinks it's likely.

At the University of Florida's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, in Gainesville, she is studying the effect of several natural food compounds on immune system cells called gamma delta T cells.

The cells play a dual role, first by attacking germ invaders, then by dialing down the inflammatory response after infection has passed.

Mounting an immune attack requires just about every nutrient there is to produce armies of these immune cells, she said. Several plant compounds that are not found in multivitamins play an important role in priming the immune cells, she said.

Those compounds include catechins, found in green tea, cocoa and grapes, and anthocyanins, found in blueberries, Concord grapes and cranberries.

For research published in 2006, she enrolled 59 UF law school students in a study on Juice Plus+ capsules. She found those who got the real capsules and not the placebo had increased blood levels of nutrients and antioxidants, fewer DNA strand breaks, and an increase in circulating gamma delta T cells.

Many of the beneficial food compounds are in their pigments, the chemicals that make them colorful. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables is best, because you get the fiber, she said. But the capsules she studied had definite benefits.

"I cannot generalize to all whole food capsules except to say the ones I know take very good care to preserve much of the nutritional value that the whole fruit and vegetable had," Percival said.



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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Top 12 Foods for Healthy Immune Response

Editor's note: Flu vaccine may help some people, but there is no guarantee for a specific individual to get the benefits because the efficacy of a flu vaccine is often lower. Regardless, food consumers need to take care of their diet and lifestyle to maintain adequate immunity so that they may prevent most if not all of the flu viruses.


The 2009 flu season is upon us, and it appears to be hitting hard -- and early.

Staying well while those around you sniffle and sneeze requires that you extract as much nutrition from your diet as you can, loading up on the foods that pack the biggest nutritional punch.

Avoiding processed foods, grains and sugar will go a long way toward strengthening your immune system. However, you can do even more by selecting foods that are loaded with the specific immune boosting nutrients.

Eating a diet rich in the following foods will be far better for your health than loading up on handfuls of supplements, or worse yet, falling victim to vaccines that expose you to health risks far worse than influenza.

Below, I have outlined what I consider to be the absolute best foods you can eat to prepare yourself for the season, although the list is certainly not exhaustive.

1. Unpasteurized Grass-Fed Organic Milk

Raw organic milk from grass-fed cows contains beneficial bacteria that prime your immune system and can reduce allergies. It is an outstanding source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, zinc, and enzymes. Raw organic milk is not associated with any of the health problems of pasteurized milk such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin rashes, diarrhea and cramps.

Raw milk also contains beneficial fats that will help your immune system.

Although raw milk availability is limited in the US depending on where you live, you can locate the source closest to you at RealMilk.com.

Whey Protein

Even if you don’t have access to raw grass-fed milk, you can use a high-quality whey protein that comes from grass-fed cows to receive much of the same health benefits.

The protein in milk is whey protein. Whey is the liquid that separates from the curd during the production of cheese. When the liquid dries into powdered whey, the nutrients become concentrated, and it can be packaged and used in that form.

Whey protein can help you fight off colds and flu because it contains beta-glucans and immunoglobulins, which protect your immune system and support your body’s natural detoxification processes.

2. Fermented Foods

If you are serious about boosting your immunity, then adding traditionally fermented foods is essential.

One of the most healthful fermented foods is kefir. Kefir is an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich food full of friendly microorganisms that balance your “inner ecosystem” and strengthen immunity. Besides kefir, other good fermented foods include natto, kimchee, miso, tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, yoghurt (watch for sugar), and olives.

Friendly bacteria have a powerful, beneficial effect on your gut’s immune system, your first line defense against pathogens, and aid in the production of antibodies.

3. Raw Organic Eggs From Free-Range Chickens

Before you wrinkle up your nose, raw eggs are an inexpensive and amazing source of high-quality nutrients that many people are deficient in, especially high-quality protein and fat. I am a proponent of raw eggs because they have been so helpful to my own health.

As long as you have a good source for fresh, organic raw eggs, you need not worry about salmonella. To find free-range pasture farms, try your local health food store, or go to http://www.eatwild.com or http://www.localharvest.com.

4. Grass-Fed Beef or Organ Meats

Grass-Fed beef comes from cows that eat what they were meant to eat—grasses, not corn or grains. This results in far greater health benefits for you the environment[i].

Grass-fed beef is very high in vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene, zinc and CLA. CLA (conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid) is three to five times higher in grass-fed animals than grain-fed animals and is an immune system enhancer.

Don’t confuse “organic” with grass-fed, since many organically raised cows are still fed organic corn, which you don’t want. However, most grass-fed cows are raised organically. And if you can find organic AND grass-fed, that’s ideal.

5. Coconuts and Coconut Oil

Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin. Monolaurin is the actual compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity.

A great deal of research has been done establishing the ability of lauric acid to enhance immunity. This medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) actually disrupts the lipid membranes of offending organisms.

When selecting coconuts and coconut oil, make sure you choose organic ones that are unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and non-GMO.

6. Locally Grown Organic Vegetables Appropriate for Your Nutritional Type

When it comes to fighting off pathogens, you simply can’t do any better than eating a variety of fresh, organic and preferably raw vegetables for the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes they contain. However, the amount and type of vegetables you should eat daily will depend on your nutritional type.

Make sure the veggies you choose are fresh. The nutrient value drops to practically zero once a fruit or vegetable is canned. For example, take a look at the ORAC value of peaches.

ORAC Values

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and an ORAC unit or ORAC “score” is a standardized method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. The higher the ORAC score, the more effective a food is at neutralizing free radicals. The less free radicals you have, the healthier you will be.

Back to peaches.

A raw, fresh peach has an ORAC score of 1,814. A can of peaches in heavy syrup has an ORAC score of 436, meaning that more than 75 percent of the antioxidants are lost in the canning process.

You can check the ORAC score for many different things at www.oracvalues.com. The higher the score, the better. Please be aware, though, that the total antioxidant capacity of a food alone does not determine its health benefit, which depends on how it is absorbed and utilized by your body. ORAC score is a useful guide, but it is only part of the picture.

7. Blueberries and Raspberries

Blueberries and raspberries rate very high in antioxidant capacity (ORAC of 6,520), compared to other fruits and vegetables. Wild blueberries in particular are potent immune boosters. They contain powerful phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, which is the pigment that gives blueberries their color. And they are lower in sugar than many other fruits.

8. Mushrooms

Mushrooms strengthen your immune system because they are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and other minerals, and even vitamin D -- one of the only foods that can provide you with this essential immune strengthener.

Mushrooms make up a large part of the fabric of the earth. According to Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading authorities on the health benefits of mushrooms, one cubic inch of soil can contain eight miles of mycelium.[ii]

Mushrooms also contain powerful compounds called beta glucans, which have been long known for their immune enhancing properties. The beta glucans in medicinal mushrooms (especially Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake) are notable for their ability to activate/modulate the immune system.

Beta glucan[iii] enhances immunity through a variety of mechanisms, many of which are similar to those of echinacea or astragalus root. For example, it binds to macrophages and other scavenger white blood cells, activating their anti-infection activities.[iv] Numerous studies support this.

9. Chlorella

As foods go, chlorella is nearly perfect.

Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater algae that acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, such as mercury, and carries them out of your system. It is the chlorophyll in chlorella that makes it so powerful. Chlorophyll helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues.

For a full review of all the benefits of this superfood, go to my chlorella page.

10. Propolis

Propolis is a bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world, if not the broadest spectrum, according to master herbalist Donnie Yance. Propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important phenolic compounds that aid in immune response.

11. Teas

The two best types of tea for fending off microinvaders are Matcha green tea and tulsi tea.

Green Tea and Matcha

Matcha is the most nutrient-rich green tea and comes in the form of a stone-ground powder, completely unfermented. The best Matcha comes from Japan and has up to seventeen times the antioxidants of wild blueberries, and seven times more than dark chocolate.

Green teas are rich in polyphenols, in the form of natural chemicals called catechins. The most powerful catechin in tea is epigallocatechin (EGCG), which was found in one study to be 25 to 100 times more potent than antioxidant vitamins C and E. And Matcha is more than 100 times as potent in EGCG as regular brewed green tea.

Tulsi

Tulsi tea, coming from the holy basil herb, has been used for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic medicine of India. Not only is this tea loaded with antioxidants, but it has multiple positive health benefits, including supporting your immune health, memory, heart health and vision.

12. Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are at the top of the list of high ORAC value foods on planet Earth[v]. There are simply too many good ones to summarize here! So I will simply highlight a few that deserve special mention.

Garlic

Garlic, although not at the top of the ORAC chart (5,346), is incredibly beneficial to your immune system because it offers a triple-whammy: it’s antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. You should be eating garlic every day. One of the best things about garlic is that bacteria, viruses, and yeast build up no resistance to it, unlike with synthetic antibiotics.

For optimal benefits, garlic should be fresh since the active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic cloves. In other words, garlic capsules are basically useless.

Garlic contains allicin, a chemical that is anticarcinogenic. It also has been shown to lower LDL, lower total cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of blood clots and stroke, lower homocysteine, and even prevent insect bites -- including mosquitoes and ticks.

Herbs and Spice and Everything Nice

Immunity from common infections involves not only preventing pathogens from taking hold, but also moderating the immune response to invading pathogens.

Complications arise when you experience an over-response to the infection, which is why H1N1 is taking its toll on healthy young adults. Their bodies are over responding -- something called a “cytokine storm.” It’s basically a severe inflammatory response.[vi]

One wonderful thing about plants (and herbs especially) is that they don’t all stimulate the immune system—some modulate it, or act as a buffer.

Here are some of the best herbs and spices for building a strong immune system that functions correctly:

*
Honeysuckle and chrysanthemum: good antivirals
*
Artemisia: antimalarial
*
Andrographis, aka “King of Bitters”: antiviral, and helps modulate inflammatory response[vii]
*
Licorice: buffers the inflammatory response by increasing steroid output by the adrenal glands; a good buffer if your immune system is over responding to the flu.
*
Turmeric: ORAC score of 159,277; general immune system booster due to its high antioxidant capacity, and an anticancer agent as well; turneric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamins C and E, and even strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical, which is considered by some to be the most reactive of all oxidants
*
Black Pepper: Increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods--herbs and other things
*
Oregano: ORAC 13,970; active agent is rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant; one tablespoon of oregano has the antioxidant capacity of one medium apple
*
Cinnamon: ORAC 267,536; powerful antimicrobial agent—found to kill E. coli and many other bacteria; also has antiinflammatory compounds
*
Cloves: THE BIG ORAC GRAND PRIZE WINNER AT 314,446, highest of all foods tested! Contains eugenol; its mild anaesthetic benefits are useful for toothaches and sore throats; good antiinflammatory[viii]

Finally, I recently had a fascinating interview with herbalist Donnie Yance, who shared his basic remedy for flu, should you come down with one.

Make this special tea from a combination of herbs that synergistically cause your body to sweat -- which is very desirable if you want to eradicate a virus from your system. And then drink it hot and often:

1. Elderflower (this has been used for hundreds of years for flu)

2. Boneset (eupatorium)

3. Yarrow

4. Linden

5. Peppermint

6. Ginger

By incorporating some of these fantastic foods, you’ll not only evade the circulating viruses but improve your overall health and longevity at the same.



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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Vitamin D is ‘nature's antibiotic’

Vitamin D is being appreciated as "Nature's Antibiotic" as a string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of this nutrient have come to the fore.

Right from the health of your immune system to prevention of heart disease and even vulnerability to influenza, vitamin D is now seen as one of the most critical nutrients for overall health.

But it is also one of those most likely to be deficient – especially during winter when production of the "sunshine vitamin" almost grinds to a halt for people.

Analogs of the vitamin are even being considered for use as new therapies against tuberculosis, AIDS, and other concerns.

And federal experts are considering an increase in the recommended daily intake of the vitamin as more evidence of its value emerges, especially for the elderly.

"About 70 percent of the population of the United States has insufficient levels of vitamin D. This is a critical issue as we learn more about the many roles it may play in fighting infection, balancing your immune response, helping to address autoimmune problems, and even preventing heart disease," said Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Among other findings about benefits of Vitamin D is the ones made by OSU scientists that it induces the "expression" of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide gene.

This explains in part how it helps serve as the first line of defense in your immune response against minor wounds, cuts, and both bacterial and viral infections.

Experts believe advances in the use of cathelicidin may form the basis for new therapies.

"Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is a world-wide, public health problem in both developed and developing nations. Nearly one billion people world-wide are deficient," the new report concluded.

The new report found that low levels of circulating vitamin D are associated with increased risk and mortality from cancer.

Vitamin D plays an important role in activating the immune system, fostering the "innate" immune response and controlling over-reaction of adaptive immunity, and as such may help control autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The regulation of cathelicidin by vitamin D, a unique biological pathway for the function of vitamin D that could help explain its multiple roles in proper immune function, is so important that it’s only known to exist in two groups of animals - humans and non-human primates - and has been conserved in them through millions of years of evolution.

Epidemiological studies show a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased rates of respiratory infection and influenza, and it has been hypothesized that flu epidemics may be the result of vitamin D deficiency.

Higher levels of a protein linked to vitamin D have been associated with reduced infections and longer survival of dialysis patients.

Vitamin D has important roles in reducing inflammation, blood pressure and helping to protect against heart disease.



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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Vitamin D: key to preventing cancer and heart disease

Make sure you're drinking your milk because it gives you a strong healthy heart?

It's the latest in research about vitamin D that's linking it to everything from protecting you against heart disease to preventing cancer.

And with nearly 60 days cloudy days on average during the winter, it's no wonder so many of us are vitamin D deficient, and that's not a good thing.

Recent studies on the vitamin have found it might be more important to the body than any other, "It is represented in over 13 different organ systems in our body. Our central nervous system, our pancreas, our intestines, our muscles our bones." Dr. Mark Gostine with Michigan Pain Consultants in Grand Rapids has been studying the affects of vitamin D on the body for nearly a decade.

"What we're finding out is vitamin d has tremendous impact on multiple diseases."

Gostine says it can aid in preventing cancer and protecting you against heart disease, "Vitamin D can dampen the inflammation that leads to the hardening of the arteries and that of course can lead to heart failure."

That's a theory that's recently been supported by the American Heart Association. A recent study of nearly 28,000 patients showed that those who were deficient in vitamin D were twice as likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure.

But it's not just heart disease where doctors are discovering the benefits of vitamin D, Dr. Gostine believes it may even help in the prevention of certain cancers like breast and prostate, "The immune system is probably the common denominator here with vitamin D."

Vitamin D is actually a hormone steroid not a vitamin. So the body uses it to regulate the immune system which helps the body in the fight against cancer. "By up regulating the immune system it can help the white cells and all the immune components that are looking for the cancer trying to stamp out the cancer when it's very small when it can still be treated by the bodies immune system.", says Gostine.

So how much vitamin d should we get every day?

Dr. Gostine believes that the 400 units in your multi-vitamin aren't nearly enough because the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D supplements was based on a child's dosage in the 1940's

Dr. Gostine would like to see adults get at least 4,000 units a day or more depending on your level of deficiency.

Melissa Cooper has suffered with back pain for nearly a decade undergoing two unsuccessful surgeries before being recommended to Dr. Gostine. The first thing he did was check to see if she was vitamin d deficient, "I just couldn't believe it when they said my vitamin d level was so low."

In fact it was one of the lowest levels Dr. Gostine had ever seen and immediately placed her on 50,000 units of vitamin D a week. It took more than three months to get Melissa up to normal levels.

Once she was, she endured a third back surgery, this time it was more than successful.

A side by side comparison shows that Melissa actually grew bone in her spine.

Dr.. Gostine is a firm believer vitamin D made the difference, "I don't think there was any question that that was the reason."

Is it the next miracle vitamin? - that's yet to be determined.

But in the meantime it never hurts to soak up the sun when you get the chance.



source

Monday, December 7, 2009

Vitamin D: A potential role in cardiovascular disease prevention

Inadequate levels of vitamin D are associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, a new observational study has found. Dr Tami L Bair (Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT) reported the findings here at the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions.

Bair and colleagues followed more than 27 000 people 50 years or older with no history of cardiovascular disease for just over a year and found that those with very low levels of vitamin D (<15>30 ng/mL). Those deficient in vitamin D were also twice as likely to develop heart failure as those with normal levels.

"We concluded that even a moderate deficiency of vitamin D was associated with developing coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and death," said coauthor Dr Heidi May (Intermountain Medical Center). However, "it is not known whether this is a cause and effect relationship," she told heartwire. Because this study was observational, more research is needed "to better establish the association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease," she noted.


Evidence so far suggestive of benefit of vitamin D

Vitamin D was the subject of much discussion in a general session on vitamins at the AHA scientific sessions. Although the evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin D in cardiovascular disease is probably stronger than for any other vitamin, there have been only a few randomized clinical trials, and previous observational studies "show no robust effects," said Dr Harald Dobnig (Medical University of Graz, Austria). The latter suffer from limitations, such as doses of vitamin D supplementation that are too low, low compliance rates, and short study duration, he noted.

There are some large randomized trials underway looking at outcomes with vitamin D; it is hoped that they will provide definitive answers in five to seven years, Dr Eric Rimm (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) explained.

"I think there's promise for vitamin D. We know that most people have insufficient vitamin D levels in their blood," Rimm told heartwire. "So although it will take five years until some of the trials that are adequately powered to look at cardiovascular disease with vitamin D will report, the epidemiology right now is suggestive that people should have 1000 or 2000 IU of vitamin D a day," he said.


Vitamin D: How do we get it, and how much is enough?

Rimm discussed vitamin D at length, explaining that there are two sources: sunlight in the form of UVB rays, and diet (foods and supplementation). "Many tissue types and cells in the body have vitamin D receptors, and the active form of vitamin D is modulated by calcium and parathyroid hormone," he explained, with potential downstream effects on a number of bodily systems—inflammatory markers and the renin angiotensin system to name just two—he said.

People at highest risk of vitamin D deficiency include those with darker skin, those living at high altitudes, the elderly (because there is less of the precursor for vitamin D in the blood as people age and older people tend to spend less time outside), the obese, those who avoid the sun or cover the skin in the sun, those who are the immobilized or institutionalized, and pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Deficiency in vitamin D is generally agreed to be a blood level of <20>150 ng/mL indicating excessive vitamin D.

Data suggest that many people are likely getting inadequate vitamin D, he said, with studies showing that black Americans have blood levels ranging from 6-18 ng/mL and that white Americans have levels ranging from 16-25 ng/mL.

In general, a supplement of 100 IU of vitamin D per day will increase blood levels of vitamin D by 1 ng/mL, Rimm said. Those taking 1000 IU per day should have blood levels in the range of 25-32 ng/mL and those taking 4000 IU should have levels of 40-50 ng/mL.


Diet and sunshine good sources of vitamin D

However, Rimm stressed that vitamin D need not just come from supplements. "I think for vitamin D, it's a shame just to count on supplementation because, during the right times of year, five to 10 minutes a day of sunlight is sufficient is to make enough vitamin D. I do hear the concerns about skin cancer and I think people should wear suntan lotion, but it's probably better to put it on 10 minutes after you've been in the sun."

He cautioned that "in northern climes, even if you go out in the sun in January, you're not going to make much vitamin D, so there you would need supplementation to get adequate levels."
One of the best dietary sources of vitamin D is fish.

People should remember that diet is an important source of vitamin D, too, he noted. "One of the best dietary sources of vitamin D is fish. We already suggest people eat a couple of servings a week, but having three or four servings a week of fish can get you a fair bit of vitamin D, and would represent an additional 300 to 500 IU of vitamin D. This still might not be sufficient so you might need a little bit of sunlight or to take a vitamin D supplement. It's really a combination of things, that's probably the best approach."

Both Rimm and Dobnig said it is nearly impossible for anyone to suffer adverse effects from too much vitamin D. Those who spend whole days in the sun, such as lifeguards, have vitamin D levels ranging from 45 to 65 ng/mL, said Rimm. "Vitamin D is safe. Hypercalcemia is not a problem, with the rare exception of granulomatous disease," said Dobnig. He added that because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be given weekly, or even monthly.


Results of two large randomized trials eagerly awaited

Rimm said he hopes ongoing research will inform the vitamin D debate. Data are needed on intermediate end points, such as inflammatory markers and parathyroid hormone, and on "hard" end points, such as coronary artery disease, sudden death, and heart failure, both in primary prevention and in high-risk populations, including those with chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

The results of two large randomized trials are eagerly awaited, he said, including the National Institutes of Health-sponsored VITAL study looking at whether 2000 IU vitamin D and/or 1 g of fish oil (omega-3 fatty-acid supplementation) can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, or cancer in 20 000 men and women, which is slated to begin in January 2010.

The Thiazolidinedione Intervention with Vitamin D Evaluation (TIDE) study is being coordinated by researchers at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. This trial is looking at rosiglitazone versus pioglitazone in people with type 2 diabetes at risk of heart disease, but also has a vitamin D versus placebo arm. The primary outcome for the vitamin D arm will be cancer, but there are a number of secondary cardiovascular end points, said Dobnig. Right now, I think the evidence for vitamin D probably is stronger than the evidence for other vitamins.

"The evidence for vitamins is not great," Rimm said. "The best thing we can say now is to stop smoking, eat a good diet, and don't be overweight. I think people sometimes lose touch with the most important message of prevention, and jump right to the vitamins thinking that's going to sustain them, so doing what we know first and best is probably the best place to start."

"After that, right now, I think the evidence for vitamin D probably is stronger than the evidence for other vitamins," he concluded.



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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Deviled Eggs Recipe and 10 Health Benefits of Eggs

There are many traditional Thanksgiving Day recipes that everyone looks forward to and deviled eggs are a classic. Whether they are made with using a traditional deviled eggs recipes or one of the newer versions -- including spicy, gluten free , or even a caviar deviled eggs-- Thanksgiving Day isn't the same without this tasty appetizer. Even better? Eggs have great health benefits.

Deviled eggs are hard-boiled eggs cut in half and filled with the hard-boiled egg's yolk mixed with different ingredients. Deviled eggs are usually served cold. They are served as a side dish, appetizer or a main course, and are a common holiday or party food.

Eggs are full of protein and have so many good health benefits that consuming eggs on Thanksgiving is a great idea. Try a few new recipes or stick with the classic deviled eggs recipe for a delicious Thanksgiving Day appetizer.

Easy Deviled Eggs Recipes

Classic Deviled Eggs

Crab & Celery Deviled Eggs

Caviar Deviled Eggs

Gluten Free Deviled Eggs

Health Benefits of Eggs

1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.



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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Chocolate Milk Good or Bad?

Milk, filled with calcium and vitamin D, may help children grow into strong healthy adults, but many won’t touch it without adding chocolate syrup. A blog on the New Yorker Web site asked New Yorker Food Issue contributors if adding chocolate cancelled the health benefits of milk, or if it is a necessary incentive to get kids to consume nutrients.

Mimi Sheraton said the chocolate is OK because otherwise children may not get the much-needed calcium and vitamin D from the milk. She suggested using high-quality, low-sugar chocolate syrup in lowfat milk. She added chocolate may even add benefits, as recent studies have shown its ability to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

While the other contributors gave jokes for answers (Raffi Khatchadourian spoke about genetically engineered cows that produce chocolate milk from their udders; and John Colapinto said he didn’t want his son to drink chocolate milk or even eat sandwiches because of their negative health benefits), the article brings up a good point about how a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Or, in this era of childhood obesity and kids who experience adult disease, should we skip the sugar and try to give only the medicine?


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Friday, December 4, 2009

Vitamin D Has Numerous Health Benefits

Vitamin D is called as "nature's antibiotic" as recent discoveries have brought to light its numerous health benefits.

Right from the health of your immune system to prevention of heart disease and even vulnerability to influenza, vitamin D is now seen as one of the most critical nutrients for overall health.

But it is also one of those most likely to be deficient - especially during winter when production of the "sunshine vitamin" almost grinds to a halt for people.

Analogs of the vitamin are even being considered for use as new therapies against tuberculosis, AIDS, and other concerns.

And federal experts are considering an increase in the recommended daily intake of the vitamin as more evidence of its value emerges, especially for the elderly.

"About 70 percent of the population of the United States has insufficient levels of vitamin D. This is a critical issue as we learn more about the many roles it may play in fighting infection, balancing your immune response, helping to address autoimmune problems, and even preventing heart disease," said Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Among other findings about benefits of Vitamin D is the ones made by OSU scientists that it induces the "expression" of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide gene.

This explains in part how it helps serve as the first line of defense in your immune response against minor wounds, cuts, and both bacterial and viral infections.

Experts believe advances in the use of cathelicidin may form the basis for new therapies.

"Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency is a world-wide, public health problem in both developed and developing nations. Nearly one billion people world-wide are deficient," the new report concluded.

The new report found that low levels of circulating vitamin D are associated with increased risk and mortality from cancer.

Vitamin D plays an important role in activating the immune system, fostering the "innate" immune response and controlling over-reaction of adaptive immunity, and as such may help control autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The regulation of cathelicidin by vitamin D, a unique biological pathway for the function of vitamin D that could help explain its multiple roles in proper immune function
, is so important that it's only known to exist in two groups of animals - humans and non-human primates - and has been conserved in them through millions of years of evolution.

Epidemiological studies show a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased rates of respiratory infection and influenza, and it has been hypothesized that flu epidemics may be the result of vitamin D deficiency.

Higher levels of a protein linked to vitamin D have been associated with reduced infections and longer survival of dialysis patients.

Vitamin D has important roles in reducing inflammation, blood pressure and helping to protect against heart disease.




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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Vitamin D might be just as important as vaccine to prevent effects of H1N1 swine flu, researchers say

The world's leading vitamin D experts say that raising your levels of "the sunshine vitamin" this winter might be the best way to help your body naturally raise its resistance to all forms of the flu virus - including the H1N1 swine flu virus.

That's the message vitamin D advocate Dr. William Grant wants you to take to the bank.

"I'm a little hesitant to say it will reduce your risk of being infected, but it certainly will reduce your risk of dying from the complications, such as pneumonia, if you are infected," says Grant, founder of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center - a vitamin D research and advocacy group.

Grant is concerned that epidemic vitamin D deficiency in Canada -- 97 percent of Canadians are vitamin D deficient in the winter due to Canada's northerly latitudes and relatively weak sunlight 4-6 months of the year -- means that Canadians could be more susceptible to flu virus in the winter.

Grant points to research suggesting:

    -  Higher vitamin D levels assist the body's innate immune system. Some
studies suggest taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D/day will decrease your
risk of seasonal flu.
- The groups most affected by the H1N1 swine flu virus have been those
most likely to be vitamin D deficient: pregnant women, obese people,
those with Type II diabetes and children with neurological disorders.
- Many of the deaths associated with the H1N1 virus have been pneumonia
related, which means anything that would assist your body's innate
immune system would make you less likely to be affected.

The worldwide vitamin D research community now recommends getting your vitamin D levels checked with a calcidiol test and maintaining vitamin D levels of 40-60 ng/ml.

November is Vitamin D Awareness Month in Canada. For more information about the benefits of vitamin D visit:

    www.vitaminDsociety.org
www.GrassRootsHealth.org
www.VitaminDcouncil.org

For further information: Michelle Di Rocco, (416) 360-6522 ext 251, michelle@punchcanada.com or Danna Barak at danna@punchcanada.com


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