February 2010

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Organic Whey Protein Powder For Better Nutrition

February 28, 2010 in Nutrition by admin | No comments



Organic is a huge trend that is sweeping the nation. Why is it now so popular? Organic foods are known to taste better, be healthier to consume, and is safe for the environment. Organic whey protein has the same benefits as regular whey versions of this powder, but it has a few more benefits that others don’t have. Whey protein is a wonderful tool in muscle growth and weight loss and is essential for growing muscle. It also improves brain function, fights serious illness, and boosts the immune system. Two of the serious illnesses that organic whey protein is associated with fighting are AIDS and cancer. Your chances of becoming ill are much less and the recovery time is much faster.

Some proteins may cause discomfort after consuming. Organic whey protein powder is easy on your digestive system. You will not feel bloating or tiredness after using this type of supplement. The reason being is that this type of protein is easily and rapidly absorbed into your body.

Since organic is so good for the human body, is the cost outrageous? It seems as though the price for whey is on the rise. Dairy farmers are most likely delighted, but as a consumer we could be in trouble. The demand for dairy is going up. Have you seen those “Got Milk” posters hanging around where you live? The world is associating dairy with weight loss. With the call for dairy going up, the cost is going up. Organic does usually cost more than regular foods. The reason being that it is better and more nutritious for the human body. More and more people are desiring to eat organic than fast food, processed food, or other types of food.

Are there other organic whey protein products available? You can purchase whey protein shakes, bars, and powder. Different flavors are available as well as multiple sized containers. The whey protein industry is always making changes to better suit the needs of its customers. Your local health food store should carry multiple organic products if it is something you wish to get involved in. Looking online will also give you more information about the products. Consulting with your doctor or personal training will give you an idea if going organic is the right way you should go. Also note that there are other proteins available besides whey. You could check into soy, rice, or hemp proteins. One of these might be better for you or someone you know. Soy, rice, and hemp might suit a person with lactose intolerance better than whey.

Please remember to always check with your doctor before you being any new diet or add any extra protein to your diet. Although whey has a lot of nutrition you might already be consuming enough protein in your regular diet. In some cases too much protein can be dangerous to a person’s health. If at anytime you feel as if you are having an allergic reaction to organic whey protein, stop use immediately and contact your doctor. Also, remember that taking a supplement alone will not make you healthier. You must engage in some sort of exercise program also.

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Nutrition Guidelines are just a Guide

February 26, 2010 in Nutrition by admin | No comments



The USDA recently published their dietary guidelines for Americans and the recommendation leave a bit to be desired. As Americans our health continues to slip. We have the largest and most expensive insurance and health care system in the world. The following recommendation made by the USDA is just recommendations. As we all know advice is only as good as who receives it. Our children seem to be the ones with the most to lose but the USDA has little to say regarding their eating habits. This report highlights the following recommendations for children.

Infants should not eat or drink raw milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, unpasteurized juices and raw sprouts.

Young children should keep total fat intake between 30 to 35 percent of calories for children 2 to 3 years of age, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. Consume whole-grain products often. At least half the grains should be whole grains. Children 2 to 8 years should consume 2 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. Young children should not eat or drink raw milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk, raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, unpasteurized juices and raw sprouts.

Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. The USDA also recommends that kids consume whole-grain products often. At least half the grains should be whole grains. Children up to 8 years should consume 2 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. Children 9 years of age and older should consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. Parents should help children to keep their total fat intake between 25 to 35 percent of calories for children 4 years of age to adolescence, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
This sounds great, but what can we do as a country when our food supply seems filled with everything that the recommendations advise us against eating? Should the general consumer be expected to pay extra to get the food that we as a country need or should growers, butchers, and producers are required to provide the foods at a lower costs. It seems that doing the right thing in this country is very expensive. No wonder we have obesity and other problems looming over our heads every day.

If you are interested in reading more about how to eat well and within your budget then you can get access to the World’s #1 Resource for Raw and Living Food Nutrition! By looking on the internet or visiting your local health food store.

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Supplements and Drugs: A Hazardous Combination

February 25, 2010 in Supplements by admin | No comments



As I have become more involved in using functional nutritional therapy in my practice, I have come to realize that many people are still confused about the safety and effectiveness of various dietary supplements. Because these products are “natural”, many feel they are always safe to use. Although supplements and herbs can be safer than pharmaceutical drugs, they can still function as drugs in the body and should be used with caution and respect.

It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s population and 60 million Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, although many believe CAM compliments their current traditional healthcare, most do not inform their physicians that they are taking these products. And, many providers don’t ask or discuss CAM use with their patients, although one survey of 181 cardiologists found that half of them took antioxidant vitamins, themselves.

What many people don’t realize is that there is no regulatory agency in charge of the supplement industry. Herbal products are not tested for purity, effectiveness and safety as drugs are. In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was enacted that requires the FDA to prove beyond any doubt that a supplement is unsafe before removing it from the market. Other than regulating what can be included on the label, they are unable to enforce any other regulation.

There is no incentive for supplement companies to conduct research because they are unable to patent ‘natural’ products. Those marketing herbs and other supplements save millions of dollars not spent on research, or worse, yet, conduct their own “research”, which often does not include rigorous controls. Although there are many excellent and reputable supplement companies on the market, the typical consumer is unlikely to know who the credible ones are. Many independent sales representatives only know what the company tells them, and are as unaware as the consumer.

Even if the supplements are pure and not harmful by themselves, problems arise when combined with drugs. Dietary supplements may compete with drugs, leading to toxicity or treatment failure of that drug. An estimated 4 million people are at risk for herbal-prescription drug interactions. Here is a list of the most common interactions between supplements and drugs:

* Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to prevent blood clotting for those at risk for deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack. Supplements that can change bleeding time controlled by this drug include flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements, goldenseal, saw palmetto, feverfew, garlic, ginseng, and willow bark, just to name a few.

* Digoxin is another heart medication. Ginseng has been noted to falsely elevate blood digoxin levels. Some herbs that will affect drug effectiveness include senna, licorice, aloe, cascara, hawthorne, foxglove, goldenseal and guar gum.

* Phenytoin is a drug used for seizures. Herbal interactions to be aware of include ginkgo biloba, white willow, lemon balm, skull cap, kava kava, and valerian root, to name a few. It is also important to know that Folate supplementation is necessary with Phenytoin, but excess Folate can be harmful.

* It’s important to take calcium supplements and vitamin D two hours apart from taking either Phenytoin or Digoxin in order to not interfere with these drug’s effects.

Of particular concern are interactions with the herb St. John’s Wort, which is taken by 7.5 million Americans as a depression remedy. This herb can cause serious consequences when taken with drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, as well as warfarin, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives. This herb may also interact with Digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, and other drugs, causing treatment failure. Some of these interactions are serious enough that if St. John’s Wort were a drug, the government would restrict marketing, make it a prescription-only item, or require label warnings.

So, what can one do??

Anyone taking a dietary supplement should first do their homework. Know exactly what the purpose of a particular supplement is for and learn all known interactions. There are many excellent informational websites on the internet. A good rule of thumb is to look for a site that does not offer products for sale!

It’s also important to inform your healthcare professional what supplements you are taking, in order to avoid potential supplement-drug interactions that could put you at medical risk. Although many credible professionals sell products, there are just as many who sell products but don’t really understand the physiology of the human body and are just out to make money. Supplement sales is a very popular ‘easy’ way to make money today!

It’s just as important to do one’s homework when looking for a complementary care practitioner. Although this is only one set of criteria, the best recommendation is to look for one or any of these: A pharmacist or registered dietitian who is educated in medicinal herbs, a physician who specializes in functional medicine, or an MD, OD, ND, DC, PharmD or RD who also has the CCN credential.

Don’t be afraid to take supplements. They serve a very beneficial purpose. But do know why you’re taking each supplement, just as you should know why you take any prescription medications. Be an informed consumer and take responsibility for your health and wellbeing.

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