Probiotics harm germs, aid immune system!

By Dr. Richard Beliveau

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that play an essential part in maintaining good health. A recent study suggests their positive role could be the result of the bacteria's ability to physically interact with the intestine's mucous membranes.

It's become so common to associate microbes with illness that a lot of people are horrified when they find out our bodies contain 10 times more bacteria than human cells.

The bacteria that live in the lower section of our intestine, the colon, likely are the best example of the central role these microorganisms play in our health. The intestine is the part of the body most exposed to foreign pathogens. As a result, it contains the majority, about 75%, of the body's immune cells.

The large number of intestinal bacteria (up to 10,000 billion per gram of content) plays a crucial role in the development and repair of the immune system.

In order to do its job well, the intestinal flora must be made up mostly of beneficial bacteria that take up the most space possible to stop the harmful effects of pathogens, or germs.

Among the "friendly" bacteria, probiotic bacteria are considered to have the most positive effect on the composition of intestinal flora.

In an environment without oxygen such as the colon, these bacteria are able to use lactic acid to break down food fibre, thereby acidifying the intestine and slowing the spread of several pathogens, which prefer to multiply in less harsh conditions.

So how does a probiotic bacterium decide to make the intestine its home? A multidisciplinary research team in Europe found that probiotic bacteria had genes that helped produce pili, the hair-like appendages that are essential to probiotic bacteria's ability to attach themselves to the intestinal wall, and the reason they choose the intestine.

The discovery of pili specific to probiotic bacteria is all the more interesting since previous studies showed these appendages stimulate the immune system.

This research shows the positive effects from probiotics aren't a random occurrence, but are directly tied to the intrinsic ability of these microorganisms to work with our bodies and influence our immune systems.

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Super Power Enzymes™ Our Super Power Enzymes™ contain a comprehensive blend of potent digestive enzymes plus HCl and pepsin. The pancreatin and ox bile are specially coated to allow for release in the intestines where they are needed most for the digestion of fat and starches.  All the other components are  allowed to dissolve in the stomach promoting almost complete pre-digestion of proteins. Click here to find out more!

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Multivitamins have no effect? But...

Multivitamins may fortify children against food allergies:

At first glance, it appeared that daily supplements of multivitamins did not have any effect on allergic disease in eight year old children, says a new study from Sweden. Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists from the world famous Karolinska Institute report that multivitamin supplements had no effect on the incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, or atopic sensitization in 2,423 eight-year olds. However, when the scientists limited their analysis to children who started supplementation before the age of four, there was a 39 per cent decrease in the risk of sensitization to food allergens. “Our results show no association between current use of multivitamins and risk of allergic disease but suggest that supplementation with multivitamins during the first years of life may reduce the risk of allergic disease at school age,” they concluded.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Published online ahead of print, doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.27963 “Use of multivitamin supplements in relation to allergic disease in 8-y-old children” Authors: K. Marmsjo, H. Rosenlund, I. Kull, N. Hakansson, M. Wickman, G. Pershagen, A. Bergstrom. Abstract Available Here.

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Treating mild iodine deficiency boosts brain power!

By: Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Iodine supplements may improve mental function in children with even mild deficiencies in the nutrient, a small study suggests.

Iodine is a chemical element necessary for normal growth and development of the brain and body. Because the body does not make iodine, it must be obtained from the diet -- from sources like seafood, dairy products, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and iodized table salt.

Severe iodine deficiency has long been known to cause mental impairment, stunted growth and other problems in children. Such deficiency remains a major problem in parts of the world -- typically where the soil is iodine-poor, people eat little seafood and uae salt that is not iodized.

But there has also been a recent re-emergence of milder iodine deficiency in certain countries, including New Zealand and Australia -- thought to be due to factors like declining use of iodized salt and changes in dairy-product manufacturing that have lowered iodine levels.

Whether mild deficiency affects children's mental functioning, and whether the problem should be treated, is still in question.

To study the issue, researchers in New Zealand randomly assigned 184 mildly iodine-deficient children to take either a tablet containing 150 micrograms of iodine or a placebo pill every day for 28 weeks.

At the end of the study, children in the iodine group showed an overall improvement on two standard cognitive tests that gauge problem-solving abilities. And they outperformed children who received the placebo.

Iodine is necessary for the body to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. The traditional view was that since these hormone levels are still within normal range when a person is mildly iodine deficient, the lack of iodine may have no health effects.

The current findings, however, suggest that mild iodine deficiency "could prevent children from attaining their full intellectual potential," the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Still, it is too soon to start routinely treating children with mild deficiencies, according to Dr. Sheila A. Skeaff, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago in Dunedin and one of the researchers on the work.

"More studies should be done," she told Reuters Health in an email. "We found a small effect in children (and) we don't know if this is permanent or not."

Skeaff pointed out that there are no standard tests for mild iodine deficiency. The best solution for people who think they might be deficient is to regularly eat foods high in iodine and/or use iodized table salt.

Note:  We think it is important to point out here that just using more iodized salt is really not the healthiest alternative.  Read the article below for one of the healthier alternatives!

CAOH

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Are Sea Vegetables the Cure for the Iodine Deficiency Epidemic?

Author: Joseph Pizzorno, ND -  November 2009

Iodine deficiency epidemic

Although most of us believe we are not deficient in iodine since the fortification of salt with iodine, the fact is most people are deficient and don't know it.  Due to changes in food intake, eating patterns and food production methods, iodine intake has been decreasing in the U.S. since the early 70's.  Even worse, we are exposed to increasing levels of environmental toxins that either block the absorption of iodine or block its actions in the body.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES), 24-hour urine levels of iodine have decreased from average levels of 320 mcg/L during 1971-1974 to 165 mcg/L in 2001-2002 – a drop of almost 50%.^1,2  NHANES (2003-2004) found a urinary iodine level of <50 mcg/L in 12% of the U.S. population, indicating severe deficiency (<100 mcg/L is indicative of deficiency).³  Iodine levels in the breast milk of nursing mothers in Boston showed that only 47% contained sufficient amounts of iodine to meet infant requirements.⁴  This dramatic drop in iodine intake is made worse by an increasing level of iodine uptake inhibitors - perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate - in the food supply and environment.

Why has iodine disappeared from our diet?

Iodized salt is very effective in normalizing iodine intake.  The problem is we eat less iodized salt.  This has occurred for 2 reasons: first, we've all been told to decrease salt intake because excess consumption can elevate blood pressure.  However, the more important cause is that almost everyone now eats more processed foods and meals at restaurants—most of these do not use iodized salt!  This is made worse by the fact that the iodized salt sold for home use often contains less iodine than stated on the label and two other good sources of iodine, bread and milk products, now contain very little due to changes in how they are produced.

Dairy products used to contain a significant amount of iodine since it was used to disinfect cow udders and dairy processing equipment.  Now, however, antibiotics and other methods are used instead.  In addition, less iodine is used in feed supplements.  With these changes, the average iodine content of U.S. whole cow's milk had decreased from 602 mcg/L in 1978 to 155 mcg/L in 1990.  A 2002 study found as little as 88 mcg/L, less than 15% of those measured in 1978.⁵ This is worsened by the substitution of soft drinks for milk by children, adolescents and adults so we drink less milk which has less iodine.^6,7,8

Another significant source of iodine in the past was bread since iodated-based bread conditioners were used to prolong shelf life.  Today, most commercial bakeries are using bromated-based conditioners instead.

Iodized salt may have less than we think because it evaporates over time from salt containers and shakers.⁹ The rate of evaporation is increased by humidity and heat. In the summer in humid areas of the country, the half life of iodine in salt can be as little as one week! Many in the natural products field use sea salt as a supposed better alternative to regular salt.  Unfortunately, it is not iodized.

What happens when iodine levels are too low?

Everyone is aware that iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones, so if levels are too low people suffer hypothyroidism.  This is one reason the incidence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism affects 10-15% of the population, especially women.  Probably more prevalent are the other problems found in people with low to marginal levels of iodine.  It is well known that low iodine levels in fetuses and children leads to impaired mental development and research has now shown an increased incidence of fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer.^10,11  Some research has also shown that iodine deficiency may contribute to obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia.

Are seaweeds/sea vegetables a good source of iodine?

Although sea vegetables, i.e., seaweed, are common in many traditional diets - especially the Japanese, they are not commonly consumed in the U.S.  Most people think of sea vegetables as a food source for iodine.  Some are, but many aren't, and you have to eat more than just a few sprinkles. Also, some may be contaminated with toxic metals.

As the table below shows, the amount of iodine in seaweed varies greatly.¹²

Bottom Line

Iodine deficiency is a common and growing problem in North America. Fortunately, eating enough of the right kind of seaweed will replenish iodine supplies.

References

1. Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. 1998 Iodine nutrition in the United States: trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys I and III (1971–1974 and 1988–1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct1998;83(10):3401-8

2. Caldwell KL, Jones R, Hollowell JG. Urinary iodine concentration: United States National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002. Thyroid. Jul2005;15(7):692-9

3. Caldwell KL, Miller GA, Wang RY, et al,. Iodine status of the U.S. population, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. Thyroid. Nov2008;18(11):1207-14

4. Pearce EN, Leung AM, Blount BC, et al. Breast milk iodine and perchlorate concentrations in lactating Boston-area women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007;92:1673-1677

5. Pearce EN, Pino S, He X, et al. Sources of dietary iodine: bread, cows' milk, and infant formula in the Boston area. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul2004;89(7):3421-4

6. Keller KL, Kirzner J, Pietrobelli A, et al. Increased sweetened beverage intake is associated with reduced milk and calcium intake in 3- to 7-year-old children at multi-item laboratory lunches. J Am Diet Assoc. Mar2009;109(3):497-501

7. Rampersaud GC, Bailey LB, Kauwell GP. National survey beverage consumption data for children and adolescents indicate the need to encourage a shift toward more nutritive beverages. J Am Diet Assoc. Jan2003;103(1):97-100

8. Bleich SN, Wang YC, Wang Y, et al. Increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among US adults: 1988-1994 to 1999-2004. Am J Clin Nutr. Jan2009;89(1):372-81

9. Dasgupta PK, Liu Y, Dyke JV. Iodine nutrition: iodine content of iodized salt in the United States. Environ Sci Technol. Feb2008;42(4):1315-23

10. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. Jun2008;13(2):116-27

11. Aceves C, Anguiano B, Delgado G. Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. Apr2005;10(2):189-96

12. Teas J, Pino S Critchley A and Braverman LE. Variability of Iodine Content in Common Commercially Available Edible Seaweeds. THYROID 2004;14:836-41

Dr. Joe Pizzorno is the founding president of Bastyr University and editor-in-chief of Integrative Medicine, A Clinician's Journal. He is the co-author of seven books including the internationally acclaimed Textbook of Natural Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, which has sold over a million copies and been translated into six languages.

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Chlorella?  A greenfood you should get to know a little better!

CHLORELLA: A GREENFOOD POWERHOUSE

We all know intuitively that people who eat three to four servings of green vegetables per day tend to stay more healthy.  It almost doesn't matter what else they do - a healthy diet tends towards a healthy life.  Everyone in the nutrition field, has raved and preached of the power of greenfoods.  They are rich in magnesium, chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins, and yes essential fats (those omegas).  They are the most powerful healing foods on earth.  The one most powerful one of all is Chlorella!

You might not know that Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. Yet chlorella offers more than just protein. Miraculous stories have surfaced of people getting noticeable improvement in health and well-being when consuming chlorella.  When you realize that chlorella contains carotenoids, magnesium, and the super detoxifier chlorophyll - the health benefits of which have been well documented - we begin to understand chlorella's true power.  Americans are chronically low in magnesium and in great need of detoxifying. Chlorella may be the perfect antidote to our refined foods, nutrient-poor diets and toxic environment.

Chlorophyll is a remarkably protective and cleansing compound.  It has been reported to inhibit cancer in all human organs.  Chlorophyll is regularly used as part of regular supplementation, detoxification and health-building programs. The National Cancer Institute has even begun to take notice of its ability to prevent cancer.

Chlorella contains a range of carotenoids that is superior merely to taking a supplement such as synthetic beta carotene.  When you take a supplement that contains beta carotene, and it does not specify that it is derived from algae such as chlorella or d. salina, then you are only getting some of the benefits of carotenoids.  There are many carotenoids - well over 600 - and using chlorella as your source of carotenoids gives you much more benefit.  While beta carotene has protective power, chlorella has and does much more.

Carotenoids protect against heart disease.  Cholesterol cannot clog arteries until it oxidizes, and many studies have shown carotenoids can prevent this dangerous reaction from occurring.  Although vitamin C appears to be the first line of defense in protecting cholesterol from going bad, carotenoids are also very important.  A study of 333 patients showed that taking a carotenoid supplement reduced major cardiovascular events by half.

Chlorella is also a rich source of the remarkable mineral magnesium.  Magnesium performs no less than 300 different tasks in the body.  It is essential for heart function, immune function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar balance, stroke prevention, and for both muscle strength and muscle relaxation.  It is critical for energy production.  It promotes mental health, relieves PMS, and reduces asthma attacks.  No cell in the body can function without this mineral.

According to the USDA, 80 percent of Americans fail to get enough magnesium.  Refined white flour contains only 20 percent of its original magnesium content.  Sugar, sodas and junk foods, which make up a large part of the American diet, contain virtually none.  Our crops are grown in soils with increasingly lower levels of magnesium.  On top of this, our toxic environment depletes us of it.

The great American magnesium shortage may be one of the main causes of our epidemic of heart disease.  Magnesium is extraordinarily important for heart health.  Magnesium also helps mitral valve prolapse, fibromyalgia, and fatigue.  Emotional or physical stress depletes magnesium.  Magnesium also significantly enhances muscle growth that occurs in response to sustained weight lifting programs.  It also plays an important role in bone health. In some studies, magnesium intake was a stronger predictor of bone density than calcium intake.

Chlorella gives you all the benefit of magnesium, carotenoids, chlorophyll and more.  Studies have shown that people with high cholesterol levels who were put on 5 grams per day of chlorella for three months saw their cholesterol levels decline significantly. There were no side effects, unlike cholesterol medications, which can actually shorten life span, according to recent studies.  Cholesterol medications have been found to cause impotence in men--another reason to use natural alternatives like chlorella.

Chlorella is also an immune booster.  It contains a compound known as chlorellan that stimulates the body to make more interferon.  Chlorella helps protector cells, called macrophages, function more effectively.  Strict vegetarians often rely on seaweeds and algae such as chlorella to supplement their need of Vitamin B.

In addition, chlorella has been used to help heal issues with the GI tract. Ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticulosis all seem to do better when chlorella is part of the diet.  Chlorella has also been found to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria which are essential for intestinal health.

The point here is that chorella should be an important factor in your family's supplementation and diet.  Chorella is also an important part of our popular comprehensive liquid multi nutrient Power Multi-V™ which should be part of your daily nutrition routine.  

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Marine Phytoplankton feeds the largest marine mammals on earth - can it also nourish you?

Marine Phytoplankton Provides Significant Wellness and Life Giving Properties

In an article recently published in the Yale University Journal of Marine Research, the power stored chemically in the world’s phytoplankton equaled 63 billion kilowatts.  Thus, marine phytoplankton is not only an incredible source of nutrition as the foundation of the food chain, but is a potentially huge source of bio-energy as well.

Eating closer to the base of the food web (primary producers), transfers more energy and nutrients to you.  It is reassuring to know that a microscopic but highly powerful organism like marine phytoplankton contains the positive energy that we need to thrive, despite the hazards of environmental toxicity, stress and nutrient-depleted food.

Marine phytoplankton provides a rare and complete food that gives the body virtually all of the raw materials that it needs, in one single source, to produce healthy new cells and neurochemicals for the body and the brain.  Phytoplankton have an alkaline pH which is what you want, to combat the disease producing effects of acidity. (Cancer cells like to grow in an acidic environment).

What is marine phytoplankton? "Phyto" meaning plant or light "plankton" meaning floating or suspended.

Marine Phytoplankton are single celled plants which are one the simplest life forms on planet Earth. But they are far from simple - they are microscopic, single celled algae that float and live in the ocean and are so small, they are not even visible to the naked eye. All phytoplankton are nutrient-rich, and as such are the basic staple diet for multitudes of oceanic life, and the very existence of the marine ecosystem depends upon them. The elements and electrolytes in plankton are ideal for the human body, and are in perfect balance with nature's plan to support life. Phytoplankton has unique and specialized nutrients that are not available from any other source.  Whales live to be 150 years old without eating anything else.

"Marine Phytoplankton is an ideal food for mankind. It's Mother Earth's milk from the ocean.  The research we are designing at the University of Utah Medical School testing the health benefits of Marine Phytoplankton is very exciting and promising.  Marine Phytoplankton contain many elements available no where else.  You may have heard of fresh water phytoplankton like Spirulina and Chlorella.  These algae also have many health benefits, however, with the 200+ separate species of marine phytoplankton, their nutritional profile is second to none! " - Hugo Rodier, MD, Nutritional professor at University of Utah Medical School

Marine Phytoplankton -- A Nutritional Wellspring!

"One of those rare products that contains almost everything you need for life (and the rebuilding of a healthy life) is phytoplankton.  It contains the nine amino acids that the body cannot make and must be consumed in our diet (essential amino acids).  The essential fatty acids are also present (Omega 3 and Omega 6).  Vitamins A (betacarotine), 81 (thiamine), 82 (riboflavin), 83 (niacin), 85 (pantothenic acid), 86 (pyridoxine), 812 (cobalamin), C, and D (tocopherol) and major and trace minerals are all present in phytoplankton. In short, it contains almost everything one needs to sustain life.  Therefore, it contains almost everything one needs to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. This is particularly true if one stops putting toxic materials such as artificial sweeteners and trans fats (partially hydrogenated fats) into our body."  - Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D.

Some of the health benefits you may realize from taking Marine Micro Phytoplankton are:

Immune system support and enhancement, normalizes blood sugar levels, antioxidant protection, supports normal cholesterol levels, alkalizing - helping improve the pH balance of the body, anti-inflammatory effects on membranes - relieves joint pain, supports healthy blood pressure, cell wall improvement through increased permeability and flexibility, detoxification and cleansing (supports removal of toxins from cells & organs), supports weight loss, increases energy and vitality, skin care - such as acne, neurological support, supports a healthy liver, improved vision - some say even more effective than lutein.

The bottom line - Marine Micro Phytoplankton is a nutritional power-house and it is a primary ingredient in our Liquid Power Multi-V™.

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Sea Vegetables are an important part of our multi-nutrient Liquid Power Multi-V™

Take a look at our very popular liquid Power Multi-V™! Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family! 100% vegetarian! A proprietary blend of 9 Sea Vegetables, Whole Chlorella and Phytoplankton! Contains a "Synergy Blend™" of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and phytonutrients! Rich in vitamins and minerals! The most unique and complete liquid nutritional supplement available.  There is literally nothing else like it on the market.  You must compare the ingredients to other brands - nothing is more potent or comprehensive. Liquid Power Multi-V™ is a powerful addition to your daily nutritional needs.  It makes other products look like plain old water!  Click here for details!