When my father called me from Canada to tell me he had a painful fight with shingles ...then not long after, an old high school friend (also from Canada) told me she had also gone through a bout with shingles, I wanted to know more and my search began. Here's what I found out.
Shingles generally affects the elderly, but occasionally occurs in children who have had chickenpox within the first year of their lives and in people with an immune deficiency.
What is the relationship to chickenpox?
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (Herpes varicellae), which is the virus that causes chickenpox.
"For reasons that are not clear, after a chickenpox infection, the varicella virus remains in our bodies forever." states Dr. Paul on the Children's Health And Wellness website.
After the chickenpox virus has been contracted, it travels from the skin along the nerve paths to the roots of the nerves where it becomes inactive. The chickenpox virus then "hibernates".
Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox. It is a reactivation of the dormant virus and often occurs many years after the initial chicken pox infection.
When the virus is reactivated, it travels via the nerve paths to the skin. It is not known what factors trigger a reactivation of the virus. Some health websites indicate the virus can be triggered by immune-suppressing medicines, emotional stress, with another illness (such as cancer), or after major surgery. One site mentions that advancing age and chronic use of cortisone-type drugs may trigger shingles. Also, shingles can be a sign of immunodeficiency, caused by HIV or chemotherapy, for example.
"In most cases, however, a cause for the reactivation of the virus is never found. The herpes virus that causes shingles and chicken pox is not the same as the herpes virus that causes genital herpes (which can be sexually transmitted) and herpes mouth sores. Shingles is medically termed Herpes zoster," according to MedicineNet.
What are the signs for shingles?
The first sign of shingles is often burning, sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in or under your skin on one side of your body or face. The most common site is the back or upper abdomen. You may have severe itching or aching. You also may feel tired and ill with fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach.
Before a rash is visible, you may notice several days to a week of burning pain and sensitive skin. Shingles start as small blisters on a red base, with new blisters continuing to form for 3-5 days. The blisters follow the path of individual nerves that comes out of the spinal cord (called dermatomal pattern). The entire path of the nerve may be involved or there may be areas with blisters and areas without blisters. Generally, only one nerve level is involved. In a rare case, more than one nerve will be involved. Eventually, the blisters pop and the area starts to ooze. The area will then crust over and heal. The whole process may take 3-4 weeks from start to finish. On occasion, the pain will be present but the blisters may never appear.
Shingles is contagious and may itself cause chickenpox in people who have never had it, as long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. However, contact with a person with shingles or chickenpox cannot cause shingles. Shingles is not an airborne virus. It is passed by touch or via contact with fluid from the infected area.
If you think you have shingles, see your health care professional and avoid contact with infants, children, pregnant women, and adults who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox shot until your blisters are completely dry.
Generally, shingles heal well and problems are few. However, on occasion, the blisters can become infected with a bacteria causing cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin. If this occurs, the area will become reddened, warm, firm, and tender. You might notice red streaks forming around the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care professional.
A more worrisome complication occurs when shingles affect the face, specifically the forehead and nose. In these cases, it is possible, although not likely, that shingles can affect the eye leading to loss of vision. If you have shingles on your forehead or nose, your eyes should be evaluated by a health care professional.
The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia. This occurs when the pain associated with shingles persists beyond one month, even after the rash is gone. It is a result of irritation of the nerves of sensation by the virus. The pain can be severe and debilitating and occurs primarily in persons over the age of 50.
I've heard some therapeutic grade essential oils are quite effective for dealing with the pain and discomfort of shingles (contact me for info and a high quality scource) and of course, your health care professional will be able to provide you with medications should you require them.
Sources:
University of Michigan Health System - Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Children's Health And Wellness - Zoster(Shingles) And Chicken Pox
MedicineNet - Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Yahoo! Health - Varicella virus (Chickenpox) vaccine
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
UK Catches The Functional Beverages Wave
Fruit juice sales are currently soaring in the UK, and over the past two years alone, sales of chilled, high quality and natural juice have increased by a staggering 60 per cent to some £768 million (€1.1bn), according to Mintel.
We just returned from the FreeLife Convention held last week in Irvine, California with the great news that we will soon be able to bring Himalayan Goji Juice to all our European friends.
This will appeal to the increasingly health-conscious British consumer, who views fruit juice as a healthier alternative to coffee and fizzy drinks.
When you learn about the power of the tiny goji berry (aka lycium barbarum), you will definitely see why this juice is a category creator all its own. Its remarkable "adaptogen" abilities appear to come from the 4 unique polysaccharides not found in any other fruit or vegetable on our planet (LBP1, LBP2, LBP3 and LBP4). The longer you drink Goji Juice, the more positive health changes you will notice... and the compounding effects over time have been absolutely stunning for thousands of people around the world.
In fact, Dr. Mindell, who just returned from the annual Goji Berry Festival held in China, was extremely excited about the latest clinical studies that have been completed. He calls this berry his most powerful discovery in health and nutrition ever, and time is proving him right once again. After 40+ years working in natural health sciences and with more than 50 published books to his credit on the subject of health and wellness, he knows the value this tiny berry brings to us better than anyone else.
We've been drinking Dr. Mindell's Goji Juice everyday for more than 14 months now, and I can tell you we've seen some phenomenal results in our own health. Contact us at Best Liquid Vitamins and as us to "Share The Secret" of what Goji Juice has changed in our health over time. It will surprise you!
The main secret is --- KEEP DRINKING IT --- just 2 to 3 ounces a day, everyday, could DRAMATICALLY change your health, and your future looks, health and mood! I'm speaking from personal experience here!
We just returned from the FreeLife Convention held last week in Irvine, California with the great news that we will soon be able to bring Himalayan Goji Juice to all our European friends.
This will appeal to the increasingly health-conscious British consumer, who views fruit juice as a healthier alternative to coffee and fizzy drinks.
When you learn about the power of the tiny goji berry (aka lycium barbarum), you will definitely see why this juice is a category creator all its own. Its remarkable "adaptogen" abilities appear to come from the 4 unique polysaccharides not found in any other fruit or vegetable on our planet (LBP1, LBP2, LBP3 and LBP4). The longer you drink Goji Juice, the more positive health changes you will notice... and the compounding effects over time have been absolutely stunning for thousands of people around the world.
In fact, Dr. Mindell, who just returned from the annual Goji Berry Festival held in China, was extremely excited about the latest clinical studies that have been completed. He calls this berry his most powerful discovery in health and nutrition ever, and time is proving him right once again. After 40+ years working in natural health sciences and with more than 50 published books to his credit on the subject of health and wellness, he knows the value this tiny berry brings to us better than anyone else.
We've been drinking Dr. Mindell's Goji Juice everyday for more than 14 months now, and I can tell you we've seen some phenomenal results in our own health. Contact us at Best Liquid Vitamins and as us to "Share The Secret" of what Goji Juice has changed in our health over time. It will surprise you!
The main secret is --- KEEP DRINKING IT --- just 2 to 3 ounces a day, everyday, could DRAMATICALLY change your health, and your future looks, health and mood! I'm speaking from personal experience here!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
When Science and Business Clash, Ethics Must Rule
Former Metabolife chief executive Richard Ellis now awaits sentencing following his conviction for fraud in his safety claims for herbal extract ephedra. Vitamin E producers are reporting sales dives as great as 40 per cent on the back of consumers’ safety concerns about high doses of the supplement. And just last week, lutein makers, too, began grappling with the findings of one unexpectedly unwelcome study, according to a recent article at BeverageDaily.
If people consuming a lot of beta-carotene suffer fewer heart attacks, is it actually the beta-carotene that are delivering the heart bonus? Or something else, that is often present alongside beta-carotene?
Do you really get the same results for a synthetic Vitamin C as you would from say... eating an orange, or from drinking the whole unpasteurized juice from the extremely high Vitamin C goji berry?
In nutrition we rarely yet have insight into the precise mechanism through which a nutrient delivers a health benefit. In some cases, isolating one single nutrient from a whole fruit or vegetable may not be as beneficial as originally thought. So our chief way forwards is by testing over and over for correlations, with different populations, in different circumstances, to build a body of evidence.
Those with strong scientific understanding appreciate that science is not the body of perfect knowledge that it is often viewed as by outsiders. It hypothesizes, tests, and re-hypothesizes, in an endless circling in on the fullest picture.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... one single clinical study doesn't necessarily mean "absolute proof" exists.
In fact, if one were to see the results of many studies completed, one might find the following recommendation popping up quite a bit: "further study recommended."
Even the tiny goji berry is still under very serious study --- an entire research center in China is actively studying every little bit they can learn about this powerful fruit. With 63 astonishing health benefits already confirmed thus far, there are still many many more studies underway.
What's interesting to note is how many studies confirm findings from earlier less intense studies.
This is not always the case in other nutrition scientific studies.
Sadly, consumers often choose the nutrients they purchase basing their decisions on normally grossly simplified science, brought to them as commercial marketing, or by a media with an eye on word-count, accessibility and drama.
The latest ORAC scoring system is one example of some pretty lousy science, in my humble opinion. Many manufacturers are racing to get their latest and greatest product the highest ORAC rating they can. The misguided public gets fed the rating, often believing this makes the product/s powerful in the antioxidant realm. Sadly, owing to lack of information and education about this poor measure of antioxidants in a substance, these ratings will most likely cause a great many consumers to be innocently fleeced.
Even worse, the way many manufacturers and distributors report their ORAC rating in many cases without even mentioning the unit of measure their score relates to ...well, that's positively unethical, in my humble opinion.
For manufacturers, here are the advantages of the ORAC assay:
-- the test score will reflect the antioxidant activity of any and all antioxidants in the liquid, whether they are known or unknown, named or unnamed.
-- the ORAC assay does not bother to try to measure presence or absence of individual antioxidants (a task which is difficult and very expensive), but rather, it measures total antioxidant reactivity (against only one type of oxidative radical known as the peroxyl radical) of any and all substances present in the liquid, whether known or unknown, and even those as yet unknown to, and unnamed by, modern science.
-- the ORAC assay is not particularly expensive, and often costs well under $400.
-- the test is quick and simple
-- the assay is offered by a number of commercial independent testing laboratories in the USA and around the world
-- the turnaround time on a test is quick, on the order of a week or less
-- as with any "single-score" "total antioxidant" measure, the score is seductive, because it allows a vendor to offer a single score on their label (or on their website) which purports to state the minimum antioxidant-power value per gram (or per 100 grams or per liter) of a food or nutritonal supplement product. This is obviously simple, clean, clear and neat, or at least it appears so at first glance.....
However, there are some marked drawbacks to the ORAC score.
The disadvantages of using the ORAC score, or at least in relying too much upon it, are several, beginning with the #1 reason, as follows...
The #1 Disadvantage of Using the ORAC Score
Despite the fact that it is sometimes touted as a "Total Antioxidatve Power" score, the ORAC assay can only measure one particular type of antioxidative activity, namely the ability of antioxidants to quench or neutralize only one specific type of oxidizing free radical (aka “reactive oxygen species”, or ROS) known as the peroxy (e.g., as found in peroxide) radical. Thus, the ORAC score offers only a partial picture of the true antioxidant power of an antioxidant or mixture of antioxidants, since some will have little or no activity against peroxides but great quenching activity against other oxidizing free radical species commonly found in the body such as superoxides, triplet oxygen, singlet oxygen, the hydroxyl or nitroxy radicals, and others. Indeed, some highly powerful and effective antioxidants show no activity at all against peroxide radicals (in other words, they are not peroxide-specific), but show great activity against other types of oxidant free radicals, and such antioxidants would score extremely poorly on an ORAC assay.
Two excellent examples of such antioxidants (and in reality there are plenty more) are:
1) The carotenoid family of antioxidants, which includes beta carotene, lycopene, canthaxanthxin and zeaxanthin, among others, and which are found extensively in strongly-colored fruits and vegetables, and in some shellfish. Most carotenoids show little activity against the peroxy radical.
2) The simple hydride family of antioxidants, also known as the negative hydrogen ion, or hydride ion, and also known as active hydrogen, which is a primitive and primeval hydrogen antioxidant which existed on earth even before life evolved, and which may be found in fresh raw fruits and vegetables, raw meats, and in some natural and unprocessed sources of water (such as some deep wells, some high-altitude mountain wells, and glacial runoff water.) The hydride antioxidant may also be found in so-called “alkaline ionized water” (more accurately described as “electrolyzed reduced water” or ERW) produced by commercial countertop devices known as water ionizers, and also in some nutritional supplements, which give only a very modest score on the ORAC assay.
Most of the members of the two antioxidant families cited above show little or no antioxidant activity against peroxide radicals, but show strong antioxidant activity against other oxidizing free radicals, including singlet oxygen and the superoxide radical.
Sidenote: some later off-shoots of the ORAC Assay (such as ORACHO) also look at one additional oxidant radical, the hydroxyl radical, as well, but this hardly solves the deficiency which has been briefly addressed here.
Have you noticed... we're one of the few companies NOT playing the ORAC marketing game? For good reason. When a scientific test that is this high for being potentially misleading, it would not be ethical (in my humble opinion) to wave the ORAC banner... at least, not until a considerable amount of scientific advances are made to render it more useful, make sense?
I hope so. Because there are many many more reasons you should NOT rely on the ORAC score ...and I'll be bringing those reasons to you here at Best Liquid Vitamins in a very special feature article coming at the end of August.
Stay tuned. Stay healthy... and whenever possible, stay informed.
If people consuming a lot of beta-carotene suffer fewer heart attacks, is it actually the beta-carotene that are delivering the heart bonus? Or something else, that is often present alongside beta-carotene?
Do you really get the same results for a synthetic Vitamin C as you would from say... eating an orange, or from drinking the whole unpasteurized juice from the extremely high Vitamin C goji berry?
In nutrition we rarely yet have insight into the precise mechanism through which a nutrient delivers a health benefit. In some cases, isolating one single nutrient from a whole fruit or vegetable may not be as beneficial as originally thought. So our chief way forwards is by testing over and over for correlations, with different populations, in different circumstances, to build a body of evidence.
Those with strong scientific understanding appreciate that science is not the body of perfect knowledge that it is often viewed as by outsiders. It hypothesizes, tests, and re-hypothesizes, in an endless circling in on the fullest picture.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... one single clinical study doesn't necessarily mean "absolute proof" exists.
In fact, if one were to see the results of many studies completed, one might find the following recommendation popping up quite a bit: "further study recommended."
Even the tiny goji berry is still under very serious study --- an entire research center in China is actively studying every little bit they can learn about this powerful fruit. With 63 astonishing health benefits already confirmed thus far, there are still many many more studies underway.
What's interesting to note is how many studies confirm findings from earlier less intense studies.
This is not always the case in other nutrition scientific studies.
Sadly, consumers often choose the nutrients they purchase basing their decisions on normally grossly simplified science, brought to them as commercial marketing, or by a media with an eye on word-count, accessibility and drama.
The latest ORAC scoring system is one example of some pretty lousy science, in my humble opinion. Many manufacturers are racing to get their latest and greatest product the highest ORAC rating they can. The misguided public gets fed the rating, often believing this makes the product/s powerful in the antioxidant realm. Sadly, owing to lack of information and education about this poor measure of antioxidants in a substance, these ratings will most likely cause a great many consumers to be innocently fleeced.
Even worse, the way many manufacturers and distributors report their ORAC rating in many cases without even mentioning the unit of measure their score relates to ...well, that's positively unethical, in my humble opinion.
For manufacturers, here are the advantages of the ORAC assay:
-- the test score will reflect the antioxidant activity of any and all antioxidants in the liquid, whether they are known or unknown, named or unnamed.
-- the ORAC assay does not bother to try to measure presence or absence of individual antioxidants (a task which is difficult and very expensive), but rather, it measures total antioxidant reactivity (against only one type of oxidative radical known as the peroxyl radical) of any and all substances present in the liquid, whether known or unknown, and even those as yet unknown to, and unnamed by, modern science.
-- the ORAC assay is not particularly expensive, and often costs well under $400.
-- the test is quick and simple
-- the assay is offered by a number of commercial independent testing laboratories in the USA and around the world
-- the turnaround time on a test is quick, on the order of a week or less
-- as with any "single-score" "total antioxidant" measure, the score is seductive, because it allows a vendor to offer a single score on their label (or on their website) which purports to state the minimum antioxidant-power value per gram (or per 100 grams or per liter) of a food or nutritonal supplement product. This is obviously simple, clean, clear and neat, or at least it appears so at first glance.....
However, there are some marked drawbacks to the ORAC score.
The disadvantages of using the ORAC score, or at least in relying too much upon it, are several, beginning with the #1 reason, as follows...
The #1 Disadvantage of Using the ORAC Score
Despite the fact that it is sometimes touted as a "Total Antioxidatve Power" score, the ORAC assay can only measure one particular type of antioxidative activity, namely the ability of antioxidants to quench or neutralize only one specific type of oxidizing free radical (aka “reactive oxygen species”, or ROS) known as the peroxy (e.g., as found in peroxide) radical. Thus, the ORAC score offers only a partial picture of the true antioxidant power of an antioxidant or mixture of antioxidants, since some will have little or no activity against peroxides but great quenching activity against other oxidizing free radical species commonly found in the body such as superoxides, triplet oxygen, singlet oxygen, the hydroxyl or nitroxy radicals, and others. Indeed, some highly powerful and effective antioxidants show no activity at all against peroxide radicals (in other words, they are not peroxide-specific), but show great activity against other types of oxidant free radicals, and such antioxidants would score extremely poorly on an ORAC assay.
Two excellent examples of such antioxidants (and in reality there are plenty more) are:
1) The carotenoid family of antioxidants, which includes beta carotene, lycopene, canthaxanthxin and zeaxanthin, among others, and which are found extensively in strongly-colored fruits and vegetables, and in some shellfish. Most carotenoids show little activity against the peroxy radical.
2) The simple hydride family of antioxidants, also known as the negative hydrogen ion, or hydride ion, and also known as active hydrogen, which is a primitive and primeval hydrogen antioxidant which existed on earth even before life evolved, and which may be found in fresh raw fruits and vegetables, raw meats, and in some natural and unprocessed sources of water (such as some deep wells, some high-altitude mountain wells, and glacial runoff water.) The hydride antioxidant may also be found in so-called “alkaline ionized water” (more accurately described as “electrolyzed reduced water” or ERW) produced by commercial countertop devices known as water ionizers, and also in some nutritional supplements, which give only a very modest score on the ORAC assay.
Most of the members of the two antioxidant families cited above show little or no antioxidant activity against peroxide radicals, but show strong antioxidant activity against other oxidizing free radicals, including singlet oxygen and the superoxide radical.
Sidenote: some later off-shoots of the ORAC Assay (such as ORACHO) also look at one additional oxidant radical, the hydroxyl radical, as well, but this hardly solves the deficiency which has been briefly addressed here.
Have you noticed... we're one of the few companies NOT playing the ORAC marketing game? For good reason. When a scientific test that is this high for being potentially misleading, it would not be ethical (in my humble opinion) to wave the ORAC banner... at least, not until a considerable amount of scientific advances are made to render it more useful, make sense?
I hope so. Because there are many many more reasons you should NOT rely on the ORAC score ...and I'll be bringing those reasons to you here at Best Liquid Vitamins in a very special feature article coming at the end of August.
Stay tuned. Stay healthy... and whenever possible, stay informed.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Health - Week In Review
So much has been happening this month in our industry it's been hard to keep up with the news...
For example, on July 19 the USA Senate confirmed the nomination of Lester M. Crawford as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration by a vote of 78 to 16.
He was nominated for the post by President Bush in February, but the nomination was put on hold because several senators were unsatisfied with his explanation of why a "morning after pill" has not been approved for use without a prescription. The FDA is expected to decide by Sept. 1/05 whether the pill could be sold without a prescription. We'll bring you more info on this controversial subject in September.
In other news, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has filed a petition to place warning labels on soft drinks that contain caloric sweeteners. They want a series of rotating health notices on containers of all non-diet soft drinks - carbonated and non-carbonated - containing more than 13 grams of refined sugar per 12 oz.
And the glycemic index (GI) is being embraced in some areas of the world as a tool to help control appetite, weight, obesity, diabetes and other health concerns but it's not being too warmly received by American scientists, according to panelists at a session held during the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo.
There's more... much more.
Have you read all our latest articles online? They're posted at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
- Pfizer Drug Giant Warned By FDA
- SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, and Kids Nutrition
- Is It The Low-Carbs ...Or Is It The Protein That Helps Shed Pounds?
- Are We Unintentionally Killing Our Kids With Fluoride?
- Why Use Pharmaceutical Grade Bottles For Supplements?
- Fun Facts: How Do You Get Better Bubbles In Chocolate?
- Women and Infertility - New Study
More on the way. Stay tuned... and stay healthy!
For example, on July 19 the USA Senate confirmed the nomination of Lester M. Crawford as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration by a vote of 78 to 16.
He was nominated for the post by President Bush in February, but the nomination was put on hold because several senators were unsatisfied with his explanation of why a "morning after pill" has not been approved for use without a prescription. The FDA is expected to decide by Sept. 1/05 whether the pill could be sold without a prescription. We'll bring you more info on this controversial subject in September.
In other news, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has filed a petition to place warning labels on soft drinks that contain caloric sweeteners. They want a series of rotating health notices on containers of all non-diet soft drinks - carbonated and non-carbonated - containing more than 13 grams of refined sugar per 12 oz.
And the glycemic index (GI) is being embraced in some areas of the world as a tool to help control appetite, weight, obesity, diabetes and other health concerns but it's not being too warmly received by American scientists, according to panelists at a session held during the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo.
There's more... much more.
Have you read all our latest articles online? They're posted at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
- Pfizer Drug Giant Warned By FDA
- SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, and Kids Nutrition
- Is It The Low-Carbs ...Or Is It The Protein That Helps Shed Pounds?
- Are We Unintentionally Killing Our Kids With Fluoride?
- Why Use Pharmaceutical Grade Bottles For Supplements?
- Fun Facts: How Do You Get Better Bubbles In Chocolate?
- Women and Infertility - New Study
More on the way. Stay tuned... and stay healthy!
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, and Kids Nutrition
Nickelodeon, the children's television programmer, has licensed several of its characters - including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer - to several fresh produce distributors that will begin introducing a range of fruits and vegetable packages featuring the Nickelodeon characters in supermarkets next month.
Starting this fall, Grimmway Farms, Inc., Arvin, CA, will produce 1.6-oz single serving to 5-lb bags of baby cut and peeled carrots in pkgs featuring SpongeBob, Dora, and Sportacus & Stephanie. Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, CA will feature SpongeBob on its bags of spinach. And LGS Specialty Sales, NY, distributors of oranges, tangerines and clementines, will feature SpongeBob, Dora, Blue's Clues and The Backyardigans characters on its bags of fruit. Upcoming deals also include using Nickelodeon characters on cartons of low fat milk.
"Nickelodeon recognizes the importance of health and wellness for kids and is proud of the efforts the network is making to encourage kids to eat right and make healthy food choices," said Sherice Torres, vice-president, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We're thrilled to be able to add to the fun of eating fruits and vegetables."
The network also plans to unveil a series of public service announcements that focus on the importance of starting the day by eating a balanced breakfast.
According to "Kids Food and Eating Behaviors," a research study conducted by Nickelodeon and Cogent Research, only 50% of kids in the USA eat breakfast everyday and only 39% of kids eat 3 meals per day on a daily basis.
On-air, the network has committed $20 million and 10% of its air time to health and wellness messaging.
I think they need to hear about Goji Juice :-)
Source:
Food Business News July 26, 2005
Starting this fall, Grimmway Farms, Inc., Arvin, CA, will produce 1.6-oz single serving to 5-lb bags of baby cut and peeled carrots in pkgs featuring SpongeBob, Dora, and Sportacus & Stephanie. Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, CA will feature SpongeBob on its bags of spinach. And LGS Specialty Sales, NY, distributors of oranges, tangerines and clementines, will feature SpongeBob, Dora, Blue's Clues and The Backyardigans characters on its bags of fruit. Upcoming deals also include using Nickelodeon characters on cartons of low fat milk.
"Nickelodeon recognizes the importance of health and wellness for kids and is proud of the efforts the network is making to encourage kids to eat right and make healthy food choices," said Sherice Torres, vice-president, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We're thrilled to be able to add to the fun of eating fruits and vegetables."
The network also plans to unveil a series of public service announcements that focus on the importance of starting the day by eating a balanced breakfast.
According to "Kids Food and Eating Behaviors," a research study conducted by Nickelodeon and Cogent Research, only 50% of kids in the USA eat breakfast everyday and only 39% of kids eat 3 meals per day on a daily basis.
On-air, the network has committed $20 million and 10% of its air time to health and wellness messaging.
I think they need to hear about Goji Juice :-)
Source:
Food Business News July 26, 2005
Pfizer Drug Giant Warned By FDA
FDA regulators warned Pfizer Inc. about "misleading promotion" of its antibiotic drug Zyvox in a professional journal, according to a letter released Tuesday, July 26, 2005.
The advertisement does not include information about Zyvox's risks, implies it is superior without supporting evidence, and claims it can treat more infections than for which it was approved, the Food and Drug Administration letter said.
The agency called on the drugmaker to halt the advertisement and take the extra step of sending out new, more accurate promotions.
"Because the violations ... are serious, we request, further, that your submission include a comprehensive plan of action to disseminate truthful, nonmisleading and complete corrective messages," the letter said.
Patients using the drug can experience blood disorders like anemia and a build-up of lactic acid in the cells and blood -- but those risks were not included in the ad, the FDA said.
Source: CNN Money, Reuters News Release - FDA warns Pfizer about drug ad: Regulators warn the drugmaker about "misleading promotion" of its antibiotic drug Zyvox. July 26, 2005: 11:36 AM EDT
The advertisement does not include information about Zyvox's risks, implies it is superior without supporting evidence, and claims it can treat more infections than for which it was approved, the Food and Drug Administration letter said.
The agency called on the drugmaker to halt the advertisement and take the extra step of sending out new, more accurate promotions.
"Because the violations ... are serious, we request, further, that your submission include a comprehensive plan of action to disseminate truthful, nonmisleading and complete corrective messages," the letter said.
Patients using the drug can experience blood disorders like anemia and a build-up of lactic acid in the cells and blood -- but those risks were not included in the ad, the FDA said.
Source: CNN Money, Reuters News Release - FDA warns Pfizer about drug ad: Regulators warn the drugmaker about "misleading promotion" of its antibiotic drug Zyvox. July 26, 2005: 11:36 AM EDT
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Are We Unintentionally Killing Our Kids With Fluoride?
Fluoride in tap water can cause bone cancer in boys, a disturbing new study indicates, although there is no evidence yet of a link for girls.
New American research suggests that boys exposed to fluoride between the ages of five and 10 will suffer an increased rate of osteosarcoma - bone cancer - between the ages of 10 and 19.
The recent Associated Press Release on the subject points out that about 10 per cent of the UK population, six million people, receive fluoridated water, mainly in the Midlands and north-east, and the government plans to extend this, with Manchester expected to be next.
About 170 million Americans live in areas with fluoridated water.
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway , Switzerland, West Germany, Netherlands and Italy have all banned the addition of hydrofluorosilic acid to drinking water. So have Japan and India, where fluoride occurs naturally and skeletal fluorosis (thickening of bones) is prevalent.
The increased cancer risks, identified in the newly available study conducted at the Harvard School of Dental Health, were found at fluoride exposure levels common in both the US and Britain. It was the first examination of the link between exposure to the chemical at the critical period of a child's development and the age of onset of bone cancer.
Although osteosarcoma is rare, accounting for only about 3 per cent of childhood cancers, it is especially dangerous. The mortality rate in the first five years is about 50 per cent, and nearly all survivors have limbs amputated, usually legs...
To read our complete article on this subject and view sources, visit our online version of BLV Health Watch through this link.
For text version recipients of this newsletter, here's the link again:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Our son who just reached 5-years-old last week, is not allowed to use fluoridated tooth paste. He is allowed to use Dr. Mindell's toothpaste, or a children's toothpaste from another company we are affiliated with --- made from all-natural ingredients neither of which contain ANY harmful chemicals such as fluoride. Plus we live in an area without public water. Our water comes from our own well and we also use a purifyer for our drinking water.
New American research suggests that boys exposed to fluoride between the ages of five and 10 will suffer an increased rate of osteosarcoma - bone cancer - between the ages of 10 and 19.
The recent Associated Press Release on the subject points out that about 10 per cent of the UK population, six million people, receive fluoridated water, mainly in the Midlands and north-east, and the government plans to extend this, with Manchester expected to be next.
About 170 million Americans live in areas with fluoridated water.
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway , Switzerland, West Germany, Netherlands and Italy have all banned the addition of hydrofluorosilic acid to drinking water. So have Japan and India, where fluoride occurs naturally and skeletal fluorosis (thickening of bones) is prevalent.
The increased cancer risks, identified in the newly available study conducted at the Harvard School of Dental Health, were found at fluoride exposure levels common in both the US and Britain. It was the first examination of the link between exposure to the chemical at the critical period of a child's development and the age of onset of bone cancer.
Although osteosarcoma is rare, accounting for only about 3 per cent of childhood cancers, it is especially dangerous. The mortality rate in the first five years is about 50 per cent, and nearly all survivors have limbs amputated, usually legs...
To read our complete article on this subject and view sources, visit our online version of BLV Health Watch through this link.
For text version recipients of this newsletter, here's the link again:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Our son who just reached 5-years-old last week, is not allowed to use fluoridated tooth paste. He is allowed to use Dr. Mindell's toothpaste, or a children's toothpaste from another company we are affiliated with --- made from all-natural ingredients neither of which contain ANY harmful chemicals such as fluoride. Plus we live in an area without public water. Our water comes from our own well and we also use a purifyer for our drinking water.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Plastic Softeners - Some Dangers Confirmed
The next time you grab that soft squeezable bottle of water, soft drink, juice... or even liquid supplement, keep in mind that plastic softeners (also known as phthalates) are used to make that bottle soft.
In a big move this year, the European Parliament has voted to permanently ban the use of plastic softeners used in children’s toys. A total ban extends to three phthalates, DEHP, DBP and BBP, which have been classified as reprotoxic and linked with cancer, as reported recently in "Chemistry & Industry Magazine."
A recent clinical study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) appears to support the fact that dangers do exist for us in regards to DEHP.
And when you read the recent UK Guardian article on the subject, you might think twice about drinking from that soft bottle. And you might get a better understanding from the USAToday news article why leaching of these chemicals (phthalates) from soft plastic products should get more research attention.
Get the details in our full article "Why Use Pharmaceutical Grade Bottles For Supplements?" with some links to both sides of the story.
For those of you receiving the text version, here's the link:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
In a big move this year, the European Parliament has voted to permanently ban the use of plastic softeners used in children’s toys. A total ban extends to three phthalates, DEHP, DBP and BBP, which have been classified as reprotoxic and linked with cancer, as reported recently in "Chemistry & Industry Magazine."
A recent clinical study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) appears to support the fact that dangers do exist for us in regards to DEHP.
And when you read the recent UK Guardian article on the subject, you might think twice about drinking from that soft bottle. And you might get a better understanding from the USAToday news article why leaching of these chemicals (phthalates) from soft plastic products should get more research attention.
Get the details in our full article "Why Use Pharmaceutical Grade Bottles For Supplements?" with some links to both sides of the story.
For those of you receiving the text version, here's the link:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
New Clinical Study - Infertility And Women
New research suggests that medications commonly referred to as fertility drugs may be ineffective for women who lack a gene called the estrogen receptor beta, as reported in a recent press release by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
View BLV Health Watch online for the full details through this link.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Hormone That Controls Appetite Linked To Memory And Learning
Researchers from Dundee University have found a link between the hormone leptin, thought to control appetite, and the brain's memory and learning process.
The Scottish scientists involved in the research note that there is already much evidence to show how the hormone leptin signals information regarding the status of fat stores to specific receptors located in the hypothalamus region of the brain. According to them, this controls our desire to eat, and therefore, our weight.
But leptin and its receptor are widely expressed in many brain regions outside the hypothalamus and evidence is accumulating that it has other neuronal functions that are unrelated to its effects on energy homeostasis.
This includes research showing that leptin has a significant influence on learning and memory processes in the hippocampus region.
Jenni Harvey, one of the Dundee researchers, told the BBC: "Leptin enhances the level of communication between brain cells in the hippocampus in a process known as long-term potentiation (LTP). Defects in either leptin or genes that regulate leptin result in obesity and also cause impairments in LTP."
Previous studies have found that people who are obese throughout life are more likely to lose brain tissue, and scientists have already predicted that the current obesity epidemic will give rise to a major increase in dementia.
Earlier this year California based Kaiser Permanente, a health care delivery organization, cautioned that developed countries may face an explosion in age-related dementia in the next 20 years if they fail to contain the present obesity crisis.
In a longitudinal population-based study conducted over a 27-year period and published in May 2005 in the online version of the British Medical Journal, researchers concluded that being overweight or obese in middle age considerably increases risk of dementia in later life.
According to the May 2005 research, the initial onset of dementia may also affect appetite and cause weight loss.
In my humble opinion, I feel a whole lot better knowing I have 4 master molecules going to work inside my body everyday. They're my "little generals" organizing and instructing my cells and hormones to do what they were intended to do.
Sources:
Hunger hormone also involved in memory and learning
Overweight countries face dementia epidemic
Obesity in middle age and future risk of dementia: a 27 year longitudinal population based study
BBC - Hunger hormone linked to memory
----------------------------------------------------------------
Read our latest articles online at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
The Scottish scientists involved in the research note that there is already much evidence to show how the hormone leptin signals information regarding the status of fat stores to specific receptors located in the hypothalamus region of the brain. According to them, this controls our desire to eat, and therefore, our weight.
But leptin and its receptor are widely expressed in many brain regions outside the hypothalamus and evidence is accumulating that it has other neuronal functions that are unrelated to its effects on energy homeostasis.
This includes research showing that leptin has a significant influence on learning and memory processes in the hippocampus region.
Jenni Harvey, one of the Dundee researchers, told the BBC: "Leptin enhances the level of communication between brain cells in the hippocampus in a process known as long-term potentiation (LTP). Defects in either leptin or genes that regulate leptin result in obesity and also cause impairments in LTP."
Previous studies have found that people who are obese throughout life are more likely to lose brain tissue, and scientists have already predicted that the current obesity epidemic will give rise to a major increase in dementia.
Earlier this year California based Kaiser Permanente, a health care delivery organization, cautioned that developed countries may face an explosion in age-related dementia in the next 20 years if they fail to contain the present obesity crisis.
In a longitudinal population-based study conducted over a 27-year period and published in May 2005 in the online version of the British Medical Journal, researchers concluded that being overweight or obese in middle age considerably increases risk of dementia in later life.
According to the May 2005 research, the initial onset of dementia may also affect appetite and cause weight loss.
In my humble opinion, I feel a whole lot better knowing I have 4 master molecules going to work inside my body everyday. They're my "little generals" organizing and instructing my cells and hormones to do what they were intended to do.
Sources:
Hunger hormone also involved in memory and learning
Overweight countries face dementia epidemic
Obesity in middle age and future risk of dementia: a 27 year longitudinal population based study
BBC - Hunger hormone linked to memory
----------------------------------------------------------------
Read our latest articles online at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Thursday, July 21, 2005
What Is Lycium Barbarum?
Ever since the LA Times article came out about lycium barbarum early this week, and how it may repress some cancer cells, we've been flooded with calls and requests for further information.
To clear up the confusion, I've written a new article dedicated to this nutritional miracle.
You can find out all about lycium barbarum through this link.
If you're receiving the text-only version of our blog, here is the link again:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/lyciumbarbarum.html
Contact us if you have any further questions. We'll be happy to help!
To clear up the confusion, I've written a new article dedicated to this nutritional miracle.
You can find out all about lycium barbarum through this link.
If you're receiving the text-only version of our blog, here is the link again:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/lyciumbarbarum.html
Contact us if you have any further questions. We'll be happy to help!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
On The Subject of Ribose - Good or Bad?
July 13, 2005 the Associated Press article came out written by their Medical Writer, Lindsey Tanner, with the bold headline "Study: What's Good Often Turns Out Bad"
The opening quote:
"New research highlights a frustrating fact about science: What was good for you yesterday frequently will turn out to be not so great tomorrow."
Now at first, I was expecting yet another article with a negative slant towards vitamins and natural health and well being research, etc... since much of today's media seems to enjoy bashing all the positive research in this area --- but what I found was something pleasantly different, and totally in line with what I've been talking about in previous special subscriber-only editions of BLV Health Watch.
The study being referred to in the article was conducted by Dr. John Ioannidis, a researcher at the University of Ioannina in Greece.
In a review of major studies published in three influential medical journals between 1990 and 2003, including 45 highly publicized studies that initially claimed a drug or other treatment worked, nearly one-third of the original results did not hold up, according to the report in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.
"Contradicted and potentially exaggerated findings are not uncommon in the most visible and most influential original clinical research," said study author, Dr. Ioannidis.
According to the Associated Press article, Ioannidis examined research in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA and Lancet — prominent journals whose weekly studies help feed a growing public appetite for medical news.
Editors at the New England Journal of Medicine added in a statement: "A single study is not the final word, and that is an important message."
Quoted from the AP article:
This leads directly into a request we got from one of our readers to review information on ribose.
Our subscriber had found one study on the subject, titled, "Research: Benefit of Ribose in a Patient With Fibromyalgia"
Here's a quick overview of what the study was about...
Abstract
Ribose was added to the existing treatment regimen of a woman with fibromyalgia, resulting in a decrease in symptoms. It has been postulated that patients with fibromyalgia may have an alteration in muscle adenine nucleotide metabolism, leading to depleted energy reserves and an imbalance in cellular adenosine-triphosphate:adenosine 5'-diphosphate:adenosine 5'-monophosphate (ATP:ADP:AMP) ratios with an abnormal energy charge. As a key component in adenine nucleotide synthesis, ribose supplementation may be useful in such patients.
Needless to say in our opinion, one study on one woman does not make findings conclusive.
I hunted for additional studies on the subject and I wasn't very impressed by the data I did manage to find. I don't want to be overly negative, but I did find plenty of info on the subject from various websites refuting any benefits --- specifically as they relate to energy and/or athletic performance benefits. One such website (note - the info on this site is a bit old) stated:
"The only research that supports a ribose supplement comes from research on patients with heart conditions who lack the ability to synthesis ribose in the first place. The bottom line on Ribose is that there is still a great deal of research to be done before any claims of athletic performance benefits can be made unequivocally. You'd be wise to save your money and put in some time at the gym rather than relying on this supplement just yet."
What is ribose?
According to one educational site, ribose is a type of 5-carbon sugar, an aldopentose found in riboflavin and ribonucleic acid (RNA) as well as in free ribonucleosides and ribonucleotides. Ribose is a simple carbohydrate that plays a role in high-energy phosphate and nucleic acid synthesis.
Needless to say, there are many sites out there selling ribose. Sometimes all it takes is one positive study (regardless of how thorough the study was) and there's a rush to get it to market.
Here at BLV, we're not convinced on the benefits of ribose supplements at this time.
Hope this answers the questions our reader had on this subject. Sorry --- it probably was not the answer you were hoping to hear.
Sources:
Visit our July edition of BLV Health Watch online for the full links to sources for this article.
The opening quote:
"New research highlights a frustrating fact about science: What was good for you yesterday frequently will turn out to be not so great tomorrow."
Now at first, I was expecting yet another article with a negative slant towards vitamins and natural health and well being research, etc... since much of today's media seems to enjoy bashing all the positive research in this area --- but what I found was something pleasantly different, and totally in line with what I've been talking about in previous special subscriber-only editions of BLV Health Watch.
The study being referred to in the article was conducted by Dr. John Ioannidis, a researcher at the University of Ioannina in Greece.
In a review of major studies published in three influential medical journals between 1990 and 2003, including 45 highly publicized studies that initially claimed a drug or other treatment worked, nearly one-third of the original results did not hold up, according to the report in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.
"Contradicted and potentially exaggerated findings are not uncommon in the most visible and most influential original clinical research," said study author, Dr. Ioannidis.
According to the Associated Press article, Ioannidis examined research in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA and Lancet — prominent journals whose weekly studies help feed a growing public appetite for medical news.
Editors at the New England Journal of Medicine added in a statement: "A single study is not the final word, and that is an important message."
Quoted from the AP article:
The refuted studies dealt with a wide range of drugs and treatments. Hormone pills were once thought to protect menopausal women from heart disease but later were shown to do the opposite, and Vitamin E pills have not been shown to prevent heart attacks, contrary to initial results.
Contradictions also included a study that found nitric oxide does not improve survival in patients with respiratory failure, despite earlier claims. And a study suggested an antibody treatment did not improve survival in certain sepsis patients; a smaller previous study found the opposite.
Ioannidis acknowledged an important but not very reassuring caveat: "There's no proof that the subsequent studies ... were necessarily correct." But he noted that in all 14 cases in which results were contradicted or softened, the subsequent studies were either larger or better designed. Also, none of the contradicted treatments is currently recommended by medical guidelines.
Not by accident, this week's JAMA also includes a study contradicting previous thinking that stomach-lying helped improve breathing in children hospitalized with acute lung injuries. The new study found they did no better than patients lying on their backs.
DeAngelis said she included the study with Ioannidis' report to highlight the issue. She said the media can complicate matters with misleading or exaggerated headlines about studies.
Ioannidis said scientists and editors should avoid "giving selective attention only to the most promising or exciting results" and should make the public more aware of the limitations of science.
"The general public should not panic" about refuted studies, he said. "We all need to start thinking more critically."
This leads directly into a request we got from one of our readers to review information on ribose.
Our subscriber had found one study on the subject, titled, "Research: Benefit of Ribose in a Patient With Fibromyalgia"
Here's a quick overview of what the study was about...
Abstract
Ribose was added to the existing treatment regimen of a woman with fibromyalgia, resulting in a decrease in symptoms. It has been postulated that patients with fibromyalgia may have an alteration in muscle adenine nucleotide metabolism, leading to depleted energy reserves and an imbalance in cellular adenosine-triphosphate:adenosine 5'-diphosphate:adenosine 5'-monophosphate (ATP:ADP:AMP) ratios with an abnormal energy charge. As a key component in adenine nucleotide synthesis, ribose supplementation may be useful in such patients.
Needless to say in our opinion, one study on one woman does not make findings conclusive.
I hunted for additional studies on the subject and I wasn't very impressed by the data I did manage to find. I don't want to be overly negative, but I did find plenty of info on the subject from various websites refuting any benefits --- specifically as they relate to energy and/or athletic performance benefits. One such website (note - the info on this site is a bit old) stated:
"The only research that supports a ribose supplement comes from research on patients with heart conditions who lack the ability to synthesis ribose in the first place. The bottom line on Ribose is that there is still a great deal of research to be done before any claims of athletic performance benefits can be made unequivocally. You'd be wise to save your money and put in some time at the gym rather than relying on this supplement just yet."
What is ribose?
According to one educational site, ribose is a type of 5-carbon sugar, an aldopentose found in riboflavin and ribonucleic acid (RNA) as well as in free ribonucleosides and ribonucleotides. Ribose is a simple carbohydrate that plays a role in high-energy phosphate and nucleic acid synthesis.
Needless to say, there are many sites out there selling ribose. Sometimes all it takes is one positive study (regardless of how thorough the study was) and there's a rush to get it to market.
Here at BLV, we're not convinced on the benefits of ribose supplements at this time.
Hope this answers the questions our reader had on this subject. Sorry --- it probably was not the answer you were hoping to hear.
Sources:
Visit our July edition of BLV Health Watch online for the full links to sources for this article.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Are Your Favorite Supplements in the EU About To Disappear?
On July 5, 2005 we got the word that Codex adopted international guidelines for vitamins and minerals. Just one short week later the bad news came out for the UK’s "Health Food Manufacturers Association" (HFMA) and other groups such as the "Consumers for Health Choice" who have been protesting - to no avail - another law affecting the supplement industry.
"The European food supplements directive is valid, decided a European court ruling today, ending months of uncertainty for much of the region's supplements industry, and disappointing those behind a major effort to overturn the law."
The HFMA and the National Association of Health food Stores (NAHS), responsible for the joint case against the Commission, say the directive threatens up to 5,000 commonly consumed products on sale in the UK because they contain more than 200 nutrients not on the directive's "positive" list of permitted substances.
The trade bodies have today asked the British Prime Minister to intervene in Europe following their defeat.
How will this affect your access to supplements?
For those supplements already on the "approved" list, you might actually see lower prices and more competition because it opens the door for companies supplying supplements on this list to import to your region.
For supplements that are not listed ...you might have to kiss them goodbye after August 1 when the law goes into effect.
...or wait a great deal of time and expect dramatically higher prices while those ingredients go through the process (and expensive testing) to get on the approved list...
Oh --- and don't expect all of the supplements not yet approved to go through the process to get on the list. It's an expensive process. So expensive that the UK released funding to support more supplement dossiers in June.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it wanted to encourage further dossier submission, by giving derogation to all dossiers submitted in the UK or another member state, and supporting the scientific work, in order to protect consumer choice in the UK.
At that time, only 29 dossiers had been submitted to the FSA. A major barrier to their submission was cost, which can go up to €350,000 for the more complex materials, which have little readily available data.
The funding helped push up the number of submissions but the deadline to submit and get on the list was July 12 --- oddly enough, that's the same date that was given for the final court ruling to come out which determined whether or not the directive would go through at all.
In a speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research at the end of May this year, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the rules implied by the supplements directive were "wholly out of proportion to the risks run."
In fact, earlier in April the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice, although not legally binding, stated the European Union's food supplement directive, set to enter into force in August, infringes basic principles of European law and should be rewritten which pushed the directive back into court.
Both Tony Blair's and the senior judge's position on the matter gave quite a bit of hope to groups like the CHC, NAHS and HFMA that the directive would not go through.
But --- the decision has been handed down.
The directive will roll forward with an August 1 entry into law for the EU.
USA and Canadian residents... if you think this won't affect us, well... you just might change your mind when you know more about CODEX and realize it is coming from the World Health Organization, a standard both our countries tend to follow.
If you're a regular reader of BLV Health Watch, you've read past updates I've posted on this subject. If you are new to our newsletter, you can search our archives through this link:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news/news-archive.html
I'll try to keep you informed as this story unfolds.
Meanwhile, any feedback our European friends can send our way as to what DOES happen on August 1 ...and in the weeks/months following... would be greatly appreciated. We would like to hear how this directly affects our loyal readers living in the EU.
Sidenote: What is really sad about all of this in my humble opinion is that science has really only begun to study the many benefits that can be derived from plant life on our planet. Many mysteries and wonderful health benefits are being discovered on a regular basis only in recent years --- and I'm certain there are many more to come. Will this directive and/or CODEX prevent access to future incredible discoveries for "we, the people?" If it does, I have a feeling the boomers might have quite a lot to say about it.
"The European food supplements directive is valid, decided a European court ruling today, ending months of uncertainty for much of the region's supplements industry, and disappointing those behind a major effort to overturn the law."
The HFMA and the National Association of Health food Stores (NAHS), responsible for the joint case against the Commission, say the directive threatens up to 5,000 commonly consumed products on sale in the UK because they contain more than 200 nutrients not on the directive's "positive" list of permitted substances.
The trade bodies have today asked the British Prime Minister to intervene in Europe following their defeat.
How will this affect your access to supplements?
For those supplements already on the "approved" list, you might actually see lower prices and more competition because it opens the door for companies supplying supplements on this list to import to your region.
For supplements that are not listed ...you might have to kiss them goodbye after August 1 when the law goes into effect.
...or wait a great deal of time and expect dramatically higher prices while those ingredients go through the process (and expensive testing) to get on the approved list...
Oh --- and don't expect all of the supplements not yet approved to go through the process to get on the list. It's an expensive process. So expensive that the UK released funding to support more supplement dossiers in June.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it wanted to encourage further dossier submission, by giving derogation to all dossiers submitted in the UK or another member state, and supporting the scientific work, in order to protect consumer choice in the UK.
At that time, only 29 dossiers had been submitted to the FSA. A major barrier to their submission was cost, which can go up to €350,000 for the more complex materials, which have little readily available data.
The funding helped push up the number of submissions but the deadline to submit and get on the list was July 12 --- oddly enough, that's the same date that was given for the final court ruling to come out which determined whether or not the directive would go through at all.
In a speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research at the end of May this year, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the rules implied by the supplements directive were "wholly out of proportion to the risks run."
In fact, earlier in April the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice, although not legally binding, stated the European Union's food supplement directive, set to enter into force in August, infringes basic principles of European law and should be rewritten which pushed the directive back into court.
Both Tony Blair's and the senior judge's position on the matter gave quite a bit of hope to groups like the CHC, NAHS and HFMA that the directive would not go through.
But --- the decision has been handed down.
The directive will roll forward with an August 1 entry into law for the EU.
USA and Canadian residents... if you think this won't affect us, well... you just might change your mind when you know more about CODEX and realize it is coming from the World Health Organization, a standard both our countries tend to follow.
If you're a regular reader of BLV Health Watch, you've read past updates I've posted on this subject. If you are new to our newsletter, you can search our archives through this link:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news/news-archive.html
I'll try to keep you informed as this story unfolds.
Meanwhile, any feedback our European friends can send our way as to what DOES happen on August 1 ...and in the weeks/months following... would be greatly appreciated. We would like to hear how this directly affects our loyal readers living in the EU.
Sidenote: What is really sad about all of this in my humble opinion is that science has really only begun to study the many benefits that can be derived from plant life on our planet. Many mysteries and wonderful health benefits are being discovered on a regular basis only in recent years --- and I'm certain there are many more to come. Will this directive and/or CODEX prevent access to future incredible discoveries for "we, the people?" If it does, I have a feeling the boomers might have quite a lot to say about it.
What (Or Who) Is Winning The Cancer War?
I'm probably in trouble just for posting this article on our website... and someone may come along insisting I take it down.
So, if you want to read it, you better rush over to our latest edition of BLV Health Watch at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Look for the article:
"Diet Vs. Drugs - What (Or Who) Is Winning The Cancer War?"
Posted July 17, 2005
The new study released will open some eyes. But hurry, I'm not sure how long this article can remain on our site.
Stay well. Be healthy.
We appreciate you!
So, if you want to read it, you better rush over to our latest edition of BLV Health Watch at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Look for the article:
"Diet Vs. Drugs - What (Or Who) Is Winning The Cancer War?"
Posted July 17, 2005
The new study released will open some eyes. But hurry, I'm not sure how long this article can remain on our site.
Stay well. Be healthy.
We appreciate you!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Animal Feed Staple Might Evolve to Super Food of the Future
South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) announced this week that it will collaborate with eight other African research organisations in a $17m project to develop a more nutritious sorghum cereal, reports the country's Business Day publication.
Africa grows more than 50% of the world's sorghum, adapted to harsh climatic conditions, which is the dietary staple for more than a half billion poor people worldwide.
But it lacks important vitamins and minerals. According to the CSIR, the new research aims to boost levels of vitamins A and E, iron, zinc, and essential amino acids.
In the West, amid recent high prices for corn and wheat, the resilient sorghum grain has been the focus of research to tease out new functionalities from this cheap, easy to grow food crop.
Used principally for animal feed by 'developed' countries, in a recent ARS (US government) study, food scientist Scott Bean at ARS in Manhattan, Kansas, investigated the kernels of food-grade sorghum, aiming to bring the gluten-free grain into mainstream food products such as breads, biscuits, pizza crusts and noodles.
"We are working on identifying the chemical reasons behind why certain sorghum hybrids are of much better quality – crumb grain, texture of bread – than others," said Scott Bean, lead researcher on the project.
We already know most experts believe the goji berry is possibly the most nutritionally dense food on our planet. It will be interesting to see how the new sorghum of the future measures up.
Stay tuned!
Source: FoodNavigator/Europe
Africa grows more than 50% of the world's sorghum, adapted to harsh climatic conditions, which is the dietary staple for more than a half billion poor people worldwide.
But it lacks important vitamins and minerals. According to the CSIR, the new research aims to boost levels of vitamins A and E, iron, zinc, and essential amino acids.
In the West, amid recent high prices for corn and wheat, the resilient sorghum grain has been the focus of research to tease out new functionalities from this cheap, easy to grow food crop.
Used principally for animal feed by 'developed' countries, in a recent ARS (US government) study, food scientist Scott Bean at ARS in Manhattan, Kansas, investigated the kernels of food-grade sorghum, aiming to bring the gluten-free grain into mainstream food products such as breads, biscuits, pizza crusts and noodles.
"We are working on identifying the chemical reasons behind why certain sorghum hybrids are of much better quality – crumb grain, texture of bread – than others," said Scott Bean, lead researcher on the project.
We already know most experts believe the goji berry is possibly the most nutritionally dense food on our planet. It will be interesting to see how the new sorghum of the future measures up.
Stay tuned!
Source: FoodNavigator/Europe
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Do You Receive Our Customers-Only Editions?
All customers who have purchased any FreeLife products from our site are manually entered into the customers-only GojiTeam email version of BLV Health Watch. This version of our newsletter provides in-depth reports and feature articles that won't appear on either our website news, nor on our blog.
Our next customers-only edition comes out July 4 and takes a serious look at the new Government Food Pyramid and explains why we haven't yet put it on our website at http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com. The truth is, we might not put it on. Find out why in our next customers-only edition.
One more reason to try a chilled bottle of delicious and highly nutritious Goji Juice today.
Visit http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/gojijuice.html for all the details.
Enjoy!
Our next customers-only edition comes out July 4 and takes a serious look at the new Government Food Pyramid and explains why we haven't yet put it on our website at http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com. The truth is, we might not put it on. Find out why in our next customers-only edition.
One more reason to try a chilled bottle of delicious and highly nutritious Goji Juice today.
Visit http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/gojijuice.html for all the details.
Enjoy!
7 Tips About Ticks And Lyme Disease You Should Know
Tip 1
Despite what you may have heard, deer ticks are not the only carriers of Lyme disease; mosquitoes, fleas, mites and gnats are also carriers.
Tip 2
A tick that carries lyme disease may prompt a bulls-eye rash, but this infamous rash shape appears in fewer than half of all cases of the disease. This is just one of the reasons why Lyme disease is so difficult to diagnose.
Tip 3
Some aromas that will repel ticks and other bugs include lavender essential oil, citronella, cedar oil, rose geranium oil, American pennyroyal oil (also called tickweed), eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. (If you are searching for a good source of essential oils, contact us. We'd be happy to help.)
Tip 4
We've also heard that eating garlic or taking garlic pills will help keep ticks away. A garlic regimen may repel ticks, but it may also repel your friends and loved ones.
Tip 5
The Center For Disease Control claims on their website that many local health departments, parks, and cooperative extension services have information about the areas most infested with ticks. If you are in a tick-infested area, walk in the center of the trails to avoid contact with vegetation. Wear light-colored clothing, which allows you to see ticks that are crawling on your clothing. Tuck your pant legs into your socks so that ticks cannot crawl up inside of your pant legs. Always check yourself and your children for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard.
Tip 6
Some of the more common diseases that you can get from a tick bite include: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Q-fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Southern tick-associated rash illness, tick-borne relapsing fever and tularemia. Other diseases that you can get from a tick in the United States include anaplasmosis, Colorado tick fever, and Powassan encephalitis. Early tick removal may reduce the risk of infection of some tick-borne diseases.
Tip 7
If you come down with flu symptoms in the summertime, that's a red flag for Lyme disease and you should see a doctor immediately. Other symptoms include unusual joint and muscle pain, stiff neck, confusion, severe headaches and heart palpitations.
Have a safe and tick-free summer!
Despite what you may have heard, deer ticks are not the only carriers of Lyme disease; mosquitoes, fleas, mites and gnats are also carriers.
Tip 2
A tick that carries lyme disease may prompt a bulls-eye rash, but this infamous rash shape appears in fewer than half of all cases of the disease. This is just one of the reasons why Lyme disease is so difficult to diagnose.
Tip 3
Some aromas that will repel ticks and other bugs include lavender essential oil, citronella, cedar oil, rose geranium oil, American pennyroyal oil (also called tickweed), eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil. (If you are searching for a good source of essential oils, contact us. We'd be happy to help.)
Tip 4
We've also heard that eating garlic or taking garlic pills will help keep ticks away. A garlic regimen may repel ticks, but it may also repel your friends and loved ones.
Tip 5
The Center For Disease Control claims on their website that many local health departments, parks, and cooperative extension services have information about the areas most infested with ticks. If you are in a tick-infested area, walk in the center of the trails to avoid contact with vegetation. Wear light-colored clothing, which allows you to see ticks that are crawling on your clothing. Tuck your pant legs into your socks so that ticks cannot crawl up inside of your pant legs. Always check yourself and your children for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard.
Tip 6
Some of the more common diseases that you can get from a tick bite include: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Q-fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Southern tick-associated rash illness, tick-borne relapsing fever and tularemia. Other diseases that you can get from a tick in the United States include anaplasmosis, Colorado tick fever, and Powassan encephalitis. Early tick removal may reduce the risk of infection of some tick-borne diseases.
Tip 7
If you come down with flu symptoms in the summertime, that's a red flag for Lyme disease and you should see a doctor immediately. Other symptoms include unusual joint and muscle pain, stiff neck, confusion, severe headaches and heart palpitations.
Have a safe and tick-free summer!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
California Group Threatens Lawsuit For Acrylamide Warning Labels
California's anti-toxics law, Proposition 65, requires companies to warn consumers about products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects.
Acrylamide, a carcinogen that is created when starchy foods are baked, roasted, fried or toasted, was placed on the list in 1990.
But according to the California-based Environmental Law Foundation, dozens of potato chips contain excessive levels of acrylamide without any warning whatsoever. For every product they tested, a one-ounce serving eaten daily exceeded levels that require a cancer warning under Proposition 65.
Learn more about why they are threatening to sue food manufacturers...
Visit: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Acrylamide, a carcinogen that is created when starchy foods are baked, roasted, fried or toasted, was placed on the list in 1990.
But according to the California-based Environmental Law Foundation, dozens of potato chips contain excessive levels of acrylamide without any warning whatsoever. For every product they tested, a one-ounce serving eaten daily exceeded levels that require a cancer warning under Proposition 65.
Learn more about why they are threatening to sue food manufacturers...
Visit: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Bad Florida Basil Triggers FDA Traceback
Fresh basil, the most probable source of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness in Florida earlier this year, is now the target of an FDA traceback operation.
The outbreak occurred in the State of Florida during mid-March through mid-April.
Read the full story at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
The outbreak occurred in the State of Florida during mid-March through mid-April.
Read the full story at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
New UK Study Suggests Obesity Accelerates Aging Process of Cells
It's well known that smoking can decrease your life span. Many studies have been completed to verify the harm smoking can cause to health.
But its only in recent years that clinical research has turned its attention to obesity and aging.
A new UK study published Tuesday June 13, 2005 in the online version of The Lancet indicates that... in addition to increased risk of health conditions including heart disease, hypertension and respiratory disease... obesity also causes accelerated aging at a molecular level.
"The mean rate of telomere length decrease across all the participants was 27 bp per year. But the telomeres of the obese women were seen to be 240 bp shorter than those of lean women, making them more than nine years ‘older’ in biological terms."
Read the full story online at BLV Health Watch.
But its only in recent years that clinical research has turned its attention to obesity and aging.
A new UK study published Tuesday June 13, 2005 in the online version of The Lancet indicates that... in addition to increased risk of health conditions including heart disease, hypertension and respiratory disease... obesity also causes accelerated aging at a molecular level.
"The mean rate of telomere length decrease across all the participants was 27 bp per year. But the telomeres of the obese women were seen to be 240 bp shorter than those of lean women, making them more than nine years ‘older’ in biological terms."
Read the full story online at BLV Health Watch.
Friday, June 03, 2005
They Laughed When They First Heard About Soy...
Just a quick note to let you know our latest articles are posted at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
And here's our latest article:
They Laughed When They Heard About Soy Protiens 9 Years Ago But They're Certainly Not Laughing Now!
A little over 9 years ago when Dr. Earl Mindell first talked about the amazing benefits of Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organism) soybeans, some experts actually laughed at the idea that soy could be as beneficial to the human body as he claimed.
They're not laughing now. In fact, news of the benefits of soy have swept across our nation and stepped from the supplement arena fully into the mainstream.
And not just our nation recognizes its value...
Soy proteins, traditionally formulated in rival products to dairy-based foods, are now being added to regular yoghurts to reach mainstream consumers in France.
Leading yoghurt brand Yoplait introduced its Bioplait yoghurt to the French market, its first, during April and it is now available in most French multiples.
It came at the same time as Danone rolled out its Bio Soya, already available in Spain for two years, in its home market.
But the Yoplait product is the first in France to combine soy and dairy proteins, offering benefits to both sectors. The yoghurt brand can make additional health claims on the product – Bioplait markets the cholesterol-lowering effect of soy and overall benefit for the heart on product packaging and TV advertising – while the soy protein supplier Solae, whose brand also features on the product, reaches a wider consumer base than the dedicated health food buyer.
Our own Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes are the ultimate all-natural source of soy, total nutrition and energy! Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes help you:
• Keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease
• Gain a pure and natural isoflavone effect with Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organism) soybeans
• Stay energized with Dahlulin™, a complex carbohydrate, which maintains stable blood sugar
• Support the health of your entire body with 100% of the Daily Value of all essential vitamins and most minerals
• AND Enhances your body's ability to absorb nutrients
Utilizing 30 years of study and 9 trips to Japan, Dr. Mindell developed the revolutionary Ultra Soy Complex®, his exclusive blend of the most powerful components of the soybean.
The key to these formulations is the special ingredients derived from the highest quality soybeans from around the world synergistically combined in the exact ratio necessary for optimum benefit to the body.
Why do we use Non-GMO soybeans?
Non-GMO soybeans are the most natural type of soybeans because they are produced under the strict Certified Identity Preservation Program to ensure that they are not genetically engineered at any stage. From harvest to production, these soybeans are 100% certified natural!
The Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes were specially designed to be a great-tasting source of many important nutrients needed to achieve optimal health. The Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes can be used as complete meal replacements or healthy snacks that provide 100% of the Daily Value of 12 essential vitamins along with a complete profile of essential minerals and nutrient cofactors.
My message to those so-called experts who laughed in the past: "It must be pretty hard to eat crow with egg on your face."
By the way, neither the crow nor the egg will give you the same benefits our Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes can deliver.
Keep smiling!!
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
And here's our latest article:
They Laughed When They Heard About Soy Protiens 9 Years Ago But They're Certainly Not Laughing Now!
A little over 9 years ago when Dr. Earl Mindell first talked about the amazing benefits of Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organism) soybeans, some experts actually laughed at the idea that soy could be as beneficial to the human body as he claimed.
They're not laughing now. In fact, news of the benefits of soy have swept across our nation and stepped from the supplement arena fully into the mainstream.
And not just our nation recognizes its value...
Soy proteins, traditionally formulated in rival products to dairy-based foods, are now being added to regular yoghurts to reach mainstream consumers in France.
Leading yoghurt brand Yoplait introduced its Bioplait yoghurt to the French market, its first, during April and it is now available in most French multiples.
It came at the same time as Danone rolled out its Bio Soya, already available in Spain for two years, in its home market.
But the Yoplait product is the first in France to combine soy and dairy proteins, offering benefits to both sectors. The yoghurt brand can make additional health claims on the product – Bioplait markets the cholesterol-lowering effect of soy and overall benefit for the heart on product packaging and TV advertising – while the soy protein supplier Solae, whose brand also features on the product, reaches a wider consumer base than the dedicated health food buyer.
Our own Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes are the ultimate all-natural source of soy, total nutrition and energy! Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes help you:
• Keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease
• Gain a pure and natural isoflavone effect with Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organism) soybeans
• Stay energized with Dahlulin™, a complex carbohydrate, which maintains stable blood sugar
• Support the health of your entire body with 100% of the Daily Value of all essential vitamins and most minerals
• AND Enhances your body's ability to absorb nutrients
Utilizing 30 years of study and 9 trips to Japan, Dr. Mindell developed the revolutionary Ultra Soy Complex®, his exclusive blend of the most powerful components of the soybean.
The key to these formulations is the special ingredients derived from the highest quality soybeans from around the world synergistically combined in the exact ratio necessary for optimum benefit to the body.
Why do we use Non-GMO soybeans?
Non-GMO soybeans are the most natural type of soybeans because they are produced under the strict Certified Identity Preservation Program to ensure that they are not genetically engineered at any stage. From harvest to production, these soybeans are 100% certified natural!
The Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes were specially designed to be a great-tasting source of many important nutrients needed to achieve optimal health. The Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes can be used as complete meal replacements or healthy snacks that provide 100% of the Daily Value of 12 essential vitamins along with a complete profile of essential minerals and nutrient cofactors.
My message to those so-called experts who laughed in the past: "It must be pretty hard to eat crow with egg on your face."
By the way, neither the crow nor the egg will give you the same benefits our Soy Miracle Ultimate® Shakes can deliver.
Keep smiling!!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
New Estrogen Research - Have Your Genes Been Accidentally Reprogrammed?
New research shows that exposure to harmful chemicals and drugs during critical developmental periods early in life may actually "reprogram" the way certain genes respond to the female hormone estrogen. This genetic reprogramming may determine whether people with a genetic predisposition for a disease actually develop the disease.
Visit BLV Health Watch online for more details.
Visit BLV Health Watch online for more details.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Which Came First - The Chicken Or The Campylobacter?
The "juice" that always seems to leak out of those packages of fresh chicken you bring home from the supermarket can make a big mess on your kitchen counter. But more importantly, the juice can pose a hazard to your health. Nasty microbes called Campylobacter jejuni can live in that liquid and on the skin of fresh, uncooked poultry.
Thoroughly cooking chicken --- by grilling, frying, roasting, or baking --- kills this food-poisoning microbe. But if you accidentally splash some of the raw juice on food that you'd planned to eat uncooked, such as leafy greens for a fresh salad, you'd be wise to throw them out. Here's why: If the microbe takes hold on those greens, as it is very adept at doing, you might be in for a case of campylobacteriosis food poisoning that you won't soon forget.
New research suggests that Campylobacter may actually originate in the chicken's lungs. Visit our latest edition of BLV Health Watch online to learn more.
Thoroughly cooking chicken --- by grilling, frying, roasting, or baking --- kills this food-poisoning microbe. But if you accidentally splash some of the raw juice on food that you'd planned to eat uncooked, such as leafy greens for a fresh salad, you'd be wise to throw them out. Here's why: If the microbe takes hold on those greens, as it is very adept at doing, you might be in for a case of campylobacteriosis food poisoning that you won't soon forget.
New research suggests that Campylobacter may actually originate in the chicken's lungs. Visit our latest edition of BLV Health Watch online to learn more.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without Sugar
If you've been looking for great alternatives to sugar, check out our latest article "Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth" at Best Liquid Vitamins. In it you will find three safe, all-natural alternatives ...two of which are safe for diabetics.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
RLS... I'll Bet You'll Be Hearing More About This
Ever heard of RLS?
The first time my husband heard about it (more than a year ago) he exclaimed, "That's it! That's exactly how I feel."
It's difficult for most people who have RLS to accurately describe it, and as a result most people are misdiagnosed and/or told it's "all in your head."
In medical fields the term RLS stands for Restless Legs Syndrome and according to a recent Yahoo! News article, as many as 8% of Americans suffer from it to some degree.
Now the reason I say you'll be hearing a LOT more about this in future is because...
For starters, this is something that appears to affect most people later in life and from what I hear the drug companies are already rubbing their hands together in anticipation of being able to sell even more of their existing drugs to the Baby Boomer market approaching the later years in their lives.
In fact, the Yahoo! article mentioned above talks about one such company who received recent FDA approval for one of their drugs originally approved for Parkinsons, but now approved for RLS as well.
And it was hinted in the article that several other drug companies are taking stock of their existing inventories to see which of their products will work best so they can rush them through the approval process, too.
Is it the "greed" factor rearing its ugly head? Or do they really care about us? Or maybe I'm just a bit too cynical? The answers to these questions are better left for another time and place.
The news article was passed on to me by --- you guessed it --- my husband, with a note attached: "I haven't felt it in over a year now, thanks to..."
I won't fill in the blank of what helped him. The FDA probably wouldn't approve, since it is an all natural solution that worked for him, and may not necessarily work for the masses ...plus, no clinical studies have been confirmed that it works specifically for this purpose. It was a REAL BONUS for him, and for me... now BOTH of us are getting good sleep!
However, if you're really curious you can always contact us and ask for the full details. We'll be happy to share.
The first time my husband heard about it (more than a year ago) he exclaimed, "That's it! That's exactly how I feel."
It's difficult for most people who have RLS to accurately describe it, and as a result most people are misdiagnosed and/or told it's "all in your head."
In medical fields the term RLS stands for Restless Legs Syndrome and according to a recent Yahoo! News article, as many as 8% of Americans suffer from it to some degree.
As the name suggests, RLS give sufferers a strong compulsion to move their legs. It's not always painful, but it is uncomfortable.
Patients describe the sensation as a pulling, tingling or buzzing feeling in the legs. Some say it feels like bugs are crawling on their legs. This usually happens during the early evening or at night.
Most sufferers are middle-aged and older, though RLS does occur in young people. Pregnant women also seem to get it. Women are slightly more likely to get it than men.
If the attacks are infrequent, they're a nuisance. When people get RLS severely, it can impair sleep.
Now the reason I say you'll be hearing a LOT more about this in future is because...
For starters, this is something that appears to affect most people later in life and from what I hear the drug companies are already rubbing their hands together in anticipation of being able to sell even more of their existing drugs to the Baby Boomer market approaching the later years in their lives.
In fact, the Yahoo! article mentioned above talks about one such company who received recent FDA approval for one of their drugs originally approved for Parkinsons, but now approved for RLS as well.
And it was hinted in the article that several other drug companies are taking stock of their existing inventories to see which of their products will work best so they can rush them through the approval process, too.
Is it the "greed" factor rearing its ugly head? Or do they really care about us? Or maybe I'm just a bit too cynical? The answers to these questions are better left for another time and place.
The news article was passed on to me by --- you guessed it --- my husband, with a note attached: "I haven't felt it in over a year now, thanks to..."
I won't fill in the blank of what helped him. The FDA probably wouldn't approve, since it is an all natural solution that worked for him, and may not necessarily work for the masses ...plus, no clinical studies have been confirmed that it works specifically for this purpose. It was a REAL BONUS for him, and for me... now BOTH of us are getting good sleep!
However, if you're really curious you can always contact us and ask for the full details. We'll be happy to share.
Live Call With Dr. Earl Mindell On Monday
Dr. Earl Mindell will be interviewed LIVE, Monday night at 10 p.m. EST on a special Goji Juice teleconference call. This is your chance to find out all the details on goji and why he believes it is his most important discovery in nutrition, health and wellness...
If you're interested in attending the call, be sure to contact us at Best Liquid Vitamins for the details.
Have a super weekend!
If you're interested in attending the call, be sure to contact us at Best Liquid Vitamins for the details.
Have a super weekend!
Friday, May 20, 2005
New DNA Test Tackles Deadly Cereal Disease
Did you know there are at least 16 species of Fusarium that can cause head blight, a disease that can reduce yields and contaminate cereals with toxins that can make grain unsafe for food or feed?
It's news to me!
Well, it's not news to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Peoria, Illinois. And they've been hard at work to deal with the problem...
Visit the latest edition of BLV Health Watch online to learn more:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Also, take time to view the rest of our articles this week, including:
- New DNA Test Tackles Deadly Cereal Disease
- Teflon And Toxins - Consider This...
- Fun Facts: Natural Sources For Your Vitamin B-6
- Alcohol Related Brain Damage?
- What's Your Mosquito Defense?
See you there!
It's news to me!
Well, it's not news to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Peoria, Illinois. And they've been hard at work to deal with the problem...
Visit the latest edition of BLV Health Watch online to learn more:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Also, take time to view the rest of our articles this week, including:
- New DNA Test Tackles Deadly Cereal Disease
- Teflon And Toxins - Consider This...
- Fun Facts: Natural Sources For Your Vitamin B-6
- Alcohol Related Brain Damage?
- What's Your Mosquito Defense?
See you there!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Teflon And Toxins - Consider This...
I've said it before, and I'll say it again...
If you're cooking with old scratched, chipped, or worn teflon coated non-stick pots and pans --- throw them out.
Here's why...
I received a recent newsletter that contained the following information:
"In recent years, thousands of pet birds have died as a result of being exposed to a different kind of air pollution - from what has been called Teflon toxicosis. It is caused by dangerous particles and gasses that are emitted when Teflon-coated pans and ovens are heated - overly heated, according to DuPont."
If you choose to cook with Teflon, do NOT pre-heat the pan, and never allow the fluids in the pan to completely cook off. Also, be aware that many ovens are Teflon-coated and the self-cleaning mechanism can raise the temperature well over 500°F.
Safe alternatives include cookware made with stainless steel and cast iron, neither of which emits harmful pollutants.
Click here to learn more about the dangers of Teflon from the Environmental Working Group.
In the weeks ahead we'll be bringing an important feature article to Best Liquid Vitamins on the subject of toxins. You'll be surprised how many damaging chemicals are currently in your home at this very minute. Stay tuned!
If you're cooking with old scratched, chipped, or worn teflon coated non-stick pots and pans --- throw them out.
Here's why...
I received a recent newsletter that contained the following information:
"In recent years, thousands of pet birds have died as a result of being exposed to a different kind of air pollution - from what has been called Teflon toxicosis. It is caused by dangerous particles and gasses that are emitted when Teflon-coated pans and ovens are heated - overly heated, according to DuPont."
- DuPont's studies show that Teflon will break down and release toxic particles at 446°F.
- Anything over 680°F and Teflon will release at least six toxic gasses, including two carcinogens and a chemical lethal to humans, even at low doses.
- Allow the pan to reach 1000°F, and non-stick coatings will release two known chemical warfare agents.
If you choose to cook with Teflon, do NOT pre-heat the pan, and never allow the fluids in the pan to completely cook off. Also, be aware that many ovens are Teflon-coated and the self-cleaning mechanism can raise the temperature well over 500°F.
Safe alternatives include cookware made with stainless steel and cast iron, neither of which emits harmful pollutants.
Click here to learn more about the dangers of Teflon from the Environmental Working Group.
In the weeks ahead we'll be bringing an important feature article to Best Liquid Vitamins on the subject of toxins. You'll be surprised how many damaging chemicals are currently in your home at this very minute. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Finally, our new look has launched
We've been working behind the scenes for weeks, and finally... as of one hour ago ...the new LOOK has launched. Go ahead and check it out at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you...
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you...
Alcohol Related Brain Damage Faster In Women?
Moderation really is KEY ... for women especially.
A recent study in Germany confirms alcohol dependency AND brain atrophy occur in much shorter periods of time for women than for men.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
More coming soon. Stay tuned!
A recent study in Germany confirms alcohol dependency AND brain atrophy occur in much shorter periods of time for women than for men.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
More coming soon. Stay tuned!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
What's Your Mosquito Defense?
What's Your Mosquito Defense?
Interesting statistic - there have been 777 cases of West Nile Virus reported in California (23 deaths) and yet, if the CNN news report I recently read is true, only 23 percent of Californians wear insect repellent. Nationwide, only about 40 percent wear insect repellent.
Although the risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, people of all ages can become ill... and the carrier? A tiny mosquito.
What brought my attention to the information in the first place was my 4-year-old son. He often plays out in our yard and just the other day came into the house all excited by the dead bird he had found in the flower garden.
"Mom! Dad! Look!" He was quite excited by his find. The bird --- a native morning dove --- appeared to be in perfect condition ...other than the fact that it was stone cold dead. No broken neck, so we're assuming it didn't fly into anything. No outward signs of wounds or abrasions. No unusual marks on it. In fact, it almost appeared to be asleep.
Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die.
The Center For Disease Control (CDC) seeks everyone's help for their communities by reporting dead birds as one measure to monitor and track the spread of West Nile Virus.
"By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check the Links to State and Local Government Sites page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area. Click here for more info about reporting dead birds and dealing with bird carcasses. "
There are other things we can do to mosquito proof our homes and protect ourselves, such as installing or repairing screens on our homes and limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
And then there are mosquito repellents ...and this is where my opinion shifts...
You see, here in the USA they recommend DEET for mosquito repellent. At the end of April/2005 the CDC came out with two more recommendations, repellents containing the chemical picaridin or the oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Now, in Canada when I was a Purchasing Agent for the Ministry, DEET was a banned substance. I wasn't allowed to have any products containing it for use by our people in the field. In fact, even the CDC states to spray DEET on your clothing ...NOT on your skin.
Keeping in mind that your skin is the largest organ on your body, and can absorb almost anything it comes into contact with into your bloodstream in 20 seconds or less ...it just seems to me that we wouldn't want DEET anywhere near our skin, period.
Here's one natural alternative you might want to consider for repelling those nasty mosquitoes this year. It's non-toxic, chemical-free, and part of our home care products - Purifying Mist.
But that's a room deodorizer, you say?
Yes, it's actually quite effective as a room deodorizer and an odor neutralizer. In fact, I like having a bottle handy in the car and have a few handy in the home. (Spray it on your hands after chopping onions and you'll be surprised how effective it can be!)
And yet it has one ingredient that can be very powerful for repelling pesky instects like the mosquito - grapefruit seed extract.
Take a bottle of Purifying Mist with you on your next camping trip and test it for yourself.
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/homecare.html
Meanwhile ...stay healthy and stay well.
Interesting statistic - there have been 777 cases of West Nile Virus reported in California (23 deaths) and yet, if the CNN news report I recently read is true, only 23 percent of Californians wear insect repellent. Nationwide, only about 40 percent wear insect repellent.
Although the risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old, people of all ages can become ill... and the carrier? A tiny mosquito.
What brought my attention to the information in the first place was my 4-year-old son. He often plays out in our yard and just the other day came into the house all excited by the dead bird he had found in the flower garden.
"Mom! Dad! Look!" He was quite excited by his find. The bird --- a native morning dove --- appeared to be in perfect condition ...other than the fact that it was stone cold dead. No broken neck, so we're assuming it didn't fly into anything. No outward signs of wounds or abrasions. No unusual marks on it. In fact, it almost appeared to be asleep.
Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die.
The Center For Disease Control (CDC) seeks everyone's help for their communities by reporting dead birds as one measure to monitor and track the spread of West Nile Virus.
"By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check the Links to State and Local Government Sites page to find information about reporting dead birds in your area. Click here for more info about reporting dead birds and dealing with bird carcasses. "
There are other things we can do to mosquito proof our homes and protect ourselves, such as installing or repairing screens on our homes and limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
And then there are mosquito repellents ...and this is where my opinion shifts...
You see, here in the USA they recommend DEET for mosquito repellent. At the end of April/2005 the CDC came out with two more recommendations, repellents containing the chemical picaridin or the oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Now, in Canada when I was a Purchasing Agent for the Ministry, DEET was a banned substance. I wasn't allowed to have any products containing it for use by our people in the field. In fact, even the CDC states to spray DEET on your clothing ...NOT on your skin.
Keeping in mind that your skin is the largest organ on your body, and can absorb almost anything it comes into contact with into your bloodstream in 20 seconds or less ...it just seems to me that we wouldn't want DEET anywhere near our skin, period.
Here's one natural alternative you might want to consider for repelling those nasty mosquitoes this year. It's non-toxic, chemical-free, and part of our home care products - Purifying Mist.
But that's a room deodorizer, you say?
Yes, it's actually quite effective as a room deodorizer and an odor neutralizer. In fact, I like having a bottle handy in the car and have a few handy in the home. (Spray it on your hands after chopping onions and you'll be surprised how effective it can be!)
And yet it has one ingredient that can be very powerful for repelling pesky instects like the mosquito - grapefruit seed extract.
Take a bottle of Purifying Mist with you on your next camping trip and test it for yourself.
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/homecare.html
Meanwhile ...stay healthy and stay well.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Cellulite Assassinators - Goji Berries In The News Again!
Is Hollywood going crazy for Goji? You bet!!
We've been telling our visitors and readers for some time now about the wide range of powerful benefits goji berries can bring to your diet. An area we haven't really emphasized is weight l-o-s-s.
But it seems the news is just now hitting the scene in a very BIG way.
Just this past week goji berries hit nationwide television, radio airwaves, and the Internet again. In his latest book, "The Cellulite Solution," celebrity Dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad outlines a new plan of attack to destroy those dreaded lumps and bumps that come from cellulite, and he dispels a few myths about who gets cellulite and why.
Dr. Murad's solutions start with some subtle changes to our diet, including one very exotic fruit. "Goji berries are the most nutritionally-dense foods on the market," he revealed. "I call them cellulite assassinators..."
If you'd like to view the short online movie about it, click here.
Meanwhile, if you haven't added Goji Juice to your daily diet, you now have one more reason to begin drinking it today. Enjoy!!
We've been telling our visitors and readers for some time now about the wide range of powerful benefits goji berries can bring to your diet. An area we haven't really emphasized is weight l-o-s-s.
But it seems the news is just now hitting the scene in a very BIG way.
Just this past week goji berries hit nationwide television, radio airwaves, and the Internet again. In his latest book, "The Cellulite Solution," celebrity Dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad outlines a new plan of attack to destroy those dreaded lumps and bumps that come from cellulite, and he dispels a few myths about who gets cellulite and why.
Dr. Murad's solutions start with some subtle changes to our diet, including one very exotic fruit. "Goji berries are the most nutritionally-dense foods on the market," he revealed. "I call them cellulite assassinators..."
If you'd like to view the short online movie about it, click here.
Meanwhile, if you haven't added Goji Juice to your daily diet, you now have one more reason to begin drinking it today. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Omega-3 and Omega-6 ...A Little History
Brought to you by,
Best Liquid Vitamins
One of the first associations between omega-3 fatty acids was made by scientists while studying the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s.
As a group, the Inuit suffered far less from certain diseases (coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis) than their European counterparts. Yet their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal, and salmon.
Eventually researchers realized that these foods were all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provided real disease-countering benefits.
Researchers in the field of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have since found that without a sufficient supply of polyunsaturated omega-3s, the body will use saturated fat to construct cell membranes. The resulting cell membranes, however, are less elastic, a situation that can have a negative effect on the heart because it makes it harder to return to a resting state.
Also, nutritionists have come to recognize the importance of balancing omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Because most people on a typical Western diet consume far more omega-6-rich foods (including cereals, whole-grain bread, baked goods, fried foods, margarine, and others), the ratio is out of balance for almost everyone. This means for most Americans the emphasis now needs to be on increasing omega-3s to make the ratio more even.
Vitamin E also plays an important role whenever you take any type of fatty acid. Vitamin E is said to help keep the fatty acids from breaking down too rapidly in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Therefore, they must be obtained from food.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.
Sidenote: Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.
Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Eating a lot of fish also takes the place of foods rich in saturated fats. Omega-3s are also found in: soybean and canola oils, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and leafy green vegetables.
Sidenote: avoid fish harvested in areas where mercury dangers are high.
According to the AHA, patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician's care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.
So there you have it... a little history on omega-3s and omega-6s.
Sources:
AHA Scientific Study - 2002
University of Maryland Medical Center - Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Swedish Medical Center, Seatle WA - Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
AHA - Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Best Liquid Vitamins
One of the first associations between omega-3 fatty acids was made by scientists while studying the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s.
As a group, the Inuit suffered far less from certain diseases (coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis) than their European counterparts. Yet their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal, and salmon.
Eventually researchers realized that these foods were all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provided real disease-countering benefits.
Researchers in the field of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have since found that without a sufficient supply of polyunsaturated omega-3s, the body will use saturated fat to construct cell membranes. The resulting cell membranes, however, are less elastic, a situation that can have a negative effect on the heart because it makes it harder to return to a resting state.
Also, nutritionists have come to recognize the importance of balancing omega-3 fatty acids with omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Because most people on a typical Western diet consume far more omega-6-rich foods (including cereals, whole-grain bread, baked goods, fried foods, margarine, and others), the ratio is out of balance for almost everyone. This means for most Americans the emphasis now needs to be on increasing omega-3s to make the ratio more even.
Vitamin E also plays an important role whenever you take any type of fatty acid. Vitamin E is said to help keep the fatty acids from breaking down too rapidly in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. Therefore, they must be obtained from food.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.
Sidenote: Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.
Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Eating a lot of fish also takes the place of foods rich in saturated fats. Omega-3s are also found in: soybean and canola oils, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and leafy green vegetables.
Sidenote: avoid fish harvested in areas where mercury dangers are high.
According to the AHA, patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician's care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.
So there you have it... a little history on omega-3s and omega-6s.
Sources:
AHA Scientific Study - 2002
University of Maryland Medical Center - Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Swedish Medical Center, Seatle WA - Good Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
AHA - Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Thursday, May 05, 2005
BLV Health Watch - - National Toxicology Program Symposium
The NTP (National Toxicology Program), an interagency program within the Department of Health and Human Services, is considered to be at the forefront of developing and using new methods for testing toxicity to predict hazards to humans.
They will be presenting a new refined strategy that will guide the expansion of the NTP to meet emerging research needs, including examining the potential safety issues related to herbal medicines and supplements, cell phone radiofrequency transmissions, and nanoscale materials.
The strategy will also provide a long-term vision that moves toxicology away from an animal-based enterprise, including developing non-mammalian models.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) will present its new strategy "A Roadmap for the Future" at a symposium being held Tuesday, May 10: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ...and... Wednesday, May 11: 9:00 a.m. - noon ...at the National Academy of Sciences, 2100 C Street, NW, Washington, DC
"A Roadmap for the Future" defines how NTP will integrate new methodologies with proven approaches to "test smarter."
For more than 25 years, the NTP has made extraordinary progress in evaluating chemicals and other agents that may be toxic to human health and disseminating this information broadly to inform public health decision-making.
For example, through its extensive testing program, the NTP has evaluated over 2500 agents. In addition, the NTP biannually issues the Report on Carcinogens, which in 2005 identified 246 cancer-causing agents, including for the first time viruses like Hepatitis B and C.
For more information and to view the full release, click here.
They will be presenting a new refined strategy that will guide the expansion of the NTP to meet emerging research needs, including examining the potential safety issues related to herbal medicines and supplements, cell phone radiofrequency transmissions, and nanoscale materials.
The strategy will also provide a long-term vision that moves toxicology away from an animal-based enterprise, including developing non-mammalian models.
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) will present its new strategy "A Roadmap for the Future" at a symposium being held Tuesday, May 10: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ...and... Wednesday, May 11: 9:00 a.m. - noon ...at the National Academy of Sciences, 2100 C Street, NW, Washington, DC
"A Roadmap for the Future" defines how NTP will integrate new methodologies with proven approaches to "test smarter."
For more than 25 years, the NTP has made extraordinary progress in evaluating chemicals and other agents that may be toxic to human health and disseminating this information broadly to inform public health decision-making.
For example, through its extensive testing program, the NTP has evaluated over 2500 agents. In addition, the NTP biannually issues the Report on Carcinogens, which in 2005 identified 246 cancer-causing agents, including for the first time viruses like Hepatitis B and C.
For more information and to view the full release, click here.
Monday, April 25, 2005
BLV Health Watch - Fun Facts
This past month has been filled with fun facts on health and nutrition at Best Liquid Vitamins. If you haven't had a chance to read our latest news online, here's a quick look at some headlines:
- Fun Facts: What Is ...arachis hypogaea?
- Fun Facts: Secret To Better Popping Pocorn Revealed
- Nutrition In Space - A New Outlook On Functional Foods
- Good health might begin in the womb...
- Tips For A Good Night's Sleep
Plus, here's a snapshot some of our recent feature articles:
- Obesity Numbers On The Rise In China
- In A Nutshell, The Recent Ephedra Lawsuit
- Reduced Sugar Cereals Not As Great As They Claim
For all these stories and more, be sure to check out the latest online edition of BLV Health Watch at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Special Note: We're going to be going through some exciting site changes soon. New graphics, new content, and a great new look. We'll also be changing providers for our bi-weekly newsletter... great news for AOL users who haven't been able to subscribe. (Sorry for the inconvenience. We apologize!)
Stay tuned to BLV: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
- Fun Facts: What Is ...arachis hypogaea?
- Fun Facts: Secret To Better Popping Pocorn Revealed
- Nutrition In Space - A New Outlook On Functional Foods
- Good health might begin in the womb...
- Tips For A Good Night's Sleep
Plus, here's a snapshot some of our recent feature articles:
- Obesity Numbers On The Rise In China
- In A Nutshell, The Recent Ephedra Lawsuit
- Reduced Sugar Cereals Not As Great As They Claim
For all these stories and more, be sure to check out the latest online edition of BLV Health Watch at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Special Note: We're going to be going through some exciting site changes soon. New graphics, new content, and a great new look. We'll also be changing providers for our bi-weekly newsletter... great news for AOL users who haven't been able to subscribe. (Sorry for the inconvenience. We apologize!)
Stay tuned to BLV: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Thursday, April 21, 2005
In A Nutshell, The Recent Ephedra Lawsuit
What's up with ephedra? Or should we ask, what's up with ephedrine alkaloids? A court case in Utah last week may have some people confused regarding what's going on with the ban on ephedrine-alkaloid supplements.
In a nutshell, according to one report here's what happened:
Nutraceutical Corporation (a supplement manufacturer that once offered an ephedrine product) filed a suit alleging that the FDA had not proved that low doses of ephedrine-alkyloid supplements were dangerous.
Judge Tena Campbell of the US District Court of Utah agreed, stating that the agency had not met the standard for banning low doses of ephedrine-alkyloids (under 10 mg).
Judge Campbell ordered the FDA to conduct a study that would determine dose-dependent toxicology so the ban of ephedrine alkyloid supplements can be set at a proven toxic level.
A spokesperson for the Nutraceutical Corporation stated that the FDA ban had been overturned.
But an FDA spokesperson stated that the ban is still in effect for higher doses (above 10 mg) of ephedrine products and added that the agency is considering its options "with respect to next steps."
What does that mean? We'll have to wait for the FDA to figure that out and get back to us.
We'll be watching for new developments on this story as they unfold. Stay tuned to BLV Health Watch and our online news at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Meanwhile, stay safe and be well!
In a nutshell, according to one report here's what happened:
Nutraceutical Corporation (a supplement manufacturer that once offered an ephedrine product) filed a suit alleging that the FDA had not proved that low doses of ephedrine-alkyloid supplements were dangerous.
Judge Tena Campbell of the US District Court of Utah agreed, stating that the agency had not met the standard for banning low doses of ephedrine-alkyloids (under 10 mg).
Judge Campbell ordered the FDA to conduct a study that would determine dose-dependent toxicology so the ban of ephedrine alkyloid supplements can be set at a proven toxic level.
A spokesperson for the Nutraceutical Corporation stated that the FDA ban had been overturned.
But an FDA spokesperson stated that the ban is still in effect for higher doses (above 10 mg) of ephedrine products and added that the agency is considering its options "with respect to next steps."
What does that mean? We'll have to wait for the FDA to figure that out and get back to us.
We'll be watching for new developments on this story as they unfold. Stay tuned to BLV Health Watch and our online news at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Meanwhile, stay safe and be well!
Friday, April 01, 2005
Latest Health News Headlines From Best Liquid Vitamins
Here is your month-end wrap up for news headlines posted at BestLiquidVitamins.com
To view all these news articles and more, visit:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Prozac In The Headlines - Again! April 1, 8:50 AM
Perchlorate Found In Breast Milk -- April 1, 7:46 AM
What You Should Know About FDA Approval -- April 1, 7:32 AM
Faith In Prescription Drugs Slipping -- April 1, 7:07 AM
Massive Food Recall In UK May Have Spread To China -- March 22, 2:02 PM
Update On "Attack On Health Supplements" -- March 19, 6:39 PM
Australia to Assess Herbal Ingredients and Claims -- by March 19, 5:52 PM
Atkins Nutritionals Is Leaving The UK -- March 19, 5:23 PM
Weightloss Headlines - Whole foods needed to stop malnutrition -- March 19, 3:59 PM
Whole Grains Council Officially Launched Its New Food Stamp -- March 19, 2:50 PM
There's more in store for you at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Stay healthy! Stay safe! And be sure to visit with us again soon!
To view all these news articles and more, visit:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Prozac In The Headlines - Again! April 1, 8:50 AM
Perchlorate Found In Breast Milk -- April 1, 7:46 AM
What You Should Know About FDA Approval -- April 1, 7:32 AM
Faith In Prescription Drugs Slipping -- April 1, 7:07 AM
Massive Food Recall In UK May Have Spread To China -- March 22, 2:02 PM
Update On "Attack On Health Supplements" -- March 19, 6:39 PM
Australia to Assess Herbal Ingredients and Claims -- by March 19, 5:52 PM
Atkins Nutritionals Is Leaving The UK -- March 19, 5:23 PM
Weightloss Headlines - Whole foods needed to stop malnutrition -- March 19, 3:59 PM
Whole Grains Council Officially Launched Its New Food Stamp -- March 19, 2:50 PM
There's more in store for you at:
http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com
Stay healthy! Stay safe! And be sure to visit with us again soon!
Prozac In The Headlines - Again!
An internal document purportedly from Eli Lilly and Co. appears to show that the drug manufacturer had data more than 15 years ago showing that patients on its antidepressant Prozac were far more likely to attempt suicide and show hostility than patients on other antidepressants.
The document also suggests that the company attempted to minimize public awareness of the side effects.
The document, made public Monday, Jan. 03/2005 was provided to CNN by the office of Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., who has called for tightening FDA regulations on drug safety.
The 1988 document indicated that 3.7 percent of patients attempted suicide while on the blockbuster drug, a rate more than 12 times that cited for any of four other commonly used antidepressants.
The document, which cited clinical trials of 14,198 patients on fluoxetine the generic name for Prozac also stated that 2.3 percent of users suffered psychotic depression while on the drug, more than double the next-highest rate of patients using another antidepressant.
In addition, the paper said that 1.6 percent of patients reported incidents of hostility more than double the rate reported by patients on any of four other commonly used antidepressants.
The trials reviewed in the document said that 0.8 percent of users of Prozac reported causing an intentional injury, eight times the rate associated with any of the other antidepressants.
In the paper, titled "Activation and sedation in fluoxetine clinical trials," the authors said that the drug may produce nervousness, anxiety, agitation or insomnia in 19 percent of patients, and sedation in 13 percent of patients.
The existence of the document obtained by CNN and other documents was reported last week by the British Medical Journal. Its editors said the documents had been reported missing from a 10-year-old murder case, and that they had sent them to the Food and Drug Administration for review.
In a long-awaited move, in January 2005 the FDA approved the language for so-called black-box warnings on antidepressants.
The action came four months after a government panel determined the medicines were linked to suicide in youngsters. As a result, the panel recommended drug makers add the warnings in order to alert doctors to the serious side effects.
The recommendation followed 18 months of controversy over the medicines. The episode cast a harsh spotlight on the pharmaceutical industry after it became known that some drug makers failed to disclose links between their antidepressants and suicide.
A black-box warning is the most severe warning that can be issued about a prescription drug. The information is prominently placed on package inserts and in physician reference manuals that are read by doctors nationwide.
The warning was to be added to several widely prescribed drugs, including Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. Only Prozac was approved for children, but doctors are free to prescribe any medication for patients, which explained widespread usage of many pills.
In a letter to drug makers, the FDA wrote in January 2005 that final labeling should be on company Web sites within two weeks and on all products within 30 days, according to the Pink Sheet, an industry publication. A medication guide was also supposed to be available by Jan. 31.
Flash forward to February, 2005...
The Washington Post reports on Feb. 21, 2005:
Since the arrival of Prozac in 1988, these drugs have transformed psychiatry in the United States, even as persistent critics have warned that their benefits were hyped and their risks ignored. A spate of lawsuits in recent years have claimed that the drugs were responsible for violent and suicidal behavior.
Flash forward to March 31, 2005...
Newstarget reports, "The very first week you start taking antidepressant drugs, your risk of committing suicide quadruples. Antidepressants have long been accused of actually causing suicides and violent behavior, and now research is proving it."
Their article cites specific headlines that hit the front pages in many cities, including:
"Don't forget that the high school students who went on a shooting rampage in Colombine were on antidepressant drugs. So was Phil Hartman's wife when she murdered the actor. Time and time again, the most outrageous acts of violence in our nation are frequently linked to people who use SSRIs (antidepressant drugs)."
The New York Times reports, "The year-long debate over whether antidepressant drugs increase the risk of suicide in some children may soon widen to include adults, as English and Canadian scientists are reporting findings from three new analyses of suicide risk in people over age 18 who have taken the medications."
The story on Prozac is not going away...
If anything, it's building in momentum as more and more clinical trials come to light, and further documents are made public.
Here's what really puzzles me about this picture.
We have a 100% juice product that is made from a berry well known to have a major side effect --- it makes people happy. Safe for children, adults, seniors, diabetics, even pregnant women... It's a natural, whole food, unpasteurized and nutritionally dense product that does far more for your health than simply make you feel good.
Then on the other side of the coin, you have a pill that's "supposed" to make you happy --- yet, according to many of the recent reports and clinical studies flying in, it comes with extremely dangerous side effects for some users.
Yet millions (yes, I said millions) would rather pop a potentially dangerous pill.
Do you see something wrong with this picture, too?
Sources:
NewsTarget March 31, 2005 - Antidepressant drugs quadruple risk of suicides, research shows
Washington Post Feb. 21, 2005 - Study Ties Antidepressants To Suicide
New York Times Feb. 18, 2005 - Antidepressant Safety Debate May Include Adult Patients
Star Ledger Jan. 14, 2005 - FDA Approves Antidepressant Warning Language
CNN Jan. 4, 2005 - Document May Reveal Prozac Risk
ParmExec Jan. 4, 2005 - BMJ TURNS OVER MISSING PROZAC DOCUMENTS TO FDA; LILLY DENIES ANY MISSING DOCUMENTS
The document also suggests that the company attempted to minimize public awareness of the side effects.
The document, made public Monday, Jan. 03/2005 was provided to CNN by the office of Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., who has called for tightening FDA regulations on drug safety.
The 1988 document indicated that 3.7 percent of patients attempted suicide while on the blockbuster drug, a rate more than 12 times that cited for any of four other commonly used antidepressants.
The document, which cited clinical trials of 14,198 patients on fluoxetine the generic name for Prozac also stated that 2.3 percent of users suffered psychotic depression while on the drug, more than double the next-highest rate of patients using another antidepressant.
In addition, the paper said that 1.6 percent of patients reported incidents of hostility more than double the rate reported by patients on any of four other commonly used antidepressants.
The trials reviewed in the document said that 0.8 percent of users of Prozac reported causing an intentional injury, eight times the rate associated with any of the other antidepressants.
In the paper, titled "Activation and sedation in fluoxetine clinical trials," the authors said that the drug may produce nervousness, anxiety, agitation or insomnia in 19 percent of patients, and sedation in 13 percent of patients.
The existence of the document obtained by CNN and other documents was reported last week by the British Medical Journal. Its editors said the documents had been reported missing from a 10-year-old murder case, and that they had sent them to the Food and Drug Administration for review.
In a long-awaited move, in January 2005 the FDA approved the language for so-called black-box warnings on antidepressants.
The action came four months after a government panel determined the medicines were linked to suicide in youngsters. As a result, the panel recommended drug makers add the warnings in order to alert doctors to the serious side effects.
The recommendation followed 18 months of controversy over the medicines. The episode cast a harsh spotlight on the pharmaceutical industry after it became known that some drug makers failed to disclose links between their antidepressants and suicide.
A black-box warning is the most severe warning that can be issued about a prescription drug. The information is prominently placed on package inserts and in physician reference manuals that are read by doctors nationwide.
The warning was to be added to several widely prescribed drugs, including Effexor, Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. Only Prozac was approved for children, but doctors are free to prescribe any medication for patients, which explained widespread usage of many pills.
In a letter to drug makers, the FDA wrote in January 2005 that final labeling should be on company Web sites within two weeks and on all products within 30 days, according to the Pink Sheet, an industry publication. A medication guide was also supposed to be available by Jan. 31.
Flash forward to February, 2005...
The Washington Post reports on Feb. 21, 2005:
"Adults taking popular antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as patients given placebos, according to an analysis of hundreds of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of patients.
The results, published last week in the British Medical Journal, mirror a recent finding of the Food and Drug Administration that the drugs increase suicidal thoughts and behavior among some children and offer support to concerns going back 15 years that the mood-lifting pills have a dark side.
The examination of 702 controlled clinical trials involving 87,650 patients is the most comprehensive look at the subject and is particularly telling because it counted suicide attempts and included patients treated for a variety of conditions, including sexual dysfunction, bulimia, panic disorder and depression."
Since the arrival of Prozac in 1988, these drugs have transformed psychiatry in the United States, even as persistent critics have warned that their benefits were hyped and their risks ignored. A spate of lawsuits in recent years have claimed that the drugs were responsible for violent and suicidal behavior.
Flash forward to March 31, 2005...
Newstarget reports, "The very first week you start taking antidepressant drugs, your risk of committing suicide quadruples. Antidepressants have long been accused of actually causing suicides and violent behavior, and now research is proving it."
Their article cites specific headlines that hit the front pages in many cities, including:
"Don't forget that the high school students who went on a shooting rampage in Colombine were on antidepressant drugs. So was Phil Hartman's wife when she murdered the actor. Time and time again, the most outrageous acts of violence in our nation are frequently linked to people who use SSRIs (antidepressant drugs)."
The New York Times reports, "The year-long debate over whether antidepressant drugs increase the risk of suicide in some children may soon widen to include adults, as English and Canadian scientists are reporting findings from three new analyses of suicide risk in people over age 18 who have taken the medications."
The story on Prozac is not going away...
If anything, it's building in momentum as more and more clinical trials come to light, and further documents are made public.
Here's what really puzzles me about this picture.
We have a 100% juice product that is made from a berry well known to have a major side effect --- it makes people happy. Safe for children, adults, seniors, diabetics, even pregnant women... It's a natural, whole food, unpasteurized and nutritionally dense product that does far more for your health than simply make you feel good.
Then on the other side of the coin, you have a pill that's "supposed" to make you happy --- yet, according to many of the recent reports and clinical studies flying in, it comes with extremely dangerous side effects for some users.
Yet millions (yes, I said millions) would rather pop a potentially dangerous pill.
Do you see something wrong with this picture, too?
Sources:
NewsTarget March 31, 2005 - Antidepressant drugs quadruple risk of suicides, research shows
Washington Post Feb. 21, 2005 - Study Ties Antidepressants To Suicide
New York Times Feb. 18, 2005 - Antidepressant Safety Debate May Include Adult Patients
Star Ledger Jan. 14, 2005 - FDA Approves Antidepressant Warning Language
CNN Jan. 4, 2005 - Document May Reveal Prozac Risk
ParmExec Jan. 4, 2005 - BMJ TURNS OVER MISSING PROZAC DOCUMENTS TO FDA; LILLY DENIES ANY MISSING DOCUMENTS
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Massive Food Recall In UK May Have Spread To China
Here in the USA, some important headlines sometimes don't get much airtime... but this news is recent, so maybe it takes time to trickle down to the western media outlets?
Sudan 1 to IV are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and are banned under European Union rules.
Sudan 1 is a chemical red dye, and prior to 2003 could be found in many ingredients including, salsa, chili sauces, and the like.
Last month it was detected in Worcester sauce manufactured by Premier Foods and several other food products the company produces which prompted one of the largest food recalls in UK history.
Premier Foods informed shareholders on Feb. 24, 2005 that its Branston Hot and Spicy Sweet Pickle and Branston Rich and Fruity Sauce are "at once" being recalled from the shelves.
The news came a few days after the firm set off a chain recall reaction of over 420 well-known processed foods, many of which used the same chili sauce ingredient (which contained the illegal dye) as the one used to produce their Worcestershire sauce.
Used as both a tabletop sauce and food ingredient, the discovery prompted the UK's Food Standards Agency to take immediate action and pull all related products, such as Sainsburys pork sausages and Tesco's chicken and vegetable casserole, out of the consumers' reach.
According to the news in the UK, companies had up to Feb. 24, 2005 to recall products containing the illegal red dye or face prosecution.
"It is their legal responsibility to be checking their foods and to then come to us with any new information on contaminated food products," a spokesperson for the FSA stated to the press.
Food companies failing to do so face prosecution.
That's just the tip of the ice burg. There was a recent report that the problem may have also spread to China with reports that international food maker Heinz has called back chilli sauces and chilli oils that may contain the harmful, and illegal, red dye.
Now... I have to ask... have any similar products been checked here in the USA and Canada?
We'll be watching this story unfold.
Be sure to stay in the loop and subscribe to BLV News.
Sudan 1 to IV are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and are banned under European Union rules.
Sudan 1 is a chemical red dye, and prior to 2003 could be found in many ingredients including, salsa, chili sauces, and the like.
Last month it was detected in Worcester sauce manufactured by Premier Foods and several other food products the company produces which prompted one of the largest food recalls in UK history.
Premier Foods informed shareholders on Feb. 24, 2005 that its Branston Hot and Spicy Sweet Pickle and Branston Rich and Fruity Sauce are "at once" being recalled from the shelves.
The news came a few days after the firm set off a chain recall reaction of over 420 well-known processed foods, many of which used the same chili sauce ingredient (which contained the illegal dye) as the one used to produce their Worcestershire sauce.
Used as both a tabletop sauce and food ingredient, the discovery prompted the UK's Food Standards Agency to take immediate action and pull all related products, such as Sainsburys pork sausages and Tesco's chicken and vegetable casserole, out of the consumers' reach.
According to the news in the UK, companies had up to Feb. 24, 2005 to recall products containing the illegal red dye or face prosecution.
"It is their legal responsibility to be checking their foods and to then come to us with any new information on contaminated food products," a spokesperson for the FSA stated to the press.
Food companies failing to do so face prosecution.
That's just the tip of the ice burg. There was a recent report that the problem may have also spread to China with reports that international food maker Heinz has called back chilli sauces and chilli oils that may contain the harmful, and illegal, red dye.
Now... I have to ask... have any similar products been checked here in the USA and Canada?
We'll be watching this story unfold.
Be sure to stay in the loop and subscribe to BLV News.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Australia to Assess Herbal Ingredients and Claims
In a recent news release at NeutraIngredients Europe (11/03/2005) the announcement came out: "Herbal medicines on the Australian market may need to be reformulated after the government’s decision this week to back a wave of expert recommendations to tighten scrutiny of the complementary medicines sector."
The Australian government said it has backed most of the 49 recommendations from the Expert Committee on Complementary Medicines in the Health System, which was formed following the April 2003 recall of more than 1,600 products, many of them supplements, manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals.
The recommendations, published 18 months ago, include the introduction of quality standards for all ingredients used in herbal and complementary medicines, and new guidelines to verify claims made by companies.
“The complementary medicines industry is estimated to be worth over $800 million per year so it is vital that Australians feel confident in the industry and its products,” said Australia’s health secretary Christopher Pyne.
The government's response to the report said the toughest option would result in many products being reformulated or relabelled, or even removed from the market.
The report said that complementary medicines "typically contain a larger number of ingredients than prescription or over-the-counter medicines”.
"Consequently, the identification of a particular ingredient as a potential cause of an adverse reaction is often far more difficult in a complementary medicine."
Under the recommendations, any ingredients suspected of causing foetal abnormalities will be banned from use other than in complementary products subject to the same scrutiny as that given to prescription drugs.
Among the positive points for industry, the medicines authority the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has also been asked to draw up a stakeholder group to identify incentives to encourage innovation and research in complementary medicines, including data protection and market exclusivity.
A database will be established to identify researchers and centers of excellence to carry out complementary medicines research in Australia and there will also be action to create greater awareness among all health professionals and consumers of the potential for complementary medicines to interact with other medicines.
The government’s response to the recommendations are published on the TGA website. (pdf format)
http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cmresponse.pdf
Important Sidenote: It's important to know when shopping for supplements that many herbal ingredients used to manufacture vitamins and nutrition aids come in 3 different grades --- pharmaceutical grade (the highest grade which our manufacturer uses for all products offered here at Best Liquid Vitamins) --- food grade --- and vetrinary grade. Unfortunately the more than 60 products we carry in supplements and self-care are only available in the USA (with the exception of Goji Juice which is now available in more than 11 countries).
Do you know what grade of ingredients you are getting when you purchase your supplements elsewhere?
The Australian government said it has backed most of the 49 recommendations from the Expert Committee on Complementary Medicines in the Health System, which was formed following the April 2003 recall of more than 1,600 products, many of them supplements, manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals.
The recommendations, published 18 months ago, include the introduction of quality standards for all ingredients used in herbal and complementary medicines, and new guidelines to verify claims made by companies.
“The complementary medicines industry is estimated to be worth over $800 million per year so it is vital that Australians feel confident in the industry and its products,” said Australia’s health secretary Christopher Pyne.
The government's response to the report said the toughest option would result in many products being reformulated or relabelled, or even removed from the market.
The report said that complementary medicines "typically contain a larger number of ingredients than prescription or over-the-counter medicines”.
"Consequently, the identification of a particular ingredient as a potential cause of an adverse reaction is often far more difficult in a complementary medicine."
Under the recommendations, any ingredients suspected of causing foetal abnormalities will be banned from use other than in complementary products subject to the same scrutiny as that given to prescription drugs.
Among the positive points for industry, the medicines authority the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has also been asked to draw up a stakeholder group to identify incentives to encourage innovation and research in complementary medicines, including data protection and market exclusivity.
A database will be established to identify researchers and centers of excellence to carry out complementary medicines research in Australia and there will also be action to create greater awareness among all health professionals and consumers of the potential for complementary medicines to interact with other medicines.
The government’s response to the recommendations are published on the TGA website. (pdf format)
http://www.tga.gov.au/cm/cmresponse.pdf
Important Sidenote: It's important to know when shopping for supplements that many herbal ingredients used to manufacture vitamins and nutrition aids come in 3 different grades --- pharmaceutical grade (the highest grade which our manufacturer uses for all products offered here at Best Liquid Vitamins) --- food grade --- and vetrinary grade. Unfortunately the more than 60 products we carry in supplements and self-care are only available in the USA (with the exception of Goji Juice which is now available in more than 11 countries).
Do you know what grade of ingredients you are getting when you purchase your supplements elsewhere?
The Whole Grains Council Officially Launched Its New Food Stamp
The Whole Grains Council Officially Launched Its New Food Stamp
The Whole Grains Council yesterday launched its food stamp to the general public at the Natural Foods Expo West show taking place in Anaheim. (March 2005 Show)
There are three versions of the black and gold stamp:
1) the "good source" stamp for foods containing a half serving of whole grains (8g)
2) the "excellent source" stamp goes on products offering a full serving of whole grains (16g)
3) and the third level – "excellent Source / 100%" – is for foods with a full serving of whole grains and containing no refined grains.
But here's an interesting fact:
The goji berry, which is considered to be the most nutritionally dense food on the planet, contains 13% more protein than even whole wheat.
See http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/gojijuice.html for details.
Our topselling product, Goji Jucie, is 100% juice - and contains over 2.2 pounds of pure sweet goji berry juice in every bottle... but, you won't find the new grain label on the bottle.
The new label is reserved for grain products.
The Whole Grains Council yesterday launched its food stamp to the general public at the Natural Foods Expo West show taking place in Anaheim. (March 2005 Show)
There are three versions of the black and gold stamp:
1) the "good source" stamp for foods containing a half serving of whole grains (8g)
2) the "excellent source" stamp goes on products offering a full serving of whole grains (16g)
3) and the third level – "excellent Source / 100%" – is for foods with a full serving of whole grains and containing no refined grains.
But here's an interesting fact:
The goji berry, which is considered to be the most nutritionally dense food on the planet, contains 13% more protein than even whole wheat.
See http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/gojijuice.html for details.
Our topselling product, Goji Jucie, is 100% juice - and contains over 2.2 pounds of pure sweet goji berry juice in every bottle... but, you won't find the new grain label on the bottle.
The new label is reserved for grain products.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Cockroach Allergens Have Greatest Impact on Childhood Asthma In Many U.S. Cities
Asthma In Inner-City Children - New Study Results Are In
Read Full Story Here: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Dust mites and pet allergens were always thought to be the biggest factors that affect asthma in children, but a new study funded by NIEHS states another factor may actually be worse for inner-city children: COCKROACHES
NIH provided $7.5 million to researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and seven other research institutions, including the Data Coordinating Center at Rho, Inc., for the three-year study.
"We found that a majority of homes in Chicago, New York City and the Bronx had cockroach allergen levels high enough to trigger asthma symptoms, while a majority of homes in Dallas and Seattle had dust mite allergen levels above the asthma symptom threshold," said Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and lead author of the study.
"We also discovered that the levels of both of these allergens were influenced by housing type," noted Gruchalla. "Cockroach allergen levels were highest in high-rise apartments, while dust mite concentrations were greatest in detached homes."
According to NIEHS Director Kenneth Olden, Ph.D. "These data confirm that cockroach allergen is the primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. ...However, general cleaning practices, proven extermination techniques and consistent maintenance methods can bring these allergen levels under control."
Cockroach allergens come from several sources such as saliva, fecal material, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies. People can reduce their exposure to cockroach allergen by eating only in the kitchen and dining room, putting non-refrigerated items in plastic containers or sealable bags, and taking out the garbage on a daily basis. Other measures include repairing leaky faucets, frequent vacuuming of carpeted areas and damp-mopping of hard floors, and regular cleaning of counter tops and other surfaces.
While cockroach allergen exposure did produce an increase in asthma symptoms, researchers did not find an increase in asthma symptoms as a result of exposure to dust mite and pet dander. "Children who tested positive for, and were exposed to, cockroach allergen experienced a significant increase in the number of days with cough, wheezing and chest tightness, number of nights with interrupted sleep, number of missed school days, and number of times they had to slow down or discontinue their play activity," said Gruchalla.
While cockroaches are primarily attracted to water sources and food debris, house dust mites, microscopic spider-like creatures that feed on flakes of human skin, reside in bedding, carpets, upholstery, draperies and other "dust traps." Dust mite allergens are proteins that come from the digestive tracts of mites and are found in mite feces.
The study results are published in the March issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Read Full Story Here: http://www.bestliquidvitamins.com/news.shtml
Dust mites and pet allergens were always thought to be the biggest factors that affect asthma in children, but a new study funded by NIEHS states another factor may actually be worse for inner-city children: COCKROACHES
NIH provided $7.5 million to researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and seven other research institutions, including the Data Coordinating Center at Rho, Inc., for the three-year study.
"We found that a majority of homes in Chicago, New York City and the Bronx had cockroach allergen levels high enough to trigger asthma symptoms, while a majority of homes in Dallas and Seattle had dust mite allergen levels above the asthma symptom threshold," said Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and lead author of the study.
"We also discovered that the levels of both of these allergens were influenced by housing type," noted Gruchalla. "Cockroach allergen levels were highest in high-rise apartments, while dust mite concentrations were greatest in detached homes."
According to NIEHS Director Kenneth Olden, Ph.D. "These data confirm that cockroach allergen is the primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. ...However, general cleaning practices, proven extermination techniques and consistent maintenance methods can bring these allergen levels under control."
Cockroach allergens come from several sources such as saliva, fecal material, secretions, cast skins, and dead bodies. People can reduce their exposure to cockroach allergen by eating only in the kitchen and dining room, putting non-refrigerated items in plastic containers or sealable bags, and taking out the garbage on a daily basis. Other measures include repairing leaky faucets, frequent vacuuming of carpeted areas and damp-mopping of hard floors, and regular cleaning of counter tops and other surfaces.
While cockroach allergen exposure did produce an increase in asthma symptoms, researchers did not find an increase in asthma symptoms as a result of exposure to dust mite and pet dander. "Children who tested positive for, and were exposed to, cockroach allergen experienced a significant increase in the number of days with cough, wheezing and chest tightness, number of nights with interrupted sleep, number of missed school days, and number of times they had to slow down or discontinue their play activity," said Gruchalla.
While cockroaches are primarily attracted to water sources and food debris, house dust mites, microscopic spider-like creatures that feed on flakes of human skin, reside in bedding, carpets, upholstery, draperies and other "dust traps." Dust mite allergens are proteins that come from the digestive tracts of mites and are found in mite feces.
The study results are published in the March issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
New Vermont Law Requires Drug Companies To Disclose Wholesale Prices
"Under state legislation that is the 'first of its kind,' drug manufacturers beginning Tuesday will be required to disclose to Vermont physicians the average wholesale prices of individual drugs and other products in the same therapeutic class," the Wall Street Journal reports.
The law marks an effort to "curb prescription drug prices by putting price information in the hands of doctors," according to the Journal.
However, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America spokesperson Wanda Moebius said, "The law doesn't reflect prices paid by patients with insurance or at a pharmacy, and so it's not a valid representation." She stated that using such disclosures for comparisons is like "comparing apples to oranges"
Read full story here.
The law marks an effort to "curb prescription drug prices by putting price information in the hands of doctors," according to the Journal.
However, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America spokesperson Wanda Moebius said, "The law doesn't reflect prices paid by patients with insurance or at a pharmacy, and so it's not a valid representation." She stated that using such disclosures for comparisons is like "comparing apples to oranges"
Read full story here.
My Rant - The Aunt, The Uncle, The Coumadin
Usually I try my best to report the headlines I find ... online and offline ... relating to health and wellness ...without expressing my own personal opinions on the subjects. In fact, I do my best to keep my personal opinions to myself, but a recent conversation I had with my husband's Aunt has me so steamed up I can't help making a few comments here.
Her husband (our Uncle whom we all love dearly) just got out of a 4 day stay in hospital owing to shortness of breath and heart palipitations. They still aren't sure if it was heart related or stroke related but there is one thing for certain, it's a warning sign and warrents some serious lifestyle changes.
Now, here's the part that got me so riled up.
The Aunt fully admits they haven't been eating properly, admits they haven't been getting proper exercise, admits they haven't been making healthy choices ...and yet, believes the medication our Uncle is now taking should take care of the problems he's going through ...that they don't have to worry, since it was a false alarm after all.
Rather than make positive lifestyle changes, their only change is adding prescribed Coumadin (some spell it cumidin, it's also known as Warfarin) to his daily regimine. They wouldn't even consider adding a very healthy 100% juice to his diet as one small positive step towards lifestyle changes.
Do they even look at the Warning Labels on the drugs they take?
For example, here are some potential side effects for Warfarin (coumadin)...
--------- copy -----------
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Warfarin, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· black, bloody, or tarry stools;
· blood in urine or vomit;
· coughing up blood;
· bleeding gums or sores in the mouth;
· decreased urine production;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· severe dizziness or headache;
· easy bleeding or bruising under the skin;
· purple discoloration of the toes or fingers;
· sudden leg or foot pain; or
· unusually heavy menstrual periods.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
· excessive gas or bloating;
· diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting;
· hair loss; or
· decreased appetite or weight.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
------- end copy ---------
And the worst part, after knowing about the above potential side effects, is that he is already easily bruised. In fact, his skin has grown so paper thin, just brushing against the coffee table can cause a major sore that takes weeks to heal.
Then add to this the fact that he has arthritis and has been taking aspirin and other pain relievers for it (a HUGE no-no with coumadin)... plus, he loves to go trap shooting (was honored for his skill last year) which generally results in very large shoulder bruises every summer.
Sadly, not enough people do heed the warnings for most presecription drugs. When you realize most of those warnings are the bare minimum that most drug companies are forced to apply to their products ...it makes you wonder why people "swear by drugs" to undo damage they have done to themselves. For example, the Washington Bureau reported in conjunction with the amiodarone warning label ruling... "A highly toxic heart drug continues to be prescribed to millions of patients nationwide without the detailed consumer warnings promised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration more than a year ago. "
So my question is --- "Why do many people leave their health up to others and refuse to take responsibility for their own lives and lifestyles?"
My husband's Aunt is not the only one. Sadly many seniors (our Uncle is in his 70's) refuse to think that they themselves could be responsible for the many ailments they have, or know they are in part responsible yet sadly they continue to believe there are magic pills available in these modern times that can wipe out 20 to 40 years or more of poor lifestyle habits. Even worse, because those magic pills are presecribed, many believe there is no danger in taking them.
Most people aren't even aware how many presecription errors are made each year.
Okay... so I'm ranting ...and it's only because I truly care. It hurts to see someone suffering so much, yet angers me to see their stubborn attitudes towards simple little things they could be doing each day to dramatically enhance their health ...and their lives.
Stay well and be healthy...
We care about you!
Her husband (our Uncle whom we all love dearly) just got out of a 4 day stay in hospital owing to shortness of breath and heart palipitations. They still aren't sure if it was heart related or stroke related but there is one thing for certain, it's a warning sign and warrents some serious lifestyle changes.
Now, here's the part that got me so riled up.
The Aunt fully admits they haven't been eating properly, admits they haven't been getting proper exercise, admits they haven't been making healthy choices ...and yet, believes the medication our Uncle is now taking should take care of the problems he's going through ...that they don't have to worry, since it was a false alarm after all.
Rather than make positive lifestyle changes, their only change is adding prescribed Coumadin (some spell it cumidin, it's also known as Warfarin) to his daily regimine. They wouldn't even consider adding a very healthy 100% juice to his diet as one small positive step towards lifestyle changes.
Do they even look at the Warning Labels on the drugs they take?
For example, here are some potential side effects for Warfarin (coumadin)...
--------- copy -----------
If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Warfarin, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· black, bloody, or tarry stools;
· blood in urine or vomit;
· coughing up blood;
· bleeding gums or sores in the mouth;
· decreased urine production;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes;
· severe dizziness or headache;
· easy bleeding or bruising under the skin;
· purple discoloration of the toes or fingers;
· sudden leg or foot pain; or
· unusually heavy menstrual periods.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
· excessive gas or bloating;
· diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting;
· hair loss; or
· decreased appetite or weight.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
------- end copy ---------
And the worst part, after knowing about the above potential side effects, is that he is already easily bruised. In fact, his skin has grown so paper thin, just brushing against the coffee table can cause a major sore that takes weeks to heal.
Then add to this the fact that he has arthritis and has been taking aspirin and other pain relievers for it (a HUGE no-no with coumadin)... plus, he loves to go trap shooting (was honored for his skill last year) which generally results in very large shoulder bruises every summer.
Sadly, not enough people do heed the warnings for most presecription drugs. When you realize most of those warnings are the bare minimum that most drug companies are forced to apply to their products ...it makes you wonder why people "swear by drugs" to undo damage they have done to themselves. For example, the Washington Bureau reported in conjunction with the amiodarone warning label ruling... "A highly toxic heart drug continues to be prescribed to millions of patients nationwide without the detailed consumer warnings promised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration more than a year ago. "
So my question is --- "Why do many people leave their health up to others and refuse to take responsibility for their own lives and lifestyles?"
My husband's Aunt is not the only one. Sadly many seniors (our Uncle is in his 70's) refuse to think that they themselves could be responsible for the many ailments they have, or know they are in part responsible yet sadly they continue to believe there are magic pills available in these modern times that can wipe out 20 to 40 years or more of poor lifestyle habits. Even worse, because those magic pills are presecribed, many believe there is no danger in taking them.
Most people aren't even aware how many presecription errors are made each year.
Okay... so I'm ranting ...and it's only because I truly care. It hurts to see someone suffering so much, yet angers me to see their stubborn attitudes towards simple little things they could be doing each day to dramatically enhance their health ...and their lives.
Stay well and be healthy...
We care about you!
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Life Expectancy in USA Increases to 77.6 Years
According to the preliminary annual mortality report released Monday by... CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, life expectancy for U.S. residents increased to a record 77.6 years and mortality rates for most leading causes of death declined in 2003.
The preliminary report indicates average life expectancy for U.S. residents in 2003 increased by nearly four months from an average of 77.3 years in 2002.
Howard Price of the Washington Times reports final results will be available in September.
Did you know the goji berry is considered by some experts to be the most powerful anti-aging food on our planet? Visit here to learn more.
The preliminary report indicates average life expectancy for U.S. residents in 2003 increased by nearly four months from an average of 77.3 years in 2002.
Howard Price of the Washington Times reports final results will be available in September.
Did you know the goji berry is considered by some experts to be the most powerful anti-aging food on our planet? Visit here to learn more.
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