Vitamin Information Center

BALTIMORE, March 27 (UPI) — Folate — vitamin B 9 – potentially may be used to limit the damage of a heart attack, U.S. researchers say.The study, scheduled to be published in the April 8 edition of the journal Circulation, finds the vitamin blunted the damage from heart attack in animal studies.

“We want to emphasize that it is premature for people to begin taking high doses of folic acid,” senior study investigator Dr. David Kass, of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore says in a statement. “But if human studies prove equally effective, then high-dose folate could be given to high-risk groups to guard against possible heart attack or to people while they are having one.”

“We do not know how much or how little of it is needed to be effective,” Kass cautions. A large amount could yield unpredictable side effects and studies have linked folic acid supplements to increased rates of colon and prostate cancer, Kass says.

Folate — naturally found in leafy green vegetables, beans and nuts — is sometimes used as a general term to include folic acid — the form of vitamin B9 put in supplements and added to foods, especially grain products.

Most people know to watch their cholesterol levels. Of course, this is not usually a concern until you hit about 40-50, then everybody watches their cholesterol. Everybody knows that cholesterol causes cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death, but there is another important piece to this puzzle that may be missing.
Cholesterol is needed by your body for repair, and health. Cholesterol is important to your good health. In fact, it was found that people with cholesterol levels that are too low, may suffer from depression and increased suicides. We are told that cholesterol levels above 200 means high risk, but did you know that as much as 40% of heart attack victims have cholesterol under 200?

So what are you missing?

Cholesterol alone does not cause atherosclerosis. It is the oxidation of the LDL cholesterol that causes the problem. This may be one reason why lowering your cholesterol does lower your risk. There are literally hundreds of research articles written every year that identify oxidation as the key risk factor.

Oxidation does not stop there. It may be responsible for many other age related disorders as well. Disorders such as cataracts, macular degeneration, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, “age” or liver spots, aging, wrinkles and more, are all believed to be caused by free radical damage.

Free radical cause damage by stealing electrons from other molecules, causing a cascading effect, damaging other molecules as it goes. This becomes a problem when it effects DNA, or cellular reproduction. Keep in mind that your body regenerates, and renews itself, so why is it that we seem to deteriorate? When a damaged cell reproduces, it creates a replica of itself. When you are young, and at 100%, it takes a while before you notice this damage. This is why, I believe, there is a misconception that disorders such as poor digestion, intestinal irregularities, arthritis, age spots, cataracts, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and so on… are an inevitable part of aging.

So what can you do about it?

Well, for starters, reducing inflammation in your body will help. Try and eat more whole foods, and less processed foods. Avoid foods that you are allergic to. Most people have undiagnosed food sensitivities. I have not met anybody that does not have at least a couple. These undiagnosed food sensitivities can add stress to your body, as well as cause inflammation. It’s best to have an ELISA blood test done to identify these foods so you can limit, or avoid them. Avoid transfatty acids and foods that are high in sugars and fats. Avoid foods that have a high glycemic load. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Many people do not even get their RDA of essential vitamins and minerals. The RDA was set as a median level for healthy people. Stress, inflammation, chemicals, drugs, pollution, cigarette smoke, coffee, alcohol, sugar, disease, all increase your need for vitamins and minerals, so, like mom always said: Eat Your Veggies! Many people could benefit from supplements as well, since for some, its not possible to get enough from your food. Reduce stress levels. This is a big one. Implement some form of a stress relief program. Watching TV is not a stress relief program… sorry.

Have your oxidation levels tested.

This is a simple test, no needles, but it can tell you a lot more about your cardiovascular risk potential, than just your cholesterol numbers alone. When I do this test, I prefer to do a complete metabolic test, since it will yield a more complete picture.

After about age 30, your hydrochloric acid in your stomach decreases in strength which puts a strain on your body and causes various imbalances, not to mention most seniors can not absorb vitamin B12 due to decreased intrinsic factor.

Oxidation is a simple thing to combat, but it can have far reaching effects. There is even strong research to indicate that oxidative damage may be at the root of disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Fortunately, its easy to detect and adjust for. To find out more on metabolic testing, or oxidation testing, click here. Maintaining your good health, or reaching a state of wellness does not have to be difficult. It also does not mean you need to spend $500/mo in supplements, and never enjoy a piece of chocolate cake again. If you make small changes, and use these simple, informative tests as a guide, your small changes can have a big impact on your health.
by Rick Jahn D.O.M.

Fluoride has many effects on the body. Some are beneficial, some are detrimental and which effects prevail and how much is a controversy that rages on even today. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel in developing teeth. In higher concentrations, it also has detrimental effects on the body in other ways. There are compelling arguments on both sides and you will need to make your own decisions about its use for your family. Continue Reading…

Yes - a blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which, though expensive ($20 to $100 a pop), is covered by insurance. Your level should be at least 30 nanograms per milliliter of blood and not more than 100. If your level is way below that, say around 18, you need to take 1,200 international units or more a day of vitamin D supplements, either the type called D2 or D3, said Dr. Michael F. Holick, an endocrinologist and leading vitamin D researcher at the Boston University School of Medicine. Continue Reading…