Are We Sweetening Up Life Too Much?

We are beginning to see just how chemically toxic our external environment from air, water and land can be , but it's our internal enviorment of our organ systems that are being bombarded by a wave of chemical and non-chemical toxins on a daily basis.

The FDA in 2011 reviewed numerous food colorings, dyes and artificial preservatives and have found a link between ADHD the attention disorder in children and artificial coloring which are made from coal tar derivatives to enhance color. They are also known to cause allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rash, headaches and hyper-reactivity.

Artificial flavorings are mostly a cheap production of a host of chemicals that try to taste like natural products .They are also linked to allergies, eczema, and can affect cellular enzymes , RNA, and the thyroid gland.

Artificial sweetners come in all shapes , sizes, and colored packages. There are so many to chose from today you just can't  keep up with them all. Whether the name is Acesulfame, sucralose, aspartame, Equal, Nutrasweet, saccharin,Sweet- n- Sow, splenda , Sorbitol, Agave, or Neotame ; they tend to be highly processed with no calories. Many substitute for natural forms of sugar in diet foods are in drinks to reduce calories. However, we are seeing how high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and some forms of Agave  increases caloric intake causing obesity, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease in kids.

Sucralose was discovered coincidentally in the lab as a very effective pesticidal agent with chloroform based chemicals used in it. It is known to be linked with cancers.

Aspartame has been well documented in causing brain tumors, brain cancer, seizures and poor brain cognition. It is a high favorite in soft drinks, also. Some experience headaches, hallucinations and dizziness with it.

Early animal studies with saccharin showed it being related to cancer as well, but dose amounts in humans is often controversial.

Many chemicals are used in food such as fats to keep them from becoming rancid. These products such as BHT, BHA, TBHQ  can cause swelling, asthma, tumors, urticaria, and effect estrogen balance. They are noted to raise body fats such as triglycerides.

Marcus Wells, MD, MPH is a previous clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health and has a Master's in Public Health from Emory University with emphasis in Environmental & Occupational health

Common Household Use Could Be Harmful to Life

As technology advances us further in daily life, we are also fraught with the potential complication of toxicities from additives in food and beverages at the cost ot these "advances" especially effecting our health. There are more concerns other than cell phones today which appears to effect neurological function. Many of these other concerns are in our diet, in our air conditioned air and house hold items we use frequently.

Many of us love the idea of a new perfume or cologne and how it makes it smell and who knows it might attract somebody else whom we really like. However, we don't hear often what else these products attract. Many birth defects and hormonal changes occur due to exposures to Phthalates. They are used to bind fragrances particularly perfumes.

Falme retardants have been commonly used in moderns home such as polyurethane foam in couches and nursing pillows as well as baby strollers.

A big one we often use is Trichloroethylene(TCE) .It often causes cancer and defects. It is found in spot removers and rug cleaners, as well. It appears that TCE can be produced from the shower heads of certain showers. The chemical produced in the shower heads is formed when high velocity jet sprays  are made.

Vinyk chloride which is linked to liver disease is often used in flooring , car interiors and kids toys. A cousin of this toxin Tetra-chloride has been used in house hold goods as well. Some of these chloride based chemicals have been used in cleaners for clothing and suit clothes

Marcus Wells , MD, MPH is previous clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health and has a Master's in Public Health from Emory University with emphasis in Environmental & Occupational health

Common Toxicities Beyond Cell Phone Use: Part 2

Cell phone may not be the only common everyday tool or product we use that can cause a health concern in our lives.Everyday we may come in contact with something that triggers a health mechanism that can cause harm to us without knowing it. Physicians, Environmental scientist and Public Health workers are pressing to get better informed messages to the public about these exposures.

Many old homes, shipping yards and brake lines in older cars may have asbestos which is known to cause asbestosis a fibrotic thickening of the lining of the lungas well as cause lung cancer.

Bisphenol or BPA is linked to numerous illnesses. We see it often in babies plastic formula bottles and some metal cans. It can cause biochemical changes that cause hormonal imbalances in the prostate,  some cognitive function in brain.

Many kitchen counter tops have a chemical in them called formaldehyde. It can be found in some in furniture as well. Some companies use it to create couches.

Many household paints contain hexane as well. It is known to cause nerve damage. It is a solven in many paints, spray glues and stain removers, too.

Methylene Chloride can cause death and toxicity and is found in wood flooring cleaners, water repellents and some spray shoe polishes.

Marcus Wells MD, MPH is a previous clinical associate from the NIH and has a Master's in Public Health from Emory University specializing in Environmental & Occupational Health
Learn more at http://www.fitfamily360.com/

Common Toxicities Beyond Cell Phone Use: Part 1

Lately we've heard a lot about the link between cell phones and brain cancer. The FDA and other scientific authorities have come to conclude that this is  a real and not just theoretical possibility. Scientist are looking into how non-ionizing radiation can effect cognitive functioning as well. Non-ionizing radiation unlike its more popularized radiation happening in Fukishima , Japan takes a different approach to cellular damaging. It "slow cooks" matter from within. Cell phones are not the only culprit here. We have to look at other sources also  such as microwave ovens, hand held devices or lap tops as well as those tall cell phone towers that emit ELF.

Non-ionizing radiation may effect high turnover cells or cells that are highly sensitive such as the brain, particularly a childs developing brain or even gonadal organs may be susceptible to them which even greater implications can come from.

Some Neurological scientist are also looking at cognitive functioning of those who use cell phones a lot and see a common link in reducing brain skills, also.

But as we look around our homes further we will see more toxins we use just about everyday that cause disease in autoimmune forms , asthma or cancer.

The National Institutes of Health along with Mount Sinai Medical School have found a link between styrofoam coffee cups and cancer particularly leukemia and lymphoma. The styrofoam contains a chemical called styrene which is toxic.

Pregnant women and children in particularly need to be careful. Hot drinks in these types of containers actually accelerte the toxicity as heat radiates.

Medical scientist at Mount Sinai also have looked at BPA a bisphenol chemical compound often found in babies plastic bottles and other similar plastic bottles, aluminum cans and plastic wrappings. Neonates often given plastic bottles may expereince later some type of  hormonal imbalances. It is better to use glass bottles.

Similar precaustion it to be given to plastic water bottles particularly when kept warmer than normal or cooler than normal as well.

Vitamin D: Part 2

More has come about the effectiveness of Vitamin D not only for strong bones and muscles; but as a anti-cancer fighter. These controversial results come with the recommendation of the vitamin at "super high doses" as high as 4000 to 8000 IU(international units). These doses may be of added benefit for multiple sclerosis and diabetes mellitus from these amazing studies. These studies reported in the Journal of Anticancer Research come out of the University of California San Diego(UCSD) and Creighton.

These studies are reporting benefits from Vitamin D for  reducing the rate of breast cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, stroke and poor cognitive function. The CDC has reported most Americans do not get enough Vitamin D in their diets.

The American Journal of Obesity show a corellation between the lack of Vitamin D and obesity as well. The link finds that the vitamin's deficiency appears to be related to childhood obesity, diabetes and higher body fat. This may be due to the fact that Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is dissolved in the high adipose tissue.

Some studies are now looking at Vitamin D's  potential role as an inti-inflammatory agent as well.

But, the biggest impact on our life is with Vitamin D protecting us against cancer. In the International Journal of Low Radiation(2008) there seemed to be evidence that Vitamin protects against radiation damage or radio-induced cancer. It does this by upgregulating genes causing cell regulation, controls for cells differentiation(mutation, damage),  the timing of cell death, and that of new vessel createion that feeds a cancer.

It is beleived that there are 16 cancer types that Vitamin D may help protect against.

What are some good sources for Vitamin D?  First from the the most accessible source of all, the sun. One must be cautious, however,  of the sun's ultra-violet rays so, less than 30 minutes outdoors is enough. Do not forget protective SPF when walking or playing outdoors.  It appears however , that foods are probably  a better source for  your Vitamin D than supplements or even our old friend the  sun.

Other  sources of Vitamin D  include oily fish, eggs, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, sardines, milk, margarine*(trans fats in margarine is a concern for use), ceral, beef liver and cheese.

When taking Vitamin D supplements make sure you ask for D3(Cholecalciferol) the more biologically active form and   not D2. Unbeknownst to many health providers they typically write prescriptions for the latter.


Dr. Wells, MD,MPH is a past clinical associate of the NIH -National Heart , Lung & Blood Institute. His tenure included a post at the US Public Health Service, US Health & Human Services at this same. Learn more about Dr. Wells and Vitamin D at   http://www.fitfamily360.com/

Flavonols for All

Flavonoids are found virtually in all superfoods and are becoming the super-micronutrient to maintaining the balance of life. The Larger group that encompasses these related bio-nutrients is called the Flavonoid Group where over about 6000 exist. They contain several nutrients found in fruits, vegetables and cereals.

Flvavonlos such as Catechin and epicatechin are found in green tea, cocoa, wine and dark chocolate where they can act as antioxidants that can protect against heart disease, cancer and premature aging process.Catechin fights free oxygen radicals that destroys cells DNA along with epicatechin.

Another Flavonoid called Quercetin found in citrus fruits, apples, srawberries, spinach, peppers and onions fights against lung cancer, tumors, and viruses by being an anti-inflammatory agent. A cousin -Flavonoid in this category is called kaemferol. Onions are known to help lower cholesterol as well.

The Flavonoids more specifically known to citrus fruits are the Eriodictoyl and hespertin.

The dark blue color of Anthrocyadins are seen in numerous berries. Grapes contain Cyandin as does wine. Wine may also contain Resveratrol, Grape Seed Extract and OPCs that also work as antioxidants that are implicated in improving heart function, fight cancer and reducing premature aging. Other types of Antocyandins are Cyandin and Peonidin. Berries such as cranberry, strawberry and cherries may act as anti-inflammatory agents naturally much like NSAIDS.

Isoflavones are seen in soy products called Genistein and Daidzein. They may provide certain phyto-estrogens to protect women from breast cancer as well act as a means to protect the prostate in men while providing calcium. There is still lots of controversy about the phytoestrogen and soy. Some critics feel that its compteitive inhibition to estrogen may only act as an alternative estrogen defeating its purpose, Others feel it competes and nullifies chemotherapy for cancer while still another goup feels that the it is either the isolates of soy that is the problem or if the soy itself is not fermented.

A group of Flavonoids called Flavones Leteolin and Apigenin are found in parsley and celery.

Ginko Biloba and pine bark contains ginkoloids that are also falvonoids that are known to help promote memory in subjects, too.This improvement was noted with 120 mg of ginko or 150 mg of pine bark daily.

Reputable studies are looking at high the regular use of Flavonoids improve cognitive function such as reasoning power, verbal use, motor skills and memory along with actual neurological functioning physiologically with reduction in neuropathy.It was the blue berries that were particularly attributed to memory.

The body's cells everyday use billions of cellular biochemical reactions where oxygen and other elements and enzymes are utilized. Many of the oxygen by-products emitted are called free oxygen radicals (FOS). They can also be obtained from the body trying to get rid of exposures to pollution, cigarette smake and radiation.

Studies showed that the subjects who consumed between 18-37 milligrams of flavonoids a day(15 blueberries/daily) scored best on cognitive tests.

Inflammation has becomes more implicated for vascular disease(i.e heart attack, agina, stroke and diabetic related disease).Inflammation may be an initiating factor that predisposing to cardiovascular disease leading to the aggregation of platelets and creation of a blood clot. The action of Flavonols may play become evermore important to prevent vascular disease.

The Real Fountain of Youth:The Advances in Longevity, Aging, and Improved Life

For eons myths spoke of a fountain that promised youth and immortality to whomever's lips were able to find its source. What most of us didn't realize is that this "story" has more science behind it than we imagined.New studies looking at aging believe that aging is tied to quality and quantity of life directly. New studies out of Harvard/MIT point out that improved metabolism via caloric restriction in your diet is key to longevity and to better aging, reduction in stress and chronic disease. Rat studies proved that 2 central genes in Aging called SIRT1/SIRT2 which control enzymes can determine how long you live.But other nutritional factors such as NAD a nicotinamide nutrient effects these genes, too. Other direct effects on aging include Polyphenols, specifically Resveratrol. This antioxidant is found in grapes and processed in wine. Other notable polyphenols are in Green Tea. Researchers are looking at the antibiotic Ramycin and how it inhibits enzymes TOR-kinase to increase longevity.
The latest discovery is looking at the special terminal ends of DNA molecules called Telomers. The longer one's Telome the longer one seems to live. But, the longer Telomer is associated with less chronic disease and the cells live longer.
Another area that appears to be promising is with growth hormone, but there seemed to be concern about synthetic or bovine growth hormone a genetically modified organism (GMO) that brought about controversy about its potential health side effects. The fact is that growth hormone is in itself a natural occuring product that is necessary and made by the human organism. As we age , growth hormone severely dwindles. This phase of life has been called "Somato-Pause" unlike other hormones decreases found in menopause with estrogen, Somato-pause is the lack of growth hormone.Human growth hormone/hGH , however, has shown some promising potential.But , where it shows greatest promise is not with injecting it or "supplement growth hormone", but rather in enhancing instrinsic release factors and other activities that naturally can raise your own levels of Gh/growth hormone.
As GH diminishes we see more gray hair, higher body fat,decreased libido, cardiovascular disease, thinning of skin, reduced lean muscle mass, increased cholesterol,depression, moodiness, dehydration and osteoporosis.
What are the positive effects of GH? Improved lean muscle mass, decrease in body fat, reduces wrinkles, increases energy, restores hair, increases libido, improves liver and pancreas function, normalizes blood pressure, improved heart function, improved bone growth, and improved cognitive function as well as mood.
There are several natural and nutrient factors that can improve your GH/growth hormone output.Estrogen, testosterone,ornithine, arginine,niacin,VitaminB5, Vitamin B6, alpha keto-glutarate, glutamine, tyrosine,Gamma Amino Butyric acid(GABA) fasting and exercise are factors that enhance GH.Other regulators of GH secretion are minerals such as Zinc,calcium, magnesium, and postassium.Your blood PH and the neruotransmitter acetylcholine/ACH and L-Dopa have influences on GH.Even better sleep patterns improves growth hormone secretion.
It seems that longevity can be improved without a doubt even if only by 50% by the latest scientific research regarding SIRT1 & 2 . But what real advancementS have we made when long life comes without improved quality of life? It will be a combination of these things mentioned here to get the most of your body's potential to live longer and to live better. Youth is still to a degree "just a number" and may be related to how you feel, how much you eat,what you eat, how active you are, what minerals and amino acids you take,and if you get adequate sleep. Until then there are no "magic bullets" and at last glance no fountains of youth except your own well of potential.