Osteoporosis is a bone mineral and collagen disease. Defined as a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of -2.5 or greater, the condition is alarmingly common. This paper covers current statistics, standard treatments, and the HealthQuestForMe 8-Point System for reversing osteoporosis.

Recent studies show that over $20 billion a year is spent directly on osteoporosis, with projected costs over $25 billion by 2025. Over 55% of people over age 50 have osteoporosis, and estimates reveal that over 34 million people have osteopenia, defined as low bone density, or a BMD between -1.0 and -2.5. Fractures due to osteoporosis commonly occur in the vertebral bodies (spine), wrist, hips, and other areas. (1)

Why Don’t We Recognize It?

The problem is due to the silent, stealth-like nature of the condition. It sneaks up on you, and by the time it’s diagnosed, you really have your work ahead of you. Most of the time with poor results. The HealthQuestForMe 8-Point System attempts to reduce symptoms and restore underlying mechanisms. After all, you can’t FEEL your bones losing density.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors:

• Underweight
• Female
• Menopausal
• Family History
• White or Asian
• Over 40 years old
• Certain steroids and seizure medicine
• Excess thyroid medicine
• Smoking
• Over 2 servings daily alcohol
• Antacids
• Soda or caffeine consumption
• Excess protein or sodium consumption
• Certain chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Amenorrhea (2).

It’s interesting to note that long-term use of antacids are a HUGE contributor to osteoporosis. These include H2-blockers (Pepcid AC, TagametHB, Zantac 75, Axid AR, etc), proton pump inhibitors, referred to as PPI’s, the most powerful class of these drugs (Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Aciphex, Dexilant, Zegerid, Protonix, etc), coating agents with aluminum hydroxide (Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, etc). In fact, PPI’s have been shown to increase the risk of C. difficile infection. (3) For those taking ‘harmless’ calcium anatacids such as Tums or Rolaids, although they pose no short-term problems, their long-term use inhibits normal mineral ionization processes in the stomach, necessary for proper mineral absorption. See my website article on Heartburn and GERD for more information.

Signs You May Notice:

• Decreased height
• Back pain
• Sloping shoulders
• Hunched posture
• Protruding abdomen
• Fractures in wrist, hip, or spine (2).

Diagnosis:

The primary diagnostic mechanism is through a DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) test. This screening tool can predict and monitor low bone density, and involves a certain low-level x-ray on various susceptible areas on the wrist, hip and lumbar spine. A T-Score of -1.0 to -2.5 means low bone density, but not quite at the osteoporosis division starts, which is -2.5 or worse. Standard x-rays are not sensitive enough to pick up small variations in bone loss or gain. In fact, by the time osteoporosis can be seen on plain film x-ray, 25-30% of bone loss has already occurred. I would see this often during the years I was performing x-ray examinations on my patients. Standard blood calcium tests are virtually useless for evaluation of osteoporosis, as it correlates with parathyroid hormone balance.

Standard Treatment:

• Calcium: usually 1,200-1,500 mg a day
• Magnesium: often 400-600 mg a day
• Vitamin D: usually 400-800 IU a day
• Weight-bearing exercise: resistance type is best such as weight lifting, jogging, racket sports, calisthenics, etc.

If these are unsuccessful or were already tried, then either hormone therapy or bisphosphonate drugs are often introduced.

These can be positive and VERY DANGEROUS! The Women’s Health Initiative Study showed that hormone therapy can have far-reaching negative side-effects including breast and uterine cancers among others.

Bisphosphonate drugs include:

• Fosamax
• Actonel
• Boniva
• Atelvia
• Reclast, among others.

A major problem with these include osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead bone with holes!) among others. An old saying among nutritionally-savy docs is  ”save a wrist or loose your teeth. Take your pick!“ The real irony here is that now even the FDA cautions about increased hip fracture risk on those who take these drugs. WOW! The very drugs meant to help bones can actually break them. We warned patients of safer alternatives for years before this data was published. These drugs also prevent the normal bone turnover required for strong bones.

All cells have a turnover time, where old cells are replaced by new cells. The drugs make bones denser, but not stronger. The collagen inherent in our bones is what gives bone the tensile strength, not the minerals. Follow-up DEXA scans may APPEAR to show improvement, but they often represent a false sense of security as the bone strength is still weak. A urinary test is available that measures the normal ‘turnover’ of our bone collagen. The test is described as a Bone Resorption Test, analyzing type 1 collagen fragments known as deoxypyridinoline. We use the test by metametrix labs. This REAL-TIME testing does not substitute for a DEXA, but gives additional metabolic information to allow proper nutritional management between DEXA scans. Why wait 1-2 years only to find out that your calcium and vitamin D and those aerobic classes didn’t work!

Although safer, bio-identicle hormones have a place in healthcare, the final issue is that neither hormone therapy or drugs address the underlying mechanisms involved in osteoporosis!

Are there safer and effective treatment strategies that can be clinically-proven to work? Yes. At stake is the very health of your entire skeleton!

THE OSTEOPOROSIS 8-POINT SYSTEM*

1) Balance pH. Only a pH between 6.4 and 7.0 will promote proper mineral utilization at the cell level. Excessive tissue acidity can undermine your efforts, as it continually will pull calcium from the bones for buffering. Most people need to eat MORE produce.

In fact the literature clearly shows maximum benefit with 6-9 servings a fresh fruit and veggies each and every day. See my article on pH: Why You Need To Know.

2) Reduce Inflammation. Systemic inflammation is at root of most cases of osteoporosis, and if not treated, poor bone health will remain. Many studies testify the impact inflammation places on our bone metabolism. Inflammation may be driven by environmental toxins, infection, sluggish digestion, and more. We monitor inflammation by blood testing of hs-CRP, ESR, CBC with differential, plasma fibrinogen, lipid peroxides, urinary indican, as well as constitutional findings.

3) Reduce Chronic Infection.

This creates systemic inflammation and the associated cytokines (immune messengers) destroys long-term bone health. Dead or dying bone is a common finding in osteoporosis. See above for methods used. In addition, we test for infection-related toxins via the Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) device. Our pathogen purge program or other deep matrix cleansing programs often work extremely well.

4) Restore Digestion. Proper digestion and enzyme secretion is crucial for bone metabolism. Without adequate hydrochloric acid secretion, minerals can’t be absorbed well, amino acids (protein building blocks) are not properly transferred through the gut wall to the cells, and any orally-ingested pathogens may not be sterilized (see infection, above).

This is why antacids are the wrong way to go. Temporary management of a bad stomach? No problem. Long term solution? It carries a massive risk of osteoporosis! Solutions may be HCL or enzyme supplementation, probiotics, digestive teas, altering eating habits and diet, eliminating GI infection, reducing brain inflammation (hypovagal function), correcting pH, or other concepts.

5) Balance Hormones. Using both blood and salivary hormone analysis can reveal significant alterations in normal hormone output. This is often due to faulty cell receptor function, diminished output, poor excretion/clearance or any combination. Receptor function and clearance issue are rarely dealt with in conventional medicine, but are VITAL to reestablishing normal hormone signaling and metabolism. Progesterone, DHEA and testosterone are all important besides estrogen in bone metabolism. Check for elevated cortisol, which has bone-demineralizing properties. Since our hormones fluctuate during a 24-hour period, I use a salivary cortisol panel measuring morning, noon, afternoon and midnight samples.

6) Exercise. Our bone-building osteoblast cells will never run at optimal function with stressing them. Weight-bearing exercise is crucial. For those with bad joints, consider whole body vibration therapy (WBV) using a powerplate.

7) Heal Cell Membranes. Our cells have numerous receptors or antennae on the outer cell surface (membranes) that decide and control many major functions. This includes the transport of nutrients into and waste products out of the cell. Communication between neighboring cells, tissues as well as the brain is also mediated through cell receptors.

In fact, the cell membrane is often referred to by molecular biologists as the second brain of the cell. If membranes are damaged, receptors are damaged. What damages them? Toxins, infection, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. We test membrane health using Bio-Impedance Analysis (BIA) for phase angle and intra/extra water percentages, urinary Oxidata or Meta-Oxy tests for lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde), Omega-3 Index testing of blood (self finger stick) and others.

Deliver CORRECT nutrition. All bones require a multitude of synergistic vitamins, minerals, protein and co-factors. Not just calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Blood values of vitamin D should be between 45-75 ng/ml to make a clinical difference, so testing is required. I often suggest 5,000IU for average adults in the winter, reducing in the summer, but always based upon blood testing.

For more information, view www.vitamindcouncil.org.

Possibly the biggest importance to bone is adequate vitamin K. There are 3 forms of vitamin K:

• Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Derived from greens and other foods. Very small amounts can be converted to K2, where the real magic happens.
• Vitamin K2 (menaquinone). These comes in two main therapeutic forms: MK-4 and MK-7. Both have significant bone-building properties. They help with a bone protein called Matrix GLA and osteocalcin, which give bone strength. Food sources are few (and not very tasty), mainly from nattokinase, a fermented soy product used in Japan.
• Vitamin K3 (menadione). This is synthetic and toxic, and NOT recommended.

Our favorite Vitamin K supplement is Synergy K, with both K1 as well as therapeutic amounts of BOTH types of valuable K2 (MK-4 and MK-7) in a capsule without any binders, fillers, excipients or other agents. No toxicity has been found at any dosage, so I recommend 1 capsule a day with food. Caution for anyone taking blood thinners or anticoagulants. Talk with your doctor first.

To provide the whole matrix of bone food, we often use Bone Renewal.

It contains therapeutic amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, K2, silica, strontium, as well as a host of synergistic nutrients required for proper bone mineralization and strength. It’s 100% food-based, without any synthetic ingredients. No binders, fillers, excipients or other agents. I usually suggest the full amount of 5 capsules a day, in two divided doses. This replaces the inferior calcium products (regardless of what the label says) most people are taking.

The 8-Point Osteoporosis System has worked when many other methods fail. It often takes more time and effort, but it works!

Best of health!

Dr. Greg Barsten

www.HealthQuestForMe.com

References:

1) www.womenshealth.gov

2) WebMD health news

3) www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoporosis.html#cat22

4) www.nof.org/node/40  (National Osteoporosis Foundation)

5) www.hormone.org/Resources/upload/Bisphosphonates-Web.pdf

6) www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm229171.htm

7)http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1447355-overview

8)http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/whi/

For anyone about to have their amalgam (a.k.a. ‘silver’) fillings removed, some basic cellular protection is required. Although still controversial in some circles, the main material in amalgam fillings is one of the most toxic substances found. Mercury. In fact, it’s 50% mercury by composition, with silver a distant second at 22-32%, followed by tin at 14% and copper at 8%.

Still skeptical? Watch any dentist and staff attempt removal of amalgam fillings. The protection required for them look like something out of a science fiction movie with a deadly plague on the loose! This article won’t debate the details, but you won’t find any reputable neurotoxicologist in the world who agrees amalgam fillings and mercury are safe. Don’t take my word for it, check out the references below.

The immediate dangers of the mercury in amalgam fillings is:

A) Absorption. This is greatly reduced by highly negatively charged, porphyrin-containing compounds such as cilantro and chlorella. These physically ‘bind’ or chelate (the word chelate derives from the greek word for crab, which means grab or claw). Fortunately, we can take a nutritional product for these all in a capsule.

B) Oxidative Stress, or free radical formation. Vitamin C, certain forms of selenium, lipoic acid and glutathione all help tremendously here! Problem with glutathione is unless it’s IV or IM injection, it just gets broken down by HCL in the gut. However a certain delivery form has shown in clinical studies to be nearly as good as the injectable, at a fraction of the cost!

To a trained biological dentist, this is all common knowledge. For a knowledgable dentist near you, trained in the science of biological dentistry, check out www.iaomt.org.

Long-term potential damage from mercury occurs in the brain and nervous system, kidney, as well as the endocrine system and cell receptors. Think of receptors as miniature antennae on the surface of our trillions of cells! They’re the cell guardians and selection crew that determines what can come and go inside the cell. It’s a big, big deal. In fact, molecular biologists refer to receptors as the cell’s ‘second brain’. Mercury damages these. Bottom line: protect them.

Here’s when and what you’ll need to protect yourself before and after each amalgam removal or restoration:

1) Start at least 3 days prior,  and continue for at least 1 week after each procedure.

2) Vitamin C (buffered). Take 2,000mg a day divided into two doses.

3) HM Chelate. Take 2-3 capsules, twice daily.

4) Readisorb Glutathione.* Take 1 teaspoon, twice daily on empty stomach.

For additional dental procedures are required such as root canals or implants:

1) Inflammyar homeopathic*. The most effective natural healer for these types of procedures I’ve ever seen. Let 10 pellets dissolve under the tongue, 2-3 times a day. Start taking just after the procedure, and continue up to 1 week, or until relief. Greatly speeds the healing process and recovery!

OR

2) Arnica 30C or 200C. Take the number of pellets as directed on the bottle. I like Boiron brand, available at most health-food stores, but any brand will do as a homeopathic to speed recovery. Take one dose a day starting just after the procedure, for 1 week.

Some people may require additional lymphatic drainage, or NSK-SD nattokinase enzymes if blood viscosity is too high (thick blood), which prevent timely and adequate healing. Typical dosage of nattokinase is 1-2 capsules, twice daily on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes prior to, or at least 2 hours after meals). I like a 100mg capsule, at a strength of 2000FU. These must be discussed with your doctor, as anyone taking anticoagulant medicine will need to be closely monitored.

* Available online or through our clinic. See www.healthquestforme.com.

A word of caution: DON’T ATTEMPT AMALGAM REMOVAL, EVEN BY A TRAINED BIOLOGICAL DENTIST, IF YOU’RE PREGNANT OR NURSING!

REFERENCES:

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (www.iaomt.org).

Whole Body Dentistry, by Mark Breiner, DDS.

The Poison in Your Teeth, by Tom McGuire, DDS.

The Mercury in Your Mouth, by Quicksilver Associates.

Silver Dental Fillings: The Toxic Timebomb, by Sam Ziff.

I’m a fanatic reader when it comes to anything health-related. In fact, most of my free time is spent researching, studying, or reading new information. I can’t begin to tell you all the piles of books, magazines, articles, e-books, etc, that I’ve digested. Some are good, some are so-so, and many are worthless. However every once in a while I come across a book that’s so good, I need to spread the word.

I’ve recently read two books that fit this description. They are:

1) Victory Over Cancer, (part 1) by Matthias Rath, MD, and Alexsandra Niedzwiecki.

2) Clean, Green and Lean, by Walter Crinnion, ND.

Victory Over Cancer shows ground-breaking information that can save your life from the devastation of cancer. And it oozes with science and common sense. Numerous authors will tell you about the system they use, and that their approach to cancer is the best. Almost none can prove it. Doctors Rath and Niedzwiecki have extensively researched their approach in a clinical setting. Although I’d like to see more human studies done using their system, I’m aware that serious funding is required for this kind of work, and nearly all financing is from big pharma. Good luck, natural medicine. So when I saw the common sense, non-toxic, science-based approach to slowing or stopping metastasis, I got excited. Still am. Their approach is easy, inexpensive, and logical. Tell everyone you know to BUY THE BOOK!

Clean, Green and Lean is possibly the best book on detoxification that I’ve ever read. And I’ve got shelves filled with them. Dr. Crinnion discusses the pervasive sources that we all encounter, as well as the action steps that TRULY detoxify the body. His decades of clinical experience and lab testing in environmental medicine has found we’re all toxic. Yes, all of us. The data is in, and you can see for yourself. I’ve checked many of his references, and they’re all outstanding. Sorry folks, milk thistle and bowel cleanses just aren’t strong enough anymore. The rules of the game have changed.

The author goes to great lengths in discussing the role of toxins in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, allergies, auto-immunity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more. Proven therapies using diet, lifestyle, and nutrients are outlined. If you’re looking for a book that can improve your health and change your life, this self-empowering book is it.

For timely and easy-to-understand articles on health and healing, review our articles section under the Learning Center on my website, www.HealthQuestForMe.com

A recent presentation at the annual American College of Cardiology meeting found a strong protective effect with vitamin D against arterial stiffness and reduced blood vessel relaxation. In fact, Dr. Al Mheid stated, “we found that people with vitamin D deficiency had vascular dysfunction comparable to those with diabetes or hypertension”. Why is this a big deal? Basically, stiff arteries are prone to damage, and it often means they have plaque, which also means you’re more likely to suffer either a heart attack or stroke. Problem is, you don’t feel it. Nor do you even know you’re at risk. Not until the doctor tells you: your stress EKG looks abnormal; your coronary CT scan is troublesome; your angiogram is troubling; or worse yet….you have angina or a mild heart attack.

There are many proposed mechanisms why vitamin D is reported to help reduce arterial stiffness and reduce diabetic risk. Some are known, others are not. At least not yet. The question is, for pennies a day, why wouldn’t you take vitamin D? The risk/benefit ratio is HUGE, meaning for almost zero risk, your rewards can be big. Really big. Maybe that’s why it’s one of the most researched vitamins in the world for the last 7 years, with virtually no negative human studies to date.

To learn more about the myriad of health benefits that the ‘sun vitamin‘ can do for you, see my first issue newsletter. For blood vessel and cardiac support options, see my cardio class series, which can change your life!

Vitamin D is CRITICAL for all diabetics. How much do you take? Aim for 50-75 ng/ml on blood testing, which is highly recommended to eliminate the guesswork and reduce any potential risk of toxicity (rare). For detailed information, consider our *Diabetes and Blood Sugar Balancing Program.

In the meantime, get your vitamin D tested! It could be your most cost-effective health insurance policy!

Best of health,

Dr. Greg

www.HealthQuestForMe.com

Annual American College of Cardiology meeting, April 2, 2011.

Insomnia affects more and more people every year. In fact, according to Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, Americans are sleeping about 2 hours less a night over the past 40 years. Generally, 7-9 hours a night is recommended. Trouble losing weight? Brain fog? Hormone imbalance? Poor immune system? Insomnia effects many systems in the body, because we basically don’t ‘plug in’ to enough rejuvenation time when the brain needs it most. Although there are many OTC and prescription medicines available, many either don’t work or have serious side effects. None of them actually correct underlying problems anyway. So what are the most common problems causing insomnia, and what can you do about it? First, you need to determine if it’s mainly an issue of falling asleep or staying asleep (if it’s both, then that’s past the scope of this blog). Falling Asleep - Assuming you’re not drinking caffeine at night, or having side effects from a prescription medicine, many cases are due to: 1) Excess cortisol, the stress hormone. Before you deny any stress in your life, stress can be a mental/emotional, biochemical, or physical issue. Either way, cortisol stimulates the hippocampus (brain processing center) and keeps us alert and awake. 2) Blood sugar imbalance. Most commonly this is excessive sugar consumed at night or throughout the day. 3) Too much light in the bedroom. 4)  Too much stimulation (mental or physical activity) before bed. 5) Not enough daylight/sunlight exposure. 6) Insufficient exercise during the day. 7) Low levels of serotonin. For the above issues, consider: Herbal adaptogens such as holy basil, magnolia bark extract or ashwaganda. L-theanine, the amino acid found in green tea can be very helpful as well. One of our favorite formulas is called Cortisol Calm. Make sure to balance your circadian rhythms with adequate sunlight exposure during the day (even if through windows), and keep the room dark when ready to sleep. This helps the pineal gland in the brain secrete melatonin, the hormone which aids in falling asleep. So close the blinds, turn off the computer so the screensaver is off, and turn off all lights. Avoid all TV, computer-related activities (especially social media, games, online searching and checking email), video games, and playing around on your smartphone for at least 2 hours before bed. JUST SAY NO. These all stimulate excitatory processing centers in the brain. It’s the last thing you need if trying to get some rest. Keep cordless the phone, your smartphone, and any wi-fi components away from you and your bed by at least 10 feet. This applies to computers and routers as well! EMF radiation can be a serious issue for many people who don’t know it yet. Take a warm epsom salt bath, listen to classical music, read poetry or relaxing short stories. No books that involve action, drama or other suspense. Consider taking liquid melatonin. Start at one half of 1mg about 20-30 minutes before bed. If no results by 2 days, increase dosage up to 2 mg. If you take too much, you will feel groggy the next morning. Try some 5-HTP. This is the building block for both serotonin (our happy hormone) and melatonin, the sleep hormone. Start at 50 mg, 30 minutes before bed, and ramp up slowly to 200mg if needed, in 50 mg intervals every few days if no relief. If no change after a week, it’s not going to work. Staying Asleep - This is often related to either: 1) Hypoglycemia. Start by eating a small amount of protein (a palm-sized amount) such as a piece of cheese, a rolled up piece of turkey, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a hard boiled egg. This will help stabilize the blood sugar during the night. How does this work? Basically, if we’re hypoglycemic during the day, you’ll feel tired or sleepy, maybe have brain fog or possibly irritable or a headache. During the night, however, we’ll feel awakened. This is due to the brain telling the adrenal glands to pump out adrenaline to break down glycogen from the liver and muscles to keep the sugar levels up. This is what tells the brain to awaken. Eating a bit of protein before bed keeps the sugar level stable. If this is the issue, you will feel better in 1-2 nights. 2) Liver/Gallbladder congestion. We’re not talking about pathology here, just stress in these areas. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medical philosophy, ‘stagnation’ or ‘congestion’ in these organs can cause irritation, and hence waking from sleep, especially anywhere from 1-3 am. Again, you may not have pain, pressure, jaundice or any usual symptoms that are typically seen with overt problems in the liver and gallbladder. Rather, simply see if basic steps can help reduce the tension and energetics in these areas. For this, consider:

• avoid eating all fatty, greasy or fried foods, as well as alcohol
• eat more bitter foods, which stimulate normal digestion and release liver/gallbladder tension such as dandelion greens, artichokes, asparagus, celery
• consider cleansing herbs such as milk thistle seed extract, dandelion root, bupleurum, ginger, turmeric, thyme and rosemary
• work on any un-resolved emotions, especially anger, frustration or resentment. These create havoc in the biliary system, according to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Personally, I’ve seen these techniques work wonders for many years on my patients, and I hope they can help you too.

For those who don’t know, diabetes and insulin resistance are among the most serious health problems we face today. Although education on increasing physical activity and lowering refined and sugary foods has improved recently, we still have a LONG, LONG way to go before it gets under control. Take a look at the data from a report issued by the Center For Disease Control and Prevention yesterday:

1) Half the U.S. population drinks a sugared beverage EACH DAY.

2) Males in the 12-19 year old age range drink about 2 cans of soda EACH DAY.

3) Poor people drink more soda than affluent people, and low-income adults consume nearly 9% of daily calories from sugary drinks.

4) One in 20 drink 4 or more cans of soda a day.

If these statistics aren’t enough to collectively make you finally throw out the soda, consider this: the average can of soda has 10-12 teaspoons of sugar!

This study was the governments’ first statistical review for both adults and kids, and was based on interviews with 17,000 people over a 3-year period from 2005-2008. Health advocates say that education may not be enough, and that increasing taxes on sodas and mandatory elimination of sugar-filled vending machines at all public places is only a start.

Why all the fuss? Because you and I and everyone else in the U.S. are paying for it, although indirectly, in the form of higher health insurance premiums. Can’t afford health insurance? You may be one of the lower income bracket group that drink the most sugar drinks, which, by the way, account for a good portion of the massive explosion in diabetes. Diabetes now ranks as the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., and is the #1 cause of blindness and kidney failure. Some health authorities claim that if not controlled, diabetes and sugar-related health complications could bankrupt the U.S. healthcare system in as little as 5 years. How’s that for a pick-me-up piece of news?

One of the MOST IMPORTANT areas to control, besides soda and excessive sugary foods, is exercise and proper nutrition. If someone already has serious sugar metabolism problems, diet and exercise may not be enough. Therapeutic, individualized nutritional support, based on blood chemistry and body composition among other data may be a critical step in reversing this dangerous problem. What about signs and symptoms? Do you:

Want to take a nap shortly after eating?

Got low energy or headaches in the afternoon?

Do you get shaky or irritable when meals are missed?

Do your cuts and scrapes take a long time to heal?

Do you have numbness, tingling or persistent coldness in hands or feet?

Is your vision getting worse?

Are you always thirsty, and need to urinate too often?

Do you have a thick mid-section around your waist that’s hard to get rid of?

Is your cholesterol or triglyceride level too high?

Is your blood pressure too high?

These may be indicators that your blood sugar is out of balance. Please be sure to get checked by a nutritionally-oriented, licensed health professional/doctor. At www.healthquestforme.com, we have a successful 5-Step Blood Sugar Balancing Program that has helped many people restore normal sugar metabolism and balance. Using a combination of advanced, non-invasive tests and functional blood testing, specific imbalances may be revealed and corrected with non-toxic and natural methods.

In the meantime, consider sparking mineral water with a tablespoon of juice for flavoring instead of soda. Try some xylitol crystals sprinkled over fresh berries for dessert instead of cookies, or cooked steel-cut organic oats with sliced apple instead of instant oatmeal.

Best of Health!

Dr. Greg

Real health is defined by boundless energy, good sleep, excellent memory, a functional body, lack of sickness, positive thinking and peace of mind. Most people seek health outside of themselves via prescription drugs, surgery, or counseling. Many blame a bad gene for their health. Others hope a diet, supplement or cleanse will do the trick. These all have a place in healing, but true health is based on the timeless principles of the law of attraction. It’s been said, “what we think about, we bring about”, consciously or not.

Good diet and nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and positive thoughts and feelings are what will attract vibrant health. Here are the key points for vitality:

1)   Follow the principles of nutrition and lifestyle found in my articles ‘Basic Diet Guidelines’, and ‘Helpful Hints For Health’ on our website (www.healthquestforme.com).

2)   Release all resentment, anger, and frustration about you or anyone else.

3)   Forgive yourself and others for any disappointment or wrongdoing.

4)   Love and appreciate yourself and others.

5)   Allow happiness to be the biggest priority in your life.

6)   Know that energy and thoughts are the sources of all action in the body.

7)   Keep your attention and intention on health and vitality, not disease.

8)   Reprogram your subconscious mind. Visualize, act and feel that you’re already healed!

9)   Give gratitude for the abundant health you have or will be receiving. Make a daily list of things to be grateful for.

10)  Know you have the power within to heal. There is no such thing as incurable.

Make the choice to practice these principles every day, and soon they will become a habit. Illness cannot exist when you consistently feel good. It’s a universal law.

“ Every human being is the author of his own health or disease” – Buddha

Diabetes is increasing every year in the U.S. Many are wondering if there are any ‘quick fixes’ or ‘magic pills’ to avoid becoming getting the nasty condition? The answer is NO, as there is really no substitute for regular exercise, reducing sweets, sodas and white flour, and increasing more fresh whole fruit and vegetables. And forget the ‘it’s genetic‘ excuse. Research has shown that genetic expression can be modified by a good diet and lifestyle. So your genes are not cast in stone.

However, according to a recent study, there is a nutrient that can dramatically reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. It’s not some exotic, high-priced ingredient only found in a remote jungle. Rather, it’s a humble nutrient that’s been around as long as time began. It’s vitamin D, the sun nutrient!

Researchers from Tufts Medical Center and Carney Hospital in Massachusetts reported that people with decent blood levels (although still too low, in my opinion) of vitamin D, more than 25 ng/ml, have a 43% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with low levels of less than 14 ng/ml.

Although dietary sources include fish, some dairy products, and eggs, many people still have low blood levels. In fact, Michael Holick, PhD, MD at Bsoton University claims that many dairy foods don’t contain vitamin D, even though the label says it does! Sunshine is possibly the best way to get your vitamin D levels up, but caution is advised on duration of exposure, especially if a history of skin cancer. What I typically recommend to my patients is 15-30 minutes a day of sunshine, without sunscreen! If longer duration, apply the sunscreen, so long as it’s not filled with loads of chemicals like most commercial brands. Like I tell my folks: “if you can’t eat it, it shouldn’t go on your skin”. For good brands, see my website www.healthquestforme.com, then see the articles section under my Learning Center. Click on ‘Helpful Hints For Health‘. Anyway, use of sunscreen over SPF 8 blocks all the vitamin D-producing rays (UVB), and unless you live near the equator, winter and late fall seasons are when the sun is too low in the horizon to stimulate much vitamin D, even if the days are sunny. So what do you do?

Consider vitamin D supplementation. Most adults are safe with 1,000 IU a day, and probably better off with at least 2,000 IU a day. But in the end, the blood is your best guide, with ideal levels of 35-55 ng/ml.

So if you want to reduce your risk of diabetes, consider supplementing your diet with vitamin D. Your pancreas will thank you.

For the ultimate in natural blood sugar balancing and scientifically evaluating risk factors, look at our Blood Sugar Balancing Program.

References:

The Vitamin D Solution, by Michael Holick, PhD, MD

www.vitamindcouncil.org

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheet/vitamind

Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Euro J Clin Nutr, Published Online ahead of print. 2011.

It’s a scientific fact that the biggest risks for memory loss of ANY type (Alzheimer’s, dementia, hormone decline, trauma, ‘old age’, etc) are poor blood flow and inflammation. I would say inflammation is more common, as this is seen in many younger to middle-aged people across the board, whereas poor blood flow is seen more in the elderly. There are a number of risk factors associated with brain inflammation which are widely unknown due to the simple fact that there is little profit in the business of prevention. In the case of memory loss, inflammation is devastating to the neurons and glial cells (immune cells) of our brains. Another major concern is we don’t typically feel this until we’re near middle-to-advanced stages. That’s when poor short-term memory starts: where did you leave your keys? what did you have for dinner two nights ago? who’s that actor on your favorite show again?….and there are other symptoms even more serious, but that’s a whole other story.

How To Measure Inflammation

Are there simple ways to measure inflammation that affects the brain? The answer is yes. One of the easiest markers to test can be routinely checked by any licensed healthcare doctor, and it’s cheap. A simple blood test is all that’s needed, and it’s called C-reactive protein, or CRP. This is a protein made mainly in our liver as a response to inflammation in the body.

Recent Evidence

A group of researchers at UCSF found a link between CRP, a marker of inflammation, and memory loss in the elderly. They tested 76 people with elevated CRP with 65 people of similar age without increased CRP. Testing also included verbal memory recall and brain MRI imaging. They concluded: “These findings support our working model by associating brain inflammation with alterations in brain structure and cognition (memory)”.

At our clinic at HealthQuest, we often check additional markers of inflammation, many of which we believe to be just as insightful, including homocysteine, fibrinogen and many more. For those without health insurance, you can order lab tests directly at www.directlabs.com. You’ll want to discuss any abnormal findings with a qualified health professional.

What Can We Do About It?

Another major risk with inflammation is cardiovascular disease. To learn more about advanced markers of inflammation, what are the causes and what you can do about it, watch our 2-part cardiovascular class on our website at www.healthquestforme.com. Because staying well and feeling your best is what REAL health is all about!

Source: American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, April 13, 2011, Honolulu.