Archive for the ‘Vitamin D’ Category

Mediterranean Diet Helps Prevent Depression

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

The benefits of eating a “Mediterranean Diet” on reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart attacks) and stroke) and Hypertension (high blood pressure) is well known. Well, here is another positive heath reason for following a Mediterranean Diet. – it reduces the incidence of depression. Researchers at University Las Palmas in Spain followed 10,094 individuals for four years who, at study entry, were not depressed. Those people who adhered the most to the Mediterranean Diet through the study period had a 30-percent lower incidence of depression than individuals who did not. Following a Mediterranean Diet may also prevent the onset of depression.

The Mediterranean Diet consists of low meat intake, moderate intake of alcohol (wine) and dairy products (sheep’s milk products), and high intake of fruits, nuts, vegetables (primarily greens), cereals/grains, and fish (small fish like sardines, high in omega 3′s), and flavoring foods with herbs, spices and natural sea salt. The researchers found dose-response relationships for:

Olive Oil Benefits More Than The Heart

fruits and nuts
monounsaturated-to-saturated fats ratio
legume (beans) intake

The higher the intake of fruits, nuts, monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and beans – The more profound the beneficial results were.

Archives of General Psychiatry 2009;66:1090-1098.

ADDITIONAL: E-mail to Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas MD one of the foremost researchers into the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Dr. Scarmeas,

I just read your study in JAMA, very nice! I have a Integrative medicine practice in southern California for twenty years now and advocate that my clients follow a Mediterranean Diet. I have followed this way of eating for over twenty years and at 45 I have ideal blood markers.

My question is this: what do you feel is the most important aspect (most profound physiological benefits) of the Mediterranean diet?

Is it the red wine (polyphenols, especially resveratrol and its ability to increase NO synthase?)
or
Is it olive oil and omega 3’s from the fish and almonds?
or
Does the diet itself inhibit/reduce inflammatory cytokines, reducing the incidence of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s?
or
?

I would really appreciate any insight you can share.

Thank you in advance.

Marcus Ettinger

Reply (brief but to the point):

Dear Dr Ettinger.

We are investigating some of it. Currently it is not clear. It may be a combination of all the above – biological synergy. Physical activity seems equally important.

Thank you for your interest.

Note:

Below is a paragraph from my post on The True Cause of Alzheimer’s? The deficiencies that may predispose one to developing this terrible disease can be corrected by following a Mediterranean Diet and engaging in regular exercise, throughout one’s life.

“My thought’s on predisposing/contributing factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia: A severe lack of vitamin D, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, exercise, chiropractic adjustments, continual engagement in intellectual activities (chess, crossword puzzles, social interaction…) and prolonged smoking.”

Tags: Alzheimer's, depression, Mediterranean Diet, Senile Dementia, Wine
Posted in Alzheimer's, Mediterranean Diet, Minerals, Omega 3 FA's, Vitamin D | No Comments »

Swine Flu (H1N1) Preparedness – A Natural Approach

Monday, November 9th, 2009

H1N1 Virus

To make a long story short – My family and I are not going to be vaccinated for the “seasonal flu” or “H1N1 Flu virus”. Instead, we are taking daily, my Proactive, Immune-Boosting Nutritional Protocol. In 21 years as an holistic and integrative medicine practitioner, I have never taken a sick day. I’ve had a runny nose and a scratchy throat but that’s it. In that same time span, I’ve been sneezed on and coughed on by hundreds of patients with the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and colds. The point is – I know what to do to stay well.

With the flu season moving into high gear, I am not worried or scared about the current Swine Flu pandemic – I am getting prepared, but not scared. My family and I are taking proactive, preventative steps that I know will enable our innate immune system to defend itself against the bacteria’s and viruses we will be exposed to. I am not saying that by taking these preventative steps, my family and I will be immune super-beings, capable of eating Swine Flu tacos for dinner. What I am saying is that, with 100% confidence, we will possess the capability to defend ourselves, since all will be well within our bodies. At a minimum we will possess the capability to minimize the effects/symptoms after exposure to a contagion (bacteria/virus). The key here is to minimize the impact.

My Proactive, Immune Boosting Nutritional Protocol:

Liquid Vitamin D Forte – Biotics Reseach [Adults 6,000 IU's and children above the age of 5 can take 2,000 IU's per day]
Probiotic Defense or GR8 (multi-strain probiotic) – both by Now Foods [2 doses of either per day. I prefer the Probiotic Defense Powder]
Chewable, buffered Vitamin C w/rutin [I like Now Foods brand. 2-4 per day will do.]

(None of the above products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

There are many other preventative products out there, but this, as far as I am concerned, is the best and least expensive, Immune Boosting Protocol available.

FYI: Avoid products containing sucrose or high fructose con syrup. Processed sugar in an immunosuppressant – Not a good thing. Also wash your hands, engage in moderate exercise, drink plenty of water and get at least 8 hour of sleep each night.

To purchase any of these products, please give us a call at (714) 639-4360. We can ship anywhere in the US and Canada.

Applicable References:

Arch Intern Med. 2009 Feb 23;169(4):384-90.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA Jr. Emergency Medicine Network, Massachusetts General Hospital, 326 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.

“Recent studies suggest a role for vitamin D in innate immunity, including the prevention of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).”

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Apr;63(4):473-7. Epub 2007 Nov 21.

Association of subclinical vitamin D deficiency in newborns with acute lower respiratory infection and their mothers.
Karatekin G, Kaya A, Salihoğlu O, Balci H, Nuhoğlu A. Department of Neonatology, Sişli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. gunerkaratekin@yahoo.com

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that newborns with subclinical vitamin D deficiency may have an increased risk of suffering from ALRI. The strong positive correlation between newborns’ and mothers’ 25(OH)D concentrations shows that adequate vitamin D supplementation of mothers should be emphasized during pregnancy especially in winter months.

Tags: Flu, H1N1, Pandemic, Prebiotic, Probiotic, Swine, Vitamin D
Posted in Infection, Vitamin D | No Comments »

The Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies I See In My Practice

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

“These are the most common nutritional deficiencies I see in my Orange, chiropractic and integrative medicine practice: Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fatty Acids (ALA, EPA, DHA) and Iodine (potassium Iodide). I personally feel that these deficiencies are not just representative of my local area but are a glimpse of what the world, in general, is experiencing. Below is a brief summary for each nutrient. I have come to this conclusion based on dietary analysis, clinical observation/correlation, blood and urine tests.” Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

foods

If you would like to purchase any of these products, please call us at (714) 639-6360. We can ship anywhere in the US and Canada.

1. Magnesium

Deficiency: 8 out of 10 clients show clinical signs of magnesium deficiency. The average American diet only contains 50% to 60% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). According to Dr. Guosong Liu, half the population of industrialized countries have a magnesium deficit, which increases with aging.

Symptoms: Anxiety, confusion, heart attack, hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD), insomnia, nervousness, muscular irritability (twitches, spasms or cramps), restlessness, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), weakness, heart palpitations, depression….

Recommended Foods: All green leafy vegetables (ex. Swiss chard and spinach), Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds), Beans (black or navy beans).

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Magnesium aspartate, glycinate or citrate (400 – 600 mg’s per day) OR Transdermal Magnesium Chloride (1 ounce rubbed over the body, per day).

2. Zinc

Deficiency: 7 out of 10 clients show clinical signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Acne, ADD/ADHD, brittle nails, delayed sexual maturity, depression/apathy, diarrhea, eczema, fatigue, growth impairment, hair loss, high cholesterol levels, immune impairment, impotence, irritability, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of sense of taste, low stomach acid (HCl), male infertility/abnormal sperm, memory impairment, night blindness, paranoia, white spots on nails, poor wound healing, psoriasis….

Recommended Foods: Calf’s liver, beef, mushrooms, spinach, green peas and pumpkin seeds.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Zinc Glycinate (50 – 100mg’s per day). Take with food, as zinc supplementation may cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach.

3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Deficiency: 10 out of 10 clients show deficiency (99.8% of all of my Labcorp, client blood tests have shown deficiency).

Symptoms: Allergies, auto immune diseases, burning sensation in mouth, cancer, diarrhea, insomnia, myopia, nervousness, osteoporosis, poor calcium utilization, rickets, scalp sweating, weight gain….

Recommended Foods: Cod liver oil, shrimp and eggs.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: BEST VITAMIN D3 (cholecalciferol) PRODUCT: Liquid Vitamin D Forte by Biotics Research ($20 for 700+ drops. Each drop = 2,000 IU’s). Recommended dosage of emulsified Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) - (6,000 – 10,000 IU’s per day for adults and 2,000 IU’s for children above the age of five). Skin exposure to the sun, 15 minutes per day, is another great way to get adequate Vitamin D exposure. Note: living in southern California, I only take my Vitamin D3 during the months of October through the beginning of June. I surf a lot, and as soon as my wetsuit comes off and I can get 15 minutes+ of direct sunlight, I no longer need the supplement form. In fact, if I kept taking it, I would sunburn within 15 minutes. This is what your body does when the vitamin D3 level is maxed-out.

4. Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)

Deficiency: 3/10 Males and 2/10 Females show signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Neurological disturbances (gait disturbances, poor reflexes, loss of position sense, loss of vibration sense), shortened red blood cell life….

Recommended Foods: Green leafy vegetables (Mustard greens, chard, spinach and turnip greens), almonds and sunflower seeds.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: d-alpha Tocopherol w/Mixed Tocohperols (400-800 IU’s per day) or Organic Cold Pressed Wheat Germ Oil (1 Tablespoon per day supplies 400IU’s of d-alpha tocopherol).

5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids (ALA, EPA, DHA)

Deficiency: 8/10 show signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, dry skin and hair, hair loss, acne, eczema, psoriasis, immune weakness, infertility, poor wound healing, premenstrual syndrome, gall stones, liver degeneration, ADD/ADHD and Depression….

Recommended Foods: Flax seed and/or flax seed oil, walnuts, sardines and wild-caught salmon (Important: avoid farm-raised salmon! Eating farm raised salmon vs wild salmon increases your risk of being exposed to PCB’s, dioxin and other toxic pollutants. Farm raised salmon is colored with artificial color and lacks the omega 3 fatty acids of wild caught salmon).

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Organic, Cold Pressed, Solvent Free – Flax Seed Oil (1 Tablespoon/10 grams per day – Best source of alpha-linolenic acid); Mollecularly Distilled Fish Oil (1 Teaspoon per day – Best source of EPA/DHA).

6. Iodine (potassium iodide)

Deficiency: 6/10 show signs of deficiency and/or therapeutic need.

Symptoms: See – Iodine and the Body & Iodine and Disease

Recommended Foods: Most Kelp or Kombu has about 2500 mcg/gm. Other common seaweeds are much lower; for example, Nori (16 mcg/gm), Wakame (32 mcg/gm), Dulse (72 mcg/gm), Hijiki (629 mcg/gm).

Shellfish is variable, but some typical amounts of iodine are: Prawns (21mcg/100 g), (60mcg/100 g), Mussels (140mcg/100 g), Lobster (100mcg/100 g), Shrimp (100mcg/100 g). For a complete list, pleas go to Iodine in Food.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Iodoral – 50mg’s per day for three months, then 12.5mg per day. Do not start on Iodine without first consulting your physician!

Tags: DHA, EPA, Essential Fatty Acid, Iodine, Magnesium, Mineral, Nutritional Deficiency, Nutritional Supplement, Omega 3, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin, Vitamin D, Zinc
Posted in Cancer, Colds/Flu, Essential Fatty Acids, Holistic Medicine, Iodine, Magnesium, Medications, Minerals, My Thoughts, Omega 3 FA's, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamins, Zinc | No Comments »

Ettinger’s Theory on “Body Remodeling”

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

body

My theory has developed over a 20 year period of time and holds credibility as a corollary to the long-standing law in anatomy and physiology known as – Wollf’s law. Wolff’s law, in short, states that, “bone remodels according to the physical stress placed upon it.” As an example: a pitcher’s, pitching arm (humerus, radius and ulna) will be denser than his non-pitching arm. The opposite of this is, if we lived in outer-space our bones would dissolve (osteoporosis) because of the lack of gravity; no weight-bearing load on the bones. All of the calcium supplementation, estrogen replacement (for women), and Fosimax (medication) in the world would not prevent this process from happening.

My theory takes Wollf’s law to the next level and states, “Our entire body remodels according to the stress placed upon it: invisibly, physically, emotionally and chemically.” All four of these stressors or outside influences/forces, will directly affect the remodeling of every cell, tissue and physiological function of the body. This means that our inward and outward appearance and physiological state is in direct correlation to the (way, what and/or how) we sleep, eat, drink, act, exercise, think, deal with stress, or are exposed to stress’ or outside forces.

Physical stress makes-up the largest portion of the overall stressors we will be subjected to on a daily basis. The foods we eat and how often, our exercise level or lack of exercise, chronic postures (work, driving and sleep), chemicals, pesticides, excessive alcohol, medicines, drugs and our body’s own waste products, all influence how we remodel.

If we ingest all of the essential nutrients that our body requires, with all other factors aside, our body will remodel properly. The opposite can be said for eating devitalized food, such as fast food, boxed or canned food; as well as being exposed to drugs, medicines, alcohol, pesticides, toxins, etc… Examples: If we increase protein and weight bearing exercise, an increase in muscle mass and strength will be the result. If we increase fats and/or carbohydrates, combined with a lack of physical exercise, an increase in body fat, blood sugar, blood fats and blood pressure will be the result. This is called: diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and hypertension. Exposure to toxins, pesticides, molds, drugs or excessive alcohol, may lead to cancer, ADHD and many other diseases.

Emotional stress placed on the body will have similar effects. If we feel or are exposed to happiness, joy or generosity, all good stress’ will facilitate a positive remodeling (ex. neurotransmitter and hormone production). If we feel or are exposed to anger, expressed or unexpressed resentment, blame or shame, all negative emotions, this will facilitate our body to remodel in a non-optimum way (increased inflammation on decreased endocrine and brain function – Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s). The negative remodeling can lead to everything we don’t want to have our body experience, such as cancer, autoimmune disease and body degeneration. The positive remodeling will help increase the immune system and overall strength of the body, leading to a longer, healthier and more vibrant life.

Invisible forces (electromagnetic waves [radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and gamma rays], gravity and ionizing radiation) are constantly present and can affect us as much as the overt chemical, emotional and physical forces do. The invisible forces, most of the time, actually precede and initiate the physical, emotional or chemical stress’ that causes the remodeling of our body’s cells or, more specifically, the cell membranes.

It’s easy to see from this, that everything we do or don’t do, and everything that is done to us, sometimes unknowingly, affects how our body remodels. This means how we look and how we functions. The point I am trying to make here is that we can at least be “cause” of over a very large part of this and be responsible for what we do on a daily basis (eat, exercise, rest…) and what we allow around us. If we do not learn from this then we can go through life at “effect” like a stick floating down a river, out of control. By ignoring this theory, negative remodeling will be the outcome and all the negative consequences that come with it. The choice is ours.

Tags: Ettinger, Wolff’s law
Posted in Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Calcium, Cancer, Celiac Sprue, Colds/Flu, Dermatitis, Diet, Eczema, Epstein Barr, Gastritis, Gluten, Headache, Heartburn, Holistic Medicine, Infection, Insomnia, Kidney, Magnesium, Medications, Menopause, Minerals, Omega 3 FA's, Parasites, Prostate, Shingles, Skin, Sleep, Snoring, Stomach Acid, Superfoods, Ulcerative Colitis, Uncategorized, Vitamin D, Vitamins, Worms | No Comments »

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