Natural Vitamin Supplement

A new study carried out by scientists from the Universities of London and Oxford may provide clues as to why the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by month of birth - it seems that vitamin D levels and immune system development vary according to month of birth in newborn babies.

MS is a disabling neurological condition which happens when the body's own immune system attacks and damages the central nervous system. This interferes with the transmission of electrical messages between the brain and the rest of the body - leading to problems with vision, muscle control, hearing and memory.

Previous population studies already indicate that month of birth can influence risk of getting MS. This effect is particularly evident in England, where MS risk peaks in individuals born in May and drops in those born in November. As vitamin D is formed by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, this effect may support a prenatal role for vitamin D in MS risk.

In this new study, blood was extracted from the umbilical cord of 50 newborn babies and analyzed to measure levels of vitamin D and autoreactive T-cells. Autoreactive T-cells are specialized immune cells whose role is to identify and destroy infectious agents such as viruses.

However, for some reason, some of these T-cells start attacking the body's own cells, triggering autoimmune diseases such as MS. Normally such self-harming T-cells should be eliminated by the immune system during its development by the thymus, a specialized organ in the immune system.

Study results showed that babies born in May had significantly lower vitamin D levels (around 20% lower than those born in November), along with nearly double the number of autoreactive T-cells compared to November babies.

In other words, lower levels of vitamin D in May babies are associated with twice the levels of autoreactive T-cells, which naturally increase the risk of damage to the central nervous system.

In the future, long-term studies are needed to understand whether vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women can impact immune system development and lower risk of MS and other autoimmune diseases.

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A new review has concluded that natural biological mechanisms can successfully eliminate excess levels of vitamin E from our bodies, making it almost impossible to ingest harmful amounts.

In other words - dietary levels of vitamin E or from normal use of supplements should never be a concern, according to experts from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. They believe that past studies which allege adverse consequences from vitamin E may have misinterpreted their data.

In fact the real concern might be that more than 90% of Americans appear to have inadequate levels of vitamin E in their diet.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a very important nutrient, necessary for the proper functioning of many organs, nerves and muscles. It is also an anticoagulant that can reduce blood clotting. It is found naturally in oils, meat and other foods - but it is often consumed at inadequate levels - especially with the increasing emphasis on low-fat diets.

Researchers have found that two major systems in the liver work to control the level of vitamin E in the body and routinely get rid of any excess amounts. Very high intakes achieved with supplementation only doubled tissue levels of vitamin E, which is not considered harmful.

So according to the study authors, it is simply not possible to have toxic levels of vitamin E in our bodies. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D, vitamin E is apparently unable to accumulate to toxic levels in the liver or other tissues.

One potential health issue is that vitamin E, because of its ability to interact with vitamin K, can cause bleeding. But the study researchers firmly believe that this poses no health risk at all.

On the other hand, vitamin E safeguards our health by protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidizing, along with protecting other essential lipids and having beneficial actions in many degenerative diseases.

Higher than normal intake levels of vitamin E may be necessary for people who have specific health problems. For instance, smoking has been shown to deplete vitamin E levels so smokers may be best advised to take supplements.

In general, health experts recommend taking a daily multivitamin that has the full recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin E, along with regularly consuming a healthy and balanced diet.

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What are the best brain foods and dietary supplements that can help sharpen your powers of concentration - even enhance your memory, attention span and brain function?

There’s increasing evidence to suggest you can maintain a healthy brain by adding ‘smart’ foods and beverages to your diet.

For instance, caffeine is a popular stimulant that energizes your brain and helps you to focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you an unmistakable buzz - although its effects only last a short while. Not only that, overdoing caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable.

Glucose metabolized from sugars and carbs in your diet is your brain's preferred fuel source - which is why a glass of something sweet can stimulate memory, thought processes and mental ability. But go easy on the sugar so it doesn’t pack on the pounds.

Studies show that eating breakfast regularly instead of skipping it improves short-term memory and attention - especially if it contains high-fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

Fish is a great protein source that’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. Higher levels of dietary omega 3 fatty acids are linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, a slower rate of mental decline and enhanced memory, especially with age. To boost both brain and heart health, consume two servings of fish weekly.

Nuts and seeds are great sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, believed to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which boost concentration. Up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will easily give you all the mental benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.

A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and reduce risk of plaque buildup - while also enhancing blood flow to the brain. Whole grains also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Not only that, the fat in avocados is the good monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.

Research in animals shows that blueberries protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.

Lack of essential nutrients can decrease your ability to concentrate. Similarly, eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. To fully benefit your brain, always consume a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.

While initial reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene and magnesium are promising, supplements are really only useful to people whose diet is lacking in specific nutrients. In this respect, health experts are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral and herb combinations.

To boost your powers of concentration, start your day with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bread or bagel with salmon and a cup of coffee.

Along with eating a well-balanced meal, experts also suggest the following brain-boosting tips:

• Getting a good night's sleep;
• Staying well hydrated;
• Exercising regularly to sharpen thinking processes;
• Meditation for clear thinking and relaxed productivity.

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Did you know that up to a staggering 80 percent of American adults are vitamin D deficient?

That’s a very disturbing statistic, considering that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, mental impairment in older adults and cancer.

In fact, many studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in prevention and treatment of a number of disease conditions - including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance and multiple sclerosis.

And now a new study reveals that insufficient vitamin D may also be linked to severity of asthma symptoms in children.

It shows that higher intake of vitamin D by pregnant women reduces asthma risk in their children by as much as 40 percent. At the same time, pregnant women who were vitamin D deficient had a greater chance of having a child who suffered from asthma and other allergies.

Not only that, children with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be hospitalized for asthma symptoms relative to those who had enough vitamin D in their bloodstream. They were also more likely to be hyperactive and experience allergies and sensitivities.

Vitamin D is made in skin cells in response to UV rays from the sun. Getting enough exposure to sunlight is a straightforward, surefire way to elevate your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons:

• Not consuming recommended levels over time - this can happen if you follow a strict vegetarian diet because most natural sources of vitamin D are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, cheese, fortified milk and beef liver.
• Limited exposure to sunlight - your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.
• Dark skin - the pigment melanin reduces your skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
• Loss of kidney function - as people age, their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form.
• Poor absorption - certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease can affect the intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from your diet.
• Obesity - vitamin D is extracted from blood by fat cells, altering its release into circulation. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater often have lower than normal blood levels of vitamin D.

The good news is, a vitamin D supplement can reduce your risk of asthma symptoms. In fact, if you have 60 ng/ml levels of vitamin D in your bloodstream, you’re unlikely to experience symptoms of asthma at all.

Breathe better - simply by getting more vitamin D!

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Outbreaks of deadly diseases often occur during winter, when people tend to stay indoors more often and their vitamin D levels are low. A new UCLA study - particularly relevant to tuberculosis (TB) - reveals how bacteria manipulate such social and environmental factors to make us ill.

According to UCLA researchers, some bacteria pretend to be viruses when infecting us, hijacking our immune response and hiding out inside our cells. With nearly 9 million people falling ill globally with TB each year, understanding how these bacteria fool our immune system may lead to better, more targeted therapies.

Our immune system protects us against bacterial infections by releasing a protein called interferon-gamma, which uses vitamin D to destroy invading bacteria.

When bacteria pretend to be viruses, they trigger the immune system to launch an attack with a different protein called interferon-beta - which is meant to fight viruses, not bacteria. Not only is interferon-beta ineffective against bacteria, it actually makes things worse by blocking the action of interferon-gamma.

If a real virus infects the body, triggering interferon-beta, it diverts the immune system from attacking the bacterial invader. This may be the reason why viral flu usually leads to a more serious bacterial infection like pneumonia.

UCLA researchers first compared how much virus-fighting interferon-beta protein and the bacteria-fighting interferon-gamma protein is expressed in skin lesions from leprosy patients. They found that interferon-gamma was expressed more in patients with milder leprosy, while interferon-beta was significantly higher in patients with the more serious, progressive form of leprosy.

Even more interestingly, genes triggered by interferon-beta were more frequent in the skin lesions of serious leprosy patients as well as in the blood of patients with severe TB, which are two very different diseases.

Previous work by the UCLA team had shown that the bacteria-fighting interferon-gamma defense pathway depends on vitamin D, a natural hormone that plays an essential role in the fight against infections.

This new study shows that virus-fighting interferon-beta suppresses aspects of the interferon-gamma-triggered vitamin D pathway, preventing the immune system from killing bacteria.

In other words, a shift in the balance of these two interferon proteins may also shift the balance from mild to more serious disease - while therapeutic interventions that block or enhance specific interferon responses may alter the balance against protection from bacterial diseases.

Finally, relative changes in interferon protein levels may explain why some people are more resistant, while others are susceptible to TB or have a more serious progression.

Are you looking for the best vitamin supplement that can boost your immune system naturally?

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How Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System.

There are also several nutritional supplements that have powerful antihistamine properties, including vitamin E, quercetin, bromelain, and colostrum. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and natural antihistamine that has been shown to strengthen your immune system and its response to attack. Vitamin E is also a natural blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking an anticoagulant, such as warfarin, check with your doctor before using vitamin E.

Quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which makes a favorite natural treatment among allergists. It is believed to work by controlling the release of histamine and stabilizing cell membranes, making them less reactive to allergens.

A natural anti-inflammatory in its own right, bromelain also helps your body absorb quercetin. This pineapple derivative reduces inflammation in your respiratory system while also decreasing the amount and thickness of mucus in your respiratory tract.

Lastly, colostrum—the pre-milk all women produce immediately after the birth of a baby—is rich in immune-building and immune-enhancing properties. Colostrum contains several immunoglobulins, antibodies that help boost your immune system, as well as

When you treat allergies, you are actually treating histamines, chemicals that your body releases when it detects the presence of an allergen. One way to do this is to drink at least three quarts of water each day. Turns out, one of the reasons your body releases histamines is to prevent water loss. If you keep hydrated, there is less of a need for histamine to be released.

You can also fend off allergies with yogurt. Researchers have found that people who ate yogurt that contained L. acidophilus and other bacterial cultures at least once a day suffered from hay fever less often than people who didn’t eat yogurt. Can’t stomach the thought of eating yogurt every day? Try a probiotic that contains at least 100–500 million viable organisms, including both acidophilus and bifidus.

Finally, fruit—especially those high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are natural antihistamines—is another dietary wonder for treating allergies. The best fruits are oranges, all berries, grapefruit, lemons, limes, cherries, grapes, pineapple, papaya, and mangoes. If these fruits are too acidic for you, you can take vitamin C and bioflavonoids in supplement form instead.

Energy drinks are very popular nowadays, especially with teens and athletes - perhaps you’re a fan as well.

A recent study looked at the benefits and risks that come with regular energy drink consumption. In 2003, 16% of teens reported consuming them regularly - however, consumption had risen sharply to 35% by 2008. In fact, one study found that 50% of students drank at least 1-4 of these drinks in a typical month.

A sharp increase in energy drink-related emergency room visits led to demands that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look into the effects of energy drinks on health.

Currently, the amount of caffeine added to energy drinks is not regulated by the FDA, so labeled amounts are often inaccurate. Also, the claims made by manufacturers on the ability of such drinks to maintain energy levels have not been verified.

The study authors examined the most common ingredients - caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars and B vitamins - and assessed their effects on health.

Levels of caffeine, the main ingredient, vary widely between brands. Energy drinks may contain higher levels of caffeine than indicated on the label.

A typical cup of coffee contains 80-120 milligrams of caffeine, while tea has 50 mg and a 12-ounce cola roughly 65 mg. On the other hand, a 16-ounce Red Bull contains 154 mg while a 24-ounce Wired X505 contains 505 mg. While there is no prescribed safety limit for caffeine, excessive consumption has been linked to high BP, premature birth and even possibly sudden death.

Guarana is a South American plant that contains a caffeine-like compound called guaranine. One gram of guarana is equal to 40 mg of caffeine. In spite of this, guarana is usually not included in the total caffeine tally. And since the FDA has not tested guarana for human consumption, its risks and benefits are almost completely unknown.

Sugar in the form of sucrose, glucose, or high fructose corn syrup ranges from 21 grams to 34 grams in every 8 ounces of a typical energy drink. Teens who consume 2 or 3 drinks daily could be taking in 120-180 mg of sugar - or 4-6 times the maximum recommended daily intake - placing them at risk for obesity and dental problems.

Taurine is a common amino acid that supports brain development and regulates mineral and water levels. The amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is higher than from a normal diet - as yet there is no evidence that this is unhealthy. In fact, many energy drinks that claim to be healthy contain excess, unregulated amounts of vitamins or minerals you can normally get from your diet.

The problem is, you never really know how much of these ingredients you are consuming, because the quantities are masked behind the term 'proprietary blend' or 'energy blend.'

Ginseng is believed to boost athletic performance, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. According to the study authors, there is not much proof of this - and there isn't enough ginseng in energy drinks anyway.

B vitamins and other additives in energy drinks can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but again their amounts in energy drinks aren’t enough to have any meaningful effects.

Adolescent consumers have no idea what these ingredients do. They assume that because they can buy it off the shelf, it must be safe for them. In reality, very little is known about the risks and benefits of various additives in energy drinks and how they affect health when consumed over the long term. Not much is known either about how energy drinks and alcohol interact as well as how they affect medications and antidepressants.

Therefore, study authors have urged physicians to be aware of energy drink consumption and suggest educating both teens and their parents on the potential negative health consequences of consuming energy drinks regularly.

Are you looking for a natural energy drink - check out the best natural energy boosting supplement here?

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What’s in Your Energy Drink?

You may have known this intuitively already, but now the results of five randomized trials on participants with heavy short-term physical stress have confirmed that vitamin C reduces the incidence of common cold by 50%.

Three of these trials looked at marathon runners, one studied Swiss school children in a skiing camp and one examined Canadian soldiers during a winter exercise.

Not only that, in a recent randomized trial carried out with adolescent competitive swimmers, vitamin C was shown to halve the duration of colds in men, although it had no effect on women.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that recycles other vitamins, for example vitamin E. It also strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C is found naturally in high levels in many fruits and vegetables including oranges, blueberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cantaloupe and papaya, among others.

According to an updated Cochrane Review, vitamin C seems to be particularly beneficial for people who are experiencing heavy physical stress. Regular doses of vitamin C of one gram per day or higher were shown to decrease the average duration of colds in adults by 8% and in children by 18%.

At the same time, taking vitamin C every day to shorten infrequent colds may not be advisable. On average, adults have only a few common cold episodes per year and children typically only have some half a dozen colds per year.

The results of therapeutic trials - in which vitamin C was given after the first symptoms of a cold appeared - are not consistent.

However, given the consistent beneficial effects of vitamin C on duration and severity of colds in supplementation studies as well as the safety and low cost of vitamin C - it may be worthwhile to figure out for yourself whether therapeutic vitamin C is beneficial for you, when you’re suffering through an episode of common cold.

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Vitamin C is Beneficial Against the Common Cold.

A new study shows that supplementing children's diets with fish oil, enrolling them in quality preschool and engaging them in interactive reading are all effective ways to raise their IQ.

A meta-analysis carried out at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development combined data from previous studies to measure the overall effectiveness of each type of intervention.

Only the best available studies using data on children from birth and kindergarten were used, from the newly assembled ‘Database of Raising Intelligence’ - created to find out what works and what doesn't work when it comes to raising intelligence.

All studies in this database relied on participants without any diagnoses of intellectual disabilities and who were selected at random to receive one of the interventions. They also focused on interventions over long periods of time, using widely accepted measures of intelligence.

Overall, the results of the meta-analyses indicate that certain dietary and environmental interventions can indeed raise children's IQ.

For example, supplementing pregnant women and newborns with foods rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids was found to boost children's IQ by more than 3.5 points. These fatty acids may raise intelligence by providing building blocks for nerve cell development that the body cannot produce on its own.

However, data on the benefits other supplements such as iron, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, and zinc may have on intelligence were inconclusive.

Interestingly, enrolling an economically disadvantaged child into an early education intervention was found to raise IQ by more than four points; while interventions that specifically included a center-based education component raised it by more than seven points.

This may happen because early education intervention increases exposure to complex, cognitively stimulating and demanding environments.

Surprisingly, there is no evidence that early education interventions that take place earlier in childhood are more effective than those that begin later.

Interactive reading interventions raised children's IQ by over six points but didn’t have an effect over the age of four years, suggesting that they likely accelerate language development first and then boost IQ.

Sending a child to preschool was found to raise his or her IQ by more than four points, and preschools that include a language development component were found to boost IQ by more than seven points.

Overall, these findings strengthen earlier conclusions that complex environments build intelligence but also cast doubt on others - including the idea that earlier interventions are always the most effective.

The goal of this analysis was to understand the nature of intelligence and how it can be nurtured at every stage of development. One of the main conclusions that emerged was how little high quality research exists on this topic and how much more needs to be done.

Exciting new research from the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that increased consumption of carotenoid antioxidants present in bright-colored fresh vegetables and fruits may prevent or delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Between 20,000 and 30,000 Americans have ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, while another 5,000 patients are diagnosed annually.

ALS is a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spine that control voluntary muscles, known as motor neurons. As these motor neurons die, the muscles they control slowly weaken and waste away - leading to muscle paralysis and leaving the individual literally trapped in their body.

The bright orange, red, or yellow colors in fruits and vegetables are because of the colorful carotenoids they contain, particularly beta-carotene and lutein. Carotenoids are a source of dietary vitamin A.

Previous studies have reported that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of ALS. High antioxidant intake has been known to lower ALS risk - which is why the role of carotenoids and vitamin C was examined in this study.

Data from five prospective study groups with more than one million participants were examined and a total of 1093 ALS cases were identified.

The research team found that a greater total carotenoid intake was clearly linked to reduced risk of ALS. Individuals who consumed more carotenoids in their diets were also more likely to exercise, have an advanced degree, have higher vitamin C consumption, and take vitamin C and E supplements.

Subjects with diets high in beta-carotene and lutein - found in dark green vegetables - also had a lower risk ALS risk. However, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and vitamin C did not reduce ALS risk and neither did long-term vitamin C supplement intake.

Clearly, regular consumption of bright-colored fresh vegetables and fruits can help prevent or delay the onset of ALS, although further studies are needed to understand how exactly they impact ALS risk.

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Bright Colored Fruits and Vegetables May Prevent or Delay ALS.

1. Get plenty of essential fatty acids.  Among the nutrients that our bodies need for good health are essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (of the Omega 3 family) and linoleic acid of the Omega 6 family.  These essential fats also help to promote youthful skin and can be obtained through supplementation or through diet.  Alpha-linolenic acid can be found in flaxseed, canola oil, wheat germ and soybeans, and vegetable oils and grass-fed beef are good sources of linoleic acid.

The benefits of EFAs to the body are many, but they are of particular importance to body cells as they are a fundamental component of cell membranes. A steady supply of EFAs in the diet is necessary to maintain healthy-looking skin because skin cells are regularly reproduced.

2. Look into HGH supplement products.  A 1990 medical study published by Dr. Daniel Rudman in the New England Journal of Medicine reported exciting results from the injection of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) in men over 60 years old. These included an increase in muscle mass, decreased body fat, elevated energy levels, improved sleep and enhanced skin and muscle tone. This synthetic, injection therapy is very expensive, but today there are several natural, non-prescription HGH supplement products on the market (called releasers) that stimulate release of the body’s own human growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

3. Eat plenty of whole, organic fruits and vegetables.  When waging war against the effects of time, there are anti-aging fruits and vegetables that actually work. They help to hydrate the body and provide fiber and important disease-fighting antioxidants.  Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, bananas are loaded with potassium and berries contain a host of vital anti-oxidants.  Green, leafy vegetables like spinach, leaf lettuce and kale are loaded with nutrients, and broccoli, carrots and cucumbers provide fiber and a good, crunchy texture!

4. Discover the importance of water for healthy aging.  Drink at least 64 ounces of pure, filtered or spring water throughout the day.  When aging skin is not properly hydrated, it loses resilience and becomes more susceptible to wrinkling. Water fights wrinkles by keeping skin moist and supple and helps to deliver essential nutrients to skin cells.

5. Try glucosamine supplements to retain moisture in aging skin.  Research by the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School studied the effects of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide on in-vitro human skin cultures and on women aged 35-60 in clinical trials with fine-to-moderate wrinkles. The research found that the two compounds accelerated the production of hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient in skin hydration and in the formation of collagen.

The tests also showed that in human subjects, improved hydration brought about by glucosamine and niacinamide led to a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles of tested subjects, particularly in the area around the eyes.  The researchers concluded that together these compounds could be a highly effective anti-aging treatment.

These tips are but a few of the many new, natural anti-aging practices coming to light. For many who are approaching the golden years, there is still a lot of living to do. 

Are you adopting a few of these natural habits to promote healthy and graceful aging?

Sources:

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 323, July 5, 1990, Number 1:   EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE IN MEN OVER 60 YEARS OLD, Daniel Rudman, M. D.

http://www.consumerproductsreview.org/hgh-supplement.aspx

http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Formulation-Science/Research-suggests-glucosamine-is-an-effective-anti-aging-treatment

Dietary folic acid supplementation is known to dramatically reduce incidence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, sometimes by as much as 70 percent. Scientists and other health experts still don’t fully understand how folic acid does this, or why it doesn’t eliminate birth defects in all pregnancies.

Folic acid was originally discovered at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin in the 1940s. Ever since the discovery of its role in the prevention of birth defects, all enriched cereal grain products in the US were enriched with folic acid to ensure that women of childbearing age get enough of this vitamin.

Now, scientists from the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin have found that mutation of a key folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice, the clearest link seen so far between folic acid and birth defects.

The mice used in this study lacked a gene for a folic acid enzyme which cells need to produce a compound called formate, which embryos need for normal development. It seems folic acid prevents birth defects by ensuring that enough formate is made in the developing embryo. This may also explain the 30 percent of neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

Interestingly, humans share the same gene for the folic acid enzyme with all mammals - indeed, point mutations in this gene are known to increase the risk of birth defects.

Now the research team at UT Austin is going to use the same breed of mouse to start looking for nutrients that could potentially be delivered to pregnant mothers to prevent neural tube defects that can’t be prevented by folic acid supplementation.

A future goal would be to screen women for the gene that produces the folic acid enzyme. If they’re found to be deficient, their chances for developing embryos free of neural tube defects could be increased via nutrient supplementation.

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Mutation in key enzyme in key folic acid metabolism causes birth defects.

1. Adding a Green Energy supplement such as All Day Energy Greens as a once-a-day drink not only provides your body with the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit, it also contains 38 herbs, vitamins and minerals. The end result is a day-long supply of natural energy as All Day Energy Greens counter the body’s acids, flush out toxins and improve digestion.

2. Avoid smoking. You know smoking threatens your health. But you may not know that smoking actually siphons off your energy by causing insomnia. The nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, so it speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity associated with wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep. And once you do fall asleep, its addictive power can kick in and awaken you with cravings.

3. Make sure you drink plenty of water during or after this exercise as dehydration in itself can cause exhaustion. Add a few drops of natural energy-boosting monatomic minerals which quickly gets to work to re-mineralize, re-alkalize, re-vitalize and re- energize your body and bring it back into balance.

4. Control stress. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Talking with a friend or relative, joining a support group, or seeing a psychotherapist can all help diffuse stress. Relaxation therapies like meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and tai chi are also effective tools for reducing stress.

5. Breathe deeply in the fresh air. Your blood cells will take up this oxygen and enliven your whole body with it. If you are able to tolerate it, sleep with the bedroom window open during good weather.

6. Avoid sugar when possible, and especially artificial sweeteners (they are poisonous to the body).

7. Get rid of clutter in your life, pare things down, make them more simple. Decide what your priorities will be.

8. Cleanse your liver. Your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body of all toxic substance that come into it. It has to keep toxins out of the bloodstream. Because society's habits have become so toxic, the liver needs a good cleaning much more often.

The best seasonal affective disorder treatment. Learn more about natural solutions that can help treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Every winter, thousands of Americans suffer from SAD, a type of depression that is often characterized by excessive eating and/or sleeping, brain fog, reduced sex drive, social withdrawal, and/or craving sugary and starchy foods. 

While it is widely accepted that the decreased exposure to the sunlight during the winter months is the main cause SAD, low levels of your brain’s neurotransmitters—namely serotonin and dopamine—have also been shown to play a role in the winter blues. 

Serotonin regulates your body’s waking and sleeping cycle and helps to keep you relaxed and calm. Your brain produces serotonin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, almonds, and some seeds. Tryptophan, in turn, is created from 5-HTP.

By supplementing with 5-HTP, you can help to boost your levels of serotonin, and thereby alleviate depression. Plus, 5-HTP has also been shown to help you sleep and reduce carbohydrate cravings. Try 50–100 mg per day.

Dopamine is the yin to serotonin’s yang. It is responsible for sex drive, alertness, and an optimistic outlook. To increase your dopamine levels, take either tyrosine or phenylalanine—amino acids that give rise to dopamine. Aim for 500–1,000 mg of either L-phenylalanine or L-tyrosine twice a day. Be sure to take phenylalanine and tyrosine with 50 mg of vitamin B6 and a small amount of protein to the conversion process.

Did you know that spirulina - a single-celled, blue-green alga that has been thriving on Earth since the beginning of life itself - was considered a superfood by ancient Mayans and Aztecs?

Spirulina is very low on the food chain, which means it’s a pure food. Its green color is derived from chlorophyll, which allows it to convert sunshine to protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates and many other nutrients essential for life.

Its blue color comes from a pigment called phycocyanin, shown to increase bone marrow stem cell and anti-cancer natural killer (NK) cell production.

Spirulina contains nearly 70% protein, which is made up of all the essential amino acids plus 10 more. This means spirulina is an excellent protein resource that helps your body build muscle, bone, strength and endurance. Because spirulina is typically consumed raw, it doesn’t lose its protein content, which is absorbed four times faster by your body than animal proteins.

Spirulina is a very pure food that provides more than 100 nutrients, including as much iron as red meat, vitamin E, zinc, B vitamins, copper, calcium, sulfur and magnesium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A in the form of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

Studies show that regular consumption of spirulina provides many health benefits. For instance, a two-month study carried out at the National Obesity Centre of Cameroon on HIV-infected patients showed that spirulina improves their insulin sensitivity, lowering their future risk of developing type II diabetes. HIV-infected patients typically develop abnormalities in glucose metabolism, both because of the infection and also the antiretroviral treatment.

In this particular study, 17 insulin-resistant HIV-infected patients were given 19 grams of spirulina daily. Their physical activity and diet did not change over the study duration. After eight weeks, insulin sensitivity improved in every one of these patients - while increasing overall by over 200% in the entire group.

And that’s not all spirulina can do. It also stimulates stem cell growth, especially in the brain; has known virus-fighting properties; fights inflammation and arthritis; and also favorably affects lipid profiles, immune variables and antioxidant capacity, all of which are great ways to boost overall health.

If you’d like to benefit from the amazing healing powers of spirulina, you can get it in supplement form, either as pills or powder. It’s easy to add powdered spirulina to your morning smoothie. You can also mix it with guacamole or blend it into salad dressing.

Sources:

Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity in HIV patients.

There are a variety of vitamin supplements that can be added to smoothies that have all sorts of healthy properties. These ingredients can all be purchased at your local whole foods store or through natural supplement websites.

Brewers Yeast: A great source of selenium, chromium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc.

Bee Pollen: Contains high concentrations of vitamin B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E.

Green Tea Powder: The potent antioxidants in green tea have been said to help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.

Spirulina: Contains over 60% all-digestible vegetable protein with a high concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and GLA, an essential fatty acid.

Wheat Germ Oil: A rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Check out this smoothie recipe, which offers a healthy and tasty balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep your engine running throughout the day! Bananas, which are an excellent source of potassium, dietary fiber and Vitamin B6, provide a rich and creamy base, and soy milk is a great source of isoflavones which aid in the prevention of many cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis.

TROPICAL TREAT - Serves Two

• Place all ingredients in a blender:
• 6 ice cubes
• 2 medium bananas, sliced
• 2 scoops vanilla soy protein powder
• 1/2 cup chunked cantaloupe
• 1/2 cup chunked canned or fresh pineapple
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk

Place lid on blender, and pulse until ingredients begin to mix. Set blender on "blend" for about 30 seconds and then move to "ice crush" or your highest blending button for 20 to 30 more seconds. Pour, and enjoy this quick and healthful smoothie – a taste of the tropics!

Improve your eyesight naturally by eating a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, fish and spices. This will provide  your body with vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids. Of course, supplements for eyesight improvement are also readily available to complement the nutrition that you get from your food.

Spices - Turmeric, parsley and oregano are highly recommended. The good news is that spices are easy to incorporate into your diet and are virtually calorie free.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Most people eat seafood for their main source of Omega 3s. In particular, wild Alaskan salmon and sardines are recommended. You can also get Omega 3s in nuts and seeds, in particular, flaxseeds, walnuts and pistachios.

Antioxidants - Foods that contain beta carotene are also beneficial for the eyes.  For example, pilots are often fed carrots to help with their night vision, as carrots contain a high percentage of vitamin A.  In general, eating the mostly brightly colored fruits and vegetables will be the ones that are best for your eyes.

Lutein - most commonly found in egg yolks.  If you don’t like to eat eggs, you can also commonly find lutein in supplements for vision. It also is available in green vegetables like spinach and broccoli.  Lutein is actually found in the retina of healthy eyes and it acts as a shield against blue light, which is a harmful part of sunlight.

Take a quick break from work every day and walk briskly around the block. This raises the cardiovascular system which in turn increases energy. Make sure you drink plenty of water during or after this exercise as dehydration in itself can cause exhaustion. Add a few drops of natural energy-boosting monatomic minerals which quickly gets to work to re-mineralize, re-alkalize, re-vitalize and re- energize your body and bring it back into balance.

Adding a Green Energy supplement such as All Day Energy Greens as a once-a-day drink not only provides your body with the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit, it also contains 38 herbs, vitamins and minerals. The end result is a day-long supply of natural energy as All Day Energy Greens counter the body’s acids, flush out toxins and improve digestion. If the taste of energy greens is not something you can face daily, alternate it with Long Life Food Source which is a delicious blend of all-natural superfoods to counter ageing and boost energy.

Our diet today looks nothing like that of our ancestors. While they first subsisted on foliage, leafy vegetables, fruits, and some nuts and seeds, once fire was discovered during the Paleolithic era, the diet began to include game food and seafood.

It wasn’t for another 10,000 years later that agriculture was introduced. This meant grains, legumes, vegetable oils, and dairy products. This diet was high in fiber, vegetable-based protein, and plant sterols. Still good, right?

Then came 1800s and the start of the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of hydrogenated oils, refined grains and sugar, packaged foods, and fast foods. In the past 200 years alone, we’ve managed to virtually undo evolution by turning away from whole grains, legumes, lean meats and fish, and leafy greens and veggies, and towards saturated fats, dietary cholesterol, and high glycemic carbohydrate food sources.

The solution? Go Caveman!

Focus the bulk of your diet on anything you could hunt or gather. This means lean meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. This also means that you won’t have many natural sources of calcium and/or vitamin D, so you’ll need to supplement with a good calcium/magnesium product, as well as 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day.