Παρασκευή 9 Μαΐου 2014

Appricots Have A Far Greater Potential To Protect Your Eyesight Than Carrots Do

apricots1121 Apricots Have A Far Greater Potential To Protect Your Eyesight Than Carrots Do

We’ve all been taught that carrots would keep our eyes sharp as a child, but as an adult, it looks like fruit such as apricots are even more important for keeping your sight. Data reported in a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

In this study, which involved over 100,000 women and men, researchers evaluated the effect of study participants’ consumption of fruits such as apricots among others; the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and carotenoids on the development of early ARMD or neovascular ARMD, a more severe form of the illness associated with vision loss. Food intake information was collected periodically for up to 18 years for women and 12 years for men.

While, surprisingly, intakes of vegetables, antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids were not strongly related to incidence of either form of ARMD, fruit intake was definitely protective against the severe form of this vision-destroying disease.

Three servings of apricots may sound like a lot to eat each day, but by simply tossing them into your morning smoothie or topping off a cup of yogurt or just snacking on them and you’ve reached this goal.

Health Benefits

Nutrients in apricots can help protect the heart and eyes, as well as provide the disease-fighting effects of fiber. The high beta-carotene content of apricots makes them important heart health foods. Beta-carotene helps protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help prevent heart disease.

Apricots contain nutrients such as vitamin A (via beta-carotene) that promote good vision. Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, quenches free radical damage to cells and tissues. Free radical damage can injure the eyes’ lenses.

The degenerative effect of free radicals, or oxidative stress, may lead to cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and cause macular degeneration. Researchers who studied over 50,000 registered nurses found women who had the highest vitamin A intake reduced their risk of developing cataracts nearly 40%.

Apricots are a good source of fiber, which has a wealth of benefits including preventing constipation and digestive conditions such as diverticulosis. But most Americans get less than 10 grams of fiber per day. A healthy, whole foods diet should include apricots as a delicious way to add to your fiber intake.

Dried Apricots a Healthy Snack

Dried apricots weigh in with more than three times the potassium content of bananas and contain only a trace of salt.

That’s good for keeping down blood pressure — potassium counters the water-retaining properties of sodium, keeping blood volume lower. Recent research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta showed that consuming more potassium than sodium is protective against high blood pressure and heart disease.

Eating apricots dried means you’re likely to eat more, so will take in more nutrients.

Read the full article here: http://preventdisease.com/news/14/050814_Apricots-Have-A-Far-Greater-Potential-To-Protect-Your-Eyesight-Than-Carrots-Do.shtml

Sources:
sfgate.com
whfoods.com
nutritiondata.self.com
Mae Chan holds degrees in both physiology and nutritional sciences. She is also blogger and and technology enthusiast with a passion for disseminating information about health.

http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/apricots-have-a-far-greater-potential-to-protect-your-eyesight-than-carrots-do/

Celery for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a problem for many people; in fact, in America around 76.4 million adults suffer from high blood pressure, the American Heart Association notes. High blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for a life-threatening stroke or heart attack.

So what do you do about it? Simple, celery. Use celery for high blood pressure. It works!

Celery juice contains the compound 3-n-butylphtalide, or phthalide, which contributes to the vegetable’s taste and aroma. As a chemical affecting the body, phthalide helps relax the smooth muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, according to High Blood Pressure Info. Blood pressure decreases as the blood vessels dilate and allow blood to flow easier and more freely(2).

Celery Juice for high blood pressure Recommendations

Using the recommended Oriental dosages to lower mild cases of high blood pressure, one would eat about four ounces of celery (about a cup of chopped celery) daily. You should begin to see results after only a week or two.

Some of the health benefits of celery juice:

Acidity: The important minerals in this magical juice effectively balance the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity.

Athletes: Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals.

Cancer: Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.

Cholesterol: This humble pale juice has been shown to effectively and significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Colon and stomach cancer: The phytochemical coumarins prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers.

Constipation: The natural laxative effect of celery helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic: The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess fluid.

Inflammation: The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis.

Kidney function: Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. While eliminating toxins, it also prevents formation of kidney stones.

Lower blood pressure: Drinking celery juice every day for a week significantly helps lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides help relax the muscle around arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow normally. To be effective, drink the juice for one week, stop for three weeks, and start over.

Nervous system: The organic alkaline minerals in celery juice has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.

Weight loss: Drink celery juice frequently throughout the day. It helps curb your cravings for sweets and rich food.

Urinary stones, breaking of: The diuretic effect of celery juice also aids the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones(1)

Reducing Stress Hormones: Phthalide also helps decrease the production of catecholamines, according to research by clinical pharmacologist William J. Elliot and medical student Quang T. Le, documented at High Blood Pressure Info. Catecholamines are the fight-or-flight hormones that the adrenal glands produce in events of stress. They can contribute to high blood pressure.

Stress hormones such as catecholamines can tighten blood vessels and restrict the free flow of blood, increasing the amount of pressure necessary for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Phthalide blocks the action of tyrosine hydroxylase enzymes that produce stress hormones and contribute to high blood pressure, according to High Blood Pressure Info.

Additional lifestyle changes that will help lower your blood pressure:

1. Change your diet and reduce your weight if you are overweight.

2. Consider a vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Vegetarians show very little signs of hypertension. You don’t have to become a vegetarian, but adding more vegetables and complex carbohydrates to your diet as well as reducing your sodium intake will help reduce your blood pressure. And recent research indicates that eating more celery is beneficial in controlling hypertension. Keep in mind, though that celery can be toxic in great quantities.

3. Add fiber to your diet. A high fiber diet promotes healthy blood pressure.

4. Reduce or eliminate your alcohol intake.

5. Lower your fat intake.

6. Start an exercise program. Even half an hour of exercise can significantly impact your hypertension.

7. Add meditation or yoga to your daily routine.

8. Get a massage. Theraputic massage can provide an important component to overall well-being by promoting better sleep, improving concentration, and reducing anxiety.

9. Consider pet therapy. A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, showed that pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure when they were greeting their pet than when they were reading neutral text.

10. Consider Naturopathy as a way of life. Naturopathy focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopathy relies on a variety of techniques founded in ancient Indian, Chinese and Greek medicine. These include relaxation therapy, counseling and psychotherapy,herbal medicine, nutrition counseling, physical therapy and homeopathy.

11. Do not smoke.

Living an active, healthy life can considerably lower your blood pressure and eliminate your need for pharmacological intervention. Having some celery for high blood pressure is a perfect natural remedy as well.

Sources:

(1)http://juicing-for-health.com/basic-nutrition/healing-vegetables/health-benefits-of-celery.html

(2) http://www.livestrong.com/article/120254-celery-juice-high-blood-pressure/#ixzz2YLrLnYHO

(3) http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/holistic-treatment-high-blood-pressure.html#ixzz2YLr6XD9b

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/celery-for-high-blood-pressure.html

Miracle Drink “Kills Cancer Cells”

This “MIRACLE DRINK” has been circulating for a long time. It is worth your while to take note. There is a celebrity Mr. Seto who swears by it. He wants to make it public to draw the attention of people who have cancers. This is a drink that can protect bad cells forming in your body or it will restrain its growth! Mr. Seto had lung cancer. He was recommended to take this drink by a famous Herbalist from China. He has taken this drink diligently for 3 months and now his health is restored thanks to this drink! It can’t hurt to try!

It is simple.

You need one beet root, one carrot and one apple that combine together to make the JUICE!

Note: Make sure to use organic

Wash the above, cut with the skin on into pieces and put them into the juicer and immediately you drink the juice. You can add some lime or lemon for more refreshing taste.

This Miracle Drink will be effective for the following ailments:

1. Prevent cancer cells developing. Restrain cancer cells growing further.

2. Prevent liver, kidney and pancreas disease. (Reported to also cure ulcers.)

3. Strengthen the lungs, prevent heart attack and high blood pressure.

4. Strengthen the immune system .

5. Good for eyesight, eliminate red, tired eyes or dry eyes.

6. Help eliminate pain from physical training, muscle ache.

7. Detoxify, assist bowel movement, eliminate constipation. Therefore it will make skin healthy and look more radiant.

8. Improve bad breath due to indigestion, throat infection,

9. Great for preventing and killing acne problems.

10. Assist Hay Fever Sufferer from Hay Fever attack.

There should be no side effect, highly nutritious and easily absorbed. It’s very effective if you need to lose weight. You will notice your immune system will be improved after a 2 week routine. Drink immediately from the juicer for best effect.

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/miracle-drink-kill-cancer-cells.html

Top Foods That Chronic Pain Sufferers Need to Avoid

Chronic pain is a pervasive issue and fibromyalgia is a very common form. It is a chronic condition whose symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Recent data suggests that central sensitization, in which neurons in your spinal cord become sensitized by inflammation or cell damage, may be involved in the way fibromyalgia sufferers process pain.

Certain chemicals in the foods you eat may trigger the release of neurotransmitters that heighten this sensitivity.

Although there have been only a handful of studies on diet and fibromyalgia, the following eating rules can’t hurt, and may help, when dealing with chronic pain.

Limit Sugar as Much as Possible. Increased insulin levels will typically dramatically worsen pain. So you will want to limit all sugars and this would typically include fresh fruit juices. Whole fresh fruit is the preferred method for consuming fruit products.

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, you will also want to limit grains as much as possible as they are metabolized very similarly to sugars. This would also include organic unprocessed grains. Wheat and gluten grains are the top ones to avoid.

Eat fresh foods. Eating a diet of fresh foods, devoid of preservatives and additives, may ease symptoms triggered by coexisting conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It’s also a good idea to buy organic food when possible, as it’s best to avoid pesticides and chemicals. However, fresh is best. So if you have to choose between local, fresh, non-organic and organic but wilting – go with fresh, and clean properly.

Avoid caffeine. Fibromyalgia is believed to be linked to an imbalance of brain chemicals that control mood, and it is often linked with inadequate sleep and fatigue. The temptation is to artificially and temporarily eliminate feelings of fatigue with stimulants like caffeine, but this approach does more harm than good in the long run. Though caffeine provides an initial boost of energy, it is no substitute for sleep, and is likely to keep you awake.

Try avoiding nightshade vegetables. Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant may trigger arthritis and pain conditions in some people.

Be Careful with Your Fats. Animal based omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA have been touted as a heart-healthy food, and they may help with pain, as well. They can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. At the same time, you want to eliminate all trans fat and fried foods, as these will promote inflammation.

Use yeast sparingly. Consuming yeast may also contribute to the growth of yeast fungus, which can contribute to pain.

Avoid pasteurized dairy. Many fibromyalgia sufferers have trouble digesting milk and dairy products. However, many find that raw dairy products, especially from grass fed organic sources, are well tolerated.

Cut down on carbs. About 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients have low adrenal functioning, which affects metabolism of carbohydrates and may lead to hypoglycemia.

Avoid aspartame. The artificial sweetener found in some diet sodas and many sugar-free sweets is part of a chemical group called excitotoxins, which activate neurons that can increase your sensitivity to pain.

Avoid additives. Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) often cause trouble for pain patients. MSG is an excitatory neurotransmitter that may stimulate pain receptors; glutamate levels in spinal fluid have been shown to correlate with pain levels in fibromyalgia patients.

Stay away from junk food. Limit or eliminate fast food, candy, and vending-machine products. In addition to contributing to weight gain and the development of unhealthy eating habits, these diet-wreckers may also irritate your muscles, disrupt your sleep, and compromise your immune system.

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/top-foods-that-chronic-pain-sufferers-need-to-avoid.html

Can Supplements Reduce Cancer Side Effects?

Maylin Rodriguez-Paez, RN

Cancer therapies aren't for the faint of heart. They can produce a wide range of side effects making treatment intolerable in many cases.

Fortunately, there are supplements that can make the process bearable and even more comfortable, increasing the probability of a successful treatment and an easier recovery.

Below we'll list some of the potential complications that come up during cancer treatments and ways to protect yourself against them.

Cancer Causes GI problems

Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which is why healthy cells get damaged in the process. If the intestinal lining is significantly damaged, GI problems like severe constipation and diarrhea could result.

Research suggests probiotics may help. A type called Lactobacillus has been shown to reduce the frequency of severe diarrhea and abdominal discomfort during chemotherapy treatments.¹

Another helpful supplement is glutamine. This amino acid protects gut mucosa and promotes healing.² In a clinical trial, cancer patients receiving glutamine intravenously were less likely to experience chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.³

Cancer Causes Neuropathy

About 30%–40% of patients who undergo chemotherapy experience some type of peripheral neuropathy.⁴ Tingling, stabbing or burning pains may be felt in the limbs or other parts of the body. Standard treatment may include anti-seizure medications which can come with a host of nasty side effects.

Melatonin and acetyl-L-carnitine are well-tolerated supplements. According to studies, they may help to prevent neuropathy when taken along with chemotherapy drugs.^5-6 In one trial, patients who took acetyl-L-carnitine after completing chemo treatments experienced reduced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.⁷

Cancer Decreases Immune Function

Chemotherapy and radiation can affect blood cell production. This puts stress on the immune system and increases the risk for infections. Luckily, there are nutrients that may help to alleviate these effects.

A traditional Chinese herb called astragalus may help. In patients undergoing chemotherapy, those treated with astragalus were less likely to experience drops in white blood cell and platelet counts when compared to a control group. They also had better outcomes.⁸

Cancer Causes Mucositis

Mucositis is inflammation and ulceration of the GI tract. It typically results from radiation or chemotherapy. Inflammation may occur in the mouth, throat, or lower parts of the GI tract, potentially making eating, swallowing, or even digestion difficult.

Aloe vera juice has been shown to lower the incidence of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation.⁹ This effect may be due to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

Glutamine may also be beneficial. In one study, radiation patients taking a glutamine mouthwash experienced a reduction in the severity and duration of mucositis.¹⁰

Need More Help?

Interested in learning more about this topic for yourself or a loved one? Feel free to call our oncology health advisors at 1-800-226-2370. The information is completely free and they'll be glad to point you in the right direction.

References:

Br J Cancer.2007 Oct 22;97(8):1028-34.
Am J Physiol.1997 Apr;272(4 Pt 1):G879-84.
Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Sep 1;30(5):452-8.
Available at:http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/ncicancerbulletin/archive/2010/022310/page6. Accessed January 11^th, 2014.
Neuroscience Lett. 2006; 397:219-223.
Support Care Cancer. 1997 Mar;5(2):126-9.
Tumori. 2005 Mar-Apr;91(2):135-8.
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;22(7):515-7.
Asian Biomedicine. 2009 August; 3(4): 375-382.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2000 Feb 1;46(3):535-9.

http://blog.lef.org/2014/01/can-supplements-reduce-cancer-side.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=normal

Improve overall health, including liver function and skin problems, with dandelion

(NaturalNews) Time to put the "dandelions are annoying weeds" thoughts to rest.

Its roots, sap and leaves are powerful ways to help heal the body, ranging from improving liver function to combating skin conditions such as eczema (1). In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach." (2)

Dandelion has been used successfully across
a variety of cultures, for several applications. It's no secret that it's an excellent way to keep the body healthy.

Here's a closer look at some of the top health benefits of dandelion.

How dandelion helps health

1. Maintains proper liver function. Dandelion root is known to prevent liver hemorrhaging, but it also improves blood purity and the flow of bile, which the liver manages and plays a role in.

2. Fights acne and eczema. Have a case of bad acne? Drinking dandelion juice acts as a stimulant, detoxifier, diuretic and antioxidant that helps to fight off toxins which often result from out-of-balance hormones. The toxins are ultimately sweat out through the skin and because of the juice's stimulating ability, pores are widened to help ease the process. Dandelion sap may also be used topically.

Furthermore, because its sap is highly alkaline and has germ-fighting properties, it's touted as an ideal way to manage a variety of skin conditions including general itching, eczema and ringworm.

3. Improve eye health. The American Optometric Association advises people consume at least 12 milligrams combined of lutein and zeaxanthin daily to help lowers the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (3). Dandelion greens contain both of these nutrients. In fact, just one cup exceeds the American Optometric Association's recommendation to maintain eye health, containing 15 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin.

4. Weight loss aid. Consuming dandelion greens is ideal for those trying to shed a few pounds. Not only are they low in calories, but they act as a diuretic, causing water weight to be omitted through urination in a safe manner.

Sources for this article include:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com

(2) http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion#ixzz317yXXUQA

(3) http://www.livestrong.com

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/045053_dandelion_liver_skin_problems.html?utm_content=buffer4bf28&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer##ixzz31FmrvdbM

9 Thyroid Damagers Hiding Out in Your Home

Thyroid disease and nonstick chemicals are back in the news again, once again providing a warning that we should all scan our houses for hidden sources.

In the latest study, published in the journal Epidemology, scientists found that more than 10 percent of people exposed to drinking water contaminated with perfluoroctanoic acid (or PFOA, made by DOW Chemical) reported having some sort of thyroid problem. Comparing blood levels and years of exposure with incidence of thyroid problems, the researchers were able to say that higher PFOA exposure was associated with thyroid problems.

The study looked at more than 30,000 people to come to this conclusion.

PFOA is part of a group of problematic nonstick chemicals that fall into the perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) class, a family of fluoride-containing chemicals with unique properties that make things stick- and stain-resistant. The problem is, these compounds don't break down easily and can readily be found inside of our bodies. Along with thyroid disease, different PFCs have also been linked to cancer, infertility, birth defects, and weaker immune systems.

Here's where they could be hiding out in your home:

Nonstick Hideout: Dental Floss
Some companies add nonstick chemicals to floss to make it glide more easily between your teeth.

Avoid it: Don't give up flossing—it's important. Instead, choose a natural type, like those from Radius.

Nonstick Hideout: Pots & Pans
Sure, it's great to not have to scrub pots and pans after cooking. But all of those scratches and chips in your nonstick cookware mean you're probably eating nonstick chemicals along with your meal.

Avoid it: Replace any nicked-up nonstick cookware with American-made cast-iron, enamel, glass, or stainless steel pots and pans.

Nonstick Hideout: Your Raincoat
Nonstick chemicals are really good at repelling water, hence their use in rain gear such as boots, umbrellas, and raincoats.

Avoid it: For safer outerwear, look for jackets treated with polyurethane, not nonstick chemicals. Wax-coated clothing and boots made from real rubber are increasingly popular safer options.

Nonstick Hideout: Pizza Boxes & Fast-Food Containers

Need another reason to avoid takeout? Here you go! Many food containers are coated with nonstick chemicals to keep grease from leaching through. (You can thank us when you drop those first five pounds!)

Avoid it: Cut back on fast food and cook from scratch more at home.

Nonstick Hideout: Microwavable Popcorn BagsPopcorn companies don't want the grease bleeding through bags and onto your pants! So most coat the inside of bags with grease-repellent nonstick chemicals to keep that oily mix inside of the bag.

Avoid it: Make your own microwave popcorn using this trick, or choose Quinn Popcorn—the brand doesn't use nasty chemicals in its bags or ingredients.

Nonstick Hideout: Furniture & Carpeting
Nonstick chemicals hide under names like Scotchguard, Teflon, Stainmaster, and others. Many nonstick chemicals are used as treatments to repel anything you might spill on upholstered couches. Sounds handy, until you realize the stuff could make you sick.

Avoid it: When shopping for furniture, ask to make sure it's not coated with a nonstick treatment that repels stains. If you're in the market for new flooring, avoid carpeting and opt for untreated hardwood, then finish yourself with a safer product like Vermont Natural Coatings.

Nonstick Hideout: Paper Plates
An astounding 64 billions paper cups and plates are tossed away each year. Aside from the waste factor, many are also coated with nonstick chemicals to prevent leakage.

Avoid it: Just use regular glasses and plates instead, and wash them in the dishwasher when you're done to save water.

Nonstick Hideout: Your Shampoo
Nonstick chemicals could even hide out in personal care products! Luckily, unlike clothing and furniture, personal care products must have an ingredients list.

Avoid it: Check ingredient labels for anything beginning with perfluoro—and avoid it!

Nonstick Hideout: Household Dust
No matter how hard we try to avoid nonstick chemicals, they'll probably still wind up in our dust because they're used in so many different products. Household dust also harbors nasty plastic chemicals, BPA, and flame retardants.

Avoid it: Equip yourself with a vacuum with a HEPA filter and use it regularly!

http://www.rodalenews.com/thyroid-disease-and-nonstick-chemicals?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-MFCK-_-Content-Health-_-DentalFlossMessingThyroid

Eight common diseases linked to vitamin D deficiency

The cure for some of the most common and debilitating health conditions today may be as elemental as simply correcting a nutrient deficiency that plagues millions of Westerners:Vitamin D deficiency. Here are eight common diseases that have been scientifically linked to a chronic lack of vitamin D:

1) Asthma. Though a definitive cause of asthma is still up for debate, recent science points to vitamin D, and particularly a lack thereof, as a major factor in its prevalence. Especially in children, vitamin D has been shown to help reduce the severity and prevalence of asthma symptoms, and may help quell the inflammation responsible for restricting airways and making it difficult for asthmatics to breathe (http://science.naturalnews.com).

2) Hypertension. A study recently published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that patients with hypertension fared better when their vitamin D levels were boosted. High blood serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a marker of vitamin D, were found to help modulate vascular inflammation and other indicators of high blood pressure (http://www.vitasearch.com).

3) Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Numerous studies conducted in Europe, India, and the United States have identified a link between low vitamin D levels and higher rates of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other forms of IBD. Based on this cohort of research, populations where natural sunlight exposure is limited tend to have higher rates of IBD, and vice versa (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

4) Influenza. It has long been known that influenza rates are highest during the wintertime when the sun is at its lowest tilt, and exposure to ultraviolet B rays is minimal. This, combined with research, shows that vitamin D helps boost the immune system, and science is only just beginning to recognize the flu-fighting potential of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

5) Type-2 Diabetes. A 2011 study published in the journal, AIDS, found that vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in patients with HIV. But in the process of learning this, the research team also found that maintaining high vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or supplementation can actually help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in general (http://science.naturalnews.com).

6) Dental cavities. It has been suspected since at least the mid-1800s that a lack of natural sunlight exposure is a major cause of poor health. But in recent years, scientists have pinned specific conditions, including poor dental health, to a lack of vitamin D. Numerous recent studies have found that optimal levels of vitamin D promote the healthy calcification of teeth, while a lack of this important nutrient can lead to higher rates of dental cavities (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

7) Rheumatoid arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may want to have your vitamin D levels checked. A recent study out of Canada found a “considerably strong association” between vitamin D deficiency and RA. In fact, those with the lowest blood plasma levels of 25(OH)D were found to be up to five times more susceptible to RA-related diseases than others (http://www.vitasearch.com).

8) Cancer. Whether it is breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, or renal, cancers of all types have been shown to be more prominent among people with inadequate levels of vitamin D. Conversely, those with the highest levels of vitamin D, or what are considered “optimal” levels, tend to be the least prone to developing cancer (http://www.vitamindcouncil.org).

To learn more about vitamin D and the many scientific studies that have been conducted on it in relation to disease, be sure to check out this categorical listing on the newScience.NaturalNews.com:
http://science.naturalnews.com

You can also learn more about vitamin D by visiting the Vitamin D Council:
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

Sources for this article include:

http://www.vitasearch.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://vitasearch.dyndns.info

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org
Original Article Posted on Natural News

http://www.naturalnews.com/041420_vitamin_D_deficiency_asthma.html