Half of US Teens and Adults Deficient in Vitamin D

Over the past decade vitamin D, long known as a key to bone strength, has also been linked to prevention of a host illnesses, ranging from cancer and heart disease to asthma. But during that same period, a dramatic trend to vitamin D deficiency has spread to as much as three fourths of the adult US population.

The federal government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey incidated that in 1994, 45 percent of the population had adequate Vitamin D levels. But in 2004 just 23 percent of US adults and teens had adequate levels. The deficiency was most pronounced in the African American population, with just three percent of that segment having adequate vitamin D levels.

Known as the sunshine vitamin because exposure triggers its manufacture in the body, vitamin D was originally best known for its role in bone health. In the 1930s the addition of Vitamin D fortification in milk was credited with all but eliminating rickets, a devastating bone-softening disease that effected thousands of children.

However over the past ten years rickets has begun to make a reappearance in the US, with incidence of the disease increasing at what doctors call "an alarming rate". In addition, incidence of bone fracture in children is on the upswing, and medical research indicates an increasing vitamin D deficiency is a key factor in these changes.

The deficiency is both puzzling and troubling, particularly in light of new research that shows Vitamin D is far more than just a strengthener of bones. Studies all over the world are showing marked correlations between vitamin D levels and a wide variety of illnesses, including many types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and most recently, asthma and perhaps even autism.

Some researchers point to lifestyle changes that include spending more time indoors and less time time in the sun as a major factor in the decline in Vitamin D levels, particularly in children. They note that in addition to the sun-induced manufacture of the vitamin in the body, outdoor activity generally includes exercise, which is a crucial factor in bone strength.

Can vitamin D lift depression? Improve the way your brain functions? Defend your heart? Help prevent cancer? Medical research says yes, it can! Find out more about vitamin D benefits at Vitamin D Answers.

Tips For Body Acne

This condition is present because of your skin’s hyper-sensitivity to certain factors. Clothing, detergents, softeners, body fluids, stress are some of the common reasons for the prevalence of body acne. You might find that the condition worsens under certain weather conditions and with the use of some materials. Stress, hormonal imbalances and physical exertion leading to increased sweating can aggravate your condition. Certain medicines create body acne as a temporary side effect.

Identify the aggravator

You may have to run your clothes in a detergent free wash after a regular wash to eliminate any lingering sediment. Some foods like dairy products and yeast containing items are also known to aggravate the condition. If you are physically active, residual sweat on your clothes and skin can irritate your skin. Take a shower immediately after your exercise to avoid bacterial activity on the skin. In some cases, the area of contact of shoulder strap of the bag or clothing is prone to an eruption of body acne and will need you to make an immediate change in habit. Identify and control the condition aggravators.

Food habits

You might have to go through a detoxification with the help of an expert. After the detoxification is complete, introduce food items on a systematic basis and study the effect of the food on your body. If the food introduced causes difficulty in digestion that is a food to be avoided since poor digestion is believed to aggravate the condition of body acne. Ensure that you eat food only when you are hungry and avoid fried snacks and chocolates in the middle. Incorporate dry fruits, fresh fruit and water in your daily dietary habits. This should be done in a manner that allows you to identify the food items that do not suit you.

Cleanliness

An anti-bacterial soap to clean your skin and exfoliate to scrub your skin is sufficient to tackle body acne. Avoid synthetic material and tight clothing that prevent the skin from breathing. Do not linger long in the bath since this dries out the skin and makes the sebaceous glands over active. Sleep in a cool atmosphere wearing thin cotton clothes. Avoid direct contact of the affected part with bed clothing. If the body acne has led to discoloration of large areas of your skin and causes severe pain and irritation, you might have to take medical treatment.

Treatment

Body acne can be treated as per the severity of the condition. Contact your doctor and ask about the possible treatments that you can try. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to check whether the skin responds. If not, the doctor may prescribe stronger drugs. Make it a point to ask about the side effects of the drugs that are being prescribed. If you prefer to avoid the side effects, it is better to choose topical treatments like laser treatment. Though laser treatment is known to be effective, it takes time for the treated skin to return to normal. You must take the help of a qualified skin specialist to avoid irreversible mistakes in treatment.

Teens and Adults Deficient in Vitamin D

Over the past decade vitamin D, long known as a key to bone strength, has also been linked to prevention of a host illnesses, ranging from cancer and heart disease to asthma. But during that same period, a dramatic trend to vitamin D deficiency has spread to as much as three fourths of the adult US population.

The federal government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey incidated that in 1994, 45 percent of the population had adequate Vitamin D levels. But in 2004 just 23 percent of US adults and teens had adequate levels. The deficiency was most pronounced in the African American population, with just three percent of that segment having adequate vitamin D levels.

Known as the sunshine vitamin because exposure triggers its manufacture in the body, vitamin D was originally best known for its role in bone health. In the 1930s the addition of Vitamin D fortification in milk was credited with all but eliminating rickets, a devastating bone-softening disease that effected thousands of children.

However over the past ten years rickets has begun to make a reappearance in the US, with incidence of the disease increasing at what doctors call "an alarming rate". In addition, incidence of bone fracture in children is on the upswing, and medical research indicates an increasing vitamin D deficiency is a key factor in these changes.

The deficiency is both puzzling and troubling, particularly in light of new research that shows Vitamin D is far more than just a strengthener of bones. Studies all over the world are showing marked correlations between vitamin D levels and a wide variety of illnesses, including many types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and most recently, asthma and perhaps even autism.

Some researchers point to lifestyle changes that include spending more time indoors and less time time in the sun as a major factor in the decline in Vitamin D levels, particularly in children. They note that in addition to the sun-induced manufacture of the vitamin in the body, outdoor activity generally includes exercise, which is a crucial factor in bone strength.

Leukaemia and what to do about it

There are many facts known about leukaemia and if someone is dealing with the problem it’s these facts they need to know. Like all cancers, leukaemia happens for a reason as its not some mysterious illness that science can’t fathom. For instance it’s exceptionally rare in S.E. Asia but is prevalent in all western developed countries.

Some of the facts that have been linked to leukaemia are high voltage power lines and people living close to these have a much higher risk factor. The chemical formaldehyde that is commonly found in our homes has also been linked to it. Food items associated with leukaemia are aspartame, the artificial sweetener in many soft drinks and chewing gum. Sodium nitrite is another; the additive is used in luncheon meats. Other meats that contain sodium nitrite are sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, bacon, ham, and any meats that have been processed.

Foods that are known to help leukaemia patients are turmeric, the root vegetable that is the yellow colouring used in curry powder, bananas, oranges as well as grape seed extract. Also vitamin A which is most abundant in carrots, broccoli, squash and spinach. As with most nutrients it is always best to get them from natural sources and not in supplement form. In other words eat grapes, that is grapes with seed in them and buy turmeric fresh, grate it and use it in cooking.

There are many facts known about all cancers but unfortunately today our medical system is more interested in treating these different cancers instead of providing us with these known facts so we can avoid the problem in the first place. We don’t have cancer prevention today; we only have expensive toxic treatments that are not very effective. Remember there is nothing in our 3 main treatments that will stop the return of cancer.

All cancers including leukaemia have many known causes and these are; nutritional deficiencies, our sedentary lifestyle and the chemicals we encounter everyday. Leukaemia is cancer of the blood; the body has lost control and makes too many white blood cells so why would it be any different to any other cancer. Anyone with leukaemia needs to address all these issues, that is eat food in its natural state, get some exercise and be wary of all chemicals we use in our homes these days.

There is no such thing as a single cause for cancer, all cancers have multiple causes so the way to successfully overcome leukaemia is to address the underlying causes and a change of diet is a great start. A strict natural diet is of paramount importance.

Alan Wighton is an independent health researcher, having spent many years specialising in cancer. For more information on effective ways to restore your health and why we only have chemotherapy to treat leukaemia;

Men and Women Infertility Treatment

There are a number of reasons that couples have infertility problems and it can be caused by the man, woman, or even both equally. The good news is most of these problems can be pinpointed and a lot of times, fixed. For some, infertility is caused by more complicated or serious problems; however, many couples struggling with infertility need to first recognize some of the minor issues that could be keeping them from getting pregnant. Then, decide the best way they should go about solving these issues. Some of these minor issues include using a lubricant that affects the survival of the sperm, not having sex enough, excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, and stress in either the man or the woman.

Most of the above problems can be resolved very easily. For example, discontinue using the lubricant or watch the amount of alcohol or tobacco that is consumed. Stress can be alleviated by exercise, techniques of relaxation or even by having intercourse more often. Sometimes certain positions can also affect the likelihood of becoming pregnant. Other effects can sometimes inhibit a couple from getting pregnant and they need a bit more help achieving this goal. There are many ways to do this as well.

The most common thing many couples do is seek the expertise from infertility specialists. These doctors will normally recommend medicine, surgery, artificial insemination, or injections. Many of these procedures can be very time consuming and cost thousands of dollars. Some medicines and fertility drugs can cause the woman to carry multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) which increases the risk of complications during the pregnancy and delivery. Many times multiples are born prematurely which can cause more problems during the babies' early life and development. Another issue with many infertility drugs is the side effects that can result while a woman is taking them. Anything from headaches to dizziness and anxiety to depression could occur. Also, couples must be very careful while using some of these drugs as continuation of them if pregnant could cause harm to the baby. Some of the same infertility drugs that are given to women can also work for the men; however, it has a lower success rate.

There are some new natural therapeutic treatments that reduce the time, cost and stress of the above mentioned conventional remedies. These treatments for infertility work for men and women with almost no side effects. They can enhance both the sperm count of the man, and reduces inflammation associated with endometriosis which is a main cause of infertility in women.

One of these new treatments is a tablet called Fertalin, a natural substance containing a Nokomis compound which consists of amines. Amines are found in some everyday foods and are essential ingredients for regeneration, cellular and tissue growth. Because it is an all natural treatment, it can reduce the stress related to infertility and allows the body of both men and women, to concentrate on the main goal; reproducing.