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Dear Valued Client
We keep you plugged into what's new in the world of nutrition, wellness, and public health. Email us if there is a particular topic you would like us to explore. Have a happy, healthy day!
Low Inflation Diet.
Many believe that to eat healthy, the deck is stacked against us monetarily. While this may have
been true as recently as 2006, it certainly is not now.Grain-based food prices are at an all time high. Adhering to a low inflation diet not only saves you money, but can improve your health and may even help you shed some pounds.
Do low inflation healthy alternatives really exist? We compare equivalent foodstuffs to prove it. We also provide 15 tips to avoid inflation and stabilize your food costs.
Nutrient Solutions for Arthritis & Joint Pain.
A study that appeared in the March issue of Rheumatology reported that subjects taking 10g of cod liver oil a day (the
equivalent of 2.5 tsp. of Carlson's Liquid Cod Liver Oil) reduced the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by 30%. While not
surprising to us of course, this is an extremely significant finding for the allopathic community.
In light of this study, we thought we would recap a list of nutrients that can reduce arthritis-induced inflammatory pain. While all have shown positive effects in research studies, their degree of effectiveness is dependent on the individual. Hence, you should always consult with a licensed health professional, especially if you wish to taper down or eliminate pain medication.
- Cod Liver Oil (contains omega-3 and vitamin D, both of which reduce pain)
- Kaprex (harmonizes kinase hubs, which account for sending positive or negative inflammatory messages to our genes; not for salicylate sensitive individuals)
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Quercetin
- Omega-3 Rich Fatty Fish or Fish Oil
- Avocado
- Glucosamine/Chondroitin (not well tolerated for the sulfite, salicylate, or shellfish sensitive)
- Standardized Maca Root (cruciferous vegetable extract; alternative for gluco/chond; also helps with libido, fertility, and mood)
- SAM-e (effectiveness is due to increase in methylation; also helps with depression; take with extra B-6, B-12, and folate)
- Probiotics
Food and Menu Options Can Be Found in The Pain Relief Diet Action Plan
Prepare for Allergy Season.
We often mention how foods cross-react with the environment. During the height of the spring allergy season, here are some
foods to avoid or minimize to reduce allergy symptoms.If Tree Pollen Allergy, Avoid or Minimize: Almond, Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Carrot, Cherry, Coconut, Fennel, Hazelnut, Kiwi, Peach, Peanut, Pears, Plums, Tomato, Tree nuts, White potato
If Grass Pollen Allergy, Avoid or Minimize: Orange, Peanut, Tomato
If Mold Allergy, Avoid: Mushrooms, Peanut/Peanut Butter, Heavily Fermented or Moldy Foods (such as blue cheese)
If you have diagnosed food allergies/intolerants that are not on this list, they should be strictly avoided as well.
Finally, avoiding sugar and excess carbohydrates will keep your immune system strong.
If your symptoms are mainly sinus-related, Nutribiotic (a natural antifungal), Neti-Pots, or thimerosal-free saline spray 1-2x daily have been found to be helpful.
If you suspect food intolerances, ask us about the Biotrition Cytotoxic Food Test that screens over 200 foods, spices, and food chemicals with one blood draw.
Of special note is the link between allergies and mood, as described in this recent study as well as in our mid-March piece entitled, The Gut/Brain Connection Update.
April Sale - 20% OFF.
Now in family-size! Two 180 gel bottles are shrink-wrapped together to make for significant savings. Super 2 Daily is a high potency multivitamin/mineral containing therapeutic doses of fish oil, vitamin D, and lutein in just two softgels.
Twinlab Allergy Fighters
Formula contains Quercetin, a bioflavanoid that reduces inflammation-related allergy, hypoallergenic Sago Palm Vitamin C, and Selenium, which in moderate amounts has been linked with longevity in a recent Archives of Internal Medicine study.
Metagenics Kaprex
Modulates kinases associated with joint inflammation and pain. New easy-to-swallow softgel. Only one softgel twice daily.
Twinlab Maxilife CoQ10 Multi
Advanced Multi Vitamin, Mineral & Antioxidant Formula with 30 mg. Coenzyme Q10.
Umami Movement in Full Swing.
As we reported as far back as May
2007, the umami craze is in full force.In March, both the Chicago Tribune and New York Times devoted major articles to umami and its famous ingredient, monosodium glutamate (MSG).
In reaction to consumer and government calls for sodium reduction, for flavor, restaurants and Big Food are turning to umami, the "fifth taste," that is neither salty, sweet, bitter, nor sour. Umami triggers the amino acid glutamate or glutamic acid, which activates secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain to mimic savory taste. While umami is naturally-occurring in foods such as meats, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and chicken soup, the controversial chemical MSG is the most widely used umami ingredient.
From a clinical perspective, the rise of umami is not good for the general public. We have had hundreds of patients who discovered through visiting us that their violent reactions were due to excess glutamate consumption. When chefs like Rick Bayless and Jean-Georges Vongerichten are lauding the "deliciousness" of umami, it has become more than just a "Chinese Restaurant" issue. Glutamate-reactive individuals must be informed whether at a restaurant or grocery store.
Beyond the reactions to glutamate-rich foods, it is not a comforting thought to think that we are consuming chemicals that overstimulate and
trick the neurotransmitters of our brain the way MSG does.
Additionally, in a recent Time Magazine report, a gene that appears to regulate glutamate, when overstimulated by receiving too much (glutamate) from
external sources (i.e. diet), may create Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
MSG, if not labeled as such, can be hidden in many foods under the names glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed yeast, sodium and calcium
caseinate, yeast extract, and spice extract.
Linda Bartoshuk, director of University of Florida's Center for Smell and Taste and one of the foremost experts on MSG, has studied its sensory
effects for years, and believes that it is harmful to health.
We have been very critical of MSG for years and will continue to be. And an FYI to any consumers of hydrolyzed protein powders, liquid aminos, and
other hydrolyzed products that are often found at health food stores, they are essentially pure glutamate.
Slow cooking (i.e. beef stew) is the safest way to trigger umami because it releases glutamate as part of a complete protein. Europeans have cooked
this way for centuries.
Recipes du Jour.
Once a month, we highlight a recipe from our database or from you. We welcome entries by email to nutrocon@aol.com.
Gluten-Free Quinoa Medley
-1 c. Trader Joes Quinoa or organic equivalent
-1/2 c. organic baby carrots, sliced
-1/3 c. organic celery, diced, optional
-1/3 c. shallots, minced
-1 c. organic chicken broth
-2 T. extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Rinse quinoa in a sieve. Let damp quinoa sit out for one hour or more to soften kernels. Cook according to package directions using
chicken broth instead of part of the water. Add dash of salt, if desired. While quinoa is cooking, saute the vegetables in olive oil until soft. As
soon as the quinoa is cooked, add vegetable mixture and stir well. If desired, add already cooked cubed chicken, turkey, or fatty fish for a complete
meal. Serve immediately. SERVES: 4-6
Note: any like ingredient can be replaced if allergic or intolerant.
March Announcements.
-FDA banned pharmacies from providing estriol in bioidentical hormones. If you take them as an alternative to synthetic hormone
replacement therapy, you need to voice your opposition. For more info, go to http://www.homecoalition.org-Peapod, the Chicago-based online grocer, announced the creation of NutriFilter, which reads the labels of all of their products. What's most exciting is for those with dietary restrictions, you can click on pre-set plans, including gluten-free, peanut-free, low-fat, Kosher, and organic.
-According to research presented by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, comprehensive action is a necessity in the fight against obesity. Genetics, environment, behavior, and physical activity all need to be part of a comprehensive approach. Of particular interest, researchers highlighted a study suggesting that micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) may affect weight loss or weight gain. Female subjects in the study with certain micronutrient deficiencies could not achieve significant weight loss despite a restricted diet.
-New guidelines from the National Osteoporosis Foundation are calling for older men (70 and older) to get a routine bone-mineral density check for bone-thinning osteoporosis. Seems like another way to get seniors to take more meds. Eli Lilly, which makes osteoporosis drugs Evista and Forteo, and Merck, who makes Fosomax, are huge contributors to the NOF.
-Monsanto, the company that makes rBGH, synthetic growth hormone, has asked the FDA to restrict use of labels identifying "rBGH-free" or r-BST-free" dairy products. They will have a much tougher time convincing the FDA to enact restrictions after Wal-Mart announced last week that their private label milk will not contain rBGH. To voice your opinion or learn more, visit http://www.citizens.org.
In Case You Missed It.
Here's a recap of the timely issues we covered in March:Gut/Brain Connection Update.
Antidepressants Under Scrutiny.
Tips to Prevent Memory Loss.
Bonnie C. Minsky Award.
Friday, April 11th, Bonnie will present the first scholarship to one deserving student at the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Public Health. More to come in our mid-April eNewsletter.
THE CUTTING EDGE OF NUTRITION
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS & SELF-HELP LITERATURE
SERVICES
BRAND BUZZ - Bonnie-Approved Stuff!
THE REJUVENATING ROOM
Nutritional Concepts, Inc.