Archive for the ‘Nutrition and Supplements’ Category
Phytosterols May Prevent the Development of Cancer
08.30.2009
Phytosterols, long known for their cholesterol-lowering action, are emerging as cancer-fighting powerhouses.
Phytosterols, the structural components in the cell membranes of plants, have long been known to reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol levels. Now, new research indicates that they may help to prevent cancer as well. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition last month found that phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, inhibit cancers of the stomach, lung, ovaries and breasts.
Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds similar in structure and function to cholesterol. They are found in most plant foods in low concentrations. The foods with higher concentrations include nuts, legumes, oranges, bananas, beetroot and Brussels sprouts. The highest concentrations are found in unrefined plant oils including vegetable, nut and olive oils. Whole grains, wheat germ and flax seeds are also good dietary sources of plant sterols.
According to this latest research, not only do phytosterols prevent the production of carcinogens, promote the death of cancer cells, and help prevent metastasis, but they also seem to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes which help to reduce oxidative stress on the cells.
The researchers in the study wrote that “mounting evidence supports a role for phytosterols in protecting against cancer development. Hence, phytosterols could be incorporated in the diet not only to lower the cardiovascular disease risk, but also to potentially prevent cancer development.”
Including phytosterols in your diet appears to be an important strategy in protecting against cancer development.
Dr. Krawitz’s addendum: Phytosterols are also critical to eye health, forming the oily outer layer of the natural tear film which then acts as a “vapor barrier” against the evaporation of tears. That’s why it’s included in my Dry Eye Relief Tear Stabilization Formula.
Nancy Hirsch VisiVite.Com Certified Nutritionist
One Person’s Inspiring Cure From Macular Degeneration
08.19.2009
The letters and testimonials we receive about the benefits of VisiVite inspire all of our staff.
I was leafing through some old letters from our customers and came upon one of the most dramatic ones that we have ever received at VisiVite.Com since 2001.
It is inspiring not only for the wonderful outcome that this man had in treating his macular degeneration, but in the active research he performed in treating his own eye health. Although eye doctors now universally recommend nutritional supplements for the treatment of macular degeneration, what is even more impressive is at the time he wrote the letter, Western medicine was still dubious of the benefits.
Click the image of the letter to download. It’s a 2-page Word document.
Enjoy.
Paul Krawitz, M.D., President
VisiVite.Com
U.S. Children Low in Vitamin D
08.14.2009
Many children in the United States have low vitamin D levels raising their risk for bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and a host of other health problems, according to a study released earlier this week. The study was done at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in the Bronx.
Most children don't get enough vitamin D from the sun or from food.
Vitamin D deficiency was thought to be rare in the United States. Deficiency is defined as less than 15 ng/mL of blood, and insufficiency is defined as 15-29 ng/mL. The researchers found that 9 percent of children in the study (7.6 million) were vitamin D deficient and 60 percent (50.8 million)were vitamin D insufficient.
My thoughts are that the problem is even worse than this study shows, because the researchers are considering any level over 30 ng/mL to be sufficient. Optimal vitamin D levels, in my opinion, are actually more in the range of 50-60 ng/mL.
The new finding adds to the growing evidence that children, as well as many adults, have vitamin D levels that are too low. “No one had examined this issue nationwide,” said Dr. Michal L. Melamed, the lead researcher of the study.
It is believed that vitamin D levels have declined over the last 20 years because children are not spending as much time outdoors as they used to. The widespread use of sunscreens has only compounded the problem, as their application blocks beneficial UVB rays.
Just 15-20 minutes a day in the sun without sunscreen during the summer months should be enough for most children to maintain proper vitamin D levels. Sunscreen shouldn’t be applied until after they’ve been out in the sun for about 10 minutes, unless they burn very easily.
Since it is very difficult to obtain vitamin D from dietary sources alone, supplementation is advised during the winter months. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that infants, children, and teenagers should take at least 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
Nancy Hirsch, VisiVite.Com Certified Nutritionist
Ask The Eye Doctor Group on Facebook
04.22.2009If you haven’t joined Facebook yet, you’re missing out on my Ask The Eye Doctor group. (not to mention all the people from high school who you’ve long forgotten!)
Let’s face it - we all have questions when we go to the doctor. But sometimes, we forget the ask them. Other times, we don’t really understand the answer. So I thought I’d post some recent questions and answers that have been posted to the group. If you have your own question that you think would be of interest to others, we’d love to have you come on board!
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Hi , I wonder what you think about preventing Glaucoma naturally:
Miranda
Dear Miranda,
As an ophthalmologist and President of a company that formulates nutritional supplements for eye health, I consider myself to be qualified when it comes to a discussion of treatments for glaucoma. Additionally, I am a fellowship-trained specialist in glaucoma (http://www.doctorkrawitz.com).
The article that you sent me gives an excellent overview of the mechanism of glaucoma. And certainly the lifestyle and natural suggestions have overall health benefit.
Unfortunately, other than the short-term benefit (a couple hours) of exercise, the benefits of natural treatments has not been shown in clinical trials. For example, normal tension glaucoma seems less to be related to atherosclerosis and more to blood vessel spasm; it is more frequently seen in young people with a history of migraines.
I’m a big proponent of homeopathic and natural treatments - but if and only if the evidence bears out benefits. While hypotheically there may be benefit to certain nutritional supplements to improve circulation only in the treatment of low tension glaucoma, the proof has been lacking. So I don’t recommend VisiVite or any other nutritional supplements for glaucoma.
Dr. Krawitz
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I’ve been told that I have dry eye and right now it is very bad. I am taking drop and meds. Right now my left eye is killing me.
My eye doctor has told me that my tears dry in about 1-2 seconds.
Andrea
Indianopolis, Indiana
Dear Andrea,
The 1-2 seconds that your doctor is referring to is called, “Tear Break-Up Time” or TBUT. Normally, it should be more than 10 seconds.
You have a particular form of dry eye in which even if you are making enough salt water, the outer oily layer of the tears that prevents tear evaporation is not healthy. So the tears that you make are rapidly disappearing.
Artificial tear drops, or for that matter prescription eyedrops that encourage more salt water formation, are unlikely to give you significant improvement. You need to improve the outer oily layer using:
1. Warm soaks to the eyelids 1-2 times per day to encourage better function of the Meibomian Glads that make the oily layer.
2. Strongly consider the use of my nutritional supplement, Dry Eye Relief, which is the only one on the market to address the inner, middle and outer layers of the tear film. See http://tinyurl.com/7pesp5 and http://tinyurl.com/cvwwea.
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Hello, my name is Jerick and I’m 16. I was just wondering if wearing non-prescription graphic contacts with my glasses on are safe. I haven’t worn them yet because I haven’t consulted my eye doctor yet. I also have astigmatism and my eyes are in the negatives.
Jerick
Dear Jerick,
Even cosmetic contact lenses can cause eye injury, including abrasion and ulcers of the cornea. Don’t use them unless your eye doctor approves of the manufacturer, the fit of the contact lenses on your eyes, and that you are properly instructed regarding proper hygienic technique.
Dr. Krawitz
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Hi, my name is Usha and Iam 35. Exactly one year back I got in my retinal tear because of Eales disease. My doctor said there is no permanent solution for this. You have to keep on observing your symptoms. I was thinking to talk to people with my condition but I never met anybody. Today I was trying to post my question to get a answer or advice from the doctor. I saw Ammad is also having Eales. So, do you have advice on this.
My question is I was diagnosed with Eales last year begining with retinal hemorrhage in the right eye. It was too bad they tried to fix it with the laser but after few days retina was detatching so they had to do viterectomy. After 2 or 3 months again I got hemorrhage in left eye they did laser the after it got settled with God’s grace.
My question is, is it ok to get preganant having this condition. My doctor says its ok. But I get so many questions in my mind. Just wanted to get your advice.
Thank you
Usha
Dear Usha,
Eales Disease is very uncommon in the United States, but more common in India and Pakistan (where you are from). I’m sure that it is very frustrating for you. Fortunately, Avastin has at least a temporary beneficial effect, and newer medications are in the pipeline.
Dr. Krawitz
