ACR Newsletter - Volume 20 - September/October 2007
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Welcome to the September/October newsletter. Apart from a hot period in May – June we seem to have completely bypassed Summer! Sunshine is important as it is through being exposed to the sun that we develop Vitamin D in our bodies. SADs can be due to a vitamin D deficiency, so taking vitamin D supplements if you suffer from this could relieve your symptoms. I thought I would cover the importance of vitamin D, how to remain healthy into old age, and how to keep your children healthy and avoid ADHD.
The Sunshine Vitamin
As one of the wettest summers on record comes to a close some new research is a timely reminder that even the briefest amount of sun exposure can have tremendous benefits to our health.
One of the most crucial effects of sun exposure to health is that it stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body; up to 90% of the vitamin D in the body is created when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Dark skin is less efficient at manufacturing the vitamin. Evidence has been emerging for some time that vitamin D may have a protective effect against a number of diseases.
Vitamin D and Cancer
Twenty years ago researchers and nutritionists claimed that vitamin D might hold the key to a successful cancer prevention strategy. Recent evidence seems to support this claim.
Researchers from the Moore’s Cancer Centre, at the University of California, collected surveys of blood levels of vitamin D during winter from 15 countries, along with satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover. An inverse association between serum vitamin D and risk of breast and colorectal cancer was observed.
The protective effects began when blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ranged from 24 to 32ng/ml; this contrasts with typical levels in the US in late winter, which ranged from 15-18ng/ml. Optimal levels are 45-52ng/ml. The researchers concluded that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented.
The mechanism behind vitamin D’s cancer protective effects is unknown; it appears to have an inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth.
How to get your Vitamin D
The level of vitamin D suggested by the study for a significant reduction in cancer risk corresponds to a daily intake of 50mg (2000IU).
Getting this level of vitamin D is not easy. Eating good amounts of eggs, oily fish, dairy products, meats and liver is a good first step. Equally important is trying to ensure that 40% of your skin is exposed to the sun for ten minutes or more on most days. Remember that sun protection cream of factor 8 and above will block vitamin D synthesis.
Supplements may be required during the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The Food Standards Agency recommends a daily supplement of 10mg if you are:
· Pregnant or breastfeeding
· Elderly
· Always covered up
· Rarely outdoors
· A strict vegetarian
Excess vitamin D can elevate calcium levels in the body, potentially damaging the bones, liver and kidneys. The safe dose for supplementation is 25mg daily, but up to 50mg can be taken over the short term with medical supervision.
Taking Vitamin D supplementation during winter months can help you avoid SADs if this is caused by a vitamin D deficiency. If you suffer from SADs it is worth getting yourself tested to verify this.
The homeopathic remedy that is known to be effective in treating SADs is Sol. I recommend people who are prone to this take Sol 30C two to three times a week, increasing frequency if the symptoms become worse.
Natural light therapy has also been shown to benefit those who suffer from SADs.
Study shows over 50’s benefit from supplementation
A new study has shown that men and women over the age of 50 are less likely to have nutrient deficiencies if they take vitamin and mineral supplements than those who don’t; something that members of the nutrition community have known for some time now!
The study, to be published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, was designed to look at how effective supplementation is at correcting nutritional deficiencies. The researchers found that fewer than half of the 4,384 adults studied took supplements daily. Those who did met recommended levels for vitamins A, B and C as well as the minerals iron and zinc.
Lead researcher Rhonda Sebastian and her team concluded that a large "proportion of older adults do not consume sufficient amounts of many nutrients from foods alone. Supplements compensate to some extent, but only an estimated half of this population uses them daily. Modifying dietary attitudes may result in a higher rate of supplement use in this at-risk population." If we want to avoid dementia in our old age it is important to be eating a healthy diet and I would recommend taking a good quality multi-vitamin to ensure you are obtaining all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
It’s official! Food colourings can fuel hyperactivity in Kids
The Foods Standards Agency (FSA) is (finally) issuing guidance to consumers recommending that they avoid giving foods with certain additives to children who are showing signs of hyperactivity or attention deficient disorder (ADHD). This is in the wake of the results of the largest study in the UK into links between chemical food additives and hyperactivity, published in the Lancet.
In the study, 153 pre-school children and 144 8-9 year olds were given fruit juice or one of two drinks of identical appearance and flavour that contained various additives. One of the additive-containing drinks contained the average daily intake among children of various food colourings; the other contained levels equivalent to two 56g bags of sweets, in both cases the colourings were combined with the preservative sodium benzoate. None of the children had hyperactivity or other behavioural problems prior to the study.
The researchers observed that both of the additive containing drinks resulted in significantly increased hyperactivity among the 8-9 year olds; the drink with the higher levels of additives also had an adverse effect on the pre-school children. The children who consumed the drink containing the high levels of additives moved 10% closer to the internationally used definitions of hyperactivity.
Professor Jim Stevenson, who headed the study, commented: “we now have clear evidence that mixtures of certain food colours and benzoate preservative can adversely influence the behaviour of children”. His personal view, as reported in The Guardian, is that the government should issue an outright ban on the use of the studied colourings.
Eric Scholler, author of Fast Food Nation, sums up “we are only just beginning to learn the impact of synthetic additions to what we eat. The industrialisation of the food supply has turned consumers into the unwitting subjects of a vast, ongoing scientific experiment”.
The colourings used in the research are found in many foods and drinks commonly consumed by children such as Diet Coke, Iron Bru, Skittles and Refreshers. They were:
· Tartrazine E102
· Carmoisine E122
· Ponceau 4R E124
· Quinoline yellow E104
It is important to be aware that the children in the study reacted to various degrees, some did not react at all; the amount of these chemicals a child can tolerate will be widely different.
30 years after the link between chemical additives and hyperactivity was first proposed by the American scientist Ben Feingold, scientific validation has emerged. Indeed even the cautious FSA will be passing the study findings to the European Food Safety Authority, who will make a decision as to whether new regulations need to be issued.
In my experience ADHD, ADD and all the various labels for hyperactive children with attention difficulties is always due to food intolerances and a diet that is aggravating these. Carbonated drinks high in sugar or sweeteners should absolutely be avoided and water should be given in place of these. If your child shows signs of attention deficit or hyperactivity do get him/her tested for food intolerances as eliminating certain foods and supplementing with omega-3 oils may be all your child needs. Supplementing with Ritalin can cause long-term damage and is treating only the symptoms and not the cause.
Study shows omega-3 calms ADHD children
Yet again, omega-3 fatty acids have been pushed into the spotlight as another study shows the benefits of using omega-3 fatty acids to improve the behaviour of children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
The research, led by Barry Sears from the Inflammation Research Foundation in Massachusetts, was carried out on nine children suffering with ADHD. The children, aged 8 – 16, were given daily EPA and DHA concentrates (10.8g EPA, 5.4g DHA) for eight weeks.
At the end of the study, blood levels of EPA and DHA were increased, plasma arachidonic acid: eicosapentaeoic acid ratio improved and the behaviour of the children also improved, as assessed by a psychiatrist.
This new research is in-line with a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from Australia, published in April, that showed that after 30 weeks of omega-3 supplementation, parents rated significant improvements in ADHD-related symptoms of 132 children (Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics, Vol. 28, p 82-91).
All children should be taking a supplement for the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) as this supports their developing brain. Children who take EFAs during exams are able to concentrate and perform better, particularly if combined with a high protein low refined carbohydrate diet, and plenty of water to hydrate the body. Consider giving your child muesli for breakfast, nuts and fruit mid-morning, protein and vegetables for lunch, nuts and fruit mid-afternoon, and plenty of water throughout the day if you want to promote his/her chances of doing well in exams.
The homeopathic combination so favoured by exam takers or performers, which calms nerves and helps the mind recall information is called the three As. It is a combination of Ambra Grisea, Anacardium and Arg Nit. I also tend to add to this the performance nerves remedies Lycopodium, Gelsemium and Nat Mur, with Aconite if the person performing is over-fearful. I tend to use either 10M, CM, or MM potencies for these high-energy emotional states.
Obituary for Martin Miles
Martin Miles homeopath and chosen apprentice of Thomas Maughan, founder of the South London Homeopathic Group has died. I wanted to write a few words for Martin because he is the reason I am a homeopath. Martin is the only homeopath I have ever seen. He was such a good homeopath I never considered seeing any one else during the 15 years he treated me. Martin pulled me through the most difficult times of my life, supporting me not only with homeopathic remedies but also with the tremendous amount of love he gave out in his sessions. I owe the fact I chose to become a homeopath to Martin, his book Homeopathy and Human Evolution, and Ayahuasca, the remedy he prescribed to me once, years ago.
During a particularly challenging time in my life when I was experiencing a tremendous amount of physical and emotional pain I phoned Martin to ask if he thought homeopathy could help me. At the time I was planning to become a chiropractor. I was going to sell up and go and study a particular branch of chiropractic in the USA. However, I found that chiropractic offered me no relief from my symptoms. Martin encouraged me to come and see him as soon as I could. He prescribed Ayahuasca to me. I remember taking the remedy just before I went to bed. Some twenty minutes later in that dozy pre-sleep state, I sensed a ball of light enter my body, encircle the pain and exit with the pain. That was Ayahuasca. The next day I marvelled at my pain-free state and decided to read Martin’s book to learn more about homeopathy.
All I can say is that reflected in Martin’s words was my own life philosophy. His words voiced the beliefs I held in my heart. I decided to become a homeopath rather than a chiropractor. I shall always be deeply indebted to Martin as will the thousands of people he likewise supported. May he rest in peace.
Recommended reading
Recommended reading (available from Amazon.co.uk)
References
- Nutri Internet
Suppliers
- Vital Homeopathics for affordable sugar pills, homeopathic remedies and combination remedies. Tel: 01484 540925
- Metabolics 01380 812799 (high quality supplements Omega 3) Vitamin D, Omega 3.
- Nutri 0800 212 742 (Eskimo Omega 3 Oil, Eskimo Kids, Brain Eskimo for the Elderly)
- IWDL Test Laboratory 020 8336 7750, www.iwdl.net
- Aurora Teas (green tea selection at good prices) www.aurorashopping.com
Recommendations
- Metabolics (for the names of kinesiologists in your area) Phone 01380 812 799.
- The British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy (for the names of Allergy Therapists in your area who can test for allergies and prescribe the appropriate desensitizing remedies for you.) Phone 01974 241 376
- Books: Your Healthy Child with Homeopathy by Tricia Allen, Metro Publishing (available from Amazon.co.uk). This book will enable you to treat the whole family for most common ailments and injuries.
- Helios Remedy Kits: Available from Helios Homeopathic Suppliers, 8 New Row, London, WC2N 4LJ . Phone 7379 7434, or from Neal’s Yard Remedies, or www.helios.co.uk <http://www.helios.co.uk>
- Vaccinations: Become Informed. The Informed Parent will let you know the dates and venues of talks on what vaccinations really do to your children. If you have or are going to have children and you want to find out how to safeguard their health this is an absolute must. Contact them before your child is born if possible as you will come under huge pressure to conform once your baby is born. Phone 01903 212 969.
- Spectrum Therapy Organisation for highly skilled person-centered psychotherapy 020 8341 2277
- Barnes Basal Temperature Chart can be obtained from this link: www.drrind.com/forms.asp#tempgraph
- Study Homeopathy at the College of Practical Homeopathy? The College of Practical Homeopathy (UK) Ltd, located in North London, is the leading Vocational Homeopathic Training College for people who wish to become professional homeopaths. Cph provide full time and part time courses, post graduate courses in Homeopathy, Iridology, Supervisors Training and graduate seminars. To speak to Pauline about their courses Phone 020 8445 6123, email pauline or visit the Cph web site.
Alex Christie currently practises from
Alex Christie
Barnsbury Clinic and Neal's Yard Remedies Clinic. Times and locations are listed below.
• Neal's Yard Remedies Clinic
112 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 4SA
Consultation Times: Tuesdays 10.15 am - 7.30 pm
(Tel: 020 7935 0656)
E-mail: marylebone@nealsyardremedies.com
Click her for directions and maps to the above locations.
Not local but think I can help?
Feel free to email me for an online consultation instead.
• Barnsbury Clinic
5 Belitha Villas, Islington, N1 1PE
Consultation Times: Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
(Tel: 020 7609 1352)
E-mail: For a consultation
More Health related information
• Visit my web site for more information
• Find out more about Homeopathy
• Find out more about Homeopathic consultation and treatments
• Not sure if I can help? View some of my case histories
Brochures available to download (acrobat format)
• Download my Allergy Brochure
• Download my Candida Brochure
• Download my Homeopathy Brochure
• Download my Brochure on Stress & Emotion Management
Further Resources of interest
Support Your Supplements!
The EU is now working to set maximum permitted levels for nutrients in food supplements. This is your chance to help make a difference. Please take a little of your time to help us keep our vitamins and minerals at safe and beneficial dose levels.
The EU Commission will set these levels towards the end of 2007, and the early signs suggest they will be set very much lower than those already available in the UK and some other member states. Could you find time to write to the commissioner today asking him to ensure levels are set as high as possible and in accordance with the levels that good science confirms are safe?
By taking steps now we can avoid the EU, or rather the Pharmaceutical Companies, depriving us of the right to take the supplements that will improve our health (and enable us to avoid having to take drugs).
On the following website there is a petition you can sign and a prepared letter you can send to the Commissioner on the left hand link.
www.consumersforhealthchoice.com/
Once again may I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued interest, and I look forward to staying in touch with you regularly.
Remember, if you would like me to cover any specific topic, please e-mail me and I will try and do so in one of our future newsletters.
Yours in health,
Alex Christie
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Contact me via email
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