Should you get a flu shot?

Unfortunately, many people don’t have the complete story when it comes to the flu or the flu shot.  And ignorance is definitely not bliss.

Here is what you probably don’t know, but MUST know, about the flu and flu shots.

Will flu shots prevent you from getting the flu?

The answer to that is:  Maybe. 

There are several strains of flu in existence each year, and when the flu vaccine is designed for a given season, scientists guess which strains may be more prevalent.

If they guess right, some cases of the flu can be prevented.  If not, the shot is useless.

Plus the flu shot’s period of effectiveness varies from person to person, so you can get the flu even after getting a flu shot.

And all vaccines depress your immune system functioning for up to several weeks, which means you are more susceptible to flu varieties that weren’t in the vaccine, plus the variety of other viruses and infections around.

Don’t lots of people die from the flu each year?

The answer to that is:  No. 

First of all, only about 20 percent of all flu-like illnesses that occur every year are actually influenza.  

Many types of respiratory illnesses with flu-like symptoms are simply labeled “flu” without any testing being done to see if the flu virus is present. 

And even when the testing is done, about 80 percent of cases of suspected influenza sent to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for analysis test negative for type A or B influenza.

Plus in many cases of death, especially in the elderly, “flu” is cited as the cause, when in fact death was truly caused by pneumonia or a combination of illnesses in which flu may be in the mix.

In addition, flu statistics are unclearly presented by the CDC every year—they lump deaths due to influenza and pneumonia together when they cite death statistics.   

Here are the actual statistics for 2013 (the most recent year for which stats are shown on the CDC’s site):

Total deaths due to influenza and pneumonia: 56,979

But then when you drill down further into the statistics you see that 53,282 of those deaths were due to pneumonia and 3,697 due to influenza.

Plus many of the reported flu death cases were elderly people whose general state of health is likely to already be greatly compromised by chronic disease.

Flu shots are safe, right?

The answer to that is: No.

First, as I mentioned above all vaccinations depress your immune system functioning, leaving you susceptible to other illnesses.

In addition, the ingredients in vaccines have easy access to your bloodstream and this can be dangerous. 

Your body is designed to break substances from the environment down in your digestive tract before they are absorbed into circulation.  Harmful molecules can then be filtered to the organs of detox (your liver and kidneys) and any parts that can be used as nutrients can be absorbed. 

Since they are injected, vaccines bypass the protective action of the GI tract.  As a result, the foreign molecules in your bloodstream can put your immune system on alert and eventually trigger inappropriate immune responses.

That’s why many people develop asthma or allergies when they never had a problem with them in the past.

And it’s important to understand that flu shots contain much more than just a “little dose of virus.” Here’s the complete picture:

Common ingredients in flu shots

Thimerosal:  Almost all flu shots contain Thimerosal, which is a mercury preservative.  Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can affect your brain functioning, lead to autoimmune diseases and has been linked to autism.

Ethylene glycol:  Another term for this is antifreeze. Ethylene glycol and its toxic byproducts can affect the central nervous system, as well as your heart and kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal.

Phenol:   Also known as carbolic acid, this is used as a disinfectant and dye. Before and during World War II, phenol injections were used by Nazi Germans as a means of fast execution!

Formaldehyde: This is used by morticians for embalming, and in vaccines it’s a preservative.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and it can also cause allergic reactions.

Aluminum:  Aluminum is used in flu shots to promote antibody response.  It also happens to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.  Studies show that people who received 5 or more flu shots during a 10-year period have a 10 times higher risk of Alzheimer’s, compared to those who had fewer than 2 flu shots.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are added to flu shots to kill any bacteria that may be present.  But antibiotics also kill off your friendly flora, where 70 percent of your immune system resides, and can cause allergic reactions in many people.

The flu strains:  In the US, a typical flu shot contains 3 viruses—2 “A” strains and 1 “B” strain. These strains are cultivated in animal proteins such as rabbit brain tissue, monkey kidney tissue, pig blood, chicken embryo, embryonic guinea pig cells and calf serum. 

Not only can these proteins that have bypassed your GI tract taunt your immune system, but heaven help you if you’re allergic to any of them—the result could range from discomfort to death.  Most pharmacies are happy to administer flu shots, but VERY FEW are equipped to recognize and properly handle an emergency adverse reaction.

Adverse reactions are not as rare as some people like to think.  During the year 2013, 9,441 adverse reactions to flu shots were reported to VAERS (the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), and that is estimated to be only 10-20 percent of the actual events, since most go unreported.

Prevention is the key

Whether you choose to get a flu shot is up to you, but remember that when it comes to the flu as well as all other illnesses, prevention is the key.

When you support your immune system and let it fight and prevent sickness like it was designed to, it is FAR less likely that you will have to worry about illness to begin with.

Here are five ways you can boost your immune system so it can better protect YOU:

Immune Booster #1: Probiotics 

Nothing enhances your immune system like a helpful dose of the same beneficial bacteria that reside in your gut and house about 70 percent of that immune system!

The key is taking a probiotic supplement that has a wide variety of bacteria strains, since each strain has its own “specialty” in terms of how it supports your health.

Super Shield probiotic formula delivers on that important point!

Super Shield contains 13 potent strains of beneficial bacteria, including strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, to help support your overall health and help your immune system to fight colds, flu and many other illnesses.

Immune Booster #2: Vitamin D 

Vitamin D is an important immune booster, but it’s also an effective antimicrobial agent on its own.  

It produces up to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria and viruses!

And when it comes to vitamin D supplementation, nothing beats Dr. Salerno’s Vitamin D-K Factor!

Dr. Salerno’s Vitamin D-K Factor is a highly innovative product that combines the well-documented immune and bone-building support of vitamin D with the unique special assistance of vitamin K, which also supports bone health and has anti-tumor properties too!

Immune Booster #3: Vitamin C 

Vitamin C boosts your immune system by helping to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies.  It also increases your level of interferon, which is the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

Immune Booster #4: Vitamin E

As you age, your immune system’s T cells and B cells don't work as well as they used to, so your immune system can weaken.  But vitamin E has been shown in studies to significantly increase T cell and B cell activity, thereby helping to make your immune system stronger. 

Immune Booster #5: Garlic

Garlic is a natural immune system booster.  It stimulates the production of infection-fighting white cells and enhances the efficiency of antibody production.

There's a catch, though: To get the full benefits of garlic, you have to eat it raw.

The easiest way to get some raw garlic in your diet is to crush up a clove into your salad dressing or stir it into olive oil and use as a bread dip.

Embrace the power of nutrition to help support your precious immune system and it will thank you handsomely.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

Don’t ever drink tap water again

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), forty-three percent of adults drink fewer than four cups of water a day.  That’s broken down to 36 percent who drink one to three cups, and the other 7 percent who drink absolutely none.

Compounding this problem is the fact that our water is becoming increasingly contaminated, so even if you are diligent about drinking enough water for good health, you might just be undermining your health instead!

Let’s look at what your water needs are, how our water is becoming more toxic, and what you can do about getting the water your body needs.

Water becomes you

Your body is about 75 percent water, so it only follows taking enough in every day helps make a healthier you.

Water is the primary component of all your body’s fluids—blood, lymph, digestive enzymes, urine, tears and sweat.

Plus it’s involved in almost every bodily function—circulation, digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination of wastes, to name a few.

Even your ability to heal from injuries depends on water!  When you get hurt, your bloodstream carries its repair substances to the injury site, and that bloodstream is about 81 percent water.

When external toxins enter your body, they’re usually carried back out by your urine (95 percent water) or your sweat (99 percent water). 

And of course your skin needs water—it’s the best anti-aging skin “tonic” there is!

How much?

You should be drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day at a minimum, and even more if:

• You are exercising
• You are working outdoors in hot weather
• You are over age 65
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have heavy menstrual periods

Another barometer is to look at how many pounds you weigh and drink at least half that number in ounces of water.

For example, a person weighing 150 pounds should drink about 75 ounces of water a day.

It’s becoming increasingly TOXIC

The earth’s water is in crisis—and that’s no exaggeration. 

The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) monitors about 80 toxic substances found in our drinking water including:

• Trihalomethanes (THMs)—Chlorine is commonly used to fight microbial contamination, but the chlorine can react with organic matter and create Trihalomethanes—a carcinogen.
• Heavy metals like mercury—a known neurotoxin 
• Asbestos—which causes lung cancer and mesothelioma 
• Pesticides like atrazine—a reproductive and immune system toxin
• Plastics like styrene—which is associated with increased risk of cancer

Depending on where you live, your municipal tap water can contain any or all of the following toxic substances:

• Bacteria, viruses and parasites
• Chlorine and chloramines
• Heavy metals, asbestos, nitrates and nitrites
• Solvents, pesticides, plastics and resins
• Radio nucleotides such as radium and uranium
• Fluoride

Other waters

Note that there are other sources of water, but they too have their drawbacks:

Well water can be very high in helpful minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium and calcium.  But it can also contain heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and hydrocarbons (gasoline by-products). 

 

Spring water may have some chlorine added as a disinfectant, but it’s generally minimally processed and has a vastly different taste from tap.  Like well water, it can be a source of minerals, but also contaminants.

Bottled water is filtered through processes which could include reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light, distillation, micron filtration and ozonation. Water bottlers may also use chlorine for purification. 

Filtered water (or purified water) involves the removal of harmful components of water by carbon filtration, reverse osmosis or distillation. 

Here are the two main sources of home water, what contaminants they may contain, and what each type of filter removes:

Content	Tap Water	Well or spring	Solid carbon filter	Reverse Osmosis	Distillation
Chlorine	Yes	Not always	Removes	Not removed	Removes
Fluoride	If added	Natural if at all	Not removed	Removes	Removes
Bacteria	Sometimes	Possibly	Removes	Removes	Removes
Parasites	Possibly	Possibly	Removes	Removes	Removes
Pesticides	Yes	Likely	Removes	Removes	Removes
Solvents	Likely	Possibly	Removes	Not removed	Not removed
Heavy metals	Yes	Likely	Possibly removed	Removes	Removes
Basic minerals	Yes	Likely	Not removed	Removes	Removes

So what do you drink?

Clearly it’s preferable to drink water that you either know is pure (through having it tested—such as with well or spring water) or water with some kind of filtration, whether that’s bottled or through home filtration. 

That being said, in addition to drinking your water, you can also…

Eat your water

Fresh fruits and vegetables not only give your body much-needed nutrients, but they’re a great source of water (and fiber too!).

At least half of what’s on your plate should be fresh fruits and vegetables. 

And if you want some great ideas on how to enjoy water-rich foods, Great Taste No Pain is your ticket.  (Or for gluten sensitive people, Great Taste No Gluten.)

Both systems give you a collection of positively delicious recipes (many that feature natural sources of water like fresh fruits and vegetables) that will make you love every bite of eating for great health.

Plus both systems show you what foods to pair together (as well as which food combinations to avoid) to help encourage more sound, thorough digestion and better absorption of nutrients. 

Help your body recover from tap water

Dangerous substances you take in with contaminated water (including tap water) not only can make you ill, but they wreak havoc with your intestinal flora too.

The friendly bacteria in your system assist with digestion, house most of your immune system and keep harmful bacteria under control.  But when they are undermined by dangerous toxins, they can’t do their important jobs…and your health can suffer as a result.

 

A strong intestinal environment is one where friendly beneficial bacteria outnumber the harmful bacteria—the ideal balance being at least 85 percent helpful bacteria and 15 percent or less unfriendly inhabitants. 

A nutritious diet can help encourage this healthy balance, but since so many other factors (like stress, medications, toxins, smoking and inadequate sleep) can throw off your flora balance, diet may not always be enough.

That’s why probiotic supplementation with Super Shield can be helpful to so many people.

Super Shield contains potent strains of 13 friendly bacteria species that help to repopulate your supply of intestinal good guys and support their efforts in keeping your immune system sharp, supporting digestion and keeping harmful inhabitants in check.

Water is truly your elixir of life.

So be sure to not only get enough for your needs, but help make it health-enhancing (not health-harming), get food sources of water, and of course help your gut recover from the effects of contaminated water so it can continue to protect you.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

A shocking cause of disease

There are many well-known factors that trigger sickness and disease, but one of the least known and most shocking is:  Enzyme deficiencies.

That’s right—not having enough enzymes goes WAY beyond gas, bloating and belching.

Here's what I mean—let’s take a closer look at the full-body effect of being low in these little dynamos:

Proteases

Proteases are the enzymes that digest proteins.

Most proteins are acidic.  So when you have too FEW proteases in your system to break down proteins so they can be absorbed into your bloodstream, this can actually lead to too MUCH alkalinity in your blood.  And that can cause anxiety and insomnia.

Protein is also changed into glucose (energy) as needed.  So poor protein digestion can lead to hypoglycemia, moodiness and irritability.

If you are on anti-anxiety drugs, sleep drugs or antidepressants, it may behoove you to consider if poor protein digestion could be playing a role.

Plus protein is needed to transport calcium in your blood.  So without the proteases to break the protein down, the calcium can't get where it needs to be.  That means you're encouraging calcium deficient diseases like osteoporosis as well as arthritis.

Amylases

Amylases digest carbs and dead white blood cells (pus).  So when you're low in amylases you are susceptible to abscesses (inflamed, swollen collections of pus). 

Amylases also help fight histamine-related inflammation.  So being low in amylases can worsen skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, hives, reactions to bug bites and herpes. 

Asthma and emphysema can even be exacerbated by an amylase deficiency.

If you’re troubled by worsening allergic issues and your usual medications don’t seem to be helping, amylase deficiency could be behind the scenes.

Lipases

Since lipases digest fats, lipase deficient people have a tendency toward high cholesterol, high triglycerides, difficulty losing weight and diabetes.

People low in lipase also have decreased cell permeability, so essential nutrients can't get in and wastes can't get out.  This causes toxin build-up and a variety of nutrient deficiencies that vitamins can't compensate for.

So you can diet until the cows come home or pop vitamins like crazy, but if you're low in lipases, you've failed before you start. 

Cellulases

Cellulases break down the fiber you eat. 

Of all the enzymes, cellulase deficiency causes the widest variety of health challenges and can especially affect your intestinal and cardiovascular health.

Lacking cellulase can also lead to problems with your pancreas as well gas, cramps and bloating.

Your body doesn’t produce cellulase, so you must get it through fresh fruits and vegetables or supplemental sources.

But why would I be running low?

The most common cause of enzyme deficiency is your diet. 

When you exist mainly on highly processed foods and meals that are difficult for your system to break down, you expend way more enzymes than Nature ever intended you to. 

Contrary to what you may think, your enzymes resources are limited—and sooner or later your body may have difficulty producing enough for your needs.

Another possibility is a challenge with your pancreas and/or gallbladder.  The pancreas is your “Grand Central Station” of enzymes and if it’s not working right, chances are excellent you’re lacking in enzymes. 

Plus without proper functioning of your gallbladder to concentrate bile from your liver, fat digestion may be a challenge for you.

Using antacids and acid reducers is another reason.  When you cripple your body’s ability to produce stomach acid, your pancreas has to “pick up the slack” and secrete even more enzymes to try to compensate for what the stomach didn’t do.

So what do you do now?

Now that enzyme deficiency is not this strange thing that "happens to someone else" but instead may be affecting you, you can appreciate how important enzymes are.

And how devastating it can be to your health without them.

The good news is that no matter how deficient in enzymes you may be, you CAN help your body along with these three important measures:

1- Rule out any problems with your pancreas or gallbladder

First and foremost, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any physical issues with your pancreas and/or gallbladder that might require medical attention.

2- Eat food sources of enzymes and help conserve yours

There’s no getting around it—in order to ensure your body has the levels of enzymes you need, you must eat foods that are sources of—not depleters of—precious enzymes.

I’m talking about fresh fruits and vegetables.

And if you want tasty ways to enjoy these enzyme-rich foods, let Great Taste No Pain show you what to do. 

Great Taste No Pain will show you how to structure delicious meals featuring many enzyme-loaded foods that will not only taste fantastic but are easier for your system to break down.  This can help conserve your enzyme supply and leave you feeling much better!

And get this—if you’re on acid reducers or antacids, eating this way can help eliminate the need for those medications too!

Now if you're gluten sensitive, I've got you covered too.  Great Taste No Gluten is for you instead.

3- Supplement with a high quality digestive enzyme supplement

Digestizol Max can also be a huge help with enzyme deficiencies.

Its super-potent blend of enzymes targets a broad range of foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, fats and fibers in your diet. 

When you take Digestizol Max with meals, its 15 plant-derived enzymes help break down all of your foods completely just as Nature intended.  This encourages smooth digestion as well as improvements in the enzyme-related health problems I mentioned up above.

And with our very special offer of $5off per bottle, now is the perfect time to see just what a difference Digestizol Max can make in how you feel!

Don't run the risk of enzyme-related health problems creeping up on you.  Give your body a little help and make sure your enzyme supply is all it needs to be.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

5 Functions Of The Intestinal Tract

Your gut does so much more than just process and digest food. A healthy gut can affect mental health, nutrient absorption, your immune system and much more. Check out this infographic to learn more about all the amazing things your intestinal tract does for your well being!

Exercise--is it a dirty word?

Exercise is a dirty word to a lot of people. 

And when the word exercise comes up, that’s when the excuses come out!

Many people claim to "not have the time."  Yet they can tell you what happened on The Big Bang Theory or who got eliminated on Dancing With The Stars this week.

Others say that they “feel uncomfortable or self-conscious at a gym” yet there are DVDs and equipment you can use right in your own home. 

The sad thing is, most excuse-makers also happen to be overweight, sick and medicated.

If I've just described you, listen up.  It's time you acknowledged that you are responsible for your ill state of health.

Then DO something about it--and start by getting regular exercise.

Let’s first look at…

The happy world of regular exercise

Everyone knows that exercise burns calories and that means those excess pounds come sliding off.

But that's just the beginning!

Here are five other impressive reasons to move on a regular basis:

1- Double boost for your ticker and vessels

Not only does exercise help improve your circulation, but it also strengthens all of your muscles, including your most important one--your heart.

That can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and help prevent against heart attack and stroke.

How does that sound to all of you on high blood pressure drugs and statins?

2- Spring in your step

The stronger the muscles are around your joints, the more pressure they take off your joints.

Great news for anyone with joint pain and stiffness or full-blown arthritis or fibromyalgia.

As a matter of fact, in a Tufts University study, arthritis patients who did strength-training exercise reported a 43 percent decrease in pain.

So if you're popping pain pills or anti-inflammatories on a regular basis, you could feel a whole lot better if you just get moving.

Plus you’ll help prevent against ulcers, gastritis, liver damage and addiction from the pills too.

3- Turn on your inner vacuum (AKA your lymphatic system)

Your lymphatic system is your "inner vacuum."  It's an amazing filtration system in your body designed to pull out and eliminate wastes around your cells.

One of the ways it “dumps out your inner trash” is through your sweat.

So for those of you who say you "don't like to sweat" as your excuse not to exercise, you are likely a walking clogged toilet, keeping a whole lot of cell wastes and garbage inside of you. 

Not only can this give you tremendous body odor that deodorant can't cover up, but it also makes you a very attractive home to sickness and disease.

Now, unlike your circulatory system, your lymphatic system doesn’t have a “pump” like your heart to keep lymph flowing around and cleaning you.

Instead YOU must be the pump—and regular exercise keeps your lymph moving like it should.

4- Put on a happy face

Exercise encourages the release of feel-good chemicals (neurotransmitters and endorphins) in your body.

They're Nature's anti-depressants and they have absolutely NO side effects!

Plus for those of you with anxiety, the increase in body temperature and release of stress during exercise can have a calming effect on your mood.

5- Stress relief

Exercise is far and away the most effective stress-reliever. 

Stress is an underlying factor in most sicknesses and diseases because it hampers your immune system functioning. 

Plus there’s the obvious stress eating-weight gain vicious cycle that so many people are trapped in.

Where do I start?

Now that you see that exercise is SO much more than just burning calories, you may be overwhelmed and not know quite where to start. 

First of all, it's important to get your doctor’s OK, especially if the couch and you have been BFFs for quite some time.

Then here are four tips to help ensure your success:

1) Boost your energy

Lacking energy is a major reason why many people don't exercise as often as they should.

But what they don't realize is that lacking energy is a direct result of their how good (or bad!) their digestion is.

Nothing your body does demands more energy than digestion.  So if yours is not going along so well, your body is burning up lots of energy just to get the job done…and that can mean very little remaining for your workout!

The simplest way to promote good digestion is to eat meals that your body can more easily break down and make sure you have the enzymes for the job.

The Great Taste No Pain system can show you how to structure easier to digest meals that taste positively fantastic!

When you eat meals that can be broken down more efficiently by your stomach and intestines, your system doesn't need to use up as much energy for digestion.

That can mean lots more energy for YOU!

Having enough enzymes is crucial too.

Unfortunately, people who have a poor diet history may have diminished their body’s ability to produce adequate enzymes for digestion because their bodies have expended so many trying to break down highly processed foods for so long.

Contrary to what you may believe, there is not an endless river of enzymes flowing through you…and sooner or later you may run short.

If you suspect you have an enzyme challenge, Digestizol Max can give your body the boost it needs.

Digestizol Max’s blend of 15 different enzymes helps your body tackle whatever you’ve eaten and encourage smooth, efficient digestion.

2) Consider vitamin B12 supplementation

Vitamin B12 is an important player in your metabolism that generates your body's energy from fats and carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, it's also a very common deficiency--especially with vegetarians, people who use antacids, people who have had gastric surgery and the elderly.  

To ensure that you have enough of this crucial nutrient, a vitamin B12 supplement like Hydroxaden 2.5 is just what you need.

Hydroxaden 2.5 is a convenient vitamin B12 spray that gives you the 2.5 mg of B12 (in the form of hydroxocobalamin) suggested by many health experts.  Just five sprays under your tongue each day is all it takes.

3) Start slowly and build up

One of the most common reasons people don't stick with an exercise program is they go gung-ho in the beginning, get hurt, then quit.

Start slowly and build up.  Remember, whether it takes you 16 minutes or 6 minutes, a mile is still a mile.  

And if brisk walking or running is your activity of choice, know that you'll burn about 90-100 calories a mile.

4) Make it fun

Here are some proven ways to make exercise more enjoyable:

• Pick something you like. And if you don't like any form of exercise, at least walk briskly around your neighborhood.
• Get a buddy. You're more likely to stick with exercise if you have someone else counting on you to show up. Even the dog can be your buddy and the exercise will do him or her good too. 
• Join a class if you can’t motivate yourself and need someone else pushing you. You’ll meet people in the same boat as you and make new friends.
• Multi-task. If it's TV you love, watch TV while you're on the treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical. You can watch your favorite shows and watch your gut disappear! 
• Play your favorite upbeat music to keep you going. 
• Use your imagination. Things like dancing, gardening, yardwork and washing the car can be exercise too.

Open up YOUR whole new world

Once you begin moving your body, a whole new world can open up for you...a world where you can feel better than you have in YEARS!

Don't procrastinate any longer. Don't be a sick, overweight, medicated excuse-maker.

Nothing is more important than your health.

Start now.

And by the way, I’m not just someone telling you what to do while I sit at a desk. I walk my talk too as a 3rd degree black belt in karate.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

Get off the fast track to aging and early death

Although many people are taking important measures to help S-L-O-W down the aging process like quitting smoking, getting regular exercise and avoiding excessive sun exposure, arguably one of the biggest bangs for your buck comes from your diet.

The foods you eat make a huge difference in the rate at which your body ages.

As a matter of fact, there are certain foods that accelerate aging and certain superstar nutrients that can help turn back time!

Let’s start with…

3 Foods that accelerate aging

Flour and sugar-based foods (refined carbs)

Flour and sugar-based foods (refined carbs) such as pasta, breads, bagels, cereals, crackers, muffins, and other baked goods cause a tremendous influx of sugar in your bloodstream. 

Sugar is a very inflammatory substance—so if your veins are loaded with an excess of it day in and day out, you are asking inflammation to take its toll on YOU.

Inflammation can trigger conditions like aches and pains, arthritis, tumors, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and wrinkles!

Corn-based foods
These include things like corn chips, corn cereals, corn oil, and also the biggest health-destroying corn substance of all time--high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Like refined carbs, corn-based foods also have a big impact on your blood sugar levels and therefore can increase inflammation and accelerate aging.

But it gets worse.

Because scientists have found out that the fructose in HFCS (as compared to regular glucose) causes 10 times more formation of compounds called “Advanced Glycation End Products” (AGEs—an appropriate acronym).

AGEs speed up the aging process in your body including damage to your organs, your joints and your skin.

Considering that HFCS is all around us (in products like ketchup, salad dressing, barbecue sauce and soda) many people are getting a hefty daily dose of accelerated aging on a plate or in a glass.

Unhealthy fats and oils

Although trans-fats are largely being eliminated from our food supply, you should still read food labels closely.  Trans-fats spur the formation of free radicals which ignite inflammation, harm your blood vessels, increase your cancer risk and accelerate aging—so you’re practically guaranteed to look old on the inside and out before your time. 

At the same time, another emerging danger lies in polyunsaturated oils (PUFAs).  PUFAs include vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, flax oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkin seed oil and canola oil. 

PUFAs are very chemically unstable, and highly susceptible to being altered and denatured when they’re heated (such as with deep frying).  At that point they too can spur the development of free radicals similar to trans-fats.

In addition, PUFAs are inherently damaging inside of the body as well (even without being heated), since they are a source of inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids—and most people are eating far too many of them (more on that below). 

Now let’s look at the flip side…

3 Nutrients that keep you younger

Omega-3 essential fatty acids

Processed foods and our current farming practices have created wide-ranging deficiency of Omega-3 essential fatty acids…and we’re paying the price with our health. 

Omega-3 EFAs are essential for heart and brain health, circulation, memory and control of blood sugar. They're also a natural anti-inflammatory and help to fight inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Much of the oil used in the manufacturing of processed foods and in our cooking oils are inflammation-stirring Omega-6 fatty acids.  Plus the animals raised for our meat and milk consumption are not allowed to graze in Omega-3 rich pastures anymore—instead they’re being fed a grain-based diet, which is also rich in Omega-6 EFAs.

Now, although your body does need some Omega-6 EFAs, the problem is we’re getting way too many, along with too Few Omega-3s.  And this imbalance is a primary source of disease and accelerated aging.

Fatty fish are a great source of Omega-3 EFAs, but many people are not fish fans and still others are concerned with our increasingly polluted waters and farmed fish.

That when a top-quality fish oil supplement like VitalMega-3 can be a big help.

VitalMega-3 provides 1,200 mg of Omega-3 EFAs in every daily two-capsule serving. This includes 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA—the crucial Omega-3 EFAs that are recommended by many health experts and are especially important for your brain.

Vitamin D

In addition to preserving bone health (and helping to prevent against age-related osteoporosis and osteopenia), vitamin D also helps to protect you against our two main killers.

Heart disease and cancer!

Plus it also helps regulate your immune system activity by helping to prevent excessive, inflammatory immune responses (such as those seen in autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s, colitis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Type 1 diabetes and Graves’ disease).

And it even helps to protect you against Type 2 diabetes too!

Unfortunately, is also happens to be a common deficiency in our society, especially in the northern hemisphere where people get less sunlight (your body uses sunlight to make vitamin D).

To make sure you have enough of this crucial nutrient, supplementation with Dr. Salerno’s Vitamin D-K Factor is your ticket!

Each dose of Vitamin D-K Factor provides a health-building 5,000 IU of vitamin D, plus the added bone strength, anti-tumor and blood vessel health benefits of vitamin K.

Antioxidants

NOTHING will accelerate the aging process faster and more efficiently than free radicals out of control. 

Now, although some free radicals are good guys and actually help you fight infections, again, the problem is that people have way too many of them and they’re spiraling out of control.

So it’s essential to make sure you’re getting enough antioxidants to tame those free radicals and keep them manageable.

And for effective antioxidants, Vitamins C and E are the cream of the crop.

Here are a few food sources of each:

Vitamin C:  Citrus fruit, tomatoes, red peppers, broccoli, cranberries, cabbage, potatoes, guava, strawberries, kiwi.

Vitamin E:  Wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, vegetable oils, turnip greens, nuts, nut butters, rice bran oil, barley and avocado.

If you want to go the supplementation route, many experts recommend between 1,000 and 1,500 mg of vitamin C daily (divided into 2 doses) and 400 IU of vitamin E.

Remember, none of us can stop that old biological clock, but we can do a lot to help SLOW its effects and feel (and look) great for many years to come!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

Are you unknowingly giving your kid narcotics?

Now that a new school year will soon be upon us, let’s look at a condition that is becoming increasingly devastating for school age children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

It's becoming an epidemic

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in seven children in the US receives a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by the time they turn 18, including one in five high school boys.

 

At least 70 percent of those are prescribed medications like Adderall or Ritalin.

The data show that a staggering 6.4 million children ages 4 through 17 received an ADHD diagnosis at some point in their lives--a 41 percent increase in the past decade!

What it's all about

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. The child must have six or more signs and symptoms from one or both of the two categories below.

Inattention

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork and other activities
• Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Doesn’t follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework
• Loses items necessary for tasks or activities (for example, toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations when remaining seated is expected
• Runs about or climbs excessively in situations when it's inappropriate
• Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
• Is "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
• Talks too much
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty awaiting turn
• Interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games

Although these symptoms may spell “illness” in some kids, they also apply to all kids at one time or another!

That's one of the biggest problems with ADHD--diagnosing it is far from an exact science. In many cases a child is labeled with ADHD based on subjective observations of behaviors that all children exhibit at some time.

This means that potentially thousands of kids are misdiagnosed--and wrongly medicated. And that can have a hefty price…

ADHD drugs--FAR from "mild"

Contrary to what you may believe, the drugs prescribed for ADHD are anything but "mild."

They're Class 2 narcotics, regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a controlled substance.

Here are some of the side effects of the popular ADHD drug Ritalin:

• Sudden death in people who have heart problems or heart defects 
• Stroke and heart attack 
• Increased blood pressure 
• New or worse behavior and thought problems 
• New or worse bipolar illness 
• New or worse aggressive behavior or hostility 
• Psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, hallucinations, paranoia) 
• New manic symptoms 
• Increased heart rate 
• Slowing of growth in children 
• Seizures 
• Eyesight changes or blurred vision

Plus there are many reports of kids taking Ritalin who have committed suicide, and various studies have linked long-term Ritalin use to an increased risk of rare cancers.

And here’s the real kicker:  Ritalin doesn’t even work.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has concluded that there is no evidence of any long-term improvement in scholastic performance in children taking Ritalin.

A shift to safer thinking!
Many health care professionals are looking at what may be causing or contributing to ADHD, and suggesting measures that are effective and far safer than narcotics for toddlers and kids!

First of all, behavioral therapy has been shown to be helpful with the behaviors and symptoms of ADHD.

Behavioral therapy is a lengthy process that requires cooperation between the child, his family, teachers and therapists, but it can make a dramatic difference in rest of the child’s life.

Other solutions

There are three other significant factors that have been shown to trigger ADHD symptoms, and by addressing these factors you can potentially make a huge difference in a child with ADHD.

ADHD Solution #1:  The nutrient connection
Nutrients (vitamins and minerals) are absolutely vital for proper brain function in both younger children and teens.

Here are some examples:

Magnesium
A low magnesium level is linked to ADHD as well as autism, aggressive behavior, over-excitability, excessive fidgeting, restlessness, coordination problems, anxiety, depression, fatigue and learning disabilities.

Iron
Low levels of iron can cause poor brain functioning and erratic behavior. 

Zinc
Zinc deficiency can lead to angry, aggressive behavior, depression with suicidal ideation and eating disorders.

In addition, zinc helps balance blood sugar, so kids that are low on it crave sweets and refined carbohydrates and reject nutritious proteins and vegetables. 

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is necessary for your body to convert amino acids into neurotransmitters (your brain’s chemical messengers).

Especially important here is taurine.  Low taurine levels can trigger insomnia, hyperactivity, seizures, anxiety or addiction problems. 

Unfortunately many kids live on junk and fast foods, which are gravely lacking in nutrients.  So it's easy to see how deficiencies can occur...and ADHD symptoms can manifest or worsen.

But you can help turn that around for your kids.

The Great Taste No Pain health system can show you delicious ways to enjoy healthful foods loaded with nutrients that are both easy to prepare and kid-approved.

When your meals are made from REAL foods, not only can you get more nutrients from your meals, but you are also encouraging better digestion—which can help enhance nutrient absorption. 

In addition, gluten sensitivity can also manifest itself as ADHD symptoms.  If you suspect gluten may be an issue for your child, then Great Taste No Gluten can help. 

Great Taste No Gluten lives up to its name—it comes with 160 delicious gluten free dishes—plus instructions to answer every question you have and guide you step by step into a gluten free life.

ADHD Solution #2: Avoid heavy metals
Here are the three main heavy metals, how they can induce ADHD symptoms and where they’re found:

1- Aluminum
Aluminum is harmful to the nervous system with symptoms that can include disturbed sleep, nervousness, emotional instability, memory loss, headaches, and impaired thinking and memory.
Aluminum is found in cookware, food and beer/soda cans, aluminum foil, antacids, hepatitis vaccines, baking powder, anti-perspirants, margarine, buffered aspirin and bleached white flour.

2- Mercury
Mercury exposure can cause mental dysfunction, fatigue, poor memory, depression, emotional problems, neurological and muscular disorders.
Dental amalgam fillings are by far the number one source. Mercury is also found in fungicides and pesticides, cosmetics, tattoo dyes, flu shots, laxatives, paper products, home thermometers and fish (especially shark, swordfish, tuna, mackerel and sea bass). 

3- Lead
In children, too much lead in the body can cause lasting problems with growth and development. These can affect behavior, hearing and learning and can slow the child's growth.
Lead is typically found in pipes, paints and gasoline. It's also in glassware, roadways, cosmetics, hair dyes, newspaper print and ceramic glazes.
The more you can avoid exposure to these heavy metals, the better for your child’s brain (and yours!).

ADHD Solution #3: Get enough Omega-3 EFAs
Studies show that Omega-3 essential fatty acids can lead to improved brain function and higher mental test scores, while too many Omega-6 EFAs actually contribute to impaired cognitive ability.

Unfortunately, our typical diets (especially kids' diets!) are rich in vegetable oils, fast food and meats from grain-fed animals--foods that are brimming with Omega-6 EFAs, while at the same time are seriously lacking Omega-3 EFAs.

So daily supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids can be very helpful to help turn that around! 

VitalMega-3 fish oil formula is your ticket for a great, high quality supplement.

The 2-capsule daily serving includes 600 mg. of EPA and 400 mg. of DHA--two of the very best Omega-3 EFAs for sharp brain functioning. 

Be sure to let your or your child’s doctor know about supplements you are taking or considering giving to your child.

When you take a look at what may be contributing to your child’s ADHD, you can help to make a tremendous difference in their lives...and your own.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia