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10
Jun
Vitamin D3 – Jogging Again
sybille

Can something as simple as supplementing with Vitamin D3 really reduce the risk of bone fractures?  A recent Scotland study indicates that taking Vitamin D3 reduced repeat fractures and this vitamin addition can make a difference quickly by increasing bone density.

This is good news for people diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Their bones already look like Swiss cheese and depending on the severity, fractures are a definite likelihood.  With therapy aimed at treating osteoporosis and the inclusion of D3, fractures are reduced by up to 50%.  Those are good odds.

If you are over the age of 50 and break a bone, then it would be a wise choice on your part to undergo a bone density test as well as assessing your D3 level.  Treatment should be started should there be a need for it.

The further north you live from the equator, the more likelihood you are deficient in Vitamin D3.  Not only is this vitamin good for strengthening bones, it may also be good for arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, calcium absorption and hopefully cancer prevention.

Vitamin D3 turns into a hormone in the body which makes it more active, biologically. Damaged cells are repaired and the health of the cells are maintained. Hundreds of your body’s tissues benefit with Vitamin D3 supplementation.  Especially is this true as the population ages.

How much Vitamin D3 should you take?  If you have little sun exposure, than you will need to take at least 5,000IU per day.  How much is usually determined by where you live, your skin color and your weight.  More of this vitamin is needed during the winter months when sun exposure is limited.  The only way you know how much D3 to take is to get your blood tested for this vitamin.  You will need to keep your level around 50ng/mL.

To aim for optimum health, Vitamin D3 should be included as a must have vitamin.  And if you feel comfortable, sun exposure until your skin is a light pink, about 20 minutes a few times a week.  Do not use sunscreen, which prevents Vitamin D3 from being absorbed by your body.  Always make wise choices the length of time you spend in the sun.

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01
Jun
Osteoporosis – Porous Disease
sybille

Osteoporosis is a silent disease.  No symptoms often are present until the bones become so weak that fractures become common.  These fractures usually are of the hip, ribs, wrist or spine.

Osteoporosis is not limited to elderly women.  In the US one out of every two women and one in four men sustain fractures related to osteoporosis.  This bone disease occurs a high rate of disability and even mortality with patients aged 50 or older who suffer hip fractures.

Are you at risk for this “swiss cheese” disease?  Heredity is a significant risk factor.  The older you get, the more the likelihood of acquiring osteoporosis.  Estrogen deficiency also contributes to later in life osteoporosis for many women.

How can women, and even men, prevent this horrible diagnosis?  Changing eating habits and lifestyle is a good start.  A diet low in calcium and vitamin D3 contributes to bone deterioration.    In order for calcium to be absorbed by the body, Vitamin D3 is very important.  Eating too much salt is another factor as is drinking too much alcohol accompanied by poor nutrition.

Another reason to stop smoking cigarettes and adopting an exercise routine.  During the growing up years, childhood exercising increases bone mass and then will prevent bone loss in old age.  Exercises which force muscles to work against gravity are recommended for most individuals.  Walking is good for any age group.

Osteoporosis does not have to be a part of your life if good nutrition and a good exercise routine is followed faithfully.  This silent disease does not have to alert you of its existence when unannounced fractures occur.

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24
May
Acetaminophen – A Poison?
sybille

Alcohol or hepatitis.  Which is the cause of acute liver disease? Neither.  The main cause is acetaminophen or the ingredient in Tylenol.  Many common medications have this ingredient in them and even, when taken as directed, can cause or even worsen a large number of diseases including glaucoma to heart disease.

To avoid taking a large dose of acetaminophen, follow these safety tips…

  • Take remedies with a single listed ingredient.  You may not need any more than that.
  • You will need to choose by active ingredient and not the brand name.
  • Should symptoms continue, stop taking  any medication with acetaminophen and get in touch with your doctor.  An underlying condition, which could be serious, may be the problem or you may have become dependent on the drug without realizing it.
  • If you do have a persistent or chronic illness, ask your doctor about the necessary precautions you should take.
  • Always do your “homework” when starting a new drug or when continuing to take anything with acetaminophen.

Your liver will thank you and your general health will improve.

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