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Natural Eczema Treatment: 13 Home Remedies (Plus Symptoms & Causes)

AHA Publisher — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:05 +0000

Kathleen McCoy, BS via Dr. Axe – Is your skin red, dry, scaly and extremely itchy? These are common eczema symptoms, a skin condition believed to affect more than 31 million Americans, leaving many to search for the best eczema treatment options. What is eczema? It actually isn’t a single condition — it’s a group of skin conditions that includes: atopic dermatitis contact dermatitis dyshidrotic eczema hand eczema neurodermatitis nummular eczema stasis dermatitis Finding a soothing, natural eczema treatment can be life-changing for those suffering from this frustrating condition. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes and natural eczema treatment options. Causes and Symptoms Eczema typically first appears in very young children. Of further concern is that eczema in children is becoming more and more common. Diseases it can resemble include psoriasis, rosacea and dermatitis, but it’s a different condition. A study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that 39 percent of Caucasian children develop eczema by 3 years old. Interestingly, this same study found children who have dogs in the home are significantly less likely to develop it at any age. Although initial outbreaks most often occur in infants and young children, onset can occur at any time. While the majority of the skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading are chronic, it is important to note that contact dermatitis and hand eczema may be acute in nature, occurring due to an exposure to allergens or chemicals. For many people, the severity of flare-ups lessens with maturity, and some may even outgrow it altogether. However, it can come and go throughout life. Learning how to treat eczema and identifying triggers that cause flares are the best courses of action. While there is no definitive answer as to the cause of eczema — and there is no identified cure — there are effective natural treatments, home remedies and essential oils for eczema that may help prevent future flares and ease discomfort during an outbreak. There is a wide range of causes and risk factors associated with this condition, and eczema symptoms can manifest in widely different ways between those affected. While a singular cause of eczema has not been established, there are certain common causes leading to the onset and flares. In addition, a wide range of risk factors has been identified. Risk Factors A genetic predisposition or family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma Young age Being a health care worker Children who attend daycare ADHD Living in a dry climate Nutritional deficiency Adolescent obesity, for later onset of eczema cases Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy, which may increase the risk of developing eczema in the first year of life Causes So far, the medical community has yet to determine a definitive cause of eczema. For some, it may occur due to a nutritional deficiency, while for others it may first arise due to an allergen or other irritant. Here are the widely accepted causes of eczema: Dry skin and sensitive skin that cracks Immune system dysfunction Environmental conditions Gene variation that affects skin Allergies to foods, beauty products, laundry detergents or other chemical allergy Chronic stress Temperature changes Symptoms of Eczema While many experience a lessening of symptoms and fewer flare-ups as they age, some continue to experience eczema symptoms throughout adulthood, such as atopic eczema rashes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and change from one outbreak to another. Common symptoms include: The appearance of small, raised bumps that may ooze liquid and develop a crust Thick, dry, scaly skin that cracks Red, brown or grayish patches of skin on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, in skin folds, and on the face and scalp of infants Sensitive skin that is swollen and raw from scratching A recurring rash that causes intense itching, often disrupting sleep patterns Rashes due to atopic eczema Eczema Treatment While there is no cure for eczema, there are a variety of non-invasive eczema treatment options that can provide relief during a flare-up and some that may prevent its onset. These can include corticosteroids, but the following home eczema treatment options may be best. 1. Light Therapy/Phototherapy According to the National Eczema Association, phototherapy helps calm inflammation, reduces itching, increases vitamin D production and helps fight bacteria on the skin. Adding 10–15 minutes a day of sun exposure, particularly during an eczema flare, can provide relief and potentially speed healing. 2. Vitamin D In addition to increasing sun exposure, supplementing with vitamin D foods like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, eggs and raw milk may help prevent eczema in children and adolescents. If your sun exposure is low, consider boosting your intake with a high-quality supplement. Preliminary research shows that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy and childhood may increase the risk for developing eczema. 3. Moisturize Because dry skin is both a cause and symptom, it is imperative to moisturize affected areas at least twice a day. Coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for eczema sufferers. This eczema treatment is antibacterial and antifungal, with antimicrobial properties that provide soothing relief, and it may speed healing. 4. Treat the Mind and Body According to Harvard Medical School, some skin conditions, including eczema, have a psychological component. This is a dynamic referred to as psychodermatology. Researchers have found that hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, focused breathing, cognitive behavior therapy and talk therapy may provide not only relief during a flare-up, but expedite healing and prevent future flares. 5. Dead Sea Salt Baths The Dead Sea is known for its healing powers, and researchers have found that taking a bath with salt from Dead Sea water improves skin hydration and skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and relieves redness and roughness. As eczema flares can worsen when exposed to high and low temperatures, bath water should be just warm enough to prevent a chill. Do not rub the skin dry. Pat gently with a soft towel. 6. Cool, Wet Compresses Applying a cool, wet compress lessens the itching for some individuals with eczema. For young children, dampening snug night clothes may provide overnight relief from itching — however, if the condition has evolved to oozing blisters, a wet compress may increase the risk of infection and shouldn’t be used. 7. Apply Itch Cream The intense itching is often the most miserable part of an eczema flare. Try using a natural homemade eczema cream that incorporates shea butter, coconut oil, raw honey and essential oils to provide much-needed relief. 8. Licorice Extract Used topically, licorice root extract shows promise for reducing itching in limited eczema trials. Add a few drops to coconut oil or homemade itch creams for best results. 9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that when fish is introduced into the diet of young children by the age of 9 months and is eaten weekly, the risk for developing eczema reduces dramatically. (9) Including foods rich in omega-3s to prevent eczema should be considered. During a flare, these foods are a great eczema treatment that boost immune system function and speed healing. 10. Probiotics Probiotics may help prevent eczema in infants and decrease the severity of flares, research shows. In fact, mothers who take probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may prevent eczema from developing in their children. During an outbreak and to prevent future flares, taking a high-quality probiotic supplement of 24–100 billion organisms daily should be considered. 11. Lavender Essential Oil In addition to the intense itching, eczema commonly causes anxiety, depression, frustration and poor sleep. Lavender essential oil is an eczema treatment proven to help reduce these common symptoms, and it can help treat dry skin. Add 10 drops to one tablespoon of coconut oil or almond oil, and gently rub into the skin. The aroma can help facilitate sleep, when itching is often at its worst. 12. Vitamin E Taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily can help speed healing by reducing inflammation. In addition, topical application of vitamin E may help relieve the itch and prevent scarring. 13. Witch Hazel If during a flare the rash starts to ooze, applying witch hazel can help promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research has found that a cream containing witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine can be as effective as hydrocortisone in a double-blind trial. During an outbreak, gently dab this eczema treatment directly onto the rash with a cotton pad. Be sure to use an alcohol-free witch hazel, as you don’t want to cause more dryness. Related: A Serious Case of ‘Maskne’: How to Prevent & Treat Face Acne Due to Wearing a Mask Eczema and Food Diet can play a role in skin conditions. The following foods to eat can play a role in eczema prevention, relief and treatment, while there are foods to avoid that can make symptoms worse. Foods to Eat: Essential fatty acids — Wild-caught fish and flaxseed oil can help reduce eczema symptoms. Pumpkin or chia seeds — These seeds provide zinc, which is essential for wound healing and metabolizing fatty acids. Probiotic-rich foods — Consume goat’s milk kefir and amasai. These are the highest probiotic foods and can support gut and immune health. High-fiber foods — Constipation can lead your body to look for other ways to expel toxins, and the skin can become one of the avenues in which toxins are expelled. Aim for at least 30 grams of fiber per day from vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, coconut and sprouted grains/legumes. Vitamin A-rich foods — Increase your intake of orange and yellow vegetables, which are high in vitamin A, necessary for skin health. Foods to Avoid: Additives — Eliminate additives and processed foods, which can make eczema worse. Foods allergens — Avoid any potential allergens. Some common allergen foods include gluten, dairy, shellfish or peanuts. Margarine and other non-essential fats — These fats can interfere with the absorption of essential fats critical for healing. Sugar — Increases inflammation and reduces immune function. Fried foods — Can increase inflammation. Precautions Eczema is a skin condition that can result is severe discomfort, disruption of sleep, anxiety and depression, and skin infections. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of people who have eczema also have Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. When the rash seeps, or excessive itching breaks the skin, severe infections from bacteria and viruses can occur. If an infection does occur, following natural impetigo treatments can help to prevent spreading the infection to others and speed healing. Eczema may make people more prone to heart disease and stroke, research highlighted by Harvard Medical School found. The study found that people with eczema smoke and drink more and are less likely to exercise than those without eczema. All three of these are considered risk factors for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality are real concerns for children and adults alike during a flare. Using essential oils for eczema by diffusing or adding to lotions or creams may help relieve the emotional toll this condition has on those it affects. Children are particularly prone to ridicule at school during an outbreak, especially with eczema on the face. It is not uncommon for children with eczema to withdraw from their social circles and become isolated. Be sure to provide plenty of understanding and support. If you’re struggling with eczema or another skin condition, you can visit a dermatologist for further help. Conclusion There are seven skin conditions that fall under the eczema heading, including contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, eczema stasis dermatitis and the most common offender, atopic dermatitis. Eczema can appear anywhere, but in children it typically develops first on the cheeks, chin and scalp. In adolescents and adults, eczema patches appear in areas that bend, like elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and the neck. Understanding what triggers it and how to get rid of eczema flares requires careful tracking of allergens and all flares as they occur. To prevent future flares, avoid common triggers...

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Eat Mushrooms to Fight Depression

AHA Publisher — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – In a new study using data collected from more than 24,000 Americans, researchers at Penn State found that eating mushrooms every day dramatically lowers your risk of developing depression.1 This is great news, especially now… You see, the stress and uncertainty of the last couple of years has dramatically increased the number of people suffering the emotional impacts caused by Covid. In fact, the number of Americans who say they are depressed has tripled since the start of the pandemic.2 As a result, traditional doctors are prescribing medications like Prozac and Zoloft in record numbers. But these pills don’t often work. Almost half of the patients taking a Big Pharma antidepressant say they still suffer symptoms of depression. And then there are the side effects connected with these powerful pills, including insomnia and fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, feeling numb or disconnected, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction I don’t prescribe antidepressants. Instead, I use natural options to help my patients. And now I can add mushrooms to that list. Mushrooms are a great source of ergothioneine. This amino acid acts as an antioxidant in your body. Because ergothioneine can pass through the blood-brain barrier, it’s able to protect your brain against inflammation and oxidative stress.3,4,5 The latest research shows that both oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the development of depression.6 Your body can’t make ergothioneine on its own, so you have to get it from food. And no food contains more than mushrooms. One serving of mushrooms – one cup raw or one-half cup cooked – contains up to 5 mg of ergothioneine. I recommend eating porcini, King oyster, maitake, oyster or shiitake mushrooms daily. Earlier research from the Penn State researchers found that eating just five mushrooms a day is enough to prevent depression.7 But mushrooms help protect you from depression in another important way… They are a rich source of vitamin D. If you are a regular reader, you know that vitamin D helps beat depression by boosting the production of the “feel-good” neurotransmitter serotonin. In fact, vitamin D can boost serotonin up to 30 times.8 Unfortunately, more than 90% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. Fresh wild mushrooms like chanterelle or morels have the highest vitamin D content. But you can easily boost the amount of vitamin D in your mushrooms by drying them in the sun. I read a book a few years ago called Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets. He knows so much about the health benefits of mushrooms that he’s an advisor of integrative medicine at the University of Arizona Medical School. Stamets did a study where he picked shiitake mushrooms that had been grown indoors and placed them gills-up in the sunlight for six hours. Their vitamin D content shot up from around 110 IU of vitamin D per 100 grams to a pretty remarkable 46,000 IU. Make Sun-Dried Mushrooms Easily at Home Drying and storing the mushrooms is easy to do. Gather fresh organic mushrooms from a local produce stand. Gently remove dirt with a dry cloth. Spread your mushrooms in the sun on a piece of parchment paper during the sunniest time of the day. Bring them in at night or when the sun goes down to avoid moisture. Then repeat the drying process the next day. But don’t dry your mushrooms any more than two days. Over-exposure to UV rays can cause levels of vitamin D to drop. Store your thoroughly dried mushrooms in a dark glass container. Add a spoonful of rice to keep the mushrooms dry, and seal it up. The mushrooms should be good for at least a year. Then you can eat a few mushrooms to get a good start on the vitamin D you’ll need for the day. To get the 5,000 IU a day of vitamin D that I recommend, you’d need to eat 10 grams – about an eighth of a cup – of sun-dried mushrooms daily. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Ba DM et al. “Mushroom intake and depression: a population-based study using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016.” J Affective Disord. 2021; 294:686-692. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.080. 2. Ettman CK et al. “Persistent depressive symptoms during COVID-19; a national, population-representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adults.” Lancet 2022;5:10091. 3. Nagaro M, et al. “Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake.” Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231-237. 4. Okamura H, et al. “The effects of Hericium erinaceus (Amyloban® 3399) on sleep quality and subjective well-being among female undergraduate students: a pilot study.” Personalized Med Univ. 2015;4:76-78. 5. Feeney MJ. et al. “Mushrooms and health summit proceedings.” J Nutr. 2014; 144(7):1128S-1136S. 6. Bakunina N, et al. “Immune mechanisms linked to depression via oxidative stress and neuroprogression.” Immunology. 2015 Mar; 144(3): 365–373. 7. Ma BJ. “Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus.” Mycology. 2010;1(2):92-98. 8. Patrick P, et al. “Vitamin D hormone regulates serotonin synthesis. Part 1: relevance for autism.” FASEB J. 2014 Jun;28(6):2398-413. To read the original article click here.

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Down on Vitamin D? It Could Be the Cause of Chronic Inflammation

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:00:23 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s healing process. But when it persists, it can contribute to a wide range of complex diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Now, world-first genetic research from the University of South Australia shows a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation, providing an important biomarker to identify people at higher risk of or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component. The study examined the genetic data of 294 ,970 participants in the UK Biobank, using Mendelian randomization to show the association between vitamin D and C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation. Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ang Zhou, says the findings suggest that boosting vitamin D in people with a deficiency may reduce chronic inflammation. “Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting your tissues if you’ve been injured or have an infection,” Dr Zhou says. “High levels of C-reactive protein are generated by the liver in response to inflammation, so when your body is experiencing chronic inflammation, it also shows higher levels of C-reactive protein. “This study examined vitamin D and C-reactive proteins and found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation. “Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of related diseases.” Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology the study also raises the possibility that having adequate vitamin D concentrations may mitigate complications arising from obesity and reduce the risk or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component, such as CVDs, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Senior investigator and Director of UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says these results are important and provide an explanation for some of the controversies in reported associations with vitamin D. “We have repeatedly seen evidence for health benefits for increasing vitamin D concentrations in individuals with very low levels, while for others, there appears to be little to no benefit.” Prof Hyppönen says. “These findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency, and provide further evidence for the wide-ranging effects of hormonal vitamin D.” To read the original article click here.

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Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It!

AHA Publisher — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:36 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Would you believe that the majority of the population — between 40 percent and 80 percent or more of adults in the U.S., depending on race — is believed to have a vitamin D deficiency? It’s no wonder that this vitamin is now one of the most recommended supplements by physicians, taken in order to treat and/or prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. People with dark skin, those who live in northern regions of the world where there’s less year-round sun exposure and those who are overweight have an even greater chance of experiencing vitamin D deficiency. Can vitamin D deficiency be cured? Yes, there are ways you can naturally increase your vitamin D levels and decrease your risk of developing related health conditions. Spending time in the sun, without sunscreen, is your surest way to get enough. Eating vitamin D-rich foods also helps improve your blood levels. Read on to understand just how much time you need in the sun and what foods help you avoid vitamin D deficiency. What Is Vitamin D? (Why We Need It) Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s stored in the liver and fatty tissues. It’s somewhat different than other vitamins because the body makes most of it on its own (with the help of sunlight), rather than solely relying on food sources to get enough. Why Do We Need Vitamin D? Here are some of the benefits associated with vitamin D: Contributes to bone health by aiding in calcium absorption into the bones, as well as other vitamins and minerals that contribute to skeletal health, including magnesium, vitamin K and phosphorus. Supports the immune system and may help prevent prolonged or excessive inflammatory responses, plus some viruses and infections. Can help support healthy cell replication and may play a role in protecting against the development of autoimmune conditions. Promotes cardiovascular health and helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation. Helps manage blood sugar levels and works with calcium to regulate insulin secretion. May help prevent depression and mood disorders, especially during the winter. Seems to play a role in preventing obesity. Studies show deficiency is tied to greater volumes of fat, serum, liver and muscle mass, although the relationship is still being researched. Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms What happens when your vitamin D is low? According to scientific studies and reviews, the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include: fatigue osteoporosis heart disease and high blood pressure cancer autoimmune diseases depression and mood disturbances poor skin health, including redness, inflammation and dryness insomnia arthritis and joint pain diabetes trouble concentrating asthma hair loss multiple sclerosis chronic muscle or bone pain psoriasis fibromyalgia Causes/Risk Factors/Health Risks Why do some people develop a deficiency in this vitamin? It’s believed that one of the biggest reasons that vitamin D deficiency is now a public health problem is because of our modern, primarily indoors lifestyle. Below is more about the common causes of vitamin D deficiency: 1. Lack of Sun Most children today spend unprecedented hours inside — watching television, playing video games and surfing the internet. Similarly, most adults work indoors, exercise inside gyms and spend their free time inside their homes where they are sheltered from the sun. With all this time indoors, it’s no wonder we don’t get enough of the “sunshine vitamin” and that vitamin D deficiency affects over a billion people worldwide. 2. Frequent Use of Sunscreens As the risk for developing skin cancer has also risen in recent years, doctors strongly encourage the use of sunscreen for children and adults, even through the winter months and when sun exposure is generally limited. Alarmingly, some research shows that when you wear sunblock SPF 8, you reduce your body’s ability to make vitamin D by 90 percent. If you choose a sunblock with a higher SPF of 30 (which is the number normally recommended by doctors), you reduce your body’s ability by up to 99 percent. This results in further deficiencies because even though we spend time outdoors, the sunscreen doesn’t allow our bodies to convert vitamin D from the sun. Other vitamin D deficiency causes and risk factors include: Underlying health conditions — Research shows that certain health conditions, such as abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and hypertension, also increases a person’s risk of vitamin D deficiency. Having darker skin — According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the newest statistics demonstrate that more than 90 percent of people with darker skin pigments (including African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians) living in the United States now suffer from vitamin D insufficiency, while 75 perfect of the white population is deficient. Certain occupations — A 2017 study recently revealed that occupation can also play a big role in levels of this vitamin. Researchers found that shift workers, health care workers and indoor workers are at a high risk of developing a deficiency due to reduced outdoor time. Being overweight — As the population of overweight and obese adults and children has risen steadily over the past several decades, so has the incidence of vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Sadly, research shows that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with increased risks of developing common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and various infectious diseases, too. Is vitamin D deficiency serious? Public health experts tell us that it can be, and it’s now linked with a growing number of health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and mood-related problems. Here are some of the potential health risks that may be associated with vitamin D deficiency: Weakened bones — A deficiency in vitamin D can result in the softening of your bones, which is called osteomalacia, or a bone abnormality called rickets. Additionally, a deficiency increases your risk for developing osteoporosis and experiencing fractures or broken bones. This is an especially big risk among older adults. Susceptibility to infections and viruses — Low levels have been linked with higher incidence of some serious infections, including those that affect the lungs and respiratory system. Mood disorders — Because it acts like a hormone within our bodies and affects brain function, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk for mood disorders, including depression, seasonal affective disorder and severe mood problems experienced during PMS, insomnia and anxiety. Hormone imbalances — Low levels can interfere with proper testosterone and estrogen production, leading to imbalances that can result in many unwanted symptoms. Can lack of vitamin D cause weight gain? It’s possible. Some studies show that lower levels may be linked to weight gain in older adults, but the weight gain is usually relatively small. There’s more to learn about this connection, but it’s speculated that this vitamin may affect where fat cells shrink or get bigger. Cognitive/mental health problems — Researchers indicate that deficient adults may perform poorer on standardized exams, may have poorer decision-making skills, and may have difficulty with tasks that require focus and attention. Some research has demonstrated a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk for developing schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis. Susceptibility to some cancers — Vitamin D deficiency symptoms have been correlated with increased risks for cancer development, especially breast, colon and prostate cancers. According to research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, D vitamin plays a role in factors that influence tumor growth, cell differentiation and apoptosis. Research shows that it can affect the risk of breast, colon and ovarian cancers, possibly due to its role in the cell life cycle or its ability to block excess estrogen. Treatment/Prevention How can you increase your vitamin D level? While some foods provide vitamin D, exposure to sunlight is still the best way to get the amount you need in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. However, research suggests that eating foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium also helps you acquire more, so try adding high-quality, natural sources into your diet regularly. Importance of Sunlight Exposure: Most experts recommend getting about 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily, without wearing sunscreen, if you are fair- to medium-toned. If you have dark skin, you likely need more time outdoors to make enough vitamin D because you naturally have more protection against effects of UV rays. Some experts recommend that darker-toned people spend about 40 minutes to one hour in the sun daily if possible. If it’s the winter, you need to double the recommended time to allow enough vitamin D production to occur. Here is a good rule of thumb to know that your body is making vitamin D: You want to look at your shadow and see that it’s shorter than you are. This tells you that the UV index is high enough. Between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is usually when the UV index is highest. If you are worried about not wearing sunscreen and worried about skin cancer, try applying sunscreen to your face and hands but not on your limbs right away (assuming your limbs are exposed). This leaves enough unexposed skin to properly create the vitamin D you need. Overall, increase your levels naturally through the following practices and foods: Sunlight exposure: Aim to spend 10–20 minutes in the sun daily Cod liver oil (take about one tablespoon daily) Halibut Carp fish Mackerel Eel Wild-caught salmon Whitefish Swordfish Rainbow trout Sardines Tuna Pastured eggs Beef liver Raw milk Caviar Fortified milk and dairy products Fortified milk alternatives, such as nut-based milks Maitake and portobello mushrooms (when exposed to UV light) How can you raise your vitamin D level quickly? For people who have low levels, vitamin D supplements are available, which come in two forms: D2 and D3. D3 from animal products (specifically from the cholesterol within these products) is closest to the type humans produce. Vitamin D3 is therefore the more active form and believed to convert much faster than D2. How Much You Need The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 600 to 800 international units per day for adults. However, getting significantly more, around 5,000 IU per day, may be more effective — especially since there is little risk in over-supplementing in most cases. Keep in mind that this is a general recommendation, and there is no way to know the exact amount that’s best for you without a blood test. You may need a higher or lower amount and should speak to your doctor. Here are more recommendations based on age: Dosage Recommendation for Children: 1–3 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) 4–8 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) For Older Children and Adults: 9–70 years: at least 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Older adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg/day) Pregnant and breastfeeding: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Testing The only way to know if you are deficient is to have your doctor perform a test, called a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. This will tell you if, and how severely, you are deficient. When your doctor performs a blood test and gives you the results for your vitamin D levels, keep these numbers in mind: 50+ equals a good level. A 25(OH)D level of >50 nmol/L is now considered the “primary goal.” 30–50 means you want to supplement with vitamin D, work on spending more time in the sun and/or add vitamin D foods into your diet. Less than 30 means you are very deficient and definitely want to take immediate action to bring those levels up. When to See Your Doctor Researchers suggest that anyone with the health conditions below should be tested for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they experience a number of deficiency symptoms described above: Ongoing muscle weakness Chronic fatigue Depression, especially during the winter (which can indicate seasonal depressive disorder) Trouble sleeping Anxiety Weak or broken bones Weakened immune system Inflammation and swelling Conclusion Between 40% and 80% of adults in the U.S. may suffer from vitamin D deficiency symptoms, which can lead to major health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and cancer. Two major causes of vitamin D...

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What is Nutritional Psychiatry?

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 08:00:05 +0000

Joelle Hanson-Baiden, BSc via News-Medical – Nutritional psychiatry is the practice of using food and food supplements as alternative treatments for mental health disorders. Most current treatments for mental health disorders – from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia – focus on treating the symptoms of the condition. Though many are effective at treating these symptoms, they are often paired with severe side effects. Over recent years, there has been a considerable increase in research surrounding links between psychiatric disorders and diet. As such, there has been an increase in research surrounding nutritional-based treatments for these disorders. From these studies, different treatment targets have been identified, including the gut biome and nutrient deficiencies. Current research is promising and provides insight into alternative interventions for treating psychiatric disorders. Potential Pathways that Link Diet and Psychiatric Disorders Diet might be associated with severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, psychosis, and dementia. There are several potential pathways research has found to be involved, such as the gut biome and nutrient deficiencies. The Gut Biome Research suggests that there is a link between the gut biome and the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The gut biome consists of bacteria, fungi, and viruses found in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis present with different gut microbial compositions compared to non-psychiatric individuals. In a study comparing the gut microbial composition of individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and non-FEP individuals, researchers found that the composition of the gut in: “Numbers of Lactobacillus group bacteria were elevated in FEP-patients and significantly correlated with severity along different symptom domains.” (Schwarz et al., 2018). These results suggest that alterations in the microbial composition of the gut can increase one’s risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. Research suggests that the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) underlies this risk. The MGBA connects the intestines with the central nervous system and studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia can present with disruptions of the MGBA. “Several interactions between the gut and the brain have been observed, including vagal nerve activation, immune system modification, the synthesis of neurotransmitters and alterations of neurotransmitter pathways.” (Teasdale et al., 2020) Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies are caused by insufficient intake of said nutrients or poor absorption by the body. Research shows that nutrient deficiencies are one of the risk factors for developing mental disorders. Example deficiencies include vitamin B9 (folate) B6 and B12 deficiencies. These B vitamins are essential for DNA and protein synthesis. Both of which play a key role in brain development and cognition. Several studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia have lower serum vitamin B6 and B9 (folate) levels than non-psychiatric individuals. A deficiency in vitamin D has also been shown to be highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia and dementia. “There are stronger associations between severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) and both dementia and AD compared to moderate vitamin D deficiency (10-20ng/ml).” (Chai et al., 2019). Vitamin D is necessary for modulating neurotransmitter release, including dopamine – known to be imbalanced in mental disorders. Brain Food? How Nutritional Psychiatry Targets these Pathways The International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR) was formed to give guidance to clinicians and healthcare workers on offering nutritional treatments to patients with mental health issues. The ISNPR has issued many recommendations in recent years. These recommendations are heavily focused on promoting an optimal gut biome composition. The ISNPR suggests that changes in the type of food eaten can improve the composition of the gut biome. Following traditional diets such as Mediterranean, Scandinavian, or Japanese diets is recommended. These diets consist of high volumes of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and a limited intake of processed foods. The concentration of bacteria in the gut can also be altered with probiotics – live bacteria and yeasts. These can be found in fermented foods (e.g., kimchi and sauerkraut) and yogurt. Probiotics can also be taken as supplements. Alongside improving the gut biome, the ISNPR also recommends the intake of nutrient supplements. These include vitamins B9, B6, B12, and vitamin D. Research has shown that administering these vitamins is effective in shortening the duration of illness in individuals with psychosis and schizophrenia. Food for Thought: Traditional vs Nutritional Psychiatry, Which is More Effective? Nutritional psychiatry is non-invasive, has very few side effects, and is easily accessible to all. Compared to nutritional psychiatry, traditional treatments can have very severe side effects and do little for deteriorating physical health. The evidence for the effects of nutritional treatments on symptomatology is still fresh as many clinical trials are still in progress. Despite this, nutritional psychiatry allows for the physical health of people with severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia and psychosis, which have otherwise been neglected. Neglected physical health in these individuals has led to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. In turn, this has led to a large decrease in life expectancy. This together with the symptoms of the condition, side effects from medication, and cognitive impairments causes a significant decrease in the quality of life of these individuals. Nutritional psychiatry, therefore, acts to improve the quality of life of people who suffer from mental health illnesses. Nutritional psychiatry can therefore impact the lives of these people greater than traditional psychiatry alone. Further in-depth research is needed to widen this impact. To read more about the role nutrition plays in health, click here! References: Chai, B., Gao, F., Wu, R., Dong, T., Gu, C., Lin, Q., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-019-1500-6 Chiang, M., Natarajan, R., & Fan, X. (2016). Vitamin D in schizophrenia: a clinical review. Evidence Based Mental Health, 19(1), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.1136/eb-2015-102117 Grosso, G. (2021). Nutritional Psychiatry: How Diet Affects Brain through Gut Microbiota. Nutrients, 13(4), 1282. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041282 Schwarz, E., Maukonen, J., Hyytiäinen, T., Kieseppä, T., Orešič, M., Sabunciyan, S., Mantere, O., Saarela, M., Yolken, R., & Suvisaari, J. (2018). Analysis of microbiota in first episode psychosis identifies preliminary associations with symptom severity and treatment response. Schizophrenia Research, 192, 398–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2017.04.017 Teasdale, S., Mörkl, S., & Müller-Stierlin, A. S. (2020). Nutritional psychiatry in the treatment of psychotic disorders: Current hypotheses and research challenges. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 5, 100070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100070 To read the original article click here.

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New Research Shows Common Deficiency May Play a Role in Worsening Heart Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:00:11 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Health issues related to heart function claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year in the United States. At the same time, researchers warn that vitamin D deficiency is currently widespread in the American population, despite many foods being fortified with the nutrient. Could there be any connection between the two? Some natural health experts think so. In a newly-published study, scientists found that vitamin D deficiency was linked to unwanted blood pressure readings and an increased risk of heart function problems. The researchers concluded that correcting vitamin D shortages in people with insufficient levels could help to lower the burden of heart-related health issues – a fascinating possibility. Let’s take a closer look at the research. Declining Heart Function Linked to Common Nutritional Deficiency The study, published in the European Heart Journal and performed using data from over 267,000 people, utilized a technique known as Mendelian randomization, allowing researchers to identify genetic evidence connecting vitamin D and heart health. Mendelian randomization is often used in studies where long-term research on untreated participants (such as people with severe vitamin deficiencies) would be unethical or impractical. The findings were eye-opening. The team concluded that participants with the lowest vitamin D concentrations had more than twice the risk of worsening heart function than those with optimal levels! The researchers stressed the need for vitamin D supplementation to help people maintain adequate levels and avoid negative effects on heart health. Confusion Reigns: Standards for Optimal Levels Vary The researchers measured blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D – the biologically active form of vitamin D – using units of nmol/L (Vitamin D may also be measured in ng/ml). The team defined blood levels of less than 30 nmol/L (equivalent to under 12 ng/ml) as “deficient,” while levels of 30 to 50 nmol/L (12 to 20 ng/ml) were termed “mildly deficient.” Levels of 50 nmol/L or greater (over 20 ng/ml) were considered “sufficient for health.” By increasing vitamin D-deficient individuals to levels of at least 50 nmol/L, some cases of heart issues could be prevented, the team predicted. On the other hand, many natural health authorities, such as The Endocrine Society, view levels under 30 ng/ml as inadequate – and recommend striving for even higher concentrations, such as 40 to 60 ng/ml. Warning: Low Exposure to Sunlight Is a Major Cause of Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a fat-soluble “vitamin-like” steroid hormone. In addition to being essential to the formation of bone, vitamin D promotes heart health by reducing inflammation and helping to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. It is produced in human skin in response to sunlight and is also found in eggs, cold-water fatty fish, and mushrooms that have been raised under UV light. However, even a healthy diet tends to not provide enough of this important nutrient, when deficient. While severe vitamin D deficiencies are relatively rare, studies suggest that one out of four people in the United States have low (unhealthy) levels – and many natural health experts and integrative physicians believe the rate to be much higher. The leading cause of vitamin D shortfalls? Lack of exposure to sunlight, particularly in an aging population. “Deficiency can be a problem for people living in residential care who may have limited exposure to sun,” noted Prof. Hypponen. As a technique for getting vitamin D into your body, exposure to the sun puts all other methods “in the shade.” Experts estimate that a mere 10 minutes in direct sunlight, depending on the time of year and how much your skin can absorb, could result in the production of a whopping 10,000 IU! But the fact remains: for many, vitamin D supplementation may be the way to go – particularly during the winter months, when the angle of the sun makes it difficult to produce enough vitamin D naturally. More Controversy: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? Dietary and supplementary recommendations for vitamin D remain controversial and vary wildly from source to source. For example, while the Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that adults get a paltry 600 IU of vitamin D a day, many natural health experts advise amounts of 5,000 IU and above. In fact, The Endocrine Society notes that a person may require 2,000 IU of vitamin D a day just to maintain levels above 30 ng/mL. The truth is: the amount of vitamin D needed for healthy levels depends on age, weight, nutritional status, state of health, and even the climate in which one lives. Before supplementing with vitamin D, consult your experienced integrative doctor for guidance. One thing that experts do seem to agree on, however, is the superiority of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) over vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The former is much more biologically available and more effective in raising vitamin D levels. And, raising low vitamin D levels is what it’s all about. In addition, consuming vitamin K2, magnesium, boron and zinc will help you to absorb more vitamin D. After all, staying topped up on the “sunshine” vitamin can brighten the forecast for your heart performance. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com NIH.gov NIH.gov Harvard.edu CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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The Sunshine Vitamin That ‘D’elivers on Cardio Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:00:16 +0000

University of South Australia via Newswise – Free from the sun, vitamin D delivers a natural source for one of the hormones essential to our bodies, especially the bones. But when you’re down on this essential nutrient, it’s not only your bones that could suffer, but also your cardio health, according to new research from the University of South Australia. In the first study of its kind, researchers from the UniSA’s Australian Centre for Precision Health at SAHMRIhave identified genetic evidence for a role of vitamin D deficiency in causing cardiovascular disease. The study, which is published in European Heart Journal today, shows that people with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to suffer from heart disease and higher blood pressure, than those with normal levels of vitamin D*. For participants with the lowest concentrations the risk of heart disease was more than double that seen for those with sufficient concentrations. Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives per year. In Australia, CVD accounts for one in four deaths and costs the Australian economy five billion dollars each year, more than any other disease. Low concentrations of vitamin D are common in many parts of the world, with data from the UK Biobankshowing that 55 per cent of participants have low levels of vitamin D (<50 nmol/L) and 13 per cent have severe deficiency (<25 nmol/L). Low levels of vitamin D are recorded by an estimated 23 per cent of people in Australia, 24 per cent of people in the US, and 37 per cent of people in Canada. Chief investigator, UniSA’s Prof Elina Hyppönen** says appreciating the role of vitamin D deficiency for heart health could help reduce the global burden of cardiovascular disease. “Severe deficiency is relatively rare, but in settings where this does occur it is very important to be proactive and avoid negative effects on the heart. For example, deficiency can be a problem for people living in residential care who may have limited exposure to sun,” Prof Hyppönen says. “We can also get vitamin D from food, including oily fish, eggs and fortified foods and drinks. This said, food is unfortunately a relatively poor source of vitamin D, and even an otherwise healthy diet does not typically contain enough. “If we don’t get any vitamin D through the sun, this is one of the rare nutrients for which we sometimes need to take a daily supplement to keep up with the requirements. “Understanding the connection between low levels of vitamin D and CVD is especially important, given the global prevalence of this deadly condition. “Our results are exciting as they suggest that if we can raise levels of vitamin D within norms, we should also affect rates of CVD. In our study population, by increasing vitamin D-deficient individuals to levels of at least 50 nmol/L, we estimate that 4.4 per cent of all CVD cases could have been prevented.” This large-scale Mendelian study used a new genetic approach that allowed the team to assess how increasing levels can affect CVD risk based on how high the participants actual vitamin D levels were. The study used information from up to 267,980 individuals which allowed the team to provide robust statistical evidence for the link between vitamin D deficiency and CVD. “It is not ethical to recruit people with vitamin D deficiency to a randomised controlled trial and to leave them without treatment for long periods. Prof Hyppönen says. “It is exactly this type of difficult setting which demonstrates the power of our genetic approach, given we can show how improving concentrations affects the risk in those most in need, without exposing participants to any harm. “Those with the lowest concentrations are likely to have the strongest effects, yet a population-wide approach to eradicate vitamin D deficiency could reduce the global burden of CVDs.” To read the original article click here.

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This Deficiency Can Drastically LOWER Your Odds of Survival

AHA Publisher — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:00:59 +0000

Abby Campbell via NaturalHealth365 – A paper published in Demato-Endocrinology suggests that a vitamin D deficiency may account for unexplained disparities in cancer survival rates between different ethnic groups. A large body of scientific literature supports the role of Solar ultraviolet (UVB) light and vitamin D in reducing the incidence and mortality rates of many types of cancers. Scientific research has confirmed the obvious – sunlight exposure and healthy vitamin D levels are good for us. Interestingly enough, researchers have reported that those with higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, when diagnosed with cancer, have a significantly higher cancer survival rate. Are You at a High Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency? Conventional science often looks at the roles of socioeconomic status, stage of cancer development, and treatment protocols to explain why some ethnic groups have a better chance of surviving cancer or not. But, up until now, science pretty much ignored the fact that anyone living in the United States, with darker skin pigmentation, has a lower ability to produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure. Why? You see, a darker skin pigmentation acts as a filter – to the UVB sunlight – and diminishes our ability to produce vitamin D3. It’s been proven that dark skin pigmentation can amount to a 95 percent reduction in vitamin D production. People with darker skin complexions (sometimes) need anywhere from five to ten times more sun exposure to synthesize sufficient vitamin D levels. By the way, the scientific data suggests that darker skin individuals are at greater risk for 13 types of cancer including, bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, testicular, vaginal, and other cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and melanoma. New Evidence Suggests Your Survival Is Based on Vitamin D Levels Did you know that the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes – including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. Findings from Germany’s ESTHER study revealed a lower risk of succumbing to disease when the serum levels of vitamin D levels are adequate. In addition, previously published findings show that people with higher vitamin D levels have lower risks of all degenerative diseases, including cancer. The rising rate of cancer can be tied to lifestyle choices, including the avoidance of sunlight. Unfortunately, in these “modern” times, sunlight exposure goes largely underappreciated in preventing cancer or ensuring survival success – once diagnosed. Even the American Cancer Society sees the correlation between healthy vitamin D levels and better outcomes in breast cancer. They reported that women with a deficiency of vitamin D had a 73 percent decrease in survival. Patients diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 percent more likely to survive with sufficient vitamin D levels. In addition, many studies have found that patients with high vitamin D levels were more likely to have thinner skin cancer tumors. When will the insanity stop? We tell people to avoid the sun – essential for life; feed them toxic food, and legally sell cancer-causing (chemical-laced) sunblock. Yet, we still wonder why cancer rates are so high? Educate Yourself About the Best Sources for Vitamin D Being exposed to the sun, your skin will synthesize vitamin D3 sulfate – the best form of vitamin D. One of the best vegetarian sources is mushrooms, with shitake having the most vitamin D. Other foods rich in vitamin D are fish like sardines, herring, grass-fed beef liver, Atlantic cod, and raw dairy. And, yes, supplementing with high-quality cod liver oil is another good choice. Getting to know your 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is crucial to surviving a cancer diagnosis and ensuring that any supplement you take is “vitamin D3” – not D2. And remember, if your primary care physician is in the dark about the value of vitamin D – then get another doctor. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov HowStuffWorks.com MedicalNewsToday.com To read the original article click here.

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Pre-Infection Low Vitamin D Associated with Severe Covid

AHA Publisher — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 07:00:12 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – Over a year and a half into the Covid crisis, most of us have already heard about the link between vitamin D deficiency and the coronavirus. But while previous research mostly measured vitamin D levels once patients were already sick, a new Israeli study shows that even pre-infection vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased Covid-19 severity and mortality. The study, conducted by researchers from Bar-Ilan University and its affiliate Galilee Medical Center, searched for vitamin D levels in the records of people with positive PCR tests for Covid who were admitted to the hospital between April 2020 and February 2021. It was recently published on MedRxiv and is now being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Of 1,176 patients admitted, 253 had vitamin D levels recorded 14 to 730 days prior to the positive test. Compared with mildly or moderately ill patients, those with severe or critical Covid were more likely to have severe pre-infection vitamin D deficiency, with levels less than 20 ng/mL. “This study can highlight the risks of vitamin D deficiency in terms of Covid-19,” said Dr. Amiel Dror, who led the study. “Vitamin D is often associated with bone health. We’ve shown that it may also play an important role in other disease processes, such as infection.” “It is still unclear why certain individuals suffer severe consequences of Covid-19 infection while others don’t,” added co-author Prof. Michael Edelstein. “Our finding adds a new dimension to solving this lingering puzzle.” This does not necessarily mean that giving vitamin D to Covid patients will decrease the risk of severe disease, the researchers note. However, it does underscore the need to understand how to mitigate the effect of vitamin D deficiency. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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