Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

No one wants creaky bones, but the number of hospitalizations for osteoporosis-related fractures has increased in the United States, jumping 55% since 1995. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says more than 254,000 hospital stays are due to injuries stemming from osteoporosis.

That’s why Dr. Fuhrman made a DVD called Osteoporosis Protection for Life. In it he explains what you can do to keep your bones strong and healthy, with exercise, improved diet and supplements.

Most people mistakenly are led to believe that drugs are the answer to treating osteopenia and osteoporosis. However, studies reveal that the bisphosphonates, like Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva, and Reclast, commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, are not as effective as we have been led to believe. As more and more research data comes out about the long-term risks of these medications, we are finding out that they are more dangerous than we had previously thought.

I want to give people the information they need to put an effective plan into action. In this video, I offer my advice regarding diet, supplements, and exercise. I am joined by my wife, Lisa, and staff to demonstrate the best exercises to effectively build your strength and bone mass. We've even added a fun 15 minute workout to start you on your way. Now is the time to take control of your health destiny!

For more, here’s a preview clip of Osteoporosis Protection for Life.

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I’m a guy. I forget things, little things, like birthdays, where I left my car keys, or to put on underwear. Luckily, some soy might fix that.

According to a new study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, isoflavones in soy could help improve men’s mental function and memory.

Researchers recruited 34 healthy men and participants were given a daily dose of 116 milligrams of soy isoflavones. Then men were tested on memory, mental function and visual-spatial processing.

Data showed guys getting the soy isoflavones committed 23% fewer errors and needed 17% less time to complete tasks. So ladies, if your man is a big dummy. Go get him some soymilk.

Soy is a super food! Previous reports have found it lowers risk of breast cancer, improves heart health and helps build strong bones, but don’t go soy crazy. Dr. Fuhrman says no diet should be based on just one food, not even soy.

Via Nutra Ingredients.

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Most people mistakenly are led to believe that drugs are the answer to treating osteopenia and osteoporosis. However, studies reveal that the bisphosphonates, like Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva, and Reclast, commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, are not as effective as we have been led to believe. As more and more research data comes out about the long-term risks of these medications, we are finding out that they are more dangerous than we had previously thought.

I want to give people the information they need to put an effective plan into action. In this video, I offer my advice regarding diet, supplements, and exercise. I am joined by my wife, Lisa, and staff to demonstrate the best exercises to effectively build your strength and bone mass. We've even added a fun 15 minute workout to start you on your way. Now is the time to take control of your health destiny!

You’ll learn more in my DVD Osteoporosis Protection for Life:

• Get the best bone building exercises to do anywhere

• Build strong muscles

• Avoid high risk medications

• Learn common dietary causes of bone loss

Start building healthier, stronger bones now! Here’s a preview clip of Osteoporosis Protection for Life.

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More kudos for vitamin D! A new study in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism claims insufficient vitamin D may cause cartilage loss in knee joints. For the study, involving 880 men and women, ages 51 to 79, scientists measured blood levels of vitamin D and knee cartilage volume. And 3 years later, retesting of 353 people revealed 58% had changes in knee cartilage and worsening osteoarthritis, both men and women with low vitamin D had less knee cartilage; Reuters reports.

Vitamin D is strong medicine and we get vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Vitamin D functions as a hormone, telling our intestines to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which builds strong bones and prevents things like rickets, depression and even difficulty thinking!

In his DVD Osteoporosis Protection for Life, Dr. Fuhrman explains why vitamin D is so critical, the importance of proper diet and he demonstrates a number of bone strengthening exercises.

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Vitamin D is more effective than calcium for protecting and building bone, plus it powerfully protects against cancer. Too much calcium can actually interfere with the conversion of vitamin D into its biologically active form, but some extra calcium taken with the Vitamin D has been shown in studies to aid bone health. The main issue is that most people still take too much calcium and do not have adequate levels of vitamin D in their tissues and this places them at a dramatic increased risk of osteoporosis and other diseases. A multivitamin containing the RDA for D is simply not sufficient to bring blood levels up to the ideal range, especially as we age.

My recommended dosage of Vitamin D varies based on individual need, but my supplement Osteo-Sun is designed so most people will be in the ideal range from the intake of 3 per day, in addition to one's multivitamin. Some may require more and some may not need as much as 3, however, the amount that is right for you can best be determined by a blood test screening for vitamin D 25 hydroxy. Most people, over 80 percent, taking a typical multivitamin that contains 400 IUs of vitamin D are still deficient when tested.

I recommend that people take 2 of my Gentle Care Formula daily supplement, with 800 IUs of vitamin D, plus 3 of the Osteo-Sun. Then at some point, just to make sure the standard recommendation is right for you, have your vitamin D levels checked with a blood test. Then the supplement dose can be adjusted up or down depending on the results. Take one extra if your level is below 35 and take one less if your level is above 50.

My vitamin D supplement is designed to have most people fall in this ideal range, not too much and not too little. For those getting more daily sun exposure, generally, taking only 2 daily is adequate. Plus, it has silica for stronger bones, hair and nails! Osteo-Sun gives you the extra vitamin D you need and just the right levels of calcium and magnesium to maximize bone health. It comes in two formulas:

Osteo-Sun: Contains vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, derived from sheep wool and is the most potent and efficient form of vitamin D.

Osteo-Sun Vegan: Utilizes vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, a form of the vitamin which is obtained only from plant sources. Higher levels of vitamin D2 are used in this product to adjust for its lower hormonal activity. Even though it may have a shorter half life, in daily use, this higher dose, taken regularly, is just as effective.

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New research in the journal BMC Psychiatry claims constant sunlight may cause sleep disturbances, leading to insomnia and ultimately raising suicide risk. For the study, scientists analyzed suicides in Greenland between 1968 and 2002, finding a cluster of suicides during summer months when the days are longer. Experts speculate days of constant sunlight may cause an imbalance of brain chemicals linked to mood and when paired with lack of sleep, could be deadly; Reuters investigates.

I’d have to put tinfoil on the windows! Dr. Fuhrman told me it’s about balance. Sunlight is necessary, our bodies convert the sun’s ultraviolet rays into vitamin D, which improves bone health, but sleep is important too. When we sleep our body removes brain waste and this allows for normal function of the nervous and endocrine systems.

In related news, expectant mothers getting enough sun are more likely to have children with stronger bones and sunlight helps older people avoid depression.

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• Paulie walnuts was onto something. Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting, a new study in claims women eating a handful for walnuts each day have a significantly lower risk of breast cancer. Experts link the walnuts omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols for slower cancer growth; Reuters reports.

• Speaking of breast cancer, upcoming research in the International Journal of Cancer suggests lifetime exercise reduces death risk from breast cancer. Data on over 1,200 women with breast cancer exercising 4 hours per week over 8.3 years were 44% less likely to die from breast cancer; from Reuters.

• Lifestyle is also being tied to diabetes. New research in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveals lifestyle factors such as physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption are independently linked with the incidence of diabetes. For the study, 4,883 men and women, ages 65 and older, eating a good diet and exercising had 46% less risk of diabetes and not smoking and drinking contributed to an 82% lower risk; HealthDay News explains.

• And earlier this year, a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism claims stronger quadriceps, i.e. your thigh muscles, protects against cartilage loss in the knee, contributing to arthritis. The study involved 265 patients with knee osteoarthritis and those with the highest quadriceps strength had less knee pain and better physical function than people with weaker quads; Med Page Today reports.

• As for asthma, findings in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine show inadequate levels of vitamin D maybe associated with asthma severity and allergies. Scientists examined 616 children, ages 6 to 14 years, discovering sufficient vitamin D was inversely related to inflammation leading to asthma; via Booster Shots.

• Here’s an unsightly side effect of obesity. Discussed during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association, experts link morbid obesity with higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI). After evaluated nearly 100,000 insurance claims over a 5 year period, analysts learned greater BMI boasted the odds of being diagnosed with UTI; News Wise investigates.

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A new study in Journal of Inflammation claims polyphenols, plant nutrients that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, contained in pomegranate extract inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds, potentially preventing chronic inflammation associated with heart disease, Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, diabetes and arthritis. For the study, scientists stimulated cells to prompt an inflammatory response and then incubated the cells with pomegranate. Results showed pomegranate extract decreased pro-inflammatory reaction; Bakery and Snacks investigates.

Pomegranates are the real deal. Dr. Fuhrman calls them potent disease-fighters, especially for prostate cancer. In 2006, a study revealed men drinking pomegranate juice had better PSA scores. And pomegranates have also been found to help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetes.

In related news, the term “antioxidants” is resonating with consumers and increasing their willingness to try products including them. Maybe that’s the why the pomegranate phone is so darn cool.

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New findings in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research reveal antioxidants, such as lycopene, carotenoids and lutein, reduce the likelihood of hip fractures. The 17-year long study, involving 946 individuals, 576 Caucasian women and 370 Caucasian men with an average age of 75, found participants with the highest average intakes of all carotenoids had significantly lower risk of hip fractures, lycopene linked to the lowest risk of hip fracture and non-vertebral fracture; NutraIngredients reports.

In the past, other antioxidants found in plants, such as flavonoids, have been associated with heart health and blueberries, which are packed with nutrients like tannins, anthocyanidins and polyphenols help to prolong mental health and prevent cancer.

But be careful with the vitamins you get outside of food. Recently, a 10-year analysis of 77,000 people showed high-dose beta carotene supplements increase risk of lung cancer. Eek!

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• Not all that surprising, but a new study claims U.S. middle school students are out of shape. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine scientists determined half of 5th and 7th graders in Georgia were unable to reach minimum standards for aerobic fitness, 30% of students were overweight and 22% did not get the recommended 60 minutes exercise a day; Reuters reports.

• On the flipside, kids who get plenty of exercise have less depression. In adults, exercise releases endorphins helping people feel more upbeat, same goes for children. A study printed in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology divided overweight, sedentary kids, ages 7 to 11, into two exercise groups, one for 20 minutes a day and the other for 40 minutes, revealing as exercise increased so did the psychological benefits; via Booster Shots.

• And for women, fast-paced walking may be extra good for weight-loss. Researchers discovered women who did three shorter, fast-paced walks a week lost 5 times more belly fat than women walking at a moderate pace 5 days a week, despite both groups burning the same number of calories per workout, without dieting; from Prevention.

• More love for vitamin D. New research in the Archives of Internal Medicine found daily supplements of vitamin D may reduce the risk of various bone breaks. The study, involving 42,279 adults, ages 65 and older, linked vitamin D with a 14% lower risk of non-vertebral fractures and 9% less risk of hip fractures. However, low-dose vitamin D supplements did not decrease the chance of fracture; via NutraIngredients.

• Now this is cool. The American Psychiatric Association will end drug industry-sponsored medical seminars and continuing medical education courses, as well as phasing out meals served at the meetings paid for by drug-makers. One representative of the association said they have decided to separate their professional education from industries involved with psychiatry; The New York Times reports.

• An update on last year’s milk-melamine scandal, a Chinese court will hear the first lawsuit from a family seeking damages for a child poisoned by drinking tainted milk. The parent is seeking 31,000 yuan, or $4,538, from the now bankrupt milk-producer at the center of the scandal. In China, nearly 300,000 children were sickened by contaminated milk, with 90% of affected families accepting state-backed compensation deals; Reuters investigates.

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