Summer Skincare Recommendations for Nutrition and SPF Products

Summer Skincare Recommendations for Nutrition and SPF Products

from Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2012
by Patricia Ryan, MD, Michelle McCaslin APRN

Skin Damage From the Sun

    The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause free-radical damage to the skin.  Free-radical damage occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful reactive oxygen and the amount of anti-oxidants (chemicals which allow the body to stop free-radicals). A free-radical is defined as a molecule that has an unpaired electron. This makes the molecule unstable.  A free-radical will always search for an electron to unite with to “make it whole”; so it will borrow an electron from, say, beta-carotene. Then beta-carotene borrows an electron from Vitamin “C”, which will borrow an electron from Vitamin E, and so on. If we didn’t have anti-oxidants, the free radical damage could unravel all of our cell membranes, fracture our DNA, and cause collagen to break down. Our skin then can appear saggy, wrinkled, and can develop skin cancers. Have you noticed a slower turnover of dead skin cells, or more brown spots? Some of this is due to lack of anti- oxidants in the skin.

Diet and the Skin

     The skin uses multiple dietary nutrients to protect itself. For instance, there are different types of anti-oxidants; Coenzyme Q10, glutathione, Vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, as well as more complex molecules such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, etc. Exposure to UV light, aging, chronic chemical exposure from our environment, and too much sugar will deplete these naturally occurring anti-oxidants from the skin. If we get low on anti-oxidants, there are actually studies showing that the body will prioritize their distribution according to the need. Therefore the anti-oxidants you eat may be sent to your kidneys instead of your skin if you don’t have enough around to cover all areas where they are needed!

     Did you know that Greece (yes, sunny Greece) has one of the lowest rates of melanoma (the most aggressive type of skin cancer), and Australia has one of the highest? Could diet be the difference? Diets high in fruits and vegetables are most protective, while diets high in alcohol, red meat, fries foods, and butter allow for significantly more UV associated sun damage. Note: our red meat is now corn fed with genetically modified grain, and has lower omega 3 content. Grass fed, organic, and free range meat and dairy products will be more nutritious.

   Nutritional Recommendations to Minimize Sun Damage:

·      Beta-carotene - specifically reduces melanoma risk, and works with Vitamin A, C, and E for a multiplier effect. Sources include: carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, pumpkin, spinach collard greens.

·      Lutein and Lycopene (fellow carotenoids) protect cells against both free-radical damage and genetic damage. Dietary sources of lutein include: spinach, kale, peas, brussel sprouts, zucchini, pistachios, broccoli, and corn. Lycopene is of course found in tomatoes. One study found that an oral lycopene supplement reduces the count of sunburned cells by 83%, as compared to people who took no lycopene and had the same duration of sun exposure.

·      Flavanoids and polyphenols are anti-oxidants that come from green tea, black tea, caffeine, cocoa, grape seeds, grape skins, and citrus peels.

·      Black tea and green tea protect against UVB tumors, and a component of green tea called “ECGC” reduces the frequency of DNA damage to fibroblasts (the cells which make collagen in the skin) that are exposed to both UVA and UVB over time. So drink your green tea!

·      Citrus peel flavanoids (Oranges, limes, lemons) protect against squamous cell carcinoma.

·      Resveratrol inhibits skin cancers produced by UVA light.

·      Vitamin C helps preserve stores of your more potent anti-oxidants such as glutathione, reduces UV redness, and protects your DNA from UV damage.

·      Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) protects against UV-induced sun damage to the fats in all of your skin cell membranes.

·      Fish oil is an omega 3 fat that supports immune function to fight cancer, important because UV radiation can induce suppression of the immune system.

·      Olive oil is an Omega 9 fat that slows signs of skin aging and protects against skin cancers.

  At Alternatives we have two supplements available containing many of the anti-oxidants and nutrients described above: Sunpal and Tanpal. Sunpal is a multi-vitamin to take throughout the summer and Tanpal offers additional support for activities in the sun. Formulated by Dr. Jonathon Wright and based on research featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition Reviews, these supplements are an option for a simple way to give your skin the nutrition it needs to help protect it in the summer months. Keep in mind these supplements go hand in hand with a healthy diet!

What About Vitamin D?

     Vitamin D is first formed in the skin. When exposed to the sun, the body uses cholesterol in the skin to make Vitamin D1. The liver then converts Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2. The kidney converts Vitamin D2 to Vitamin D3 which is the ACTIVE FORM. There is a documented deficiency of Vitamin D3 in all areas of the United States -sunny or not!

     There are multiple theories as to why Americans are deficient in Vitamin D3. The prevailing theory is that we are over-utilizing sunscreens or not getting enough sunlight.  This may be true, but it is not the full story. I have checked Vitamin D3 levels on many tanned individuals exposed to plenty of sunlight who are still deficient in Vitamin D3.

     What might be some other explanations? We need to consider that many people are on cholesterol lowering drugs, and they may not have enough cholesterol available in their skin to produce enough Vitamin D1.  Another possibility is that the cholesterol in the skin gets damaged by the UV light and thus is not available to be turned into Vitamin D1 (not enough anti-oxidants?)

     We should also examine our liver and it’s ability or lack thereof to convert Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2. There are enzyme systems in our liver that are used to remove toxins from our body. It is possible that the same liver pathway that is needed to convert Vitamin D1 to Vitamin D2 may be being used to remove chemicals such as herbicides, and pesticides. It may be that these pathways are overwhelmed and cannot do their jobs (it turns out that the liver needs anti-oxidants to perform this function). In other words, perhaps some environmental toxin requires the same enzymes in the liver to process them that would usually be used to convert Vitamin D to its active form.

     Needless to say there is more to the story of vitamin D3 that we need to further understand. What we do know is that Vitamin D3 provides essential functions in our body such as cancer prevention and bone health. For now, we should all supplement with Vitamin D3 and support our body with wonderful anti-oxidants. Since our body utilizes the sun to make the hormone Vitamin D, perhaps our Creator designed us to be in the sun -- at least some of the time!

Recommended Sunscreens

     Sunscreens keep you safe from sunburn, but do they keep you safe? Are all sunscreens the same? Are there differences in sunscreens that we should be aware of?

     SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. The Environmental Working Group said consumers should not purchase sunscreens with SPF greater than 50. "It is very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and doesn't offer a lot more protection," Leiba said. They are right. While SPF 85 may sound like a lot more protection than SPF 30, the higher the number doesn't always give a high return. Studies show that sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%. SPF 50 blocks 98%.

     Various chemicals are added into some sunscreens which are actually toxic to your body. There are also “nano” or minute forms of otherwise non toxic substances that due to their size are now toxic once absorbed into the skin along with the heat and rays from the sun.

According to Dr. Mercola, some chemicals to avoid are:

• Para amino benzoic acid
• Octyl salicyclate
• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Cinoxate
• Padimate O
• Dioxybenzone
• Phenylbenzimidazole
• Homosalate
• Sulisobenzone
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Trolamine salicyclate
• Octocrylene
• dioxybenzone
• oxybenzone

     Many sunscreens contain these chemicals, which are toxic to our skin and overall health. The Environmental Working Group has put together a "hall of shame" on their website of products to avoid and why. If you have children check out this list as some children's sunscreens contain hormone disrupting chemicals.  At Alternatives we have carefully selected skincare products that have a minimum amount of toxic chemicals or none at all and yet still offer superior sun protection compared to commercial sunscreens that contain high amounts of toxic chemicals.

Here are our some of our favorite SPF products:

Eminence Tomato Sun Cream SPF 16

This is a light summer moisturizer for normal to dry skin with additional UVA/UBC/UVC protection. Hydration of the skin will last all day due to the natural ingredients harnessed from the tomato fruit.

           

Eminence Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32

This product is for all skin types and is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB/UVC protection. Is a daily moisturizer and a natural UV blocker that hydrates with the shea butter and fragrant soothing affects of vanilla.

Eminence Topical Vanilla Body Lotion SPF 32

This offers natural SPF protection for all skin types and everyone in the family. Lotion has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Uses natural defenses of zinc and organic herbal ingredients of shea butter and vanilla that also work to hydrate and calm.

           

Eminence Organic Sun Defense tinted mineral body powder SPF 30

This product is made of simple ingredients from the Earth, no added chemicals, perfumes or dyes. Ingredients work to help heal and help skin become healthier. Suitable for men and women, minerals work well during swimming and exercise. Minerals offer a weightless physical layer of non-chemical SPF 30.

Jane Iredale Powder-Me-SPF 30

It is made with natural clay that soothes and decreases inflammation in the skin, so there is no irritation to the skin, and it provides UVB/UVA protection.

Jane Iredale Purepressed Base/ Amazing Base SPF 20

UVA medium protection made of mineral bases and algae extract that helps decrease moisture loss and protects while in the sun.

Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF 15 (5 complexion shades)

            UVA medium protection that gives a creamy coverage that looks and feels like it is barely there. Oil free made with minerals that work to minimize fine lines and pores. Lipids from sea plants are added to help improve the elasticity of the skin and also help to decrease water loss. Antioxidants also work to maximize protection from the sun’s rays.

                                                                                                                         

Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50

Ultra Shield is formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive and fair, who want a powerful and hydrating sunscreen. It is light quick absorbing sheer lotion that protects against UVA and UVB, and can be worn daily under makeup (no whitening effect). It contains antioxidants and reduces inflammation, signs of aging, and reduces risk of skin cancer. It is also very water resistant and can be worn during strenuous activities. Make sure to bring this for swimming and volleyball!

Epionce Active Shield Lotion SPF 30+
            Similar to the Ultra Shield but lower SPF and less water resistant. Suitable for moderate outdoor activities.

   We hope you enjoy your summer – including fun in the sun. All of our SPF skincare, including the products listed above, will be 20% off through June 30.  Be sure to get enough for you and your family -  and if you have any questions or concerns please call or write to us – 402-827-9450 or alternativesomaha@gmail.com. Happy Summer!

References and Online Resources:

"The Bottom Line on Sunscreens -- Which Sunscreens are the Safest?" by Dr. Mercola, from Mercola.com June 06, 2011 articles.  mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/06/do-you-know-which-sunscreen-products-to-avoid.aspx

"Now you can be safer in the Sun with the oral use of supplemental nutrients found to be photoprotective, along with the topical use of sunscreens" by Will Block from Life Extension News  http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?id=2266

The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website, featuring research and sunscreen reviews and updated in 2012 http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

From Alternatives Newsletter Spring 2010

It’s not uncommon to see young children wearing eyeglasses and it’s not what professionals would consider a serious medical condition.  It’s certainly no fun, though, for kids who value their freedom.  Nearsightedness, which is mostly due to myopia, is to blame for this.  But what if you could prevent myopia by adding vitamin D to a child’s health plan?

Vitamin D Could Make Your Kids Eyeglass Free

It’s not uncommon to see young children wearing eyeglasses and it’s not what professionals would consider a serious medical condition.  It’s certainly no fun, though, for kids who value their freedom.  Nearsightedness, which is mostly due to myopia, is to blame for this.  But what if you could prevent myopia by adding vitamin D to a child’s health plan?

Those with myopia see near objects clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurred.  When myopia occurs, the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too steep, so images are focused in the vitreous inside the eye rather than on the retina at the back of the eye. 

Mainstream eye care professionals most commonly correct myopia through the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.  The condition may also be corrected by refractive surgery, but that does come with risks and side effects.

As far back as the 1930s and 40s, Dr. Arthur Alexander Knapp demonstrated that a lack of calcium and vitamin D caused that same type of eye condition.  His pioneering research also revealed that nutrients would stabilize and even reverse myopia in adults.  (His research, however, did not determine how these results would affect young children.)

“Since then, nutritional experts have surmised that vitamin D could have these same healing effects on children’s eyes,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Alternatives’ founder.  “Some nutritionists even go so far as to say that calcium and magnesium, along with vitamin D, taken during pregnancy could actually prevent myopia in children.  There are also theories that this same trio of vitamins and minerals could even halt and reverse that eye damage,” she noted.

Sunlight has always been one important source of vitamin D.  “But I have found that vitamin D levels in my patients are low even in the summer,” Dr. Ryan said.  “The problem is not one of lack of sunshine, but the fact that the liver cannot convert vitamin D to an active state that can provide these patients with the nutrients they need to keep their eyes as well as their bodies healthy.”

Vitamin D supplementation already has shown positive results preventing other diseases, according to Dr. Ryan.  “Research among 12,000 new mothers in Scandinavia revealed that newborns given 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily for their first year of life had 80 percent less incidence of Type I diabetes 18 years later.*  That’s why the value of this vitamin shouldn’t be underestimated not only to maintain healthy eyesight but for overall health and well-being,” Dr. Ryan said.

To learn more about the effects of vitamin D, contact Alternatives at 827-9450. 

*Hypponen E., Laara E, et. al. “Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: A birth-cohort study.” Lancet 2001; 358: 1,500-1,503

Natural Remedies for Skin Cancer

Natural Remedies for Skin Cancer

From Alternatives Newsletter Fall 2008

The effects of the sun and environmental pollutants make skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.  More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.

Interesting research reveals that the summer sun isn’t always a toxic source of cancer, though.  For instance, when ultraviolet light in sunlight strikes the skin, it creates vitamin D.  Professor Johan Moan, from the Department of Physics at the University of Oslo, found in repeated studies that people diagnosed with skin cancer in the summer live longer.  “Interestingly, that was the case not only with skin cancer, but cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, lung or lymphoma,” said Dr. Patricia Ryan, founder of Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health.

“A recent English study confirmed these findings,” she added.  “Perhaps the summer climate has a treatment effect on cancer.”  Dr. Ying Zhou, a research fellow at Harvard, took the concept a step further.  He looked at total Vitamin D input from sunlight and diet.  Zhou found that early stage lung cancer patients with the highest Vitamin D input (from the summer season as well as diet) lived almost three times longer than patients with the lowest input (winter season and low diet intake.)¹.

Furthermore, Marion Berwick and her colleagues at the New Mexico Cancer Institute found malignant melanoma patients with evidence of continued sun exposure had a 60 percent mortality reduction compared with patients who did not.²

“How, when and how much Vitamin D we should take remains to be seen,” Dr. Ryan noted.  “I suppose the best answer will turn out to depend on your genes.  Look at your ancestors.  How much fish did they likely eat?  Fish is a natural source of Vitamin D, and fatty fishes (like Tuna or Salmon) contain the highest levels.  If your ancestors were from a coastal region, integrate fish into your diet.  For landlocked people, foods such as Butter, Sweet Potatoes, and Eggs; or herbs like Alfalfa, Parsley, Horsetail, and Nettle are sources of Vitamin D. 

“Seasonal dosing for Vitamin D will likely make the most sense, as opposed to a consistent dose.  Much higher doses can be tolerated well in spring and summer – especially if you spend a lot of time indoors.  Since our bodies evolved to compensate for less light in winter, lower doses in fall and winter will probably be the most beneficial.  Levels should not exceed what would be natural given your genetics, skin color (darker skin converts less Vitamin D from given amount of sunlight), and diet.  Megadosing may create unwanted imbalances due to Vitamin D’s hormone-like properties.  More needs to be studied, but so far Vitamin D is powerful, not only for building bones but for treating cancer,” she said.  Dr. Ryan can guide patients on proper dosing of Vitamin D.

Also, Dr. Ryan explained that evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil are the best sources of gamma linolenic acids, an Omega 6 fatty acid found in healthy skin cell membranes.

Another natural remedy that has been developed to fight skin cancer is BEC-5, a treatment that contains a specially purified plant extract from the Solanum Sodomaeum, the so-called Devil’s apple, which is found in the Australasia region. The extract, known as Solasodine Glycosides is also found in smaller quantities in the eggplant and aubergine.

After two decades of research and clinical trials, biochemist, Dr. Bill E. Cham, has discovered that BEC-5 when applied topically can eradicate non-melanoma skin cancers, specifically basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).  This cream also has been found effective on benign conditions such as Keratoses, Keratoacanthomas, Sun spots and Age spots.

“Dr. Cham has reported that about 70,000 Australians have cured their skin cancers with BEC-5,” Dr. Ryan noted.

Hormones Play Key Role in Osteoporosis

Under Construction:

Your Bone’s Remodeling Efforts Need Good Nutrition, Calcium and Vitamin D 

From Alternatives Newsletter November 2006

Most people don’t think of their body as a construction zone, but the truth is that bones are in a constant state of remodeling, said Dr. Robert Heaney, a Creighton University professor and one of the nation’s leading authorities on osteoporosis.

“Bones turn over 10 percent each year – they’re constantly replacing bony structures,” Dr. Heaney said.  “One of the principal reasons that bones become fragile is not simply because bone mass is low, but because the remodeling rate is high.  If a bone is flimsy and someone has lost part of that bone and at the same time they’re doing a lot of remodeling, the structures that are needed for support may be out of commission.”

And that, Dr. Heaney said, is often how osteoporosis develops and does its damage.  Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.  Left untreated, osteoporosis progresses painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine and wrist, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  Of the 10 million Americans who suffer from osteoporosis, women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease.

Dr. Heaney said that this potentially debilitating condition can be caused by many factors including lack of exercise, hormone deficiencies, heredity, vitamin D deficiency, certain medications, and too little calcium.  “What can happen with someone who does not have enough calcium and vitamin D is that the body then tries to compensate by taking calcium out of the bones,” Dr. Heaney said.

Solid nutritional intake is the first line of defense to protect against osteoporosis, Dr. Heaney said.  “Good nutrition is the key,” he said.  “Bones require adequate calcium, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus and magnesium.  Making good food choices is vital, with dairy being one of the best to prevent osteoporosis,” he said.  A bone density scan used to diagnose low bone mass and osteoporosis can be valuable at any time when you’re starting to tune in to the importance of strong bones.  “Then the results will be motivating to you,” Dr. Heaney added.

For more information about osteoporosis, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site at www.nof.org or contact Dr. Heaney at rheaney@creighton.edu.

Hormones Play Key Role in Osteoporosis

Menopause for women seems to play an important role in the development of osteoporosis, suggesting that a decrease in the hormone estrogen may explain why women appear to be more vulnerable to the disease than men, according to Dr. Patricia Ryan, founder of Alternatives: A Center of Conscious Health.

“We know that estrogen starts to shut down for many women around the age of 50, while testosterone is declining for men much more slowly.  When men’s testosterone levels become depleted, they are also at higher risk for osteoporosis,” Dr. Ryan added.

Recent scientific studies have helped to substantiate the connection between osteoporosis and hormones.  British scientists experimenting with mice believe they may have found why post-menopausal women often suffer from osteoporosis, according to findings reported in 2003.

The researchers discovered that mice lacking a key estrogen-regulating protein were unable to grow enough bone cells.  The research was expected to lead to new therapies to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

“As Dr. Heaney explained, good nutrition is so important to stop the progression toward osteoporosis,” Dr. Ryan said.  “So is avoiding sugar and alcohol, which can serve to deplete calcium from the bone as well as to upset the body’s healthy ph balance.  Balancing hormones through the addition of bioidentical hormones also can help some women prevent osteoporosis.”

In addition to bone density scans, Dr. Ryan said a urine test – the pyridinium crosslinks urine test – is available to help detect whether the body is losing bone mass.

For more information about osteoporosis, contact Dr. Ryan at Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health at 827-9450 or visit www.centerforconscioushealth.com

Flu Prevention for the Fall

The leaves and temperature are dropping - don't you drop too!  Keep your immune system strong with these preventative recommendations from Dr. Patricia Ryan and the staff of Alternatives.  Please note these are general recommendations, and intended for educational use only.  For recommendations specific to your individual health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan.

Prevention:
 1. Stay off sugars (Why? Sugars suppress the immune system for up to 5 hours after ingestion by reducing the ability of white blood cells to kill germs) more info
 2. Eat Healthy
 3. Sleep
 4. Increase Fluids - Drink at least half of your weight in ounces of water per day (more if you are sweating or exercising)
 5. Cook with Coconut Oil (for it's Anti-inflammatory/Anti-Viral properties)

Supplements to take when you have the Flu:
 1. Oscillococcinum Homeopathic medicine (most effective if taken immediately when symptoms manifest)
 2. Vitamin D3 - take 50,000u/day for up to 3 days (no more)
 3. A Mushroom Complex like Immunity Take Care by New Chapter
 4. Olive Leaf Extract
 5. Pick one of these anti-viral supplements:
     ·    Sambucus (Black Elderberry Extract)
     ·    Colloidal Silver 
     ·    Viraclear

Supplements that will boost the immune system:
 1. Take 1000mg Vitamin C every one to two hours stopping if bowel becomes upset. Recommended amount is 4-6000mg divided throughout the day
 2. 100mg Zinc per day for 1 week while you are ill
 3. Thymates - A multi-vitamin that boosts immune system and helps with fatigue - take 12 per day while sick in place of your regular multi-vitamin.

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Is Cholesterol Getting a Bad Rap?

Just a mention of the word cholesterol is enough to send shivers of fear and trepidation through the most health conscious American. After all, traditional medicine has left us with the notion that a cholesterol reading over 200 is a virtual death sentence. But then you read about the Greek Island of Crete where the average cholesterol is well over 200 and heart disease is barely a blip on the radar screen. It just doesn’t add up.

Cholesterol is actually the great healer and high cholesterol a sign that something in the body could be amiss, said Dr. Patricia Ryan, Alternatives’ founder. “The liver produces cholesterol, and it is present in nearly all parts of the body, including the brain. Enzymes convert cholesterol to vitamin D and hormones that support virtually all body functions. Levels fluctuate in response to toxins, stress and even the seasons," she said.

The body steps up to the plate to make cholesterol when healing is needed. “Cholesterol is an innocent bystander to the problems going on in the body, not the cause of them,” Dr. Ryan noted. “For example, when the liver becomes overwhelmed with chemicals it can start to produce more cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat and thus susceptible to being damaged by free radicals and toxins. Damaged cholesterol becomes a free radical that can cause inflammation."

This domino effect is often blamed on high cholesterol when, in reality, cholesterol is just trying to do its job to heal the body. So what’s the answer when you’re faced with high cholesterol results? 

The first step is to understand what is actually going on in the body. “Research shows that the standard blood tests most doctors use are outdated,” Dr. Ryan said. “New tests on the market, including the Lipoprotein Particle Profile (LPP), provide a clearer picture of what’s happening. This test, which is available at Alternatives, analyzes the size of the LDL cholesterol particles. Higher numbers of small LDL particles, for instance, presents patients with a greater risk of health problems.”

These more comprehensive tests now on the market are able to help doctors target problems and develop specific treatment plans, Dr. Ryan said. So what should patients who are concerned about their cholesterol do? “For otherwise heart healthy patients with elevated cholesterol, I don’t prescribe statin drugs, which are so popular on the market today. And I am not alone in my thinking. More doctors and researchers are questioning the benefits and examining the risks of prescribing statin drugs except among high-risk heart patients,” Dr. Ryan said. (See Do Cholesterol Drugs Do Any Good?, Bloomberg Businessweek, January 17, 2008)
 

“After a complete health analysis, the solution for many of my patients has been lifestyle changes, diet modifications including more fiber and “good fat” and supplements that serve as anti-oxidants in the body such as Vitamin D and fish oil. Don’t forget exercise and plenty of sleep.”

The road to good heart health leads back to the concept of holistic medicine, Dr. Ryan said. “If you’ve helped one part of the body you’ve helped five other areas. If you work on improving cholesterol you’ve helped your heart as well as your brain. That’s the beauty of integrative medicine. When you help one area you’re helping the entire system.”

For additional resources about cholesterol, visit the Web site of Dr. Stephen Sinatra at http://www.drsinatra.com/. For more information including an opportunity to schedule a heart healthy examination, contact Alternatives: A Center for Conscious Health at 827-9450.