Doctors and nurses need to ‘bust the myth’ that cancer patients should simply rest to recover. The new ‘wonder drug’ for cancer patients is exercise. A charity in the UK, The Macmillan Cancer Support, cites research that found that people who took regular exercise had:
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about 40% lower risk of breast cancer returning
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about 50% lower risk of colon cancer returning or dying of colorectal cancer
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about 30% lower risk of men dying from prostate cancer
Vitamin D is such a cool vitamin since it can be synthesized in the body with a little help from sunlight. Today, is actually the perfect weather to go outside and soak up some vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a steroid vitamin, a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones, which encourage the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. It is assumed that people who are exposed to normal amounts of sunlight don’t need vitamin D supplements. However, data collected in Miami, Florida where sun exposure is high showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Some common reasons include: sun block, clothing, skin colour and age.
How It’s Made
People obtain vitamin D from sun exposure, food and supplements. It is biologically inert and has to undergo two chemical reactions to become active in the body. The active form of vitamin D in the body is called Calcitriol (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol).
Five forms of vitamin D have been discovered.
Vitamin D1, D2, D3, D4, D5. The two forms that are well-known to the public are vitamins D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol).
- Vitamin D2, (ergocalcifero - made from ergosterol)
Vitamin D2 is produced by invertebrates (animals without a spine), fungus and plants in response to sunlight. Humans and other vertebrates do not produce vitamin D2. Ergosterol is a good absorber of ultraviolet radiation, which can damage DNA, RNA and protein; consequently many scientists believe it may serve as a sunscreen that protects organisms from sunlight damage.
- Vitamin D3, (cholecalciferol- made from 7-dehydrocholesterol)
Vitamin D3 is made in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with sunlight
People require 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week on the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen with a greater than 3 UV index for adequate amounts of vitamin D3. Longer exposure results in the extra vitamin supply being degraded as fast as it is generated.
Benefits of Vitamin D
The best-known role of vitamin D is a member of a large cast of nutrients and hormones that interact to regulate blood clacium and phosphorous levels
It is an immune system regulator
May help maintain a healthy body weight
Various studies have shown that poeple with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to people with insufficient or deficient level
May help maintain blood pressure
Vitamin D & Nutrition
Not that many foods contain vitamin D. Some fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, as well as fish liver oils are considered to be the best sources. Some vitamin D is also present in beef liver, cheese and egg yolks. Most of these are Vitamin D3. Some mushrooms provide variable amounts of vitamin D2.
Most of the food source vitamin D in the western diet comes from fortified foods - where vitamin D is artificially added.
Vitamin D & Supplementation
Over the last few hundred years human lifestyles have changed. The industrial revolution resulted in more indoor work and less exposure to sunlight. Many societies around the world wore more clothing over the centuries, further reducing skin exposure to sunlight. These changes have brought with them a significant reduction in the natural production of vitamin D and subsequent diseases.
There is so many vitamin D supplements on the market. To help you make the right choice, you should first find out what your blood level is and get your vitamin D measured either at NutriChem or your general physician. After understanding your results, pick up the recommended dosage to help you obtain optimal health. You can talk to our Nutritionistsat NutriChem to help you get the necessary amount of vitamin D for your body.
References:
1. Grosvenor M. and Smolin, L.(2002)Nutrition From Science to Life, Harcout College Publications, pgs 241-245
2. Levis S, Gomez A. et al. (2005) Vitamin D Deficiency and Seasonal Variation in an Adult South Florida Population, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology.
3. Vitamin D (Calcitriol) http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/otherendo/vitamind.html
Ugh – mood swings, depression, anxiety, food cravings, fatigue, bloating and general aches – don’t you just love those premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms? PMS is a frequent topic of conversation when women get together. Comparing symptoms and notes about how their partner irritates them while downing some chocolate in the hope that it relives all pain is the typical pattern that occurs at least once every month. The good news is that scientific sense can be made of PMS. Research shows biochemical changes in the brain (serotonin, endorphins and dopamine) that affect women’s moods during their monthly cycle. Even better news is that preventative measure can be taken to minimize symptoms, improve immune functioning and help you feel better – whether you suffer a little or a lot every month.
Carnitine is a nutrient that is often marketed as a “fat burner” as well as a “performance enhancer” (in regards to physical activity). Carnitine is formed from the amino acids lysine and methionine and plays a critical role in energy production. From the sounds of it, carnitine sounds like a miracle pill for some people. Let's take a closer look....
There has been so much media hype over Raspberry Ketones and their ability to shred pounds off your body. If you’re a Dr. Oz fan, you’ve likely heard him discussing the health benefits of raspberry ketones. This supplement trend has quickly spread – much like with acai a few years ago. But what makes raspberry ketones different from other weight loss supplements? I’m looking for scientific research to give Raspberry Ketones the official stamp of awesome!
The choices for supplements are seemingly endless. But before you go crazy looking for the right additions to your diet, take a look at the basics, like protein powder.
Beginning a fitness regimen can be an intimidating experience. There are thousands of products that all claim to help you get big or get little, depending on your goals. While any number of these products may indeed help you reach your goals, your initial supplement purchase should be a high quality protein powder
Even if you aren't a gym regular, adding a protein supplement can still be of benefit to you. Although the name"protein powder" may not have a tasty connotation, the supplement industry now creates products that taste just as good as that vanilla milkshake from the local burger joint. So, don't be worried about having to choke it down.
Now that we've put the taste issue to bed, consider these five reasons you should include a protein supplement in your diet:
When people talk about fats, they usually think fats are unhealthy and try to avoid them. However, fats provide most of the energy needed to perform much of the body’s work. Fat tissue (adipose tissue) secretes hormones that help regulate appetite and influence other body functions. It also serves to protect your organs and insulate your body from extreme temperature.
Now, everyone knows that coconut is high in saturated fat. Yet, recent studies have re-evaluated this botanical fruit (not nut) and studies have shown that coconut contains medium-chain fatty acid, also known as medium-chain triglycerides – MCT. MCT is unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health-giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble substance that is found naturally in the body and is important for its role in energy metabolism. CoQ10 is found in almost every cell in the body, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. CoQ10 is well known for its ability to support cardiovascular health, slow atherosclerosis, prevent heart attacks, and lower blood pressure.
If you live for 65 years or longer, you will have consumed more than 70,000 meals and your remarkable body will have disposed of 50 tons of food! The foods you choose have cumulative effects on your body. So, how can you recognize a nutritious diet? Check out 5 characteristics for a diet must!
Hey NutriChem Followers!
Yesterday we held a Vega-One demo in the store! Samples of the all the flavours (berry, chocolate, vanilla chai and original) were going like hot cakes! Staff and clients were so impressed with this product not because it’s gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free but it tastes so delicious as well!
What’s New with Vega One?
Vega is even better than before with an improved taste and texture, superior nutritional profile and better digestibility! Vega One is the result of extensive research on each ingredient to make sure it’s good for your body and the planet. Vega-One Nutritional Shake is the clean, plant-based choice to fuel your healthy, active lifestyle. Vega-One is a convenient, all-in-one supplement packed with:
- 50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals
- 15 g of protein
- 6 g fibre
- Antioxidants
- 1.5 g Omega-3s
- Probiotics and
- Greens
The Vega-One is a great product for everyone, including children. It’s good for you and taste goo too! So, whenever you need a quick and easy meal, all you need to do is add a scoop of Vega-One and mix with water, or non-dairy beverage or juice, shake and enjoy! It’s that simple!
“It all starts with a scoop” –Vega Team
Hey NutriChem followers! I have a couple of questions for you today…
Do you find it hard to lose weight?
Do you sometimes have joint or muscle aches or pains?
Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines?
Do you suffer from bloating?
Do you sweat a lot and have a strong body odour?
OK, ok… a couple of questions turned into a few, but if you answered yes then you may want to read on!
Listen up generation X & Y, it’s time to get back into bed and go to sleep. Insufficient sleep is being called a ‘global epidemic’. Recent research suggests that 35% of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 and 61% of adults get fewer than 8 hours of sleep a night.
For a number of people the smell of bacon and eggs frying causes the mouth to water. Others just need a quick breakfast fix such as an muffin or Waffle that will get them through the morning rush. What if I tell you that you’ll be craving something sugary by mid-morning to help you get the extra boost in energy.
When you eat simple carbs or sugar, all of the ingested sugar quickly rushes into your bloodstream. You typically feel a quick rush of energy. Your body reacts to this sudden spike in blood sugar by having your pancreas produce additional insulin to remove excess sugar from your blood. And for the moment you have significantly lower blood sugar as a result of the insulin doing its job, resulting in a sense of needing more fuel, more energy and more calories. And as you hit that residual low blood sugar, you begin to crave more and more simple sugars initiating the downward spiral of sugar cravings.
A breakfast high in protein can give you the perfect start to your day. Protein can be a great way to fuel, help stabilize your blood glucose levels and prepare you for any physical and mental challenges throughout your day.
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