Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 If this has already been posted, please forgive me! susan Warm in the Tropics Health Sciences Institute e-Alert January 26, 2004 ************************************************************** Dear Reader, For most of us, some tropical warmth sounds pretty nice right now. But there's a lot more than just warmth in that nurturing sunlight. About 50 years ago scientists began to recognize an intriguing pattern. Consistently higher rates of chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), hypertension, and several types of cancer were recorded among people who lived outside of the tropical and subtropical latitudes nearest the equator. From this observation, researchers eventually concluded that the higher intake of vitamin D through sunlight provided protection against some diseases. But even though this hypothesis about the protective effects of vitamin D have been known for some time, no prospective studies have tested vitamin D as a preventive agent against MS. Until now, that is. -------------------------------------------------------------- Nurses on call -------------------------------------------------------------- In this month's issue of the journal Neurology, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health reported on a study that used records from two phases of the Nurses' Health Study. The diets and multivitamin use for nearly 190,000 women were followed for a period of 20 years during phase one (accounting for approximately half of the women), and 10 years in phase two. A total of 173 cases of MS were reported. An analysis of the complete data showed two significant results: * Women who had the highest intake of supplementary vitamin D, had a 40 percent reduced risk of developing MS compared with women who used no supplements at all. * Risk of developing MS was not reduced for women who had vitamin D intake from food sources, but took no supplements. This is the first study of its kind to assess MS risk with vitamin D intake, so further research will be necessary to confirm the conclusion that supplements may significantly reduce risk. Also, because of the nature of the available data, this study was unable to determine the effects that sunlight exposure might have on MS risk. Nevertheless, the lead author of the study, Dr. Kassandra Munger, told BBC News, "It's exciting to think something as simple as taking a multivitamin could reduce your risk of developing MS." The women who benefited from supplement use all had a minimum intake of 400 IU of vitamin D each day. -------------------------------------------------------------- Treatment follows -------------------------------------------------------------- In addition to prevention, vitamin D may also be an essential element in the treatment of MS after the disease has been diagnosed. In a small study in the mid-80s, researchers followed 10 MS patients for two years while they took daily supplements of vitamin D (5,000 IU), calcium (1,000 mg), and magnesium (600 mg). During the testing period, the subjects kept detailed records of their disease activity. When these records were compared to each of their personal histories, noting frequency of aggravation from MS symptoms, results showed a clear decline in the rate of disease activity after supplementation began. Obviously, further studies are needed here also, but this study confirmed earlier trials that showed similar results using laboratory animals. -------------------------------------------------------------- Blocked sun -------------------------------------------------------------- Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease, and additional studies have shown that people who live in areas furthest from the equator tend to be at higher risk from other auto-immune diseases as well. In the November 2003 issue of Nutrition and Healing, V. , M.D., discussed the importance of supplementing with vitamin D. Dr. noted that during the late fall, winter, and early spring, UVB rays from sunlight don't penetrate earth's atmosphere in non-tropical latitudes. So even if you're an avid skier and spend a good amount of each week on the slopes, you still won't get much, if any, vitamin D from sunlight. The "cut off" latitude is approximately 35 degrees. If you draw a line from Los Angeles to Charlotte, NC, just about everyone north of that line can be considered vitamin D deficient during the cold months of the year. For those who can't get enough sun, Dr. recommends supplementing with 2,000-3,000 IU of vitamin D every day. He also suggests that those over the age of 35 should consider taking as much as 4,000 IU daily to help prevent osteopenia, a decrease in bone density that's a precursor of osteoporosis. If these levels sound high, they are by previous standards. But within the past few years, research has shown that the safe daily upper limit of vitamin D is 10,000 IU. In short: It's hard to get too much of this good thing. Warm in the Tropics Health Sciences Institute e-Alert January 26, 2004 ************************************************************** Dear Reader, For most of us, some tropical warmth sounds pretty nice right now. But there's a lot more than just warmth in that nurturing sunlight. About 50 years ago scientists began to recognize an intriguing pattern. Consistently higher rates of chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), hypertension, and several types of cancer were recorded among people who lived outside of the tropical and subtropical latitudes nearest the equator. From this observation, researchers eventually concluded that the higher intake of vitamin D through sunlight provided protection against some diseases. But even though this hypothesis about the protective effects of vitamin D have been known for some time, no prospective studies have tested vitamin D as a preventive agent against MS. Until now, that is. -------------------------------------------------------------- Nurses on call -------------------------------------------------------------- In this month's issue of the journal Neurology, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health reported on a study that used records from two phases of the Nurses' Health Study. The diets and multivitamin use for nearly 190,000 women were followed for a period of 20 years during phase one (accounting for approximately half of the women), and 10 years in phase two. A total of 173 cases of MS were reported. An analysis of the complete data showed two significant results: * Women who had the highest intake of supplementary vitamin D, had a 40 percent reduced risk of developing MS compared with women who used no supplements at all. * Risk of developing MS was not reduced for women who had vitamin D intake from food sources, but took no supplements. This is the first study of its kind to assess MS risk with vitamin D intake, so further research will be necessary to confirm the conclusion that supplements may significantly reduce risk. Also, because of the nature of the available data, this study was unable to determine the effects that sunlight exposure might have on MS risk. Nevertheless, the lead author of the study, Dr. Kassandra Munger, told BBC News, " It's exciting to think something as simple as taking a multivitamin could reduce your risk of developing MS. " The women who benefited from supplement use all had a minimum intake of 400 IU of vitamin D each day. -------------------------------------------------------------- Treatment follows -------------------------------------------------------------- In addition to prevention, vitamin D may also be an essential element in the treatment of MS after the disease has been diagnosed. In a small study in the mid-80s, researchers followed 10 MS patients for two years while they took daily supplements of vitamin D (5,000 IU), calcium (1,000 mg), and magnesium (600 mg). During the testing period, the subjects kept detailed records of their disease activity. When these records were compared to each of their personal histories, noting frequency of aggravation from MS symptoms, results showed a clear decline in the rate of disease activity after supplementation began. Obviously, further studies are needed here also, but this study confirmed earlier trials that showed similar results using laboratory animals. -------------------------------------------------------------- Blocked sun -------------------------------------------------------------- Multiple sclerosis is an auto-immune disease, and additional studies have shown that people who live in areas furthest from the equator tend to be at higher risk from other auto-immune diseases as well. In the November 2003 issue of Nutrition and Healing, V. , M.D., discussed the importance of supplementing with vitamin D. Dr. noted that during the late fall, winter, and early spring, UVB rays from sunlight don't penetrate earth's atmosphere in non-tropical latitudes. So even if you're an avid skier and spend a good amount of each week on the slopes, you still won't get much, if any, vitamin D from sunlight. The " cut off " latitude is approximately 35 degrees. If you draw a line from Los Angeles to Charlotte, NC, just about everyone north of that line can be considered vitamin D deficient during the cold months of the year. For those who can't get enough sun, Dr. recommends supplementing with 2,000-3,000 IU of vitamin D every day. He also suggests that those over the age of 35 should consider taking as much as 4,000 IU daily to help prevent osteopenia, a decrease in bone density that's a precursor of osteoporosis. If these levels sound high, they are by previous standards. But within the past few years, research has shown that the safe daily upper limit of vitamin D is 10,000 IU. In short: It's hard to get too much of this good thing. ************************************************************** BREATHE DISEASE OUT OF YOUR BODY Learn how to breathe disease out of your body using techniques found in Healing with Ki-Kou. This book details a system of breathing techniques combined with simple body postures, handed down for centuries by traditional Chinese doctors. These powerful techniques use the principle of chi, considered by Eastern disciplines to be the energy source that carries life through your body. Put a stop to colds, viruses, ulcers, heart disease, arthritis, headaches, and discomfort from menopause with this easy to follow step by step breathing guide, visit: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/SCBB/W600E130/home.cfm ************************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealert/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. ************************************************************** ... and another thing How to quit smoking... Part One. In a note about treating emphysema with vitamin A (see the e-Alert " Attack of the Vapors " 1/6/04), I mentioned that I quit smoking a few years ago. This piqued the curiosity of an HSI member who sent an e-mail with this question: " admitted to being an ex-smoker. I was wondering what the consensus was on quitting smoking and how. " Obviously, there are many methods out there... from patches to herbs to acupuncture. The common thread to success in any of them is trying it when you're ready. My mother offered me $1,000 to quit smoking and I told her " no. " A week later, I decided to quit on my own. I didn't get the money, and it didn't matter; I was ready to stop. The key to my success in quitting came through a combination of two things: Quitting with someone (my husband), and a reward system. Two days after quitting, I rewarded myself with a new lipstick. When I reached one week, I bought a new sweater. Under the system we used, the reward intervals were: 2 days; 7 days; 2 weeks; 1 month; 3 months; 6 months and a year. By the end of the year, we never actually bought our rewards because we didn't need to. One note about the rewards: they shouldn't be food or alcohol, unless it's something very special, like a bottle of Dom for your one-year anniversary. I also knew that in order to succeed I would have to commit to never smoke again - not even one puff. Having quit at least four times before (once for 18 months) I originally thought I might be able to smoke occasionally while I was out with friends or something, and then stop again, but I couldn't. This coming March will be 11 years without a cigarette. And yet I still think or dream about having a smoke almost every day. It's just that pervasive. If you've been successful in kicking the habit, send an e-mail describing the method that worked for you. Then, in an upcoming e-Alert, I'll share some other success stories. To Your Good Health, Health Sciences Institute ************************************************************** Payoff of a Lifetime A Company That Fights Cancer & Terrorism Too A Silver Bullet that conquers nature's deadliest disease is about to 'Go Public'. A small U.S. company - already raking in revenues of more than $1 billion and showing net profits of over $130 million - will post explosive gains in both sales and profits in the next few weeks. Those who own the stock are - in effect - holding a winning lottery ticket. To learn more visit: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/OXF/WOXFE147/ ************************************************************** Sources: " Vitamin D Intake and Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis " Neurology, Vol. 62, No. 1, 1/13/04, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov " Vitamin D Almost Halves Women's Risk of MS " NutraIngredients.com, 1/13/04, nutraingredients.com " Vitamin D Pills Cut MS Risk " BBC News, 1/13/04, bbc.co.uk " Vitamin D Supplementation in the Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis " Ashton F. Embry, DIRECT-MS, direct-ms.org " Multiple Sclerosis: Decreased Relapse Rate Through Dietary Supplementation With Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D " Medical Hypotheses, Vol. 21, No. 2, October 1986, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov " The Essential Nutrient You Need More Of - And How To Get It Absolutely Free " V. , M.D., Nutrition and Healing, 11/1/03, wrightnewsletter.com Copyright ©1997-2004 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. ************************************************************** Before you hit reply to send us a question or request, please visit here http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealert/questions.html ************************************************************** If you'd like to participate in the HSI Forum, search past e-Alerts and products or you're an HSI member and would like to search past articles, visit http://www.hsibaltimore.com ************************************************************** To learn more about HSI, call (203) 699-4416 or visit http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/HSI/WHSID618/home.cfm. ************************************************************** If you want to end your HSI e-Alert subscription or you need to change your e-mail address, please follow the instructions below. Your changes will be effective immediately. However, if you do not follow the instructions below and simply hit reply instead, we may not receive your request and cannot assure you that it will be completed. ******* Please note: We sent this e-mail to: <cadden263@...> because you or someone using your e-mail address subscribed to this service. ******* To manage your e-mail subscription, use our web interface at: http://www.agoramail.net/Home.cfm?List=hsiweb To cancel or for any other subscription issues, write us at: Order Processing Center Attn: Customer Service P.O. Box 925 Frederick, MD 21705 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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