Selenium and Immunity
How this trace mineral supports immune system function Winter is just around the corner – is your immune system up to snuff? (Or sniffles!) The seasonality of infectious diseases is well established,[1],[2] as any of us who have suffered from the flu can attest. All nutrients are required in greater quantity during an infection,…
Breaking Bad: Homocysteine and Aging
The role of B vitamins in cardiovascular and neurological health “If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” – Eubie Blake, American composer, upon reaching the age of 100 By now it’s widely known that high blood cholesterol levels can be harmful to our health….
Shining Light on Seasonal Depression
Natural approaches to overcoming seasonal affective disorder (SAD) As charming as I found the quad of the University in the summer, the winter semesters at my alma mater were brutal. It was cold. It was dark. It was damp. Many of my classmates looked ashen, tired, and miserable. In those dark Canadian winters I…
Selenium and Thyroid Health
A trace mineral for major benefit Sitting at the front of the neck, like a butterfly spreading its wings over the throat, the thyroid is one of the most exposed glands of the endocrine system. Controlling growth, development, and metabolism, the thyroid requires proper nutrition to function and produce hormones appropriately. The changes in…
The Case for High-Dose Iodine
Although the body doesn’t demand high doses of iodine for daily function, there is some evidence for its use For most individuals, dietary intake or supplemental iodine between the recommended dietary allowance and the upper daily limits is adequate. However, there are certain situations in which higher doses of iodine may be appropriate. Treatment…
Iodine: Essential for the Mother-To-Be
The physical and cognitive health of the developing infant depends on adequacy of this essential mineral Iodine – you may know it as the topical preparation used before surgery for the purpose of disinfecting, or as just another element learned in chemistry courses of high school or college (which you have long forgotten). However,…
Addressing Allergies: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Strategies for soothing itchy eyes and silencing sneezes Much like the majority of chronic, and even acute, health conditions we may face, there are many approaches to the treatment of allergies. The immune system is one major focus, but the health of the gut, management of environmental triggers, correction of nutritional deficiencies, and the…
From Seaweed to Salt: A Brief History and the Importance of the Mineral Iodine for Thyroid Function
Increasing rates of deficiency shed light on the importance of routine daily iodine intake The importance of iodine as a trace mineral, and appropriate use as a supplement has been a topic of debate in medical circles since the discovery of this mineral in the 1800’s. The earliest use of iodine-containing substances was prior…
Cardiovascular Health and Lipoprotein(a)
Addressing a genetic issue and supporting cardiovascular health naturally Anyone who has ever listened to his or her own heart with a stethoscope has likely found the lub-dub pattern reassuring. The rhythmic regularity of the heart at rest can lull us into meditation, much like it helps an infant go to sleep, while the…
Tocotrienols for Cardiovascular and Bone Health
Why the lesser-known tocotrienol form of vitamin E may be the one we should be studying Vitamin E has long been heralded for its many health benefits, however, the majority of this research has been focused on the tocopherol forms which are more commonly found in nature. In this interview we chat with Barrie…
The Bone and Joint Benefits of Boron
The oft neglected trace mineral and its importance for bone and joint health Meet boron, atomic number 5, “a dynamic trace element affecting an exceptionally large number of seemingly unrelated biological functions,” according to a 2017 review.[1] Despite this broad statement of the importance of boron for potentially every system in the body, study…
Movember: Taking Focus On Prostate Nutrition
Because food is medicine for EVERY part of the body It’s that time of year again. And no, we aren’t speaking of pumpkin-flavored everything, the far-too-early Christmas advertisements, or the need to scrape frost from the car windshield in the morning. It’s Movember – a movement designed to raise awareness of male health issues,…
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