8 Great Sources of Iodine

8 Great Sources of Iodine

A healthy diet is a great way to ensure you receive a good balance of the nutrients your body requires, including iodine — and you need to make sure you always have enough iodine. Your thyroid depends on it http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33540 to function and it is the primary element of two essential hormones that regulate metabolic function. Without it, a myriad of problems can occur, including hypothyroidism http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33674 and reductions in energy.



What are some of the best sources of iodine? http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33650 In this case, the best place to start is the sea…

1. Sea Vegetables

Oceans contain most of the world’s naturally occurring iodine. As a result, many of the edible plants we harvest from our saltwater seas also contain healthy values of iodine. Dulse Seaweed, Kelp, Kombu, Nori, Sea Palm and Wakame contain iodine. [1] [2] Although these sea veggies offer varying amounts of iodine, they still top the list as one of the best sources for naturally occurring iodine.

2. Seafood

It’s important to be aware of the presence of toxic metals in some fish… unfortunate but true. And, depending on your diet, you may not even eat fish. But, if you do, wild caught, deep water fish like Cod, as well as shellfish and shrimp also offer healthy values of iodine.

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3. Eggs

Same goes for eggs, not on everyone’s plate http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32129 but it is worth mentioning that this nutrient powerhouse has been recommended for pregnant women and young children specifically for its iodine content. [3] One egg contains nearly 16% of the recommended daily value of iodine. Cage-free, organic, and vegetarian fed are a must. If you’ve got a yard, give a thought to even getting your own chickens.

4. Organic Dairy

Not everyone consumes dairy but some people do, for those folks, do know that one cup of milk contains more than one-third of the recommended daily value of iodine. Yogurt and cheese also contain iodine. Cheese contains a lower value of iodine per serving; however, one cup of yogurt contains more iodine than a cup of milk – 50% of the recommended daily value! [1] Recent studies have found that individuals who regularly consume dairy receive good iodine supplementation. [4] This is one choice especially where organic is a must, and preferably raw.

5. Strawberries

These delicious summer berries provide a surprising source of dietary iodine. One cup of strawberries will provide 10% of the daily value. Plus, they have a good amount of vitamin C too!

6. Prunes

Constipated? Eat some prunes. But more than that, prunes offer a lot more than fiber. Like strawberries, prunes provide a healthy serving of iodine and other powerful nutrients in an easy to digest form.



7. Spinach and Dark Leafy Greens

Spinach, turnip greens and swiss chard have been specifically noted for their dietary iodine values. [5] These nutrient dense veggies also offer a highly bioavailable food source for easy digestion.

8. Dietary Supplements

If you’re not getting enough iodine in your diet, for crying out loud, do not simply shrug it off as a loss. Iodine deficiencies can cause problems and it’s so easy to avoid that mess. A nascent iodine (the best) supplement like Detoxadine is easy to add to your daily routine and does not cost a lot. Regardless if you choose Detoxadine or another product, be sure that you select a product that offers the most bioavailable materials. There are many fine products available, but there are also supplements that have been created in a lab and include artificial versions of nutrients — versions the human body may not recognize as well.

Eat these foods, take a supplement if you need one, and make sure you get enough iodine to keep your thyroid healthy and your metabolism charged!

GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/oDRd40VK5PY

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



References:

1. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

2. Whole Foods Market. Sea Veggies http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/food-guides/sea-veggies. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

3. Ruxton C. Value of eggs during pregnancy and early childhood http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23505895. Nurs Stand. 2013 Feb 13-19;27(24):41-50; quiz 51.

4. Perrine CG, Sullivan KM, Flores R, Caldwell KL, Grummer-Strawn LM. Intakes of Dairy Products and Dietary Supplements Are Positively Associated with Iodine Status among U.S. Children http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700343. J Nutr. 2013 Jul;143(7):1155-60. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.176289. Epub 2013 May 22.

5. University of Maryland Medical Center. Iodine http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/iodine. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

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The Truth About Male Menopause

The Truth About Male Menopause

Menopause isn’t a subject most guys are interested in. Hormonal imbalances, hot flashes, night sweats — that’s all woman stuff… right? Wrong! Sorry men, there is more than a mountain of evidence to show that the phase of life sometimes dubbed “puberty in reverse” affects both women AND men. Many men are finding out the hard way that a general decline in sexual, physical, and mental activity is more of a reality than they anticipated. Guys, take a knee — it’s time to set the record straighthttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33059 and have “the talk” about male menopause.



What is Male Menopause?

Male menopause is the age-related decline of hormone production and activity. [1] This brings on a spectrum of physical changeshttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33061 — decline in muscle mass, loss of libido, and decreased growth hormone and testosterone secretion. Testosterone deficiency can be a cause of erectile dysfunction http://bit.ly/treatment-for-ed. Low testosterone is also significantly correlated with a depressed mood and an accumulation of central and upper body fat. [2] And that’s all described as a “normal” part of aging http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=113&t=33740. For men whose health isn’t the best or who suffer from chronic illnesses, the effects can be even worse. The combination of age, health status, and lifestyle factors all impact the onset and severity of male menopause symptoms. [3]

The History of Male Menopause

It’s not, nor has it ever been, a secret that middle-aged women endure an inevitable part of aging known as menopause… and that’s typically where the conversation ends. Now, however, male menopause, also known as “manopause” http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33625, has become mainstream news due to an explosion of research into the subject. But, it’s not new news.

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Writers in the nineteenth and early twentieth century wrote frequently about menopause in an effort to dispel its mysterious aura. They encouraged middle-aged women and their husbands to view it as a phase that would open the door to a more fulfilling stage of life. These same writers often compared female menopause to similar issues that men experience and attempted to portray “male menopause” in an optimistic light. [4] Call me crazy, but it doesn’t sound like a chat that would appeal to most men.

Turns out, it didn’t. Although male menopause is referenced in medical texts from the late 1930’s to 1950’s, it virtually disappeared from the medical field’s radar until the 1990’s when the subject was revived. [5]

When Does Male Menopause Happen?

Unlike female menopause which may be marked by “firm” stop and start times, male menopause is much more of a gradual process that can go on for years, even decades. [6] Although it’s rare, andropause can affect some men as early as their 20’s http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=29361. However, it’s much more common in men age 30-75 for whom testosterone levels drop up to 50%. In fact, at least half of men older than 50 suffer low levels of testosterone.

Associated Health Problems

Physical changes from andropause aren’t limited to embarrassing sexual problems http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33062. In fact, that might be the least of it. Coronary heart disease, for example, has been linked to lower testosterone levels. [7] And, although there is a significant need for further research, the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing warns that male menopause is one of a few conditions that may increase a man’s risk for developing breast cancer. Yes, breast cancer — another condition thought to only affect women. Guys, it’s time to wake up! [8]

What Can Be Done?

Some research shows that testosterone supplementation can increase muscle mass, strength, and lower cholesterol levels. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. Testosterone supplements have been linked to serious health problems, including heart damage. [9] In my opinion, they’re completely not worth the risk.



Honestly, you don’t need them anyway. An antioxidant-rich diet, exercise http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=32294, and plenty of sleep are the most powerful ways to decrease the rate at which the body ages. The more active a man is into old age, the less of an impact male menopause is likely to have on his quality of life. Problems like decreased energy, low libido, and cognitive dysfunction can be prevented at some level by participating in a healthy lifestyle. [10] Herbs like ashwagandhahttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33047 and tribulus terrestris http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33560 may also provide additional nutritional support.

The Take Home

The research is clear: debating the existence of male menopause is not an option. But, by shining a light on andropause, we’re learning about the best ways to deal with it. Have you felt the effects of male menopause in your own life? How are you finding relief? Please leave a comment below and share with us!


by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Baker HW. Is there a male menopause? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6542350 Australian Family Physician. 1984 October;13(10):726-8.

2. Duncan C Gould, Medical Director and Richard Petty, Medical Director. The male menopause: does it exist? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070997/ The Western Journal of Medicine. August 2000; 173(2): 76-78.

3. Xia L, Zhang XS, Ye YP, Hao ZY, Zhou J, Zhang YF, Fan S, Liu JS, Liang CZ. Menopause-like symptoms among old and middle-aged males in Hefei areahttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22568213. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2012 February;18(2):150-4.

4. Featherstone M, Hepworth M. The history of the male menopause 1848-1936 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3908882. Maturitas. 1985 September;7(3):249-57.

5. Watkins ES. The medicalisation of male menopause in America http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18605334. Social History of Medicine. 2007 August;20(2):369-88.

6. McGill JJ, Shoskes DA, Sabanegh ES. Androgen deficiency in older men: indications, advantages, and pitfalls of testosterone replacement therapyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23125330. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2012 November;79(11):797-806. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.79a.12010.

7. Channer KS, Jones TH. Cardiovascular effects of testosterone: implications of the “male menopause”? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12527649. Heart. 2003 February;89(2): 121-2.

8. Leonard B. Women’s conditions occurring in men: breast cancer, osteoporosis, male menopause, and eating disorders http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159186. Nursing Clinics of North America. 2004 June;39(2):379-93.

9. Mulligan T, Godschalk M. Male menopause http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15010708. Drugs Today (Barc). 1998 May;34(5):455-61.

10. Mitsiades N, Correa D, Gross CP, Gross CP, Hurria A, Slovin SF. Cognitive effects of hormonal therapy in older adults. Seminars in Oncologyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19027461. 2008 December;35(6):569-81. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2008.08.002.

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Why Cancer in One Breast May Affect the Other

Why Cancer in One Breast May Affect the Other

Researchers say they have found a way to better calculate the risk a woman with cancer in one breast has of developing tumors in the other breast.



The chances of developing cancer in a second breast, known as contralateral breast cancer, increases once a tumor has been found in one breast. And certain factors, such as a family history of breast cancer http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/breastcancer.php, further increase this risk, prompting some women to opt for preventative surgery.
However, there are no foolproof predictors. 
But in a study by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, three independent risk factors were found in women who had cancer in both breasts:
• Having cancer cells with certain invasive characteristics. 
• Having cancer in more than one quadrant of the breast. 
• Having a five-year risk of 1.67 percent or greater on a standardized breast cancer risk assessment tool that's based on what is known as the "Gail model." Designed for women without breast cancer, the model incorporates a woman's medical history, age, race and other characteristics. 
The study, published in the March 1 issue of Cancer, also found a greater risk for women who are initially diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or older or who have additional moderate- to high-risk cells in their affected breast.

More information
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more about breast cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast

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7 Important Functions of Vitamin B12

7 Important Functions of Vitamin B12

It’s estimated nearly 40% of the American population suffers from B12 levels that are too low. [1] With low B12 levels, your brain doesn’t work quite right and more often than not you’re suffering from chronic fatigue http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=33587. But vitamin B12 does more than just support healthy energy levels. Its multiplexity of functionality is mirrored in its wide range of health benefits. The question is, are you getting enough?



The Seven Most Important Functions of Vitamin B12

Many people receive vitamin B12 injections on a regular basis to provide a boost in their energy levels. While it’s true that B12 does support energy, that’s not the entire picture. Here’s 7 functions of vitamin B12 and why you need this crucial nutrient.



1. Supports Energy

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in how your body creates energy http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32914. It keeps your cells fed, happy, and healthy. Without it, your cells get hungry and you feel weak, tired, and like you’re dragging all the time. The nutrient releases energy into the cell and provides you with the appropriate balance you need for thinking and moving throughout your day.



2. Protects the Heart

Your heart and entire cardiovascular system http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=106&t=32685 needs B12. One of its jobs is to remove a dangerous protein called homocysteine from the blood. If homocysteine is allowed to roam through blood, it damages your arteries leading to inflammationhttp://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33403 and heart disease. Get enough B12 and you’ll keep homocysteine levels down and your heart happy.

3. Your Bones Need It

Studies have found patients with osteoporosis http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=32424 have higher levels of homocysteine and low levels of B12 than people with strong, healthy bones. [2] Could B12 be a viable adjunct to future osteoporosis approaches? If you suffer from osteoporosis or similar bone issues, speak to your doctor about getting your vitamin B12 levels tested.

4. Prevents Nerve Damage

Your nerves have a protective covering to keep them safe from toxins and free radicals in your blood. Without these coverings, called myelin sheaths, exposed nerves get damaged and may even die. These dead nerves disrupt signals to and from the brain and may play a role in nerve-related conditions. Vitamin B12http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33585 supports the way your body replenishes this protective covering.

5. Improves Mood and Outlook

Your brain uses a chemical called serotonin to regulate your mood. If you aren’t getting enough B12, you may find yourself feeling down. One study of diabetic patients experiencing side effects of depression from Metformin found those who took B12 enjoyed a more positive outlook. [3]

6. Protects Brain Health

Researchers have noted Alzheimer’s patients have much lower levels of B12 than those of a similar age who have sharp, clear memory. In the same way B12 helps protect nerve cells, it helps protect the myelin sheaths of brain cells that are often lacking in Alzheimer’s patients. Some research suggests that cobalamin deficiency may cause a type of dementia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=32005 in elderly patients that is in fact reversible with the right nutritional intervention. [4]

7. Keeps You Looking and Feeling Young

Aging happens when your cells begin to wear and tear, and they age faster when your DNA doesn’t replicate correctly. Many factors can affect DNA replication, like free radicals, toxins in the blood, high blood sugar, and high levels of omega-6 fats in your diet. B12 supports DNA health, thereby keeping your cells younger. And when your cells are young, you look and feel young too.

Do you take vitamin B12? What difference has it made in your life? Share your experiences below!

GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B-12
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/C4CuwUV0k20



by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Judy McBride. B12 Deficiency May Be More Widespread Than Thought http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000802.htm. United States Department of Agriculture.

2. Ebesunun MO, Umahoin KO, Alonge TO, Adebusoye LA. Plasma homocysteine, B vitamins and bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a possible risk for bone fracturehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25335377. Afr J Med Med Sci. 2014 Mar;43(1):41-7.

3. Biemans E1, Hart HE, Rutten GE, Cuellar Renteria VG, Kooijman-Buiting AM, Beulens JW. Cobalamin status and its relation with depression, cognition and neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using metformin http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25315630. Acta Diabetol. 2014 Oct 15.

4. Osimani A, Berger A, Friedman J, Porat-Katz BS, Abarbanel JM. Neuropsychology of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly demential patients and control subjectshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15681626. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2005 Mar;18(1):33-8.


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Poor Sleep Tied to Incontinence, Impotence

Poor Sleep Tied to Incontinence, Impotence

Two studies find links between sleep apnea and ED, and restless nights and urinary problems.



Sleep problems http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=120&t=15287 are associated with erectile dysfunctionhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ee/erectiledysfunction.php and urologic conditions such as incontinence, according to the results of two new studies.

The first study examined the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ss/sleepapnea.php and erectile dysfunction. OSA is a disorder that occurs during sleep, in which a person's upper airway temporarily collapses, causing them to stop breathing. The study included 870 men with an average age of 47.3 years and an average body mass index of 30.2, which is considered obese.

Health screening found that 63 percent of the men had OSA, 5.6 percent had a history of diabetes, and 29 percent had a history of smokinghttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/addictionnicotin.php.

After they adjusted for age and other health conditions, the researchers found that men with erectile dysfunction were more than twice as likely to have OSA than those without erectile dysfunction. And the more severe the erectile dysfunction, the greater the likelihood of having OSA, the investigators noted. The finding suggests that men with erectile dysfunction should be screened for OSA, said the researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

The second study found that sleep problems precede certain urologic conditions, such as urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms, and the need to get up during the night to urinate (nocturia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33633).

Researchers at New England Research Institutes, Inc. in Watertown, Mass., followed-up with 1,610 men and 2,535 women for five years, assessing sleep disturbances and the development of urologic symptoms.

The investigators found that short sleep duration among men and restless sleep among men and women was strongly associated with the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/uu/urinarytractinfection.php (8 percent among men and 13 percent among women). Incidences of urinary incontinence and nocturia were associated with restless sleep among women but not men, according to the researchers.

Both studies were scheduled to be presented to the media Saturday during a special press conference at the American Urological Association's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

"We know that proper amounts of sleep and quality of sleep can impact a wide range of health conditions, including erectile function http://bit.ly/treatment-for-ed and lower urinary tract symptoms," AUA spokesman Dr. Kevin T. McVary said in an association news release. "These data may help us better assess how helping patients modify their sleep patterns may help improve their health and overall quality of life."

Because these studies were presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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