Archive for June, 2009

New FDA Warnings – NSAIDs

June 30, 2009 · Filed under Pain Relief · Tagged , ,

 

New NSAID Warning

New NSAID Warning

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently ordered all over-the-counter products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (better known as NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or aspirin to revise label warnings by April 29. 2010.

New labels for certain anti-inflammatory drugs will include specific warnings regarding possible long term heart or liver damage as well as the potential of stomach bleeding.

Commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Excedrin) all include NSAIDs.

The risk of severe stomach bleeding associated with NSAIDs increases if an individual is:

  •  60 or older
  •  Dealing with stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  •  Taking blood thinners or steroids
  •  Combining prescription drugs and/or nonprescription NSAIDs

Conventional pain relief treatments such as NSAIDs treat symptoms by suppression and can come with a variety of long-term side effects.  Over 30 million people take OTC pain relievers on a daily basis and each year over 100,000 people are hospitalized from the side effects of chronic use.  

Homeopathic products, such as Heel’s ZEEL and Traumeel, are safe and healthy alternatives to NSAIDs for joint stiffness, headaches, and arthritic pain. Traumeel, an all natural product containing 12 botanical substances and 2 minerals, regulates inflammation instead of suppressing it. Without any adverse side effects, these products can be used to treat patients of all ages.

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Mercury & Contaminants in Seafood

June 24, 2009 · Filed under Healthy Eating, Supplements · Tagged ,

Omega 3 FishAs we mentioned in a previous post, Omega-3 Fatty Acids in your diet are critical for a healthy body & mind.  But, you want to make sure to avoid eating seafood with high levels of mercury (to be specific – methylmercury).  Fish that are large and with longer life spans can have a high concentration of methylmercury that exceeds the US limit of 1.0 ppm (parts per million).  The limit in Canada is only 0.5 ppm.  Predatory fish, such as shark, swordfish, tuna, and marlin, feed on smaller fish and over time accumulate higher levels of methylmercury.  Mercury levels in the oceans are rising at an eye-opening rate (almost 30% in just 10-15 years).  Without immediate reduction in industrial pollution worldwide, mercury and contaminant levels in our seafood will become a growing concern and threat to our health.

Whether you are looking to improve your diet or are searching for a safe Omega-3 supplement, be sure to consider the source.  It is especially important for women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing and young children to avoid fish with potentially high methylmercury levels.  Below are lists of fish that are considered a low mercury risk and of fish to limit or avoid.

Low Mercury Risk Fish – Best Choices:

  • Pacific Halibut
  • Alaska Wild Salmon
  • Tilapia
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Oysters (farmed)
  • Mussels (farmed)
  • Dungeness & Stone Crab
  • Catfish (US farmed)
  • Arctic Char (farmed)

High Mercury Risk Fish – Avoid or Limit Consumption:

  • Blue, King, & Snow Crab (US)
  • Oysters (wild)
  • Swordfish
  • Canned Tuna
  • Chilean Seabass (Toothfish)
  • Grouper
  • Blue & Striped Marlin
  • Orange Roughy
  • Salmon (Atlantic, farmed)
  • Shark
  • Sturgeon
  • Albacore, Bigeye, Yellowfin, & Bluefin Tuna

If you are looking for an Omega-3 supplement, we recommend Nutri-West Complete.  While we didn’t include everything on the lists, let us know if you have a question about a specific fish & we’ll try to provide an answer!

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Yeast Infections

June 3, 2009 · Filed under Women's Health · Tagged ,

Womens Health

Yeast Infections affect approximately 75% of all women at one point in their lives and over 50% get more than one.  So, it’s important for women to understand keys to prevention & a quick recovery!  

While a small amount of yeast is typically present (controlled by the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus), infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida Albicans or an imbalance of “good” bacteria.  Sometimes it’s difficult to know what triggers a yeast infection, but an increased risk can come from stress, insomnia, illness, poor diet, pregnancy, hormonal changes, certain medications, and immune related disease.  

Tips to naturally prevent & speed recovery from a yeast infection:

  • Avoid eating too much sugar in your diet (especially if you already have an increased risk as a diabetic)
  • Boost your immune system with Olive Leaf Extract
  • Stay well rested (or try Heel Neurexan if you have trouble sleeping)
  • Eliminate unnatural perfumes & dyes in hygiene products
  • Incorporate garlic into your diet or take garlic pills (garlic is a natural enemy of yeast)
  • Drink PLENTY of water – at least 64 oz each day

Yeast will significantly decrease the absorption of nutrients in your body, so remember to eat well balanced meals or take a nutritional supplement.

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