Written By Terry Lemerond |

Before the introduction of the synthetic drugs that are used today, iodine was one of the most beneficial and universal medicines used by physicians around the world. Iodine was effective for everything: to heal wounds and disease; destroy bacteria, viruses, and pathogens; and to prevent cancer. Once one of the most commonly used medicines in the world, iodine was “forgotten” in favor of new pharmaceutical drugs.

Now we are seeing the consequences of forgetting this essential mineral – skyrocketing rates of cancer, an epidemic of thyroid dysfunction, and great difficulties with detoxification. Fortunately, not everyone has forgotten what this amazing mineral can do, and integrative medical practitioners are ushering in an era where iodine is making a comeback. It is a highly effective treatment with virtually no side effects – unlike modern drugs. I absolutely believe there are cases and times in which drugs are extremely important, and in fact, life saving. However, these drugs also come with long lists of side effects that often require other drugs to treat the problems they created in the first place! Today, drugs are used for every condition – even vitamin and mineral deficiencies. We are not deficient in drugs. We are deficient in vitamins and minerals, a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle.

How You Have Been Robbed of Your Daily Iodine

In the 1920s, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) was very common, especially in the Great Lakes region. To combat this problem, iodine was added to salt. While this did help reduce the incidence of goiter and thyroid problems, today many people are reducing the amount of iodized salt in their diets. Additionally, chlorine, fluoride and bromide, which lower iodine levels in the body by blocking iodine receptors, are increasingly consumed in foods or ingested through environmental exposure. For example, chlorine is now used to purify water in place of iodine. Fluoride is found in toothpaste and water. Bromines replaced iodides in commercial baked goods in the 1980s. Not only are these elements toxic for the thyroid, they are dangerous for the rest of your body as well. Bromide, for example, can cause depression, headaches, hallucinations or even schizophrenia. Fluoride is also a toxic agent. It blocks the ability of the thyroid gland to concentrate iodine, and there are no studies showing that long-term fluoride intake has any beneficial effects. Dr. David Brownstein, an expert on iodine supplementation, writes that promoting fluoridated water as a way to prevent dental cavities is a “seriously flawed idea.” He found that his patients with breast cancer had higher than normal levels of fluoride in their bodies, while also being iodine deficient. All of these factors combine to put your body greatly at need for much more iodine than itis getting.

We Need More Iodine

There is a growing consensus among scientists in America that we would have better thyroid function, a lower incidence of cancer and fibrocystic disease of the breast, and overall better health if we would consume more iodine. The established recommended minimum daily requirement for iodine is 150 mcg (micrograms).

People in the U.S. consume an average 240 mcg of iodine per day, which is slightly above the amount needed to prevent a deficiency syndrome (such as goiter). However, that is not the amount needed for beneficial health effects. People in coastal Japan consume up to 50 mg of iodine (50,000 mcg), which is 50 times more than the average American! Life expectancy in Japan is 82.12 years, the highest of all industrialized countries, while the United States is 78.11 years. The infant mortality rate in Japan is one of the lowest in the world, 2.79 deaths under age one per 1,000 live births, half the infant mortality rate in the United States. Finally, the number of deaths from breast cancer is almost three times higher in the U.S. than in Japan.

Iodine, the Thyroid, andBreast Diseases

Observational studies have noted that there is a connection between thyroid abnormalities and breast cancer. Today, one in seven American women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Thirty years ago, when iodine consumption was much higher than it is now, one in 20 women developed breast cancer. Women in Japan, consuming high amounts of dietary iodine, have much lower rates of breast cancer and thyroid problems. When these women emigrate from Japan to the Unites States and consume a Western diet (containing a fraction of the iodine consumed in Japan), their rates of breast cancer and thyroid diseases increase dramatically.

Iodine’s anti-cancer function may well prove to be iodine’s most important benefit. Exactly how it exerts these effects is still not fully understood. Laboratory tests using estrogen sensitive breast cancer cells exposed to iodine have shown that iodine makes them less likely to respond to the negative aspects of estrogen, and therefore, less likely to grow and spread.

Fibrocystic breast disease is marked by changes in breast tissue, and discomfort, swelling, and breast tenderness. It is a very common concern for women. Supplemental iodine has been found to improve symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. In fact, in one study, 98% of women receiving iodine treatment were pain-free by the study’s end, and 72% had improvements in breast tissue. (Ghent WR, et al. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg 1993;36:453-460.)

Supplemental Iodine Forms and Dosage

Different tissues in the body prefer iodine in different forms. Thyroid tissue best absorbs iodine as potassium iodide. Breast tissue, in contrast, takes up iodine when it is in the form of molecular iodine. Therefore, for optimal total body support, iodine supplements should contain more than one type of iodine.

According to Dr. David Brownstein, M.D., author and iodine expert who has treated thousands of patients in his clinic, states, “As I started to use larger amounts of iodine (12.5-50 mg/day) to achieve whole body sufficiency, I began to see positive results in my patients. Goiters and nodules of the thyroid shrank, cysts on the ovaries became smaller and began to disappear, patients reported increased energy, and metabolism was increased as evidenced by my patients having new success in losing weight. Libido improved in both men and women. People suffering from brain fog reported a clearing of the fogginess. Patients reported having vivid dreams and sleeping better. Most importantly, those with chronic illnesses that were having a difficult time improving began to notice many of their symptoms resolving.”

The following conditions are routinely treated with iodine by Dr. Brownstein with effective results, few minor side effects and no toxicity: breast disease, diabetes, fatigue, infections, ovarian cysts, migraine headaches, fibrocystic with high levels of iodine are acne, metallic taste in the mouth, sneezing and increased saliva. These reactions are extremely rare, occurring in less than 5% of his patients.

If we all want optimal health, we must not allow iodine to be the forgotten medicinal mineral. It must be remembered and cherished for its amazing health and protective benefits. Remember iodine the next time you are considering what to include in your family’s wellness plan!

References:

1.  www.Iodine4Health.com

2.  www.terrytalksnutrition.com

3.  Ghent WR, et al. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breat Can J Sur 1993;36:453-460

For more info, contact Vitamin Connection at (775) 825-3993

The benefit of having a strong core, which is the foundation of your body’s strength, is being able to perform all powerful movements, beginning from the center of the body outwards. The core, or rectus abdominals, improves your posture and prevents injuries (it will save your back damn it). It also helps develop functional strength (Yes, that mighty strength I religiously speak about and what your fat bodybuilder buddies probably lack). This summer, you will have to perform an endless amount of crunches and sit-ups in order to build a six-pack…NONSENSE! Just go out and try paddleboarding; you will have the best time of your life and also strengthen your mid section at the same time, without being a slave of the gym and also, not to mention, release some stress…

ONE EXCERCISE:

The reason why I have been able to maintain my six-pack at the age of 43, without even doing countless sit-ups at the gym, is because I have incorporated exercises into my daily routine, along with my paddling workout routine; which recruit all of the muscle fibers of the body that hit deep within the muscle tissue. This is also vital for removing the annoying layer of fat that sits in the lower part of your stomach.

TWO DIET:

The second important thing you will need to do is to focus on a low caloric diet. Even someone like me has to watch his or her diet, if building a six-pack is the goal–something that I’m currently doing–because the fat will just build up, keep coming back and just sit there. Now, I don’t expect you to scale back on building your muscles, just in order to rip your abs to shreds. No, no, no! But what you should do is focus on eating the right foods for your abs and live an 80% – 20% lifestyle.

THREE SUPERDIET:

1.            Almonds and nuts

2.            Beans and Hummus

3.            Spinach and Green Veggies

4.            Dairy Products

5.            Oatmeal

6.            Eggs

7.            Lean Meats

8.            Peanut Butter

9.            Olive Oil

10.           Whole-Grain Bread and Cereals

11.            Whey Powder

12.            Berries and Fruit

FOUR PADDLINGFITNESS:

1.            Sprints

2.            Intervals

3.            Long distance

4.            Yoga

Resources:

1.            http://www.supntx.com/balance.asp

2.            http://www.paddlecorefitness.com/

For more info, contact Lakeshore Paddleboard Company at (775) 852-9100.

Photo: PeterSpain.com

Stand Up Paddling is new to some, but it’s actually an ancient way of travel. Centuries ago, native Hawaiians, Indians and Europeans used this form of paddling to cross various types of water ways. The boards were carved out of wood, weighing in at about 80 pounds. Some findings show that Native Americans built boards out of Tully weeds that were tied to each other, to form a stand up paddle board/boat. They used a long pole, with a blade at the end, as their paddle.

Five years ago, this ancient way of travel became a sport! It was first introduced to the modern day crowd in Waikiki, by the Waikiki boys. These five young friends had a surf business, taking photos of people learning how to surf.

They decided they needed a way to take more photos of their clients while standing on their surf boards. So, they started making longer paddles by taping broom sticks to their outrigger paddles; and they also built large wide custom boards to accommodate their needs. Since then, the sport started growing at warp speed.

For those who are new to this fun, easy-to-do sport, it should be known that anyone can do it. For instance, Jaden Tessier, who has a congenital heart defect (he only lives off of one ventricle, instead of the two) is able to use a Stand Up Paddleboard. He is not able to do what most other active kids can do, such as football, baseball, basketball, etc., but he is able to paddle and get a great cardio workout, while still enjoying the outdoors; which he really loves to do!

The top six health benefits to Stand Up Paddling are:

1) Strengthens the Core

2) Builds Endurance

3) Builds Balance

4) Peace of Mind

5) New perspective on Life

6) Five Minute Learning Curve

Stand Up Paddle boarding can be done anywhere, in any type of water. You can paddle on lakes, rivers, oceans and canals; basically, anywhere there’s a good source of water, year round.

Equipment:

1) Board

2) Paddle

3) Water

4) Sun Screen

With sports such as Kayaking, Windsurfing and Kiteboarding, you have a lot of extra stuff dragging you down! Not with Stand Up Paddleboarding. It seems that many people get bored with sports; you try a new sport and then a year or later that “bug” tapers off. Most likely it’s the lack of interest, or because there’s too much stuff to drag around; too heavy to lift back and fourth, or fill’s up the entire garage after a year of collecting all the gadgets that go along with that particular sport. Why go through all that hassle? Stand Up Paddling is like getting into your car, driving to a destination, putting on a pair of shoes and then going on a trail run.

It seems that here in northern Nevada people are not as keen to the waters as those who live on the coast. However, this sport is more unique than any other sport because you can go to almost any body of water, put your board in and start paddling. Don’t worry, you will not fall in; it’s not top heavy like a kayak, it’s actually really easy to stand on; especially on the Lakeshore Paddleboard Company resort boards, which primarily caters to the beginner/novice paddler.

Plus, there is only a five minute learning curve, as you need only a paddle to help move swiftly though the open water.

It’s hard to believe, but 30 minutes of paddleboarding is equal to six miles of running. Before you knock it, try it. During your first time with the board, you’ll feel a complete body workout, from your head to your toes. This sport works the entire body because you have to stabilize yourself on a 12’6” x 33” board through wind, chop, or better yet paddling on water as smooth as glass, which is what truly makes this sport so fun! Picture Lake Tahoe on a hot summer’s day; you can see directly beneath you, the visibility is amazing, as fish swim right under your board.

Weight loss is yet another benefit of paddleboarding. One paddleboarder began his journey with this sport 15 pounds overweight and from an extreme sport background, breaking almost every bone in his body throughout his life. He was looking to shed some pounds and do so while having fun, with his family and friends; and to find a sport that he could enjoy as he got older. He said that paddleboarding changed his life as he can still compete, get fit and have fun while doing it.

Lakeshore Paddleboard Company, a local Reno company, has been involved with this new sport since its inception. “We are so stoked to be on the forefront of this sport,” a representative said. The New York Times cites it as the fastest growing sport in the world, as after only four years in the true making of this sport, the Olympic committee is looking to debut Stand Up Paddleboarding in the 2012 Summer Olympics in England. The Lakeshore Paddleboard Company rep said “we are hoping that our new 2011 Stealth race boards could be the one chosen in the 12’ 6” or 14’ ELITE classes.”

This summer, go out and try the fastest growing sport in the world! It will leave you wondering why water sports enthusiasts are just now Standing Up.

References:

1. http://www.supsurfmag.com/health-for-stand-up-paddlers/health-and-fitness/

For more info, contact: Lakeshore Paddleboard Company at (775) 852-9100 or visit online at www.lpc-sup.com.

Written by Brittany Russell |

Added to nearly every savory, maybe some sweet, recipe one can think of, salt and pepper is the standard pair found on any dining table. Seemingly better suited for one another than Barbie and Ken, the two spices met during the 17th century and have been together since.

Sea Salt

It all began with sea salt, one of the first commodities known to mankind. Often used as a currency, it is clear how valuable salt was and continues to be today. Areas that produce specialized sea salt include the Cayman Islands, Greece, France, Ireland, Colombia, Sicily, Maldon in Essex UK, Hawaii, Maine, Utah, San Francisco Bay and Cape Cod.

Gourmets often believe sea salt to be better than ordinary table salt in taste and texture, though one cannot always taste the difference when dissolved. In applications where sea salt’s coarser texture is retained, it can provide different mouth feel and changes in flavor due to its different rate of dissolution. The mineral content also affects the taste. It may be difficult to distinguish sea salt from other salts with a high mineral content, such as pink Himalayan salt or grey colored rock salt.

Iodized salt, or refined salt, contains 39 percent sodium, 60 percent chloride, up to 2 percent Ferro cyanide, aluminum, silicate, ammonium citrate and dextrose, and only .01 percent iodide. Though some claim refined salt to be a great source of iodine, the ratio begs to differ – there is insufficient iodine in salt to provide for the body’s iodine needs. Unrefined sea salt, untouched by man, contains many minerals that iodized table salt does not contain such as magnesium, sulfate, calcium and potassium.

Salts healthful benefits: most effective in stabilizing irregular heartbeats; essential for the regulation of blood pressure; vital to the extraction of excess acidity from the cells in the body, particularly the brain cells; balances sugar levels in the blood; a needed element for diabetics; vital to the nerve cells’ communication and information processing; and clears the lungs of mucus plugs and sticky phlegm.

If you decide to use sea salt in your diet, continue to keep your total sodium consumption under 2,400 mgs per day.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit (the peppercorn), usually dried and used as a spice.

Dried ground pepper is one of the most common spices in European cuisine and its descendants, having been known and prized since antiquity for both its flavor and its use as a medicine.

Black peppercorns are used in remedies in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine in India. The 5th century Syriac Book of Medicines prescribes pepper for such illnesses as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay and toothaches. Various sources from the 5th century onward also recommend pepper to treat eye problems, often by applying salves or poultices made with pepper directly to the eye. There is no current medical evidence that any of these treatments has any benefit; pepper applied directly to the eye would be quite uncomfortable and possibly damaging.

It has been shown that pepper can dramatically increase absorption of selenium, vitamin B and beta-carotene as well as other nutrients.

Together or on their own, salt and pepper are typically a subtle complement to other dominant flavors. Try crusting your favorite cut of meat with salt and pepper only, making them the star of your next meal!

References:

1. Brownstein, David MD. Salt: Your Way to Health. Medical Alternatives Press, West Bloomfield 2006.

2. http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/sea-salt.html#health

3. http://www.ehow.com/how_4510953_understand-health-benefits-sea-salt.html

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper

5. http://www.slashfood.com/2008/08/16/when-did-salt-and-pepper-become-a-pair

What are Omega 3 fatty acids and why are they important additions to a healthy diet?

Research indicates that proper levels of omega-3 fatty acids aid in healthy heart function, reduces inflammation, maintains bone health, decreases depression, is essential for eye development and critical for infant brain development and optimal nerve function.

The typical Western diet is lacking in Omega 3 fatty acids and abundant in the omega 6 fatty acids. The recommended ratio is 2:1. Most Americans are consuming 20:1.

How can I increase my intake of omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in a variety of foods such as cold-water fish, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnut oil, soybean oil and free-range chicken eggs. Supplementation with fish oil capsules is also an excellent way to add this essential fatty acid to your diet.

When choosing a fish oil look for pharmaceutical grade, filtered fish oil capsules that are labeled manufactured by GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).

How much do I need?

The American Heart Association recommends 1 gram/day of omega 3 up to 3+ grams per day, depending on your health needs.

Adding fish to your diet 2 times/week, cold-pressed flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements will increase your levels of omega 3.

References:

1. Healthy for Life—Developing Healthy Lifestyles that Have the Side-Effect of Permanent Fat Loss, by Ray D. Strand, MD.

2. www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4632

For More Info, call Liz Karger or Cheryl Yamamoto, specializing in Total Body Health Systems, at 775-225-3948 or visit www.pals2gether.usana.com.

After a long illness, or simple inactivity, many people don’t know how to begin an exercise program and the idea of jogging or going to the gym can sound unappealing. Even so, exercise is crucial to good health, especially as we get older, but exercise does not have to a boring or arduous.

Dancing is fun and can be a positive, motivating alternative to standard gym exercises. Dance classes allows for even the most avid couch potato to engage in an exercise regime. The movements are easy and the exertion level low, initially. Starting with an entry-level class is an easy way for individuals with poor coordination to improve gradually.

Another deterrent to exercise is follow-through due to time constraints and lack of motivation. Many times, consistency and flexibility in our exercise regime is difficult. It is well-known that if we have other people to work out with us, we are more apt to continue and enjoy exercise more. And dancing is something we can do anywhere, not just in a gym!

Another benefit to exercise is the release of endorphins, which are our feel good hormones. During and after exercise, the release of endorphins gives us a sense of well-being. Add to that the fun and camaraderie of interacting with the other students in the class and you have a winning combination!

Carla Bennett, a 5th degree back belt and Regional Director World Tang Soo Do Association, teaches dance at Circle of Life Spa. Call 775-825-7727 for class times.