Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction - Keeping it "Brief"

Vitamin D & Erectile Dysfunction - How Bright is Your Light?

Research is mounting showing a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, those with ED are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. All of these diseases are linked to vitamin D deficiency.

Vascular problems account for about half the cases of ED. There is a large body of research finding that vitamin D can maintain vascular health. The mechanisms appear to include suppressing the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, thereby lowering blood pressure, improving endothelial function, reducing inflammation, and reducing vascular calcification. 

What Else Do We Know About Vitamin D

Decreased levels of vitamin D is associated with: 

• Asthma
• Depression, falls and fractures, 
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Periodontal disease
• Low Birthweight
• Parkinson's Disease
• Alzheimers
• Fractures
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• Autoimmune Disorders

Vitamin D and Erectile Disfunction = Cardiovascular Disease

"Tic-Toc-Tic-Toc"

According to the latest research, Erectile Dysfunction may be considered an early indicator of symptomatic cardiovascular disease. And if low levels of Vitamin D are associated with Erectile Dysfunction….that's right.

Vitamin D is needed for health cardiac function! 

What Can You Do?

1. Don't Wait - Do What You "CAN" Do
2. OnLine Lab Testing and Vitamin D
3. Catch Some Rays - Sun light is the primary source of vitamin D for most people. Along with supporting the synthesis of Vitamin D, sunlight increases nitric oxide levels in the blood. Appropriate levels of Nitric Oxide helps minimize the risk of Erectile Dysfunction.

                                                         How Bright is Your Light?

Research

Vitamin D and Erectile Dysfunction

http://newswise.com/articles/vitamin-d-and-erectile-dysfunction

'Canary In Your Trousers': Why Erectile Dysfunction Can Signal Heart Disease

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/11/erectile-dysfunction-affects-heart-health.aspx

Does vitamin D deficiency contribute to erectile dysfunction?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3427191/

Vitamin D May Play a Role in Erectile Dysfunction

http://www.medicaldaily.com/vitamin-d-may-play-role-erectile-dysfunction-240736

A systematic review of the association between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24011423

Active Serum Vitamin D Levels Are Inversely Correlated With Coronary Calcification

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/96/6/1755.full

Vitamin D is a regulator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and arterial stiffness in mice.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24284821

Glutathione - Redox To Detox

Glutathione has been hailed the mother of all antioxidants. 

The more we learn about this powerhouse the more we realize how life sustaining it is. Glutathione is a simple tripeptide made from the amino acids glycine, glutamate and cysteine. Glutathione is the most abundant and important intracellular antioxidant that helps support health aging by supporting crucial detoxifying process. Glutathione’s major ‘duty’ is to help cells rid themselves of toxins and other intracellular debris that are associated with chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Autism. Glutathione is sticky and grabs on to toxins and helps escort them out of the body.

Glutathione: What Does It Do

Under optimal conditions, glutathione recycles antioxidants (chemicals that block the activity of other chemicals known as free radicals that may seriously damage cells). Glutathione also helps support tissue building and repair and plays a huge role in supporting and maintaining a functional immune system. Healthy levels of glutathione help us sustain optimal physical and mental function by controlling dangerous inflammatory processes that lead to chronic disease. Of note, research has shown that glutathione may be helpful in reducing the side effects of several chemotherapeutic medications.

Glutathione: Where Is It Made

In healthy tissue, glutathione is produced in every single cell and is concentrated in the liver. It is found in abundance in the retina and other ocular tissues.

Glutathione: Redox to Detox

Every living cell participates in the metabolic process known as “redox” (reduction-oxidation). Redox reactions are chemical reactions where atoms oxidative states change due to a transfer of electrons (redox = gaining electrons; oxidation = loss of electrons) between species (atoms and other molecules). Species in this context may sound like the next “Cosmic Thriller” and in one way it is because this transfer of energy makes life as we know it possible! A good example of redox signaling involves glutathione peroxidase, which plays a crucial role in oxidative signaling, protecting the cell against the threatening effects of extreme oxidation.

Glutathione: When Levels Drop

Low levels of glutathione are associated with cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, cancer and autism. Research has shown that depleted levels of glutathione correlate with reduced levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter which may contribute to the neurodegenerative and  cognitive changes observed in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

Glutathione: Why Levels Drop

A poor diet, chronic illness, certain medications, stress, infections and radiation can deplete glutathione stores. Repeated exposure to toxic elements (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, manganese, iron) can also deplete glutathione levels because the body cannot keep up with the toxic overload. Remember, glutathione grabs onto toxins and escorts them out of the body. When glutathione levels are depleted, the body becomes overwhelmed with toxins and the immune system loses a healthy grip on our health. So begins a dangerous cycle spinning out of control towards a myriad of chronic diseases.

Glutathione: What's Your Level

Want to learn more about how to live clean in a toxic world? Join us in a Virtual Detox Summit

Resources

High Blood Glutathione Levels Accompany Excellent Physical and Mental Health in Women Ages 60 to 103 Years.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12486409


Effect of Zinc Deficiency on Blood Glutathione Levels
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/111/6/1098.full.pdf


Glutathione Redox State Regulates Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Production
http://m.jbc.org/content/280/27/25305.long


Mitochondrial Redox Signalling at a Glance
http://jcs.biologists.org/content/125/4/801.full


The Effects of Redox Controls Mediated by Glutathione Peroxidases on Root Architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana
http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/01/24/jxb.ert486.full


Glutathione, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10931172


Statistical Evaluation of Preventive Use of Glutathione Against Side-Effects of Surgical Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer Patients
http://jjco.oxfordjournals.org/content/5/1/19.extract


Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention (National Institutes of Health)
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/antioxidants


Glutathione: In Sickness and in Health
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)78428-2/fulltext#article_upsell

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Glyphosate on My Fork - Part II

What Is Glyphosate and What's The Big Deal    

Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide and is one of the most widely used broad-spectrum herbicides used around the world. Glyphosate was first registered for use in the United States in 1974. Most of the glyphosate containing products are used in the agriculture industry. However, it is also used by the public to control unwanted weeds in gardens and on lawns. Industrial complexes frequently use glyphosate to control the growth of weeds and unwanted plants along highway and railway tracks.
Glyphosate has been implicated in a variety of disease processes to include but not limited to:

• Kidney Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Gluten Intolerance
• Peritonitis (Infection)
• Mutagenic (Alters DNA)
• Neurologic Disorders

How Are We Exposed To Glyphosate  

You can be exposed to glyphosate in several ways. It can be absorbed thru the skin if you come into direct contact with it.  It can get in to your eyes and in your lungs if you inhale it while you or someone else is spraying it. It can get into your G.I. tract if you swallow it by eating something that has been sprayed with glyphosate (Glyphosate doesn't usually vaporize after it is sprayed).

Why Should We Be Concerned About Glyphosate

To truly understand what glyphosate is and the health challenges we face 'as a whole', make the time to read this research article written by Anthony Samsel and Stephanie Seneff. They are as compassionate scientists who use their gifts collectively to educate us all. You can get the jest of the article by reading the abstract, especially the highlighted sentences. Undoubtedly you will follow the link below and print out your own hard copy to peruse at your own pace.

"Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup®, is the most popular herbicide used worldwide. The industry asserts it is minimally toxic to humans, but here we argue otherwise. Residues are found in the main foods of the Western diet, comprised primarily of sugar, corn, soy and wheat. Glyphosate's inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an overlooked component of its toxicity to mammals. CYP enzymes play crucial roles in biology, one of which is to detoxify xenobiotics. Thus, glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins. Negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body. Here, we show how interference with CYP enzymes acts synergistically with disruption of the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids by gut bacteria, as well as impairment in serum sulfate transport. Consequences are most of the diseases and conditions associated with a Western diet, which include gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, autism, infertility, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. We explain the documented effects of glyphosate and its ability to induce disease, and we show that glyphosate is the “textbook example” of exogenous semiotic entropy: the disruption of homeostasis by environmental toxins." 

What Can We Do 

Stay informed and "THINK"of how you can
minimize exposure to glyphosate. Do everything you can do to foster health and minimize illness.
Eat good, sleep good, drink clean water and stay connected to family, friends and community.

• Make sure your immune system in in tact. 
• Take control of your own health.
• Know what your Vitamin D levels are.
• Monitor inflammatory markers yourself.
• Three Easy Steps 1-2-3

RESOURCES:

Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases - Anthony Samsel 1email and Stephanie Seneff

Glyphosate's Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Disease

Glyphosate Poisoning

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15862083


Monsanto's Toxic Herbicide Glyphosate: A Review of its Health and Environmental Effects

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_5229.cfm


Basic Information about Glyphosate in Drinking Water - EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/glyphosate.cfm


Glyphosate General Fact Sheet: National Pesticide Information Center

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html


Forty Years With Glyphosate

http://www.intechopen.com/books/herbicides-properties-synthesis-and-control-of-weeds/forty-years-with-glyphosate

Weapons of Mass Destruction: Carbs On My Fork - Part I

The Fork…...

Diabetes is escalating at an alarming rate worldwide. The devastating affects of chronically elevated blood sugar is far reaching and unfathomable. Could it be true that the most insidious world wide weapon of mass distraction is a "fork". Well, lets take a look at why this might be true. Lets start with the deleterious of carbohydrate overload on our body's.

 “Diabetes” (Die of Sugar) is the perfect genre for another best selling Steven King mystery. 

Elevated blood sugar will be another blog topic for another day. Today’s topic should always be considered when discussing blood sugar. The topic is Insulin.

Insulin is a natural peptide hormone made by the pancreas that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin is required for cells to utilize glucose for energy.  Normally, insulin is provided within the body in a consistent amount in order to remove excess glucose from the blood. This prevents sugar from building up in the blood to become toxic. The natural production of insulin has been disrupted in disorders such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other carbohydrate metabolic processes. Insulin is produced in the pancreas. Less than 1% of the pancreas is dedicated to producing insulin. When the body’s demands for insulin increases, the sensitivity of the insulin receptors decreases (weakens) which causes the pancreas to release more insulin to accomplish the same job. This grows into a vicious metabolic cycle until the symptoms of hypoglycemia begin to occur due to the dysregulation of glucose metabolism.

If Insulin Levels Remain Elevated

If the body cannot produce enough insulin or is unable touse insulin properly, hyperglycemia occurs. Meaning, there will be elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This is a metabolic challenge that occurs prior to the actual diagnosis of “diabetes” (Greek Translation: Die of Sugar). Some call this metabolic warning sign “prediabetes”. Prediabetes is a toxic biochemical set up for heart disease, kidney failure and related problems. 

What Causes Elevated Insulin Levels    

         

• Chronic Stress
• Environmental Toxins
• Diet High In Processed Food
• Nutritional Deficiency’s
• Weight Gain
•  Food Sensitivities
• Caffeine
• Low fat diets
• Lack of Restorative Sleep
• Alcohol
•  Tobacco
• Lack of Exercise

There is another philosophy. ”If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck”. It is the opinion of this author that prediabetes gives the impression that things are still okay. The reality is that the excessive glucose in the blood stream becomes a free radical, which damages arterial walls, and forms wicked cross-links with proteins called “advanced glycosylation end products (AGE’s). These AGE’s actually accelerate the aging process – in other words they cause us to grow old at a faster rate than we would normally age without rouge sugar cruising thru our circulatory system. Remember blood goes everywhere, therefore so does the sugar. So the term prediabetes, translates to “Just before you die from sugar”.  This is when action needs to be taken to support the metabolic process and protect the pancreas as well as other end organ damage.

What Can You Do

• Ask yourself if you really want to know
• Online Lab Testing: Know What Your Insulin Levels Are - No Doctors Visit Required 
• Notice what's on your fork
• What's on your kids fork
• Exercise – Start Moving & Keep Moving
• Dietary Changes – Stop Processed Foods - Eat what your great grandma ate
• Gluten – Avoid Gluten like the plague - This will be difficult but can be done and is better than  loosing a kidney, an eye or You
• Do not fall into the low fat food trap! Check out the references below for up to date and well-researched resources
• Hydrate – with good clean water
• Sleep Good
• Caution with cosmetics and personal health products
• Manage Your Stress: Yoga, Feldenkrais, Meditate, Walk, Sing, Play with your kids
• Have an Attitude of Gratitude - Truly, this can help shift your perspective
• Minerals – Magnesium, Chromium, Zinc are essential inhelping to regulate insulin levels
• Toxins: Be aware of chemicals in and out of the home, school & office

Resources 

What is Insulin

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/whatisinsulin.php

Insulin Basics

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/insulin/insulin-basics.html

Influence of environment on insulin sensitivity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19395033

Environmental Toxins: A Potential Risk Factor For Diabetes Among Canadian Aboriginals

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CG0QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.circumpolarhealthjournal.net%2Findex.php%2Fijch%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F17372%2F19676&ei=kBAAU9XcFIrwoASguYCYDQ&usg=AFQjCNHZqm7fvtVX-1kBhpAOaSphGeF9OQ&sig2=znOI1sVsEZCbnYAt6R4xug

Final Report: TCDD-Induced Insulin Resistance (EPA)

http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract/7118/report/F

What’s Bugging Grandma?

Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) and Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Impairment From 8 to 80 years old. What’s Bugging Grandma? What’s Bugging Little Joe?

What is Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori)?

Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylori) is gram-negative bacteria found in the stomach. Research has estimated that H.Pylori, is the most prevalent infection in the world. It affects approximately half the world’s population. Over 80% of people infected with H.Pylori will not realize they have it because they will not have symptoms.

H.Pylori Infection Symptoms

Indicators and symptoms associated with an H.Pylori infection may be:

• Abdominal Pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Low B12 Levels
• Elevated Homocysteine Levels
• Cognitive Impairment - Changes
• Bloating
• Burping
• Nausea
• Vomiting (vomit may be bloody or look like coffee grounds)
• Black, tarry stools

H.Pylori is known to be a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and is very common, especially in developing countries. Bacteria and viruses are powerful stimulators of the inflammatory process. Research continues to demonstrate a strong link between infective processes (like H.Pylori) and Alzheimer's disease. In May 2008, a special issue of The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease explored the topic of infectious disease as a causative factor for Alzheimer's disease. Scroll down and review the resources. Notice how ‘long’ the list is. Next ask yourself why isn’t a review of a potential infection such as H.Pylori (or Herpes Simplex: Last Post) looked for when signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment manifest – no matter how old the person is who is showing signs and symptoms of cognitive difficulty.

Ordering H.Pylori Blood Tests Online

You can order online blood test for H.Pylori YOURSELF without seeing your doctor first.

If you are interested in learning more, please click the link about ordering H.Pylori blood tests online. If you do decide to follow the link below, please click on the “About Us” on the web site so you can learn more about who we are and why we have made this service available to You!

Yours in Health!

http://www.mylabsforlife.com/Default.aspx?A=ProductSearch&ID=/productresults

Resources

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and cognitive function in children at early school age: a community-based study

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/11/43

Impact of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection on Alzheimer's disease: preliminary results.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22133280

Helicobacter pylori may be involved in cognitive impairment and dementia development through induction of atrophic gastritis, vitamin B-12–folate deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia sequence

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/86/3/805.full

A potential impact of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection on Alzheimer's disease pathobiology and course.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22325590

Increased cerebrospinal fluid Helicobacter pylori antibody in Alzheimer's disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19326283

Does Helicobacter pylori infection increase incidence of dementia? The Personnes Agées QUID Study.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23252507

Diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21466771

Infectious Diseases Related To Travel

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/helicobacter-pylori

Every Man’s Disease

http://knowledgeofhealth.com/every-mans-disease/

Alzheimers and Online Blood Testing of Hemoglobin A1c

Online Blood Test and Hemoglobin A1c

A Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that measures the average amount of glucose that has chemically attached to red blood cells over the past 6-8 weeks. Think of it this way. Sugar is sticky. When sugar sticks to certain proteins inside the hemoglobin, it naturally hangs around for a longer period of time because it is harder to get it off the hemoglobin. Red blood cells circulate in the body for about three months before they die. A Hemoglobin A1c shows an average of how much sugar has been around for the preceding three months.

Elevated Blood Sugar - Oxidative Stress - Chronic Disease

This information is extremely important because research has proven the longer an individual is exposed to elevated levels of oxidative stress caused by elevated blood sugars over an extended period of time the higher the risk is for developing problems such as Alzheimer's disease. An elevated hemoglobin A1c is also a threat to eye, nerve and heart health.

Hemoglobin A1c and Blood Test

A HA1c is used to monitor long term blood glucose control and to help determine appropriate therapeutic actions based on the test results. Studies have repeatedly shown that the closer to normal and stable the HA1c levels are, the less likely someone will develop the the long term complications related to diabetes.

Resources

Alzheimer's Association 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
http://www.alz.org/downloads/facts_figures_2011.pdf

Changes in glycemic control are associated with changes in cognition in non-diabetic elderly.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22426020

https://monamifood.wordpress.com
https://monamifood.wordpress.com/tag/alzheimers-disease/

OnLine Blood Testing and Alzheimer's Disease and Link Between Herpes Simplex 1 and Chlamydia Pneumonia

Infectious Disease Markers Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Strong evidence indicates chronic exposure to infections such as Herpes Simplex I (HSV I) and Chlamydia Pneumonia silently reside in brain tissue and cranial nerves may potentiate the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Disease & Herpes Simplex 

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) does not cause Alzheimer's disease however, research indicates it may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease by stimulating inflammation in the areas of the brain that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's Disease when combined with other risk factors.

Alzheimer's Disease & Chlamydia Pneumonia

Years of existing research has also identified Chlamydia pneumonia, a known bacterium associated with acute respiratory infections, coronary artery disease and ischemic strokes to be associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Major insurance companies have now added C.Pneumonia to their list of yearly wellness screening tests. This type of screening identifies existing problems for insurance companies purposes. Research has shown the presence of C.Pneumonia in almost 90% of brains of people affected with Alzheimer's disease, while 95% of people without Alzheimer's disease tested negative for the C. Pneumonia. More research is needed. To date, research is indicating that certain infections may potentiate or hasten the advance of Alzheimer's disease. This information may help identify and reduce the threat of infection associated with Alzheimer's disease.

According to researchers Shi-Bin Cheng, Paulette Ferland, Paul Webster, Elaine L. Bearer:

"It's no longer a matter of determining whether HSV1 is involved in cognitive decline, but rather how significant this involvement is," Bearer asserts. "We'll need to investigate anti-viral drugs used for acute herpes treatment to determine their ability to slow or prevent cognitive decline."
Researchers recommend people treat a cold sore as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of time the virus is actively traveling through a person's nervous system. The faster a cold sore is treated, the faster the HSV1 returns to a dormant stage.

Learn more at MyLabsForLife.com

Resources

Herpes linked to Alzheimer's disease: 'Cold sores' connected to cognitive decline
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404122203.htm

Antiviral drugs may slow Alzheimer's progression
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017102557.htm

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and Alzheimer's disease: a connection to remember?
Shima K, Kuhlenbäumer G, Rupp J.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20445987

Chlamydophila pneumoniae and the etiology of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18487846

Journal Reference 

Shi-Bin Cheng, Paulette Ferland, Paul Webster, Elaine L. Bearer. Herpes Simplex Virus Dances with Amyloid Precursor Protein while Exiting the Cell. PLoS ONE, 2011; 6 (3): e17966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017966