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August 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 8]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
The Importance of Vitamin D
It is well-known that vitamin D is essential in maintaining healthy bones. However, research over the past 10 years has shown that vitamin D is essential for overall health and disease prevention. In fact, several studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to many chronic diseases.
We get 90 percent to 100 percent of our vitamin D requirements from the sun. The rest comes from natural and fortified dietary sources like oily fish, vitamin D-fortified foods, such as milk and orange juice, and vitamin supplements.
Dietary reference intakes for vitamin D are based solely on the dietary intake that is adequate to prevent bone disease, but there is overwhelming evidence that vitamin D is essential in maintaining overall cellular health and plays a role in other diseases. Some researchers are calling for a revision of the recommended intakes for vitamin D. Experts propose that the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D be increased to 1,000 IUs per day during times when sun exposure is insufficient.
For most people, 10-20 minutes of sunshine can yield approximately 10,000 to 20,000 IUs of vitamin D each day, depending on the time of year and your geographical location. The amount of vitamin D you get from the sun can vary greatly, depending on other factors including time of day, pollution, cloud cover, sunscreen, skin color, age and weight. If you have a concern about getting enough vitamin D, discuss it with your doctor.
Recognizing Superfoods
It's an age-old truth that eating fruits and vegetables improves health. But not all produce is created equal. Superfoods offer superior disease-fighting capabilities, boost the immune system, fight fatigue and much more.
Scientists have now discovered more than 4,000 compounds in plants that reduce inflammation, stimulate growth and repair cells, tissues and organs, as well as detoxify or neutralize cancer-causing chemicals in our industrialized world. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) currently has the "designer foods" project underway. According to Dr. Herbert Pierson, a toxicologist at NCI, the project is seeking to take advantage of the cancer-fighting potential in our diet by creating foods enriched with health-promoting substances already found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs and spices.
Superfoods are nature's "designer foods," and they're available now. They contain a whopping dose of these health-promoting compounds. They also have a high concentration of protein, essential fats, vitamins, minerals and trace minerals – all contained in one tiny package. Superfoods are very low in calories, yet are nutrient-dense. Consequently, they curb food cravings and are a perfect weight-loss tool. Most importantly, superfoods pack a powerful, knock-out punch to free radicals – unstable and harmful molecules generated from our environment – before they can cause damage to our body cells, tissues and organs. To get all the benefits of superfoods, add the following to your diet: allium family (garlic, onions, chives); buckwheat; tumeric; green goods; barley; nuts and seeds; hot peppers; pomegranate; beans and lentils; and sprouts (broccoli, Brussels).
Massage and Multiple Sclerosis Question
Question: Question: I just wanted to ask if massage therapy can treat the numbness that multiple sclerosis patients suffer from and what kind of massage is needed?
Answer: Unfortunately massage cannot affect the numbness of multiple sclerosis since it's caused by the destruction of the fatty covering (myelin sheath) that protects nerves. This then interferes with the nerve pathways causing loss of sensation, muscular weakness and loss of coordination. Massage is very effective for maintaining flexibility and reducing spasticity. It helps improve a person's mood and their overall sense of well-being. Any type of massage would be of benefit but if you could find a massage therapist trained in mobilizations (gentle joint movements) that would be a bonus.
Wendy Turpin, RMT
Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.
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