Hair mineral analysis done with a reputable lab and an experienced nutritionist or preventative-health-conscious physician is good for anyone suffering from a chronic or acute condition with no explanation found from traditional routes as it opens up new options by recognizing your biochemical individuality. By measuring the mineral content in your hair, you are able to get a much more accurate level than serum (blood) test levels of specific minerals. It’s not as accurate as using a red blood cell test for each mineral, but the intra-cellular testing method is very expensive, and usually it’s used only for things like suspected serious metabolic disorders or severe deficiencies.  A comprehensive-blood-testing panel and nutritional blood analysis is an excellent starting point for any health or nutrition program. Hair-mineral testing is important when you need more information or you suspect mineral imbalances or heavy-metal toxicity.

Hair mineral analysis can be used to pick up deficiencies or excesses in specific minerals that could result in depression, hypoglycemia, hyperactivity, ADD/ADHD, headaches, hypertension, arthritis, hair loss, anemia, thyroid disorders that are either sub-clinical or unresponsive to medications, digestive disorders, blood sugar issues, cardiovascular disease, mood problems, allergies and autism.  Mineral imbalances found in hair-mineral analysis can lead to metabolic dysfunctions before any symptoms manifest. Even if you have no serious health problems, a baseline-hair-mineral analysis can help to prevent serious issues in the future.

Some physical signs of mineral deficiencies or imbalances

These indicators can be early signs of metabolic disturbances and may lead to serious problems if not checked. The test I use most often comes with comprehensive food, supplement and lifestyle recommendations designed to restore biochemical balance and health. A good nutritionist will combine the recommendations from the hair mineral test with the health history, symptom analysis and other tests (especially blood nutrient testing) to design a program biochemically unique to each clients’ needs.

Hair Mineral Analysis testing and analysis has never failed to offer answers to the complex biochemical puzzles that make up clients’ health issues.  A good nutritionist uses nutritional blood testing with almost every client to get a picture of general health issues and hair mineral testing for anyone with signs like the ones listed above, or as a deeper look into mineral levels; it is a good strategy for anyone needing a nutritional intervention, but not sure where to go next for answers. Just as with blood and stool testing make sure you use a reputable, reliable lab that has done hair-mineral testing and analysis for many years. A lab that specializes in this method of testing is preferable: Analytical Research Labs, Genova Diagnostic Labs, Doctor’s Data and Metametrix are all considered reputable labs. As always, your questions are welcomed. -Juli

Juli Keene Nutritionist

Juli Keene, CN

Licensed Clinical Nutritionist

(310) 376-5400

jknutrition@earthlink.net

www.JuliKeene.com

In our world today where everyone wants to be a celebrity, an athlete or a model, it is always a requirement to look good in public.  Unfortunately, most people equate looking good to being thin.  This has brought a major impact in the mindset of people with all the media hype of skinny females as being models of good health.  Some people become so obsessed in becoming thin that they sometimes starve themselves to death. Unknowingly, these people might already be suffering from a disorder called Anorexia Nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa is a type of psychological eating disorder.  An anorexic person will go far beyond the dieting process, which at first will lead to weight loss, before they will discover that they have lost more than their ideal body weight.  They have the drive to be thinner, and they have this irrational fear of gaining even just a little amount of weight.  Other than consistent withholding of food intake to almost starvation with excessive exercising, they will also have the tendency to use diuretics, laxatives, enemas just to lower their weight.  This is their means of having a sense of control over their body, and it becomes an obsession or more like an addiction to weight loss.

More often than not, those people who suffer this type of eating disorder belong to the female gender, but this does not mean that males are exempted.  Years ago, it was common during the adolescent years but as of today, even younger children and adults are at risk.  While it can affect other races, most of those who are at risk are Caucasians.  Middle and upper socioeconomic groups are also prone to suffering from this disorder. Other risk factors are those who work as models, athletes, actors, and dancers.

What are the causes of Anorexia?

There is no definite cause of anorexia nervosa.  Most often, it is the pressure and influence of the media that being thin is attractive.  This means that it may be because of the lack of self-confidence that leads to poor self-image. Some experts, however, claim that this could be a genetic problem. It is believed that the part of the brain that controls metabolic functions, which is called the hypothalamus is affected in an anorexic person.  Other research suggests that it is due to chemical imbalances of the brain’s neurotransmitter.

How do doctors diagnose Anorexia?

Because this is more of a psychological disorder, it can be very difficult to diagnose.  Most patients will deny that they are anorexic and will not seek medical attention.  When complications have developed, this is the only time that the actual diagnosis is made.  In this case, the doctor will have to obtain information from the parents of the patient and friends to identify the extent of weight loss.

There are four criteria set under the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose anorexia.  First, the client will refuse to maintain the expected normal weight for age and height.  Second, they have an irrational fear of gaining weight, and they think they are becoming fat, even if they are below the normal body weight.  Third, they have distorted self-perception.  And lastly, they have amenorrhea (they have missed their menstrual cycle for consecutive three times).

In addition, anorexics binge and purge.  They will induce vomiting or use laxatives and diuretics.  While some will almost starve themselves without binging or purging.

Symptoms of Anorexia

Clients with anorexia have severe weight loss leading to depression and self-isolation.  Since their psychological aspect is affected, they become irritable and get upset easily.  They tend to withdraw from social interactions. Anorexics have sleep disturbances, so they feel fatigued during the day. Less food intake can lead to decreased concentration and attention.

Anorexics are obsessed with food often collecting recipes and hoarding food. In addition, they tend to be perfectionists. They try to please everybody, going beyond what is expected.  When their family pressures them to look good, they may over-exercise.

On the physical aspect, complications due to starvation could lead to the following problems:

• Slow heart rate, irregular heart rhythm and low blood pressure.
• Abdominal pain and constipation.
• Irregular menstrual cycle with absence of menstrual periods.
• Low blood potassium; increased or decreased urination.
• Increased risk for fracture because of the thinning of bones.
• Loss of essential amounts of electrolytes due to self-induced vomiting.
• Anemia or decreased red blood cells.
• Dry and flaky skin
• Fine hairs seen on the face, back, arms, and legs.
• Hair loss.
• Brittle nails.
• Frequent sore throat, tainted teeth and eroded dental enamel due to frequent vomiting.

Can Anorexia be Treated ?

Definitely, in fact it can be treated without having to admit the person to the hospital, unless there are  medical complications.  The malnutrition may have to be treated in severe cases through intravenous feeding or a tube.  The patient should gain at least 1-3 pounds per week.  A team composed of a nutritionist, mental-health-care provider, and a medical-health-care provider is needed to provide care for the patient.

Counseling is also available for anorexics.  Some need group and family therapy which has proven effective in treating anorexia nervosa.  They are taught to understand more about self-control and self-perception.  Either way, the main focus of therapy is to attain a healthy life in both physical and psychological aspects. In terms of medications, some will have to be treated for their compulsions.  Anti-depressant drugs have shown remarkable success in helping control mood and anxiety symptoms.

Anorexia Nervosa: when left untreated can lead to suicide. Other dangers posed by anorexia are death due to medical complications.  Early detection and treatment can avoid such problems.  While some may have relapses, it is important also that individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa have support from their families and friends to ensure successful treatment.

If you have time watch the PBS special on Eating Disorders below.

Written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2011 H.I.C. Digestive Health

References:

Anorexia. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Mama’sHealth.com: http://www.mamashealth.com

Eating Disorders. Retrieved October 17, 2009  Something Fishy: http://www.something-fishy.org

Anorexia Nervosa. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from FamilyDoctor.org: http://familydoctor.org

Whoever said that you can not have your cake and eat it too? Having a proper diet doesn’t mean starving yourself, but instead, it means eating the right types of food. The body needs its daily supply of nutrients, and going without proper nourishment can only make matters worse. A healthy lifestyle does not only consist of a healthy diet, but also keeping an active lifestyle. Exercise and brisk walks in the park could prove to be a better alternative to taking medications. Always remember that the best way to health is to keep everything natural.

The Food Pyramid

This famous food pyramid gives a good visual presentation of the amount and type of food that should be eaten daily. It is shaped like a pyramid and divided into compartments representing a specific food type. This serves as a basic guide on what type of food is good, and what recommended amount should be taken for better health.

MyPyramid

Click here to visit the USDA website

The US Department of Agriculture has released the latest food pyramid, depicting a more accurate and clearer description of how much and what type of food should be taken daily. This is different from traditional food pyramids, which only showed approximate recommended daily consumption amounts. Food types are divided into 6 different colors contained in 6 triangles of varying sizes making up the food pyramid. The new pyramid represents the recommended proportion of food-type intake. Unlike the old pyramids, the new pyramid is not based on a 2,000 calorie daily intake. The new pyramid is represented in this format to allow more flexibility in planning individual diets.

• Orange represents grains. Grains should provide 6 ounce-equivalents (1 ounce-equivalent means 1 serving), half of which should be whole grains.
• Green for vegetables. Vegetables should provide 5 servings or 2.5 cups.
• Red represents fruits. Fruit groups should provide 4 daily servings or 2 cups.
• Yellow represents oil. Oils should provide 24g or 6 teaspoons
• Blue for milk products. Milk should provide 3 cups/servings
• Purple represents meats and beans. Meat and Beans Group should provide 5.5 ounce-equivalents or servings.

The new food pyramid represents a new look in how a person chooses his diet. Additional calories may be taken if all guidelines have been met. An additional 267 calories of solid fats and sugars may be consumed once all requirements are met.

Fat Fighting Foods and Drink

Another good way of eating your way to better health is by choosing better foods to eat. Eating considerable amounts of certain types of food could significantly lower undesirable fat in your body. Below is a list of fat fighters that could help you burn those unwanted curves:

• Oranges–these citrus fruits contain flavones, which help burn and drive away those fatty deposits in your body.

• Sweet potatoes–higher in fiber content compared to their white siblings, sweet potatoes keep insulin levels in check, keeping those unwanted curves at bay.

• Almonds–rich in alpha-linolenic acids which speeds up fat burning, almonds could prove to be a good substitute to chips in passing those idle hours.

• Soybeans–they are not only a good source of protein, but soybeans also save you from fat deposits. They contain choline, a compound that not only burns fat, but also stops fat absorption.

• Swiss cheese–not all cheese is created equal; cheese is a good source of calcium, which limits fat-producing enzymes. Some cheese, however, contains fat, so stick with low-fat cheese and milk products.

• Berries–eating berries could help you lose those flabby thighs by providing energy for those workouts. Not only are they a good source of vitamin C, berries will give you that extra boost  in the gym.

• Red wine–a glass of red wine after dinner does not only refresh, but is also a good way of burning those fats. Studies have shown that red wine helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Good and the Bad

Modern living with all its amenities has certainly made life a little bit easier. But along with the good things that technology bring comes their negative effects on health. A short stroll to the grocery stroll is replaced with a quick ride in the car. Physical exertion does not only build a strong physique, but also helps burn those unwanted fats. Even traditional values such as home-cooked meals are being replaced by quick calls to the nearest Chinese or pizza fast food restaurant. The truth is that life is moving so fast today that everything seems to be a blur.

America is one of the richest and most technologically-advanced countries in the world today. One simple question is shouldn’t America be one of the healthiest places in the earth, too? Obesity is one of the growing health problems in the country today. A quick glimpse of the people in the streets or at the office could prove this undeniable truth. Prevention through information and education of simple healthy habits could spare future generations from suffering the same health problems we face today.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Sources:

New Food Pyramid. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Sampaguita Children’s Learning Center:  http://sclc.i.ph

8 Foods That Fight Fat. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Yahoo! Health:  http://health.yahoo.com

Low Fat Cooking. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from About.com: http://lowfatcooking.about.com

It has long been noted that to have a strong immune system, there first must be a healthy digestive system. These two systems used to be thought of as separate entities.  Now, through research, an intimate connection between the two has been discovered.

When we think of the digestive system, we think of it as a series of organs that help us digest food.  This is partially correct.  Actually much more happens within this system. Digestion starts in the mouth and ends in the rectum.  When you boil it down, it’s one long “tube.”  Within that “tube,” food is taken in, broken down, and then excreted.  Lining this “tube” is a multitude of beneficial bacteria, immune cells, and secretions. Food and liquids spend anywhere from 15-30 hours along any one portion of this system.  It’s the only place in the body where the outside world interacts with the inside world.  For that reason alone, there has to be a protective mechanism in place to ward off invaders.  This is where the immune system comes into play.

Within the mouth live immune factors known as secretory immunoglobulin A (sIGa).  These “fighters” await any invader or microbe not welcomed in the body.  Once activated, this sIGa contacts other immune mediators and attacks the invader or microbe.

As we make our way down the digestive system to the stomach, we find another host of fighters, the gut flora.  This flora or bacteria are natural inhabitants of the digestive system.  They help digest food, but also, help keep a close eye on the general environment of the system. It is astounding how many bacteria are found in the digestive system.  If you were to weigh the entire flora population in the digestive system, it would weigh upwards of 9 pounds, in a healthy adult.  There are actually more bacteria in the digestive system than there are cells in the body.   This complex array of bacteria is crucial for healthy maintenance of the digestive lining.  Without them, the stomach and the rest of the digestive system may become susceptible to opportunistic bacteria. These opportunistic bacteria, like Candida Albicans, can offset the natural balance of bacteria and cause havoc to the system.

The amount of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract can be reduced by :

• Exposure to many rounds of antibiotics
• Limited amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables
• High amounts of saturated fatty foods
• Smoking
• Stress

If you have any of the above challenges, then your digestive system may not be functioning at its optimal level.

Studies have been done linking imbalanced healthy flora to asthma and allergies. Once normal balance has been re-established within the system, optimal health can be attained. Some factors that can help restore this healthy balance are the following:

• Supplementing with good probiotics
• Eating a high-quality, low-sugar yogurt
• Eating fermented foods
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables
• Decreasing stress levels

Comprehensive lab testing and lifestyle counseling from a certified, clinical nutritionist and other healthcare providers can help uncover digestive issues before they become symptomatic. Dietary counseling along with lifestyle counseling can help treat the digestive system and strengthen the whole body.

written by,

Dr. Seth Pearl

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

references:

Snoeck V, Peters I, Cox E (2006). “The IgA system: a comparison of structure and function in different species”. Vet. Res. 37 (3): 455–67; Psychology Today

Over 75 million Americans suffer from a painful condition that no one really wants to talk about –hemorrhoids. These swollen, inflamed veins and capillaries around the anus are linked to constipation, straining at the stool, pregnancy, dehydration, and certain vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. They are caused by a diet consisting of low fiber, few nutrients, and too many refined foods.

There are many products out there that look promising, and if you suffer from this debilitating condition they probably sound too good to be true. One of the most well-known is the topical cream that starts with Preparation and ends with “H,” as this company’s advertisements have saturated TV and print ads for as long as most of us can remember. While a topical ointments like Preparation H may be soothing – if you have this condition you probably know that, while for some it may be a temporary solution at best – it’s not the cure for hemorrhoids. As a clinical nutritionist and technical writer for the dietary supplement industry, I can tell you that the only approach that will actually work in the long run to support the body in healing from and preventing future hemorrhoid attacks is one that addresses diet and lifestyle, and gives you the nutrients your body needs both internally and topically. Except, perhaps, in the temporary case of pregnancy and the rapid change in body chemistry and weight, hemorrhoids is not a condition I ever see in people who eat a healthy diet. This article will give you the information your doctor or the Preparation H package probably will not. This article will tell what dietary changes you need to make to solve your hemorrhoid problem.

Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN

Constipation is almost always part of the equation when talking about hemorrhoids. In order to get rid of constipation, the diet must change. Using laxatives is not a long-term solution. Drinking plenty of pure water is paramount to having healthy elimination. I recommend half a person’s body weight in ounces of water per day. Drinking small amounts throughout the day is better than drinking it all at once. It’s almost cliché these days, but I have to say it anyway: fiber is so important in a healthy diet. And I don’t mean cheerios or other refined cereals or bran products. I mean fiber from fruits and vegetables and whole grains eaten in as close to their natural state as possible. Vegetables with at least three meals or snacks each day is ideal. Eating smaller amounts of food more often, like every four hours will also help your digestive system to break down foods, help avoid obesity and liver exhaustion, and help prevent constipation. In cases where constipation is not found in hemorrhoid sufferers, chronic diarrhea caused by too many laxatives and antacids is. Either way, the body is out of balance and diet is the key.

Eating the right amounts of the right kinds of fats is a very important to proper digestion and elimination. Many people are told not to eat too many fats when experiencing hemorrhoids. This is only half true. You definitely want to eliminate the unhealthy fats, but you also must increase the healthy or nourishing fats.

Unhealthy fats are fats that cannot be digested, assimilated, or used by the body for anything other than empty calories. They can also be very damaging. Any foods that are fried in oils should be avoided. Exposure to high heat for long periods causes food enzymes and essential fatty acids to be broken down. Since these fats are basically not digestible without their enzymes, they hang around in the body clogging blood vessels and weakening circulation. Since hemorrhoids are inflamed veins and capillaries around the anus, this is probably one of the worst things to do for this condition.

Any undigested food blocking up the intestine and colon, including fats will contribute to constipation. Hydrogenated fats and oils which are found in most packaged foods like cookies, crackers, breads, chips etc…and which are probably all over your kitchen right now is one of the worst things you can put in your body. These fake food products have been chemically changed so that the shelf life is basically forever. This is great for the grocer who can have it sitting on his shelf for decades without technically going bad, but they are poison for your body. Besides clogging your digestive system and causing more inflammation in the body – where do you think these indigestible fats go after we eat them? They are probably stored in your liver, fat tissue and cardiovascular system. Yuk!

Thankfully, because the diet is pretty bland without them, we do need fats. We just need the type that the human body can digest and use as nourishment. These healthy fats include olive oil, avocado, coconut oil (yes, coconut oil just not hydrogenated coconut oil), raw almonds, nuts and seeds and their butters as well as cold pressed flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil and Omega 3 high EPA and DHA fish oils. These oils are high in essential fatty acids and are extremely healing and strengthening to the body. They are helpful with any kind of inflammatory conditions such as hemorrhoids. If you can work these healthy fats into at least 3 of your meals or snacks a day, and take a high quality EPA/DHA supplement you will be healthier than most Americans subsisting on a diet high in the low quality fats. Omega 3’s and Omega 9’s are not nearly as prevalent in our diets as their less healthy counterparts the Omega 6’s. Most people eating a modern diet are way too high in Omega 6’s and way to low in Omega 3’s and 9’s. I have found in my private practice that changing the ratio of Omega fatty acids in the body correlates with my clients having healthier digestion, less inflammation and much less depression and anxiety. Studies confirm these correlations as well. These healthy fats also serve to lubricate the intestines and colon and soften up stools which can directly support healthy elimination.

If you can combine these high fiber, nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, beans, healthy fats and plenty of water with adequate amounts of lean protein throughout the day this will go a long way toward not only getting rid of or preventing hemorrhoids but also to becoming optimally healthy. This is a general diet for good health that I have been using for years with my clients. Small amounts of lean protein, complex carbohydrate filled with high fiber and healthy fat is what your body needs every couple of hours to run smoothly. Try it and see how much better you feel.

Next time I will discuss nature’s remedies. Natural products such as herbs, vitamins and other dietary supplements that can help support your body in healing from hemorrhoids.

written by Julie Keene

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health