Healthy with Jodi

Selenium for your Thyroid Health

    Selenium Health Benefits and the Best sources

    Do you have an under active Thyroid? Are you getting the vitamins and minerals needed to support the process?  Here is some info on why Selenium is important to the process.  Soaking your nuts and seeds for best absorption will help your already stressed out body.

    Antioxidant Protection
    Selenium is required for the proper activity of a group of enzymes called glutathione peroxidases. (sometimes abbreviated “GPO” or “GPx” for a glutathione peroxidase enzyme.) These enzymes play a key role in the body’s detoxification system and they also provide protection against oxidative stress. (Oxidative stress is physiological circumstance in which there is excessive risk of oxygen-related damage to the body.) Of the eight known glutathione peroxidase enzymes, five of them require selenium.
    In addition to the activity of glutathione peroxidase, selenium-containing enzymes are involved in recycling of vitamin C from its spent form back to its active one, allowing for greater antioxidant protection.

    Support Normal Thyroid Function
    A selenium-containing enzyme is responsible for transforming a less active thyroid hormone called T4 into the more active T3. As you’ll see below in the Relationship with Other Nutrients section, selenium and iodine work together to keep thyroid function strong and consistent.
    Like the antioxidant protection issue, this is not just an esoteric concern. Researchers have been able to induce problems with the thyroid gland in just two months of a low-selenium diet.
    Probably, if you’ve read about food sources of selenium, you’ve read about Brazil nuts as a strong source of the mineral. Depending on where they are grown, this is likely to be true—one ounce of Brazil nuts may contain as much as 10 times the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendation for selenium intake.
    Other exceptionally selenium-rich foods include oysters, clams, liver, and kidney. Each of these foods is likely to contain double to triple the DRI in a serving.
    Fish and shellfish make up an outsized proportion of our excellent and very good sources. After these come other animal meats, many of which fall in the very good category. Close behind are whole grains and seeds, both of which are well-represented in our good selenium sources category.
    http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=newtip&dbid=144&utm_source=daily_click&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_email

    Feeling the need to Detox? Try G.I. Detox (With Pyrophyllite Clay)

      G.I. Detox (With Pyrophyllite Clay)
      Bio-Botanical Research
      60 capsules $31.50

      Removal of debris and toxins from the intestinal tract is an important part of any comprehensive cleansing program. G.I. Detox™ contains both pyrophyllite healing clay and activated charcoal for a simple and well tolerated cleansing regime.
      -Removes Debris, Toxins and Accumulated Waste 
-Excellent Support when used with the Bioclear® Program
-Assists in “Mop Up” Phase of Biofilm Treatment

      General Cleansing for Adults: For twice monthly use: 1 – 2 capsules with a large glass of water 3 times daily taken between meals, for 3 days. During use of G.I. Detox eat a diet high in leafy greens and low in refined carbohydrates. A minimum of 64 ounces of water a day should be taken. Take 1 – 2 hours apart from other supplements or medications. When using G.I. Detox™ during a course of Biocidin® or Olivirex®, resume these at a lower dosage and gradually increase to the recommended levels again as the effects will be more powerful after the colon is cleansed.
      Servings Per Container: 60
      Serving Size: 1 capsule
      Amount Per Serving
Proprietary Herbal Blend … 750mg
Pyrophyllite Clay 562mg
Activated Charcoal 188mg
      Other Ingredients: Cellulose and water
      Contains no allergens such as dairy, wheat, gluten, sugar, soy, preservatives, animal products, artificial flavorings or colorings.

      For “mop-up” of die off reactions take 1 – 2 capsules of  GI Detox™ 1 hour apart from Biocidin®, Olivirex® or other medications. Discontinue use should adverse reactions occur. Not intended for use during pregnancy.

      NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange

        NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange
        BioPharma Scientific.
        $46.65

        HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FORMULA
        1000 IU of Vitamin D
Good Source of Fiber, Pineapple Orange
        SuperFood SOLUTION™. NanOmega3™
Heart, Brain & Vision SuperFoodlifesDHA™.

        HEALTHY BRAIN, EYES, HEART
SuperSorb® DELIVERY
        DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
        NET WT. 12.7 OZ (360g)
        More Info:
Omega-3s are essential for fatty acids (EFAs) for supporting:
* heart health
* joint health
* healthy skin
* maintenance of normal blood lipids
* healthy brain function
* healthy eyes (retina)
* immune health
* general health and wellness
        Truly a breakthrough functional food formula, NanOmega3 provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) from both:
-ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, from specially stabilized, organic MeadowPure™ golden flaxseed and
-DHA oil (lifesDHA™ from Martek) derived from plant marine algae, with
-Synergistic vitamins E, D3, folic acid, B6 and B12.

        Supplemental Facts:
SuperSorb® is BioPharma Scientifics registered name for its enhanced delivery systems wherein highly bioavailable forms of micronutrient and microencapsulation are utilized to help maximize nutrient absorption.
        In order to ensure correct usage of BioPharmas high potency formulas, BioPharma sells only through licensed healthcare practitioners.

        Servings Per Container: 30
        SUGGESTED USE:
Mix one [1] scoop (12 g) with 6-8 ounces of cold water, juice or milk to taste. Shake or blend briskly. Enjoy one (1) to two (2) times a day unless otherwise directed by your health professional. Children under 12 take 1/2 serving. NanOmega3 is scientifically formulated to taste great with BioPharmas entire SuperFood Solution™ line. For a wealth of SuperFood Smoothie/Shake recipes, ask your health professional for a copy of The SuperFood Solution™ Users Guide.
        Refrigerate after opening.
        Benefit:
YES:
*Great tasting, instant mixing
*Made with organic flax
*Vegan & non GMO
*Low net carb
*Low peroxide value (pv)
*Fortified with Vitamins D, E, & B
        NO:
*Fishy tastes, smells or toxins
*Fish oil “burps”
*Animal or fish products
*Eggs, dairy, wheat, yeast, soy, gluten
*Artificial flavors, MSG, or glutamate peptides

        Serving Size: 12g (1 scoop)
        Amount Per Serving
Calories …57
Calories from fat …122
Total Fat …2.5g / 4% DV
Saturated Fat …Total Carbohydrate …7g / 2% DV
Dietary Fiber …2.5g / 10% DV
Sugars …1g
Protein …1g
Vitamin D3 …1000 IU / 250% DV
(cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E …30 IU / 100% DV
(d-alpha tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B6 …1mg / 50% DV
(as pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
Vitamin B9 …2000mcg / 50% DV
(as folic acid)
Vitamin B12 …85.5mcg / 1, 425% DV
(as cyanocobalamin)
Calcium …21mg / 2% DV
Iron …425mcg / 2% DV
Magnesium …22mg / 5% DV
Sodium …5mg / <1% DV
Potassium …36mg / 1% DV
Total Omega-3 …1100mg #
Omega-3/DHA …100mg #
Omega-3/Linolenic Acid …1000mg #
Omega-6 …300mg #
Lignans …50mg #
Turmeric …70mg #
Stevia Leaf Crystals …70mg #
(stevia rebaudiana)
        * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2, 000 calorie diet.
# Daily Value not established.
        OTHER INGREDIENTS: Meadow Pure™ Omega-3 Ultra Golden Flax™ with Marteks DHA oil derived from marine algae, Natural Flavors (plant based), Rice Bran Soluble fiber*, Vitafiber™ (isomalto-oligosaccharides from non-GMO corn and/or potato starch), Rice Malto-dexrin*, Xanthan Gum, Natural Curcumin Color (plant based).
        *Organic ingredients
        IMPORTANT:
Best if stored in cool, dark conditions. After each use close tightly and refrigerate immediately. Contains an oxygen absorbent packet to preserve freshness.
        Pregnant and nursing mothers, anyone taking prescription medications, or prior to any surgical procedures, inform their healthcare practitioner and/or pharmacist before taking this or any other dietary supplement.

        Allergy Testing Explained

          Allergy testing At a Glance

          I’m all about questions and explaining why. When we understand “Why” we do things, programs or guidelines become easier to follow and results tend to be easier to maintain when education is behind our actions.  Let me help you stop the guess work and customize your eating and supplement plan so you can be the best version of yourself you can be!!!

          Formal name:
          Allergen-specific IgE Antibody Test
          Why Get Tested?
          To help diagnose allergies; sometimes to monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy (desensitization) treatment
          When to Get Tested?
          When you have symptoms such as hives, dermatitis, nasal congestion, red itchy eyes, asthma, or abdominal pain that your health care provider suspects may be caused by an allergy
          A Sample is Required
          A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or finger prick at home test.

          No Test Preparation Needed

          What is being tested?
          Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a class of antibody (immune protein) associated with allergic reactions. It is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE in the blood in order to detect an allergy to a particular substance.
          IgE is an antibody that functions as part of the body’s immune system, its defense against “intruders.” When someone with a predisposition to allergies is exposed to a potential allergen such as food, grass, or animal dander for the first time, that person becomes sensitized. The person’s body perceives the potential allergen as a foreign substance and produces a specific IgE antibody that binds to specialized mast cells in the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract, and to basophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream. With the next exposure, these attached IgE antibodies recognize the allergen and cause the mast and basophil cells to release histamine and other chemicals, resulting in an allergic reaction that begins at the exposure site.
          Each allergen-specific IgE antibody test performed is separate and very specific: honeybee versus bumblebee, egg white versus egg yolk, giant ragweed versus western ragweed. Groupings of these tests, such as food panels or regional weed, grass, and mold panels, can be done. Alternatively, the health practitioner may pick and choose selectively from a long list of individual allergens suspected of causing a person’s allergies.

          When is it ordered?
          One or more allergen-specific IgE antibody tests are usually ordered when a person has signs or symptoms that suggest an allergy to one or more substances. Signs and symptoms MAY include:

          **Fatigue is number one symptom!**
          * Hives
          * Dermatitis
          * Eczema
          * Red itchy eyes
          * Coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing
          * Itching and tingling in the mouth
          * Asthma
          * Abdominal pain or vomiting and diarrhea
          * Bloating, excessive gas
          * Skin breakouts
          * Sluggish
          * Stomachache, discomfort within 30 mins of eating
          * Trouble concentrating, brain fog

          A test may also be ordered occasionally to help evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy or to determine whether a child has outgrown an allergy.

          Sources:
          American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
          Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: What are allergies?
          American College of Allergy, Asthma,
          American Academy of Family Physicians: Food Allergies
          Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
          Nemours Foundation: All About Allergies
          American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: What is Allergy Testing
          American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Allergy Testing
          National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

          Hot mess: The grossest health concerns of summer

             

            (CNN)You are not the only one who thrives in the summer and loves its warm, long days. Bacteria and other microbes that cause food poisoning, diarrhea and just general grossness also flourish, threatening to make it a season to be sick.

            “Foodborne pathogens follow an annual cycle, and we tend to see peaks of them, especially bacteria, in the summer, at picnics, potlucks and all the outdoor events,” said Melinda Wilkins, director of the online science master’s program in food safety at Michigan State University.
            Your gut is not the only part of your body at risk of assault by bacteria such as E. coli in summer months. Bugs lurk in air conditioning filters, especially when it is hot and humid, ready to cause trouble for those with breathing problems. And the skin that protects you from infections can become a portal for them after a bad, blistering sunburn.
            Of course, even if some dangers await you at the picnic, pool or beach, it is worth it to get out and enjoy yourself. You can most likely handle what comes your way.

            Don’t pee (or poop) in the pool

            The burn you feel in your eyes after a dip in the swimming pool is not because of chlorine. It is because pee, poop and sweat from fellow swimmers (and maybe you) react with chlorine and form chloramine compounds,and this combination is what really stings your peepers. Aside from the gross factor, the formation of these compounds means there is less chlorine left in the water to kill bacteria, such as E. coli. Chloramines can also irritate the airways, and when they build up in the air, such as at indoor pools, they can trigger asthma attacks.
            “We recommend that you not pee or poop in the water, and shower before you go in,” said Michele Hlavsa, chief of the Health Swimming Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2010 CDC report found that one out of 10 public pools don’t have proper chlorine levels. To make sure you’re not about to take a dip in a bacteria-laden pool, “you can use pool test strips at a pool supply or big box store” to check the chlorine level, Hlavsa said. (The CDC recommends chlorine levels in pools between 1 and 3 parts per million and pH of 7.2 to 7.8.)
            Even at the right levels, chlorine does not wipe out everything. A new CDC report found that a parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and lives up to 10 days in a chlorinated pool, was associated with 37 (54%) of the 69 outbreaks of illness at pools and water parks. “To protect yourself, it’s about not swallowing the water you swim in, and to protect others don’t swim if you have diarrhea,” Hlavsa said.

            Lurking in seawater

            A day at the beach may leave you with more memories than you imagined if you go home with vibriosis. The infection is caused by vibrio bacteria, which live in some coastal waters and flourish in the warm months between May and October, when the majority of cases occur.
            According to the CDC, there are about 80,000 cases each year, and about 100 of them are fatal.
            An estimated 52,000 of those cases result from eating contaminated food, such as raw oysters, that have been infected in the water they once lived in. Symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of consumption. They include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The illness lasts about three days.
            The bacteria can also cause skin rashes that lead to infection when contaminated water gets into an open wound or even a scratch.
            The best way to prevent this infection is to thoroughly cook shellfish and clean hands well after touching raw or undercooked shellfish. Cuts or scrapes should be cleaned well with soap after contact with infected water. When possible, cover the wound with a waterproof bandage before getting it wet.

            Beware the picnic burgers

            The thought of potato salad sweltering in the heat at the summer picnic may make the burgers on the grill sound pretty appetizing, but think again. “Actually, potato salad has kind of a bad rap, but it is not really a particularly high-risk food,” said Wilkins, of Michigan State University. “But people tend to bring frozen (burger) patties and throw them on the grill before they are fully thawed, (and) ground meat that is not thoroughly cooked is one of the riskiest items” because it can have E. coli, she said.
            Ground beef and pork should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, ground chicken and turkey to 165 degrees. And yes, that means using a meat thermometer to test the temperature in the middle of the burger, Wilkins said.
            Of course, bacteria can still lurk in a big bowl of gooey potato or pasta salad, but not for the reasons you may think. Ingredients such as potatoes, pasta and eggs, not the mayonnaise, are prone to contamination. To play it safe, keep containers of anything you’re supposed to eat cold, such as potato salad, in big bowls or coolers full of ice, Wilkins said.

            Bacteria scream for ice cream (machines)

            An issue that can plague many an inadequately cleaned soft-serve ice cream dispenser is bacteria. “Listeria (bacteria) is a really sneaky pathogen in that it likes to live in cooler temperatures and populate machinery,” Wilkins said. Listeria infections can cause fever and muscle aches, and they are especially dangerous for pregnant women, who may miscarry as a result.
            On the bright side, the Blue Bell ice cream scare has made people more aware of listeria’s potential to lurk in frozen desserts, Wilkins said. It is a good idea to ask the person working at the yogurt shop or ice cream truck when the machines were last cleaned. “It brings the issue to the awareness of the workers and management to double check their procedures,” Wilkins said.

            Burn, baby, burn

            Sunburns may seem like a sweet souvenir from a day at the beach, but they should really be thought of as potentially harmful wounds. In the most severe cases, people can develop blisters and need to be treated like burn victims, said Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “The skin sloughs off, (and) if there’s any kind of raw wound, it can predispose you to an infection” and should be treated with a prescription antibiotic ointment, he said.
            Worse yet, even just a few serious sunburns may greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer. A 2014 study found that white women who had five or more blistering sunburns when they were teens were 68% more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

            Brush with jellyfish

            Despite that old episode of “Friends” where Joey peed on Monica’s jellyfish sting, urine is not the antidote to the venom of this goopy animal, which is common off beaches across the United States and thrives in warm water. Rinsing the wound with saltwater is one of the most recommended ways to relieve the stinging, redness and swelling that follow a brush with a jellyfish tentacle.
            A more surprising but also effective treatment is vinegar, said Rokhsar, who knows firsthand that it can make the pain go away almost instantaneously. “It happened to me. It hurts a lot, and I actually went to the lifeguard station, and they had vinegar spray,” he said.
            Also beware of the not-so-cute baby jellyfish called sea lice. Unlike the adults’ sting, theirs doesn’t hurt, so you don’t have to worry about rinsing the wound with saltwater or vinegar. Save the vinegar for rinsing your swimsuit before you wash it. Some believe the larvae can become trapped in the fabric.
            You will usually experience an itchy, red rash and small blisters within 24 hours. The rash is sometimes accompanied with fever, chills, headaches and nausea. The symptoms can last as long as two weeks and are not contagious.
            The sea lice, which are actually microscopic larvae of marine life such as jellyfish or sea anemones, are most often found in summer waters in Florida and the Caribbean.

            Grossness flourishes in air conditioning filters

            When air conditioners are working around the clock in hot summer months, dust, mold and pollution from outdoor air (in the case of central AC) or indoor air (in the case of a window unit) tend to build up on the filter of AC units. Not only does this slash the air conditioner’s efficiency, it can also carry health risks, said Abby Brokaw, director of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest Health House program.
            “People who are already having problems with breathing or lung health — so people with allergies or respiratory disease — are going to be affected” if the filter is not properly cleaned, removing dust, mold, dander and other detritus, Brokaw said.
            To keep your filter in tiptop shape, clean or replace it every three months, Brokaw advised. But take precaution when you do. Mold and bacteria love to grow on filters, especially in the summer humidity.
            “You don’t want to breathe in mold spores and bacteria. We would recommend that you wear gloves and a mask,” Brokaw said, referring to surgical masks sold in drugstores.

            Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/health/gross-summer-health/index.html

            10 Reasons to Eat Clean

              eat clean

              1. You’ll become more mindful.
              Which one takes longer and really makes you slow down? Eating clean also means eating with purpose and savoring food. That means a better relationship with everything from radishes and radicchio to red velvet cupcakes (which you’ll no longer crave).

              2. You’ll save money.
              Kiss sick days and medical bills goodbye when you get nutrients from eating clean, real food. Plus, shopping locally and in season makes sense– and cents. Planning clean meals for the week is cost-effective if you make a list and stick to it, as there’s no chance of overspending at the store.

              3. You’ll live longer.
              Study after study has shown that consuming these foods can lengthen your life-span. And in a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, European researchers have found that increasing your produce intake to more than 569 grams per day reduces your risk of mortality by 10 %.

              4. You’ll have better relationships.
              Preparing clean meals takes time, just the kind of time that allows for easy, relaxed conversations with your kids, spouse and other family members and friends. If they’re too busy with screen time to share stove-top time, point them to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2014 study, published in Public Health Nutrition, showing good health comes from home cooking.

              5. You’ll be smarter.
              Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts keep our minds sharper and our memories stronger by a whopping 24 %, proved a study published in spring 2015 in Neurology. Our brains also function better with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, as shown in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, while they slow and sputter down when we fill them with sugar (including alcohol), fast food and the wrong kinds of fats. If that’s all too much too think about, remember one point from the Nature Reviews Neuroscience report: A balanced diet means better brain health.

              See also 9 Amazing Brain Boosters to Add to Your Diet.

              6. You’ll have more energy.
              Adam and Eve were onto something when they bit into that apple: Fruit is just one of many clean foods that provide an instant dose of energy. High-fiber fruits like apples take longer to digest and can instantly stave off that afternoon slump while providing critical vitamins for the evening ahead. Other pick-me-ups include quinoa, almonds, eggs, kale, citrus fruit and a good-old-fashioned glass of water.

              7. You’ll be better in bed.
              Mamma mia! Women with metabolic function in Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean enjoy a healthier sex life than those in the US, thanks to the components of their diet– yep, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. That’s what researchers found in a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

              8. You’ll help the planet survive.
              There’s an oft-quoted statistic that food travels approximately 1,500 miles from farmer to consumer in the United States. By eating seasonal and local foods, as recommended by Clean Eating, you can help reduce your carbon footprint. As the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in 2003, “The major threat to future survival and to US natural resources is rapid population growth”and “the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is more sustainable than the average American meat-based diet.

              9. You’ll be stronger.
              The lean protein that comprises part of the clean-eating philosophy builds lean muscle mass and boosts metabolism, found a study presented at The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in 2014. Some mighty choices for your muscles (in addition to animal-based products like chicken, fish and lean beef) include quinoa, chickpeas, nuts, spinach and seeds.

              10. You’ll be happier.
              Food and mood go hand in hand. And the better the food, the better your mood. If you need to brighten your day, go for berries, bananas, coffee, lean proteins, chocolate, omega-3 and turmeric fatty acids, all proven to boost your mental state.

              Healthy with Jodi