A follow-up to my recent blog on foods that fight sun exposure. An article in Dr. Whitaker’s Health & Healing (June, 2012) suggests that if you want to prevent skin cancer, especially the deadly melanoma, take supplemental vitamin A. Researchers followed nearly 70,000 people over a five-year period and found that vitamin A (retinol) supplements reduced risk of developing melanoma by 40%. Interestingly, neither dietary vitamin A nor beta-carotene lowered risk. Do not exceed daily doses of 10,000 IU’s (3000 mcg).Those of you that read my blogs know that I love turmeric for several health reasons including as an anti-inflammatory, a gut health booster, and keeping arteries healthy. Now, new information shows that turmeric, as well as ginger, rosemary, and garlic can lower certain fats in the blood, even if the meal is high in fat. Vitamin D is getting a lot of positive press lately, and the news keeps getting better. The latest  suggests that high doses of vitamin D may actually stall the growth of prostate cancer. According to researchers at the University of Toronto, vitamin D “makes the foot come off the gas pedal of prostate cancer growth.” With summer upon most of the country, hydration (with water) gains importance. Two new studies found that even mild dehydration comes with big consequences: altered mood, impaired memory, trouble concentrating, fatigue, headaches, and anxiety. Although the reasons for these symptoms are unclear, scientists noted that dehydration causes changes in electrolyte balance in the blood as well as serotonin levels in the brain, which can affect memory and mood. How do you know if you’re dehydrated? Check the color of your urine. Anything darker that a pale, straw hue means you need to drink more. Also, your stools will be like marbles and may float.
I’ve had a few requests for blogging on specific topics. If you would like to add your two-cents worth, please let me know via email.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.