8 Great Sources of Iodine

8 Great Sources of Iodine

A healthy diet is a great way to ensure you receive a good balance of the nutrients your body requires, including iodine — and you need to make sure you always have enough iodine. Your thyroid depends on it http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33540 to function and it is the primary element of two essential hormones that regulate metabolic function. Without it, a myriad of problems can occur, including hypothyroidism http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33674 and reductions in energy.



What are some of the best sources of iodine? http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33650 In this case, the best place to start is the sea…

1. Sea Vegetables

Oceans contain most of the world’s naturally occurring iodine. As a result, many of the edible plants we harvest from our saltwater seas also contain healthy values of iodine. Dulse Seaweed, Kelp, Kombu, Nori, Sea Palm and Wakame contain iodine. [1] [2] Although these sea veggies offer varying amounts of iodine, they still top the list as one of the best sources for naturally occurring iodine.

2. Seafood

It’s important to be aware of the presence of toxic metals in some fish… unfortunate but true. And, depending on your diet, you may not even eat fish. But, if you do, wild caught, deep water fish like Cod, as well as shellfish and shrimp also offer healthy values of iodine.

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3. Eggs

Same goes for eggs, not on everyone’s plate http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32129 but it is worth mentioning that this nutrient powerhouse has been recommended for pregnant women and young children specifically for its iodine content. [3] One egg contains nearly 16% of the recommended daily value of iodine. Cage-free, organic, and vegetarian fed are a must. If you’ve got a yard, give a thought to even getting your own chickens.

4. Organic Dairy

Not everyone consumes dairy but some people do, for those folks, do know that one cup of milk contains more than one-third of the recommended daily value of iodine. Yogurt and cheese also contain iodine. Cheese contains a lower value of iodine per serving; however, one cup of yogurt contains more iodine than a cup of milk – 50% of the recommended daily value! [1] Recent studies have found that individuals who regularly consume dairy receive good iodine supplementation. [4] This is one choice especially where organic is a must, and preferably raw.

5. Strawberries

These delicious summer berries provide a surprising source of dietary iodine. One cup of strawberries will provide 10% of the daily value. Plus, they have a good amount of vitamin C too!

6. Prunes

Constipated? Eat some prunes. But more than that, prunes offer a lot more than fiber. Like strawberries, prunes provide a healthy serving of iodine and other powerful nutrients in an easy to digest form.



7. Spinach and Dark Leafy Greens

Spinach, turnip greens and swiss chard have been specifically noted for their dietary iodine values. [5] These nutrient dense veggies also offer a highly bioavailable food source for easy digestion.

8. Dietary Supplements

If you’re not getting enough iodine in your diet, for crying out loud, do not simply shrug it off as a loss. Iodine deficiencies can cause problems and it’s so easy to avoid that mess. A nascent iodine (the best) supplement like Detoxadine is easy to add to your daily routine and does not cost a lot. Regardless if you choose Detoxadine or another product, be sure that you select a product that offers the most bioavailable materials. There are many fine products available, but there are also supplements that have been created in a lab and include artificial versions of nutrients — versions the human body may not recognize as well.

Eat these foods, take a supplement if you need one, and make sure you get enough iodine to keep your thyroid healthy and your metabolism charged!

GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Iodine
Video Length: 60 minutes
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by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



References:

1. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-HealthProfessional/. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

2. Whole Foods Market. Sea Veggies http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/food-guides/sea-veggies. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

3. Ruxton C. Value of eggs during pregnancy and early childhood http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23505895. Nurs Stand. 2013 Feb 13-19;27(24):41-50; quiz 51.

4. Perrine CG, Sullivan KM, Flores R, Caldwell KL, Grummer-Strawn LM. Intakes of Dairy Products and Dietary Supplements Are Positively Associated with Iodine Status among U.S. Children http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700343. J Nutr. 2013 Jul;143(7):1155-60. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.176289. Epub 2013 May 22.

5. University of Maryland Medical Center. Iodine http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/iodine. (last accessed 2013-08-22)

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3 Quick Tips for a Healthy Colon

3 Quick Tips for a Healthy Colon

The colon is also called the large intestine. It doesn’t digest food. It’s the part of the digestive system responsible for processing waste out of the body. Waste material travels along the four parts of the large intestine where it is converted into solid material. A healthy colon means a better quality of life.



Tracking the process, from the small intestine, waste material enters the Ascending colon and travels up to the Transverse colon, which transports it across the body to the Descending colon. The material is processed down the Descending colon to the Sigmoid colon and out of the body through the rectum. In a healthy colon, along the journey loose liquid material has become solid waste.

During this slow passage nutrients and water are removed and the waste is made solid for easy expulsion from the rectum. In an optimally functioning colon, nutrients are absorbed properly and toxins are expelled with the waste and nothing becomes impacted along the way.



Ways to Support a Healthy Colon

1. Eat Right

A healthy diet ensures a healthy functioning colon. I prefer to follow an organic vegan diet and personally do not eat meat, but if you are going to eat it, I suggest only consuming organic, range-fed meat. The best diet will consist of organic foods in the various groups:

- Fiber
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Beans

2. In Some Way, Shape, or Form, EXERCISE!

Physical activity http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=32294 is important to maintain an active digestive system. Remember, a sluggish system retains toxic waste in the body for longer than is healthful.



3. Hydrate Yourself, All the Time

Drink purified, oxygenated water for your best health. Water helps to flush the body of toxins, as does the added oxygen. Water is what helps the colon to process soft stool, and not dry fecal matter, which becomes difficult to excrete.

Additional Help

Even the most health conscious person can have bouts of irregularity because of travel, sleep changes, and stress; all of which are factors that can affect your digestion. Consider cleansing your colon http://bit.ly/Oxy-Powder periodically to clear the waste that gets trapped. However, I recommend avoiding the traditional laxatives as they often contain harsh herbal ingredients that irritate the colon. Additionally, laxatives containing psyllium http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34130 present considerable risks. Instead, opt for a gentle and safe oxygen-based colon-cleansing product.

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM



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Treating Erectile Dysfunction With Heart Stents

Treating Erectile Dysfunction With Heart Stents




Some surgeons are now using tools typically used to widen arteries and pump more blood to the heart to treat a very different problem: erectile dysfunctionhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ee/erectiledysfunction.php.

Seventy percent of men with erectile dysfunction http://bit.ly/treatment-for-ed have some form of atherosclerosis http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30670— arterial blockage — that may prevent blood from flowing to the penis. This is why surgeons are now looking to stent procedures as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, according to cardiologist Mehdi Shishehbor, MD, of Cleveland Clinic.

In the Cleveland Clinic program, if a doctor suspects an arterial blockage is preventing a man from having erections, the first step is to order an angiogram of the pelvis to identify the blockage, then insert a stent into the affected artery. The stented arteries are in the pelvis, not in the penis itself, and the procedure takes about an hour. Some patients are able to have sex the next day.

Erectile dysfunction affects as many as 18 million men in the United States, but not everyone is a candidate for this type of stent procedure. If you think you might benefit from it, talk with your cardiologist for more information.

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Family, Friends Influence Breast Cancer Decisions

Family, Friends Influence Breast Cancer Decisions

Family and friends don't just serve as emotional support for breast cancer patients, they also help patients decide which kind of surgery to have, a new study has found. 



About three-quarters of patients surveyed brought a family member or friend to their first appointment with a surgeon, and the accompanying person exerted influence on the patient, the University of Michigan researchers noted. 

In particular, women who had a friend or family member accompany them to the first appointment were more likely to receive a mastectomy, compared with women who went alone. Women were also more likely to choose mastectomy if they themselves played a major role in driving the decision instead of the doctor, according to the study published in the Aug. 31 online edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The study examined factors influencing a woman's choice between a mastectomy to remove the entire breast or breast-conserving surgery, which involves removing only the tumor and is followed by radiation treatments.

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The researchers also found that Latina woman with little English-language skills were most likely to be influenced by their family members.

The findings come from a survey of 1,651 women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/breastcancer.php in the Detroit and Los Angeles regions.

"Family and friends have a potentially important role in treatment discussions. More than 70 percent of women brought someone with them to the appointment, providing a chance for surgeons to convey information to both the patient and her support person," lead study author Sarah Hawley, research associate professor of internal medicine at University of Michigan Medical School, said in a university news release. "Clearly, others help with and contribute to decision making, and may do so differently for different racial or ethnic groups."

More information

For more information on breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2x.asp?sitearea=LRN&dt=5

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What is Hydroxocobalamin?

What is Hydroxocobalamin?

Cobalamin is another name for vitamin B12, an essential nutrient necessary for proper metabolism and energy production. Hydroxocobalamin is a chemical compound with a similar structure to vitamin B12. Even though the human body doesn’t produce hydroxocobalamin, bacteria in the digestive tract are able to convert it into a usable form. Commercial and pharmaceutical versions of hydroxocobalamin also use bacteria to create large volumes of the compound for therapeutic purposes.



Hydroxocobalamin, partially identifiable by its red color, plays an integral part in DNA synthesis and supports cell replication. The compound also has an important role in the conversion of harmful homocysteine into beneficial methionine, an essential amino acid. It helps with energy production and is necessary for normal brain and nervous system function.

A Remedy for B12 Deficiency

Hydroxocobalamin is commonly used to address vitamin B12 deficiency. When the body’s stores of vitamin B12 are low, injections of hydroxocobalamin are often used to restore B12 levels. B12 deficiency is linked to many negative health effects http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33584, including neurologic, gastroenterologic, psychiatric, and blood disorders. There’s no question it’s one of the most important nutrients our bodies require. In one case, an individual suffering from seizures and psychotic symptoms achieved a complete recovery after B12 intervention. [1]



B12 Deficiency: Causes

Whether you’re avoiding animal products http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=32129 or suffering from digestive or absorption issues, you may develop a B12 deficiency. Even meat eaters who constantly consume this essential nutrient may become deficient under certain circumstances. The most common causes of a vitamin B12 deficiency include:

Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/anemia.php is when the body doesn’t absorb B12 and in turn doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. People with this condition must regularly receive B12 supplementation. Hydroxocobalamin injection has been traditionally used against pernicious anemia based on research indicating the body more readily retains it. [2] New research has suggested oral ingestion of hydroxocobalamin (or cyanocobalamin) as an alternative option for B12 supplementation. [3]

Strict Vegetarianism/Veganism

Individuals who adhere to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31926 may not receive enough vitamin B12. The vitamin is mostly present in animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, fish, and milk. [4] This places many health-conscious vegetarians and vegans at risk, prompting supplementation as the main avenue through which the nutrient can and should be obtained. Pregnant women who are vegetarians or vegans will also need to supplement, as a deficiency can greatly impact the fetus. [5]

Digestive Malabsorption

If the stomach or small intestine experiences functional or structural damage, the body may have trouble absorbing enough vitamin B12 (and other nutrients). People who suffer from celiac disease also have difficulty digesting gluten http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33578 and absorbing nutrients. Some medical conditions can also prevent the stomach or small intestine from properly secreting intrinsic factor http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33796, the intestinal protein necessary for B12 absorption.



Harmful Organisms

Unfriendly organisms in the intestines http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=32721 can reduce the amount of B12 available for absorption. For example, tapeworms can consume large amounts of vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency in this powerful nutrient. [6] A condition like this may lead to gastric atrophy, a chronic irritation of the stomach lining. This can result in a loss of gastric cells that produce essential digestive substances necessary for the proper utilization of B12.

Benefits of Hydroxocobalamin

In addition to remedying B12 deficiency, hydroxocobalamin can provide additional benefits to the brain and body…

Remedy for Cyanide Poisoning

In 2006, hydroxocobalamin received approval for use as a treatment for cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin binds with cyanide molecules to form cyanocobalamin, a B12 vitamer. As a cyanide antidote, hydroxocobalamin has been deemed safe and highly effective. [7]



A Migraine Remedy

Hydroxocobalamin has been identified as a scavenger of nitric oxide, an essential muscle regulator that also acts as a free radical. Too much nitric oxide can actually cause swelling and discomfort, especially in the brain. One study found hydroxocobalamin to be effective for reducing the frequency and duration of migraineshttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/mm/migraine.php. [8]

One Final Thought

The B vitamins are necessary for nerve function, energy production, and metabolic processes inside the body. Do not risk deficiencies of these essential nutrients! If you are experiencing symptoms related to vitamin B12 deficiency, it is pertinent that you receive testing to make sure your levels are in check. If not, supplementation may be necessary until the proper amount of B12 http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33585 has been established.

GHC youtube Video
Watch an In-Depth Video on
Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin B-12
Video Length: 60 minutes
https://youtu.be/C4CuwUV0k20

by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

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References:

1. Vilibi M, Juki V, Vidovi A, Breci P. Cobalamin deficiency manifested with seizures, mood oscillations, psychotic features and reversible dementia in the absence of typical neurologic and hematologic signs and symptoms: a case report http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23697293. Coll Antropol. 2013 Mar;37(1):317-9.

2. Hall CA, Begley JA, Green-Colligan PD. The availability of therapeutic hydroxocobalamin to cells http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6692038. Blood. 1984 Feb;63(2):335-41.

3. Andrès E, Fothergill H, Mecili M. Efficacy of oral cobalamin (vitamin B12) therapy http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088746. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010 Feb;11(2):249-56. doi: 10.1517/14656560903456053.

4. Watanabe F, Yabuta Y, Tanioka Y, Bito T. Biologically Active Vitamin B12 Compounds in Foods for Preventing Deficiency among Vegetarians and Elderly Subjectshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23782218. J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jul 17;61(28):6769-75. doi: 10.1021/jf401545z. Epub 2013 Jul 2.

5. Simpson JL, Bailey LB, Pietrzik K, Shane B, Holzgreve W. Micronutrients and women of reproductive potential: required dietary intake and consequences of dietary deficiency or excess http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373888. Part I–Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2010 Dec;23(12):1323-43. doi: 10.3109/14767051003678234. Epub 2010 Apr 7.

6. Vuylsteke P, Bertrand C, Verhoef GE, Vandenberghe P. Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal taeniasis http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14730392. Ann Hematol. 2004 Jul;83(7):487-8. Epub 2004 Jan 17.

7. Shepherd G, Velez LI. Role of hydroxocobalamin in acute cyanide poisoning http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18397973. Ann Pharmacother. 2008 May;42(5):661-9. doi: 10.1345/aph.1K559. Epub 2008 Apr 8.

8. van der Kuy PH, Merkus FW, Lohman JJ, ter Berg JW, Hooymans PM. Hydroxocobalamin, a nitric oxide scavenger, in the prophylaxis of migraine: an open, pilot studyhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12230592. Cephalalgia. 2002 Sep;22(7):513-9.

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What's Wrong With Long-Lasting Erections

What's Wrong With Long-Lasting Erections



Priapism is the long-lasting erection that you really don't want. Find out when and why it's a medical emergency.

At first blush, a long-lasting erection might sound like a good problem to have. But be careful what you wish for. When an erection lasts for more than four hours it means the affected person has priapism http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=5338, a condition not to take lightly — all jokes aside. In the list of disclaimers for erectile dysfunction ads, mention of erections lasting longer than four hours is always front and center — and when the voiceover tells you to call your doctor if this happens to you, that’s not just a frivolous bit of advice .

"A long-lasting erection http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=30873, one that lasts more than four hours without sexual stimulation, is a medical emergency and could be the last erection you ever have if you don't get help right away," says Michael Feloney, MD, a urologist at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Why the alarm? The reason priapism is so dangerous is because it’s caused by blood trapped inside the penis. When blood can't circulate and carry oxygen to the cells that make up the structures of your penis, those cells start to die, which can result in tissue damage, scar tissue, and in extreme cases, permanent erectile dysfunctionhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ee/erectiledysfunction.php.

Types of Priapism

"There are two types of priapism — high-flow priapism and low-flow priapism," explains Nelson Bennett, MD, a urologist at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. Both types cause a long-lasting erection, but one is significantly more dangerous than the other.

High-flow priapism is caused by an injury that damages an artery supplying blood to the penis, causing it to be oversupplied with oxygen-rich blood. This type of priapism is rare and is not painful. Although it may require medical treatment, this kind of long-lasting erection is not an emergency.

"Low-flow priapism is the type of long-lasting erection that traps old blood inside the penis blood chambers," explains Dr. Feloney. "This type of priapism in more painful and more dangerous."

Remember that dangerous priapism is a painful, long-lasting erection that is no longer related to any sexual activity. “If you have sexual intercourse over several hours, and your erection goes away between orgasms, that is not the same as priapism," explains Dr. Bennett.

Factors Leading to Low-Flow Priapism

Erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra (natural: http://bit.ly/treatment-for-ed) can cause priapism, but so can many other drugs. Although medication can cause priapism in men between age 20 and 50, boys between age 5 and 10 also get priapism as can newborns. In about a third of all cases of priapism, the cause is never known. The other two-thirds of cases are generally caused by the following:

- Erectile dysfunction medications. There’s good news here. ED drugs you see advertised on television rarely cause priapism. Oral medications and ED treatments that are injected into the penis are responsible for less than 1 percent of priapism cases. But there’s a caveat: "The chances of a long-lasting erection with ED drugs goes up if men who really don't need these drugs are using them recreationally," warns Feloney.
Other drugs. Long-lasting erections have been linked to recreational drugs such as cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana. Prescription drugs that may cause priapism include meds for depression, anxiety, and psychosis http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=23828, some blood pressure medications, the male hormone testosterone, and drugs used to prevent clotting.
- Certain health conditions. Diseases that cause blood flow to slow down and lead to an increase in clotting can cause priapism. Among these conditions are sickle cell disease, polycythemia, and some blood cancers.
- Injuries. Injuries that result in damage to blood vessels usually cause high-flow priapism. However, injuries to the spinal cord or damage to the genital area from some types of cancer may cause low-flow priapism. In rare cases, an external injury to the penis may cause priapism — unusual reports point to spider bites and, in at least one notable case, getting a tattoo on the penis.

Priapism Treatments

Treatment of priapism depends on the cause, and the length of time a patient has had the erection. High-flow priapism usually calls for a planned (not emergency) medical or surgical procedure to block the abnormal blood flow to the penis . Low-flow priapism requires emergency treatment, and may involve:

- Ice packs placed on the penis and pain medication
- Drugs injected into the penis to decrease blood flow
- A needle inserted into the penis to drain old blood

If treatment for low-flow priapism is sought within four to six hours, the prognosis for a full recovery is excellent.

Never ignore a long-lasting erection, and don't try to treat it yourself. "After four hours, you should be at your doctor's office or in an emergency room," says Bennett.

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