DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is a hormonal precursor to  testosterone and estrogen.

A Swedish study  that followed 2,416 men over five years found that those with a higher serum level of DHEA had the lowest risk

of cardiovascular disease.  Men who were lowest in DHEA had a 25% higher risk of cardiovascular events as compared to the others in the study.

Imbalances in DHEA levels have always been associated with adrenal dysfunction and chronic stress states, but this study demonstates it's importance

to cardiovascular health.

In my practice I often see people with low vitamin D levels.  Despite daily supplementation, sometimes levels remain lower than optimal.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient that does not absorb well on an empty stomach or with a small meal.  In a recent study from the Cleveland Clinic, 

people taking their vitamin D supplement with their largest meal of the day had a remarkable  56.7 % increase in their serum D levels as compared

to people who took it with a light meal or on a empty stomach.  If low vitamin D levels persists it is important to rule out gluten sensitivity or other causes of

gastrointestinal inflammation.

Top Scientists list the seven foods that they would never eat.

Check it out.

http://healthfreedoms.org/2011/12/06/7-foods-you-should-never-eat/

Over 25% of our children and teenagers are being medicated.

Among children 9 years old or younger, there are over 45 million prescriptions

for asthma medications, 7 million ADD/ADHD prescriptions, and over a million for

anti-depressants.  There were over 1.8 million prescriptions for anti-hypertension meds for kids

and even more disturbing is that nearly 7% of our children are receiving long-term treatment

with two or more drugs. Most, if not all of these drugs have been studied exclusively in adults.

Additionally, children may have difficulties describing side-effects or problems that they may

be experiencing as a result of the medications.

Our pediatric population is becoming increasingly sicker and sicker at younger ages.

Unless this trend reverses our unhealthy children will become even unhealthier adults.

Matthews AW. So young and so many pills. Wall Street Journal Dec.28th 2010

Do you know what you are eating?

Percentage of GMO crops in USA:

Soy 93%

Corn 86%

Cotton 93%

Canola 90%

Avoid the above foods unless they are labeled organic or non-GMO

Animal Studies:

Animals will avoid GM feed when given a choice

Chickens fed GM corn died at twice the rate of non-GM feed

In rats fed GM potatoes for as little as ten days developed

pre-cancerous lesions in their G.I. tract, had smaller brains, livers

and testicles, liver atrophy and immune system damage.

GMO Foods- Not only have higher levels of allergens but contain lower levels of protein, 

fatty acids, essential amino acids and phytoestrogens

Soon after GM soy was introduced in the UK  Soy allergies increased by 50%

Current challenges associated with GM foods:

No human clinical trials

No post-marketing surveillance

Approvals based on industry studies and untested assumptions

GM foods lead to higher pesticide residues that directly affect human health

Got an iphone ?- look for the app - ShopNoGMO

Check out- www.NonGMOshopppinguide.com

In a recent publication of Naturopathic Doctor News and Review there was an excellent

article on the relationship of food to mood. Here's some helpful hints:

1. Mitigate Stress by eating every 3-4 hours.

2. Make better choices but don't beat yourself up for making mistakes.

3. Avoid all carbohydrate meals.

4. Start a meal with a soup or salad

5. Fiber is filling- Sugar is killing.

6. Eat some protein at every meal and snack

7. Eat Vegetables- never skip the greens

8.Good fats are filling and reduce cholesterol and improve mood

Here's the most recent list of various foods and their pesticide contents.

The Dirty Dozen

Highest in Pesticides - Buy these organic

Celery   Peaches   Strawberries   Apples    Blueberries    Nectarines    Bell Peppers   Spinach   Cherries   Kale/Collard Greens   Potatoes   Grapes

The Clean 15

Lowest in Pesticides

Onions   Avocados   Sweet Corn  Pineapples   Mangoes   Sweet Peas   Asparagus   Kiwis   Eggplant   Cantaloupe   Watermelon  Grapefruit   Sweet Potato  Honeydew

Source : www.foodnews.org