Saving Big Bucks With Vitamin D3

By now, I hope that we have conveyed how important vitamin D is for our overall health. However, according to  a report published in the March 4 issue of Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, if Northern Europeans were to have adequate vitamin D3 levels, there would be a 17.7% decrease in direct and indirect healthcare costs, saving hundreds of billions of dollars/Euros per year.

The report estimates vitamin D3 supplementation would reduce the incidence of type 1 childhood diabetes by a relative 78%; hip fractures by 26%; all cancer among postmenopausal women by 35%; seasonal flu and common cold incidence by 90%; and overall mortality by 7%. Other studies show mortality rates would be reduced by 10-20%, increasing life expectancy by about 2-3 years.

But it isn’t just Northern Europeans who are deficient in vitamin D3. Americans are also at great risk of vitamin D deficiency. The fear of skin cancer and lack of dietary sources are a couple of reasons that deficiencies are becoming commonplace. This same report states that for every dollar spent on vitamin D supplementation, $20 healthcare dollars would be saved. For more information about how supplementation could save big money, read The Missing Link-In Healthcare Reform.

The previous information was obtained from Bill Sardi’s article A Decade Of Vitamin D Supplementation Would Save $4.4 Trillion Over A Decade; Would Save $1346 Per Person Per Annum.

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Supplements You Shouldn’t Live Without

This past Friday, Dr. Oz told his viewers what supplements he takes. Not surprisingly, they align very well with what Village Green Apothecary has been saying for years. He particularly targeted women over 40. The supplements he recommends  are:

1. Mutlivitamin: Only 1% of the population gets enough essential nutrients from diet alone, so a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral should be part of everyone’s routine. Divided doses are better because you get the most out of them.

2. Calcium: Important for muscles, teeth and bones, many women are not getting enough of this important nutrient. Add magnesium to calcium and you have an important foundation for strong bones. The best way to get calcium is a combination of food sources and supplements. Continue reading “Supplements You Shouldn’t Live Without”

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Brain Health – A Comprehensive Approach

Healthy brain function requires many important nutrients as well as an active, social lifestyle. Factors such as aging, emotional stress, and exposure to free radicals affect cognitive health. A diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids is very important to enhancing memory, cognitive skills, learning ability, mood, and stress tolerance.

Read the rest of the article here.

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Thyroid Tune-Up

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 7 years ago. Having an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight gain, and sleep problems. However, some people have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss and sleep problems. The thyroid is a little gland that plays a big role in your body, and keeping it running properly with some key nutrients will make a big difference.

Some research has shown that as many as 59% of Americans have a thyroid condition of some kind. Hypothyroidism is the most common, and it usually crops up in women, people older than 60, and those with a family history of thyroid problems. The most common cause is iodine deficiency, however, autoimmune diseases, radiation treatments, and certain medications play a larger role in the US.

Symptoms are varied and the list is long, but they can include fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, dry hair and skin, weight gain, intolerance to cold, and constipation. Continue reading “Thyroid Tune-Up”

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Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Memory Booster

Can’t remember where you put your car keys? Forgot where you parked your car? Research shows that that the amino acid acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) can boost brain power and improve memory. Its antioxidant properties repair damaged neurons, increasing your memory and capacity to learn. Neurons are nerve cells that transmit information. This amino acid also helps get fatty acids to the mitochondria (aka the “powerhouse” of your body) in your cells that turn fat into energy, thereby further enhancing alertness, focus and concentration. ALC can also help with depression because it helps your body make acetylcholine, a chemical needed for regulating moods. So where can you get ALC? Well, the only food source is animal brains (I know, not so pleasant to contemplate). For me, personally, I think I will take a supplement. Pathway Acetyl-L-Carnitine is 500mg, so one a day is all I need.

If you are currently taking carnitine and think it’s the same, it’s not. ALC is a derivative of carnitine. I recommend carnitine for heart health and muscle strength, and ALC for anti-aging. If you want more information on these supplements, please contact Village Green at 800-869-9159 or check out our website.

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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