Vitamin D, Sunlight, Cancer

A few notes from Mercola's Vital Votes comments:

The main cause of skin cancer is the wrong types of fats being consumed, including margarine & vegetable oil. Traditional diets didn't contain them. Cholesterol produced from these oils in the skin, when it is exposed to the sun, can produce tumours. The human body can't metabolise these bad fats. They are also responsible for the esculating macular degeneration, alzhiemer's & child behavoural problems etc. If you stick to butter & coconut oil for cooking & unheated virgin olive oil on salads together with a healthy diet, skin cancer shouldn't be of concern. We're lucky in N.Z. & Aust. that our cows are grass fed, producing healthy fats, unlike grain fed cattle. Check Dr. M's search engine for healthy fats & the Weston A Price site.

Exposure to sunlight may reduce your risk of advanced breast cancer, according to new research from Stanford University.

The study followed 4,000 women between the ages of 35 and 79, and evaluated the effects of long-term sun exposure. Women with a light skin color who had high sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the breast) as women with low sun exposure.

High sun exposure was defined as having dark skin on your forehead, since your forehead is typically exposed to the sun often.

Sun exposure may work to prevent cancer because it increases the levels of vitamin D in your body. While you can get some vitamin D from your diet, up to 90 percent comes from your exposure to sunlight.

Sources:

• American Journal of Epidemiology October 12, 2007
• The Independent October 21, 2007
• Clinical Trials Web October 21, 2007

Remember that if you are going to take a supplement to take Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and not Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). The body must convert D2 to D3. D3 is what the body makes with sunshine. You should have your Vitamin D levels checked also.

Wintergreen

From Young Living:

Historically Wintergreen leaves were chewed by Native Americans & early Settlers to increase their respiratory capacity & strengthen teeth enamel preventing tooth decay.
Wintergreen tea was also drank for its anti-oxidant abilities.

Wintergreen oil is anti-spasmodic & anti-inflammatory, additionally Wintergreen oil assists in balancing blood pressure, is a vasodilator, excellent for arteriosclerosis, & lowers our pain level with its analgesic & anesthetic abilities.

Wintergreen oil produces excellent results with arthritis, joint, bone, spine, back, neck, soft tissue, nerve, teeth, & many other types of pain.

Wintergreen oil has also been proven to rapidly regenerate bone & tendon tissue 75-80% faster, making it valuable for injuries & bone density concerns.

Often you'll read that Wintergreen oil is not for internal use, however Young Living’s Wintergreen is safe for internal use in small quantities. Remembering Wintergreen is over 90% organic methyl salicylate(aspirin is made of synthetic methyl salicylate; Salicylic acid). Young Living’s Wintergreen is especially valuable as a pain reliever when combined with Helichrysum, or Clove & Valarian or Vetiver in a capsule & taken orally 1-4 times daily.

Young Living’s Wintergreen is safe for diffusing, topical & internal use.

*Please refer to the Essential Oil Desk Reference for more research information.

Stress / Diabetes Tips

Sabrinaoe: " My husband has diabetes and has got a very stressful working environment. He has started medication but they are not of much help. He gets stress about everything in life. It's driving me nuts. If any of you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it."

MillersCrossing: "Some sort of mind-body practice would be valuable. If EFT doesn't work, try something else like meditation or breathing exercises. There are many options out there."

Pinballdoctor: " I've discovered the best way to deal with stress is EXERCISE. Get your hubby to go for walks, long walks. That would be a good start. Stress is a killer if not dealt with properly. If he is stressed to the max and diabetic, that's two strikes. Is he overweight? That would be very bad. Also get your hubby to stop drinking coffee and start drinking green or white tea, for these teas contain theanine, which is a natural stress reliever. St johns wort would also help, as well as 3mg melatonin before bed."

Mareke: "Your husband's proneness to feeling stressed may be partially due to poorly regulated blood sugar levels. I used to think I was more stress pone than the average person until I realised that what I thought was nervous tension was really my blood sugar levels dropping quite low and my body running low on energy producing stress like symptoms. I discovered that small protein meals consumed through the day while at work helped even out my moods enormously as the protein kept my blood sugar levels steady. The difference it made to my ability to handle the demands of the day was amazing because my blood sugar levels remained steady. Small frequent low GI meals would probably be good for a diabetic in preference to several large meals a day.

"Exercise is of course good for a diabetic. A good 8 hours sleep each night is also good for a stressed person. Sleep has a renewing effect on anyone but especially a stressed person."

Kaysv: "I'm not diabetic but a dear friend is. He began taking a huge mineral supplement with specific targeting chromium & vanadium. His blood sugar did stabilize but no one can prove that these minerals did it. He believes they did. His doctor wouldn't give minerals any credit, but simply decreased his insulin."

This was from HSI health forum you can easily reach the HSI Healthier Talk community forums on their web site at www.hsibaltimore.com. Just choose "Forum," and join in with any of the dozens of discussions about nutrition and natural health care.
Diabetes can be reversed. See other posts on this blog for what constitutes healthy living and eating choices.

Top 6 Toxic Fabrics

1. Polyester is the worst fabric you can buy. It is made from synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid.

2. Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer, according to the EPA.

3. Rayon is recycled wood pulp that must be treated with chemicals like caustic soda, ammonia, acetone and sulphuric acid to survive regular washing and wearing.

4. Acetate and Triacetate are made from wood fibers called cellulose and undergo extensive chemical processing to produce the finished product.

5. Nylon is made from petroleum and is often given a permanent chemical finish that can be harmful.

6. Anything static resistant, stain resistant, permanent press, wrinkle-free, stain proof or moth repellant. Many of the stain resistant and wrinkle-free fabrics are treated with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), like Teflon.

In general, look for natural fibers like:

• Cotton
  
• Silk
  
• Linen
  
• Hemp
  
• Wool
  
• Cashmere

From Body Ecology. To see the whole article go to: http://bodyecology.com/08/03/13/top_6_fabrics_you_should_avoid_wearing.php

The Hidden Dangers of Your Morning Shower

--I'm guessing this is from HSI:

Chlorine: Added to most municipal water supplies, this disinfectant destroys proteins in the body, irritates skin and sinus conditions, and aggravates asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems. Chlorine is used almost universally in the treatment of public water supplies because of its toxic effect on harmful bacteria and other waterborne, disease-causing microorganisms.

But there is a growing body of scientific evidence that shows that chlorine in drinking water may actually pose greater long-term dangers than those for which it was used to eliminate . These effects of chlorine may result from either inhalation or absorption through the skin during showers.

I recommend getting a shower filter.

Supplements

Someone posted this on a CureZone thread about Thyroid. The comments on supplements I found interesting and tend to agree with.

Dr. Schulze says that the iodine in kelp is not dangerous due to the fact that it is in a matrix of other minerals and vitamins which don't allow the body to become unbalanced. he believes kelp is an adaptogen, meaning that it revs up a slow thyroid and calms down an overexcited one. I take LOTS of kelp and only feel better for it.

What FF said is true...High quality whole food sources of nutrients, regardless of the content will in most cases not harm you. There may be certain instances where a food may not work well, or even be bad for one person and still be a miracle cure for another. Which emphasizes that we are all unique with unique needs. It is only when we take man made isolates of a supplement that we get all out of whack and have problems. That is why I have eliminated vitamin supplements from my routine. I feel strongly that unless absolutely known to be needed, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves.

That said, I do take herbal teas and tinctures when needed and take whole food "supplements" like chlorella, spirulina and a green drink mix. I do not pay attention to RDA anymore, I feel it is a crock and a half. I focus my diet on mineral rich foods which eliminates all processed foods and virtually eliminates any conventionally grown produce.

Iodized salt is so bad because, through refining the matrix of minerals is extracted to isolate sodium and chloride and then iodine is added... very bad for the human body.

I had a BP of 170/110 a year ago, it is now 120 -130/75 - 90 and it was accomplished with diet and exercise only... no pharmaceuticals. I hope to get it lower by losing and additional 20 – 30 pounds in the next year. The two things I eliminated almost immediately where all refined oils, GMO foods, and table salt . I did this while eating as much unrefined salt as I want, sometimes more than I should. If that does not scream "IT IS THE DIET" nothing will.

As Jack LaLanne says "if man made it, do not eat it".

grz

Tourette's Syndrome--Magnesium Deficiency

Someone posted this: magnesium supplementation got rid of the head twitch immediately; the other symptoms have subsided over the last 2.5 months (I am giving her less than the RDA for her age because I do not want to cause an imbalance). As I learned from the report, there are magnesium antagonists, like dairy and phytates in wheat. Calcium supplements can also cause magnesium imbalances if taken alone and in large quantities.

Remember, there can be multiple causes to a symptom; and nutrients act in concert so not one is more important than another (that is one reason I am not a big fan of supplements). For instance, B-complex, like fish oil, has been used to eliminate or alleviate symptoms of depression and hyperactivity. For what I have read, B-complex is necessary for proper absorption of magnesium, and magnesium is needed for proper metabolism of fats, and to regulate the uptake of calcium into cells. We know a lot, but that is just the tip of a very large iceberg!!

Thyroid Problems

A. You could have a mineral deficiency including natural iodine, not what they put in table salt.
According to Dr. James Howenstine, MD, a board certified specialist in internal medicine, it is “remarkable that anyone has normal thyroid function” in light of these common occurrences:

1. Estrogen Dominance. This is caused by petrochmicals, fuel exhaust, hormones in meat and chicken, plastics, propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulphate in ointments, herbicides and pesticides. These potent estrogenic substances block the production of thyroid hormones and greatly magnify the incidence of estrogen dependent cancers. 100% of males and females in developed countries have estrogen dominance.
2. Antibiotics, chlorine in the water, fluoride, and NSAID drugs used for arthritis all kill the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. This allows an overgrowth of candida, fungi, mycoplasma and anerobic bacteria, all of which release powerful neurotoxic substances into the blood stream that damage the hypothalamus, often resulting in multiple endocrine disorders, including under activity of the thyroid gland.
3. Mercury that leaks from dental fillings is toxic to the thyroid gland
4. Fluoride from any source directly interferes with thyroid function.
5. Selenium is a trace mineral that is deficient in our soil. The production of thyroid hormones depends on a selenium containing enzyme which is lacking.
6. Lack of iodine in our soil and diet leads to decreased thyroid hormone production.
7. X-rays (dental, neck, spine, etc.) injure and damage the thyroid gland
8. Perchlorates common in our drinking water block the uptake of iodine, thus inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones.

If taking the proper and safe form of iodine (water soluble non-toxic ammonium iodide), a person gets a headache in the frontal lobe, this indicates a B-1 deficiency (so take B-1 tablets). If a headache occurs in the base of the skull, this indicates a multi-mineral, and especially a magnesium or calcium deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency would be indicated by irritability, sensitivity to light, coldness or heat. A metallic taste in the mouth indicates a greater need for iodine. A stinging sensation in the mouth and throat indicate throat inflammation.

Unfortunately, the most commonly available sources of iodine are potassium iodine and sodium iodine (not recommended). This form can cause toxic effects.
Be sure you only use the safe non-toxic form of iodine, which is generally only available through doctors, and some health food stores (if you can not find it, you can order it from my office at 425-865-9874. The tester bottle is also available for $20).

--I do not know where this is from, but it has a phone number to who ever wrote it.

Movie on Excitotoxins

Here is a link to a movie about MSG and aspartame.

A friend of yours highly recommends you read this health article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/07/10/why-you-do-not-want-to-eat-processed-foods.aspx

Psyllium

Whole food fiber products for sufferers of digestive orders should not contain psyllium; it can cause gas and bloating, and it contains compounds that will exacerbate their disorder.

--I don't remember where I found this from. Many people have been helped by psyllium. As for me cleanses I've done with psyllium have caused problems.

Butter?

And why would I be so insistent that you eat butter? Take a look at the long list of the benefits you receive when you include it in your diet:⁸

1. Butter is rich in the most easily absorbable form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and adrenal health.
   
2. Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
   
3. Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
   
4. Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
   
5. Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.
   
6. Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
   
7. Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
   
8. Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
   
9. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder, and immunity booster
   
10. Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
    
11. Protects against tooth decay.
    
12. Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints.
    
13. Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts, and calcification of the pineal gland.
    
14. Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
    
15. Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
    
16. May promote fertility in women.⁹
17. Is a source of quick energy, and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
    
18. Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
    
19. Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
    
20. Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.

Raw, Organic Butter is the Best

Believe me this is only a partial list. If a woman is pregnant, hopes to become pregnant or is nursing her baby, I think it should even become a law for her to eat butter for her baby's developing brain, bones and teeth.

8 From The Skinny on Fats
http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/skinny.html
and Why Butter is Better
http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/butter.html
9Fertility Awareness, Food, and Night-lighting
http://www.westonaprice.org/women/fertility.html and
High Fat Dairy May Boost Fertility
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/printnewsbis.asp?id=74590


By Donna Gates for BodyEcology.com

Mammograms

As you may already know, my life's research and experience have convinced me beyond any doubt that in the vast majority of cases, mammograms are less accurate than manual breast cancer screenings - and that the unnatural compression of the breast during mammography actually increases the spread of any cancerous tissues that may be present.

So basically, they're worse than useless. They exist only to make mammography labs and radiologists money, and provide jobs for the radiation technicians. Honestly, that's my opinion of them. But I
digress...

Daily Dose Douglass

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the MOST and LEAST Amount of Pesticides

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the MOST Pesticides

These are the ones that you should always buy organic, if possible. If you do buy conventional versions of the following produce, please be sure to wash them thoroughly with Wash dem Veggies (organic produce, of course, should also be washed just in case). These are ranked in order by EWG, with the worst of the bunch, peaches, at #1.

Peaches tend to have the most pesticides of any fruit or vegetable ... so if possible buy these organic.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes
13. Carrots
14. Green Beans
15. Hot Peppers
16. Cucumbers
17. Raspberries
18. Plums
19. Grapes (Domestic)
20. Oranges

The 20 Fruits and Veggies With the LEAST Amount of Pesticides

According to EWG, the following produce has the lowest pesticide load, ranked in order with the produce with the absolute lowest pesticides first.

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet corn (Frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet peas (Frozen)
8. Kiwi
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Papaya
13. Blueberries
14. Cauliflower
15. Winter Squash
16. Watermelon
17. Sweet potatoes
18. Tomatoes
19. Honeydew melon
20. Cantaloupe

Recommended Reading

Organophosphates: What You Don't Know Can Indeed Hurt You

The Danger of Household Insecticides Confirmed in Recent Study: What You Can Do Instead

from: sixwise.com

Choline

Choline is part of the B vitamin complex.

According to a report I sent you last year, the average choline intake in the U.S. is only about 315 mg per day - well below the recommended adequate intake (AI) of 425 mg per day for women and 550 mg per day for men. This is a concern because choline deficiency can prompt a folic acid deficiency, which in turn may raise homocysteine - the amino acid that promotes plaque buildup on artery walls.

But choline benefits go far beyond heart health. Your body uses choline to maintain healthy cell membranes, and to facilitate memory storage and muscle control. In addition, choline helps prevent fatigue, insomnia, and the build up of fats in the liver. And studies have shown that low levels of choline have been associated with poor kidney function and memory loss, while more advanced cases of deficiency may contribute to anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney failure.

The best source of choline is a food that many mainstream doctors still insist is bad for you: egg yolks. In fact, eggs safely deliver an abundance of key nutrients.

Other choline sources include organ meats, peanuts, toasted wheat germ, cod, salmon, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, milk, and flaxseed. Many multivitamins contain choline, but not enough to even approach the recommended AI.

--from HSI

Benefits of Coconut Oil

-Prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
-Prevent diabetes and relieve the symptoms and health risks associated with the disease.
-Support the development of strong bones and teeth.
-Protect against osteoporosis
-Promote loss of excess weight
-Kill viruses that cause mononucleosis, influenza, hepatitis C, measles,herpes, AIDS and other illnesses.
-Reduce symptoms associated with pancreatitis
-Reduce severity of problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
-Relieve symptoms of gallbladder disease.
-Relieve symptoms of associated with Crohn's disease,ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
-Relieve pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
-Reduce chronic inflammation
-Protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
-Prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay
-Prevent premature aging and degenerative disease
-Relieve symptons assoicated with chronic fatigue syndrome
-Relieve symptons associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (Prostate enlargement)
-Reduce epileptic seizures.
-Protect against kidney disease and bladder infections
-Prevent liver disease.
-Kills bacteria that cause pneumonia, earache, throat infections, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dozens of other diseases.
-Kill fungi and yeast that causes candida, jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush diaper rash, and other infections.
-Expel or kill tapeworms, lice giardia, and other parasites
-Ward of skin infections
-Reduce symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
-Relieve dryness and flaking
-Prevent damaging effect of UV radiation from the sun such as wrinkles, sagging skin,and age spots
-Control dandruff.

--I don't remember where I got this from

Common Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

The most common symptoms include back and neck pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, panic disorders, Raynaud's spastic vessels, arrhythmia, fatigue, eye twitches, vertigo, migraines.

11 Toxic Ingredients to Beware of In Typical Skin Moisturizers

• PETROLAUM (mineral oil jelly): A petroleum derivative that clogs skin from taking in oxygen and releasing toxins.

• METHYL PROPYL BUYTL and ETHYL PARABEN: Used as preservative to extend products' shelf life and may cause allergic reactions and rashes. Contains highly toxic carcinogenic formaldehyde-releasing ingredients

• SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES: -can contain hundreds of chemicals. usually only identify chemicals as "fragrance". Synthetic fragrances cause headaches, dizziness, rashes, coughing, vomiting, skin irritations, etc.

• PROPYLENE GLYCOL: Derived from petroleum It is so dangerous that the EPA requires workers to wear protective wear when working with it. The National Toxicology Program classifies Propylene Glycol as a skin and eye irritant, possible carcinogen and known to cause liver and kidney damage.

• SODUIM LAURYL (LAURETH) SULFATE (SLS or SLES): Holds oil and water together and acts as a detergent causing your products to foam. One of SLS's original uses was as an industrial garage floor cleaner. Now used in personal-care products added to everything from shampoos, toothpastes, bubble baths and lotions. SLS absorbs easily and causes skin irritations, itchiness, cracking, dandruff and infections.

• PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): PEG's are used to dissolve oil and grease, and to thicken products. They are used in many personal care products as well as in oven cleaner. They are also potentially cancer causing and strip the skin of its natural moisture factor.

• TALC (Magnesium Silicate): a natural mineral found and lung irritant, and is widely used in makeup and body powders. Talc has been linked to ovarian and lung cancer. It is NOT biodegradable.

• DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine): three are hormone-disrupting chemicals and form cancer-causing agents. They are easily absorbed by the skin, and research indicates a strong link to liver and kidney cancer.

• FORMALDEHYDE : Widely used in cosmetics as a germicide, preservative and fungicide. Formaldehyde is very often in cosmetics and not listed as an ingredient. It's suspected as a powerful carcinogenic and mutagenic, damaging and inhibiting the repair of DNA.

• ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: petroleum derived, and is used in antifreeze and shellac. It penetrates the skin easily and is thought to destroy intestinal flora, leaving your body's major organs open to parasites, and thus to cancers.ARTIFICIAL COLORS: Generally referred to on labels as "FD and C" Many are suspected of causing cancer.

From: sixwise.com

Use Virgin Coconut Oil

Vinegar of The Four Thieves recipe

Inspired by Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

During the time of the Black Plague a family of perfumers robbed the dead. As perfumers they knew well the antiseptic essential oils, and they infused them in vinegar and rubbed them on their bodies; by doing so they protected themselves from certain death. The doctors of the time used the same herbs and essential oils to to protect themselves while tending so many who were contagious. They wore big cloaks over their heads that reached down well below their shoulders. Attached to the cloak over the nose and mouth was a 10” long canoe-like shaped beak full of antiseptic herbs and essential oils.

Place a small handful each of dried lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and mint in a large jar, and cover completely with organic apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly and set for six weeks. Strain into a spray bottle. Whereas no home can be made to be sterile, spray the powerfully antiseptic Vinegar of Four Thieves recipe in areas of concern, such as on cutting boards and door knobs, always making sure to avoid your eyes.

Cleaning and Storing Wool

Clean woolen items before storing.

To wet clean wool: The key to not shrinking wool is to never twist it, agitate it, or wring it out. Gently swirl the wool in the water, then rinse and press the water out. Wool is an acidic material, so use a shampoo with its acidic pH. Or an acideic detergent. Any soap or detergent with a pH above 8 will harm wool. To lower the pH of a soap or detergent, add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice before washing. Water temperature when washing wool should be around 100 F. Block wool -- lay it flat and shape it -- before drying.

Natural Moth Balls (Repellent Sachets): These sachets are lovely to tuck into sweater drawers and hang in closets. Most health food stores sell bulk dried herbs.

2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
8 ounces of whole cloves

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend. Make sachets by choosing a 4 x 4 inch piece of natural fiber with a tight weave, such as silk. Sew three sides together, then fill with the herbs and sew the fourth side shut. You can adapt this pattern to any size you want (2 x 2 is the traditional size for the undergarments drawer, for example). A good idea for small sachets is to fill cotton teabags sold for making your own tea (these are often sold in health food stores). If you are really in a rush, just tie the herbs up in a cotton bandana or handkerchief; place the herbs in the middle, gather the edges together, and tie with a ribbon.

Variation: Other herbs that are good for repelling moths include lavender, lemon, sweet woodruff, and tansy.

4. Completely seal clean woolen items in bags, boxes, and chests. Cedar chests help repel moths, but they must be sealed.

5. If you see moths, freeze the item of clothing for two days in the freezer.

Wool Moth Spray
If you have wool moths already, the best spray is to make one of neem oil, adding 1/4 cup of neem oil to 1/2 gallon water, with a dab of liquid castile soap, in a spray bottle.

Annie Berthold-Bond

Drugs and Grapefruit Juice

You've probably heard that grapefruit juice shouldn't be taken with medications because a chemical quirk in the juice boosts the potency of certain drugs, increasing the risk of a dangerous overdose.

It appears that grapefruit juice impedes an enzyme that plays a key role in metabolizing some drugs. When the effect of the enzyme is derailed, more of a drug's active ingredient reaches the bloodstream.

The enzyme - known as CYP 3A4 - may also be affected by apple juice, lime juice and orange juice made from Seville oranges. These juices should also be avoided with cholesterol lowering statin drugs (such as Lipitor), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (such as Prozac) and, as mentioned above, drugs that manage blood pressure.

Researchers note that the effect grapefruit juice has on specific drugs may vary from patient to patient.

( taken from HSI)