Two Tests for Immunity Recent
research says you are as young as your immune system so it's the best
place to start when you want to be healthy. Being wise means taking
proactive steps, like checking your D3 level with a 25(OH)D blood test.
The Vitamin D Council recommends a level of 50 ng/mL, as does Mark
Pellegrino, M.D., one of TyH's health advisors. This vitamin is
nicknamed the "immunity vitamin" due to its system wide effect on
hormones, regulator of so many of your body's functions, and because
studies show those with the lowest levels are less disease resistant.
Getting a D3 blood test is easy; just ask your doctor. With all the
recent publicity on D3, most health care professionals recommend a D3
level, especially for its role in bone health. Many health experts
recommend at least 200 IUs daily. If you're lower than the Council
suggests, you may opt for a higher dose to get your levels up more
quickly. It takes 3 months to change a D3 level so follow-up accordingly
with your doctor to check on your progress. More on D3 dosing in
our blog post.
The
second test is an RBC Magnesium Test, which unfortunately, some doctors
decline to check. Magnesium commands a diverse array of enzymes
responsible for sugar regulation, vitamins like D3, pain response,
relaxes blood, nerves and muscles and so much more. People are less
likely to think of magnesium for immunity but low levels are implicated
in numerous diseases. This mineral helps reduce stress, a known insult
to the immune system, and most importantly, provides energy to every
cell. In fact, without optimal RBC magnesium levels, your body is
compromised in its ability to perform efficiently. So get the test.
Thomas Romano M.D. recommends a level of 5.5 mg/dL. If you show a
deficiency, supplement with a highly bioavailable organic mineral found
in Fibro-Care™ (Albion® magnesium bisglycinate). You'll be glad you did!
Remember, if you're low, supplement – that's what
supplements are for! In some instances, a good multi-vitamin-complex
like Multi-Gold™ will do you fine. But you'll never know your need if
you don't test!
©TyH Publications (M. Squires)
Magnesium Reduces Blood PressureMagnesium is a required nutrient yet as many as 75% Americans are low in this mineral. With over 300 biochemical reactions requiring its presence, it's no wonder so many research studies find the many ways it benefits health. A new meta-analysis looking at several studies again reinforced the effect of magnesium on blood pressure, specifically when supplements are taken in groups at high risk for developing hypertension. Pre-diabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, and other chronic diseases are associated with hypertension risk. Eleven gold standard randomized controlled trials were reviewed, consisting of a combined 543 participants.
No surprise – both diastolic and systolic pressures were "significantly decreased", with supplementation. The researchers stated that the results from their study and previous studies show that magnesium supplementation would benefit the health of people with these disorders and heart disease via "the reduction of blood pressure". Source:
Am J Clin Nutr 7/17,
National Institutes of Health Magnesium Monograph
©TyH Publications (M. Squires)
Osteoporosis Risk for FibromyalgiaMost
people with fibromyalgia (FM) have impaired mobility and thus may get
less sunshine from outdoor activity. These two factors put them at risk
for osteoporosis (OP), propose authors of a study of 50 Egyptian women
with primary FM. When compared to 50 age matched controls, the FMers had
lower lumbar bone density on x-ray exam and significantly lower vitamin
D levels. Additionally, those with below normal D levels of 20 ng/ml
had impaired short term memory, sleep disturbance and restless leg
syndrome. The lower the level, the more pain and degree of lumbar
demineralization. This study "confirms a high prevalence" of low vitamin
D among primary FM patients per study authors, putting them "at risk"
for OP. "An early nutrition program rich in calcium and vitamin D,
appropriate exercise protocols, and medical treatment should be
considered" to prevent OP development. Source:
Rheumatol Int 1/13.
©TyH Publications (M. Squires)
Who wins? Calcium Supplements vs. FoodFor vegans and dairy sensitive individuals, calcium supplementation is one way to bridge the nutritional gap to maintain healthy bones. Few studies have done a comparison for which source is better. Using a radioisotope to measure bone resorption, researchers found out it's a tie. The small study paired either 1200 mg calcium from food or supplements with 400 IU vitamin D3 for 6 weeks. After a 2 week washout period, the groups were switched for 6 more weeks. Calcium retention increased with both forms of intake and decreased within 1-2 weeks of discontinuation. Bottom line? Consistent intake is key to good bones, as well as the required cofactors. Source:
Bone Rep 5/16. Editor Note: Don't forget magnesium is required for calcium absorption, and you'll need less calcium if you take organic Albion found in TyH's Fibro-Care Cal™.
©TyH Publications (M. Squires)
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