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Welcome to March. I feel a hint of spring
in the air, but I don't want to get my hopes up. In any case,
this is a thrilling month for us here at Oöna Health
as we are launching two new PMS products and updating our
site! We will do a second round of updates to the Research
Section over the next month. As I'm sure you expect, we put
a lot of effort into these two new products and we are sure
that you or someone you know (like your daughter) will be
very pleased with them. To get a sneak preview go to:
http://www.oonahealth.com/learnabout.html
Besides that excitement, as always, we have
some interesting news from the world of women's health. A
while back, we reported that in spite of the political climate
the FDA had recommended that the "morning after"
pill be available for over the counter purchase. Well….
not so fast. Also a while back we reported that calcium may
be one of your best defenses against weight gain. A new article
explains the reasons why in more detail. Something to be aware
of… we are continually being told to eat more fish but
did you know that 70-90% of the species we eat are at risk
of eradication? We tell you which ones are sustainable and
how you can help in a positive way without feeling guilty.
Finally, winter has a way of zapping energy, a lot of the
health magazines covered this issue in February. We've scoured
through them and will give you "the best of" suggestions.
THE MORNING AFTER PILL DELAYED
We reported back in January that that FDA had recommended
overwhelmingly in a vote of 24 to 3 to approve a morning after
pill for over the counter purchase. See http://www.oonahealth.com/newsl_jan04.html.
It has now been delayed with conservatives lining up to encourage
the FDA to change it's mind. The conservative's concern is
that wider use could result in increased promiscuity and sexual
transmitted diseases. Advocates say the science shows nothing
of the kind. There is also some concern about teenage use
of the treatment. For more information go to:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A38015-2004Feb12¬Found=true
CALCIUM AND WEIGHT LOSS
Another follow-up. Way back in November of 2002, I told you
about the most interesting finding from a conference on Obesity
that spoke about weight loss and calcium. http://www.oonausa.com/newsl_nov02.html.
I was surprised that this idea didn't get much play in the
media. There wasn't much information at the time about why
calcium played such a major role, but this month I found that
the folks at Alternative Medicine provided an explanation.
The reason calcium is so important for fat burning goes back
to when we were primates. When there was food, our ancestors
seldom had to worry about getting enough of the mineral as
the vegetables, plants and fruits they consumed had particularly
high levels due to the calcium-rich soil of the times. They
also got a lot of calcium from fish and bird bones. When levels
are low, something called "calcitriol" is released
to tell our fat cells to stop breaking down fat and to begin
storing it. This helped our ancestors ward off starvation
but today in Western countries food related threats are generally
something like too many cookies. A high calcium diet prevents
calcitriol from being released and tells our bodies to continue
to burn fat. The optimal amount is 1,000 mg for men and women
under 50, 1200 mg. for adults over 50 and don't exceed 2500
mg. a day. Calcium should be taken with magnesium and Vitamin
D for absorption. For more information go to http://www.alternativemedicine.com
(at the time of this newsletter, their search function is
broken - the article appears in the March 2004 issue. You
can search by issue).
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA
No sea shines without fish life. I knew this was an issue
but wasn't sure which fish were endangered. Women put organic
produce on the map so I'm sure we could save more of the oceans
by just asking basic questions to restaurant personnel and
store owners, like how they choose their fish. Cod, Atlantic
halibut, bluefin tuna Chilean sea bass and swordfish are all
endangered due to catching methods, coastal development and
pollution. We can bring these species back by simply giving
them a rest like the "Give Swordfish a break" campaign.
Fish that have sustainable stocks include Albacore tuna, Artic
char, Catfish (farmed), Caviar, Clams (farmed) Dungeness crab,
Halibut, Lobster, Mahi mahi, mussels (farmed) oysters (farmed),
wild Salmon, Bay scallops, wild shrimp , stripped bass (farmed)
and Tilapia (farmed). For more detailed information go to:
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/seafood/fishhome.cfm
or www.mbayaq.org.
KEEPING ENERGY ON TRACK
Sometimes I find that winter can be a little depressing -
all my energy is spent dragging out the coat into the grey
days. Even though we are approaching the end of the season,
here are some of the highlights of what I've found helpful.
To create and sustain energy, the writings are split into
three categories, 1. Lifestyle, 2. Food and its effect on
blood sugar, and 3. Ample nutrients i.e. vitamins and supplements.
1. Lifestyle - Highlights include:
DO WHAT YOU WANT
This is a big one. If you are not doing what you want you
are spending extra energy denying or rationalizing yourself.
We all need to do things that are "chores" or "favors"
but these can be activities that can give us a lot in return.
EXERCISE
This makes every list but it is the best way to beat low energy.
For one thing it gets the heart muscles and blood going and
it creates endurance. The greater your endurance the more
engine you have to power your efforts.
SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE
These don't have to be monumental changes like moving but
things like trying a different workout, signing up for a cooking
class or even listening to music instead of turning on the
TV. Introducing variety into your life can help your brain
grow new neural pathways and your body new muscles.
For more on this line of thought go to:
http://www.alternativemedicine.com
(at the time of this newsletter, their search function is
broken - the article appears in the March 2004 issue. You
can search by issue)
2. Food
DON'T YING YANG YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
- or you will get very tired -- that is the basic message.
Coffee for instance reduces the effectivness of insulin, the
hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar. White flour,
partly because it lacks fiber, will spike your blood sugar
and insulin production. We're better off with slow burning
fuel like rolled oats for breakfast with a bit of almonds
(protein) nuts, edamame for snacks and lots of vegetables
(raw or cooked) with a little fat and protein for lunch and
dinner. It takes some thought and planning but it does make
a difference.
3. Supplements
AVOIDING THE CRASH AND BURN
by making sure your body has what it needs to work at the
cellular level. There are several nutrients that can be very
useful. The idea is that these nutrients can increase the
activity of your "mitochondria" a cell structure
that breaks down glucose and fat and converts it to energy.
These include:
CoQ 10 - Known for it's ability to
help strengthen the heart muscle, dozens of clinical studies
have confirmed it's engergizing effects. 50-100 mg. a day
- your writer is a big believer in this one. It's also great
for the skin.
Alpha-lipoic acid - It improves the
body's response to insulin and helps to maintain a more stable
blood sugar level. Prevents energy dips. 50-200 mg.
Vitamin C - The first signs of deficiency
are fatigue and irritability. Encourages a sense of energy
and well-being
B-Complex -- Deficiency is a common
cause for low energy particularly among vegetarians. Crucial
role in breakdown of blood sugar and fats to create energy.
Increases day to day stamina.
For more information on this see the March
2004 issue of Body & Soul. They don't seem to have the
article on their site. http://www.bodyandsoulmag.com/
That's it for this month! As always,
check out our website for lots more information at www.oonahealth.com. In Good Health,
The Oöna Team
Questions or comments? Write valerie@oonahealth.com
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