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November 4, 2007 Dear Readers: In the past month, I have reflected on my purpose and the role of the newsletter. While our readership continues to grow, I often wonder if the kSero health message rises above the noise in cyberspace and the broadcast airwaves. As luck would have it, a number of clients and readers expressed how much they consider us a trusted source of information about mental and physical health. I want you to understand that, while no reporting of facts or opinions can be completely unbiased, I take utmost care in sifting out sensational news as well as various recommendations from agenda-laden sources. For example, I was tempted to add a link to a story about obesity and cancer, but I hesitated when I read that even small amounts of bacon and processed foods are not considered safe. The article also condemned red meat. I'd like to check out that author's sources. "News and Views" will help empower you to make better life choices for you and your loved ones by sifting through the chatter and hype in the media and interpreting academic publications and studies. At kSero, education and motivation are the first steps toward empowerment and healthy living. Be well! -- Susan Hardwicke, Ph.D., Editor |
I have never been tempted to purchase a Reader's Digest, but the November 2007 edition perched at the grocery store checkout certainly caught my attention with the cover: "The Vitamin Hoax- 10 Not to Take." My immediate reaction was, "Must be leading people away from herbs, the usual suspects!" Curious, though, I paid $2.99 to learn what advice was being given by whom, and on whose authority the word "hoax" was applied.
Readers who know me well will not be surprised that immediately after I put away the groceries, I practically tore open the harmless-sized magazine. I was appalled by the advice. Here's the list of vitamins the writer advised against:
- Vitamin A
- Beta Carotene
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Folic Acid
- Niacin
- Lycopene
- Iron
- Zinc
I am still fuming over the irresponsible advice in the article, which is not a digest of anything (historically, RD published summaries of popular books). For example, numerous studies show the benefit of folic acid for improving memory in the over-60 adult population. However, since additional vitamins are likely needed to achieve benefits, various "experts" (one of whom the author quotes) believe that consumers are too uneducated to take the supplement as needed, and therefore caution against it. Diabetes, obesity, and smoking are the greatest health threats in the United States, not the use of supplements. RD has published one of the most anti-empowerment articles I've ever read.
It is not true that everyone can obtain all the nutrients they need from today's food. The reality is that no one knows how nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables really are (read the "Healthy bytes" section below), nor the optimal doses for any individual. Every person's biochemistry is unique.
In today's American lifestyles, in which fresh and prepared food can originate in countries thousands of miles away, consumers must take responsibility for their well-being by becoming informed about nutrition, food sources, and supplementation. Be wary of articles that seem sensational or prey upon fear of those just beginning to explore the vitamin sections of health food stores.
From the Associated Press on October 19, 2007:
"WASHINGTON - Cold and cough medicines don't work in children and shouldn't be used in those younger than 6, federal health advisers recommended Friday.
The over-the-counter medicines should be studied further, even after decades in which children have received billions of doses a year, the outside experts told the Food and Drug Administration." Read more.
Previously, the FDA warned consumers that children's cough and cold medicines should not ever be given to children under 2, and later issued an advisory about children taking medicines packaged for adults.
Although prevention is best, healthy alternatives to drug-based medicines for cold and cough can be found at health food stores, such as the Vitamin Shoppe.
>>>So it's not just the lack of pesticides! Study shows organic foods ARE more nutritious than conventionally grown foods.
>>>Think "prevention" and not blame: Mother's pre-pregnancy weight tied to ADHD symptoms in children. Important European research on more than 12,000 women.
>>>More evidence on TV's double-whammy: TV can harm children by leading to increased sedentary lifestyles as well as influencing their preferences for sugary, transfat-laden foods. Now a study shows increased risk for hypertension.
>>>Alzheimer's/Dementia News: "One in seven Americans over the age of 70 suffers from dementia, according to the first known nationally representative, population-based study to include men and women from all regions of the country," as reported in Medical News Today.
- Greatly reduce television to no more than 3 hours per week, and have TV-free days and weeks. This will help reduce influence on food choices and toys.
- Increase exercise. You can't just send children outdoors or drive them to team sports practice-- you need to ensure that they will have sufficient cardio exercise to stay fit and improve brain function.
- Eliminate sodas.
- Eliminate junk food.
- Eliminate foods with transfats.
- Eliminate foods with high fructose corn syrup.
- Remember that it can take 90 days to retrain taste buds, so keep re-introducing fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Involve children in meal preparation.
- Teach children about healthy and unhealthy ingredients, and health eating. You don't have to be an expert first-- you can all learn together!
By now you may already see your child struggling with classwork, homework, or tests. For only $169.00, you can receive vital information about your child's attention and self-control, and the possibility of food-related problems. CALL (804) 360-5976 today to learn more about your child's ability to focus, control impulses, and memorize material for class and tests.
Sincerely,
Susan Hardwicke, Ph.D.
Director
kSero Centers for the Mind
©kSero Corporation Inc. 2007