Skin Health

Solid Link Between Psoriasis and Vitamin D Offers Hope for New Treatment Options

People who suffer from autoimmune skin disease may find new hope in treatment options, as new research shows a link between psoriasis and vitamin D levels.

Psoriasis is a common skin problem, affecting 125 million people worldwide. This means that approximately one to three percent of the population has this devastating skin disorder and deal with the accompanying pain, thickened skin and rashes on a daily basis. There are several treatments for psoriasis, but these can have debilitating side effects and may not always work. However, new research on psoriasis and vitamin D offers hope that getting more of a simple vitamin could provide some relief for this, and possibly other, autoimmune skin disorders.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which skin cells divide more quickly than normal—at times more than 10 times as quickly. This causes sufferers to have areas of reddened, irritated, thickened skin covered with the distinctive white scales of dying skin cells. These areas of skin are painful and inflamed during outbreaks. In addition, many people with psoriasis get infections on their broken skin and even suffer from psoriatic arthritis, a condition in which joints are affected by the fast cell turnover that defines this disease.

There are few treatments for psoriasis. Most of these treatments are oral drugs such as aspirin and steroids that decrease the fast cell turnover but also compromise the immune system or cause other ill effects. Many people with psoriasis can manage their symptoms, but a cure remains elusive.

The Importance of Vitamin D

According to new research, low vitamin D levels may be partly to blame for psoriasis—and increasing levels of vitamin D may be a partial cure for the disease. Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because most people make this vitamin in skin cells exposed to natural sunlight. People in areas with long and dark winters are more likely to be deficient in this vitamin and more likely to have psoriasis as well. Vitamin D is not only crucial for forming healthy teeth and bones, but important to the immune system as well.

It should come as no surprise then that light therapy is a popular and effective therapy for psoriasis. Studies have found that this light therapy is even more effective for the treatment of this skin disorder when used in conjunction with a vitamin D cream.

Psoriasis and Vitamin D Levels: New Connections

Many people who suffer from psoriasis have noticed that their symptoms improve in warmer months when they get more sunlight. This is not just a coincidence; new research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in modulating the immune system. High levels of vitamin D appear to down-regulate levels of the cells involved in autoimmune attack–the same cells involved in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. Several new psoriasis therapies target vitamin D levels in order to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Indeed, getting enough vitamin D appears to make all the difference when it comes to psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.

Could You Have a Vitamin D Deficiency?

Anyone can develop a deficiency of this important vitamin. However, there are a few groups who are less likely to be getting the vitamin D as they need. These include infants and elderly people who are unlikely to be outside as much as people of other ages. In addition, people who live at higher latitudes or who do not get as much exposure to strong sunlight are at risk. Even if an area in a high latitude is generally clear of cloud cover, the sunlight’s rays come from an angle that makes them weaker and less able to cause reactions in the skin that lead to the production of vitamin D. Finally, people with darker skin are more likely to suffer from psoriasis because the melanin in their skin absorbs a lot of the energy from sunlight.

In keeping with this theory, many people who have psoriasis see their symptoms worsen in the cold weather months. In addition, these people often see their thickened, scaly skin disappear after light therapy. Psoriasis and vitamin D levels appear to be more linked than we ever could have believed before. Could this serious skin disorder be caused by a mere vitamin deficiency? While the answer is not likely this simple, there definitely appears to be a link between the two.

If you have psoriasis or another autoimmune skin disorder and believe that a lack of vitamin D may be the culprit, there are a few ways to get more of this essential vitamin. Light therapy and simply spending more time in the sun is an answer for many. You can eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as oily fish, as well. Last, ask your doctor about whether taking a vitamin D supplement is right for you. Many people in northern latitudes find that they simply cannot get enough vitamin D without taking a supplement in the cold weather months. If this is true for you, then taking a simple vitamin may be the end to all of your scaly skin woes.

The Health Benefits of Omega 3 for Children

Sep 22 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Many adults take a daily fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement to ensure they’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. There are a multitude of benefits to these supplements, from better cardiovascular health and improved joint function, to an improved attention span, mood and cognitive function. However, there may be special benefits in omega 3 for children as well, according to several recent studies.

Omega 3 for Children: A Cure for Academic and Behavioral Problems?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been touted as anti-aging nutrients for the brain. However, their effects on the brain are remarkable in the realm of encouraging healthy development as well. Several recent studies have looked at the effects of omega 3 fatty acids for children and found that they can have an immensely positive effect on brain function, even in developing minds.

In one study, third graders were randomly assigned to two groups, one receiving omega-3 supplements and one receiving a placebo. After three months, the reading skills of children taking the supplements had improved faster than those of the group who went without. The classmates were then all given supplements and soon the control group also saw benefits.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Behavior

Omega-3 fatty acids also may improve behavior by reducing aggression, according to another study of supplements containing omega 3 for children. Children of 11 and 12 years who had a history of aggression were placed in groups receiving a variety of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and supplements believed to build the brain. Kids who received a mixture of therapy and omega-3 supplements saw a greater improvement in behavior than the other groups. Because this study only looked at the short-term, it is unknown how these children were affected over their lifespan. However, omega-3 supplements do appear to have an effect on behavior, especially when it comes to aggressive behavior.

How Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Have Such an Immense Effect?

According to researchers, fatty acids affect our bodies in a variety of positive ways. First, they are a good source of the fatty building blocks needed to myelinate nerve cells. Myelin acts as an insulator for nerve cells so they can send signals more rapidly. While we are young, we are still building new neural connections (and myelinating them!) so supplements containing omega 3 for children can be of huge benefit.

In addition, fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids appear to be good for almost every cell in the human body. They are a rich source of vitamins such as vitamin D as well as fatty acids of which the standard American diet is deficient. They also have been found to lubricate joints, allowing better mobility and less chronic joint pain as we age. The benefits of these tiny supplements are huge, which is why many adults take them. However, the benefits appear to be even greater for children.

Getting Enough Omega Fatty Acids in Your Diet

Why do we need an omega-3 supplement? Can’t we just get enough of these oils in our daily diets? In theory, we absolutely can. However, in practice, this is a very difficult task. Our ancestors ate plenty of foods that contained a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as oily fish, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. Yet, the average Western diet is high in processed foods and thus low in these vital nutrients. When foods do provide fatty acids, it’s often in an unhealthy ratio heavy in omega-6 fatty acids. For many people, getting enough omega-3 fatty acids is almost impossible. This is especially true for children, who need much higher nutrient density in their diets, yet are often picky eaters. For many Western people, including most children, supplements are the easiest way to ensure that our diets have all of the nutrients that we need for optimal health.

While the individual studies on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are generally small, together they comprise a huge body of research that cannot be ignored. There are many health benefits to taking an omega-3 supplement, regardless of your age. The health benefits are too great and too far-reaching to be without these fatty acids in your daily diet.

Artificial Light Could Be Making You Sick

Aug 17 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Life on earth evolved in the presence of light. We depend on the sun to provide energy for the plants we eat, to warm our planet to a safe temperature and to regulate our sleep-wake cycles. However, most life also requires a similar ratio of dark. Humans in ancient times sought the shade at midday and enjoyed long hours of dark at night. However, times have has changed. We now live in a world of perpetual artificial light, which is not just constantly present but also a different wavelength than natural light. New research suggests that this may be harming our health in more ways than previously realized.

The Dangers of Artificial Light

Artificial light does not produce the same frequencies of light as light from the sun. It is usually brighter, a higher color temperature and higher intensity than light found in our natural environment. How does this affect our health? According to researchers, it can have a huge effect on the circadian rhythm. Our retinas sense light and pass signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates our circadian rhythm and a variety of biochemical and cellular processes.

The effects of disrupting the circadian rhythm extend far beyond sleep. People who have a disrupted circadian rhythm from artificial light suffer from an increase in a variety of health risks including inflammation, immune overreaction and even bone and muscle loss. An out-of-sync circadian rhythm can also cause dermatological disorders and autoimmune disease.

Light and Aging

While constant artificial light has long been known to affect health in a variety of ways, new research suggests that it may affect us in a much more visible way as well. Artificial light appears to accelerate aging, both externally and internally. Animal studies suggest that not only may people exposed to high levels of man-made light develop fine lines and wrinkles more quickly, they may also have accelerated aging of their bones, muscles and organs. In studies, the mice exposed to artificial light 24 hours a day aged much more quickly.

While this is bad news for many modern people, there is good news as well. The mice in the studies partially recovered from the effects of the accelerated aging within two weeks of being returned to a normal sleep-wake cycle. If you are feeling over-tired and generally older than you should feel, you may be able to improve your appearance and health by reducing light exposure and stabilizing your circadian rhythm.

Is It Possible to Escape Artificial Light?

The problem for many modern people is that reducing light exposure can be a difficult task. We have televisions and devices that can be turned off, but these are not the only contributors to an increasingly light world. Many streetlights are high color temperature LED lights, which cause a huge range of negative health effects. In fact, the American Medical Association has warned communities not to use high color temperature streetlights, although many areas continue to do so.

In addition, light pollution is a major issue in many parts of the world. Even if you turn off your own sources of artificial light, the world is simply lighter and brighter than ever before. Sometimes there is no escaping this pervasive light.

Restoring Your Own Natural Rhythm

Even if you cannot completely escape ambient light in the environment, there are a few ways that you can encourage a healthy circadian rhythm. Turn off lights in your house at night, including devices and electronics that produce light. Go to sleep and wake at roughly the same time so your body can develop a set sleep pattern. Close your curtains and blinds to keep light pollution outside. You can also take a melatonin supplement in the evening to help your body prepare for a good night of restful sleep.

Artificial light is everywhere and may present a danger to the public health. However, there are ways to reduce and compensate for the negative health effects of this light. Getting your circadian rhythm on track is the first step to living a healthier and happier life.

Benefits of Astaxanthin: The Carotenoid With Powerful Protective Properties

Aug 07 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

Aging affects all of us eventually, both inside and out. Our skin begins to sag and fine lines appear; our arteries and joints degenerate in ways that affect mobility and disease risk. Eyesight begins to decline along with memory and cognitive function. What if there were a natural way to help protect against some of these deleterious effects of time? According to new research, the colorful carotenoid astaxanthin may be the key.

How Do We Age?

Scientific studies have indicated that damage from free radicals are responsible for many of the changes that we associate with aging. Oxygen is necessary for us to live, but it also can have a negative effect on cells. Oxygen is inhaled as a bonded molecule made of two oxygen atoms, which is why it is referred to as O2. However, it is split into two oxygen atoms as part of cell metabolism. This process creates oxygen radicals, which are destructive to many components of our cells, especially DNA.

Our bodies make an enzyme called superoxide dismutase that removes oxygen free radicals, binding them to other molecules so they cannot cause damage. As we age, our bodies do not create this important enzyme as effectively. The result is that our cells suffer small amounts of damage that lead to the physical symptoms and increased health risks associated with growing old. For centuries, ancient explorers searched fruitlessly for the “Fountain of Youth,” but we are still left with no real way to slow down aging, let alone prevent or reverse it.

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, aka substances that typically have a red-orange tint. It is found in a variety of plant and animal foods, including select plants and algae, as well as certain marine fish such as salmon. It is present in high amounts in krill oil as well. While this compound is plentiful throughout nature, most people who live in the United States and Western Europe need to take a supplement to get the health benefits of astaxanthin. Our diets simply do not contain many foods that are rich in this super-vitamin.

Astaxanthin was recently discovered to have powerful antioxidant properties, potentially protecting against some of the external and internal changes associated with aging. Not only may it protect against the visible symptoms of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, but other benefits of astaxanthin include helping to maintain healthy vision, cardiovascular health and a variety of other positive effects. Astaxanthin appears to work by influencing the amount of free radicals in our cells, in effect helping to protect against some of the damage associated with aging.

The Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Several studies have found positive effects from taking astaxanthin as a daily supplement. Astaxanthin helps protect against the oxidation of fatty acids, which may benefit cardiovascular health and help maintain good health in other parts of your body. Astaxanthin has also been found to support brain health, helping to maintain healthy cognition and brain function by helping to protect against oxidative damage to the delicate tissues of the brain. It can also help maintain healthy vision, which is not surprising considering it is very similar on a molecular level to the sight-protecting nutrient beta carotene. Some other benefits of astaxanthin include supporting healthy fertility and decreasing recovery time after strenuous exercise.

Astaxanthin helps protect against a diverse range of health concerns and helps promote healthy aging by protecting against the root cause: free radicals. While it has not been studied long enough to know if it has long-term benefits or side effects, astaxanthin is likely a safe way to support healthy aging. While it is important to speak with your physician before beginning any new supplement, the health benefits of astaxanthin may make it the top healthy aging supplement of our time.

Are Prenatal Vitamins a Pregnancy Necessity?

Jul 22 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

It’s a long-held belief that all expecting mothers should take a prenatal vitamin formula to reduce the risk of birth defects, nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. However, there are always skeptics who chime in as to why supplementing with extra nutrients may not actually be necessary while pregnant. If you’re on the fence, here is some of the latest information supporting the importance of supplementing with a prenatal vitamin while pregnant.

Folic Acid Is Crucial

Folic acid is also known as folate or vitamin B9. This vitamin is needed for the synthesis and creation of DNA, the production of red blood cells, the metabolism of amino acids, and for the growth of the placenta and fetus. A woman’s need for folic acid increases during pregnancy. Although the United States started fortifying grain products with vitamin B9 in 1998, most women still don’t get enough of it.

Taking folic acid is essential for reducing the risk of neural tube defects. This type of birth defect can be very severe,and some of these defects have a very low survival rate and life expectancy. One well-known neural tube defect is spina bifida, which occurs when the membranes around the spinal cord do not close completely. Spina bifida usually requires after-birth surgery and periodic medical attention throughout life. Another example of a neural tube defect is anencephaly, in which the baby is born lacking a cerebrum, which is the largest part of the brain.

Although neural tube defects are a terrible thing for a mother to experience, it’s also easy to greatly reduce your unborn child’s risk. In countries where flour is fortified with folic acid, there is a 46 percent lower rate of neural tube defects. You can bring the number down even further by simply taking a prenatal supplement with folic acid every day.

Folic acid may also help prevent other birth defects including heart defects and cleft palate, though more research is needed to confirm this. Additionally, because neural tube defects take place before most women even know they are pregnant, it’s important to start taking a prenatal vitamin formula with folic acid as soon as you start trying to conceive.

Other Benefits of Prenatal Supplements

Folic acid is arguably the most important prenatal vitamin that you should take. However, there are a few other nutrients with pregnancy benefits that you should learn about.

It is prudent for expecting mothers to take a supplement with vitamin D. Although vitamin D is obtained through sunlight, fortified dairy, fatty fish and egg yolk, most Americans still don’t get enough of it. Being deficient in vitamin D may increase your risk of preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and the need for caesarean delivery.

Calcium is one of few nutrients that your body takes from its own stores in order to help your baby grow. This means that if you aren’t getting enough calcium in your diet, your body will take it from your bones and teeth. You can reduce your risk of lifelong bone density problems by taking a prenatal vitamin formula containing calcium.

Some of the other most important nutrients to look for in a prenatal supplement include iron, iodine, choline and omega-3 fatty acids.

So, Do I Need a Prenatal Vitamin?

There remain some people who argue against the benefits of taking a prenatal vitamin formula. Skeptics raise some good points, such as the fact that you don’t necessarily need to supplement every single vitamin and mineral. However, the reality is that most Americans fall short when it comes to many key nutrients and that your need for certain vitamins like vitamin D and folic acid do rise during pregnancy. What’s more, nutrient deficiencies in the mother have more severe effects in babies. Ultimately, research supports incorporating a comprehensive prenatal vitamin formulation into your prenatal care program during pregnancy and beyond, while breastfeeding.

One study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility called the “Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment Study” found that women who take a prenatal multivitamin daily during pregnancy have a 55 percent lower risk of losing their baby. Other studies have found consistent reductions in the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth.

Some people are more likely to highly benefit from taking a prenatal multivitamin formula than others. Supplementation during pregnancy is even more crucial for teenage mothers, women who smoke or have a history of using other substances, women who have suffered from eating disorders, women who take certain medications, vegetarians and vegans and women who are carrying twins, triplets, or beyond. However, taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin formula is a necessity for all women who are expecting or trying to conceive. This is confirmed by several health authorities: the Endocrine Society, the American Thyroid Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend multivitamins during pregnancy. Despite what the skeptics say, most OBGYNs and family doctors also recommend supplementing with a prenatal vitamin formula.

Astaxanthin Benefits: Antioxidant for Healthy Skin and More

Mar 04 by Ewcopywriting Leave a Comment

If you keep up with the latest news in natural health and health-promoting ingredients, you have probably heard of astaxanthin. This carotenoid has been called a “super-antioxidant” for its protective role against a number of different health concerns. New studies suggest that it may be a powerful supplement for healthy aging as well.

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family, natural pigments present in healthy foods. Many carotenoids act as antioxidants, protecting against the oxidative stress that comes from cell metabolism and pollutants in the environment. Astaxanthin is present in pink or red seafood including shrimp, crab, and even some kinds of krill and kelp. Because human bodies cannot make this compound and Americans do not eat a diet rich in these foods, many can benefit from an astaxanthin supplement.

Astaxanthin Benefits

Astaxanthin has been shown in research to have many health benefits. Because it possesses antioxidant properties, it may help to promote cellular health, heart health and protect against some of the neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging. It also has been found in preliminary trials to help with diverse conditions from male fertility concerns to gastric ulcers. It can even promote cognitive health and boost energy. However, until recent studies, the healthy-aging effects of this phytonutrient were unknown.

Supporting Healthy Aging from the Inside Out

There is a growing body of research suggesting that astaxanthin can have a significant impact on wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. In one recent study, women took astaxanthin supplements and also applied a cream containing the antioxidant to their faces. After eight weeks, they showed significant improvement in wrinkles, crow’s feet, skin texture, moisture and the general condition of skin cells. Another study showed similar results from taking the supplement alone for six weeks. These results are present in both men and women.

Astaxanthin benefits skin on a cellular level as well. People who take supplements of this antioxidant nutrient while also applying it to their skin topically have more moisture and better condition in their corneocytes, or superficial skin cells.

A Super-Antioxidant to the Rescue!

Every day, our bodies are exposed to oxygen radicals. We need oxygen to live, but it can be destructive to our cells at the same. Antioxidants reverse the damage of oxygen radicals, preventing long-term changes to our cells and our DNA. Research has found astaxanthin to be one of the most potent antioxidant ingredients available. It has several benefits over other antioxidants. For example, it is lipid soluble, which means it can cross cell membranes and act inside cells, where antioxidants are most needed. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, promoting healthy cellular inflammatory processes. Inflammation is one of the largest contributors to premature aging and related health concerns.

This little supplement appears to have huge effects on whole-body health. It is important to talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about supplements, particularly if you are already taking other medication. However, the positive effects of taking astaxanthin are so great that it will likely benefit many people, particularly those who wish to support healthy aging.