Type 2 Diabetics may need this vitamin in their treatment protocol

Looking at the numbers for type 2 diabetes:

• Diabetes affects 25.8 million people of all ages (8.3 percent of the U.S. population)
• About 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes—type 1 or type 2—in the United States in 2010.
• About 1.9 million people ages 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the United States.
• Among U.S. residents ages 65 years and older, 10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, had diabetes in 2010.

The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically due to a number of factors:

• The population is aging.
• Obesity rates are rising.
• Canadian lifestyles are increasingly sedentary.
• Almost 80% of new Canadians come from populations that are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. These include people of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent.

Simple tips to help with type 2 diabetes:

The onset of type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed, through increased physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss.

Top nutrition and lifestyle tips:

• Switch from regular pop to water
• Switch to lower fat dairy products, such as 1% or skim milk
• Eat healthy snacks such as fresh fruits or veggies
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Leave the car at home and choose to bike or walk

Vitamin boost to the rescue!

New research has demonstrated that patients currently taking metformin plus supplementation with vitamin C will improve several monitoring factors such as fasting blood sugar, post meal blood sugar and HbA1c.  After only 12 weeks of treatment with Vitamin C, significant improvements were observed in fasting blood sugar, post meal blood sugar, and HbA1c levels.  The researchers concluded that supplementation of vitamin C with metformin may reduce fasting blood sugar, post meal blood sugar, and improve HbA1c.

If you would like more information about improving your health, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre 604.925.2560.

http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/what/prevalence/

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/PUBS/statistics/

These two supplements may decrease your abdominal fat!

Losing weight is difficult for most people.  Everyone has tried Yo-Yo diets, fat burning pills and weird drinks that are supposed to magically lose weight.

Why are you having trouble losing weight?

Having the proper nutrients in your diet is key to a healthy waistline.  Finding foods that are rich in Vitamins and Minerals is key.  Many of the fast foods people consume are empty calories that gather around our waistline, only reminding us that we need more nutrient rich foods.  Avoid foods that come in a can or a box.  Choose foods that are fresh and organic!

Nutrients to the rescue!

New research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that obese and overweight individuals that supplemented with Vitamin D and Calcium, reported a loss in abdominal fat.  All vitamins and minerals play in integral part with how our body functions.  Missing keys nutrients in your diet can be similar to missing letters on your keyboard while trying to write an email.

What foods contain high amounts of Calcium?

White beans, navy beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, almonds, sesame seed kernels, tahini, tofu, broccoli, kale, okra, turnip greens.

What foods contain high amounts of Vitamin D?

Trout, Herring, Salmon (sockeye, atlantic, pink, chum, pacific), Tuna (bluefin, skipjack, yellowfin), Sardines (atlantic and pacific).  If you do not consume fish in your diet, I would recommend getting adequate amounts of daily sun (20-30 minutes) or supplementing with Vitamin D3.

If you would like more information about improving your health, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

http://www.ajcn.org/content/95/1/101.abstract

How to start off the NEW YEAR strong?

With 2011 behind us, we must prepare for 2012 with our best foot forward.  What are your wellness goals for 2012?  Below we will look at 5 tips to maintain your New Year goals!

1. Tell at least 3 people what your goals are.  Studies show that people are more willing to stick with their goals if they held accountable.

2. Do not make goals that you are not interested in following through.  For example, if you do not like running, do not plan to go for a run every morning at 6 am.  Your goals for 2012, should be goals that are realistic and that you enjoy!

3. Do NOT make too many goals!  Make a couple goals that you are focused on fulfilling.  If you make too many unrealistic goals, you may compromise all the goals and not complete any of them.

4.  Get a friend to join you on your goal!  People are more willing to stick with their goal, if they have someone sharing the same goal!

5.  Detox!  Every year people plan to detox in January.  Most people plan to detox in January because of the mass amounts of foods and beverages consumed over the holiday season!  When you plan a detox, work with a health care practitioner that can supervise your detox to make sure you are healthy enough to do a detox and that you are nutritionally supported during your detox.

If you would like more information, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

This single vitamin appears to be low in individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer

A quick look at the numbers (Source: Canadian Cancer Society Statistics 2011)

• Over 25,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone (2011).
• Over 4,000 men will die of the disease this year.

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men.

These numbers tend to turn heads!  It may make one wonder, what can you do to decrease your likelihood of getting prostate cancer.  Exercise and a good diet are always a staple in preventing disease.  But what else can be done?  Below we will look at signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, as well as which nutrients tend to be lower in people diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

Signs and symptoms may include the following: inability to urinate, decreased or weak urine stream, painful ejaculation, blood in urine, burning or pain with urination, intense need to urinate (if you have these symptoms, do not ignore them, go and seek medical attention).

What vitamin is low in people with prostate cancer?

A new study from Spain concluded that low levels of vitamin D were found in patients with prostate cancer.  The study looked at 91 subjects diagnosed with prostate cancer and found that nearly 50% had Vitamin D insufficiency.

Why you may have low levels of Vitamin D?

-Decrease sun exposure

-Decrease Vitamin D in your diet

-Liver and Kidney diseases

-Malabsorption

-Certain medications such as phenytoin, Phenobarbital and rifampin.

How can you determine your Vitamin D levels?

Ask your doctor to measure your Serum 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D levels to determine your current level of Vitamin D.

What are the best sources of vitamin D?

The best source of vitamin D is from moderate sun exposure.  However, if you are in a region where sun is scarce this time of year, I would recommend supplementing with Vitamin D.

Are all Vitamin D supplements the same?

No!  They vary significantly.  It is important to know the different types of vitamin D on the market.  Make sure you are getting Vitamin D, in the correct form.  The most common over the counter Vitamin D is Ergocalciferol (D2).  This form of vitamin D is synthetic and may not be converted to the active form as easily as natural Vitamin D.  You want to make sure that you are getting the best available form of Vitamin D, which is Cholecalciferol (D3).  This is the form of vitamin D that is naturally found in foods.

If you would like more information, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22014882

http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en

Surviving the holidays!

December has arrived and holiday shopping is well underway!  Holiday parties with work colleagues, family and friends will keep you very busy until the New Year!  Not to mention all the shopping and eating you will be doing in December.  A common concern for many people over the holidays is staying happy, healthy and hearty.  Below we will discuss the top 10 things to keep you going throughout the holidays.

Top 10 survival tips for December:

1. Stay hydrated!  Switch from coffee to green tea, lemon water or rooiboos tea.  These energetic alternatives will fuel you through the holidays.

2. Keep the sweets to a minimum.  There is always lots of baked goods in December, so limit yourself to a couple of your favorite sweets.  When you do eat sweets, make sure to have protein at the same time to help keep your blood sugar balanced.   This will help you avoid the nasty sugar spike that lowers your immune system, mood and overall well-being.

3. Have fun!  Keep the body moving!  Exercise is a great way to keep your immune system strong and keep your hormones in check. Exercise increases the release of endorphins which give us a natural high and improves our mood.

4. Be prepared!  Start looking now for simple and smart gifts for your colleagues, family and friends.  Avoid long lines at the store and purchase gifts online.  Or even better – let your creative juices flow and make gifts for others.

5. Say NO!  Do not stretch yourself too thin?  Are you one of those people that goes to 3 holiday parties in one night?  Do not over commit to parties and dinners.  Over-doing-it while burning the candle at both ends will not last forever!  Determine your boundaries so can enjoy the holidays.

6. Keep up your Vitamin C levels!  1-2 grams/day of Vitamin C is great for your immune system.

7. Chicken noodle soup is good for the soul!  Vegetarian chicken noodle soup may be even be better!!  Eat warming foods this month!  This is a great way to get electrolytes, and minerals that our bodies need when they are being overburdened with work and life stresses.

8. Get some sun!  If you can not find any sun, as it is probably snowing or raining, I recommend getting a Vitamin D supplement.  Make sure it is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), as this is the best and easiest form of Vitamin D to absorb though a supplement.

9. SLEEP.  Adequate amount of sleep is key for proper hormone balance.  Aim to get in bed between 9-10pm, for 8-9 hours of non-interrupted sleep.  Good quality sleep ensures that our circadian rhythm keeps our hormones in check.  While we sleep, our body repairs and recharges itself (similar to recharging your phone at night).

10.  Go nuts!  A recent study from *Biomarkers & NutriMetabolomics Research Group of the University of Barcelona, found that 1 ounce of mixed raw unpeeled walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts daily, increased  serotonin levels.  Serotonin is a substance that helps transmit nerve signals and decreases feelings of hunger.  Serotonin also improves mood as well as heart health.  Remember moderation is key this month!

If you would like more information, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

*http://www.mediscuss.org/benefits-nut-consumption-people-abdominal-obesity-high-blood-sugar-high-blood-pressure-18973/

This Simple Supplement May Help People With Type 2 Diabetes

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes aka adult onset or non insulin dependent diabetes occurs when the body does not make proper amounts of insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. Type 2 Diabetes causes blood glucose levels to be above normal.

Some Risks Factors For Type 2 Diabetes:

Over 40

Overweight

Family history of diabetes

Inactive

High blood pressure

Past history of cardiovascular disease

What Natural Supplement Can Help Type 2 Diabetes?

Recent research shows that barley beta-glucan may help improve insulin sensitivity in individuals at risk for Type 2 Diabetes.  A new study from Nutrition and Metabolism performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, parallel group trial that evaluated 50 healthy subjects for 12 weeks without prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.  The authors concluded that barley beta-glucan can improve insulin sensitivity among hyperglycemic individuals with no prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and who experience no change in body weight.

If you would like more information, please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/8/1/58

Looking to improve your athletic performance?

Do you want to be faster, stronger, leaner and smarter? What can you add to your routine to improve your athletic results?   What do the best athletes do?  Below we will address these questions.

What Supplement Will Increase Your Performance?

Adding the right supplement to our diet can greatly affect our athletic performance.  A recent study from Italy showed that athletes exposed to oxidative stress from intense exercise may greatly benefit from the use of probiotics. The authors concluded, “Athletes and all those exposed to oxidative stress may benefit from the ability of probiotics to increase antioxidant levels and neutralize the effects of reactive oxygen species.”

Maintaining proper antioxidants levels will increase recovery time so you can do more activities without muscle soreness later.  When we recover more quickly, we are able to return to the activities sooner.

What are probiotics? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria for our gut.  If you have  digestive issues, low immune system or a history of antibiotic use, then you should be taking a professional grade probiotic daily.  Your probiotic should be stored in the fridge and have a count of at least 10 billion per capsule.  Unfortunately, many people believe that the probiotics found in their yogurt is enough.  Unfortunately, the amount found in yogurt is far too low and usually does not contain the proper strains of probiotics.  When you are taking a probiotic, look for strains such as acidophilus and bifidus.

What else can you do?

To get the best results, it’s important to get the best nutrients in your body.  However, it is important to know which foods are best for you.  But how do you know which foods are specifically right for your body?  A great way to determine which foods should be in your diet is to have a food sensitivity panel.  Food sensitivities can cause problems such as a foggy mind, weight gain, gas or bloating, diarrhea or constipation,  decreased energy or skin issues.  It is important to remember that not all foods are right for all people.  For instance, we ask a mechanic which is the best oil and gas for our individual cars.  If we put the wrong oil or gas in our car, it will not run as well as it could.  As each car is different, each person is different.  Therefore we should only eat foods that are right for our body!

If you would like more information please book an appointment with Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Centre.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21400082

Looking for ways to boost your immune system naturally this winter?

Well it’s that time of year again, that we must prepare ourselves for cold and flu season.   Each year you must decide what is the safest and most effective way to keep you and your family healthy.  Are you going to get the flu shot this year?  Is there an alternative to the flu shot?  What can you do to stay healthy?  Below we will discuss some simple and effective natural remedies to keep you and your family healthy this year!

New Study: A recent study in Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2011 found that men and women may need different amounts of nutrients to prevent colds and flu.  The study found that women that who Vitamin C lowered their chance of getting a cold.  While men required the additional supplement of Vitamin E added to Vitamin C, to lower their chance of a cold.

What Natural Supplements Boost Your Immune System? Vitamin C is a big gun in fighting colds!  You can get adequate amounts of Vitamin C from a variety of foods such as: berries, peppers, oranges, and other citrus fruits.  These foods are a great way to prevent a cold and boost your immune system naturally this season.  Another great tip is adding bright fruits to your diet as they contain higher amounts of antioxidants that can boost your immune system. Other foods that can enhance and strengthen your immune system are garlic, ginger, and dark leafy vegetables.

Is There A Natural Shot To Boost Your Immune System? Every cold and flu season, I boost my patients’ immune system with a shot of our Natural Immune Booster by Pascoleucyn.  This is a quick and easy way to enhance your body’s natural defenses to prevent you and your family from getting sick.  Our Natural Immune Booster is also great for kids (a simple drink for kids and a shot for mom or dad)!

If you would like more information regarding ways to boost your immune system, ask to see Dr. Jordan at West Vancouver Wellness Center.

Recipe of the week:

Vegetarian Pad Thai

Ingredients:
1 red, yellow or orange pepper, sliced thinly or a combination of all.
1 cup snow peas – cut on the diagonal
3 green onions, slices thinly on the diagonal
2 cups bean sprouts
1 limes, cut into quarter
1 pkg. Tofu, sauteed in braggs seasoning
1 pkg. Thai rice noodles, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes.

Sauce:
¼ cup peanut butter
¼ cup Braggs liquid aminos seasoning, soya sauce, or Ponzu lime sauce
2 tsp thai chili garlic sauce
2 tbsp red curry paste – optional
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup almond milk
2 tbsp ketchup

Garnish with:
½ cup chopped peanuts
1 lime, cut in 4 wedges
bean sprouts

1.    Soak rice noodles in boiling hot water for about 30 minutes, until softened. Then set aside.
2.    In about 1 tbsp braggs seasonings or soya sauce,  saute cubes of tofu until golden and crispy. Set aside.
3.    Mix together all ingredients for the sauce in a little bowl.
4.    In 1 tbsp oil in fry pan, saute peppers and snow peas until bright in colour.
5.    Add softened noodles and a little peanut sauce at a time until heated through.
6.    Add tofu and half of the bean sprouts and stir until hot.
7.    Add green onions and remaining bean sprouts. Sprinkle chopped peanuts.
8.    Serve with the cut limes and chopped cilantro.
9.    Makes about 4 large servings.

Enjoy!!!

Tired of Eczema?

Does your eczema come and go?  Does it arrive for 3 weeks and then disappear a week later?  What makes your eczema better?  What makes it worse?  Do you find the only solution offered to treating your eczema is corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone valerate or fluticasone propionate?

When you are looking for a natural solution for treating eczema it is important to look at all the possible triggers.

• Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animals
• Colds or the flu
• Contact with rough materials
• Dry skin
• Exposure to environmental irritants
• Exposure to water
• Feeling too hot or too cold
• Fragrances or dyes added to skin lotions or soaps
• Stress

How can you determine your cause of eczema? Consider testing for allergies (IgG Elisa) and levels of cortisol (Adrenal Stress Index), as these are important tools for determining the cause of eczema.  These tests give excellent information towards finding a cause of your eczema.

What natural supplements can help? A recent study in The British Journal of Dermatology, 2011 Sep 6, found that probiotics combined with prebiotics were very effective for the treatment eczema in children.  You can think of your skin as a reflection of your intestinal tract.  If your skin is red, itchy and inflamed, we need to support and heal your intestinal tract.  Once you heal your gut, the skin will improve.

There are many triggers and causes for eczema, to find the solution to your problem please make an appointment with Dr. Jordan.