SKIN The Living Connection with Ekayani Chamberlin Health & Lifestyle Coach

Insights on Digestive Enzymes Dr Oz Show 11/30

Recap Biodigesters & Digestive Enzyme Happy Thanksgiving

Special Invite BIODIGESTERS 11/14 The Living Connection with Ekayani Cha...

Soundcloud Replay How to Avoid Holiday Weight Creep 11/4/2015 with Ekayani Chamberlin

                                    Enjoy the replay chock full of tips and strategies on
               How to Avoid Holiday Weight Creep on this (updated) Annual Rebroadcast!
 https://soundcloud.com/karinayanku/2015-11-04-avoid-the-holiday-weight-creep-w-ekayani-chamberlin

High protein, low-glycemic diets better at maintaining weight loss

High protein, low-glycemic diets better at maintaining weight loss

More Tips on how to avoid gaining the weight that you have lost..from The Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences 

At a Glance

Research shows that a low-glycemic diet relatively high in protein is more effective at weight maintenance than a low-protein, high-glycemic diet.

Read more about this research below.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that a diet relatively high in protein and low in refined carbohydrates is more successful than other diets at maintaining weight loss.

Researchers enrolled overweight adults from eight European countries who had lost at least 8% of their initial body weight with a low-calorie diet. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five diets to prevent weight regain over a 26-week period: a low-protein and low-GI (glycemic index) diet, a low-protein and high-GI diet, a high-protein and low-GI diet, a high-protein and high-GI diet, or a control diet based on the current European dietary recommendations. The high protein diet provided 25 percent of calories in the form of protein, while the low protein diet consisted of 13 percent protein.

Five hundred forty-eight subjects completed six months on the assigned diets. In the analysis of participants who completed the study, only the low-protein/high-GI diet was associated with subsequent significant weight regain (1.67 kg, or 3.6 lbs) by the end of the dietary intervention. Weight regain was less in those who consumed high protein compared to low protein and in low-GI diets compared to high-GI diets. High-GI foods include white flour, white rice, and other refined carbohydrates.

This study shows that a modest increase in protein content and a modest reduction in glycemic index can lead to an improvement in compliance and maintenance of weight loss.

Larsen TM, et al. Diets with High or Low Protein Content and Glycemic Index for Weight-Loss Maintenance. 2010. N Engl J Med 363:2102-13.

Annual Rebroadcast Weight Creep The Living Connection with Ekayani Chamb...

This week's Update : colds weight creep Fall recipes

High level of Vitamin D Supplementation (2000 IU) may be necessary to protect unsupplemented breastfed infants from vitamin D deficiency

October 28, 2015 - The Weekly Essentials of Health courtesy of USANA Health Sciences

High level of Vitamin D Supplementation (2000 IU) may be necessary to protect unsupplemented breastfed infants from vitamin D deficiency 

At a Glance

A new study shows that when mothers supplement with 2000 IU/day of vitamin D nearly all (98%) unsupplemented breastfed infants are protected against vitamin D deficiency, whereas only about half have sufficient levels if the mother is only taking 400 IU/day (RDA – 600 IU). 

Read more about this research below. 

Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during pregnancy. But after birth, the ability to maintain healthy vitamin D levels in breastfed infants is more difficult, so vitamin D supplementation is generally recommended for breastfed infants.

In a new study published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers sought to determine the effect of three different doses of maternal vitamin D supplementation on infant serum vitamin D levels when taken during pregnancy and continuing for 8 weeks after birth. 

The study included 226 normally healthy pregnant women who were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D dosages of 400 IU, 1000 IU, and 2000 IU per day from the second trimester until 8 weeks postpartum. The infants were not given vitamin D supplementation. Blood was collected for analysis at 8 weeks after birth.

The average serum vitamin D level in infants whose mothers took 2000 IU/day was higher (75 mmol/L or 30 ng/ml) than in 1000 IU/day group (52 mmol/L or 20.8 ng/ml) and the 400 IU/day group (45 mmol/L or 18 ng/ml). Only 2% of the infants born to mothers supplemented with 2000 IU were considered deficient (<30 mmol/L or 12 ng/ml) compared to 16% and 43% in the 1000 IU and 400 IU group respectively. Less than 15% of the infants in the 1000 IU and 400 IU group reached a vitamin D level over 75 mmol/L (30 ng/ml) compared to 44% born to the group supplemented with 2000 IU/day. The mothers supplemented with 2000 IU/day had an average vitamin D level of 88 mmol/L (35.2 ng/ml) at 8 weeks postpartum, while the mothers taking 1000 IU and 400 IU had lower average levels at 78 mmol/L (31.2 ng/ml) and 69 mmol/L (27.6 ng/ml) respectively. 

The results of this study indicate that supplementation with 2000 IU/day is required beginning in gestation and during the first 8 weeks of breastfeeding to protect 98% of unsupplemented infants against vitamin D deficiency. Nearly half of unsupplemented infants of mothers taking 400 IU/day were vitamin D deficient after 8 weeks of breastfeeding. 

Kaitlin M March et al. Maternal vitamin D3 supplementation at 50 μg/d protects against low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in infants at 8 wk of age: a randomized controlled trial of 3 doses of vitamin D beginning in gestation and continued in lactation. First published July 8, 2015, doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.106385.

Fact or Fiction: Hand Sanitizer Works as Well as Hand Washing?

Fact or Fiction: Hand Sanitizer Works as Well as Hand Washing



Everyone is worried about catching a cold or the flu this season. So what's the answer?

Click the link above for the FACTS Ma'am.

Is Beauty Sleep a Myth? - What's Up, USANA?

Is Beauty Sleep a Myth? - What's Up, USANA?

Pure Rest Dr Oz Show 10/8 The Living Connection with Ekayani Chamberlin ...

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Water Cooler Wellness: Help the Scale 'Fall' In Your Favor Don't Lose the Sexy!

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Water Cooler Wellness: Help the Scale 'Fall' In Your Favor

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Book Review & Arizona Move Beyond 100 How to Live Well Into Your Second Century

Examples of Sustainability: simple living high thinking at The Yoga Farm

In Print Bernando LaPallo 114 Year Old Author Celebrates New Releases

LaPallo's follow up to his first  book "Age Less, Live More"  

Beyond 100 - How to Live Well Into Your Second Century now available in Print

Bernando LaPallo will be turning 114 this August 17, 2015  To celebrate, his E- Book -   that has a show stopping title " Beyond 100 - How to Live Well Into Your Second Century" has been made  available in print in a beautiful color edition. LaPallo,  who was born in Brazil in 1901, has payed it forward with a homage to his place of origin by providing a translation in Portuguese Alem dos 100
Go here to purchase Bernando LaPallo's website

Bernando will be one of the featured guests at Brazil Day in Scottsdale Arizona on September 19, 2015 . The event will be a book signing with his books available in Portuguese.For more information about Brazil Day go here

Higher intakes of potassium, magnesium and calcium are related to lower stroke risk

Higher intakes of potassium, magnesium and calcium are related to lower stroke risk

At a Glance The results of a large prospective study show that women with a higher intake of magnesium, potassium and calcium have a lower risk of stroke.    Read more about this research below.

 Calcium, potassium and magnesium are the 3 most abundant minerals in the body. Each play roles in the health of the cardiovascular system.  Although studies have shown these minerals to have benefits related to cardiovascular health, information on the relation of magnesium, potassium and calcium with stroke risk have been inconsistent. These minerals are often found together in foods, and their intakes are strongly correlated.

In a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined the associations between intakes of magnesium, potassium and calcium with stroke risk in a large population of women.  The participants included 180,864 women that were participants in two studies, the Nurses Health Study and Nurses Health Study 2 (NHS and NHS 2). Follow-up in the NHS was 30 years, and 22 years for the NHS 2. Food frequency questionnaires were used to document intake of each mineral and a combination of the 3 from both dietary and supplemental sources. 

During the follow-up period, a total of 3,780 stroke cases were documented. Compared to the women in the lowest 20% of magnesium intake the women with the highest 20% of intake had a 13% lower risk of stroke.  Women with the highest potassium intake had an 11% lower risk of stroke.  Women with the highest combined mineral score had a 28% reduced risk of stroke.  Based on an updated meta-analysis of all prospective studies to date, the risk of stroke was reduced 13% for each 100 mg/day increase in magnesium intake.  For each 1,000 mg/day increase in potassium intake there was a 9% reduction in stroke risk. Calcium intake was not independently associated with stroke risk.

The results of this study show that both magnesium and potassium intakes are inversely associated with stroke risk, and that women with a higher intake of the combination of magnesium, potassium and calcium have a significantly lower risk of total stroke. 

Sally N Adebamowo, Donna Spiegelman,  Walter C Willett, and  Kathryn M Rexrode.  Association between intakes of magnesium, potassium, and calcium and risk of stroke: 2 cohorts of US women and updated meta-analyses. Am J Clin Nutr June 2015   vol. 101  no. 6  1269-1277

EKAYANI " HERE'S THE LIGHT " TGEE RECORDS - OFFICIAL TEASER

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Higher flavonoid intake is associated with lower mortality rate in older women

Higher flavonoid intake is associated with lower mortality rate in older women - Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences 

At a Glance

A new study shows that elderly women who consume the most flavonoids, compounds found in tea, chocolate, red wine, and fruits and vegetables, have lower cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortality rates. 

Read more about this research below.

Flavonoids are phytonutrients (plant nutrients) found in tea, chocolate, red wine and many fruits and vegetables. Reduced mortality from vascular disease and some cancers have been linked to high intakes of flavonoid-rich foods and specific flavonoid intake.

In a new study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers explored the potential association between overall flavonoid intake and the risk of all-cause mortality.

The study participants included 1,063 women over the age of 75 years. Flavonoid intake was estimated using two different sets of food data: the USDA and the Phenol-Explorer database. Over a five-year follow-up there were 129 deaths in the study group. All-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular deaths were determined.

Women with the highest flavonoid intake (per USDA) had a 63 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality over the five-year follow-up than those with the lowest flavonoid intake. Those with the highest flavonoid intake also had a 66 percent lower risk of cardiovascular death, and a 75 percent lower risk of cancer mortality. The results were nearly identical when using the Phenol-Explorer database to determine flavonoid intake.

Using the two most comprehensive flavonoid databases available, this study provides evidence that a higher intake of flavonoids is linked to a reduction in all-cause mortality in older women, and even more so to cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Kerry L Ivey, Jonathan M Hodgson, Kevin D Croft, Joshua R Lewis, and Richard L Prince. Flavonoid intake and all-cause mortality Am J Clin Nutr May 2015 vol. 101 no. 5 1012-1020

Weekly Essentials of Health Vitamin D supplementation decreases lean muscle loss and improves strength in menopausal women

Vitamin D supplementation decreases lean muscle loss and improves strength in menopausal women (Courtesy of Usana Health Sciences) 

At a Glance

A new study indicates that supplementation of vitamin D3 alone in postmenopausal women is protective against muscle loss and improves measurements of muscle strength. 

Read more about this research below. 

There is evidence that adequate vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of falls, loss of muscle strength and muscle loss in the elderly. A new study published in Osteoporosis International investigated the potential benefits of vitamin D on muscle function and health in younger postmenopausal women.

The participants in this trial included 160 Brazilian postmenopausal women who were randomized into one of two groups: treatment group receiving a vitamin D supplement providing 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, or a placebo group. The researchers measured lean mass by DXA and muscle strength by handgrip strength and chair raising test. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the 9 month trial.  

After 9 months, the average vitamin D blood levels nearly doubled in the supplemented group (15.0 ng/ml to 27.5 ng/ml, or 37.5 mmol/l to 68.75 mmol/l) and fell slightly in the placebo group. In the supplemented group, there was a significant increase (25.3%) in muscle strength in the lower body assessed by the chair raising test. There was a substantial 6.8% loss of lean muscle mass in the women receiving the placebo over the trial period. 

The results of this study show that vitamin D3 supplementation in younger postmenopausal women with low vitamin D levels provides significant benefit for retention of lean muscle mass and significantly increases muscle strength.

Cangussu LM1, Nahas-Neto J, Orsatti CL, Bueloni-Dias FN, Nahas EA Effect of vitamin D supplementation alone on muscle function in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Osteoporos Int. 2015 May 9. [Epub ahead of print]

High potassium intake during adolescence linked to reduced blood pressure

June 10, 2015 High potassium intake during adolescence linked to reduced blood pressure  At a Glance In a new study, researchers tracked the dietary habits of girls throughout adolescence and the impact on blood pressure.  Blood pressure was not affected by high sodium intakes, but the girls who ate a diet rich in potassium had a lower blood pressure during their teens and into adulthood.  Read more about this research below.   Many dietary factors, including the intake of sodium and potassium, have an influence on risk factors for blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.  More emphasis has generally been put on reducing sodium intake to lower blood pressure, but a new study published in JAMA Pediatricsshows that a diet high in potassium may better protect adolescents from high blood pressure during the teen years and in to adulthood. The eating habits and blood pressure of 2,185 girls aged 9-10 were tracked for up to 10 years. Researchers assessed the effect of dietary potassium, sodium, and the potassium to sodium ratio on blood pressure throughout the study and after 10 years of follow-up. After adjusting for race, height, activity level, television/video time, calorie intake and other dietary factors, sodium intake had not long-term effect on the girls’ blood pressure.  Girls who had higher potassium intakes throughout adolescence, however, had lower blood pressure than girls who had lower potassium intakes. And, while sodium intakes at levels of 3,500 mg/day or more had no significant impact on blood pressure, higher potassium intakes were inversely associated with blood pressure change (both diastolic and systolic) throughout adolescence and at the end of follow-up. Somewhat contrary to the advice focusing on reduction of sodium intake, this study provides evidence that consuming more potassium-rich foods during childhood may help reduce increases in adolescent blood pressure and subsequently into adulthood. Justin R. Buendia, BS; M. Loring Bradlee, MS; Stephen R. Daniels, MD, PhD; Martha R. Singer, MPH, RD; Lynn L. Moore, DSc, MPH  Longitudinal Effects of Dietary Sodium and Potassium on Blood Pressure in Adolescent Girls  JAMA Pediatr. Published online April 27, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2015.0411

Depleted maternal iron status early in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight babies

Depleted maternal iron status early in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight babies

June 3, 2015
Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences 
Depleted maternal iron status early in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight babies

At a Glance

A recent study published in British Journal of Nutrition shows that poor iron status early in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of babies born small for gestational age (SGA). 

Read more about this research below. 

Iron deficiency anemia during early pregnancy has long been linked to low birth-weight, preterm birth, and other health problems. But previous research and advice has been based on hemoglobin (Hb) levels (screening for outright deficiencies or anemia), not on other specific measures of iron deficiency.

In a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers examined the association between maternal iron status during the first trimester of pregnancy with birth size and preterm birth by using more specific measures of iron deficiency such as serum ferritin, transferrin receptor and their ratio.  

Three-hundred sixty-two infants and their mothers were recruited for this study. Biomarkers and iron measurements were analyzed from maternal blood serum samples that had been taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Iron depletion during the first trimester was linked to a higher incidence of SGA. The association was even stronger when Hb measurements were included in the assessment. Although there was no evidence of a link between iron insufficiency and preterm birth, for every 10 g/l increase in the mother’s Hb level during the first half of pregnancy there was a 30% lower risk of SGA. Hb levels below 110 g/l were associated with a 300% increase in SGA risk. Contrary to other research, Hb levels in the second half of pregnancy were not associated with SGA risk.

The results of the present study indicate that depleted iron stores in early pregnancy are associated with higher risk of SGA. In some countries iron supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy except in the case of anemia. Based on the results of this study, researchers suggest that all women should be screened for iron deficiency early in pregnancy using more specific measurements, and should be offered more personal and helpful advice on improving iron status through diet and supplements.  

Nisreen A. Alwan, Janet E. Cade, Harry J. McArdle, Darren C. Greenwood, Helen E. Hayes and Nigel A. B. Simpson. Maternal iron status in early pregnancy and birth outcomes: insights from the Baby's Vascular health and Iron in Pregnancy study. British Journal of Nutrition, available on CJO2015. doi:10.1017/S0007114515001166.

Highlights from Hispanic Market launch!! Vert proud!

Omega 3s for Healthy Hair, Nails and Skin - What's Up, USANA?

Omega 3s for Healthy Hair, Nails and Skin - What's Up, USANA?

Brain Health Dr Oz 6/8 The Living Connection wEkayani Chamberlin Health ...

Long-term use of a daily multivitamin/mineral may lower cancer risk in middle-aged and older men

Note: Separate pills are better to take as all in the same pill cancels out good effects. This is a subtley important to understand.

May 13, 2015

Long-term use of a daily multivitamin/mineral may lower cancer risk in middle-aged and older men (Weekly Essentials of Health bulletin coutesy of Usana Health Sciences) 

At a Glance


A daily multivitamin/ mineral supplement taken long-term may help reduce cancer risk in middle-aged and older men.

Read more about this research below.

 

A large study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, using data obtained from the Physicians' Health Study II, has found that the use of a daily multivitamin/ mineral supplement long term can reduce the risk of cancer occurrence.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of approximately 14,641 male physicians ages 50 or older from the United States, participants were randomly assigned to take a daily multivitamin/ mineral supplement or a placebo between 1997 and June 2011. During the median follow-up of 11.2 years, researchers recorded 2,669 cancer cases, including 1,373 prostate cancer cases and 210 colorectal cancer cases. When examining outcomes at the study's end, the researchers found an 8 percent reduction in total cancer occurrence among participants assigned to multivitamin use.

Although the main reason to take multivitamins is to prevent nutritional deficiency, this study reinforces the value of long-term consistent use of a daily multivitamin as a convenient and affordable insurance policy for good health and possible cancer prevention in middle-aged and older adults.

J. Michael Gaziano et al. Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cancer in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study II Randomized Controlled Trial.  JAMA. 2012;308(18):doi:10.

Probiotic US (en) | USANA Video Breaking Down Gut Health!

Why Your Body Needs a Probiotic Supplement - Trust Your Gut Instincts!

Why Your Body Needs a Probiotic Supplement



That hyperlink will lead you to a well written summary of the benefits written by Matt , and provided courtesy of Usana Health Sciences. This is also a heads up that the Dr Oz Show will feature this #DairyFree and #Sugar free probiotic powder May 19, 2015! (check your local listings)   This is a product that travels well and requires no refrigeration within reasonable temperature range! I use it when I jet across country, around the world or just out of state.



Follow Your Gut!  - Ekayani Chamberlin

Moderate soy intake not related to a negative breast cancer prognosis - Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences

Moderate soy intake not related to a negative breast cancer prognosis - Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana Health Sciences

At a Glance

Recent epidemiologic studies report no adverse effects of soy foods on breast cancer survival or prognosis. 

Read more about this research below.

 

Contrary to earlier clinical studies and some popular media suggesting that soy may promote breast tumor growth, three recent studies show that moderate intakes of soy-containing foods are not adversely related to breast cancer prognosis.

In the most recent study researchers used data from the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study to examine the effect of soy intake on breast cancer prognosis. Soy isoflavone intake was assessed in 3,088 breast cancer survivors diagnosed between 1991 and 2000. After an average follow-up of 7.3 years, it was found that as isoflavone intake increased, risk of death decreased. Women whose intake was >16.3 mg of isoflavones had a 54% reduction in the risk of death.

This is the third recent epidemiologic study to report no adverse effects of soy foods on breast cancer prognosis. Because these studies varied by ethnicity and the level and type of soy consumed, the investigators stated that when taken together, these studies provide evidence to suggest that it may not be necessary for clinicians to advise against moderate soy consumption for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Caan BJ et al. Soy food consumption and breast cancer prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011 May;20(5):854-8.

The following is a summary of a previous Essentials of Health from Jan 27, 2010. Also included are two more recent study references with similar outcomes.

“In a large prospective study of female breast cancer patients treated surgically, moderate soy intake was associated with a significant decrease in death and cancer recurrence during a 4 year follow-up. Women whose intake of soy protein was among the top 25 percent of participants had a 29 percent lower risk of death during follow-up and a 32 percent lower risk of recurrence compared to those whose intake was in the lowest quarter.  This study suggests that moderate soy food intake is safe and potentially beneficial for women with breast cancer.”

Shu XO et al. Soy food intake and breast cancer survival.  JAMA 2009;302(22):2437-2443

Zhang YF, et al. Positive effects of soy isoflavone food on survival of breast cancer patients in China.  Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2012;13(2):479-82.

Nechuta SJ et al. Soy food intake after diagnosis of breast cancer and survival: an in-depth analysis of combined evidence from cohort studies of US and Chinese women.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jul;96(1):123-32. 

Celebrate the Women in your Life This Mothers Day

Looking for an affordable, long lasting quality gift for the special lady in your life this Mothers's Day?  Than look no further than the unique paraben and pthylate free nourishing, cleansing and anti - oxidant  patented skin care  line known as Sense brought you courtesy of the fabulous team of scientists and researchers at Usana Health Sciences!

Get the full line that includes the soap free GentleDaily cleanser (soap free) , Hydrating Toner(aloe based), Daytime Protective Emulsion (SPF 15), Night Time Cream (rich in A and E), the awesome Rice Bran Polisher that gently exfoliates leaving your skins soft and hydrated, the Cream Masque with mango butter (!),  the Eye Cream for reducing crows feet, and your choice of either one of the anti  - aging enhancers Serum Intensive (great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles) or the collagen boosting Perfecting Essence that helps even out blotch complexions.

Want to know why I look so young? Now you know!!
Ekayani Chamberlin
Model,  Health and Lifestyle
p.s. This line is great for guys too. Get him the Gentle Daily Cleanser, Hydrating Toner and if his skin is oily Serum Intensive.

Can Marijuana Help Disease? My Experience Taking Cannibidiol Oil

Dose of Nature Redstrap Cannibidiol Oil

Can medical marijuana help the ailing body? It has been in the news a lot lately with certain states legalizing the sale of marijuana for medical purposes. My own encounter with such a place occurred purely by coincidence as I was traveling in the San Jose, Santa Cruz area of California in 2010. My host needed to make a stop and it turned out it was for a newly opened distribution site that was impeccably clean which had many samples of plants available for customers. I found this fascinating and about as far away from New York's harsh Rockefeller Drug laws as one could get in the continental United States.  About two weeks ago I received a sample bottle of Red Strap CBD in Apricot Kernel Oil from an outfit called Dose of Nature. CBD stands for Cannibidiol or better known as hemp oil or if you prefer marijuana. Based in Utah, Dose of Nature makes oil and glycerine based products that are fully legal. This is because the THC is in such a small quality that you cannot "get high". The hemp is ingested bilingually under the tongue  (no smoking or inhaling) and is  used medicinally. It is considered to be an anti inflammatory and to be a neuro protectant in her words it appears to be good for  brain health. It  seems to be having a positive affect on persons with a wide range of diseases and disorders such as PTSD, diabetes, cancer, Parkinsons , epilepsy and autism.
Watch Dose of Nature's intriguing video here on Vimeo

My Tender Breast: My Personal Experience 

As for my own personal experience taking the drops, before receiving the bottle I was experiencing some tenderness in my left breast. Having just turned 52 I am now "at the age" where breast cancer strikes women down. When examining my breast using hand movements, it seemed to me that I had a rather large lump and although not hardened I wondered if it could be categorized as "benign". Needless to say I was not pleased with this and felt alarmed. As I turned over in my mind what my options were, I got an offer to sample a bottle of CBD oil. I accepted. On Monday April 13, 2015 I begin taking 20 drops under the tongue which is the recommended dosage. I did this daily over the next three days and by April 16, 2015 I felt no discomfort in my breast. I felt no tenderness and no lump and I still don't. As I write this entry, it is April 30 and I have continued taking the drops daily in the morning as part of my routine. I also felt no "high".  This has been a completely subjective experience. I have not gone to have a mammogram or any formal breast cancer examination as of yet. Clearly for anyone feeling any alarm getting a check up  should be part of the process of taking responsibility for ones health. I can only say that this subjective experience has given me hope and made me consider the intelligence of plants and the possibility that they can target diseased cells and kill them before they have a chance to spread and compromise my organism. My expression here is  my own opinion and is not intended to be prescription. My purpose is to share food for thought.
Curious? Visit  Dose of Nature

Action! Here's the Light Video IndieGoGo Fundraiser EKAYANI

USANA Green: Happy Earth Day (Reducing Carbon Footprint)

USANA Green: Happy Earth Day



Earth Day is never just one day is it?

GREEN: With all the environmental disaster taking place daily I am proud and pleased to share with you just one of the many practices this leader in health takes repsonsibilty for HOW it does business implementing sane practices while actually working to reduce their carbon footprint. I encourage you to look through their archives on water use, recycling and more. Wishing every business that dares to use Mother Earths resources did the same. More gratitude please in action!

Click the hyperlink above and consider getting involved with this great company that I am so proud to be a part of. - Ekayani Chamberlin

Higher blood Vitamin D levels may be related to a lower risk of depression

April 15, 2015 Higher blood Vitamin D levels may be related to a lower risk of depression  At a Glance A new study in a large population of Finnish adults shows that higher serum vitamin D levels are related to a reduced risk of depressive disorders, especially in those with poorer health to begin with.  Read more about this research below.  Previous research has suggested that vitamin D may be helpful in protecting against depression, but the evidence is still somewhat inconclusive. In a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers investigated the potential relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders. The study population consisted of a representative sample of Finnish adults between the ages of 30 and 79 years of age that participated in the Health 2000 survey. Of the 5,371 individuals in the study group, 354 were diagnosed with depressive disorders and 222 individuals were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.  Serum Vitamin D concentrations were determined from frozen samples taken previously. A total of 4 indicators of depression and a single indicator of anxiety were studied as variables.  Individuals with a higher serum Vitamin D concentration showed a reduced risk of depression. After adjustments for socioeconomic, lifestyle, and metabolic factors, individuals in the highest 25% of vitamin D levels had a 35% lower risk for depression when compared to individuals with vitamin D levels in the lowest 25%. Higher Vitamin D levels had the greatest impact against depression in younger men with unhealthy lifestyles, who were divorced, or who suffered from metabolic syndrome. Based on statistical analysis, it was noted that raising the vitamin D levels above 50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml) could have avoided about 19% of the depression cases in the study. Vitamin D serum levels did not correlate significantly with anxiety disorders.   The results of this study support the theory that higher serum vitamin D concentrations may be protective against depressive disorders, especially in individuals with poor socio-economic status, diet and lifestyle choices, and metabolic health. Tuija Jääskeläinen et al.. Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are related to a reduced risk of depression. British Journal of Nutrition, available on CJO2015. doi:10.1017/S0007114515000689.

Higher levels of carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk - Weekly Essentials of Health by Usana

Higher levels of carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk 

Note from Ekayani: The health salad recipe I have shared often is packed with these nutrients and is oh so tasty keeping well for up to a week! See TheLivingConnection.blogspot.com for that recipe!

April 22, 2015

Higher levels of carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk

At a Glance

The results of a new large study indicate that women with higher plasma carotenoid levels have a reduced risk of breast cancer, and particularly the more aggressive tumors.
Read more about this research below. 

Carotenoids are among the nutrients needed for plant photosynthesis.  They are also the pigments in fruits and vegetables that provide  the yellow, orange and red colors. Of over 600 known dietary carotenoids, a-carotene, b-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene are the most prevalent in the US diet, comprising 90% of circulating carotenoids.  Current evidence suggests that carotenoids may reduce breast cancer risk, but at what stage they are most influential and in what tumor subtypes is less clear. 

In a recent large study published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers examined the issues of timing of carotenoid exposure as well as associations by breast tumor subtypes. 

The study group included 32,826 women that participated in the Nurses’ Health study and donated blood samples in 1989-1990.  In 2000-2002, 18,743 of these women donated a second blood sample.  Women diagnosed with breast cancer between first and second blood collection, and those diagnosed with breast cancer within ten years of the second collection, were matched with control subjects.

After adjusting for several breast cancer risk factors, significant inverse associations were observed between a-carotene, b-carotene, lycopene, and total carotenoids and breast cancer risk with an overall 18–28% lower risk in the women with the highest blood levels compared to women with the lowest levels. The protective benefits of b-carotene and total carotenoids were more pronounced in leaner women (BMI < 30).  In addition, a-carotene, b-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin, and total carotenoids were associated with a 46% reduction in risk of the more aggressive types of cancer than recurred or caused death.

In this large prospective analysis with 20 y of follow up, women with the highest blood levels of carotenoids had a significant reduction in breast cancer risk, and particularly the more aggressive and lethal subtypes. 

A Heather Eliassen et al.  Plasma carotenoids and risk of breast cancer over 20 y of follow-up. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.105080

Zinc deficiency may alter how the immune system responds to inflammation

 
April 8, 2015 Weekly Essentials of Health courtesy of Usana Health Sciences

Zinc deficiency may alter how the immune system responds to inflammation 

 At a Glance

A new study has shown that a zinc deficiency contributes to chronic inflammation by causing improper immune cell activation and dysregulation of a protein that affects inflammation in the cell.

 Read more about this research below. 

 Zinc is an essential mineral in human health required as a cofactor in numerous biological processes including DNA and protein synthesis, cell division, normal growth and development, neurological function and immunity, and wound healing. It is also required for normal taste perception and smell. 

Zinc is naturally available in a wide variety of foods with higher amounts found in protein-rich foods including meat, poultry and seafood. Regular intake is necessary to maintain a steady state because it is not stored. Zinc deficiency most often occurs when intake is inadequate or poorly absorbed, when there are increased losses of zinc from the body, or when the requirement for zinc increases. Evidence from NHANES III data show that zinc intakes among older adults might be marginal, increasing the risk of a zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency is thought to contribute to the development of chronic diseases that involve inflammation and often show up in older adults who have a higher risk for zinc deficiency. In a new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research researchers examined how the immune system responds to zinc deficiency resulting in mechanisms that promote inflammation. Using in vitro cell culture and the aging mouse model, researchers found that zinc deficiency can induce an increase in the inflammatory response in cells by causing improper immune cell activation and dysregulation of cytokine IL-6, a protein that affects inflammation in the cell. When comparing zinc levels in both young and older living mice, the older mice with low zinc levels had a corresponding increase in chronic inflammation and decreased IL-6 methylation, an epigenetic mechanism that is used by cells to control gene expression.

The results of this study provide evidence of a potential link between zinc deficiency and increased risk of chronic inflammation, especially in aging adults.

Watch Dr Oz Show 4/16 The Living Connection Ekayani Chamberlin Health &...

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Dear Friends,
Please watch the Dr Oz Show on April 16, 2015 to hear about this months featured product Hepasil DTX.


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To your health!

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Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves measures of visual performance in healthy adults

April 1, 2015

Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves measures of visual performance in healthy adults - Weekly Essential of Health brought to you by Usana Health Sciences

At a Glance

A new study shows that supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin—compounds contained naturally in green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach—may improve measures of visual performance such as photostress recovery and the response to glare conditions. 

Read more about this research below.

 

Dietary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are plant-derived pigments that concentrate in the inner layers of the macula region of the eye. The macular pigments act much like a sunscreen within the eye to protect the delicate tissues of the retina. It is well known that sufficient levels of these carotenoids reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in the elderly. Less is known of the benefits of supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin in young, healthy adults. 

A new double-blind placebo controlled study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science assessed the link between higher macular pigment optical density (MPOD) resulting from supplementation to improvements in glare disability, photostress recovery, and other measures of visual performance.   

The study included 115 young, healthy adults who either received a supplement containing a daily dosage of 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin or a placebo over a one year supplementation period. Several measurements were collected at baseline and every 3 months: serum lutein and zeaxanthin, MPOD, photostress recovery, chromatic contrast and glare disability. MPOD is a measure of the amount of macular pigment present in the macular. Photostress recovery is a measure of how fast the eye recovers sight after being exposed to a flash of bright light. Chromatic contrast is the ability to discriminate an object from its colored surroundings. Glare disability is a measure of the amount of glaring light that can be tolerated before vision is significantly impaired. 

MPOD and serum lutein and zeaxanthin levels increased significantly in the treatment groups versus placebo. In the supplemented group, chromatic contrast and photostress recovery times improved significantly versus placebo during the study period. The researchers also found that improvement in glare disability was highly correlated to increased macular pigment density.  

The results of the current study demonstrate that lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation improves several measures of visual function in normal healthy individuals and adds to evidence from previous studies that increased MPOD results in improved visual performance. 

Hammond BR et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on photostress recovery, glare disability, and chromatic contrast. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Dec 2;55(12):8583-9.

WATCH: Nebraska farmer silences oil and gas committee with invitation to drink water tainted by fracking

WATCH: Nebraska farmer silences oil and gas committee with invitation to drink water tainted by fracking



water travels across Nebraska at 144 miles a day East. East.That means us right here back East. We have to help our neighbors shut this FRACKED gas system with its wanton waste water down. Please share.



We cannot live without water. And we can't grow food without water. CLEAN WATER.

- Ekayani Chamberlin

Vitamin D in the news Testimonials with Ekayani Chamberlin Health & Life...

Higher dietary fiber intake is linked to reduced body weight

January 7, 2015 Higher dietary fiber intake is linked to reduced body weight At a Glance Studies show that in addition to its established role in supporting overall health, higher dietary fiber consumption may play a significant role in weight loss and obesity. Read more about this research below.   Dietary fiber plays many important roles in the body, and intake has been linked to cardiovascular health and a lower risk of certain cancers. Additionally, evidence from observational studies has linked fiber intake to body weight, showing that obese men and women are likely to consume significantly less dietary fiber than lean individuals. One particular cohort study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 89,432 European participants, aged 20–78 years, who were initially free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Participants were followed for an average of 6.5 years. Results indicated that total dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with weight and change in waist circumference during the study period. At 10 grams/day higher total fiber intake, there was an estimated 39 grams/year weight loss and waist circumference decreased by 0.08 cm/year. A 10 grams/day fiber intake from cereals alone results in 77 grams/year weight reduction and 0.10 cm/year reduction in waist circumference. Fruit and vegetable fiber was not associated with weight change but had an effect similar to total and cereal fiber intake on reduced waist circumference. In another study, a review article published in the journal Nutrition suggests that dietary fiber helps prevent obesity in several different ways. It promotes satiation by slowing gastric emptying, altering glycemic or insulin response, decreasing absorption of macronutrients, and by altering the secretion of gut hormones linked to hunger. Over the last decade many the most popular weight-loss diets have trended towards high-protein and low-carbohydrate intakes to lose weight. Unfortunately, in an effort to lower carbohydrate intake, these diets often have very low fiber intake as well. Analysis of low carbohydrate diets reveal that in some cases dietary fiber intake is as low as 1.6 grams/day and is almost always less than 10 grams/day. The author of this review suggests that regardless of dieting method that individuals choose to follow, they should consider the addition of fiber to aid their weight-loss. Dietary fiber can be increased through increasing consumption fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or through a fiber supplement. Huaidong Du et al. Dietary fiber and subsequent changes in body weight and waist circumference in European men and womenAm J Clin Nutr Vol. 91, No. 2, 329-336, February 2010. Slavin J. Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition 21(2005);411-418.

Probiotics reduce the incidence of diarrhea during antibiotic therapy

March 25, 2015

Probiotics reduce the incidence of diarrhea during antibiotic therapy

At a Glance According to a meta-analysis of 63 studies, taking probiotics significantly reduces the risk of developing diarrhea that often results from the use of antibiotics.   Read more about this research below.

 

Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections. They serve their purpose by killing the harmful bacteria inside the body. Unfortunately they kill many of the helpful bacteria within the body as well. This can create a disturbance in the flora of the gastrointestinal tract. A common symptom of this disturbance is diarrhea, which occurs in as many as 30% of those taking antibiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that can help maintain or restore the balance of gut flora.

In a large meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers pooled data from 63 different randomized clinical trials to determine the usefulness of probiotics in the “prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.” The trials involved 11,811 participants, the majority of which were outpatients, but some of those included were hospitalized patients. The majority of the trials used a Lactobacillus based strain; the other strains included Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and/or Bacillus. Analysis of all the included data revealed that those taking probiotics had on average a 42% lower risk of developing diarrhea than those in the control groups.

The results of this meta-analysis support the idea that concurrent use of probiotics during antibiotic therapy may help maintain gut flora balance and reduce the incidence of side effects such as diarrhea.

Hempel S, Newberry SJ, Maher AR, et al. Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association. 2012;307(18):1959-69.