XTEND-15sec-NEWSt
17th December 2003
Please click on the summary link of interest:
Sun Protects Against Cancer... n1
The British Medical Journal has just published an editorial which concludes that moderate sun exposure is a much more prudent recommendation than covering yourself with sunscreens... if you want to avoid skin cancer.
They say that sunscreens do not adequately protect against ultraviolet A light, which is carcinogenic, and the authors state that sunscreens should not be relied upon to prevent melanoma.
Further, sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D, which reduces the risk of certain cancers. People in the upper Northern Hemisphere cannot synthesize vitamin D during the winter months due to decreased amount of sun exposure. The authors say that people should get moderate sun exposure without sunscreen in order to allow the adequate synthesis of vitamin D.
They also suggest moderate supplementation with Vitamin D3.
Warren Matthews comments: I totally agree with this. The best protection against skin cancer is to build up your own protective immunity. This you can help to do by having frequent moderate exposure to the sun. The key is as they say 'be prudent'. The sun is one of your best friends if used sensibly. The danger from the sun comes from getting burnt. That is what you must avoid... not exposure to the sun.
There are many health benefits from the sun. I think it is sad when I go to the beach and see so many young children being deprived of this health and life giving therapy because they are covered from head to foot with large brimmed sun hats pulled down over their faces and any small amount of flesh showing is slathered with sunscreen. The parents are well meaning but unfortunately have been brainwashed by the hype and advertising from sunscreen manufacturers.
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What about Colon cleansing to remove toxins?n2
A question was raised in a recent issue of Dr Mirkins newsletter which will be of interest to many readers. Here it is:
Q: Dear Dr. Mirkin: Do you recommend regular colon cleansing to remove toxins from the body?
A: No. The human body is so effective in protecting itself from the contents of the colon that enemas and laxatives are necessary only for people who don't eat properly or have a disease that prevents normal elimination. An article from Israel in the Archives of Internal Medicine(Volume 163, 2003) shows that frequent bowel cleansing can cause severe loss of potassium that can lead to irregular heartbeats and even death in elderly people. Younger people usually do not develop low potassium levels because their kidneys are strong enough to compensate by retaining potassium, but older people often have weakened kidneys that cannot retain potassium.
Other recent research shows that regular use of laxatives and colon cleansers can harm you by blocking the absorption of nutrients from your colon into your bloodstream and causing you to lose necessary minerals. They can also deprive you of good bacteria that grow in your colon, and the healthful short chain fatty acids they produce. If you suffer from frequent constipation, try removing all refined carbohydrates from your diet (foods made with flour, white rice or milled corn), and drinking more fluid. If that does not relieve the problem, check with your doctor.
Warren Matthews comments: That's good advice. Far too many people get 'hung' up on this subject and do damage to themselves without realizing it. The colon as with the rest of the digestive system is critical for good health. You must nourish your digestive system which you can if you support it with the specific nutrients that it needs. One of the prime objectives when Dr Munem designed our Total Balance, was to ensure that all the nutrients needed for a healthy digestive system were present.
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FTC publishes guide to Bogus Weight Loss Claims...n3
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has released information to help advertising outlets screen out bogus weight-control claims. The full FTC news release dated the 9th Dec 2003 can be seen at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/12/weightlossrpt.htm.
It covers nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, creams, wraps, devices, and patches. Using an expert panel, the agency has identified a number of claims that should be regarded as fraudulent because they are not scientifically feasible: For example:
Causes weight loss of two pounds or more a week for a month, or more without dieting or exercise.
Causes substantial weight loss, no matter what or how much the consumer eats.
Causes permanent weight loss (even when the consumer stops using the product).
Blocks the absorption of fat or calories to enable consumers to lose substantial weight.
Causes substantial weight loss for all users.
Causes substantial weight loss by wearing it on the body or rubbing it into the skin.
Warren Matthews comments: These are valid points they are making as there is so much fraudulent advertising in this area. It's a pity that they did not extend it to prescription drug use for weight loss with a warning about how dangerous those drugs are, and the fact that they are not necessary for effective weight control. If you are interested in weight loss please download the special report I wrote on the subject. You can get it free by clicking here.
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Important notice: All material provided within XTEND-15sec-NEWS is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this publication. Consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this newsletter. The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be accurate based on the best judgment of the editor but the reader is responsible for consulting with their own health professional on any matters raised within.
