492 Serrapeptase Studies [8 Oct 2018]

I have previously written about the amazing properties of serrapeptase [#442]. A recent article by Robert Redfern in Naturally Health News #32 (pages 12-13) outlines published studies on 10 conditions which benefit from serrapeptase, summarized below.

• Alzheimer’s Disease. A 2013 animal study found that serrapeptase and nattokinase improved certain physiological markers for Alzheimer’s, showing promise as a therapeutic treatment.
• Breast Engorgement. A 1989 controlled study found that, compared to placebo, serrapeptase reduced breast engorgement by 85% vs 60% for “moderate” improvement, and 23% vs 3% for “marked” improvement.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A preliminary trial in India in 1999 showed significant improvement with 20 mg per day serrapeptase in 65% of 20 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Mucus Reduction, Sinusitis. A 1972 Japanese study found that serrapeptase helped clear mucus in patients with bronchial asthma. In a 1982 animal study Serrapeptase decreased viscosity and increased volume of mucus expelled. A 1990 study showed that serrapeptase reduces the viscosity of nasal mucus making it easier to expel.
• Inflammation. A 2008 animal study from India showed that serrapeptase is an effective treatment for inflammation and works synergistically with aspirin.
• Postoperative Swelling. A 2008 study of 24 adults having a molar extraction found that serrapeptase significantly reduced pain and swelling for 7 days post-surgery.
• Wound Healing. A 2011 animal study found that serrapeptase improved wound healing

The uses of serrapeptase fall into several broad categories. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It thins mucus making it easier to expel from the lungs, bronchi and sinuses. In wound healing serrapeptase dissolves dead tissue and prevents adhesions from forming, thus improving range of motion during rehabilitation (perfect following a knee or hip replacement).

Another potential benefit of serrapeptase is as an anti-atherosclerotic for clearing blocked arteries, but there have been insufficient studies on its effectiveness to recommend it.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

349 Three Vitamin D Studies [14 Dec 2015]

The Vitamin D Council recently reported on three important studies on Vitamin D published in 2015.

Alzheimer’s: An 8 year study of 382 elderly participants was published in JAMA in September. It found that low D levels in older adults was associated with accelerated declines in cognitive ability of up to three times faster.

Autism: A meta-analysis of 11 studies from the Netherlands was published in October in Eur. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry. The researchers reported that 8 of the 11 studies found lower D levels in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) than other children. The report reviewed the many ways that vitamin D is involved in brain development and function, and showed that low D levels causes brain malfunctions similar to those occurring with autism. The researchers concluded that lower vitamin D levels might be a risk factor for ASD.

A case study of a 32 month old boy with ASD and vitamin D deficiency published in January 2015 in Pediatrics reported that his “core symptoms of autism improved significantly after vitamin D supplementation”. So it appears that vitamin D may also play an important role in the treatment of ASD.

Breast cancer survival: A four-year study looked at women diagnosed with breast cancer and found that higher D levels significantly increased their survival time. A previous study from 2011 by the same researcher found that vitamin D levels of 125 nmol/L (50 ng/ml in the USA), which required supplementation of 4,000 IU per day to achieve, nearly doubled survival times. An earlier study by Lappe et al, 2007, in Am J Clin Nutr found a 77% reduction in risk of all cancers for the group taking 1100 IU D3 and 1500 mg calcium.

While the best way to increase our vitamin D is from safe sun exposure, that doesn’t work in Canada from September to April leaving supplementation as our only option. Dr. Cannell of the Vitamin D Council recommends supplementing with 5,000 IU daily (which is what I take) to maintain natural levels of 100-125 nmol/L. Even this is considered conservative by some. Dr. Joseph Mercola, who has studied vitamin D extensively, considers anything below 125 to be deficient and recommends 125-175 for optimum health and up to 250 for fighting cancer or heart disease. To achieve these levels, however, requires much higher supplementation – due to the law of diminishing returns – so is impractical for most of us. Winter supplementation of vitamin D of 4,000-5,000 IU seems optimal.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

306 Nascent Iodine [17 Feb 2015]

This is my third article on iodine. The first in August 2011 [#125 Iodine] introduced the nutrient and its functions. The most recent [#282 Iodized Salt] from August of last year mentioned two forms of iodine – the ionic form e.g. potassium iodide, and the I2 molecular form called diatomic iodine. There is a third form called nascent iodine in which the diatomic bonds are broken by exposing the tincture of iodine to a high electromagnetic field leaving single neutral iodine atoms. Alcohol is used as a carrier as nascent iodine does not dissolve in water.

Nascent iodine is the safest and most effective form of iodine for our bodies (unfortunately it is also the most expensive). Functions of nascent iodine include:
• Stimulates and regulates production of T3 and T4 hormones
• Helps balance other endocrine functions
• Critical in pregnancy & breastfeeding for developing brains
• Improves breast health; reduces tenderness and cyst formation
• Improves behavior of children with autism
• Improves mental focus in adults & children
• Increases energy and stamina
• Protects from toxic halides: fluorine, chloride & bromides

To use nascent iodine, place a drop or more in a small glass of water and drink immediately. Diluting the tincture in water activates the iodine for several hours. It is best taken on an empty stomach in divided doses if required. One drop of 1% contains 0.2 mg of iodine (slightly more than the Canadian RDA).

As David Brownstein explains in his book “Iodine – Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It” this amount (the RDA) may prevent a goiter but is far too low for most functions of iodine. For example, several studies have shown that to prevent and control fibrocystic breast disease, a minimum of 5 mg (25 drops) per 50kg (110 lbs) body weight is required. He found 96% of 4,000 Americans tested to be deficient in iodine. I would expect Canadians to be similarly deficient as soils are depleted and few of us eat enough seafood.

Sources:
Robert Redfern website
Global Healing Centre website
Magnascent website

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.