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Vitamin C and Diabetes

The pressing issue of type 2 diabetes recently took on an unexpected spokesman: Paula Deen Ever since the highly publicized announcement of her illness and related drug endorsement, a hailstorm of negative and positive reactions has made its way to all forms of media Instead of adding yet another voice to the chorus, Ive decided to share some breaking information for Ms Deen and other type-2 diabetics that may improve their health care prospects

The simple addition of Vitamin C to conventional diabetes treatment can safely and significantly improve fasting, postmeal and long-term HbA1c blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes mellitus or DM This finding was published in the December 28th edition of the journal Advances in Pharmacological Sciences In the 12 week study, 500 mg of ascorbic acid Vitamin C was taken twice-daily along with the popular diabetes drug metformin Another relatively obscure trial from March 2011 reports that a combination of purified fish oil EPA and Vitamin C effectively lowers blood sugar, LDL bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while elevating HDL good cholesterol The latter study employed a daily dosage of 500 mg of EPA and 200 mg of Vitamin C

Sadly, many physicians do not recommend therapeutic levels of Vitamin C to patients with DM Their rationale is based on a general consensus that supplemental antioxidants dont confer important changes to health outcomes in diabetics But, its important to note that even conservative reviews of antioxidant therapy in DM tend to point out some benefits For instance, a critical summary from February 2011 states that antioxidants, can decrease lipid peroxidation, LDL-cholesterol particles oxidation and improve endothelial function and endothelial-dependent vasodilatation changes that lower the risk of cardiovascular disease In addition, current studies reveal that adults with blood sugar disorders and related complications tend to have lower plasma Vitamin C than healthy adults All of this research strongly suggests that improving Vitamin C levels via diet and/or supplementation addresses an underlying cause of diabetes and its comorbidities

For those who prefer getting their Vitamin C partially or wholly from food, consider my top ten list of fruits and vegetables that contain the most Vitamin C: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lemons, limes, mustard greens, red bell peppers and strawberries Of the ten, I want to emphasize the value of eating more red bell peppers A single serving provides upwards of 300% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C Peppers also contain a wealth of complementary antioxidants and phytochemicals which may yield additional protection for diabetics and just about everyone else When selecting peppers, I recommend choosing the organic variety and opting for those that are kept under refrigeration Conventionally grown bell peppers are on the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen list of produce containing pesticide residues Refrigeration is important because unrefrigerated peppers demonstrate a precipitous decline in Vitamin C content

5 Blessings in Disguise

William Wallace was a warrior. He was a man who not only spoke those words, but lived them. When you look at his story, it isnt one of constant triumph, comfort, or safety. Its a life filled with betrayal, pain, suffering, and sacrifice.

He had an incredibly hard and unjust life. But it was a great life. Even though his life wasnt easy, it was one that was lived in the truest sense of the word. Moments of pain, fear, and uncertainty are often when we feel most alive.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Revenues Stable, Growth Seen in Some Categories, says AACD Survey

Revenues generated from cosmetic dental procedures will likely remain stable, if not increase, in the coming year, according to a recent industry survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The AACD conducted its 2011 State of the Cosmetic Industry Dentistry Survey, and found that while the cosmetic dentistry industry has declined, then flattened, since a 2007 benchmarking industry survey, respondents strongly believe that they will continue to see increasing revenues from cosmetic procedures into next year.

Respondents indicated that the demand for cosmetic dentistry procedures was primarily driven by referrals from others who had positive experiences.

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Colon Cleaning: Using Activated Charcoal

Even though it is used constantly within colon cleansers, activated charcoal does have its many uses. Activated carbon is a black powder without an odor, and made in a closed environment from exposing wood to very high temperatures. It is then subjected to a treatment process that activates it allowing it to absorb twice its weight.

This treatment process allows the carbon materials within the charcoal to become oxidized. After this process takes place, the charcoal is then known as “activated charcoal”, and can be used in the digestive system.

Activated charcoal is one of the purest forms of carbon, and it acts in the digestive system in a similar manner to bentonite clay. It

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New CDPH Agenda Places HIV/AIDS Prevention among its Top Priorities

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently released its latest health care agenda, Healthy Chicago, which serves as a “blueprint for action intended to serve as a framework for a focused, yet comprehensive, approach to how the CDPH will lead and work with partners to improve the health and well-being of Chicagoans.”  The city has listed HIV prevention as one of its top priorities in making Chicago a healthier city.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago supports CDPH’s aggressive agenda for preventing and treating HIV and AIDS, which includes advocating for both State and Federal funding for increased access to HIV medications through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program; providing greater access to HIV prevention education, prevention materials, and testing services; and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

We look forward to working with the Chicago Department of Public Health on implementing these goals and ensuring that the appropriate resources are put into place(1)  to reduce the rate of new HIV infections and (2) to provide effective treatment to those living with HIV and AIDS in Chicago.

You can read the full report here.

Could the US have given Chavez cancer?

Venezuela’s president has mused that the US may have given him and other leftist leaders cancer. That’s unlikely to be possible

Five South American presidents and former presidents, including Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, have been recently diagnosed with cancer. Chavez speculated that US agents may be inducing the disease in South American leaders by feeding them or injecting them with an unspecified substance. The state department has rejected Chavez’s insinuation.

Can you give someone cancer? Not reliably. Injecting cancerous cells into a person isn’t enough to give him the disease. The abnormal tissue has to penetrate and grow in other areas of the body.

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Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

Plastic surgery is costly and often involves a painful, lengthy recovery. There are easier ways to rejuvenate your face, starting with a smile makeover.

A very noticeable “face lift” benefit of your smile makeover is the lengthening of your back teeth and expansion of your bite. People who have ground down or lost their back teeth often have a caved in look to their face. The “dental face lift” rebuilds the bite and restores a more youthful, full facial appearance. It can even make your lips and cheeks appear younger, fuller, and healthier because they are better supported by your teeth. Your lo

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