End Fatigue

New This Week — Vitality 101 News: November 21, 2008

CFS or FMS? Breast Cancer or Cysts? Iodine May Help

Dear Readers,

Iodine deficiency used to be an epidemic in the U.S. (until salt was added to iodine and wheat). It is now coming back — big time! Fortunately, it is an easy to prevent problem, and addressing it can help you feel much better.

Unfortunately, the issue of iodine deficiency will be growing in importance over the coming decade. This is occurring for a number of reasons. In fact, iodine intake has dropped by 50% from 1971 to 2001 and continues to drop. This causes not only an underactive thyroid, but likely increases the risk of breast cysts and cancer dramatically (the U.S. has 3 times the incidence of breast cancer as Japan, where iodine consumption is higher).

Iodine deficiency may also contribute to fatigue and CFS, and simply supplementing for 90 days with 1 bottle of iodine (called Iodoral 1 a day) can tell you if you need it — and may help a lot!

Bottom Line? For those with CFS & FMS, unexplained fatigue, or breast symptoms or cancer, it is reasonable to take a high dose iodine supplement (Iodoral) 1 a day for 1 bottle (90 days). After this, if you feel much better you can stay on it or stop it and see if you still need it. You may find that one bottle is enough to "fill your tank" and correct any deficiencies, as the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder supplies 150 mcg a day (the full RDA) for maintenance. For those with breast cancer, I would add the one Iodoral a day long term and consider working with a holistic practitioner to take 5 a day while waiting for the research to be done. For breast cancer I would also add vitamin D 4,000 units a day, Coenzyme Q10 at 200-400 mg a day, and the vitamin powder.

The issue of recurring iodine deficiency is fascinating, with major health implications. Fortunately, it is easy to both treat and prevent.

Read more »

SPECIAL REPORT

Are Lab Tests Reliable?

Simply put, the answer is no. Though physicians rely on these tests like the gospel, they simply are not reliable. For example, thyroid testing misses the majority of those who need thyroid hormone. X-rays and MRIs are meaningless for back pain, unless the findings correlate with changes on the physical exam. As an upright species we have normal wear and tear on our spine X-rays, whether or not we have pain. Unfortunately, most X-ray reports leave you thinking your back is horrible, resulting in sometimes unnecessary back surgery — even in totally healthy people!

Because most physicians are not taught that the normal range just means that you are not in the lowest 2% of the population (called 2 standard deviations), and does not tell if you are healthy, there is enormous confusion that leaves the patient suffering. But knowledge is power! Here's what you need to know to stay healthy and use lab testing wisely.

Read more »

RESEARCH BRIEFS

Iodine Deficiency Becoming a Worldwide Problem

Iodine deficiency appears to be on the rise worldwide — and may contribute to fibromyalgia, ADHD and obesity, along with other problems. Read more »

D-Ribose, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

An excellent discussion on the benefits of D-ribose for those with CFS and fibromyalgia, written by Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tori Hudson. Read Dr. Hudson's Blog »

Laughter Helps Immunity?

Laughter is the best medicine! This study showed that laughter actually increased the function of genes controlling natural killer cells — key cells regulating immune function that are very low in CFS. Read more »

Reports of Serious Drug Reactions Hit Record

The number of serious problems and deaths linked to medications reported to the FDA set a record in the first three months of this year. The Food and Drug Administration received nearly 21,000 reports of serious drug reactions, including over 4,800 deaths. Only a small percent of drug reactions are reported to the FDA, and I suspect there are over 200,000 medication deaths a year in the U.S. alone. This is almost 700 times as many drug reactions (often severe) as natural product reactions (usually mild) reported to the FDA. Read more »

FEATURED QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Q: Is kelp causing neck pain? Answer »

Q: Treating Lyme in CFS. Read more »

SPECIAL OFFER

Special Offer on Workshop CD Series for Practitioners

For practitioners who want a more comprehensive understanding of how to treat CFS and fibromyalgia, we offer 3 individual sets of workshops presented in CD format. We are pleased to announce that you can now purchase the 3-part series as a single bundled option at a new discounted price of $770 (a savings of $173 over the price if purchased individually).

With 50 instructional CDs, workbooks and certification tests, this informative series can provide you the training you need to become an expert in recognizing and treating CFS and FM.

See our new offer »

IMPORTANT COOL STUFF

A Post Election Thought and Opinion

No matter whether one thinks our brave soldiers are in Iraq to support our freedom, or simply Halliburton, in their hearts they are there to support us. As they return, let's remember them and the sacrifices they made lovingly for us. In honor of our veterans, I invite you to watch this Video. It's cool — whichever perspective you believe.

The Americans I know, on both sides of the political divide, are by and large bright and loving people who want the best for our country and planet — even if we may not see it. I am encouraged. In my heart, it feels we may be coming into a time of healing as a country.

Watch video »

FUN COOL STUFF

Reasons We Love Our Pets

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb? Read more »

Don't Judge too Quickly

Watch video »

Wow — Wildest Plane Video Ever!

Watch video »

How to Dodge a Parking Ticket

Watch video »

JOKE OF THE WEEK

A driver was pulled over by a police officer for speeding. As the officer was writing the ticket, she noticed several machetes in the car.

"What are those for?" she asked suspiciously.

"I'm a juggler," the man replied. "I use those in my act."

The officer, wanting to be sure, asked "Please step out of the car and show me."

So he got out with the machetes and started juggling them, first three, then more, finally seven at one time, overhand, underhand, behind the back, putting on a dazzling show and amazing the officer.

Another car passed by. The driver did a double take, and said, "My God. I've got to give up drinking! Look at the tests they're giving now!"