Health Solutions That Work

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

There is a considerable body of research establishing the role of vitamin D in optimizing health. Besides its implicit role in calcium metabolism, bone health, and the prevention and treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency is linked to several types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular diseases, type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and neurological health. Now add a higher rate of mortality to the list. New evidence is now emerging that vitamin D deficiency could cut your life short.

Vitamin D Deficiency & Mortality

Several recent studies have shown a link between low serum vitamin D levels [25 (OH) D], and lower survival rates in the elderly. Just this month (11/2009), a study published in Nutrition Research revealed a link between Vitamin D deficiency and a “higher risk of mortality”. Vitamin D levels in 719 women, ages 70 to 79, and part of Women’s Health and Aging Studies I and II in Baltimore, Md., were analyzed over a 72-month period. The women with the lowest levels of 25 (OH) D (less than 15.3 ng/mL or 38.2 nmol/L), were at higher risk of death compared to women who with the highest levels of 25 (OH) D. (1) Continue reading The Link of Vitamin D Deficiency to Higher Mortality Rates - Are You At Risk?

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.
Vegetables are undeniably a prime source of bone building and strengthening nutrients. Leafy greens and many other vegetables contain a bounty of minerals and vitamin C that are vital to bone metabolism. Kale, collard greens and spinach, are rich in vitamin K; a key cofactor for mineralizing bone tissue. (Please read: Osteoporosis [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom
We all know that good and lasting health starts with a healthy diet replete with wholesome foods. However, what is not well understood about what constitutes a healthy diet, is that it should be filled alkalinizing foods. So what are alkalinizing foods, and why is it so important to consume them?
Most foods, [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom

The Problem
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina, (see image below) where our sharpest central vision is enabled. The macula and central vision is needed for seeing fine detail and objects clearly. As the macular tissue is destroyed and central [...]

Age-related cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world while cataract surgery has become the most frequent surgical procedure in people aged 65 years or older. This places a considerable fi nancial burden on our health care system. The development of cataracts is mainly an age-related phenomenon, however environmental and lifestyle factors appear [...]

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. population. There are approximately two million cases of glaucoma in the United States. Only half may be diagnosed due to the fact that there are no distinct symptoms other than the slow progression of vision impairment. Chronic open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

An estimated 10 million Americans - 8 million women and 2 million men - have osteoporosis (porous bones). Another 34 million have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. (1) Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (low bone density)*, is related to many factors beyond calcium need and optimization. Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom

Vitamin K, which is best known for its role in blood clotting, is also an essential nutrient for bone formation. Apart from playing a key role in bone health, vitamin K deficiency is linked to cardiovascular health, insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease. In bone health, vitamin K and D are synergistic nutrients [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

Obesity has become a major health epidemic. Data from a prominent health survey (NHANES) taken in1976-1980 and again in 2003-2004, revealed that obesity rates (defined as being over 30 percent above ideal body weight), have more than doubled for children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), reports that approximately one-third [...]

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom.

GABA, or “gamma aminobutyric acid,” produced in the central nervous system, is the body’s natural muscle relaxant, tranquilizer, and nerve calmer. GABA, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter), also available as a supplement, works by limiting the nerve cell activity in areas of the brain associated with anxiety. Some anxiety disorders have increased cell [...]