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Baby boomers are getting older and beginning to need more age related medical services; scientists are hoping to prevent or delay age related hearing loss by preventing vitamin B deficiency.

Numerous studies have proven a link between the delay of age related hearing loss and inclusion of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, in your diet.

The Journal of Nutrition recently published a report which proves a correlation between hearing loss, levels of folate,  and levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which occurs with vitamin  B12 deficiency and is linked to increased risk for heart attack and age related hearing loss.

The study, which took place in the University of Sydney, Australia, focused on approximately 3,000 elderly individuals:

• Participants received blood tests which measured levels of folate and vitamin B12; also measured were their homocysteine levels.
• A folate vitamin deficiency in senior citizens aged 50 and over accounted for a 35% increased risk for age related hearing loss.
• Individuals who had high homocysteine levels were 64% more likely to suffer age related hearing loss than others who did not have vitamin B12 deficiency.

Folic Acid and B12: Your Nerves Need Both to Thrive

In an earlier study, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) announced a study which concluded a correlation between men over the age of 60 who include folate in their diet and a 20% reduction of risk for age related hearing loss.

In 2007, Wageningen University researchers examined over 700 elderly individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 for low frequency hearing loss; they concluded that folic acid supplements reduced the advancement of age related hearing loss, causing a significant delay in its onset.

Many green leafy vegetables such as spinach are rich in folate; other good sources of folate are broccoli, asparagus, legumes, fortified cereals and organ meats.

Also read: B12 and Tinnitus

Sources:
MSN Health, Eating Well, Associated Content, Hear-It, Journal of Nutrition, PubMed.gov, MedicineNet

It’s the stuff sad songs say so much, to quote Elton- that  indescribable physical pain brought on by heartbreak, social rejection and depression. Well, scientists today are saying that it’s not just a figment of our imagination; there actually is a link between chronic physical pain, including pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, and chronic depression, as reported in the Los Angeles Times.

Turns out, words hurt just as much as sticks and stones

New research, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, indicates that the same network of our brain which processes emotions such as depression and feelings of insult is also responsible for pain.  Just as a paper cut on our finger triggers a pain response in our nervous system, so do psychological wounds; physical social pain is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong, and serves as a useful evolutionary survival tool for survival.

Individuals who suffer from chronic depression often experience long-lasting sensitivity to pain, or fibromyalgia.

It’s what separates us, as uniquely social animals, from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Why your body can’t tell the difference between a car accident and a bad breakup

• Researchers such as University of Toronto psychologist Geoff MacDonald have conducted studies explaining the correlation between hurt feelings and neuropathic pain.
• The body’s response to feelings such as embarrassment, rejection or offense is very similar to the way one’s body responds to physical injuries such as cuts and bruises.
• Stood up by an ex-heartthrob, jilted by somebody you thought you could trust? Your body goes right into that same fight or flight stress response which is supposed to be reserved for actual emergencies, like fires or car accidents. Heartache or headache- it all stems from the same part of the brain.
• Dr. MacDonald’s experiments included subjects who described their feelings resulting from a particular social rejection; initially came a feeling of shock, which they associated with numbness, a temporary feeling of imperviousness to pain; once the shock wore down, the subject then described experiencing hurt feelings which were accompanied by physical pain.
• In December of 2009, as published in Psychological Science, researchers documented a correlation between the pain-killing effects of acetaminophen and a reduced sensitivity to social rejection.

Physical health is just as important for our survival as mental health.

According to Dr. MacDonald and other scientists, the brain’s equating of neuropathic pain with chronic physical pain is a necessary function of evolution; to continue as a species, we must continue to protect our bodies from harm, while also cementing our social fabric because your nervous system is as dedicated to keeping your body intact as it is to keeping your social life in order.

For more about how vitamin B12 relates to depression and fibromyalgia, read:

Eating your Way out of Depression with B12

Male Depression on the Rise

How to Tell if Chronic Pain is Fibromyalgia: 18 Pressure Points

Source:

April 1, 2011- Director Todd Drezner, in an interview published in today’s  Huffington Post, suggests that for this month of April, Autism Awareness month, we do more than just call attention to autism- that we embrace autism for all its worth.

It’s fair to say that we are all “aware” (a term used all too offhandedly these days) of autism, and most of us know at least a few people who have autistic children or know a functioning autistic adult.  And in case you haven’t noticed, having a child with autism is not the tragedy that anti-vaccination and pro-eugenics activists make it out to be.  Many autistic children amiable, receive plenty of love and attention from their parents, and do reasonably well in school. Not that they have it easy- but neither do all non-autistic children. And there are plenty of functioning autistic individuals who lead happy, meaningful lives.

Take, for example, 12-year-old  Jacob Barnett, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, who made news recently when he developed his own theory of relativism. With an IQ that soars over Einstein‘s, he taught himself  calculus, algebra, geometry and trigonometry in one week’s time.

Wouldn’t it be convenient, if all pregnant women carrying a fetus determined to be at high risk for autism, could peek into the womb and see if she’s carrying tomorrow’s autistic, yet highly functioning child prodigy genius?

Wouldn’t we all, for that matter?

But that’s not what Autism Awareness month is supposed to be about, says Todd Drezner, who filmed Loving Lampposts, a film about embracing the affectionate nature of autistic children- a film he was inspired to create after his own son was diagnosed with autism.

Loving Lampposts takes a holistic look at autism, acknowledging the trials faced by autistic individuals and their caretakers, but also shining a light on the many ways autistic children have touched lives through acceptance, bare-boned innocence and kindness of nature.

Truly embracing autism goes beyond tolerance (another term we could live without), it means being able to say to an autistic child or adult, “you are special because of your autism” and meaning it.

Learn more about autistic children at Autism Speaks.

If you liked this, you will also like 10 Great iPad Apps for Autistic Children and Autism, B12 and Your Child.

Huffington Post, Daily Mail, CBS News, Fox News, USA Today, Autism Speaks

The vegan diet has gained much popularity since Oprah Winfrey took her 7-day Vegan Challenge.  But there’s more to following a vegan diet than just not eating animal products like meat, fish, eggs and dairy foods and observing Meatless Mondays.

A vegetarian diet requires a strict adherence to a nutritious vitamin fortified diet in order to avoid vitamin deficiency.  And since vegans deliberately avoid eating proteins which are rich in vitamin B12, they must make a special effort to supplement everyday in order to avoid the many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as anemia.

Here is a short list of vitamins to include in your diet if you are a strict vegan:

• Vitamin B12

If you’re a strict vegan, than you’re not getting enough vitamin B12, which occurs naturally in lean meats ( think beef chuck), cheeses (Swiss), shellfish (clams and mussels, in particular), fish and eggs.

There are great soy products (smoked tofu) which have B12; also nutritional yeast, which many vegans use as a cheesy substitute.

Don’t forget to supplement with extra vitamin B12, though.

Because vitamin B12 deficiency is serious business; your body needs this essential vitamin for proper brain functioning and production of red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency could cause anemia or severe neurological damage.

Read Are Vegans in France Responsible for Breast-fed Baby’s Death?

• Vitamin D

If you’re a vegan who remembers to wear sunscreen everyday (and we hope you are), or if you live in a particularly cold climate where the sun don’t shine, there is a vegan vitamin D option available to you- ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2, which is a form of algae.

• Calcium

Everybody needs 1000mg of calcium per day, which is the vegan equivalent of 3 cups of calcium fortified soy milk, a few cups of sauteed dark greens, or a large chunk of tofu with added calcium.  Many seeds and nuts also have a decent amount of calcium in them. Still, in order to preserve you bones and avoid bone brittleness in old age, a vegan calcium supplement is highly regarded.

• Iron

The best, most highly digestible forms of iron are found in non-vegan sources, so as with vitamin B12, the word is supplement, supplement, supplement- but be on the lookout for a low dose that doesn’t irritate the tummy. Women need 32mg or iron per day; men need about 14mg.  Including a source of vitamin C along with your iron supplement will boost iron absorption.

• Zinc

Zinc occurs in few vegan sources, but most people- vegan and meat-eaters alike- are able to eat sufficient amounts of zinc their diets. Zinc is used by many as an alternative medicine for preventing colds.  Wheat germ and pumpkin seeds are very high in zinc- try tossing them into your salad for a tasty vitamin boost.

Like this?

You also might like:

Vegan Dieters at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, After All

Getting Enough Vitamin B12? Three Reasons Why you Might Not Be

Vegetarian Diets, Pregnant Women and Vitamin B12

Source:

FYI Living

March, 2011– In northern France, a vegan married couple faces trial after the death of their baby due to vitamin B12 deficiency; their daughter, who was exclusively breast fed even at the age of 11 months, became ill back in March of 2008 of vitamin deficiency. Now the couple may face charges of neglect for refusing to include animal products in her diet.

Sergine and Joel Le Moaligou called an ambulance when they noticed that their baby daughter Louise seemed pale, unfocused and drained of energy, but by the time the emergency team arrived their daughter was already dead.

Most 11-month-olds weight approximately 8 kg (17.6 lbs), but at the time of her death Louise weighed only 5.7 kg (12.5 lbs).

Police believe that vitamin B12 deficiency lowered the baby’s resistance to infection and ultimately caused her to die of pneumonia.

Read Pregnant Moms and Low B12 Levels: Let ’em Eat Steak!

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products such as lean red meat, fish, eggs and dairy foods.  B12 is essential for neurological development and production of red blood cells. The vegan diet specifically excludes all foods which are rich in vitamin B12, so a special effort must be made to include vitamin B12 supplements such as injections.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Fatigue, loss of energy
• Irritability
• Aggressiveness
• Depression
• Short-term memory loss
• Altered taste perception
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• “Brain fog,” unclear thinking
• Dizziness

Left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to serious neurological damage or pernicious anemia.

While the infant Louise was fed milk, a rich source of vitamin B12, the fact that her vegan mother refused to eat animal products nor feed her animal products meant that she was deliberately neglected of this essential vitamin, say police.

The deputy prosecutor of the trial had this to say about the mother’s involvement in the death of her child: “The problem with a vitamin B12 deficiency could be linked to the mother’s eating habits.”

In addition to shunning animal products, the Le Moaligou family also eschews traditional medicine in favor of home-made remedies found in their collection of self-help books.

At her 9-month checkup, Louise was already suffering some of the symptoms of B12 deficiency, in addition to bronchitis and rapid weight loss; her parents were advised to admit her into a hospital, but refused, opting instead for non-traditional medical practices such as applying cabbage leaves, mustard and camphor. Parents also preferred to wash their baby with dirt and clay in lieu of soap and water.

The French couple, who also has a 13-year-old daughter, may face 30 years if found guilty.

Sources:

The Guardian, Times Live, RFI

Almost 26 million people in the US have been diagnosed with diabetes. Occasionally, diabetics feel bogged down by this life-long disease, believing that they cannot lead productive lives.  Young diabetics might think that wearing their insulin pump is “not cool.”  But ignoring the symptoms of diabetes can lead to serious complications like vitamin B12 deficiency, blindness, kidney failure, stroke, coma and worse case scenario- death.

Here are some celebrities with diabetes who haven’t let diabetes get in their way:

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas, tween pop star of the Jonas Brothers was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005, after experience commons symptoms of diabetes like irritability, thirst and rapid weight loss.  Nick Jonas never leaves the house without his insulin pump. and frequently donates his time to diabetes-related funding and research.

His message to doting  tween-aged fans who’ve been diagnosed with diabetes- “Don’t let it slow you down at all. I made a promise to myself on the way to the hospital that I wouldn’t let this thing slow me down, and I’d just keep moving forward, and that’s what I did. Just keep a positive attitude and keep moving forward with it. Don’t be discouraged.”

Halle Berry

X-Men star, Halle Berry, says she has battled with type 1 diabetes since she was a child; she goes on to say that she has since weaned herself off insulin through diet and exercise, and now only has type 2 diabetes…well, we don’t know about that.  Diabetes experts have responded that it is not physically possible for type 1 diabetics to survive without taking their insulin, and it would be suicide to try.

Brett Michaels

Lead singer of Poison and reality-tv star Brett Michaels has spoken openly about his type 1 diabetes in an interview with Diabetes Health magazine., saying that he has been battling with his diabetes since being diagnosed at the age of 6.  Brett Michaels was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy, which was followed up several weeks later by a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Tommy Lee

Motley Crue drummer and ex-husband of both Pamela Anderson and Heather Locklear Tommy Lee was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  His famous tattoos inspired a line of t-shirs and jeans manufactured by People’s Liberation, who also sells a line of clothing inspired by Justin Timberlake.

Elliot Yamin

This American Idol contestant placed 3rd in 2006; his 2007 album, Elliot Yamin, hit number 1 on the  Billboard Independent Albums chart.  Believe it or not, he had an eardrum replacement at the age of 13. Elliot Yamin currently wears an insulin pump to manage his type 1 diabetes.

Sharon Stone

Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone suffered a stroke on the set back in 2001; her doctors chalked it up to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Sharon Stone, a fellow diabetic, often does fundraisers for the Carousel of Hope, which raises millions of dollars every year towards childhood diabetes research.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams was the first African-American to be crowned Miss America, and went on to rock the charts with songs like Save the Best for Last. Vanessa Williams is also diabetic.

Nicole Johnson

Another former Miss America, Nicole Johnson also suffers from diabetes.

Sources:

Examiner.com, USA Today, ABC News, MSN

Think canned foods are bad for your health?  Guess again. Many canned foods like pinto beans, canned pumpkin and smoked mackerel have essential vitamins like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and vitamin A, and also high protein.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois even proved that canned varieties of fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts in the produce section, having the same amount of vitamins and dietary fiber.

So you don’t have to sacrifice your family’s health just because you’re on a tight food budget.

Here are the 9 best canned foods you should be storing in your pantry:

• Canned salmon
  

Canned salmons deserves top billing as best canned foods because it is a powerhouse of nutrition; salmon is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.  And because canned salmon manufacturers leave the bones in, you get added bone-strengthening calcium into the mix as well. For picky eaters, mash the soft bones into the salmon well and add a dollop of low cholesterol light mayonnaise.

• Canned pinto beans

Sure, you could get dried pinto beans and soak them overnight…but why bother?

There’s no real nutritional difference between the old school method and cutting open a can of beans. Canned pinto beans are high in protein, folate and manganese.  For a healthier version of refried beans, try mashing pinto beans with an immersion blender. Cook it up in the microwave, add some hot sauce, a dash of olive oil and salt for flavor, and serve it up with hot salsa and tortillas.

• Canned tomatoes

You say tomato…canned or fresh, tomatoes are full of vitamin C for a healthy immune system.  And canned tomatoes have lycopene, an antioxidant found in ketchup which becomes more effective by the heating process involved in making canned fruits and vegetables. Canned tomatoes are a flavorful addition to soups and stews.

• Canned smoked mackerel

Canned smoked mackerel- another score for vitamin B12.  Smoked mackerel is also loaded with brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Canned fish is a great packing option for camping, hiking or trips; also a nutritious staple to store for emergencies, along with a package of high fiber crackers.

• Canned sardines

Scoring a home run for B12, canned sardines have high protein and omega-3 fatty acids.  The tomato sauce varieties also contain the antioxidant lycopene. Look out for a low sodium brand of canned sardines for a healthy alternative. Kids don’t like sardines? Cook up some fish patties- mash up a can of sardines, add an egg, some bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of mayo and their favorite seasoning. Pan fry in olive oil until brown.

• Canned kidney beans

Just like pinto beans, canned kidney beans are another great vegan source of B12 and high protein which are just as healthy in a can. Canned beans are also high in fiber, iron and vitamin B1. Make a delicious French bean salad with canned kidney beans, canned beets, flavored vinegar and sliced red onions.

• Canned pumpkin

  

Avoid the sugary canned pumpkin pie fillings; all natural canned pumpkin puree has 500 times the amount of recommended vitamin A, along with high fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, iron and magnesium. Incorporate into a healthy pumpkin pie recipe by substituting sugar with agave nectar or pure maple syrup.

• Canned clams

Clams are high in vitamin B12, iron (more than in red meat), omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, but they also contain zinc, which is great for the immune system.  Stir up a clam chowder and pass the croutons.

• Canned chicken

Another great staple item to keep in your pantry for emergencies, canned chicken is loaded with vitamin B12, high protein, selenium and niacin.  Cook up a pot of spicy chicken jumbo using canned chicken, canned okra, canned tomatoes and some fresh hot peppers.

Source:

Fox News

A recent study confirms that eating a poor diet diet for postmenopausal women can lead to anemia.

In this US study of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), 93,67  older women between the ages of 50 and 79 were tested for vitamin deficiencies. Researchers found that postmenopausal women who were deficient in one vitamin were 21% more likely to have anemia, while the risk for developing anemia in older women who had a vitamin deficiency of 3 minerals increased by 44%.

According to the April issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, older women with with anemia eat less vitamins like vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C and iron; they also consume less protein, in particular red meat, which is an essential source of vitamin B12.

Read Pregnant Moms and Low B-12 Levels: Let ’em Eat Steak!

• Caucasians were least likely to consume proper nutrition, according to this study, demonstrating a rate of only 7.4 %, where other racial groups ranged from a 14%-15% likelihood to be consuming a poor diet which would ultimately lead to symptoms of anemia.
• Other factors which contribute to symptoms of anemia in women include age, body mass index and smoking.
• A high correlation exists between anemia and increased risk for premature death; anemia reduces one’s ability for physical exertion and increases one’s likelihood to be hospitalized for injuries resulting from falls.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pernicious anemia, but may be averted by vitamin B12 supplements.

Says Cynthia A. Thomson, associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona and author of this study, “Additional efforts to regularly evaluate postmenopausal women for anemia should be considered and should be accompanied by an assessment of dietary intake to determine adequacy of intake of anemia-associated nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12 and folate.”

Sources:

BusinessWeek, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, abc7.c0m, Medscape, Medical News Today, Top News

Image Source:

morguefile.com

Folic acid (vitamin B-6), the synthetic version of folate, has been instrumental in reducing the number of neural tube birth defects, ever since the US government  mandated that all breads and other grain products be infused with this essential B vitamin; pregnant women are strongly advised to include folate supplementation in their diet.

But folic acid alone is ineffective in nourishing the nervous system; for that, it requires help from vitamin B12.

Folic acid + B12 = healthy nerves

A study found that both folic acid and vitamin B12, taken together, produced the most beneficial results in regards to nerve function.

• A Tufts University study examined 1,459 individuals over the age of 60.
• 25% had vitamin B12 deficiency, and likewise scored poorly on mental acuity testing.
• Of the participants who has B12 deficiency, the ones who also had folic acid deficiency turned out the worst scores- 5 times below the average for healthy individuals of that age.
• The elderly are particularly at risk because of their inability to utilize B12 vitamins naturally.
• According to the Journal of American Medical Association, folic acid and vitamin B12 taken together may be used to treat heart disease and reduce the number of related deaths in the US.
• Clinical research has shown that folic acid is effective for reducing homocysteine levels, a precursor to heart disease, but that the addition of vitamin B12 accounts for an extra 7% success rate.

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in meat, fish, dairy and egg products. Vegans and vegetarians must rely on B12 supplements in order to avoid B12 deficiency.

Folic acid is found in all cereals, baked goods and other grain products, ever since the US government ruled back in 1998 that it be included in order to prevent birth defects.

Sources:

Science Daily, the Journal of American Medical Association, Oprah.com

New study links high levels of B-12 in healthy food during pregnancy with less colicky babies

Steak might be the last thing in the world you can think of eating right now, if you happen to be a newly-pregnant mom-to-be, particularly if you’re in the beginning stages of morning sickness. But a study published by Early Human Development proves that eating a healthy diet during your pregnancy which included foods high in vitamin B-12  will guarantee a happy, less colicky baby who cries less.

In this study on prenatal health and B-12 in pregnancy, 3,000 pregnant women were examined.

• Each participant submitted to blood testing during the initial prenatal check-up at three months, which included measuring the levels of vitamin B-12 in their blood.
• Following childbirth, each subject kept a log of how often her baby cried, and for how long.
• Scientists notes that the new moms who had particularly low levels of B-12 in pregnancy were eight times more likely to have babies who cried excessively and were difficult to placate than the pregnant moms who had high levels of B-12.
• 5% of moms who exhibited B-12 deficiency symptoms gave birth to colicky babies, where only about 1% of moms who had sufficient levels of vitamin B-12 had babies who tended to cry a lot.

Scientists say,“This study provides first evidence for an early nutritional origin in infant crying behavior.”

• Healthy nutrition during pregnancy is key to having a happy baby; eat foods during pregnancy which are rich in vitamin B-12.
• Extensive research has been done linking vitamin B-12 with healthy brain functioning, neurological development and production of red blood cells.
• A high correlation exists between B-12 deficiency and autistic children. Other symptoms of  B-12 deficiency may include short term memory loss, chronic fatigue, difficulty sleeping, numbness in hands and pernicious anemia.
• Good sources of B-12 include all meat, fish, dairy and egg products, particularly shellfish, liver and lean cuts of beef.

Certain factors may interfere with one’s ability to utilize vitamin B-12 naturally.

• Pregnant women on vegetarian diets must take vitamin B-12 supplements in order to make up for its exclusion in their diets.
• Any persons taking antacids or other heartburn medication must also take B-12 in order to avoid deficiency, as these medications interfere with B-12 absorption.
• Other people at risk include gastric bypass patients, individuals with autoimmune disorders or malabsorption syndromes.

Sources:

Daily Mail, Inhabitots, Dallas News, Wellsphere, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ayushveda, Early Human Development

Photo Credits:

Pregnant Woman- Morguefile.com, Steak- Morguefile.com