. . . shockingly widespread, some estimates say 2 out of 5 lack this vital nutrientWhile nutritional deficiencies are still more common in developing countries, some recent data suggests that it being mostly a third-world problem is simply a cultural myth.According to recent American Journal of Clinical Nutrition data, 6% of the people in the US and the UK are vitamin B12 deficient by age 60. Plus, marginal deficiencies occur in another 20% of those surveyed, with significant deficiencies increasing substantially after age 60.While other studies show vegetarians and vegans are at even higher risk—including babies born to vegetarian mothers—clearly, they’re not the only ones making up these B12 deficiency statistics. Thus, it begs the question…Why are so many of us deficient in vitamin B12?Studies published in numerous medical journals show vitamin B12 is a critical component of brain function. They link deficiency to memory and thinking problems, dementias, and even brain shrinkage. So…

The new COVID-19 world is a world beset by fear. Unseen viral particles can be lurking anywhere. Should one find us, we don’t know for sure how we would respond. And with social patterns dramatically altered and the economy collapsing, we are losing our sense of comfort, safety and being in control, leading to a stressful sense of chronic uncertainty and anxiety. We know from many scientific studies that stress negatively affects health. But although there may be little we can do to avoid stress in a COVID-19 world, we can use self-care to decrease and minimize the negative effects of stressful feelings. For example, you can pray or meditate.  Or you can simply bring calm and non-judgmental attention to how you’re feeling.      We’ve talked before about a helpful exercise called Body-Feelings-Mind. In this exercise, you find a comfortable position in a quiet place and, with eyes closed, check in with how you’re feeling, first ph…

Why Many Health-Care Workers Decline Flu Shots — and What That Signals About Immune Health Each year, flu season typically peaks in winter, though it can begin as early as fall. Public health guidance encourages early vaccination, and yet a notable percentage of health-care professionals choose not to receive annual flu shots. This reality raises an important and often overlooked question:Why would trained medical professionals opt out? What the Data Shows According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for health-care workers. However, surveys over the years have consistently shown less than universal participation. At various points, reported uptake among doctors, nurses, and clinical staff has hovered around 60–65%, meaning a substantial minority decline vaccination each year. Mandates, Resistance, and Ongoing Debate In response to lower participation, many hospitals have implemented mandatory vaccination policie…

Vitamins are essential nutrients naturally occurring in inorganic elements, which plants absorb later. While some companies produce synthetic vitamins and supplements, vitamins are most helpful in their natural form, as naturally-sourced vitamins are absorbed better by your body. Here are the main benefits of natural vitamins.Reduce InflammationToxins, injuries, and infections can cause inflammation. Although inflammation is painful, it helps to activate the immune system and repair any damaged cells. Acute inflammation is a natural process and shouldn't worry you. However, inflammation can become chronic and affect your blood vessels, joints, and tissues.Chronic inflammation can cause skin irritation, joint swelling, and widespread pain. When this happens, you can take specific vitamins daily to reduce chronic and acute inflammation as well as improve your overall health. One of the most common types of vitamins that helps fight inflammation is curcumin. Vitamin A also hel…

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a serious problem in the US. Almost 1/3 of the population has hypertension, defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 (up from 5% of the population in 1900 and 10% in 1939), while it’s agreed that any reading over 119/79 is damaging to health. While hypertension has no symptoms, it causes half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths, including heart attacks and strokes, and contributes to dementia, macular degeneration, and renal disease.Blood pressure medications have a notorious history of having dangerous serious side effects, however the newest class of blood pressure drugs, the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), have been hailed as being almost side effect-free.  Well . . . not so fast there . . .One popular ARB, olmesartan, aka Benicar, has been found to cause gut inflammation with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and electrolyte abnormalities severe enough to hospitalize 14 of 22 patients…

We’ve been praising coconut oil for almost a decade now, and we searched the world to find the very finest coconut oil available, which we carry Beyond Health Coconut Oil. So, we were pleased to see an article online listing 20 benefits of this amazing stuff. Apparently coconut oil has “come into its own,” since the article begins, “You’ve no doubt noticed that coconut oil is on everyone’s lips . . . and in their frying pans, smoothies, hair, and in a little jar on their nightstand. What underlies coconut oil’s recent popularity is the sheer amount of benefits to mind, body and soul that it promises, and research shows that adding coconut oil to your diet and your person could be one of the easiest ways to improve your health, well-being, appearance, and even your sex life.”So without further ado, here are author Grant Stoddard’s 20 benefits of coconut oil: Capric acid in coconut oil increases energy and reduce food consumption. Lauric acid in coconut oil kills bacteria,…

. . . a modest reduction could reduce hypertension by up to 30%Dietary salt intake in the US is on the rise. According to a study on salt consumption done a couple of years ago at the University of California at San Francisco, this increase is primarily due to our growing consumption of processed foods, which currently supply 75-80% of the salt content in the American diet. These researchers calculated that lowering salt consumption by 3 grams a day would reduce the number of men with high blood pressure by 22-34%; reduce the number of women with high blood pressure by 16-24%; greatly diminish new cases of coronary heart disease, strokes, heart attacks and all-cause death; and save $10-24 billion yearly in health care costs.The US Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Department of Agriculture recommend limiting salt to less than 5.8 grams a day (that’s about one teaspoon of salt and 2,300 mg of sodium), and less than 3.7 grams a day (about ¾ teaspoon) for those over t…

Regular exercise usually increases vitality, but a lot of people just don’t have the energy or motivation to get started on an exercise program. Although different factors can be involved, such as low thyroid, inadequate nutrition, or trying to force yourself into a boring exercise routine, a 2013 study showed that genetics can encourage either a love of movement or for your favorite recliner. Fortunately, there are ways you can compensate for couch potato genes.Rats given running wheels usually put them to good use, but scientists observed that some rats choose to run more than others. They separated high voluntary exercising (HVE) rats from low voluntary exercisers (LVE), and bred them through ten generations to produce final generations of super-HVE and super-LVE rats. The primary differences found between the two groups had to do with genes that control the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. The researchers believe that humans have similar genes that make them avid exercisers…

. . . fish oils outperform statins and reduce the risk of a first-time heart attack by 35%The connection between fish oil and heart health has been studied for the past 40 years, and its many benefits for the cardiovascular system are well-documented. Our bodies need a whole host of nutrients every day to maintain health. If even one of these is absent or deficient long-term, disease is inevitable. For reasons discussed at length in The Roadmap to Choosing Supplements, both a very good diet AND high-quality supplements are necessary today to get all the nutrients we need. The reason fish oil has helped to correct heart disease is because it contains omega 3 fatty acids, and about 90% of our population is deficient in these essential fatty acids.The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil protect our hearts in many different ways. First they are anti-arrhythmic. That means they counteract and prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Next they are antithrombotic, which means they “thin the blood” and keep i…

. . . or getting the most benefit from that vitamin D you're takingYou may have heard that vitamin D is important and checked your multi to make sure it includes vitamin D. If it’s our multi, and you’re taking 2 tablets a day, you’re getting 800 IU of the highest quality vitamin D3 available. Noting that this is more than the Recommended Daily Allowance for most people, you may assume you’re getting enough.Or maybe you spend a lot of time in the sun during the summer months soaking up those vitamin-D producing UV rays. Again, you may assume your vitamin D blood levels are more than adequate.In both cases you may be wrong.Vitamin D experts recommend that you maintain a blood level of vitamin D in the upper-normal range, which would be 50 ng/mL or more on the 25(OH)D test. But in a 2006 study, Bischoff-Ferrari and colleagues found that 700-1,000 IU of vitamin D taken for eight weeks resulted in less than half of average healthy adults achieving 30 ng/mL. This is the low edge of the norma…

. . . and are needed by every cell in your body for good healthA recent study in the Journal of Bone Mineral Research done on postmenopausal women found being low in omega 3 fatty acids, as well as having an imbalanced ratio of omega 3s to omega 6 fatty acids, were predictive of hip fractures.When we talk about essential fatty acids, we are talking about two kinds of fat that the body can’t make on its own, so they must be consumed. They are essential because it’s impossible to live without them. These are the omega 3 fatty acids (normally associated with fish and flax oils) and the omega 6 fatty acids (normally associated with nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and animal fats). For optimal health, we need to consume enough of both, in roughly equal amounts. Unfortunately most people don’t get enough omega 3s – in fact research indicates that 20% of the US population has so little omega-3s in their blood that it can’t even be measured by standard tests. Instead of a healthy ratio of 1:1, the…

In the vast universe of skincare, the number of products available can be overwhelming. However, amidst the ever-growing list of serums, creams, and treatments, there are fundamental beauty essentials that should form the cornerstone of everyone’s skincare routine. Whether you're a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, certain products are non-negotiable for maintaining skin health. Here, we outline the seven essential skincare products that deserve a place in your daily regimen.Understanding Your Skin's NeedsBefore diving into the essential products, it's important to understand that skincare is deeply personal. What works for one person might not work for another. Factors like skin type, sensitivities, age, and environmental stressors all play a role in determining which products will be most effective for you.Identify Your Skin TypeYour skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or normal—is the starting point for choosing the right products. This is because diffe…

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, maintaining a well-balanced diet can often be a challenge. That's where daily supplements come in. They can fill nutritional gaps and support overall health. But with an overwhelming number of health products on the market, how do you choose the right ones for your daily regimen? Here, we'll dive into the top 5 best daily supplements that can contribute to your wellness journey.Understanding Daily SupplementsBefore we look at the specific supplements, it's important to understand what daily supplements are and how they can benefit you. Daily supplements, also known as dietary supplements, can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients. They come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids.Supplements should not replace whole foods but can be beneficial when nutritional needs are not met through diet alone. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regi…

Importance of Thyroid and Adrenal HealthThe intricate dance of hormones within our bodies is a marvel of nature.The thyroid and adrenal glands, two key players in this dance, are critical to our overall health.Their interrelationship, often overlooked, plays a vital role in maintaining our wellness.In this article, we delve into the importance of thyroid and adrenal support. We explore their functions, the symptoms of imbalance, and the consequences of neglecting these crucial glands.We also provide practical wellness tips and holistic health strategies to support these vital components of our endocrine system.Whether you're a healthcare professional, a patient with thyroid or adrenal disorders, or simply someone interested in holistic health, this article offers valuable insights.The Critical Interrelationship Between Thyroid and Adrenal HealthThe thyroid and adrenal glands are two key components of our endocrine system. They work in tandem to regulate numerous bodily functions.T…

In the realm of natural health supplements, berberine is gaining recognition. Its potential benefits, particularly for metabolic health, are drawing attention.Berberine, a compound extracted from several plants, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, it's being hailed as nature's Ozempic, a pharmaceutical drug used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.This comparison stems from berberine's potential to improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss. But how does this natural compound stack up against a prescription medication?In this article, we delve into the science behind berberine's benefits. We'll compare its effects to those of Ozempic, shedding light on why berberine is being called nature's alternative.Whether you're a healthcare professional, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking natural solutions for weight loss, this analysis will provide valuable insights.Unveiling Berberine: Nature's Answer to Metabolic HealthBerberine is a bioactive…

Raymond Francis often says, “If you are deficient in only one nutrient, you will get sick, guaranteed.” Although many people still focus single-mindedly on calcium, bone-building is a team sport. While calcium may be the star player, it’s ineffective and even dangerous without its teammates. If even one member of the team goes AWOL, your bones will suffer. Bones are about half mineral and half protein. Minerals give bones their hardness—an important quality if you want to stand up straight. However a large part of bone consists of “bone matrix:” flexible tissue made of collagen and studded with hard minerals. Calcium accounts for about 64% of bone’s mineral content, but phosphorus and magnesium also contribute to bone hardness. Zinc, manganese, silica and copper are used as co-enzymes in constructing bone matrix. Vitamin C is needed to create collagen. Vitamins C, D and K and the minerals boron, chromium, germanium, selenium and vanadium play various roles in what’s called bone…

Few nutrients shine as brightly as quercetin and vitamin C. These natural powerhouses work hand in hand to support healthy cell function, combat inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration from the inside out. Let's delve into the remarkable synergy between quercetin and vitamin C and explore how they can revolutionize your wellness journey.Why Quercetin and Vitamin C? Quercetin, often hailed as one of Mother Nature's finest gifts, is a potent flavonoid found abundantly in colorful fruits and vegetables. Teaming up with vitamin C, it becomes a formidable force in bolstering collagen production—the essential protein for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and tissues. This dynamic duo doesn't stop there; their antioxidant properties regenerate each other, offering a double dose of protection against free radicals and inflammation.The Benefits of Quercetin: Quercetin's benefits extend far beyond its role in collagen synthesis. Studies highlight its prowess in disease p…

Welcome to Beyond Health International! Today, we're diving deep into the essence of health and wellness, guided by the insightful words of Dr. Curnutt. For those new to our community, our logo represents a profound concept: one disease, two causes, six pathways. Let's explore this paradigm together.One Disease: Cellular Malfunction At the core of our being, we are composed of millions of cells. These cells form the foundation of our existence, orchestrating every function within our bodies. Understanding health begins with recognizing that cellular malfunction is the root cause of disease. Whether it's diabetes, heart disease, or neurological disorders, they all stem from disruptions at the cellular level.Two Causes: Nutritional Deficiency and Cellular Toxicity Dr. Curnutt simplifies the complex landscape of health by highlighting two primary causes of cellular malfunction: nutritional deficiency and cellular toxicity. Either we lack essential nutrients vital for cellular function,…