DR.STARR'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2009

Hello patients and friends of Family Chiropractic.

This month's topic is - NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Nutritional supplements can make a huge difference to health and vitality, preserving joint function, and in cancer prevention. I have included only a few recommendations for what I consider to be the most important supplements, as this is a huge topic. Please talk to me if you're interested in more information on this topic, or would like a personalized assessment.

1. Calcium. This is so important for bone health! Up to about age 25 we build up a maximum bone density level, which slowly drops off after 35. Calcium levels should be 1000 mg/day until age 50, at which point intake should increase to about 1500 mg/day. A glass of milk gives about 300 mg. Vitamin D is an important adjunct to Calcium at about 800 IU/day.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids. These have huge benefits over a lifetime, including natural anti-inflammatory properties, cancer prevention, and Alzheimers prevention. Fish oils are the most common source for this, but you can also get tablet form, flaxseed oil, and others.

3. Anti-Oxidants. Very important for cancer prevention, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging. The best source for these include fruits and veggies (5-6 per day reduces cancer risk by half!). However, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, a good multi-vitamin high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, and herbs such as White Willow Bark, boswellia, and curcumin are great options.

4. Glucosamine sulfate. Many studies have shown the positive effects of glucosamine on both relieving arthritic symptoms and preserving joint health. In fact, after taking this product for 3 months, the results are usually as good or better than NSAIDs without the nasty side effects. At about age 40, the body's ability to make glucosamine for the cartilage in joints decreases, so I recommend taking this product beginning at age 40 for prevention. Combined with MSM, it's even better due to some anti-inflammatory properties.

If you are interested in taking any of the above products, email or ask me so that I can give you more information on dosages and possible (mild) side effects.

Please check back next month for more News and Tips!! If you have a topic you would like to see covered in a future newsletter, please contact Dr.Starr