• Inadequate intake of Vitamin D in the diet
• Limited exposure to sunlight
• Kidney disease
• The inability to absorb Vitamin D from the digestive tract

Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors may increase your chance of developing Vitamin D deficiency:

• Lactose intolerance
• Strict vegetarianism
• Infants fed only breast milk without Vitamin D supplementation
• Syndromes that cause fat malabsorption, like celiac sprue or Crohn’s disease
• Kidney disease

Prevention
To help reduce the chances of getting Vitamin D deficiency, the following groups of people should talk with their doctor about whether they need a daily Vitamin D supplement:

• Infants who are exclusively breastfed
• People aged 50 and older
• People living in northern latitudes (eg, New England, Alaska)
• People working in occupations that prevent sun exposure
• People with darker skin (eg, African Americans)
• People with fat malabsorption (eg, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, liver disease, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach or intestines).

Treatment
Treatment is based on:

• The severity of the disease
• The extent and location of the areas involved
• Responsiveness to the treatment

Prevention
Psoriasis cannot be prevented.

Avoiding physical trauma to the skin, infections, and cold, dry temperatures may help reduce flare-ups in people with the condition. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods if they appear to make your psoriasis worse.

If benign vertigo is associated with allergies, Vitamin C is in my personal opinion an absolutely awesome antihistamine. Using the Vitamin C flush* will often bring relief from signs and symptoms of allergies. If the vertigo is associated with bronchial or sinus congestion, adding TriVita’s Breathe Easy formula to your supplement regimen can help.

Breathe Easy works by drying out excessive mucous, and thinning normal body fluids. This is important because one of the causes of vertigo is abnormal movement of the fluid and crystals in the inner ear. During a recent TriVita event in Vancouver, Canada, I experienced vertigo following a head cold. I was dreading my presentation because of the dizziness. Fortunately, an enthusiastic TriVita supporter shared her Breathe Easy with me and the vertigo – as well as the head cold symptoms – cleared very rapidly.

Dangerous vertigo
Dizziness may also be a sign of serious trouble. It can follow a head trauma, or be a symptom of a tumor or clogged arteries in the head. Vertigo with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may be a symptom of Meniere’s disease. See your healthcare provider if vertigo persists.

Head trauma and clogged arteries require medical intervention. These conditions also require extra nutrients called antioxidants. An antioxidant is a special nutrient that reduces oxidation. Oxidation can be likened to rust in your blood vessels, brain and inner ear. One family of antioxidants has a special affinity for the tiny blood vessels in the frontal lobe of the brain, the inner ear and the eyes. These antioxidants are found in TriVita’s VisionGuard.

A certain type of tumor called an acoustic neuroma may cause vertigo. These are rare tumors, but the incidence of acoustic neuroma seems to increase with cell phone usage. The evidence for this link is weak but troubling. Certainly, we should take appropriate precautions when using cell phones while scientists further investigate the link between cell phones and acoustic neuromas.

Meniere’s disease
An extremely persistent type of vertigo is Meniere’s disease. It is vertigo associated with ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. Meniere’s is a progressive disease. Trauma, toxins, infections and other causes may trigger Meniere’s. Rapid medical intervention is needed to determine the exact cause of this condition. When the cause is removed the condition may improve.

Unfortunately, damaged nerves heal slowly. Vitamin B-12 may help speed the repair of damaged nerves. Certainly, the antioxidant remedies mentioned above may add to the health of the blood vessels in the inner ear.

Learning to listen
The English language contains over 400,000 words (though most of us use merely 15,000 to 35,000). Our bodies – wonderfully complex and intricate – have only a few dozen “words” in the form of signs and symptoms with which to “speak” to us. Vertigo is one form of communication that indicates distress. Always consult a qualified health professional that knows the language of the human body.

*Please check with your healthcare provider before starting the Vitamin C Flush.

Source: TriVita’s Weekly Wellness Report December 6, 2008

High homocysteine levels and high stress go hand in hand. A recent study in Sweden tested children between the ages of 9 and 15. They found that the children with the lowest test scores had the highest levels of homocysteine, a stress-related hormone usually found in adults! The impairment associated with elevated homocysteine was called “neurocognitive.” Neurocognitive disorders include Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.), Oppositional-
Defiant Disorder (O.D.D.), Tic Disorder (TD) and many others. Neurocognitive disorders are directly linked to elevated homocysteine in children.

A child impaired by a neurocognitive disorder will carelessly make mistakes even when the risk of injury is obvious. Learning disorders, depression and emotional fragility are all consequences of brain inflammation associated with elevated homocysteine.

What can be done for elevated homocysteine levels?

Homocysteine is a protein used in crafting a healthy foundation for all cells – brain cells, heart cells, bone cells – all of your cells. The problem with homocysteine occurs when it escapes from the cells and gets into the bloodstream. This happens because of nutrient deficiencies. One cause of nutrient deficiency is poor diet. Another cause is stress because stress uses up nutrient resources.
When you run out of nutrient reserves, homocysteine can escape into your bloodstream where it goes on a rampage. It damages the cells our young ones are trying to build – including brain cells. Exposure to toxins (like lead) and injuries can also create homocysteine.

The nutrients most closely associated with reducing homocysteine are Vitamins B-12, B-6, folic acid and biotin. These B vitamins form a balanced family of nutrients responsible for keeping homocysteine in the cell where it belongs. If one of these nutrients – especially Vitamin B-12 – is deficient for any reason, homocysteine will escape into the bloodstream. As the homocysteine levels rise, performance declines. Hyperactivity may be the result.

Several medical studies have demonstrated that a balanced combination of B-12, B-6, folic acid and biotin can dramatically reduce blood levels of homocysteine. So far, no prescription drugs reduce homocysteine. Certainly, the common drugs given to children with behavior disorders (Ritalin, Strattera, Focalin, Adderall) will not reduce homocysteine, though they may change behavior. The B-12 family of vitamins is proven to reduce homocysteine.

Nutrient deficiency leads to Neurocognitive disorders , such as A.D.D. and A.D.H.D.

What is more, the B-12 family of vitamins can reduce the impact of stress. This works for children as well as for adults. If your young ones start to fidget or get a little moody, if they can’t concentrate or are not performing at school as well as they used to, try supplementing a healthy diet with TriVita’s Sublingual B-12.

In addition to a healthy diet and balanced B-12 supplements, families can benefit from strategies to help improve organizational skills and relationships while reducing stress and frustration. These services are usually provided by health care professionals. Some children – especially as they enter their teen years – benefit from coaching.

Nutrients (such as Sublingual B-12) and nurturing (encouragement and coaching ) go a long way in improving behavior .

Most of us have experienced the benefits of supplementing our diet with balanced nutrients. Doesn’t it make sense that our stressed-out children and grandchildren could benefit too? Let’s give our kids the very best chance possible to develop into healthy adults without the damaging effects of stress and elevated homocysteine by
supplementing with Sublingual B-12 as early as age eight.

Children and teenagers will love the sweet, berry taste of TriVita Sublingual B-12. An appealing taste makes it more likely that they’ll use Sublingual B-12 consistently, which is important if you want to see behavioral changes.

Adults with a family history or recent diagnosis of high homocysteine levels should consider supplementing with TriVita HCY Guard rather than TriVita Sublingual B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid.

Source: VitaJournal July 2007 pg 8

1.The American Heart Association (AHA) has reported that testing levels of an enzyme called GGT may predict the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. High levels of GGT indicate an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease. The risk is even higher for people under 60. You should be able to request the test from your doctor, along with other critical heart markers such as CRP, LDL, and Homocysteine.

2. A healthy marriage reduces job-related stress, and lowers blood pressure, according to a recent report from the AHA. Keeping blood pressure low through emotional satisfaction, healthy diet, and exercise is critical in the healthy functioning of your heart.

3. Excessive body fat at a young age is an indicator of future cardiovascular problems. As a parent, grandparent, or caregiver for the young, be sure you are supporting children’s heart health by encouraging exercise and a healthy diet.

4. For adults, excessive body weight frequently leads to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure. High blood pressure in turn increases an already risky situation for your heart. Consult your health care provider to find your best weight range, and keep your weight at that level to avoid complications from cardiovascular problems.

5. For obese or overweight men and women, the risk of heart attack and stroke was twice as high when high blood pressure was also a factor.

6. High cholesterol levels are never healthy, but the AHA has reported that men who keep themselves physically fit can cut their risk of cardiovascular-related death in half – even if they have high cholesterol.

7. Before visiting your health care provider, you may find it helpful to take a test online to calculate your risks for heart disease. The AHA offers a free quiz at www.americanheart.org/cld.

8. Men, in particular, have a well-deserved reputation for “toughing it out” whenever something hurts. When it comes to chest pain, there is no worse course of action. Particularly after age 40, all chest pains should be evaluated by your health care provider. If chest pain persists more than two minutes, or includes a feeling of heaviness in your chest, call 911 immediately.

9. Know all the signs of heart attack. Besides chest pain, symptoms can include: shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats, and pain in the neck or arms. (Heart attacks start slowly with mild symptoms, leading to easy dismissal.) Never ignore the signs!

10. The amino acid homocysteine – which normally is an essential and good chemical in your body – can build up to harmful levels, and requires B-12, B-6 and folic acid to bring them back to safe levels. Eating whole foods such as citrus, tomatoes and other vegetables, and supplementing your diet with B vitamins is key to lowering homocysteine and protecting your heart.

Source: VitaJournal January 2007 pg 11

Over time, your body collects toxins, or poisons, that can damage your health. They collect in your lymphatic system and this can affect your body’s ability to heal itself .

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic or “lymph” system is an important part of the immune system. It’s made up of vessels, organs, nodes and ducts that help maintain fluid balance in your body. Plus, the lymph system makes, stores and carries white blood cells throughout your body. Toxins can pile up in your lymph nodes. Two thirds of your immune system resides in these lymph nodes. If they are full of toxins, your body will not respond correctly to new stresses. Also, allergies and autoimmune diseases can start with these nodes when they are full of waste. A process called a “Vitamin C Flush” can help your body get rid of this waste.

The Vitamin C flush

The Vitamin C Flush can help stimulate your lymphatic system and help you calculate the maximum amount of Vitamin C that your body can use every day. Because Vitamin C is water soluble, it must be taken every day. It is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms or molecules). It also supports the body’s immune system and plays a role in healthy gums, skin, vision and connective tissue. Here’s how the Flush works:

1. Start your Flush in the morning on an empty stomach; set aside at least 4 hours of uninterrupted time at home. It will not take that long but you want to have that time to comfortably recover from the Flush.

2. Take 1 teaspoon of TriVita Non-Acidic Vitamin C Crystals in a little water every 15 minutes until the lymph system “Flushes.”
Important note: Some people report loose stools or even diarrhea with large amounts of Vitamin C. The lymph Flush is not to be confused with diarrhea. Lymph fluid is plasma – mostly water. You will know your lymph system has Flushed when you release large amounts of fluid through your bowels.

This is the point where your body can no longer absorb Vitamin C.
3. Multiply the number of teaspoons of Vitamin C it took to Flush by 0.75. This is the maximum number of teaspoons you can use in a day.
Example: 8 teaspoons to Flush x 0.75 = 6 Take no more than 6 teaspoons of Vitamin C per day
4. Divide the number of daily teaspoons by 3; this will be your serving in the morning, midday and evening.

Example: Maximum of 6 teaspoons
6 ÷ 3 = 2 teaspoons
2 teaspoons in the morning
2 teaspoons at midday
2 teaspoons in the evening

5. Finish the bottle of Vitamin C at this reduced serving. You may continue taking this amount daily for several months if desired. The average person can Flush 1-4 times per year. In time, and after several Flushes, you may see that your daily Vitamin C needs go down to what may be considered a more normal serving – one or two teaspoons, twice a day.

Source: VitaJournal Jan 2008 pg 21

EMOTIONAL

6. Give and Receive Love
During this holiday time especially, donate time or money to your favorite charity, and spread loving generosity. What bounty you’ll receive when you give of yourself so that others may be happier and healthier.
7. Be Forgiving
Are you holding on to resentment or anger? In this season of peace, give yourself the gift of blessed forgiveness. When you let go of negative feelings, you enrich your own spirit.
8. Practice Gratitude
The holidays remind us how blessed we are. It’s easy to take for granted our health, our loved ones, our talents… our very lives. Be thankful for it all: gratitude reduces stress and builds happiness!
9. Develop Acceptance
Needless worry clouds our minds, blinds our eyes to the joy of life. When we accept things we can’t change, what freedom we give ourselves. This holiday season, practice the gift of acceptance.

SPIRITUAL

10. Develop a Relationship with God
Have you found the comfort and joy of a spiritual life? You can receive all the blessings of unconditional love. Let the true meaning of the season bring you peace, for all the seasons to come.

Source: VitaJournal December 2007 pg 30.

Bone remodeling is a natural process that breaks down and rebuilds bone
While you’re growing, the nutrients you take in from food contribute to your body’s growth – including your bone growth. By the time you reach your adult size, around age 20, the growth process in your bones (called modeling) ends and a new process called “bone remodeling” begins.

Every time these essential minerals are with-drawn and there isn’t a mineral deposit made to help your body rebuild bones, your bones weaken. This creates an imbalance in the remodeling process – your bones are breaking down faster than they’re being built. If you don’t add additional calcium and phosphorous through supplements, your bones will grow increasingly weak, will eventually become brittle (osteoporosis), and break.

TriVita’s Bone Builder formula supports the rebuilding process
TriVita™ Bone Builder is physician-formulated to help rebalance the remodeling process to help your bones rebuild at a faster rate. A clinical trial shows that TriVita™ Bone Builder’s proprietary formula contains the exact balance of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and Vitamin D, to help rebuild bones. After nine months of taking TriVita™ Bone Builder, subjects showed significantly greater bone mass density at the hip and neck when compared with subjects who did not take Bone Builder. We use a highly absorbable form of calcium in Bone Builder and have formulated it using the latest science available today.

Along with a good diet, weight-bearing exercise, and not smoking, many health care practitioners recommend taking a quality calcium formula to maintain strong bones and protect against osteoporosis. We recommend asking your health care practitioner to schedule regular bone scans to track your bone health after age 50.

Source: VitaJournal May 2008 pg 19