Personal Note

Many articles posted here will mention health protocols, programs and supplements. As a health care provider I am always concerned that patients recieve the highest quality support available. To insure this I maintain a website devoted to health and nutritional resources. Visit Functional Health Solutions.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation and Support Bone Health

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

Increasing bodies of research are pointing to the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids in modulating inflammation for bone health. A recent study (10/2011), adds to the science suggesting that fish oil supplements are an important factor, along with exercise, for strengthening bone mineral density (BMD). Continue reading Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation and Support Bone Health

Higher Dietary Vitamin K Intake Contributes to Higher Measures of Bone Mineral Density

By Ralph Sanchez, L.Ac.,CNS,D.Hom
A recent study (2/2011) that included both men and women, indicates that a diet rich in vitamin K was associated with superior bone health. An increase in dietary vitamin K (see table below), was significantly related to lower losses of bone mineral density and smaller increases in the porosity and elasticity attributed [...]

The Link of Vitamin D Deficiency to Higher Mortality Rates - Are You At Risk?

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 [...]

Vegetables and Bone Health - Carotenoid Antioxidants Protect Against Bone Loss

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 [...]

Are You and Your Diet Too Acid?

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, [...]

Age-Related Macular Degeneration - The Problem, The Cause, The Solution

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 [...]

Cataract

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

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, [...]

Osteoporosis And Bone Health - Why The Optimal Intake Of Vitamin D and K Is More Important Than Calcium Supplementation Part 1

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, [...]

Osteoporosis And Bone Health - Why The Optimal Intake Of Vitamin D and K Is More Important Than Calcium Supplementation Part 2

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 [...]