One of the rewarding aspects of what I do is to hear about benefits that readers and customers gain from using information and products they get from this web site. It seems a real waste of experience and so from time to time I’ll share stories to inspire others on their path to increasing health.
This week I’m sharing a story of a customer who has actively sought answers to his health questions from age 7.
This developed from a sick childhood with mild polio, a tubercular gland and culminated in a hospital visit where he saw people in iron lungs. A decision to be healthy developed and the inspiration continues to this day at age 66.
Des’s health philosophy is simple. He researches as much as possible, then tests things out and monitor the changes.
Over the last few years Des’s major concerns were 1) his memory and 2) his “cranky” knees.
Back in 2007 he began taking 3-4 fish oil capsules daily and noticed an immediate and lasting improvement. I’m sure he’s enjoying the current price war that seems to be going on in the Omega -3 market at present.
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The Knees
Like many people (me included) with sore joints the journey inevitably leads to glucosamine – usually with chondroitin. He found limited relief (as did I) until he came across a glucosamine supplement with boswellian which gave him significant relief.
Just 6 months ago Des tried a course or two of bee venom which he felt gave an extra jolt to his immune system.
When the pain in his knees becomes troublesome he adds voltaren (25 mg) 2-3 times per week to manage discomfort.
His research and discussions with friends about Omega 3 led to an enquiry about the vitamin A and vitamin D levels in fish oils. My response was to advise that unless stated as an ingredient Omega-3 supplements do not have either vitamin present. The vitamin A-vitamin D discussion relates to cod and other fish liver oils. The levels of vitamin A should be less than vitamin D in fact in a ration of 1 (A):10-12(D). A similar ratio found in salmon meat out of interest.
From further research he uncovered the many other benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Des’s lifestyle predisposes him to being vitamin d insufficient or even deficient.
He is 66 years old and works indoors as a Macintosh computer technician. None of those factors are likely to change to improve his natural vitamin D production capacity and so his choice to supplement is a wise one.
As we age our ability to produce vitamin D in the skin decreases and many cover up more to keep warm. Research of 3,000 people by a Warwick University team found 94% had vitamin d insufficiency or deficiency. And 42% had metabolic syndrome. This is a group of symptoms including obesity, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels which predispose to heart disease.
Further research at King’s College in London on over 2,000 women aged 18-79 found that there was a significant reduction in age related markers (telomeres, the lengths of genetic material that cap the ends of DNA molecules) with increased levels of vitamin D.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 was reported to have said
“These results are exciting because they demonstrate for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D. … What’s interesting is that there’s a huge body of evidence that shows sunshine ages your skin – but it also increases your vitamin D levels. So, like many times in medicine, we find there’s a trade-off.”
Since Des has been supplementing with vitamin D he has noticed a significant reduction in the bags and wrinkles under his eyes. And since this has been the only change he attributes that to the vitamin D. (Disclaimer inserted for US FTC reasons: This is not a typical result and no research I have read has investigated cosmetic benefits. No claim is made here.)
With our exchange rate so strong the latest stock of vitamin D has dropped significantly in price (lowest ever), although the supply costs have just gone up over 30% so these current low prices will not last. You can order here.
His search fora better herbal solution for his knees have arrived at the current supplementation with a daily glass from a 2L mix of organic honey, lemon and two large teaspoons of turmeric powder. He advises it tastes horrible but it really seems to work, reducing his voltaren requirement to once a week.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see an improvement over time with Des’s knees as well. Other research has linked vitamin D with improved immune function and so assist in the treatment of immune mediated disorders such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Des, I applaud your actions and hope this story helps others to develop and maintain a positive mental attitude towards their health and hope they take responsibility just like you. Thank you.
