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Church of England Pensions Board challenges firms on climate lobbying
Madeleine Cuff
Madeleine Cuff
29 October 2018
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More than 50 companies have been urged to overhaul corporate lobbying habits that have been blamed for stymieing climate progress
The Church of England Pensions Board and Swedish Pension Fund AP7 are today leading an investor charge against companies using their corporate muscle to lobby against more ambitious climate action.
A $2tr group of investors have written a joint letter to 55 high-carbon European companies, urging them to better align their lobbying stance with the aims of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to less than 2C.
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The initiative is also supported by the IIGCC, the European forum for investor collaboration on climate action which boasts over 160 investor members that have €21tr in assets collectively under management.
The 55 firms targeted in the letter were assessed by NGO InfluenceMap according to their overall position on climate policy, their influence on policy makers, and whether their public corporate climate policies are in line with those of the trade associations acting on their behalf.
The investors will now aim to use their influence to try and encourage the firms to reform their lobbying practices and adopt a more climate-friendly stance, starting with the seven companies that are deemed to be the worst-performing.
"Misleading and misaligned corporate lobbying practices undermine the ability of governments to act on climate change and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement," said Adam Matthews, director of ethics & engagement at the Church of England Pensions Board. "The influence of trade associations is often exerted behind closed doors and can be deeply insidious to public policy making on climate change. As the recent report from the IPCC clearly highlighted, the stakes are high and time is against us. It is therefore right that investors are challenging Europe's most high-emitting companies to ensure consistency in their lobbying practices."
The letter, which has been sent to the chair of each company, requests the firms align with a set of 'investor expectations' on lobbying and review their relationships with key trade associations and lobbying organisations.
"We would ask you to review the lobbying positions being adopted by the organisations of which you are a member," the letter reads. "If these lobbying positions are inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement, we would encourage you to ensure they adopt positions which are in line with these goals. More generally, we would ask you to ensure that your lobbying practices align with the ‘Investor Expectations' document you have been sent, and that you are transparent about your own policy positions and how you ensure these are implemented in your direct and in-direct lobbying activities."
The investors warn that failure to align corporate lobbying practice with the goals of the Paris Agreement increases regulatory risk for firms, exacerbates systemic economic risks climate change poses, and makes firms vulnerable to reputational risks if consumers, investors or other stakeholders identify hypocrisy in a lobbying position.
It follows a leaked letter, published in September by Greenpeace's Unearthed, which suggested lobby group BusinessEurope is planning to oppose EU attempts to raise the bloc's carbon reduction targets.
Europe is currently considering boosting its carbon reduction ambitions to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.
A raft of companies that are nominally supportive of more ambitious climate policies have been accused of sending conflicting signals by remaining members of trade bodies that then lobby against such policy moves.
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Topics Investment lobbying climate risk BusinessEurope Europe
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Monday, 29 October 2018
Dr. Mercola: Your Body's Warning Signs May Be Your First Clue of This Deficiency
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"Up to 80 Percent of Americans May Not Be Getting Enough of this Essential Nutrient. Where Do You Stand?"*
<
Many people dread growing older because it can be synonymous with occasional forgetfulness, loneliness and a general decline in cognitive and physical capabilities.
Despite being in my 60s, I am the fittest I have ever been.
I may have been able to run faster when I was younger, but I would never trade that for the muscle strength, flexibility and knowledge that I have today.
You may not aspire to reach the same level of fitness as me. I just want you to know that it is never too late to start implementing healthy lifestyle strategies to enhance your physical and mental well-being. There are many different steps you can take…
And those so-called “senior moments?” They are not inevitable. You have more control over your aging than you likely realize!
But there is one thing that goes along with aging that greatly concerns me, and it should you, too.
The Invisible Deficiency That Eludes Even Doctors
Magnesium Level Test
There's no reliable blood test deficiency
As time marches on, your body becomes less efficient and effective in absorbing important vitamins and minerals.
So, despite a healthy diet rich in fresh organic vegetables, you may still come up short in certain nutrients.
One nutrient in particular concerns me. And surprisingly, it may not be one you hear much about.
Yet the number of Americans – and many middle aged and above – potentially not getting enough of this nutrient is high. Some experts believe it may be as high as 80 percent!
That’s a pretty staggering number.
And here’s one of the biggest problems about this nutrient… very little of it actually resides in your blood, so there’s no accurate blood test for measuring levels.
Out of sight, this is probably why this potential nutrient deficiency doesn’t fall on too many doctors’ radar…
Why You Don’t Ever Want to Be Short on Magnesium
Magnesium is not a nutrient you want to run low on, despite it being so commonly overlooked.
Here are some key reasons why I feel it's so important for you to pay special attention to Magnesium...
It is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body
Exists in over 300 different bodily enzymes
Is found primarily in your bones (half of your total body magnesium)
Plays a role in your body’s detoxification processes*
Aids your energy metabolism and protein synthesis*
Helps guide a large number of physiological functions*
Is required by glutathione (the “master antioxidant”) for synthesis*
Is especially valuable for supporting your brain health*
This should give you a good picture of why I believe magnesium is so important. So how can you know if you’re getting an adequate supply?
Some early signs of a potential lack of magnesium in your body include...
Loss of appetite and headache
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
As you can see, many of these symptoms are pretty general and can result from a variety of different conditions. If you suspect you’re low in magnesium, your first course of action is to consult with a healthcare professional.
But there are also some steps you can take to help make sure you don’t fall into the potential majority who may be deficient…
First, Look to Your Diet
There are a number of foods that supply plentiful magnesium, but not everyone includes these in their daily eating.
Organic green, raw vegetables, such as spinach, are excellent choices because the center of the chlorophyll molecule (which provides green veggies their brilliant color) contains magnesium.
Chlorophyll is like a plant's version of our hemoglobin. They share a similar structure but chlorophyll has magnesium plugged in the middle instead of iron.
To help get adequate amounts of magnesium, focus on eating a variety of foods that contain high levels of the mineral. Juicing green leafy vegetables can also be an excellent strategy for obtaining magnesium from food.
Here's a handy chart of specific foods that contain abundant amounts of magnesium for every 100 grams (just over 3 ounces) you consume...
Food (100 grams) Magnesium Content (mg)
Seaweed, agar, dried 770 mg
Coriander leaf (spice), dried 694 mg
Pumpkin seeds, dried 535 mg
Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened 499 mg
Basil, dried 422 mg
Flaxseed 392 mg
Cumin seed (spice) 366 mg
Brazil nuts, dried 376 mg
Parsley, freeze dried 372 mg
Almond butter 303 mg
Cashew nuts, roasted 273 mg
Whey, sweet, dried 176 mg
Leeks, freeze dried 156 mg
Kale, scotch, raw 88 mg
Spinach 79 mg
Why You Still May Not Be Getting Enough
While some people may be able to maintain healthy levels of magnesium by regularly consuming foods rich in the mineral (like those foods in the chart above), there are certain factors that may prevent you from getting enough:
Time – Over time your body faces challenges that can lead to a decrease in absorption of magnesium.
Types of food you eat – If you consume mostly non-organic foods, their magnesium levels may be depleted due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Levels of magnesium in the soil determine what’s in the food.
Medication – Certain medicines can contribute to a shortage of magnesium within your body.
Practicality – For various reasons, it may not be possible for you to consume enough foods rich in magnesium due to availability or personal preferences.
If any of these factors apply to you and you're concerned about maintaining adequate levels of magnesium, you might want to consider a high-quality supplement.
But “high-quality” is the absolute key when deciding on a magnesium supplement. There's such a wide variety of options available to you, it can not only be confusing, but certain supplement combinations can affect the absorption and bioavailability of the magnesium nutrient.
And that's why I decided to take the guesswork out of finding a high-quality magnesium formula and put my team to task to find the best solution for you.
My Must-Haves for a High-Quality Magnesium Supplement
My preferred approach when recommending any supplement is to first compile a list of the essential requirements. With magnesium, here's the list my team and I put together:
For a high-quality magnesium supplement, make sure it:
Avoids magnesium stearate – Magnesium stearate is not a source of magnesium. Rather, it is an unnecessary processing aid with no nutritive value, so I prefer to avoid it.
Delivers a high-absorption formula – It’s not just about the amount of magnesium found in the supplement. The formula must have high-absorption capabilities.
Incorporates high-penetration characteristics – Absorption of magnesium is crucial but it’s also important that the nutrient is capable of penetrating key tissues and cells to be effective.
Helps avoid potential discomfort – Many magnesium products are used as laxatives and antacids. Since this is not the primary focus of what I consider the ideal magnesium supplement, I recommend avoiding any that are specific to stool-softening and so-called indigestion aids.
Provides practical, easy-to-take servings – Supplement servings must be practical to fit into anyone’s busy schedule. Serving size should be straightforward with well-defined guidelines.
Magnesium Supplements – A Minefield of Choices
When searching for a high-quality magnesium supplement, there's such a wide variety available that it can be confusing as to which one is really best for you.
Even more confusing is the fact that there's no such thing as a 100 percent magnesium supplement. Magnesium must be bound to another ion and that substance can affect magnesium's absorption and bioavailability.
Let's take a closer look at the different types of magnesium supplements available out there and how they compare to one another…
Checklist requirement
Magnesium glycinate A chelated form of magnesium that tends to provide effective levels of absorption and bioavailability.
Magnesium oxide A non-chelated form of magnesium bound to an organic acid or fatty acid. Contains up to 60% elemental magnesium and has stool-softening properties.
Magnesium chloride/Magnesium lactate Contains only about 12% elemental magnesium but tends to have better absorption capabilities than magnesium oxide which has 5 times the magnesium.
Magnesium sulfate/Magnesium hydroxide These are typically used as laxatives. Milk of Magnesia is an example of this type of magnesium. Since magnesium hydroxide can have up to 42% elemental magnesium, caution is required here not to take too much.
Magnesium carbonate This form of magnesium has antacid properties and can contain from 29 to 45% elemental magnesium.
Magnesium taurate This contains a combination of magnesium and taurine (an amino acid) that together may provide a calming effect on the body and mind.
Magnesium citrate This is a form of magnesium with citric acid which has laxative properties. This can contain up to 16% elemental magnesium.
Magnesium L-Threonate This newer, emerging type of magnesium supplement has shown great promise in absorption, as well as potential tissue and cell membrane penetration.
Confused About Elemental Magnesium? You’re Not Alone!
Possibly the most confusing thing about magnesium supplements is the amount of magnesium in each product.
"Elemental" magnesium refers to the actual amount of magnesium in each supplement form. However, this is by no means the whole story.
It really depends upon what you want from your magnesium supplement…
Just because the supplement contains more elemental magnesium doesn't necessarily mean it's formulated for high-absorption. Plus, there are some types of magnesium supplements that may provide good absorption, but they may also have stool-softening properties that many people dislike.
Magnesium L-Threonate contains the optimal balance of elemental magnesium as it is formulated for absorption and not as a laxative!
Absorption is the key when it comes to this potent mineral that offers exceptional support for your brain, detoxification, energy production and cellular health.*
For every 3-capsule serving, you receive a full 2,000 mg of Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate, including 144 mg of elemental magnesium.
What’s so Special About Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate?
Brain Health Offers
Magtein offers potential for your brain health*
Magnesium plays an important role in many of your brain's functions, however, most forms of magnesium have low levels of brain bioavailability.
Recently, a group of scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), including a Nobel Prize laureate, discovered a unique compound called Magtein™.
Magtein™ is the only magnesium compound that has been shown to effectively raise the brain's magnesium levels.*
While other common magnesium compounds generally do not improve brain magnesium levels, studies show that higher magnesium concentrations in the brain and improved cognitive ability occur with Magtein™.*
Animal studies show this can lead to enhanced learning abilities, improved working memory and better short- and long-term memory in both young and aged animals.*
I believe this recent research holds tremendous potential value for your cognitive function.
Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate – How This Formula Exceeded My Expectations
For a high-quality magnesium supplement, I strongly recommend Magnesium L-Threonate. Here’s a chart showing the details behind why I think this is such an exceptional formula and how it exceeded my expectations by surpassing the checklist requirements:
Checklist requirement
Completely avoids magnesium stearate? Yes – I made certain this compound was not part of the formula whatsoever. It's just not a healthy substance you should be putting in your body. Plus, this formula does not contain any genetically engineered (GE) ingredients as well.
Delivers a high-absorption formula? Yes – With the many types of magnesium supplements available, my team and I selected Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein®) for its breakthrough absorption characteristics and extensive research.
Incorporates high-penetration characteristics? Yes – One area where other forms of magnesium supplements tend to fall short involves penetration of tissues and cells. Animal studies have shown how Magnesium L-Threonate has been able to uniquely cross the blood-brain barrier and penetrate cell membranes.*
Helps manage potential discomfort? Yes – Many forms of magnesium can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal discomfort. In fact as you already know, some magnesium products have the primary purpose of softening stool and acting as a laxative. This is not the case with Magnesium L-Threonate and its consistent formula.
Provides practical, easy-to-take servings? Yes – Food is not required for absorption so taking it with meals is not necessary. It's always a smart choice to double-check and consult with a healthcare professional when taking any supplement. With our new formula, you only need 3 capsules instead of 4! You can take all 3 at night, or take 2 at lunch and 1 at bedtime with plenty of water, it's easy to take.
I believe by now you can see why I'm so excited about the Magnesium L-Threonate formula. If you're truly looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to add to your healthy diet, it has my highest recommendation.
Don't Let Poor Lifestyle Choices Put the Brakes on Fully Enjoying Your Life
Now that I’ve passed the age of 60, I'm living proof of how you can live your life to its full potential if you make intelligent lifestyle adjustments as you go.
And this could be one of those times to make another well-informed adjustment. Even though you may eat a diet rich in magnesium, it's still possible to come up short. That's where Magnesium L-Threonate can help.
With Magnesium L-Threonate, you can have a high-quality magnesium supplement with superb absorption – one with a type of magnesium (Magtein) that animal research suggests can cross the blood-brain barrier and penetrate cell membranes.
It’s one of the most practical ways I know of to help balance your overall intake of this vital mineral. And it’s so easy to take regardless of how busy your schedule gets. It’s a simple “add” to support your overall healthy lifestyle strategy.*
Order Magnesium L-Threonate today to start taking advantage of everything that this phenomenal mineral has to offer.*
Limited Time Offer!
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Offer Ends 10/30/18. While Supplies Last.
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"Up to 80 Percent of Americans May Not Be Getting Enough of this Essential Nutrient. Where Do You Stand?"*
<
Many people dread growing older because it can be synonymous with occasional forgetfulness, loneliness and a general decline in cognitive and physical capabilities.
Despite being in my 60s, I am the fittest I have ever been.
I may have been able to run faster when I was younger, but I would never trade that for the muscle strength, flexibility and knowledge that I have today.
You may not aspire to reach the same level of fitness as me. I just want you to know that it is never too late to start implementing healthy lifestyle strategies to enhance your physical and mental well-being. There are many different steps you can take…
And those so-called “senior moments?” They are not inevitable. You have more control over your aging than you likely realize!
But there is one thing that goes along with aging that greatly concerns me, and it should you, too.
The Invisible Deficiency That Eludes Even Doctors
Magnesium Level Test
There's no reliable blood test deficiency
As time marches on, your body becomes less efficient and effective in absorbing important vitamins and minerals.
So, despite a healthy diet rich in fresh organic vegetables, you may still come up short in certain nutrients.
One nutrient in particular concerns me. And surprisingly, it may not be one you hear much about.
Yet the number of Americans – and many middle aged and above – potentially not getting enough of this nutrient is high. Some experts believe it may be as high as 80 percent!
That’s a pretty staggering number.
And here’s one of the biggest problems about this nutrient… very little of it actually resides in your blood, so there’s no accurate blood test for measuring levels.
Out of sight, this is probably why this potential nutrient deficiency doesn’t fall on too many doctors’ radar…
Why You Don’t Ever Want to Be Short on Magnesium
Magnesium is not a nutrient you want to run low on, despite it being so commonly overlooked.
Here are some key reasons why I feel it's so important for you to pay special attention to Magnesium...
It is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body
Exists in over 300 different bodily enzymes
Is found primarily in your bones (half of your total body magnesium)
Plays a role in your body’s detoxification processes*
Aids your energy metabolism and protein synthesis*
Helps guide a large number of physiological functions*
Is required by glutathione (the “master antioxidant”) for synthesis*
Is especially valuable for supporting your brain health*
This should give you a good picture of why I believe magnesium is so important. So how can you know if you’re getting an adequate supply?
Some early signs of a potential lack of magnesium in your body include...
Loss of appetite and headache
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
As you can see, many of these symptoms are pretty general and can result from a variety of different conditions. If you suspect you’re low in magnesium, your first course of action is to consult with a healthcare professional.
But there are also some steps you can take to help make sure you don’t fall into the potential majority who may be deficient…
First, Look to Your Diet
There are a number of foods that supply plentiful magnesium, but not everyone includes these in their daily eating.
Organic green, raw vegetables, such as spinach, are excellent choices because the center of the chlorophyll molecule (which provides green veggies their brilliant color) contains magnesium.
Chlorophyll is like a plant's version of our hemoglobin. They share a similar structure but chlorophyll has magnesium plugged in the middle instead of iron.
To help get adequate amounts of magnesium, focus on eating a variety of foods that contain high levels of the mineral. Juicing green leafy vegetables can also be an excellent strategy for obtaining magnesium from food.
Here's a handy chart of specific foods that contain abundant amounts of magnesium for every 100 grams (just over 3 ounces) you consume...
Food (100 grams) Magnesium Content (mg)
Seaweed, agar, dried 770 mg
Coriander leaf (spice), dried 694 mg
Pumpkin seeds, dried 535 mg
Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened 499 mg
Basil, dried 422 mg
Flaxseed 392 mg
Cumin seed (spice) 366 mg
Brazil nuts, dried 376 mg
Parsley, freeze dried 372 mg
Almond butter 303 mg
Cashew nuts, roasted 273 mg
Whey, sweet, dried 176 mg
Leeks, freeze dried 156 mg
Kale, scotch, raw 88 mg
Spinach 79 mg
Why You Still May Not Be Getting Enough
While some people may be able to maintain healthy levels of magnesium by regularly consuming foods rich in the mineral (like those foods in the chart above), there are certain factors that may prevent you from getting enough:
Time – Over time your body faces challenges that can lead to a decrease in absorption of magnesium.
Types of food you eat – If you consume mostly non-organic foods, their magnesium levels may be depleted due to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Levels of magnesium in the soil determine what’s in the food.
Medication – Certain medicines can contribute to a shortage of magnesium within your body.
Practicality – For various reasons, it may not be possible for you to consume enough foods rich in magnesium due to availability or personal preferences.
If any of these factors apply to you and you're concerned about maintaining adequate levels of magnesium, you might want to consider a high-quality supplement.
But “high-quality” is the absolute key when deciding on a magnesium supplement. There's such a wide variety of options available to you, it can not only be confusing, but certain supplement combinations can affect the absorption and bioavailability of the magnesium nutrient.
And that's why I decided to take the guesswork out of finding a high-quality magnesium formula and put my team to task to find the best solution for you.
My Must-Haves for a High-Quality Magnesium Supplement
My preferred approach when recommending any supplement is to first compile a list of the essential requirements. With magnesium, here's the list my team and I put together:
For a high-quality magnesium supplement, make sure it:
Avoids magnesium stearate – Magnesium stearate is not a source of magnesium. Rather, it is an unnecessary processing aid with no nutritive value, so I prefer to avoid it.
Delivers a high-absorption formula – It’s not just about the amount of magnesium found in the supplement. The formula must have high-absorption capabilities.
Incorporates high-penetration characteristics – Absorption of magnesium is crucial but it’s also important that the nutrient is capable of penetrating key tissues and cells to be effective.
Helps avoid potential discomfort – Many magnesium products are used as laxatives and antacids. Since this is not the primary focus of what I consider the ideal magnesium supplement, I recommend avoiding any that are specific to stool-softening and so-called indigestion aids.
Provides practical, easy-to-take servings – Supplement servings must be practical to fit into anyone’s busy schedule. Serving size should be straightforward with well-defined guidelines.
Magnesium Supplements – A Minefield of Choices
When searching for a high-quality magnesium supplement, there's such a wide variety available that it can be confusing as to which one is really best for you.
Even more confusing is the fact that there's no such thing as a 100 percent magnesium supplement. Magnesium must be bound to another ion and that substance can affect magnesium's absorption and bioavailability.
Let's take a closer look at the different types of magnesium supplements available out there and how they compare to one another…
Checklist requirement
Magnesium glycinate A chelated form of magnesium that tends to provide effective levels of absorption and bioavailability.
Magnesium oxide A non-chelated form of magnesium bound to an organic acid or fatty acid. Contains up to 60% elemental magnesium and has stool-softening properties.
Magnesium chloride/Magnesium lactate Contains only about 12% elemental magnesium but tends to have better absorption capabilities than magnesium oxide which has 5 times the magnesium.
Magnesium sulfate/Magnesium hydroxide These are typically used as laxatives. Milk of Magnesia is an example of this type of magnesium. Since magnesium hydroxide can have up to 42% elemental magnesium, caution is required here not to take too much.
Magnesium carbonate This form of magnesium has antacid properties and can contain from 29 to 45% elemental magnesium.
Magnesium taurate This contains a combination of magnesium and taurine (an amino acid) that together may provide a calming effect on the body and mind.
Magnesium citrate This is a form of magnesium with citric acid which has laxative properties. This can contain up to 16% elemental magnesium.
Magnesium L-Threonate This newer, emerging type of magnesium supplement has shown great promise in absorption, as well as potential tissue and cell membrane penetration.
Confused About Elemental Magnesium? You’re Not Alone!
Possibly the most confusing thing about magnesium supplements is the amount of magnesium in each product.
"Elemental" magnesium refers to the actual amount of magnesium in each supplement form. However, this is by no means the whole story.
It really depends upon what you want from your magnesium supplement…
Just because the supplement contains more elemental magnesium doesn't necessarily mean it's formulated for high-absorption. Plus, there are some types of magnesium supplements that may provide good absorption, but they may also have stool-softening properties that many people dislike.
Magnesium L-Threonate contains the optimal balance of elemental magnesium as it is formulated for absorption and not as a laxative!
Absorption is the key when it comes to this potent mineral that offers exceptional support for your brain, detoxification, energy production and cellular health.*
For every 3-capsule serving, you receive a full 2,000 mg of Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate, including 144 mg of elemental magnesium.
What’s so Special About Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate?
Brain Health Offers
Magtein offers potential for your brain health*
Magnesium plays an important role in many of your brain's functions, however, most forms of magnesium have low levels of brain bioavailability.
Recently, a group of scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), including a Nobel Prize laureate, discovered a unique compound called Magtein™.
Magtein™ is the only magnesium compound that has been shown to effectively raise the brain's magnesium levels.*
While other common magnesium compounds generally do not improve brain magnesium levels, studies show that higher magnesium concentrations in the brain and improved cognitive ability occur with Magtein™.*
Animal studies show this can lead to enhanced learning abilities, improved working memory and better short- and long-term memory in both young and aged animals.*
I believe this recent research holds tremendous potential value for your cognitive function.
Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate – How This Formula Exceeded My Expectations
For a high-quality magnesium supplement, I strongly recommend Magnesium L-Threonate. Here’s a chart showing the details behind why I think this is such an exceptional formula and how it exceeded my expectations by surpassing the checklist requirements:
Checklist requirement
Completely avoids magnesium stearate? Yes – I made certain this compound was not part of the formula whatsoever. It's just not a healthy substance you should be putting in your body. Plus, this formula does not contain any genetically engineered (GE) ingredients as well.
Delivers a high-absorption formula? Yes – With the many types of magnesium supplements available, my team and I selected Magtein™ Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein®) for its breakthrough absorption characteristics and extensive research.
Incorporates high-penetration characteristics? Yes – One area where other forms of magnesium supplements tend to fall short involves penetration of tissues and cells. Animal studies have shown how Magnesium L-Threonate has been able to uniquely cross the blood-brain barrier and penetrate cell membranes.*
Helps manage potential discomfort? Yes – Many forms of magnesium can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal discomfort. In fact as you already know, some magnesium products have the primary purpose of softening stool and acting as a laxative. This is not the case with Magnesium L-Threonate and its consistent formula.
Provides practical, easy-to-take servings? Yes – Food is not required for absorption so taking it with meals is not necessary. It's always a smart choice to double-check and consult with a healthcare professional when taking any supplement. With our new formula, you only need 3 capsules instead of 4! You can take all 3 at night, or take 2 at lunch and 1 at bedtime with plenty of water, it's easy to take.
I believe by now you can see why I'm so excited about the Magnesium L-Threonate formula. If you're truly looking for a high-quality magnesium supplement to add to your healthy diet, it has my highest recommendation.
Don't Let Poor Lifestyle Choices Put the Brakes on Fully Enjoying Your Life
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Dr. Mercola: Here's the Latest on Longevity Nutrients
Mercola.com
Super Fuel
Here's the Latest on Longevity Vitamins
Written by Dr. Joseph Mercola
October 29, 2018
Previous
Next
Visit the Mercola Video Library
Story at-a-glance
A review of more than a decade of research in nutritional science suggests most American diets are deficient in certain vitamins, minerals and other compounds prized for their role in promoting longevity
The 41 nutrients identified are believed to be useful in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as neurodegenerative conditions
The study highlights the value of vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc, for optimal health and long life
Also called out for their role in promoting health and longevity were compounds such as astaxanthin, ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
Because it’s best to obtain as many nutrients as possible from food, I recommend eating a balanced, whole-food diet similar to the one presented in my nutrition plan
A review of more than a decade of research in nutritional science suggests most American diets are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals now believed to play a role in promoting longevity. These vital nutrients are also believed to be useful in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as neurodegenerative conditions.
The study calls out vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. The researchers also highlight the usefulness of compounds like astaxanthin, ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ).
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can oftentimes be difficult to identify because you may not develop symptoms until the deficiency has become quite pronounced. One of your best strategies to promote health and longevity is to eat a balanced, whole-food diet.
Research Suggests Nutrient Deficiencies Contribute to Aging
A review published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA1 by Bruce Ames, Ph.D., senior scientist at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) and Professor Emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, flags specific nutrients as the keys to longevity and disease prevention.
Ames is a prolific author of 555 scholarly papers, some of which have focused on uncovering strategies to reverse aging, including research on mitochondria. He is also the creator of the Ames test, a system for cheaply and easily testing the mutagenicity of compounds such as flame retardants. In the current review, Ames analyzed more than a decade of research conducted at the CHORI laboratory and elsewhere, applying what he calls the "triage theory."
As discussed in the featured video, the triage theory suggests moderate deficiencies in one or more essential nutrients can lead to DNA damage that accelerates aging.2 In a 2011 interview published in Life Extension magazine, Ames explained the theory, which borrows the term "triage" from the field of urgent medical care, in which patients are treated in priority order to ensure the best possible chances of survival, stating:3
"Our bodies evolved to do pretty much the same thing. Faced with limited nutritional resources, the human physiology must 'decide' which biological functions to prioritize in order to give the total organism — and the species — the best chance to survive and reproduce.
Under this scenario, the body will always direct nutrients toward short-term health and reproductive capability — and away from regulation and repair of cellular DNA and proteins that increase longevity."
Are You Deficient in Any of These 'Longevity Vitamins'?
In the current research, Ames arrived at a list of what he calls "longevity vitamins," noting the nutrients (i.e., proteins and enzymes) you need to stay healthy can be classified as either "survival proteins" or "longevity proteins."4
Like Ames, who will celebrate his 90th birthday later this year and has enjoyed an illustrious research career spanning seven decades, I see value in paying attention to your nutrient levels. Below is a list of the particular vitamins called out by Ames for their role in extending longevity.5
Vitamin A — Nearly half of American adults and teens are at risk for insufficiency or deficiency of vitamin A.6 Your body needs a daily dose of this fat-soluble vitamin to maintain healthy bones, cell membranes, immune function, skin, teeth and vision.
The best source of vitamin A your body can actually use is found in animal products such as grass fed meat, pastured poultry and wild-caught salmon, as well as raw, organic dairy products like butter.7
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) — Thiamine supports important tasks such as the flow of electrolytes in and out of your nerve and muscle cells, as well as enabling your body to use carbohydrates as energy. B1 is found in grass fed beef and liver, nuts, oranges and peas.8
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) — B2 helps break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins and plays a role in maintaining your body's energy supply. Good sources of riboflavin include almonds, avocados, grass fed beef and leafy greens like spinach and mushrooms.9
Vitamin B3 (niacin) — B3, which is available in more than one form, supports your digestive system, nervous system and skin. Among the foods rich in niacin are green vegetables, organic pastured eggs, raw milk and wild-caught fish.10
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) — B5 is found in many foods, making deficiencies rare. B5 helps convert food into glucose, synthesizes cholesterol and forms red blood cells. It is found in avocados, grass fed beef, pastured chicken and sunflower seeds.11
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) — B6, which is found in chickpeas, bananas, pastured chicken and potatoes, is important for normal brain development. It also promotes the health of your immune and nervous systems. People suffering from kidney disease or a malabsorption syndrome are at increased risk of B6 deficiency.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) — B7 is particularly important for pregnant and nursing mothers and promotes hair, nail and skin health. Sources of biotin include almonds, cauliflower, leafy greens like spinach, organic pastured egg yolks and raw cheese.12
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) — B9, which is called folic acid in its synthetic form and folate when it naturally occurs in food, is needed for proper brain function. It also plays an important role in your emotional and mental health.
B9 joins with B12 to help make red blood cells and regulate the use of iron. Food sources of folate include asparagus, avocados, beets, Brussels sprouts and turnips.13
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) — Vitamin B12 is known as the energy vitamin, and you need it for blood formation, DNA synthesis, energy production and myelin formation. Nearly 40 percent of the American population may have marginal vitamin B12 status14 — not low enough to qualify as deficiency, but low enough to introduce neurological symptoms.
Vitamin C — Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, boosting your immune system and helping to protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It is found in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, as well as all citrus fruits.15
Vitamin D — An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels, with deficiencies noted across all age and ethnic groups.16 It works synergistically with calcium, magnesium and vitamin K2 to promote bone growth, among other roles. The optimal vitamin D level for general health and disease prevention is 60 to 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
Vitamin E — Vitamin E is an important fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant designed to combat inflammation and make red blood cells. It also helps your body use vitamin K, which is important for heart health. Seventy-five to 90 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin E.17 It is found in leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin K — Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins prized for their role in blood clotting, bone metabolism and regulating your blood calcium levels. Dark leafy greens are the best source of this vitamin, which is also found in grapes and natto.18
Animal-based omega-3 fats — Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and vital for supporting your brain function, joints, skin and vision, as well as your heart.19,20 While available from plants, I recommend you focus mainly on animal-based sources, such as anchovies, salmon and sardines. You can also take a krill oil supplement. Learn more in "The Crucial Differences Between Omega-3 Fats From Plants and Marine Animals."
Minerals That Promote Health and Longevity
Following is a list of the minerals Ames and his team have called out as being important to your health and longevity:21
Calcium — Beyond its contribution to strong bones and teeth, your body needs calcium for blood clotting, your heartbeat and muscle contractions. It is the most abundant mineral in your body. Sources: collard greens, goat's milk, sesame seeds, sardines, spinach and yogurt.
Chloride — Necessary for fluid regulation and electrolyte balance, chloride also helps maintain your blood pressure. Sources: celery, olives, salt and seaweed.
Chromium — Chromium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in very small amounts. It can be useful to improve your insulin sensitivity and also enhances your metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Sources: broccoli, green beans, nuts and organic pastured egg yolks.
Cobalt — As a key component of vitamin B12, cobalt is useful in making red blood cells and maintaining your nervous system. Sources: broccoli, leafy green vegetables, nuts and oats.22
Choline — Choline supports the functioning of your liver, brain, muscles, nervous system and overall metabolism. It is critical during fetal development. Sources: cauliflower, organic pastured egg yolks and wild-caught salmon, as well as organic, grass fed beef liver.
Copper — Copper is useful for bone growth, hormone secretion and nerve conduction. Sources: Beans (but be mindful of lectins), nuts, potatoes and shellfish.
Iodine — Iodine is necessary to make thyroid hormones, which control your metabolism and other vital functions. Sources: cheese, sea vegetables, strawberries and yogurt — as always, raw, grass fed, organic sources are best.
Iron — Iron is essential for life because it transports oxygen in your body, helps regulate cell growth and maintains your brain function, metabolism and endocrine system. However, iron overload is actually far more common than iron deficiency, but is rarely checked. Sources: grass fed beef and liver, pumpkin seeds, quinoa and spinach.
Magnesium — Magnesium is important to the heath of nearly every one of your cells, playing a role in over 600 different reactions in your body, including reducing your risk of hypertension and heart disease. Sources: avocados, Brazil nuts, cashews, dark leafy greens, raw cacao and seaweed.
Molybdenum — This little-known trace element is crucial to nearly every life form on earth mainly because it is an essential catalyst for enzymes. Molybdenum helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats and facilitates the breakdown of certain amino acids in your body Sources: cheese and leafy greens.
Phosphorus — Phosphorus, which is the second most abundant mineral in your body, helps utilize carbohydrates, fats and proteins for cell growth, maintenance and energy. Sources: raw, organic dairy products, nuts, organic pastured eggs and seeds.
Potassium — Potassium balances low blood sugar, helps your muscles contract, lowers your blood pressure, regulates your body fluids and transmits nerve impulses. Sources: avocados, bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, oranges and spinach.
Selenium — Selenium protects you from oxidative damage and plays a role in DNA synthesis, reproduction and thyroid hormone metabolism. Sources: Brazil nuts, chicken, grass fed organ meats, sardines and sunflower seeds.
Sodium — Symptoms of sodium deficiency may include cramps, heart palpitations, muscle fatigue and spasms. These symptoms are likely to disappear after you add more salt to your diet, particularly if you are in the habit of eating whole, unprocessed foods.
Sulfur — Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in your body and it plays important roles in hundreds of physiological processes. Sources: broccoli, grass fed meat, homemade bone broth, organic pastured eggs and wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
Zinc — Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in your immune system and preserving your DNA strands. Sources: Alaskan crab, cashews, chickpeas and oysters.
Important Compounds That Can Help Your Body Age Gracefully
Ames and his team also highlighted 11 compounds — including amino acids, carotenoids and micronutrients — as useful for promoting graceful aging. They are as follows:23
Alpha carotene
Ergothioneine
Queuine
Astaxanthin
Lutein
Taurine
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Zeaxanthin
Beta cryptoxanthin
PQQ
While all of these compounds called out by Ames are important, three of notable interest, which are readily available in supplement form, include:
• Astaxanthin — Commonly called "king of the carotenoids," astaxanthin is a naturally occurring substance found in a specific type of microalgae, as well as certain seafood. Its red color is responsible for turning the flesh of crab, lobster, salmon and shrimp pink.
Astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory and may be useful for treating joint problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. It also supports healthy vision and can be used as an "internal sunscreen."
• Ergothioneine — Found in porcini mushrooms, ergothioneine appears to play a specific role in protecting your DNA from oxidative damage. Along with glutathione, it may offer protection against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer and heart disease.
• PQQ — Particularly important for the health and protection of your mitochondria, PQQ has been shown to protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It also works synergistically with CoQ10, producing better results than when either one is used alone. Celery, parsley and kiwi are dietary sources of PQQ.
Eating a Healthy Diet Is a Good Place to Start
Based on his findings, Ames underscores the value of adhering to a balanced, healthy diet. "Diet is very important for our long-term health, and this theoretical framework just reinforces you should try to do what your mother told you: Eat your veggies, eat your fruit [and] give up sugary soft drinks and empty carbohydrates," he says.24
While I agree with Ames' advice, especially with respect to eating more vegetables (preferably organic) and giving up sugary beverages and empty carbs, because fruit contains fructose, I suggest you limit your total fructose intake to 25 milligrams (mg) or less per day if you are healthy and less than 15 mg if you are dealing with a chronic illness like cancer or diabetes.
That said, even when you eat a balanced, whole-food diet similar to the one presented in my nutrition plan, you may still fail to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health. Because many factors contribute to your body's ability to derive nutrients from the food you consume, you can eat a healthy diet and still lack proper nutrition.
Changes in animal feed, climate, farming and food-processing methods, soil conditions, water quality and weather patterns, as well as the increased use of genetic engineering and toxic pesticides, can have a negative effect on the quality of food available to you.
Beyond that, your age, genetics and health conditions — such as digestive issues — also impact your body's ability to absorb nutrients from your food. Often, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be difficult to identify because you may not develop symptoms until the deficiency has become quite pronounced.
All this to say: Do the best you can. As often as you can, eat fresh, organic whole foods, especially vegetables, as well as healthy fats and moderate amounts of grass fed protein. Your style of eating and the timing of your meals also play a role. Now is a great time to learn more about the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, two approaches to eating I believe can revolutionize your health.
If you need help tracking your intake of nutrients from food and supplements, you may want to check out Cronometer, a free tool I highly recommend. As noted by Ames, "Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the [U.S.] (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging."25
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Mercola.com
Super Fuel
Here's the Latest on Longevity Vitamins
Written by Dr. Joseph Mercola
October 29, 2018
Previous
Next
Visit the Mercola Video Library
Story at-a-glance
A review of more than a decade of research in nutritional science suggests most American diets are deficient in certain vitamins, minerals and other compounds prized for their role in promoting longevity
The 41 nutrients identified are believed to be useful in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as neurodegenerative conditions
The study highlights the value of vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc, for optimal health and long life
Also called out for their role in promoting health and longevity were compounds such as astaxanthin, ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
Because it’s best to obtain as many nutrients as possible from food, I recommend eating a balanced, whole-food diet similar to the one presented in my nutrition plan
A review of more than a decade of research in nutritional science suggests most American diets are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals now believed to play a role in promoting longevity. These vital nutrients are also believed to be useful in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as neurodegenerative conditions.
The study calls out vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. The researchers also highlight the usefulness of compounds like astaxanthin, ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ).
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can oftentimes be difficult to identify because you may not develop symptoms until the deficiency has become quite pronounced. One of your best strategies to promote health and longevity is to eat a balanced, whole-food diet.
Research Suggests Nutrient Deficiencies Contribute to Aging
A review published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA1 by Bruce Ames, Ph.D., senior scientist at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) and Professor Emeritus of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, flags specific nutrients as the keys to longevity and disease prevention.
Ames is a prolific author of 555 scholarly papers, some of which have focused on uncovering strategies to reverse aging, including research on mitochondria. He is also the creator of the Ames test, a system for cheaply and easily testing the mutagenicity of compounds such as flame retardants. In the current review, Ames analyzed more than a decade of research conducted at the CHORI laboratory and elsewhere, applying what he calls the "triage theory."
As discussed in the featured video, the triage theory suggests moderate deficiencies in one or more essential nutrients can lead to DNA damage that accelerates aging.2 In a 2011 interview published in Life Extension magazine, Ames explained the theory, which borrows the term "triage" from the field of urgent medical care, in which patients are treated in priority order to ensure the best possible chances of survival, stating:3
"Our bodies evolved to do pretty much the same thing. Faced with limited nutritional resources, the human physiology must 'decide' which biological functions to prioritize in order to give the total organism — and the species — the best chance to survive and reproduce.
Under this scenario, the body will always direct nutrients toward short-term health and reproductive capability — and away from regulation and repair of cellular DNA and proteins that increase longevity."
Are You Deficient in Any of These 'Longevity Vitamins'?
In the current research, Ames arrived at a list of what he calls "longevity vitamins," noting the nutrients (i.e., proteins and enzymes) you need to stay healthy can be classified as either "survival proteins" or "longevity proteins."4
Like Ames, who will celebrate his 90th birthday later this year and has enjoyed an illustrious research career spanning seven decades, I see value in paying attention to your nutrient levels. Below is a list of the particular vitamins called out by Ames for their role in extending longevity.5
Vitamin A — Nearly half of American adults and teens are at risk for insufficiency or deficiency of vitamin A.6 Your body needs a daily dose of this fat-soluble vitamin to maintain healthy bones, cell membranes, immune function, skin, teeth and vision.
The best source of vitamin A your body can actually use is found in animal products such as grass fed meat, pastured poultry and wild-caught salmon, as well as raw, organic dairy products like butter.7
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) — Thiamine supports important tasks such as the flow of electrolytes in and out of your nerve and muscle cells, as well as enabling your body to use carbohydrates as energy. B1 is found in grass fed beef and liver, nuts, oranges and peas.8
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) — B2 helps break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins and plays a role in maintaining your body's energy supply. Good sources of riboflavin include almonds, avocados, grass fed beef and leafy greens like spinach and mushrooms.9
Vitamin B3 (niacin) — B3, which is available in more than one form, supports your digestive system, nervous system and skin. Among the foods rich in niacin are green vegetables, organic pastured eggs, raw milk and wild-caught fish.10
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) — B5 is found in many foods, making deficiencies rare. B5 helps convert food into glucose, synthesizes cholesterol and forms red blood cells. It is found in avocados, grass fed beef, pastured chicken and sunflower seeds.11
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) — B6, which is found in chickpeas, bananas, pastured chicken and potatoes, is important for normal brain development. It also promotes the health of your immune and nervous systems. People suffering from kidney disease or a malabsorption syndrome are at increased risk of B6 deficiency.
Vitamin B7 (biotin) — B7 is particularly important for pregnant and nursing mothers and promotes hair, nail and skin health. Sources of biotin include almonds, cauliflower, leafy greens like spinach, organic pastured egg yolks and raw cheese.12
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) — B9, which is called folic acid in its synthetic form and folate when it naturally occurs in food, is needed for proper brain function. It also plays an important role in your emotional and mental health.
B9 joins with B12 to help make red blood cells and regulate the use of iron. Food sources of folate include asparagus, avocados, beets, Brussels sprouts and turnips.13
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) — Vitamin B12 is known as the energy vitamin, and you need it for blood formation, DNA synthesis, energy production and myelin formation. Nearly 40 percent of the American population may have marginal vitamin B12 status14 — not low enough to qualify as deficiency, but low enough to introduce neurological symptoms.
Vitamin C — Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, boosting your immune system and helping to protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It is found in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, as well as all citrus fruits.15
Vitamin D — An estimated 1 billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels, with deficiencies noted across all age and ethnic groups.16 It works synergistically with calcium, magnesium and vitamin K2 to promote bone growth, among other roles. The optimal vitamin D level for general health and disease prevention is 60 to 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
Vitamin E — Vitamin E is an important fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant designed to combat inflammation and make red blood cells. It also helps your body use vitamin K, which is important for heart health. Seventy-five to 90 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin E.17 It is found in leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
Vitamin K — Vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble vitamins prized for their role in blood clotting, bone metabolism and regulating your blood calcium levels. Dark leafy greens are the best source of this vitamin, which is also found in grapes and natto.18
Animal-based omega-3 fats — Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and vital for supporting your brain function, joints, skin and vision, as well as your heart.19,20 While available from plants, I recommend you focus mainly on animal-based sources, such as anchovies, salmon and sardines. You can also take a krill oil supplement. Learn more in "The Crucial Differences Between Omega-3 Fats From Plants and Marine Animals."
Minerals That Promote Health and Longevity
Following is a list of the minerals Ames and his team have called out as being important to your health and longevity:21
Calcium — Beyond its contribution to strong bones and teeth, your body needs calcium for blood clotting, your heartbeat and muscle contractions. It is the most abundant mineral in your body. Sources: collard greens, goat's milk, sesame seeds, sardines, spinach and yogurt.
Chloride — Necessary for fluid regulation and electrolyte balance, chloride also helps maintain your blood pressure. Sources: celery, olives, salt and seaweed.
Chromium — Chromium is an essential trace mineral your body needs in very small amounts. It can be useful to improve your insulin sensitivity and also enhances your metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Sources: broccoli, green beans, nuts and organic pastured egg yolks.
Cobalt — As a key component of vitamin B12, cobalt is useful in making red blood cells and maintaining your nervous system. Sources: broccoli, leafy green vegetables, nuts and oats.22
Choline — Choline supports the functioning of your liver, brain, muscles, nervous system and overall metabolism. It is critical during fetal development. Sources: cauliflower, organic pastured egg yolks and wild-caught salmon, as well as organic, grass fed beef liver.
Copper — Copper is useful for bone growth, hormone secretion and nerve conduction. Sources: Beans (but be mindful of lectins), nuts, potatoes and shellfish.
Iodine — Iodine is necessary to make thyroid hormones, which control your metabolism and other vital functions. Sources: cheese, sea vegetables, strawberries and yogurt — as always, raw, grass fed, organic sources are best.
Iron — Iron is essential for life because it transports oxygen in your body, helps regulate cell growth and maintains your brain function, metabolism and endocrine system. However, iron overload is actually far more common than iron deficiency, but is rarely checked. Sources: grass fed beef and liver, pumpkin seeds, quinoa and spinach.
Magnesium — Magnesium is important to the heath of nearly every one of your cells, playing a role in over 600 different reactions in your body, including reducing your risk of hypertension and heart disease. Sources: avocados, Brazil nuts, cashews, dark leafy greens, raw cacao and seaweed.
Molybdenum — This little-known trace element is crucial to nearly every life form on earth mainly because it is an essential catalyst for enzymes. Molybdenum helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats and facilitates the breakdown of certain amino acids in your body Sources: cheese and leafy greens.
Phosphorus — Phosphorus, which is the second most abundant mineral in your body, helps utilize carbohydrates, fats and proteins for cell growth, maintenance and energy. Sources: raw, organic dairy products, nuts, organic pastured eggs and seeds.
Potassium — Potassium balances low blood sugar, helps your muscles contract, lowers your blood pressure, regulates your body fluids and transmits nerve impulses. Sources: avocados, bananas, broccoli, cantaloupe, oranges and spinach.
Selenium — Selenium protects you from oxidative damage and plays a role in DNA synthesis, reproduction and thyroid hormone metabolism. Sources: Brazil nuts, chicken, grass fed organ meats, sardines and sunflower seeds.
Sodium — Symptoms of sodium deficiency may include cramps, heart palpitations, muscle fatigue and spasms. These symptoms are likely to disappear after you add more salt to your diet, particularly if you are in the habit of eating whole, unprocessed foods.
Sulfur — Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in your body and it plays important roles in hundreds of physiological processes. Sources: broccoli, grass fed meat, homemade bone broth, organic pastured eggs and wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
Zinc — Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in your immune system and preserving your DNA strands. Sources: Alaskan crab, cashews, chickpeas and oysters.
Important Compounds That Can Help Your Body Age Gracefully
Ames and his team also highlighted 11 compounds — including amino acids, carotenoids and micronutrients — as useful for promoting graceful aging. They are as follows:23
Alpha carotene
Ergothioneine
Queuine
Astaxanthin
Lutein
Taurine
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Zeaxanthin
Beta cryptoxanthin
PQQ
While all of these compounds called out by Ames are important, three of notable interest, which are readily available in supplement form, include:
• Astaxanthin — Commonly called "king of the carotenoids," astaxanthin is a naturally occurring substance found in a specific type of microalgae, as well as certain seafood. Its red color is responsible for turning the flesh of crab, lobster, salmon and shrimp pink.
Astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory and may be useful for treating joint problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. It also supports healthy vision and can be used as an "internal sunscreen."
• Ergothioneine — Found in porcini mushrooms, ergothioneine appears to play a specific role in protecting your DNA from oxidative damage. Along with glutathione, it may offer protection against age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer and heart disease.
• PQQ — Particularly important for the health and protection of your mitochondria, PQQ has been shown to protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It also works synergistically with CoQ10, producing better results than when either one is used alone. Celery, parsley and kiwi are dietary sources of PQQ.
Eating a Healthy Diet Is a Good Place to Start
Based on his findings, Ames underscores the value of adhering to a balanced, healthy diet. "Diet is very important for our long-term health, and this theoretical framework just reinforces you should try to do what your mother told you: Eat your veggies, eat your fruit [and] give up sugary soft drinks and empty carbohydrates," he says.24
While I agree with Ames' advice, especially with respect to eating more vegetables (preferably organic) and giving up sugary beverages and empty carbs, because fruit contains fructose, I suggest you limit your total fructose intake to 25 milligrams (mg) or less per day if you are healthy and less than 15 mg if you are dealing with a chronic illness like cancer or diabetes.
That said, even when you eat a balanced, whole-food diet similar to the one presented in my nutrition plan, you may still fail to get the right balance of vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal health. Because many factors contribute to your body's ability to derive nutrients from the food you consume, you can eat a healthy diet and still lack proper nutrition.
Changes in animal feed, climate, farming and food-processing methods, soil conditions, water quality and weather patterns, as well as the increased use of genetic engineering and toxic pesticides, can have a negative effect on the quality of food available to you.
Beyond that, your age, genetics and health conditions — such as digestive issues — also impact your body's ability to absorb nutrients from your food. Often, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be difficult to identify because you may not develop symptoms until the deficiency has become quite pronounced.
All this to say: Do the best you can. As often as you can, eat fresh, organic whole foods, especially vegetables, as well as healthy fats and moderate amounts of grass fed protein. Your style of eating and the timing of your meals also play a role. Now is a great time to learn more about the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, two approaches to eating I believe can revolutionize your health.
If you need help tracking your intake of nutrients from food and supplements, you may want to check out Cronometer, a free tool I highly recommend. As noted by Ames, "Because nutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in the [U.S.] (and elsewhere), appropriate supplementation and/or an improved diet could reduce much of the consequent risk of chronic disease and premature aging."25
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If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
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Dr. Mercola: If You Catch the Flu, Take 4 Grams of This Every Hour
Mercola.com
Super Fuel
Best Nutrients for Cold and Flu Season
Written by Dr. Joseph Mercola
October 29, 2018
Available in: English
Español
Previous
Next
cold and flu prevention
Story at-a-glance
Four nutrients known to offer powerful protection during cold and flu season are vitamins C and D, zinc and beta glucans. These can also be used acutely if you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or flu
Research supports the use of vitamin C during a common cold to reduce the duration of symptoms. Try taking 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour until you feel better
Low vitamin D increases your risk of contracting a cold or flu. If you are coming down with cold or flu-like symptoms and have not been taking vitamin D regularly, or you know you have low levels, take 50,000 IUs a day for three days to treat the acute infection
A third nutrient deficiency associated with increased risk for cold and flu is zinc. Zinc may also reduce the duration and severity of your cold if taken at the first signs of infection
Beta-glucans found in mushrooms enhance NK cell activity and function, and research shows that if you have enough NK cells in your system, you will not contract influenza
The common cold is the leading cause of doctor visits in the U.S.1 There are several factors that increase your risk for a cold, including:2
• Season — A majority of colds occur during fall and winter months,3 and research reveals there is more than one reason for this. For starters, cold weather drives people indoors where exposure to those who are already ill increases. Cold temperatures also weaken the first line of immune defense in your nose.4
Research5 reveals the immune system responds slower at cold temperatures than at body temperature, and the rhinovirus — known to replicate faster at lower temperatures — typically invades your body through the nose, where the air tends to be cooler than body temperature. Dry winter air may also dry your mucous membranes, making the symptoms of a cold worse.
• Age — The immune system in children younger than 6 is still developing and they have not yet developed resistance to many viruses, which is why children tend to have far more colds than adults.
• Weakened immune system — Poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, food allergies, overtraining and concurrent or chronic illness are factors that can weaken your immune system.
• Smoking — Compared to nonsmokers, smokers are more prone to colds and have a greater risk of developing subsequent infections.6
• Exposure — A cold passes through direct physical contact with one of nearly 200 viruses that can trigger symptoms.7 Someone who has a cold can pass it to you by touching your hand, sneezing near your face, or through contact with their body where the cold virus has been sprayed after a cough or sneeze. Hence, being in close proximity and contact with others, such as at school, day care or on an airplane, increases your risk for contracting a cold.
Once inside your body, the virus attaches itself to the lining of your throat or nose, triggering your body's immune system to send white blood cells. If you've built antibodies to this virus in the past, the fight doesn't last long.
However, if the virus is new, your body sends reinforcements to fight, inflaming your nose and throat. With so much of your body's resources aimed at fighting the cold, you're left feeling tired and miserable. The good news is there are simple ways to strengthen your immune function to ward off both the common cold and influenza.
Four nutrients known to offer powerful protection during cold and flu season are vitamins C and D, zinc and beta glucans. These can also be used acutely if you feel like you're coming down with a cold or flu. Getting plenty of prebiotic fiber and sleep are also important.
Vitamins C Offers Powerful Protection Against Cold and Flu
Research8,9,10 supports the use of vitamin C during a common cold to reduce the duration of symptoms. Typically, the higher the dose you take the better the results during a cold. However, there are limitations when taking oral vitamin C, as it can cause loose bowels.
You can get higher doses when using intravenous vitamin C or liposomal vitamin C. Personally, I use 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour in the rare occasion when I get sick, with great results.11
As a general rule, I don't recommend high doses of vitamin C unless it's in liposomal form. I also don't recommend long-term or chronic high-dose vitamin C supplementation as this may cause nutritional imbalances.
For example, taking large doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on a regular basis lowers your level of copper, so if you are already deficient in copper and take high doses of vitamin C, you can actually compromise your immune system.
So, whereas temporarily taking megadoses of liposomal vitamin C to combat a case of the cold or flu will be helpful, for year-round support, get your vitamin C from food instead.
Kiwi fruits, for example, are exceptionally high in vitamin C. Research12 published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a kiwifruit-packed diet reduced the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections symptoms in older individuals. Other foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, papaya and sweet potatoes.
High-Dose Vitamin C for Viral Infections
According to Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, a biochemist who was the first to isolate vitamin C and who received a Nobel Prize for his work with the vitamin, "health" occurs when there is an ample flow and interchange of electrons in your cells. Impaired or poor electron flow and interchange equals "disease," and when the flow and interchange ceases entirely, your cells die. Oxidation, caused by free radicals in your body, involves the loss of electrons.
Antioxidants counter the disease process caused by oxidation (loss of electrons) by supplying electrons. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant, and perhaps the most important electron donor to maintain optimal electron flow in your cells. As reported by Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (a nonprofit and noncommercial informational resource):13
"High dose vitamin C is a remarkably safe and effective treatment for viral infections. In high doses, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, helps kill viruses, and strengthens your body's immune system. Taking supplemental vitamin C routinely helps prevent viral infections."
For severe types of influenza, such as swine flu, very high dosages of intravenous vitamin C are recommended, typically between 200,000 to 300,000 milligrams or more.14 For this, you would need to see a physician. Vitamin C, at saturation, can even replace antiviral drugs in many cases.
Vitamin D Deficiency May Be an Underlying Cause of Cold and Flu
Low vitamin D also increases your risk of contracting a cold or flu.15 Vitamin D — produced in your skin in response to sun exposure — is a steroid hormone with powerful antimicrobial activity, capable of fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi. The evidence is clear that the lower your vitamin D level, the higher your risk of developing a cold or the flu.16
Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, was one of the first to introduce the idea that vitamin D deficiency may actually be an underlying cause of influenza. His hypothesis17 was initially published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection in 2006.18
His hypothesis was subsequently followed up and supported by studies published in the Virology Journal in 200819 and the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009.20 Since then, a number of other studies have come to similar conclusions. Most recently, a scientific review21,22 of 25 randomized controlled trials confirmed that vitamin D supplementation boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu.
Like Cannell before them, the researchers believe vitamin D offers protection by increasing antimicrobial peptides in your lungs, and that "[t]his may be one reason why colds and flus are most common in the winter, when sunlight exposure (and therefore the body's natural vitamin D production) is at its lowest …"23
According to this international research team, one person would be spared from influenza for every 33 people taking a vitamin D supplement, whereas 40 people have to receive the flu vaccine in order to prevent one case of the flu. Among those with severe vitamin D deficiency at baseline, 1 in 4 people taking a vitamin D supplement would be protected from the flu.
For optimal protection, get tested at least twice a year and aim for a level between 60 and 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) year-round. While sensible sun exposure is your best source of vitamin D, many cannot get enough sun during winter months, which may make oral supplementation a necessity. Your best source is sensible sun exposure.
If this is not an option where you live, using an oral vitamin D3 supplement is advisable. In this case, keep in mind you may also need take additional calcium and vitamin K2 (MK7 form) to protect your arteries, and magnesium to activate vitamin D.
Cold or Flu Symptoms? Try This Crash Treatment
If you are coming down with cold or flu-like symptoms and have not been taking vitamin D on a regular basis, you can take 50,000 international units (IUs) a day for three days to treat the acute infection. (Cannell believes the dose could even be as high as 1,000 IUs per pound of body weight for three days.)
That said, there's still the possibility that vitamin D won't work, even in these mega-doses, if you've never been exposed to the antigens before. (Ultimately, your best bet is to maintain a vitamin D level between 60 and 80 ng/mL year-round.) Alternatively, take 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour until you feel better.
Low Zinc Also Raises Your Risk of Viral Infections
A third nutrient deficiency associated with increased risk for cold and flu is zinc. Zinc may also reduce the duration and severity of your cold if taken at the first signs of infection. Your body has no way to store zinc, so it depends on a daily supply through diet. For a list of foods rich in zinc, see "Zinc — One of the Best Supplements to Fight Cold and Flu."
Zinc is a constituent of at least 3,000 different proteins in your body and a component of more than 200 different enzymes. In fact, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions in your body than any other mineral.
Zinc increases your production of white blood cells and helps them fight infection more effectively. It also helps your immune system release more antibodies. If your body has inadequate zinc stores, you will experience increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious agents, as your white blood cells simply can't function without zinc.
Zinc affects multiple aspects of your immune system, including neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis, cytokine production and even gene regulation within your lymphocytes.
Zinc Lozenges May Cut Duration of a Cold
As with other nutrients, your best bet is to make sure you're getting enough zinc in your diet year-round. However, if a cold strikes, you could use zinc lozenges. A meta-analysis24 of seven randomized trials published in 2017 concluded people taking zinc lozenges shortened the duration of their colds by 33 percent on average.
Zinc acetate may be slightly better than zinc gluconate, although the difference was not considered significant. A third form is zinc citrate. It's advantageous to take a supplement with a variety of forms, if possible. Zinc sulfate is one of the inorganic forms of zinc and can cause stomach irritation, so I don't recommend using this form. According to this study:
"Five trials used zinc doses of 80 to 92 mg/day, common cold duration was reduced by 33 percent, and two trials used zinc doses of 192 to 207 mg/day and found an effect of 35 percent. The difference between the high-dose and low-dose zinc trials was not significant …"
Beta-Glucans Protect Against Flu by Boosting Natural Killer Cells
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide known for its immune-boosting and cancer-fighting activities. Mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and oyster mushrooms are a good source.25 Importantly, beta-glucans enhance NK cell activity and function,26 and recent research27,28 shows that if you have enough NK cells in your system, you will not contract influenza.
As reported by Live Science,29 a specific gene called KLRD1 "could serve as a proxy for a person's levels of natural killer cells." KLRD1 is a receptor gene found on the surface of NK cells, and the level of KLRD1 found in a person's blood prior to exposure to the influenza virus was able to predict whether that individual would contract the flu with 86 percent accuracy.
According to senior study author Purvesh Khatri, associate professor of medicine and biomedical data science at Stanford University School of Medicine, KLRD1 is "the first biomarker that shows susceptibility to influenza, across multiple strains."30 As reported by Eurekalert:31
"[O]n the whole, those whose immune cells consisted of 10 to 13 percent natural killers [NK cells] did not succumb to the flu, whereas those whose natural killer cells fell short of 10 percent wound up ill.
It's a fine line, Khatri said, but the distinction between the groups is quite clear: Everyone who had 10 percent or more natural killer cells stood strong against the infection and showed no symptoms. Khatri said his findings could help health professionals understand who's at the highest risk for flu infection."
Beta-Glucans — Powerful Cold and Flu Prevention
A number of studies have confirmed beta-glucans offer powerful protection against cold and flu, including the following.
A 2013 study32 found that taking 900 mg of beta-glucans in the form of brewer's yeast for 16 weeks reduced the rate of cold infections by 25 percent, and eased symptoms in those who got ill by 15 percent
Marathon runners who took 250 mg of brewer's yeast for 28 days following a marathon were 37 percent less likely to contract a cold or flu compared to those taking a placebo33
People who took 250 mg of a beta-glucan product called Wellmune WGP per day for 90 days reported 43 fewer days with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection compared to those taking a placebo34
A 2015 animal study35 found feeding mice beta-glucans for two weeks "significantly reduced the effects of influenza infection in total mortality." According to the authors, "these effects are caused by stimulation of both cellular and humoral immune reaction resulting in lower viral load"
Get Your Z's
The importance of sleep also should not be underrated. Studies show that not getting enough sleep (which for most adults is around eight hours per night) will quickly decrease your immune function, leaving your system wide-open for environmental influences, including cold and flu viruses.
Missing as little as just one hour of sleep per night increases the expression of genes associated with inflammation, immune excitability, diabetes, cancer and stress.36
An interesting animal study37 published in 2012 found that the circadian clocks of mice control an essential immune system gene that helps their bodies sense and ward off bacteria and viruses. When the level of that particular gene, called toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), was at its highest, the mice were better able to withstand infections. As noted by lead author Dr. Erol Fikrig from Yale University School of Medicine:
"These findings not only unveil a novel, direct molecular link between circadian rhythms and the immune system, but also open a new paradigm in the biology of the overall immune response with important implications for the prevention and treatment of disease."
Optimizing Your Immune Function Can Keep You Healthy This Winter
As you can see, there are simple ways to dramatically reduce your risk of cold and flu this winter. Ideally, optimize your vitamin D level and make sure you're getting enough zinc and vitamin C in your diet on a daily basis. This will lay the groundwork for healthy immune function.
To further boost your immune function in preparation for cold and flu season, you may want to consider a beta-glucan supplement. And, should a cold or flu strike, you may significantly cut its duration and severity using either high-dose vitamin C or D (or a combination of both, short-term) and/or zinc lozenges. Fiber, a source of prebiotics, and sleep are also important factors, both for the prevention of cold and flu, and during the treatment of these infections.
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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.
If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
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Mercola.com
Super Fuel
Best Nutrients for Cold and Flu Season
Written by Dr. Joseph Mercola
October 29, 2018
Available in: English
Español
Previous
Next
cold and flu prevention
Story at-a-glance
Four nutrients known to offer powerful protection during cold and flu season are vitamins C and D, zinc and beta glucans. These can also be used acutely if you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or flu
Research supports the use of vitamin C during a common cold to reduce the duration of symptoms. Try taking 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour until you feel better
Low vitamin D increases your risk of contracting a cold or flu. If you are coming down with cold or flu-like symptoms and have not been taking vitamin D regularly, or you know you have low levels, take 50,000 IUs a day for three days to treat the acute infection
A third nutrient deficiency associated with increased risk for cold and flu is zinc. Zinc may also reduce the duration and severity of your cold if taken at the first signs of infection
Beta-glucans found in mushrooms enhance NK cell activity and function, and research shows that if you have enough NK cells in your system, you will not contract influenza
The common cold is the leading cause of doctor visits in the U.S.1 There are several factors that increase your risk for a cold, including:2
• Season — A majority of colds occur during fall and winter months,3 and research reveals there is more than one reason for this. For starters, cold weather drives people indoors where exposure to those who are already ill increases. Cold temperatures also weaken the first line of immune defense in your nose.4
Research5 reveals the immune system responds slower at cold temperatures than at body temperature, and the rhinovirus — known to replicate faster at lower temperatures — typically invades your body through the nose, where the air tends to be cooler than body temperature. Dry winter air may also dry your mucous membranes, making the symptoms of a cold worse.
• Age — The immune system in children younger than 6 is still developing and they have not yet developed resistance to many viruses, which is why children tend to have far more colds than adults.
• Weakened immune system — Poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, food allergies, overtraining and concurrent or chronic illness are factors that can weaken your immune system.
• Smoking — Compared to nonsmokers, smokers are more prone to colds and have a greater risk of developing subsequent infections.6
• Exposure — A cold passes through direct physical contact with one of nearly 200 viruses that can trigger symptoms.7 Someone who has a cold can pass it to you by touching your hand, sneezing near your face, or through contact with their body where the cold virus has been sprayed after a cough or sneeze. Hence, being in close proximity and contact with others, such as at school, day care or on an airplane, increases your risk for contracting a cold.
Once inside your body, the virus attaches itself to the lining of your throat or nose, triggering your body's immune system to send white blood cells. If you've built antibodies to this virus in the past, the fight doesn't last long.
However, if the virus is new, your body sends reinforcements to fight, inflaming your nose and throat. With so much of your body's resources aimed at fighting the cold, you're left feeling tired and miserable. The good news is there are simple ways to strengthen your immune function to ward off both the common cold and influenza.
Four nutrients known to offer powerful protection during cold and flu season are vitamins C and D, zinc and beta glucans. These can also be used acutely if you feel like you're coming down with a cold or flu. Getting plenty of prebiotic fiber and sleep are also important.
Vitamins C Offers Powerful Protection Against Cold and Flu
Research8,9,10 supports the use of vitamin C during a common cold to reduce the duration of symptoms. Typically, the higher the dose you take the better the results during a cold. However, there are limitations when taking oral vitamin C, as it can cause loose bowels.
You can get higher doses when using intravenous vitamin C or liposomal vitamin C. Personally, I use 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour in the rare occasion when I get sick, with great results.11
As a general rule, I don't recommend high doses of vitamin C unless it's in liposomal form. I also don't recommend long-term or chronic high-dose vitamin C supplementation as this may cause nutritional imbalances.
For example, taking large doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on a regular basis lowers your level of copper, so if you are already deficient in copper and take high doses of vitamin C, you can actually compromise your immune system.
So, whereas temporarily taking megadoses of liposomal vitamin C to combat a case of the cold or flu will be helpful, for year-round support, get your vitamin C from food instead.
Kiwi fruits, for example, are exceptionally high in vitamin C. Research12 published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a kiwifruit-packed diet reduced the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections symptoms in older individuals. Other foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, papaya and sweet potatoes.
High-Dose Vitamin C for Viral Infections
According to Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, a biochemist who was the first to isolate vitamin C and who received a Nobel Prize for his work with the vitamin, "health" occurs when there is an ample flow and interchange of electrons in your cells. Impaired or poor electron flow and interchange equals "disease," and when the flow and interchange ceases entirely, your cells die. Oxidation, caused by free radicals in your body, involves the loss of electrons.
Antioxidants counter the disease process caused by oxidation (loss of electrons) by supplying electrons. Vitamin C is a major antioxidant, and perhaps the most important electron donor to maintain optimal electron flow in your cells. As reported by Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (a nonprofit and noncommercial informational resource):13
"High dose vitamin C is a remarkably safe and effective treatment for viral infections. In high doses, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, helps kill viruses, and strengthens your body's immune system. Taking supplemental vitamin C routinely helps prevent viral infections."
For severe types of influenza, such as swine flu, very high dosages of intravenous vitamin C are recommended, typically between 200,000 to 300,000 milligrams or more.14 For this, you would need to see a physician. Vitamin C, at saturation, can even replace antiviral drugs in many cases.
Vitamin D Deficiency May Be an Underlying Cause of Cold and Flu
Low vitamin D also increases your risk of contracting a cold or flu.15 Vitamin D — produced in your skin in response to sun exposure — is a steroid hormone with powerful antimicrobial activity, capable of fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi. The evidence is clear that the lower your vitamin D level, the higher your risk of developing a cold or the flu.16
Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, was one of the first to introduce the idea that vitamin D deficiency may actually be an underlying cause of influenza. His hypothesis17 was initially published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection in 2006.18
His hypothesis was subsequently followed up and supported by studies published in the Virology Journal in 200819 and the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009.20 Since then, a number of other studies have come to similar conclusions. Most recently, a scientific review21,22 of 25 randomized controlled trials confirmed that vitamin D supplementation boosts immunity and cuts rates of cold and flu.
Like Cannell before them, the researchers believe vitamin D offers protection by increasing antimicrobial peptides in your lungs, and that "[t]his may be one reason why colds and flus are most common in the winter, when sunlight exposure (and therefore the body's natural vitamin D production) is at its lowest …"23
According to this international research team, one person would be spared from influenza for every 33 people taking a vitamin D supplement, whereas 40 people have to receive the flu vaccine in order to prevent one case of the flu. Among those with severe vitamin D deficiency at baseline, 1 in 4 people taking a vitamin D supplement would be protected from the flu.
For optimal protection, get tested at least twice a year and aim for a level between 60 and 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) year-round. While sensible sun exposure is your best source of vitamin D, many cannot get enough sun during winter months, which may make oral supplementation a necessity. Your best source is sensible sun exposure.
If this is not an option where you live, using an oral vitamin D3 supplement is advisable. In this case, keep in mind you may also need take additional calcium and vitamin K2 (MK7 form) to protect your arteries, and magnesium to activate vitamin D.
Cold or Flu Symptoms? Try This Crash Treatment
If you are coming down with cold or flu-like symptoms and have not been taking vitamin D on a regular basis, you can take 50,000 international units (IUs) a day for three days to treat the acute infection. (Cannell believes the dose could even be as high as 1,000 IUs per pound of body weight for three days.)
That said, there's still the possibility that vitamin D won't work, even in these mega-doses, if you've never been exposed to the antigens before. (Ultimately, your best bet is to maintain a vitamin D level between 60 and 80 ng/mL year-round.) Alternatively, take 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour until you feel better.
Low Zinc Also Raises Your Risk of Viral Infections
A third nutrient deficiency associated with increased risk for cold and flu is zinc. Zinc may also reduce the duration and severity of your cold if taken at the first signs of infection. Your body has no way to store zinc, so it depends on a daily supply through diet. For a list of foods rich in zinc, see "Zinc — One of the Best Supplements to Fight Cold and Flu."
Zinc is a constituent of at least 3,000 different proteins in your body and a component of more than 200 different enzymes. In fact, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions in your body than any other mineral.
Zinc increases your production of white blood cells and helps them fight infection more effectively. It also helps your immune system release more antibodies. If your body has inadequate zinc stores, you will experience increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious agents, as your white blood cells simply can't function without zinc.
Zinc affects multiple aspects of your immune system, including neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytosis, cytokine production and even gene regulation within your lymphocytes.
Zinc Lozenges May Cut Duration of a Cold
As with other nutrients, your best bet is to make sure you're getting enough zinc in your diet year-round. However, if a cold strikes, you could use zinc lozenges. A meta-analysis24 of seven randomized trials published in 2017 concluded people taking zinc lozenges shortened the duration of their colds by 33 percent on average.
Zinc acetate may be slightly better than zinc gluconate, although the difference was not considered significant. A third form is zinc citrate. It's advantageous to take a supplement with a variety of forms, if possible. Zinc sulfate is one of the inorganic forms of zinc and can cause stomach irritation, so I don't recommend using this form. According to this study:
"Five trials used zinc doses of 80 to 92 mg/day, common cold duration was reduced by 33 percent, and two trials used zinc doses of 192 to 207 mg/day and found an effect of 35 percent. The difference between the high-dose and low-dose zinc trials was not significant …"
Beta-Glucans Protect Against Flu by Boosting Natural Killer Cells
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide known for its immune-boosting and cancer-fighting activities. Mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and oyster mushrooms are a good source.25 Importantly, beta-glucans enhance NK cell activity and function,26 and recent research27,28 shows that if you have enough NK cells in your system, you will not contract influenza.
As reported by Live Science,29 a specific gene called KLRD1 "could serve as a proxy for a person's levels of natural killer cells." KLRD1 is a receptor gene found on the surface of NK cells, and the level of KLRD1 found in a person's blood prior to exposure to the influenza virus was able to predict whether that individual would contract the flu with 86 percent accuracy.
According to senior study author Purvesh Khatri, associate professor of medicine and biomedical data science at Stanford University School of Medicine, KLRD1 is "the first biomarker that shows susceptibility to influenza, across multiple strains."30 As reported by Eurekalert:31
"[O]n the whole, those whose immune cells consisted of 10 to 13 percent natural killers [NK cells] did not succumb to the flu, whereas those whose natural killer cells fell short of 10 percent wound up ill.
It's a fine line, Khatri said, but the distinction between the groups is quite clear: Everyone who had 10 percent or more natural killer cells stood strong against the infection and showed no symptoms. Khatri said his findings could help health professionals understand who's at the highest risk for flu infection."
Beta-Glucans — Powerful Cold and Flu Prevention
A number of studies have confirmed beta-glucans offer powerful protection against cold and flu, including the following.
A 2013 study32 found that taking 900 mg of beta-glucans in the form of brewer's yeast for 16 weeks reduced the rate of cold infections by 25 percent, and eased symptoms in those who got ill by 15 percent
Marathon runners who took 250 mg of brewer's yeast for 28 days following a marathon were 37 percent less likely to contract a cold or flu compared to those taking a placebo33
People who took 250 mg of a beta-glucan product called Wellmune WGP per day for 90 days reported 43 fewer days with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection compared to those taking a placebo34
A 2015 animal study35 found feeding mice beta-glucans for two weeks "significantly reduced the effects of influenza infection in total mortality." According to the authors, "these effects are caused by stimulation of both cellular and humoral immune reaction resulting in lower viral load"
Get Your Z's
The importance of sleep also should not be underrated. Studies show that not getting enough sleep (which for most adults is around eight hours per night) will quickly decrease your immune function, leaving your system wide-open for environmental influences, including cold and flu viruses.
Missing as little as just one hour of sleep per night increases the expression of genes associated with inflammation, immune excitability, diabetes, cancer and stress.36
An interesting animal study37 published in 2012 found that the circadian clocks of mice control an essential immune system gene that helps their bodies sense and ward off bacteria and viruses. When the level of that particular gene, called toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), was at its highest, the mice were better able to withstand infections. As noted by lead author Dr. Erol Fikrig from Yale University School of Medicine:
"These findings not only unveil a novel, direct molecular link between circadian rhythms and the immune system, but also open a new paradigm in the biology of the overall immune response with important implications for the prevention and treatment of disease."
Optimizing Your Immune Function Can Keep You Healthy This Winter
As you can see, there are simple ways to dramatically reduce your risk of cold and flu this winter. Ideally, optimize your vitamin D level and make sure you're getting enough zinc and vitamin C in your diet on a daily basis. This will lay the groundwork for healthy immune function.
To further boost your immune function in preparation for cold and flu season, you may want to consider a beta-glucan supplement. And, should a cold or flu strike, you may significantly cut its duration and severity using either high-dose vitamin C or D (or a combination of both, short-term) and/or zinc lozenges. Fiber, a source of prebiotics, and sleep are also important factors, both for the prevention of cold and flu, and during the treatment of these infections.
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Sunday, 28 October 2018
Brett J. Fox: What's The One Trait All Successful Entrepreneurs Have?
Brett J. Fox
What's The One Trait All Successful Entrepreneurs Have?
By Brett Fox
We were literally down to our last dollar. In fact, truth be told, we didn’t even have a dollar.
Times were so tough that every week I had to get down on my hands and knees and beg our investors for enough money to cover payroll and basic expenses.
It was humiliating. It was painful beyond belief. And it was absolutely what I had to do.
Or maybe it was the time, early on in my company’s existence, when my two cofounders “Jim” and “John” quit the company right before we were about to be funded. Jim and John then stole the company’s IP (down to the slide deck we were using to raise money) and left me for dead.
Or maybe it was the time the Great Recession hit right in the middle of our initial fundraising efforts. Silicon Valley was effectively shut down for close to one year. And someway, somehow, we had to make it through the abyss.
Or maybe it was the time one of our investors blocked every term sheet we received for reasons to this day I don’t fully understand. The investor was literally cutting his own throat. We had no money, and it looked like we were going to have to shut the company down.
Or maybe it was the time one of our manufacturing partners had a quality problem that potentially was going to stop us from shipping.
Or maybe….
Okay. Enough already. You get the idea.
There are a lot of things that stand in the way of succeeding in a startup. And there are a lot of things that stand in the way of you succeeding in life.
The only things that gets you through the tough times is determination, belief, and (most importantly) grit.
Why is grit so important?
You will not get through the tough times without grit. And there are always tough times running a startup.
What is grit?
Grit is passion and perseverance to achieve your goals over a very long time. Grit is stamina.
Grit is living life like it is a marathon and not a sprint.
Grit is getting back up every time you are knocked down. Every. Single. Time.
The defining moment for my “grittiness” came during my junior year of college.
I was an Electrical Engineering major. There were roughly 200 of us at the beginning of my junior year.
The first quarter was the toughest quarter. We had four EE courses, back to back every Tuesday and Thursday:
Third Year Calculus. I still remember it today. The course was taught by Dr. Lewak. This was the weed-out course.
Stochastic Processes. This beauty was taught by Dr. Helstrom. My memory of this course is that it was very theoretical…and tough.
Analog IC Design. Taught by Dr. Coles. This was my favorite class, but it wasn’t easy. Coles was tough.
Queuing Theory. I can’t remember who the teacher was. It was another theoretical course.
The worst part was that each course had homework due every Tuesday. That meant you usually didn’t sleep Monday night.
All-nighters were the norm during my junior year. It was nothing a lot of coffee and No-doze wouldn’t cure.
Oh, and I haven’t even gotten to the tests. The tests were brutal.
I remember in my senior year giving copies of my tests, with my answers, to a junior. The scores were in the range of 40% or so.
“Dude,” the junior said to me. “I’m sorry.”
Little did he know those were some of the best scores in the class! Thank goodness the tests were graded on a curve or everyone would have failed.
I grew my hair really long and I had a beard. I remember calling my Mom up before I came home for Thanksgiving and telling her, “Mom, I have a beard.”
“Shave it!” Mom said to me.
I didn’t shave my beard or cut my hair.
My mantra was, “I can do anything if I can get through this.”
It was brutal. But somehow, someway, I did it. Of the original 200 EE students starting my junior year, only 60 of us made it through.
And I knew, after my junior year in college, that I could do anything I choose to do in life. I didn’t call it grit back then, but I knew I could grind with the best of them.
What are the keys to developing grit?
The great thing about grit is that grit doesn’t require you have great intellect. Grit is all about doing the same things over and over again.
Even when you don’t have hope, you keep going.
Even when you don’t want to, you keep going.
For example, Blossom and I like to go on runs together. There are some mornings where one of us or both of us really don’t have the energy.
I looked at Blossom after one particularly tough run. I asked, panting, “How’d you do?”
“It was really tough, but I made it. It’s days like today that make it possible to have easy running days.”
Blossom has grit.
So, how do you develop grit?
Here are the tricks I use:
A. Have a plan and stick to it. You need a plan to know where you’re going. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you need a plan.
B. Have a daily schedule. My plan becomes my daily schedule. I don’t like to do lists, so I use my calendar to plan my day. I find it keeps me focused throughout the day.
Hint: Give yourself small time-breaks between tasks. You’ll find it easier to get everything done, so you feel good at the end of the day.
C. Set small incremental goals to achieve. Kaizen is a really powerful tool that I now just began using. It’s the art of setting small goals.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have big goals too, but you can use the small goals as stepping -stones to the big goals. Try it.
D. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. The celebrations don’t have to be big either. Maybe go out to the movies with your spouse. How about a cup of coffee or buy yourself that new book. Just celebrate.
E. Don’t quit if things don’t go your way. Not everything is going to work out the way you want. Just don’t give up. Keep moving. And learn from your mistakes.
F. Visualize your success. Maybe I should have put visualization first. It’s another great tool that I’ve recently learned.
I visualize the day ahead going exactly like I want it to every night before I go to bed. And, I visualize the day ahead going exactly like I want it to when I wake up in the morning.
And the one thing you can’t be taught….
I can’t think of another way to say it. It’s resolve.
It’s this ability to get up, every time you get knocked down.
Even when you don’t feel like getting up…
Even when you’re bone tired…
Even when you’re down to your last dollar…
Even when you’ve lost hope…
Just get up. That’s grit.
And you’ll know you’ve got grit when you can just get up.
Do You Want To Grow Your Business? Maybe I Can Help. Click Here.
Picture: Depositphotos
ABOUT
PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF USE
CONTACT
Theme by Tesseract Drawing
What's The One Trait All Successful Entrepreneurs Have?
By Brett Fox
We were literally down to our last dollar. In fact, truth be told, we didn’t even have a dollar.
Times were so tough that every week I had to get down on my hands and knees and beg our investors for enough money to cover payroll and basic expenses.
It was humiliating. It was painful beyond belief. And it was absolutely what I had to do.
Or maybe it was the time, early on in my company’s existence, when my two cofounders “Jim” and “John” quit the company right before we were about to be funded. Jim and John then stole the company’s IP (down to the slide deck we were using to raise money) and left me for dead.
Or maybe it was the time the Great Recession hit right in the middle of our initial fundraising efforts. Silicon Valley was effectively shut down for close to one year. And someway, somehow, we had to make it through the abyss.
Or maybe it was the time one of our investors blocked every term sheet we received for reasons to this day I don’t fully understand. The investor was literally cutting his own throat. We had no money, and it looked like we were going to have to shut the company down.
Or maybe it was the time one of our manufacturing partners had a quality problem that potentially was going to stop us from shipping.
Or maybe….
Okay. Enough already. You get the idea.
There are a lot of things that stand in the way of succeeding in a startup. And there are a lot of things that stand in the way of you succeeding in life.
The only things that gets you through the tough times is determination, belief, and (most importantly) grit.
Why is grit so important?
You will not get through the tough times without grit. And there are always tough times running a startup.
What is grit?
Grit is passion and perseverance to achieve your goals over a very long time. Grit is stamina.
Grit is living life like it is a marathon and not a sprint.
Grit is getting back up every time you are knocked down. Every. Single. Time.
The defining moment for my “grittiness” came during my junior year of college.
I was an Electrical Engineering major. There were roughly 200 of us at the beginning of my junior year.
The first quarter was the toughest quarter. We had four EE courses, back to back every Tuesday and Thursday:
Third Year Calculus. I still remember it today. The course was taught by Dr. Lewak. This was the weed-out course.
Stochastic Processes. This beauty was taught by Dr. Helstrom. My memory of this course is that it was very theoretical…and tough.
Analog IC Design. Taught by Dr. Coles. This was my favorite class, but it wasn’t easy. Coles was tough.
Queuing Theory. I can’t remember who the teacher was. It was another theoretical course.
The worst part was that each course had homework due every Tuesday. That meant you usually didn’t sleep Monday night.
All-nighters were the norm during my junior year. It was nothing a lot of coffee and No-doze wouldn’t cure.
Oh, and I haven’t even gotten to the tests. The tests were brutal.
I remember in my senior year giving copies of my tests, with my answers, to a junior. The scores were in the range of 40% or so.
“Dude,” the junior said to me. “I’m sorry.”
Little did he know those were some of the best scores in the class! Thank goodness the tests were graded on a curve or everyone would have failed.
I grew my hair really long and I had a beard. I remember calling my Mom up before I came home for Thanksgiving and telling her, “Mom, I have a beard.”
“Shave it!” Mom said to me.
I didn’t shave my beard or cut my hair.
My mantra was, “I can do anything if I can get through this.”
It was brutal. But somehow, someway, I did it. Of the original 200 EE students starting my junior year, only 60 of us made it through.
And I knew, after my junior year in college, that I could do anything I choose to do in life. I didn’t call it grit back then, but I knew I could grind with the best of them.
What are the keys to developing grit?
The great thing about grit is that grit doesn’t require you have great intellect. Grit is all about doing the same things over and over again.
Even when you don’t have hope, you keep going.
Even when you don’t want to, you keep going.
For example, Blossom and I like to go on runs together. There are some mornings where one of us or both of us really don’t have the energy.
I looked at Blossom after one particularly tough run. I asked, panting, “How’d you do?”
“It was really tough, but I made it. It’s days like today that make it possible to have easy running days.”
Blossom has grit.
So, how do you develop grit?
Here are the tricks I use:
A. Have a plan and stick to it. You need a plan to know where you’re going. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you need a plan.
B. Have a daily schedule. My plan becomes my daily schedule. I don’t like to do lists, so I use my calendar to plan my day. I find it keeps me focused throughout the day.
Hint: Give yourself small time-breaks between tasks. You’ll find it easier to get everything done, so you feel good at the end of the day.
C. Set small incremental goals to achieve. Kaizen is a really powerful tool that I now just began using. It’s the art of setting small goals.
This doesn’t mean you don’t have big goals too, but you can use the small goals as stepping -stones to the big goals. Try it.
D. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. The celebrations don’t have to be big either. Maybe go out to the movies with your spouse. How about a cup of coffee or buy yourself that new book. Just celebrate.
E. Don’t quit if things don’t go your way. Not everything is going to work out the way you want. Just don’t give up. Keep moving. And learn from your mistakes.
F. Visualize your success. Maybe I should have put visualization first. It’s another great tool that I’ve recently learned.
I visualize the day ahead going exactly like I want it to every night before I go to bed. And, I visualize the day ahead going exactly like I want it to when I wake up in the morning.
And the one thing you can’t be taught….
I can’t think of another way to say it. It’s resolve.
It’s this ability to get up, every time you get knocked down.
Even when you don’t feel like getting up…
Even when you’re bone tired…
Even when you’re down to your last dollar…
Even when you’ve lost hope…
Just get up. That’s grit.
And you’ll know you’ve got grit when you can just get up.
Do You Want To Grow Your Business? Maybe I Can Help. Click Here.
Picture: Depositphotos
ABOUT
PRIVACY POLICY AND TERMS OF USE
CONTACT
Theme by Tesseract Drawing
National Review/Kevin D. Williamson: Rage Makes You Stupid
National Review
The Corner
Politics & Policy
Rage Makes You Stupid
By Kevin D. Williamson
October 28, 2018 11:01 AM
Rage on display at an anti-Kavanaugh protest near Trump Tower in New York City, October 4, 2018 (Reuters/Stephen Yang)
People have the strongest feelings about the things they know the least about.
What are we supposed to think about political rage?
Before and after the arrest of Cesar Sayoc, the suspect in the recent string of bombs sent to prominent Democrats and media figures, we were treated to any number of homilies about “rage” and its origins in “toxic” political rhetoric. Many of these homilies were pointed directly or indirectly at President Donald Trump and his immoderate Twitter habits. That political rage is necessarily linked to political violence was assumed, and sometimes asserted, but rarely argued.
Five minutes before that, rage was all the rage. Rebecca Traister, an editor for New York magazine, has just published a book celebrating the “revolutionary power” of anger, which was celebrated at The Atlantic on 4 October under a headline noting the “seismic power” of “rage.” On 21 September, the Washington Post affirmed that “rage is healthy, rational, and necessary for America.” On Friday, NBC news praised a television show for depicting “anger as righteous and necessary.” Before that, it ran a segment encouraging certain political partisans to “embrace their rage.”
Earlier in the year, Leslie Jamison wrote a very interesting and intelligent essay for The New York Times Magazine exploring anger as a “tool to be used, part of a well-stocked arsenal.” Right as the bombing suspect was being arrested in Florida, Rewire shared “All the Rage That’s Fit To Print,” its assessment of four books on “fury.”
I’ve omitted the word “women” in several instances above, on the theory that we’re all adults here, and that we would recognize the obvious hypocrisy and illogic of any “my rage good, your rage bad, bad, bad,” construct.
Except . . .
On 28 September, the admirable Max Boot published a lamentation of “Republican rage” in the Washington Post, arguing that Howard Beale, Network’s embodiment of outrage, “would feel right at home in the Republican party.” On the same day, The Week, which may be the least intelligent non-pornographic publication in these United States, was also in a the mood for lamentation, anguished over “the rage of Brett Kavanaugh.” The day before, Esquire moaned that “This Was the Hour of White Male Rage.” On Thursday, the Washington Post tied incendiary devices to “incendiary rhetoric,” while Philippe Reines, who used to work for that weird lady who recently disavowed civility in quite specific terms, went on MSNBC to insist that “Donald Trump’s Rhetoric Can’t Be Ignored in Wake of Bombs.” Eugene Robinson encouraged Democrats to “get mad” and “get even” — “harness your rage,” as the headline in the Chicago Tribune put it — even though he blasted Brett Kavanaugh for being “rage-filled.” Ta-Nehisi Coates has written “in defense of political anger,” and Darryl Pinckney, writing in The New York Review of Books, gave readers 4,000 words on “The Anger of Ta-Nehisi Coates.”
And then there are the Subarus, legions of them with bumper-stickers reading: “If You Aren’t Outraged, You Aren’t Paying Attention.”
The signals, then, are decidedly mixed.
Put me in the anti-rage camp. Rage makes you stupid.
(Rage and Wild Turkey . . . . Well, enough said.)
I’m sometimes described as an angry writer, which always surprises me. I am much, much more frequently bored by American politics than outraged by it. (More than one cable-news producer has suggested to me that I should present with more outrage.) Senator Feinstein does not fill me with rage; she has the exact aspect of a woman who is very, very sad that the bingo game didn’t break her way this time, and it is difficult to be angry at that. I do not think she should be in the Senate, but I do hope that wherever she ends up, there’s someone there to make her a nice cup of hot tea.
Our politics is full of performative outrage, histrionics that are designed to imbue unserious people with an air moral seriousness and to keep the rubes emotionally invested long enough to get them to a commercial break. It almost inevitably is the case that people have the strongest feelings about the things they know the least about; people who actually know about any subject of genuine interest understand that such subjects tend to be complicated, and that expressions of outrage, however cathartic, do not render them any less recondite. Compare Paul Krugman on economics to Paul Krugman on politics and you’ll see what I mean.
I would suggest that we make a concerted effort to abolish cheap outrage from our political discourse, but that proposal would be stillborn: There’s just too much money in outrage. Instead, I would suggest taking a different attitude toward those histrionics, understanding that what people such as Sean Hannity and Chris Hayes are engaged in is not really political discourse at all, but something much more like sports commentary or The Real Housewives of Wherever: The emotional frisson is the point, and the political content is just a McGuffin, the ball in this cynical game of for-profit fetch.
Comments
At the very least, we do ourselves the favor of understanding that political rhetoric, however rage-filled or — dread cliché — “toxic,” belongs to an entirely separate category of human endeavor than sending people bombs in the mail, that exhortations to vote are a different thing from exhortations to violence, that Ann Coulter speaking on a college campus is a different thing from firebombing the building in which she is scheduled to speak. There are many voices in our politics that do in fact countenance violence, from Slavoj Žižek (“for the oppressed, violence is always legitimate”) to every dimwit who has promised to “Punch a Nazi.”
Sorting all that out sometimes requires careful thinking, which is difficult to manage when you are high on rage.
Kevin D. Williamson — Kevin D. Williamson is the roving correspondent for National Review.
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The Corner
Politics & Policy
Rage Makes You Stupid
By Kevin D. Williamson
October 28, 2018 11:01 AM
Rage on display at an anti-Kavanaugh protest near Trump Tower in New York City, October 4, 2018 (Reuters/Stephen Yang)
People have the strongest feelings about the things they know the least about.
What are we supposed to think about political rage?
Before and after the arrest of Cesar Sayoc, the suspect in the recent string of bombs sent to prominent Democrats and media figures, we were treated to any number of homilies about “rage” and its origins in “toxic” political rhetoric. Many of these homilies were pointed directly or indirectly at President Donald Trump and his immoderate Twitter habits. That political rage is necessarily linked to political violence was assumed, and sometimes asserted, but rarely argued.
Five minutes before that, rage was all the rage. Rebecca Traister, an editor for New York magazine, has just published a book celebrating the “revolutionary power” of anger, which was celebrated at The Atlantic on 4 October under a headline noting the “seismic power” of “rage.” On 21 September, the Washington Post affirmed that “rage is healthy, rational, and necessary for America.” On Friday, NBC news praised a television show for depicting “anger as righteous and necessary.” Before that, it ran a segment encouraging certain political partisans to “embrace their rage.”
Earlier in the year, Leslie Jamison wrote a very interesting and intelligent essay for The New York Times Magazine exploring anger as a “tool to be used, part of a well-stocked arsenal.” Right as the bombing suspect was being arrested in Florida, Rewire shared “All the Rage That’s Fit To Print,” its assessment of four books on “fury.”
I’ve omitted the word “women” in several instances above, on the theory that we’re all adults here, and that we would recognize the obvious hypocrisy and illogic of any “my rage good, your rage bad, bad, bad,” construct.
Except . . .
On 28 September, the admirable Max Boot published a lamentation of “Republican rage” in the Washington Post, arguing that Howard Beale, Network’s embodiment of outrage, “would feel right at home in the Republican party.” On the same day, The Week, which may be the least intelligent non-pornographic publication in these United States, was also in a the mood for lamentation, anguished over “the rage of Brett Kavanaugh.” The day before, Esquire moaned that “This Was the Hour of White Male Rage.” On Thursday, the Washington Post tied incendiary devices to “incendiary rhetoric,” while Philippe Reines, who used to work for that weird lady who recently disavowed civility in quite specific terms, went on MSNBC to insist that “Donald Trump’s Rhetoric Can’t Be Ignored in Wake of Bombs.” Eugene Robinson encouraged Democrats to “get mad” and “get even” — “harness your rage,” as the headline in the Chicago Tribune put it — even though he blasted Brett Kavanaugh for being “rage-filled.” Ta-Nehisi Coates has written “in defense of political anger,” and Darryl Pinckney, writing in The New York Review of Books, gave readers 4,000 words on “The Anger of Ta-Nehisi Coates.”
And then there are the Subarus, legions of them with bumper-stickers reading: “If You Aren’t Outraged, You Aren’t Paying Attention.”
The signals, then, are decidedly mixed.
Put me in the anti-rage camp. Rage makes you stupid.
(Rage and Wild Turkey . . . . Well, enough said.)
I’m sometimes described as an angry writer, which always surprises me. I am much, much more frequently bored by American politics than outraged by it. (More than one cable-news producer has suggested to me that I should present with more outrage.) Senator Feinstein does not fill me with rage; she has the exact aspect of a woman who is very, very sad that the bingo game didn’t break her way this time, and it is difficult to be angry at that. I do not think she should be in the Senate, but I do hope that wherever she ends up, there’s someone there to make her a nice cup of hot tea.
Our politics is full of performative outrage, histrionics that are designed to imbue unserious people with an air moral seriousness and to keep the rubes emotionally invested long enough to get them to a commercial break. It almost inevitably is the case that people have the strongest feelings about the things they know the least about; people who actually know about any subject of genuine interest understand that such subjects tend to be complicated, and that expressions of outrage, however cathartic, do not render them any less recondite. Compare Paul Krugman on economics to Paul Krugman on politics and you’ll see what I mean.
I would suggest that we make a concerted effort to abolish cheap outrage from our political discourse, but that proposal would be stillborn: There’s just too much money in outrage. Instead, I would suggest taking a different attitude toward those histrionics, understanding that what people such as Sean Hannity and Chris Hayes are engaged in is not really political discourse at all, but something much more like sports commentary or The Real Housewives of Wherever: The emotional frisson is the point, and the political content is just a McGuffin, the ball in this cynical game of for-profit fetch.
Comments
At the very least, we do ourselves the favor of understanding that political rhetoric, however rage-filled or — dread cliché — “toxic,” belongs to an entirely separate category of human endeavor than sending people bombs in the mail, that exhortations to vote are a different thing from exhortations to violence, that Ann Coulter speaking on a college campus is a different thing from firebombing the building in which she is scheduled to speak. There are many voices in our politics that do in fact countenance violence, from Slavoj Žižek (“for the oppressed, violence is always legitimate”) to every dimwit who has promised to “Punch a Nazi.”
Sorting all that out sometimes requires careful thinking, which is difficult to manage when you are high on rage.
Kevin D. Williamson — Kevin D. Williamson is the roving correspondent for National Review.
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Care2 Healthy Living/Lauren Bowen: What is Metacognition and Why is it Important?
Care2 Healthy Living | What is Metacognition and Why is it Important?
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What is Metacognition and Why is it Important?
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By: Lauren Bowen
October 27, 2018
About Lauren
When was the last time you reflected on your natural mental process? When was the last time you tried to refine it? Paying attention to how you think — and how your thinking affects your actions — is a huge part of increasing self-awareness and performance. We call this “thinking about thinking” metacognition. Many work to refine theirs over a lifetime.
Metacognition involves five thinking practices:
Planning and goal setting
Monitoring progress
Identifying what you know
Identifying what you don’t know
Adapting as necessary
By working through this process methodically, one can become more productive, flexible and self-reliant as they reflect on their mental processes, evaluate them and find new ways to improve. In other words, metacognition involves the ability to step back, evaluate one’s strengths and weaknesses and pivot accordingly.
Be healthy. Be loving.
Get daily tips for leading a healthy and compassionate life delivered to your inbox.
How-to-Retrain-Your-Mind-to-Love-Your-Body-Care2-2
Metacognitive knowledge involves both your beliefs about how you learn and how others learn, and the task of learning — how you process information. Consider this example: let’s say you have to learn a totally new language in six months. Here’s how you might approach the task at hand using metacognitive knowledge.
Example of metacognition
The Learning Process: You think, “I am good at learning languages. I can totally handle this in the time I’ve been given.”
The Task of Learning: Then, you consider “To complete the task, I will need to think about the following:
How soon can I get the info I need to start learning this language?
How long will it take me to learn the language?
What information is available to me that could help me learn this language?
Is this language similar to one I’ve learned in the past?
Will I be able to learn the language in time?
How hard will it be for me to do so?
What do I need to do to learn this language?
The Strategy: You muse, “I think that learning this new language is going to take me twelve months, but I only have six to prepare. I will need to find other ways to meet this goal — maybe hiring a private tutor or just focusing on the basics and not getting sidetracked.
Sound like a lot? It is probably a lot more “thinking about thinking” than you’re used to. But the person who approaches their problem — learning a new language in six months — this way, will likely be much more successful than the person who jumped in without consideration for the monumental nature of the task at hand.
Why does this matter?
So many people go through life on autopilot, without truly understanding themselves and why they do what they do. Metacognition presents a strategy for expansion, growth, elevation.
“So few people are really aware of their thoughts. Their minds run all over the place without their permission, and they go along for the ride unknowingly and without making a choice,” said Thomas M. Sterner in his book The Practicing Mind.
Wouldn’t you rather make the choice?
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What is Metacognition and Why is it Important?
12
tweet
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8
By: Lauren Bowen
October 27, 2018
About Lauren
When was the last time you reflected on your natural mental process? When was the last time you tried to refine it? Paying attention to how you think — and how your thinking affects your actions — is a huge part of increasing self-awareness and performance. We call this “thinking about thinking” metacognition. Many work to refine theirs over a lifetime.
Metacognition involves five thinking practices:
Planning and goal setting
Monitoring progress
Identifying what you know
Identifying what you don’t know
Adapting as necessary
By working through this process methodically, one can become more productive, flexible and self-reliant as they reflect on their mental processes, evaluate them and find new ways to improve. In other words, metacognition involves the ability to step back, evaluate one’s strengths and weaknesses and pivot accordingly.
Be healthy. Be loving.
Get daily tips for leading a healthy and compassionate life delivered to your inbox.
How-to-Retrain-Your-Mind-to-Love-Your-Body-Care2-2
Metacognitive knowledge involves both your beliefs about how you learn and how others learn, and the task of learning — how you process information. Consider this example: let’s say you have to learn a totally new language in six months. Here’s how you might approach the task at hand using metacognitive knowledge.
Example of metacognition
The Learning Process: You think, “I am good at learning languages. I can totally handle this in the time I’ve been given.”
The Task of Learning: Then, you consider “To complete the task, I will need to think about the following:
How soon can I get the info I need to start learning this language?
How long will it take me to learn the language?
What information is available to me that could help me learn this language?
Is this language similar to one I’ve learned in the past?
Will I be able to learn the language in time?
How hard will it be for me to do so?
What do I need to do to learn this language?
The Strategy: You muse, “I think that learning this new language is going to take me twelve months, but I only have six to prepare. I will need to find other ways to meet this goal — maybe hiring a private tutor or just focusing on the basics and not getting sidetracked.
Sound like a lot? It is probably a lot more “thinking about thinking” than you’re used to. But the person who approaches their problem — learning a new language in six months — this way, will likely be much more successful than the person who jumped in without consideration for the monumental nature of the task at hand.
Why does this matter?
So many people go through life on autopilot, without truly understanding themselves and why they do what they do. Metacognition presents a strategy for expansion, growth, elevation.
“So few people are really aware of their thoughts. Their minds run all over the place without their permission, and they go along for the ride unknowingly and without making a choice,” said Thomas M. Sterner in his book The Practicing Mind.
Wouldn’t you rather make the choice?
Related Stories:
8 Heartfelt Ways to Show Your Partner You Love Them
How to Lead a Nearly Zero Waste Life
10 Ways to Start Living Zero Waste
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8 comments
Sherry Kohn
Sherry K2 hours ago
Many thanks to you !
SEND
Mike R
Mike R3 hours ago
Thanks
SEND
Danuta W
Danuta W4 hours ago
Thank you for sharing
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danii p
danii p8 hours ago
Thanks
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danii p
danii p8 hours ago
Thanks
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danii p
danii p8 hours ago
Thanks
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Janet B
Janet B16 hours ago
Thanks
SEND
Past Member
Past Member 19 hours ago
Contact Dr. Sam at supremespellcast@gmail.com if you want to get your Husband, Wife, Boyfriend and Girlfriend back now and regain your happiness.
My name is Lisa Amy. I am really pleased with this service Dr. Sam render to me. I am one of those people who said, “I’ll never call a psychic or a magician or whatever†to help me with my problems – least of all my love problems, but I reached the point where I knew I needed some guidance, and I’m so glad I found this man called Dr. Sam I never in a million years would have thought I’d be writing a letter like this, but when I nearly lost Andrew in one of our stupid, fights (he broke up with me), I thought I had lost everything.i cry all day and think that he will never come back to me again.I read a testimony by a man called Taylor Borg about him saying that how Dr. Sam helps him to get back is EX wife within 24 hours.I quickly email him. He did a (Lover spell) for me. 24 hours later, my (Ex-Boyfriend) came to me and apologized for the wrongs he did and promise never to do it again. Ever since then, everything has returned back to normal and our love is now stronger that he can't do without being with me. I and my boyfriend are living together happily again. Dr. Sam is the best online spell caster that is powerful and genuine. And when I was at my most desperate, he didn’t take ad
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