April 5th, 2011 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN
Sores from acid reflux
Researchers in Switzerland have made the welcome discovery that the essential nutrient zinc effectively inhibits gastric acid secretion in humans.
The researchers were investigating whether zinc could lead to a rapid and sustained increase of stomach pH (more alkaline) in both animals and humans and provide a rapid acid suppression therapy. They demonstrated that zinc offers a new and prolonged therapy for (more…)
January 31st, 2011 by Ron Hoggan, Ed. D
[Editor's Note: Warnings against the gluten-free diet are on the rise, which makes no sense given the facts that the rate of successful medical diagnosis of gluten disorders is woefully inadequate, replacing gluten containing foods with gluten-free alternatives has no detrimental affect on nutritional status and the benefits of removing gluten from the diet of people who suffer from gluten disorders are widely documented. The following is a response by gluten-free author and expert, Ron Hoggan, Ed. D, to a recent piece in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "Dieters Warned on Going Gluten-free," by China Millman."]
Dear China Millman,
Thank you for your interesting article on gluten-free dieting. I was very pleased to read that you include patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity among those who should follow a gluten free diet. I assume that you have arrived at your estimate of 20 million who are afflicted with wheat allergy, non-celiac and celiac gluten sensitivity using Dr. Fasano’s estimate that 6 to 7 percent of Americans have what you refer to as this “milder form of gluten intolerance”. There are other (more…)
July 13th, 2010 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN
The mineral zinc is classified as an essential nutrient due to the vital functions it performs in our bodies. It is found in almost every cell of the body with highest concentrations in the liver, pancreas, kidney, bone, and muscle. High concentrations occur in the brain, middle ear, eye, prostate gland, sperm, skin, hair, and nails. This micronutrient is essential for the activity of approximately 100 enzymes. Enzymes promote biochemical reactions in the body.
Zinc supports a healthy immune system. It is needed for wound healing and DNA synthesis. It helps maintain our sense of taste and smell and is involved in energy metabolism, hemoglobin production, carbon dioxide transport, prostaglandin function, synthesis of collagen, protein synthesis, and vitamin A metabolism. Zinc is important for male fertility. It supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. (more…)
