Monday July 7 / 2008

Monday July 7 / 2008


12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

1215-12:30: A new study shows there is neural biological evidence of how thinking processes are altered in the brains of those with depression. There are so many theories about what causes depression, but this is a window into the brain functioning of someone with depression.
Guest: Dr. Heather McNeely, St. Joseph’s HealthCare Hamilton.

12:35: A woman in southern Ontario is one of the first cases in Canada of a rare neurological syndrome in which a person starts speaking with a different accent, McMaster University researchers report in the July issue of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.
Guest: Dr. Karin Humphreys, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Associate Member, Department of Linguistics and Languages, McMaster University.


12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Hilton

Dietary Supplement Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods. It is produced from ultraviolet rays from sunlight that strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from the sun, food or supplements is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylations in the body for it to activate. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin d to 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25(OH) D)also known as calcidiol. The second occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become brittle or thin. Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.

How to best absorb Vitamin D:
• Take vitamin D with calcium
• Avoid taking mineral oil or products contains mineral oil, mineral oil can interfere with vitamin d absorption
• Avoid overuse of antacids; they will interfere with absorption, if you have perpetual digestive problems, consult with your doctor.
• Check your medications some can interfere with absorption of vitamin D such as cortisone and other steroids.
• Be careful if you taking diuretic drugs, they can upset the calcium/vitamin D ration in your body.
• Assess your needs for vitamin D if you have liver problems, gallbladder disease or gastrointestinal disorders, all of these can interfere with vitamin D absorption.


Nadine Janacek Rexall #0202 Blog Reporter