In This Week's Issue:
Depressed? Think Vitamin D
After reviewing data gathered during a four-year study involving nearly 12,600 participants, researchers have reported a clear link between low levels of vitamin D and depression. A team from UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Cooper Institute found that higher levels of vitamin D were associated with a significantly decreased risk of depression, particularly among individuals with a history of the illness. The opposite proved true as well: low levels of "D" were linked to symptoms of depression, again particularly among those who had a history of depression. The researchers suggested that, based on these findings, doctors may want to screen depressed patients for vitamin D levels and, perhaps, screen patients with low levels of "D" for depression. The study did not investigate whether taking vitamin D supplements relieved depression, nor did the researchers determine whether low levels of "D" contribute to depression or whether depression somehow leads to low levels of "D". However, they noted that vitamin D may affect neurotransmitters, inflammatory markers and other factors that could explain the link to depression. The study, the largest of its kind, was published in the November 2011 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
My take? I'm not surprised at these findings. In my new book Spontaneous Happiness, I wrote about the relationship between vitamin D, brain health, and emotional well-being. Receptors for vitamin D occur throughout the brain, and it appears to play an important role in the development and function of that organ, including the activity of neurotransmitters that affect mood. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with seasonal affective disorder and depression, as well as with impaired cognitive function, especially in the elderly. The benefits of vitamin D for both physical and mental health are so numerous and deficiencies are so common that I recommend taking at least 2,000 IU per day.
Happy New Year, Happy New YOU!
Make 2012 the Year of the Smile with Dr. Weil's new website: SpontaneousHappiness.com! In just eight weeks you will have experienced the tools, knowledge and support to help you get to a happier place, naturally. Don't let sadness get you down this year - learn more today!
You Can Gain Weight Eating Fruits and Vegetables
While it's true that most Americans don't get enough fresh produce in their diets, a recent, large study from Europe found that adults who ate the most fruits and vegetables still managed to gain weight as they got older. Nearly 374,000 individuals in 10 countries participated in the study and over the five-year span gained about a pound a year, on average. Overweight women who reported eating the most vegetables tended to gain more weight over the five years. Men whose intake of fruits and vegetables was highest seemed to lose a bit of weight until the investigators factored in other losses related to daily calorie intake, exercise habits and education levels. The participants who boosted their fruit and vegetable intake and gained the least amount of weight were former smokers who quit during the study period, but researchers aren't sure why. The upshot may be that it's healthy to increase your consumption of fruit and vegetables but important to watch what else you eat - or at least count total calories if you don't want to gain weight. The study was published online December 14, 2011 by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Interested in a Healthful Diet?
If eating to promote better health is important to you, don't miss the new, free Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet Newsletter! It includes everything you need to get started on the Dr. Weil-recommended anti-inflammatory diet, including actionable advice, seasonal food information, shopping checklists, cooking with Dr. Weil tips and foods for health. Click here to learn more!
Active Kids Get Better Grades
Any kind of physical activity seems to boost kids' school performance, according to a recently published international analysis. Researchers reviewed 14 studies that compared kids' physical activity with their grades or test scores. Ten of the studies included in the analysis were "observational" - researchers asked parents, teachers and the kids themselves how active they were and then tracked the youngsters' academic performance for months or years. The other four studies compared the test scores of groups of kids who attended extra physical education classes or other types of exercise against the test results of those who didn't get any additional exercise. Here, again, the kids who performed the most exercise scored higher on tests. The investigators concluded that kids may be better behaved and better able to concentrate on schoolwork when they get enough exercise. Another theory: exercise improves blood flow to the brain and improves mood. The study was published in the January 2012 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Supplements and Health Concerns
If you are always on the go and worried about getting your daily micronutrients, visit Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor. We offer a free, personalized recommendation based on your age, gender, diet and lifestyle, so you can get the supplements you need. Visit today for your free recommendation.
Recipe: Brown Rice Soup With Asparagus
This soup is chunky and thick with vegetables and rice so it can stand on its own with no real need for a side dish. And it's healthy. Dr. Weil serves this soup with a warm baguette.
Try this recipe today: Brown Rice Soup With Asparagus
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What's In Your Supplements?
Many vitamins and supplements contain fillers, casings and binders that may hinder absorption. The vitamins and supplements in Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor use only the highest quality, readily absorbable ingredients, with instructions on how to get the most out of each selection. Visit today for your free supplement recommendation. Learn more - click here!
What's New
Spontaneous Happiness Talks With Dr. Andrew Weil at Miraval
Jan. 24th, Mar 6th & 20th, 2012, Tucson, Arizona
Join Dr. Andrew Weil for an exclusive opportunity to delve into the research behind his new book Spontaneous Happiness. Dr. Weil offers advice on lifestyle, behavior, and dietary changes to help you assess your emotional wellness and build a personalized step-by-step plan to manage your moods. There will be a Q&A portion of these lectures giving you the opportunity to have your health and wellness questions answered by Dr. Weil himself! Miraval guests must reserve the lecture with reservations, and must book a three-night stay or more to attend (at prevailing rates). For more information and how to register: www.miravalresorts.com
Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series
Feb. 1st, 2012, Naples, Florida
Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series, at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples is pleased to announce Dr. Weil as the keynote on Wednesday, Feb. 1st, 2012 8:30-9:15 pm. For more information: www.naplestownhall.org
35th Annual Psychotherapy Network Symposium
March 22-25, 2012, Washington, DC
Dr. Weil will keynote at 35th Annual Psychotherapy Network Symposium, "Creating a New Wisdom" in Washington DC on Friday, March 23, at 12 noon. More information from Psychotherapy Networker.
9th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
April 15-18, 2012, Boston, Massachusetts
Expanding on the growing success of previous Nutrition and Health conferences, the 9th annual meeting, co-directed by Dr. Andrew Weil, will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. This conference will provide essential information for health professionals who address issues of food and nutrition in their clinical practices, including the latest research findings, practical recommendations for clinical care, and challenging discussions of public policy. Registration information: www.nutritionandhealthconf.org
DrWeil.com Newsletters
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