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1. Why is Cod Liver Oil so healthy?
2. Natural Ways to Prevent the Spread of Germs for Kids Going Back to School
3. A Pinched Nerve, how it creates nerve damage? What to do
4. Vitamins, not Drugs

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Why is Cod Liver Oil so healthy?

We recently noted a new Cod Liver Oil from Dr. Berg, but realized that you might not know why Cod Liver OIl is such a good choice for your Omega 3. So here is an article explaining this.

9 Science-Backed Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
by Ryan Raman, MS, RD on June 20, 2017 (on healthline.com)

Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil supplement.

Like regular fish oil, it's high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure ( 1 , 2 ).

It also contains vitamins A and D, both of which provide many other health benefits.

Here are 9 scientifically supported benefits of cod liver oil.

1. High in Vitamins A and D

Most cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of Atlantic cod.

Cod liver oil has been used for centuries to relieve joint pain and treat rickets, a disease that causes fragile bones in children ( 3 Trusted Source ).

Although cod liver oil is a fish oil supplement, it's quite different than regular fish oil .

Regular fish oil is extracted from the tissue of oily fish like tuna, herring, anchovies and mackerel, while cod liver oil is extracted from the livers of cod.

The liver is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and D, which give it an impressive nutrient profile.

One teaspoon (5 ml) of cod liver oil provides the following ( 4 ):

Calories: 40
Fat: 4.5 grams
Omega-3 fatty acids: 890 mg
Monounsaturated fat: 2.1 grams
Saturated fat: 1 gram
Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram
Vitamin A: 90% of the RDI
Vitamin D: 113% of the RDI

Cod liver oil is incredibly nutritious, with a single teaspoon providing 90% of your daily requirements for vitamin A and 113% of your daily requirements for vitamin D .

Vitamin A has many roles in the body, including maintaining healthy eyes, brain function and skin ( 5 Trusted Source , 6 Trusted Source ).

Cod liver oil is also one of the best food sources of vitamin D, which has an important role in maintaining healthy bones by regulating calcium absorption ( 7 Trusted Source ).

Summary: Cod liver oil is very nutritious and provides nearly all of your daily requirements for vitamins A and D.

2. May Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries.

Unfortunately, in some cases, inflammation can continue at a low level for long periods of time.

This is known as chronic inflammation, which is harmful and may increase the risk high blood pressure and several diseases, such as heart disease ( 8 Trusted Source , 9 Trusted Source , 10 Trusted Source ).

The omega 3-fatty acids in cod liver oil may reduce chronic inflammation by suppressing the proteins that promote it. These include TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 ( 1 ).

Cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D, which are powerful antioxidants. They can reduce inflammation by binding and neutralizing harmful free radicals ( 11 Trusted Source , 12 Trusted Source ).

Interestingly, studies also show that people who are deficient in vitamins A and D are at a greater risk of chronic inflammation ( 13 Trusted Source , 14 Trusted Source , 15 Trusted Source ).

Summary: The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may help suppress proteins that promote chronic inflammation. Cod liver oil is also a great source of vitamins A and D, both of which have antioxidant properties.

3. May Improve Bone Health

It's incredibly important to maintain healthy bones as you age.

This is because you start losing bone mass after age 30. This can lead to fractures later in life, especially in women after menopause ( 16 Trusted Source , 17 , 18 Trusted Source ).

Cod liver oil is a great dietary source of vitamin D and may reduce age-related bone loss. That's because it helps your body absorb calcium, which is a necessary mineral for strong bones, from the gut ( 7 Trusted Source , 19 Trusted Source ).

In fact, studies show that when accompanied by a diet high in calcium, taking a vitamin D supplement like cod liver oil can reduce bone loss among adults and strengthen fragile bones in children ( 20 Trusted Source , 21 , 22 Trusted Source ).

Getting enough vitamin D from foods and supplements like cod liver oil is especially important for people who live far from the equator, a their skin doesn't get enough sunlight to synthesize vitamin D for up to six months of the year ( 23 Trusted Source ).

Summary: Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D, which helps with maintaining strong and healthy bones. It is especially important for people who live far from the equator.

4. May Reduce Joint Pain and Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that's characterized by damage to the joints.

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but studies suggest that cod liver oil may reduce joint pain and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like joint stiffness and swelling ( 24 Trusted Source , 25 Trusted Source ).

In one study, 43 people took a 1-gram capsule of cod liver oil daily for three months. They found it reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as morning stiffness, pain and swelling ( 24 Trusted Source ).

In another study in 58 individuals, researchers investigated if taking cod liver oil would reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis enough to help patients reduce their use of anti-inflammatory medications.

By the end of the study, 39% of people who took cod liver oil comfortably reduced their use of anti-inflammatory medication by over 30% ( 25 Trusted Source ).

It is believed that the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may help reduce inflammation in the joints and protect against damage ( 24 Trusted Source ).

Summary: Thanks to cod liver oil's ability to reduce inflammation, it may help reduce joint pain in those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

5. May Support Eye Health

Vision loss is a huge health problem, affecting over 285 million people worldwide ( 26 Trusted Source ).

There are many reasons why people lose their vision, but two of the leading causes are glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Both of these diseases can result from chronic inflammation.

However, the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A in cod liver oil have been shown to protect against eye diseases caused by inflammation ( 6 Trusted Source , 27 Trusted Source ).

Studies in animals have found that omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk factors for glaucoma, such as eye pressure and nerve damage ( 28 Trusted Source , 29 Trusted Source , 30 Trusted Source ).

In another study in 666 people, researchers found those who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had a 17% lower risk of early AMD and 41% lower risk of late AMD ( 27 Trusted Source ).

Furthermore, diets high in vitamin A may reduce the risk of glaucoma and AMD, compared to diets lower in vitamin A ( 31 Trusted Source , 32 Trusted Source ).

In one study in 3,502 people aged 55 and over, researchers found that people who consumed the most vitamin A had a much lower risk of glaucoma than those who ate the least vitamin A ( 6 Trusted Source ).

Although vitamin A is great for eye health, it's not recommended to take high doses of it, as it may cause vitamin A toxicity.

Summary: Cod liver oil is a great source of omega-3 and vitamin A, both of which may protect against vision loss from inflammatory eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

6. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting over 17.5 million people annually ( 33 Trusted Source ).

Studies have shown people who regularly eat fish have a much lower risk of heart disease. This effect can be attributed to its omega-3 fatty acid content ( 34 Trusted Source , 35 Trusted Source ).

Omega-3s have been shown to have many benefits for your heart, including:

Reducing triglycerides: Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil may reduce blood triglycerides by 15–30% ( 36 Trusted Source , 37 Trusted Source , 38 Trusted Source ).
Lowering blood pressure: Many studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure , especially in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol ( 2 , 39 ).
Increasing HDL cholesterol: Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can raise good HDL cholesterol, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease ( 40 Trusted Source , 41 Trusted Source ).
Preventing plaque formation: Animal studies have found that cod liver oil may reduce the risk of plaques forming in the arteries. Plaque buildup can narrow the arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke ( 42 Trusted Source , 43 Trusted Source ).

While taking fish oil supplements like cod liver oil may reduce risk factors for heart disease, there is little evidence that it can prevent heart disease or strokes ( 44 Trusted Source ).

Unfortunately, few studies have specifically examined the association of cod liver oil and heart disease, as many studies classify cod liver oil as regular fish oil.

Thus, more specific research on cod liver oil and heart disease isk factors are needed to make a clear link between the two.

Summary: Cod liver oil may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. Studies specifically on cod liver oil and heart disease risk factors are needed, as most studies group cod liver oil with regular fish oils.

7. May Improve Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common illnesses that together affect over 615 million people worldwide ( 45 Trusted Source ).

Interestingly, studies suggest there may be a link between chronic inflammation and anxiety and depression ( 46 Trusted Source , 47 Trusted Source ) Many studies have found that the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can lower inflammation and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression ( 48 Trusted Source , 49 Trusted Source ).

A large study including 21,835 individuals found that people who took cod liver oil regularly had fewer symptoms of depression alone or combined with anxiety ( 50 Trusted Source ).

Nevertheless, while omega-3 fatty acids help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, their overall effect seems small.

In an analysis of 26 studies including 1,478 individuals, omega-3 supplements were only slightly more effective than placebos at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety ( 51 Trusted Source ).

Moreover, many studies have also found a link between increased blood levels of vitamin D and a reduction in symptoms of depression ( 52 Trusted Source , 53 Trusted Source ).

How it reduces symptoms of depression is still unclear, but some studies suggest that vitamin D can bind to receptors in the brain and stimulate the release of mood-improving hormones like serotonin ( 53 Trusted Source , 54 Trusted Source , 55 Trusted Source ).

Summary: The omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in cod liver oil may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, but more studies are needed.

8. May Help Heal Stomach and Gut Ulcers

Ulcers are small breaks in the lining of the stomach or gut. They may cause symptoms of nausea, upper abdominal pain and discomfort.

They are often caused by bacterial infections, smoking, excess use of anti-inflammatory medications or too much acid in the stomach ( 56 Trusted Source ).

Animal studies indicate that cod liver oil may help treat ulcers, particularly in the stomach and gut.

In one animal study, researchers found that low and high doses of cod liver oil helped heal ulcers in both the stomach and gut ( 57 Trusted Source ).

Another animal study found that cod liver oil suppressed genes that are linked with gut inflammation and reduced inflammation and ulceration in the gut ( 58 Trusted Source ).

While the use of cod liver oil to help heal ulcers seems promising, more studies in humans are needed to make clear recommendations.

Summary: Cod liver oil may help treat ulcers in the stomach and gut, but more human studies are needed before making recommendations.

9. Easy to Add to Your Diet

Cod liver oil is incredibly easy to add to your diet. It comes in many forms, but liquid and capsule forms are the most common.

There are no set guidelines for cod liver oil intake, so most recommendations are based on safe intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and D.

A common dose is often 1–2 teaspoons, but taking up to one tablespoon per day is usually safe. Higher doses are not recommended, as they would result in excess vitamin A intake ( 52 Trusted Source ).

Although cod liver oil is extremely healthy, some people need to be cautious about their intake since cod liver oil can act as a blood thinner.

So check with your doctor before taking cod liver oil if you take blood pressure or blood thinning medications.

Also, pregnant women should check with their doctor before taking it, as high levels of vitamin A may cause harm to the baby.

Summary: Cod liver oil is easy to add to your diet. Stick with recommended amounts, as excess cod liver oil may be harmful.

The Bottom Line

Cod liver oil is an incredibly nutritious type of fish oil supplement. It's very convenient and contains a great combination of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Cod liver oil may provide you with health benefits like stronger bones, reduced inflammation and less joint pain for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you want to try supplementing, a common dose is 1–2 teaspoons of liquid cod liver oil per day. You can also try the capsule form.

If you struggle with the fishy taste of either, try taking it on an empty stomach before your first meal or with a few sips of water.

AND NEW Dr. Berg's Cod Liver Oil

A Rich Source of Essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Support Immunity, Heart and Brain Health

A Natural Source of Health Promoting DHA and EPA Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin A and D

Are you struggling to consume enough seafood and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids each week to ensure you are getting their heart and brain health supporting benefits?

Want an easy way to get more health boosting omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) as well as vitamin A and D in your diet?

Dr. Berg’s Cod Liver Oil provides you with a convenient, rich source of natural omega-3 fatty acids to support your immune system, heart, brain and many other research-backed health benefits.

Sourced completely from wild caught cod with no additives or synthetic vitamins, this cod liver oil is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world’s top certification standard for wild-caught, sustainable seafood.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning your body needs them and cannot produce them on its own!

Learn More and Order Dr. Berg's Cod Liver Oil

Natural Ways to Prevent the Spread of Germs for Kids Going Back to School September 1, 2020 by Alyssa Ochs

Now more than ever, parents and teachers are worried about kids spreading germs to each other and then to their families because of attending classes at school. While some bacteria and viruses can’t be easily avoided with the close contact of classroom learning, there are still things that you can do to keep kids safe and as healthy as possible.

Here are some natural ways to prevent the spread of germs and sicknesses in kids who are heading back to school this fall.

Teach Hygiene Habits

When kids get sick, they often cough, sneeze, and blow their noses out into the air and spread germs. Parents and teachers should remind students that good hygiene habits can keep everyone safer, such as sneezing into a tissue (or one’s sleeve is there’s no tissue within reach) and then washing the hands immediately afterwards.

Stay at Home When Sick

Students and parents often feel pressure to keep up academically and not fall behind by missing days of school. However, it is in no one’s best interests for a student to go to school when sick because this often makes the child sicker and spreads the disease to other people. Have a child stay home if he/she is too sick to partake comfortably in activities and have the child stay home until after the symptoms have subsided. Also, make sure that sick children get extra sleep and water while they are recovering.

Disinfect Surfaces Often

Surfaces can harbor germs for and transfer germs from one child to the next at school. Learn about different types of disinfectants that are most effective for your needs and make a point to use them often to reduce germ spread.

Seagate Olive Leaf Surface Cleaner is a 100% all-natural approach to washing away germs without chemicals or harmful ingredients. It’s a great choice for everything from computers to food prep surfaces, chairs, countertops, and much more.

Limit Sharing

Teaching children to share with others is an important life lesson, but it’s also a very common way to spread germs. To avoid germs, make sure that children do not share drinking cups, utensils, or towels with each other.

Practice Good Hand-Washing

Washing your hands seems simple enough, but many kids still aren’t in the habit of doing it well and often. Teach kids how to lather up their hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse them with warm water before and after eating and periodically throughout the day after touching surfaces or other kids.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

To speed recovery when sick and also as a means of prevention, there are healthy and immune-boosting foods that children can eat to stay well throughout the school year.

Berries are sweet and delicious for kids and contain antioxidants to keep immune systems working well. Broccoli may not be a child’s favorite food, but it’s packed with so many nutrients that it’s worth trying to sneak into meals.

Kiwis, oranges, and watermelons are foods that many kids enjoy and that are packed with natural vitamin C and other vitamins. Oily fish like salmon, yogurts with probiotics, oats, and nuts are other foods that contribute to a balanced diet and functioning immune system for little learners.
September 1, 2020 by Alyssa Ochs

And remember sugar lowers a person's immunity.

Building a Healthy Immunie System - ways to make sure a person's immune system can fight off viruses, bacteria and fungus.

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The Truth About Drugs education curriculum is the ideal supplemental aid for teachers, instructors and drug prevention specialists and anyone who wants to help to stop people from getting onto drugs.

From Drug Free World.org

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A Pinched nerve, how it creates nerve damage? What to do

When there is pressure on various parts of the body either from a bone being out of place, or pressure from repetitive actions, etc. a nerve can get compressed. Another term used for a compressed nerve is a pinched nerve.

Compression (or a pinched nerve) can come from herniated discs in the spine, osteoarthritis, bone spurs, severe muscle injuries, and even prolonged use of tight clothing such as shoes or “skinny jeans”. It can even happen when you hold your body in one position for long periods of time, such as sleeping. This is one of the reasons that surgeries can cause compression of a nerve and nerve damage, the body is sometimes held in an unnatural position for long periods of time, even for several hours. Nerve compression injury following surgery is common.

The nerves that are the most vulnerable to this compression are those that travel through narrow spaces that do not have a lot of soft tissue to protect them. These spaces are where the nerves go through ligaments, tendons or bone. The area effected all depends on the nerve that is compressed. One example is the sciatica nerve.

This compression can result in injury to the nerve directly or indirectly by restricting the supply of oxygen to the nerve.

Damage to a nerve results in the inability of that nerve to transmit impulses. As with any nerve damage, the inability of these nerve impulses can result in the symptoms associated with this damage which is called neuropathy.

If a sensory nerve is injured, incorrect messages can be sent to the brain giving the feeling that a body part is hot, cold, or that there is pain when there is no reason for the pain. If a motor nerve is injured, it can result in weakness in a muscle as well as lack of coordination because the orders from brain to the muscle are impeded by the damage.

What do you do about this?

A medical doctor will suggest physical therapy or surgery to remove the compression.

A chiropractor can adjust the body so that the nerve is no longer compressed.

Once the compression is relieved, the symptoms may alleviate. If the symptoms don’t alleviate after a period of time, the nerve is probably damaged.

The body needs specific nutrients to be able to restore health to the nerve. If you aren’t getting enough of these nutrients, the body cannot build healthy nerves.

Treatment for Neuropathy

There are many medications, and other remedies that can bring you relief, you can read about them in this article Neuropathy treatments

What can you do?

Take a Quiz: Am I doing everything I can to daily help my neuropathy?

Find out what lifestyle changes will help, take the quiz and get our suggestions and get our assistance on what you can do.

Take Our Quiz

Lasting Relief: Restoring Health to the Nerves

The healthier your nerves are, the less the symptoms of nerve damage you will feel.

Nerves need to be healthy to function properly.

None of the various neuropathy treatments will build healthy nerves again. You can cover up the symptoms and you can increase circulation and you can make a person feel less pain, etc., but if you restore health tp the nerves, there will not be any symptoms (healthy nerves don't hurt, tingle, burn, are not numb, etc.) and the relief will be lasting.

Building Healthy Nerves*

Healthy sensory nerves mean that they are not painful. Healthy nerves means that they communicate and don't send wrong signals such as burning, hot and cold, tingling when there is no reason for it. Healthy motor nerves mean that they relay messages from the brain to the muscle so that they move correctly. Nerves need to be healthy to function properly.

The body needs specific nutrients (vitamins) to be able to restore nerve health.

When you take these nutrients, it may not give immediate relief (although many do feel changes in the first week) as these vitamins are working at a cellular level, but it does address the actual problem, unhealthy nerves and brings lasting relief.

(For temporary relief while building healthy nerves, go to Pain Relief Formula)

What can be done for lasting relief?

Find out how to Restore Health to Your Nerves

*Studies & Research on Nerve Health

*Study on Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin B12 levels after pripheral nerve injury

Want to Know More About Neuropathy?
Neuropathy Information Hub

Vitamins, not Drugs

Unlike drugs, vitamins provide the body with what it needs to carry out repairing processes through it’s own innate wisdom. Whereas drugs can have life-threatening side effects, vitamins only enhance the body’s ability to regenerate itself.

Did you know you actually get a whole new body every seven years because cells are constantly replacing themselves? You have a whole new heart every 120 days, new lungs in 6 months.

Why not give your cells high quality building materials so they can carry out the blueprint instructions found in their DNA, make strong replacements for themselves and give you an active healthy strong body.

A body can create health with the right tools especially with proper nutrition.

When a healthy condition exists the bodies systems are in balance and functioning properly.

When imbalance exists, however, symptoms such as allergies, chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, migraines and weight gain can manifest and persist. Vitamin and mineral supplements allow your body to restore health. Your health improvement program should include whole food supplements, herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes.

See our index for what interests you.

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