I was shocked when I recently came upon research done by the Hawaii Department of Health that showed opah, also known as moonfish, has about 25% more methylmercury than any species of tuna! Out of the nine different fish species tested, opah topped the list with the highest mercury, followed by bigeye and albacore tuna, with mahimahi having the lowest levels. Obviously this is concerning because it is fairly widely known that tuna, swordfish, and marlin are high in mercury and should be ate sparingly or not at all, but now we need to add opah to the top of that list.

Unfortunately mercury toxicity is rather common here in Hawaii due to lots of fish consumption, including sushi and poke. Some common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, thyroid disorders, and immune system suppression. If you suspect mercury toxicity, contact me for the best method of testing and the safest and most efficient way to remove it.
 
 
New breast cancer screening guidelines recommend against routine mammograms for healthy women in their 40s due to the number of false positives. Although controversial, I can appreciate the decision. As a naturopathic physician, I strongly believe in the basic medical tenet “first do no harm” and breast trauma (squishing) and radiation are harmful. The decision to do a mammogram should be an individualized and educated decision.

The bottom line is prevention. Naturopathic physicians are experts in preventive medicine. Generally speaking, there is much to be done preventively. Regarding breast cancer risk assessment, I highly recommend vitamin D level testing and extensive hormone testing that includes estrone metabolites. Contact me, or your local naturopathic physician, for a complete preventive wellness check, including vitamin and hormone testing.
 
 
We are very lucky to live on Kauai where we have locally raised grass-fed beef. There is a HUGE difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef (which is what is generally found in your standard grocery store). As compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef: is lower in fat and calories, has more than double the healthy omega 3 fatty acids, has more vitamins (like vitamin E, beta carotene, B vitamins) and minerals, and has conjugated linoleic acid (a healthy fat that can help weight loss and is a potential cancer fighter).

If you are a meat-eater, I urge you to switch to grass-fed beef to better your health.  Here on Kauai, it can be bought at the Wailua Country Sore, Kojima’s, Chevron Station in Princeville, Sueoka’s, and Ishihara markets.  Elsewhere, check your local health food store.
 
 
It has become apparent through numerous studies that there is widespread deficiency in vitamin D in people around the country, even people living in Hawaii where there is year round sun exposure (we make vitamin D from the sun).  There are many possible causes of these low levels, but my primary guess is the widespread use of sunscreen, which stops the production of vitamin D. Low levels are linked to many health problems, including lowering our ability to fight infection, bone and muscle pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and an overall increased risk of death. Yikes!

Contact me, or your primary care physician, to have your vitamin D levels checked.  It’s easy and the information has the potential to improve your overall health.
 
 
Recent research has shown that the elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra) prevents H1N1 infection.  The article published in the July 2009 issue of Phytochemistry showed that the flavonoids found in elderberry bind to the virus and block its ability to cause infection.  Generally, elderberry is known for its antiviral effects, being useful for influenza and other upper respiratory infections.

Contact me to stock up on this excellent botanical medicine to have on hand when the need arises.  In my Kapaa office I carry a high quality, organic elderberry product that is great for both adults and kids!