Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:53:14 -0800WeeblyWed, 07 Jul 2010 00:17:13 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/07/chronic-infections-fatigue-sleep-troublecaused-by-adrenal-fatigue.html If you have fatigue, chronic infections, sleep trouble, blood sugar imbalance, allergies, and an overall rundown feeling, then you might have adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands can be weakened by chronic stress, thereby effecting the production of adrenal hormones and creating an imbalance.

It is ideal to have adrenal function tested with lab tests in order to get individualized recommendations and to rule out more serious adrenal disorders. In general, to help adrenal function, the cause and reduction of the stress should be addressed. In addition, vitamin C, vitamin B5, and a group of botanicals called adaptogens (like ginseng, ashwagandha, Rhodiola) support healthy adrenal function.
]]>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:59:19 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/06/pesticides-in-food-linked-to-attention-difficulties-and-hyperactivity-in-kids.htmlKids that eat non-organic food that has been sprayed with pesticides are more likely to get attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A recent study done at Harvard University showed that pesticide metabolites were commonly found among the children in the study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20478945). This study shows us that too many children eat foods with pesticides and gives yet another reason to buy organic food that is free from chemicals, such as pesticides and hormones.

The common allopathic treatment for ADHD is prescription stimulant medications, which are heavily prescribed and have extreme side effects. It seems obvious that BEFORE prescribing any medication that dietary changes which eliminate pesticides should be tried first.
]]>Mon, 17 May 2010 00:06:41 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/05/reduce-your-risk-of-cancer-sleep-in-the-dark.html Sleeping in total darkness can reduce cancer risk, thanks to melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and is produced in a daily cycle, is only made by the pineal gland in the brain in the dark. Research has shown that melatonin is a strong antioxidant, can enhance immune function, can inhibit the growth of and actually kill cancer cells.

Since melatonin is made in the dark, it is important to sleep in total darkness. Even low levels of light and short duration of light exposure impair its production. That means that sleeping with any lights on, the TV on, lights shining through bedroom windows, or even turning on the light at night when going to the bathroom will inhibit melatonin production. So…for better health, sleep in TOTAL darkness.
]]>Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:49:40 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/04/high-fructose-corn-syrup-is-linked-to-obesity.html High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly refined sweetener that is everywhere in the American diet since it is in almost all processed foods. It is used by companies because it’s cheap and extends the shelf life. The health hazard is that when ingested, it appears that HFCS is turned into fat, not directly used for energy like other sugars. Although there has been mixed research pointing to the dangers of HFCS, new research done at Princeton University and published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20219526) clearly demonstrates that HFCS leads to obesity. And where there is obesity, often there is diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and even cancer.

HFCS is found in processed foods, like soda, crackers, cookies, ketchup, yogurt, cereal, granola bars, and even “diet foods” that are in the “regular” grocery stores.  To avoid HFCS, avoid processed foods!  Read labels and purchase boxed and jarred foods from the health food store. Generally these items will use a more natural sugar, if sugar is needed at all.

]]>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:11:07 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/03/is-soy-a-health-food.htmlStarting in the late 20th century, soy has been thought of as a health food in this country. Since then, research has shown that processed soy may be linked to several health problems, like allergies, thyroid disorders, and digestive trouble. Phytic acid in soy binds to certain minerals in our bodies, thus depleting them from our bodies. In addition, since soy is a phytoestrogen (has an estrogen-like role in the body), the regular consumption through soy milk, tofu, and other soy protein products, is linked to altering the menstrual cycle of women, lowering testosterone in men, and creating early menstruation in girls and delayed puberty in boys.

On the other hand, fermented soy foods, like tempeh, miso, tarami and soy sauces, and natto (if you like it!) block the effects of phytic acid and have great health benefits. The beneficial bacteria that are present in the fermented soy greatly affect the health of the digestive tract therefore increasing absorption of nutrients.

Generally I believe in moderation and it seems that soy in its many forms is very overdone, especially in the health food industry.  I recommend limiting consumption of soy and leaning towards eating only fermented soy.]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:03:56 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/03/b-vitamin-impacts-cholesterol-and-cardiovascular-disease-better-than-rx.html The B vitamin niacin beat out the prescription cholesterol-lowering medicine ezetimibe (also known as Zetia) in a recent research trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial compared their cholesterol-lowering capabilities and their effects on the amount of thickening of blood vessels.

Results for niacin were excellent. Niacin lowered LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised HDL “good” cholesterol.  Most importantly, niacin decreased the thickening of blood vessels, which means less cardiovascular disease. The prescription ezetimibe also lowered triglycerides and LDL “bad” cholesterol, but increased the thickening of blood vessels! How ironic that a cholesterol-lowering medicine increases cardiovascular disease.

Although I highly recommend niacin supplementation for the above purposes, it should only be taken when being monitored by a physician.
]]>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:09:48 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/02/burning-beeswax-candles-cleans-the-air.html When the weather is cold and rainy or snowy, it’s nice to burn candles, but all candles are not created equal. Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct from refining crude oil. When burned, they create indoor air pollutants. The soot contains toxic chemicals that damage indoor air quality and may damage our health.  The toxicity is compounded by the added chemical fragrances that enter the air when burned.

When it comes to candles, beeswax is the way to go. This natural wax actually cleans the air when burned by creating negative ions. These negative ions will attach to positive charged ions that contain dust and other allergens. This will then settle downward ready to be swept up. Do yourself and your family a favor and burn only beeswax candles. This is especially important for anyone with respiratory health conditions, such as asthma.

]]>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:52:54 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/01/toxic-cadmium-found-in-kids-jewelry.html Since the toxic metal lead has been banned in China from being used in jewelry making, it seems that cadmium has taken its place. Cadmium has been found in charm bracelets and pendants that have been made in China and sold here in the US. What is shocking is that these items are not being pulled from the shelves because there are no regulations regarding cadmium being used in jewelry!

Cadmium has many harmful effects, such as causing respiratory and kidney injury. It is also a carcinogen and is very detrimental to the development of children. I recommend avoiding “cheap” jewelry made in China and if suspected, testing for cadmium toxicity. Contact me for the best way to test for toxic metals.
]]>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:59:48 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2010/01/gm-corn-shown-to-damage-kidneys-and-liver.htmlA December study in the International Journal of Biological Sciences showed that eating genetically modified (GM) corn damaged several organs, especially the kidneys and liver (http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm). “Genetically modified” means that the corn DNA has had foreign genes, such as a bacteria, forced into it with the idea that this new type of corn will be more resistant to herbicides and able to produce its own insecticides. This is concerning because 85% of commercial corn grown in the USA is GM, therefore most Americans are eating it regularly. It is “hidden” in many products as corn flour, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and corn starch. It has also been fed to animals that are raised non-organically, commonly cows, chicken, and pigs.

The topic of GM foods is controversial, but I agree with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine who are concerned about the negative health effects associated with eating these foods and advise patients to avoid them. Since corn and soy are the most abundant GM crops, buy only organic corn and soy products!

I recommend educating yourself on the topic and making your own conclusions. For further info on GM: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/GMODangers/FAQs/index.cfm]]>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:02:52 -0800http://www.drcarriebrennan.com/1/post/2009/12/opah-has-higher-mercury-levels-than-tuna.htmlI 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.]]>