Mercury in Tuna

The following is a complete copy of "The Daily Health News" published by Vitacost.com.

Tests Show Top Tuna Brands Have High Mercury Levels
White typically has greater levels of the toxin than light, researchers say

(HealthDay News) -- Tests on more than 300 samples of canned tuna from the top three brands in the United States revealed that more than half contained mercury levels above what's considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Researchers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), found that 55 percent of the samples had mercury levels higher than the EPA standard of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) and 5 percent had levels higher than the 1.0 ppm safety level set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercially sold fish.

The health effects of mercury poisoning include central nervous system damage, hearing loss and vision problems.

"Canned tuna accounts for up to a quarter of the nation's seafood consumption and creates some significant regulatory challenges," study author Shawn Gerstenberger, an environmental and occupational health professor, said in a UNLV news release. "With pregnant women and children the most susceptible to mercury poisoning -- yet also among the top consumers of canned tuna -- federal agencies need to urge distributors to expressly state mercury levels in their products."

The researchers found significant differences in mercury concentration by type (white and light) and brand. One brand had consistently elevated mercury levels, and white tuna from all three brands had the highest concentrations of mercury. White tuna comes from albacore, a different species of fish than "light" tuna.

"Mercury concentration in fish has a lot to do with the environment they're in, but since the locations of where the fish are harvested are not made available to consumers, it is very difficult to positively identify and reduce the source of the exposure," Gerstenberger said.

The researchers said federal regulators should require canned tuna producers to provide detailed information to consumers about the mercury content of each product and to disclose tuna harvest locations. In addition, the EPA and FDA need to have similar tuna consumption guidelines to lessen consumer confusion.

The study is published in the February issue of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry.

Many states have adopted EPA guidelines on tuna consumption, which suggest an average child consume only one can of tuna roughly every two weeks to ensure an acceptable level of mercury exposure.

More information

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has more about the health effects of mercury.
-- Robert Preidt

SOURCE: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, news release, Jan. 31, 2010

The Weight Loss Equation

Eat Less, Exercise More
The Equation for Healthy Weight Loss
by
Dr. Darcy D. Dane, DC
www.DrDaneChiro.com

Have you ever wondered, “Why does it seem easy to put weight on and so hard to take weight off?” Millions of Americans struggle to shed unwanted pounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that at any given time two-thirds of all American adults are on a diet to either lose weight or prevent weight gain.

In 2008, Business Week Magazine reported that Americans spend nearly 40 billion dollars per year trying to loose weight! 40 BILLION DOLLARS! Why do we spend so much on diet fads, pills, patches, and surgery? The simple answer is because we are looking for the EASY out. Brace yourself…There is no easy out. However, the equation for weight loss is simple: eat less, exercise more!

Here is what you need to know:
1. You cannot get around mathematics.
1 + 1 = 2 Always
2 - 1 = 1 Always
Calories ingested less than calories burned = weight loss. Always!
Calories ingested more than calories burned = weight gain. Always!
2. You cannot buy willpower, but you can exercise it, train it, and build it!

Here are a few things to think about when you think you feel hungry:
1. When you think you are hungry, you may be in reality thirsty. Try drinking a glass of water when you feel hungry.
2. When you think feel hungry, you may actually be bored. Many of us find ourselves snacking out of boredom. Try involving yourself in an activity when you start to feel hungry in between meals. This is especially true while you are watching TV.
3. When you are under emotional stress you may find yourself eating more because eating is pleasurable. Exercise is the best way to reduce stress and tension. Elevating your heart rate through cardiovascular exercise releases endorphins that help you feel better emotionally.

Here are some things to help get you started:
1. Log your calories. A site I have found particularly helpful is www.myfooddiary.com.
2. Fresh is best. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential to healthy nutrition.
3. Natural sugar is better for you than artificial sweeteners, which have been linked in recent years to the climbing rate of several diseases including obesity.
4. Eating foods high in fiber will help keep you feeling full longer.
5. Studies show that exercising 3 days per week is NOT enough. In order to loose weight you should be exercising at least 5 days a week.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for educational use only. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you believe you may have any of the signs or symptoms discussed above before using any of the nutrients discussed.

You should also consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.