I started out this year by drawing to the attention of readers  the health risks associated with consumption of sugar, in all its forms. For many years, saturated fat has taken the blame for many chronic illnesses, including obesity and heart disease. 

Fortunately however, the truth is finally emerging and sugar is now firmly in the firing line. If we all did what we could to remove sugar from our diet, we would be eliminating what cardiologist Stephen Sinatra says is the number one dietary contributor to heart disease. And, in addition, our alarming diabetes statistics would plummet. Our dental health would also improve dramatically.

What I believe is a massive and underestimated threat to our health is the pollution created by thousands of diesel vehicles that we have imported, believing them to be better for the planet than those with petrol engines.  What was overlooked is the very significant toxicity of diesel particulates that we are breathing in on a daily basis. It’s highly unlikely that politicians will act on this, so it’s up to us to limit exposure as best we can.

Many people have experienced the very unpleasant feeling that the room is spinning, but they aren’t.  Known as vertigo, or BPPV, it’s comforting to know that there is a totally safe option for treatment that one can do at home with the help of a family member.  It’s known as the Epley manoeuvre and, when done correctly, symptoms can resolve after just a couple of treatments.

In June I wrote about a remarkable critical care specialist in the U.S. who has been saving lives by using intravenous vitamin C with patients who would otherwise die of Sepsis, which kills 850 people every day in the U.S. alone. Dr Paul Marik has so far saved the lives of over 500 people and yet, in New Zealand and Australia, there has been considerable hostility to what Dr Marik has been doing with a simple and totally safe nutrient infusion.  Our only option at present is to prevent the onset of Sepsis by ensuring that we are properly prepared for any time in hospital.    

Even though we are heading into summer, bone broth soup is always a great way to get a highly nutritious meal that has significant immune-boosting properties, whilst also providing a great source of key minerals and collagen to help with our skin and joints.  Joyce at IE Produce in Takapuna has all the ingredients for this great health-inducing meal option. 

In September we went to the polls to elect our political leaders. I have written several times expressing concern that, regardless of which party is in power, when it comes to health, we can never get beyond the belief that more money is the answer to better health.  Better health will only come with the acceptance of new ideas that address the root causes of disease. Only when New Zealanders vote for change will we see the emergence of a new approach to our biggest ticket item.

My article on why humans need optimal vitamin C every day created a lot of interest.

It really surprises me how little most people know about this remarkable nutrient. The image in this article shows the aorta of a guinea pig fed on a vitamin C deficient diet and the aorta of a guinea pig on a diet enriched with vitamin C. The picture tells the story.  A recent TV news story about most New Zealanders being deficient in vitamin C, concluded with the advice that by eating one kiwifruit a day we will be just fine. As I see it, this would be like taking a garden hose to fight a house fire.

Mental illness remains in the news. For 2018 it would be wonderful to see simple, nutritional interventions used routinely before there is a need for potentially dangerous drugs. Think B Vitamins.

If anyone would like a copy of any of my articles please email me.

Have a great Christmas and a healthy year in 2018.

John Appleton 09 489 9362 john@johnappleton.co.nz 

www.johnappleton.co.nz