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DRSladic.com
June 2025
FACT VS. FEAR Real Talk on Red Yeast Rice
The medical field has more than its fair share of myths and misinformation.
equal. When red yeast rice is made through fermentation, a potential kidney toxin called citrinin may be released. An independent study by ConsumerLab.com revealed that about 30% of red yeast rice products have some level of citrinin. While the study doesn’t suggest that all red yeast rice is bad for us, it sheds light on why patients appear more concerned about this supplement than ever. While some red yeast rice supplements do contain toxins that could affect your kidneys and liver, several products — including the one manufactured by Jarrow that I have available for patients here at Natural Solutions for Health — are citrinin-free . A fair number of my readers are likely taking red yeast rice today. If you’re not taking a supplement I provided, check the bottle to ensure it doesn’t contain citrinin. Contact the manufacturer for verification if the label doesn’t include that information. A note of caution: Be aware that statins and red yeast rice will deplete Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant that (among other things) helps our body create energy from our food, from the bloodstream. If you’re talking either cholesterol-lowering option, you should supplement it with at least 100 milligrams of CoQ10. Fortunately, a good red yeast rice supplement will already contain the necessary amount.
I hope this article helps put you at ease concerning red yeast rice. Yes, some supplements should be avoided, but that doesn’t mean all of them should be disregarded. This discussion is an excellent example of why you should always ask questions about any medication or supplement before taking it, as there are often ways to avoid experiencing common side effects that scare people off from doing things that ultimately provide considerable benefits. When in doubt, consult with medical providers instead of relying on word of mouth that may prove false or not entirely true. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Natural Solutions for Health strives to provide safe and effective supplements to improve your physical and mental well-being. I’m always delighted to provide information on anything we offer through our program. The more well-informed you become, the easier it will be for you to achieve a heightened state of health. –Dr. Tom Sladic To order supplements or blood work, call 248-912-2962
In our quest to maintain proper health, we sometimes encounter medications and natural remedies that succeed in their intended purpose, but have side effects that ultimately do more harm than good. In other cases, certain alternatives to traditional medications have an unfair reputation due to misunderstandings over their impact on the body or general fears about their long-term effects. Over the past several weeks, I’ve seen an increase in patients expressing concerns over a common and effective supplement that has gained attention for potentially having more risks than benefits. I’d like to help clear the air and set the record straight.
It’s time to talk about red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice is a natural alternative to cholesterol-lowering medications (also known as statins ). Like traditional cholesterol medicine, it blocks the release of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Although it is as effective as statins for this purpose, there is a growing concern that it may have adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. Is there any truth to the rumor? Well, yes and no.
First, it is essential to recognize that not all supplement manufacturers are created
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“To know and not to do... is not to know.”
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DECODE THE LABEL!
LEARN TO READ NUTRITION FACTS LIKE A PRO
WHAT TO CUT BACK ON Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all nutrients are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better! With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories. CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming
based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/myplate-plan to find out!
PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly determine whether a food is nutrient- rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV.
STOP THE STING AND SIZZLE!
Summer Skin Survival Tips
With everything from bugs to the sun potentially damaging our epidermis in the coming months, here are a few reminders — and surprising scientific discoveries to think about — as you explore and enjoy the great outdoors. SUN SMART, SKIN SAFE When the sun starts making its presence known more regularly this time of year, reaching for sunscreen should be as common as grabbing a water bottle. With so many skin-protection products available, choosing the correct cream or lotion isn’t always clear. For example, what do SPF 15, 30, or 50 even mean? SPF is short for “sun protection factor” — the product’s ability to prevent sunburn. For example, an SPF 50 product gives you 50 times the protection from sunburns as wearing no sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which will block 97% of the sun’s rays from adversely affecting your skin.
pharmacist or medical provider to determine whether your current medications, particularly antihistamines, antidepressants, or certain antibiotics and diabetic treatments, may increase your skin’s sensitivity. BITE CLUES AND CULPRITS Have you ever wondered why some people get covered in mosquito bites this time of year while others, even those right next to the most affected, rarely get any? Scientists have spent years attempting to answer this question, and some evidence points to fascinating possibilities. In a 2004 study, researchers found that mosquitoes were twice as likely to bite participants with Type O blood than those with another type, while multiple studies have revealed that these insects prefer pregnant women — perhaps due to their slightly warmer body heat around their bellies (as mosquitoes are attracted to warmth) and their propensity to exhale more insect-attracting carbon dioxide while expecting. Mosquitoes also love ammonia, lactic acid, and other chemicals emitted in human sweat, which could explain why runners who break a sweat on sunny days find more bug bites on their bodies than those who prefer dry time in the shade.
In addition to applying the right products, you must focus on what you put inside your body. Before summer is in full swing, consult your
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GOLDEN SUMMER SQUASH AND CORN SOUP
This light soup offers the perfect combination of healthy ingredients and flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided
• 1 14-oz can reduced- sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT: SUSAN ALBRECHT From Depression to a Determined Life “I was very fatigued and had absolutely no energy! Some days, I was so tired I had to take long naps — and I’d still be tired. I was also having anxiety attacks and brain fog, and I was sore all over. I was very depressed and had mood swings. I tried to lose weight, but it was useless. I tried so many natural products and had bloodwork done, and they said everything looked fine. I didn’t like being around crowds; it took too much effort to even talk. I felt horrible! Life didn’t even seem worth living anymore. “I saw Dr. Sladic’s ad and started working with him. I had autoimmune thyroid disease, insulin resistance, and low vitamin D and iron. After six months on the program, I feel so much better! I’m not nearly so fatigued and can actually feel like doing something instead of having to force myself. My depression is gone, I don’t worry like I used to, and I’m so very happy to have lost 41 pounds. It is great to finally have energy again! I also enjoy being around people again. “My family and I are so grateful for the help I received. Thank you so much. Dr. Sladic, for all your time and help! Life finally seems worth living again! It is worth a lot of things to have good health and be able to work and do things. I encourage anyone struggling with their health to try this program.” –Susan Albrecht
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs.
WORD SEARCH
ADVENTURE BAREFOOT FATHER GEMINI HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC PRIDE SANDALS SUNBURN VOLUNTEER
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Claims, Confusion, and Confidence
2. What’s Really in Your Food?
Burn and Bites Be Gone
3. Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
Patient Spotlight
4. Heat-Powered Precision
HOT AIR, CLEAN HOUSE The Essentials of Steam Cleaning
Whether you want to eliminate ugly stains on your living room carpet or prevent your mattress from contributing to your nighttime sniffles, your local store shelves are packed with endless cleaning products begging for your dollar. For many clean-conscious consumers, bypassing the product maze and going straight to steam cleaning for their home or office makeover has been the safest and most convenient choice. What is steam cleaning? Does it work well in all environments? Is the expense worth it? Before pursuing this increasingly popular cleaning practice, here are a few facts to consider. VOYAGE FOR VAPORS As anyone who’s scrubbed a tub without wearing gloves or done some sprucing up in an unventilated area likely knows, many cleaning supplies contain chemicals that can harm our skin or lungs. Steam cleaning avoids these health risks by utilizing high-temperature water vapor to loosen and remove stains, grime, dirt, and grease from various surfaces while killing bacteria, mold spores, dust mites, and other common irritants. It can be employed using various tools, including steam mops, heavy-duty commercial equipment,
or handheld cleaners. And it’s safer for pets and children than many of today’s potentially hazardous cleaning solutions.
SURPRISING SNAGS AND SETBACKS While steam cleaning is an enticing alternative to the traditional mop- and-bucket approach to domestic disinfection, the process does have potential drawbacks. First, steam cleaning equipment requires a much higher investment than most other cleaning methods. Second, the process requires the user to be around hot steam, which could pose a serious safety risk if mishandled. It may not be ideal for high-traffic office or home carpeting based on convenience alone, as it could take a whole day for the surface to dry fully. Most importantly, steam cleaning could damage painted walls, stone surfaces, and delicate fabrics, limiting its appeal compared to more versatile options on the market. Steam cleaning may be the perfect option for consumers who desire a more environmentally friendly and chemical-free way to achieve tidier spaces despite the cost and the time needed to complete the job.
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