Don't believe everything you've been told about soy
By Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

If you’re a dedicated Health Bytes reader, you’ll know that fermented soy is very good for you. Tempeh, miso, soy sauce (made traditionally) and natto are fermented and rather good for you. But the phytates in unfermented soy products impede the absorption of protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. These minerals are key if you want to stay healthy.

The public perception of soy as a health food is getting a boost as a new rule permits soy beverages and soy based butter and cheese substitutes to be prepared with vitamin D, the current leader in the supplement world. Watch out for “Now with Vitamin D!” on every soy product in your local health shop...

Don’t be caught out

These soy-based drinks, cheeses and butters aren’t fermented and the vitamin D added will be vitamin D2. In the 1920s, scientists created a synthetic form of vitamin D by exposing plant foods to ultraviolet light. This is D2. Fish consumption and exposure to sunlight deliver the much-needed vitamin D3 to your body!

You see, by the 30s researchers began to notice that D2 is less potent than D3 and it became clear that D3 is far superior. The body also retains D3 for longer and in higher concentrations than D2. The research concluded that “vitamin D2 should no longer be regarded as a nutrient of choice for supplementation or fortification of foods”.

So while the scientific community is aware of the lack of health benefits of unfermented soy and synthetic vitamin D, consumers are being tricked with this new range... soon to hit a shelf near you. Be sure not to be one of them!

Singling out the causes and remedies for swollen legs
Dr Wright
Nutrition & Healing

Q: I read your message about preventing varicose veins. I have a different problem in my legs that I'm hoping you can help with. Both of my legs are very swollen below the knee. Do you know what might be causing it or if there's any way to make it go away?

Dr. Wright: Your first step should be to see a doctor who can run tests to make sure it's not something serious, such as a weak heart, liver or kidneys. If none of those things are at the root of your problem, you should also consider testing for other, less-serious possibilities including food allergies, insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.

If none of these things explain your swelling, and there's no other logical cause you may still be able to reduce it with horse chestnut supplements. Work with a physician skilled in herbal medicine who can help you find the best product and dose for your individual needs. To locate one in your area, contact the South African Society of Integrated Medicine at (021)887-5364 or lucia@integrativemedicine.co.za.