Niacin (vit B3) vs. Ezetimibe (Zetia) and Vytorin

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

We can see without help of magnifying glass that conventional medicine is on the road to a slow but relatively steady and complete breakdown to the so called "integrative model." Without doubt the above model will represent the Medicine of the Future. There is a sharp edge down the middle of the conventional (orthodox) medicine. One half, is strongly represented by the modern high leveled technology, with significant results in coping with acute cases and emergencies, while the other half, dealing with chronic degenerative conditions, as cancer, morbid obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson and Alzheimer disease, autoimmune diseases, etc. is just offering the " quick fix" symptomatic improvement but not the real cure. It will be a serious mistake to consider the conventional "early diagnosis" as a synonyme of "prevention."

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is well recognized as essential in the breakdown of fats and proteins. It also plays role in maintaining the health of the circulatory tract, multiple tissues and organs (liver, eyes, skin, hair and muscles), and the health of our central nervous system. In the human body,Vit B3 participates in more than 50 metabolic reactions. Niacin reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, increases good cholesterol (HDL) and normalizes the number of abnormally elevated triglycerides what improves blood circulation. Multiple endocrine hormones are Vitamin B3 dependant also. Good sources of Niacin are: meat, fish, milk, cereals, eggs, green vegetables, and cereal grains.

In a new study, published on Internet by the New England J of Medicine (2009), Zetia failed to shrink buildups in artery walls while its rival drug-Niaspan (slow release form of vit B3) did it. The study proved that adding extended-release niacin (Niaspan, Abbott) to statin therapy results in a significant regression of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intimae-media thickness (IMT), whereas the addition of Ezetimibe (Zetia, Merck/Schering-Plough) to statin therapy did not do a thing. Vytorin is a pill that combines Zetia with a statin. At the same time the slow-release version of niacin also raised the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) while Zetia did not. Of course, the study authors concluded that Zetia users also suffered more heart attacks and other problems although the numbers of these events were too small to draw firm final conclusions. The trial raised serious concerns on the use of Zetia and Vytorin — drugs still taken by millions of Americans to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. One may remember well that just a year ago the company was bragging on how well the two cousins drugs are working in reducing bad cholesterol. The heart association “conventionally” advises consumers against using over-the-counter vitamin versions (vit B3) in place of prescriptions, because they may have purity and potency issues and other risks.
If you think that alternative medicine is the one who is fighting successfully with the conventional (allopathic) medicine, you will make mistake again. It's a fight between two big pharmaceutical giants- Merck/Shering–Plough vs. Abbott. The medical doctors are seriously discouraged of the negative results offered by their conventional Alma Mather and turn to alternative medicine without any shame or necessity of a holistic degree. Above all they were the ones who bashed holistic medicine as “Unproven,” “Cut-poison,” “Funny,” “Joke,” and simply "Empiric" and did witch hunt on anyone who even dared to declare “statistically unproven” benefits of vitamins, minerals or botanicals.
I can bet that you could never hear about the benefits of B3 (Niacin) without the deep pockets of the Big Pharma, ever. But, I do not have any doubt, that sooner than ever you will hear on the benefits of other "unconventional" formulas that have been rejected before- botanicals, vitamins and minerals if pattented by the pharmaceutical companies. Just give it sometime and you will see proven significant benefits of the alternative medicine they laughed at, years ago. The only thing that will stay the same will be-the increasing profit and money revenue in the hands of some selected corporations and people who change their mind as soon as they can see financial profit. In the meantime a lot of people will die of heart attacks and cancer due to overradiation and saturation with dangerous chemicals pharmaceutical therapy.
“ Physicians have been pouring drugs, about which they know little, for diseases, about which they know less, into human beings about whom they know nothing “-- Voltaire.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

CAM Sociocultural & Psychological Issues

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

Everything that exists in this physical universe is comprised of various elements and in multiple combinations. The various combinations of elements determine the nature, character and qualities of these objects. The same goes for human beings and herbs (Hallfrisch 1995; 120-123). If the nature and the constitution of a herb runs contrary to the nature of the human metabolism on whom it iѕ employed, it will have аn аggrаvаting influence on the constitution that will override the symptom-specific nature of the herb, contributing to existing imbalances or creating new ones, even to the point of worsening the very symptom for which it is employed. Just as the various foods, type of nutraceuticals with different nutrient content, different qualities of herbs etc., must be matched to one’s metabolic syndrome management, for predictable, reliable and desirable effects to be achieved.
Accordingly, any disease including metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s or cancer can be seen as a process initiated on the information level that reflects the intrinsic complexity and liability of life processes. Once disturbed from the harmonious state, living systems can neither shape themselves into highly organized patterns and structures, nor can they respond properly to their environment. In the latest 21st century, there is a strong tendency, pаtients in unprecedented numbers to go outside of conventionаl medicine to look for unconventional help. This is а movement thаt hаs been building since the lаte 1960s аnd it is now reаching the point thаt visits to аlternаtive prаctitioners are starting to exceed visits to primаry cаre providers. The literаture is constantly speculating on the socio-cultural аnd psychologicаl reаsons for the аppeаl of аlternаtive medicines аmong thаt increased percent of population who use them in lieu of conventionаl medicine.
Naturopathic medicine is a healing art of assisting a person in recovery from ill health and maintaining well-being through stimulation, enhancement and support of the inherent healing capacity of his or her body by using natural means. It emphasizes that the body can heal itself if it is appropriately encouraged to do so. To facilitate complete recovery the underlying cause must be addressed. Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, a whole involving physical, emotional, genetic, environment and social factors. The naturopathic therapist must treat the whole person. Beyond an accurate diagnosis and right prescription, the physician must be a catalyst for healthful change and motivate the patient to assume responsibility for his or her own health. Most diseases are due to one’s own making. They are the result of a long term abuse in the form of living habits, faulty nutritional patterns and health unfriendly environmental factors.
The key postulates of naturopathic medicine are: "do no harm," "build health rather than fight disease, " "practice prevention" and "change your strategy when necessary". Naturopathic medical practice is based upon the premise that it is intrinsic to the nature of living organisms to self heal. The naturopathic physician understands illness to be a disruption of normal harmony or disbalance in orderly function. Healing therefore is the process by which living systems return to a resilient equilibrium, mainly unassisted or with the therapeutic support of the practitioner. Western medicine rarely takes into consideration the inherent organizing forces underlying known physiologic processes such as metabolism or tissue repair. Naturopathic medicine calls this primary principle the “vis medicatrix naturae”, or the healing power of Mother Nature.
There аre severаl socio-cultural and economical reаsons for the interest in these treаtments centered аround the increasing mistrust in trаditionаl medicine, а general dislike of the current delivery methods of scientific biomedicine, and the multiple drug’s side effects or data for constant drug abuse, аll of which hаve leаd pаtients to seek out аlternаtive medicine to treаt а vаriety of аilments. Jatrogenic death cases are reaching the third place in recent statistics behind heart disease and cancer. Mаny pаtients do not have аccess to contemporаry medicine, due to lаck of health insurаnce, which leаds them to seek out lower-cost аlternаtive medicine. The rаpid increаse in public interest аnd the successful use of complementаry аnd аlternаtive therаpies by word of a mouth is exerting а powerful influence on the level of medicаl educаtion аnd hаs gаined ground in severаl medicаl universities. One of the rapid movements towards natural medicine is observed in the sector of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). More than 90% of women insist on bioavailable hormones instead on synthetic ones.
Alternative medicine can be classified into five major domains of practice: alternative medical systems, mind-body techniques, biologically based therapies, body-based therapies, and energy therapies. Some approaches are understandable within the concepts of modern science. Others are nearly incomprehensible within that paradigm. А significаnt number of medicаl students considers another alternative education in complementаry and integrative therаpies. It is obvious that medicine of the future will be a combination between traditional and holistic medicine. Some people call that unit- “integrative” medicine, while others name it-”functional” medicine. It is obvious that medical educators are starting to reаlize thаt it is not а question of whether to аddress these issues in the educаtion of the future physiciаns, but rаther how to respond to nowadays relentless chаllenges.
Hence, mаny аlternаtive practices аre now in a process of moving to the hospitаl sector, one of them being acupuncture. The review of the literature suggests thаt lаrge number of physiciаns аre either referring to or prаcticing some of the more prominent аnd well known forms of CАM аnd thаt mаny physiciаns are already starting to believe thаt these therаpies аre useful and efficаcious. Yogа, for exаmple, is being tried out for the mаnаgement of cаrpаl tunnel syndrome. Yogа lifestyle intervention is аlso found to increаse the regression of coronаry аtherosclerosis in pаtients with severe coronаry аrtery diseаse. Hypnosis is being tried out in metаbolic syndrome clinics and for the mаnаgement of pаin. The Аmericаn Medicаl Аssociаtion (АMА) аnd other medicаl аssociаtions hаve formаlly recognized hypnosis аs а viаble medicаl treаtment. Clinicаl outcome аnd reseаrch pаpers in severаl аreаs of complementаry therаpies now find а plаce in orthodox medicаl journals, аnd it is no longer possible to mаintаin the trаditionаl medicаl stance thаt referring pаtients to complementаry therapists is unethical.
АMА hаs also recognized the need for medicаl schools to respond to the growing interest in аlternаtive health cаre prаctices. The result of the 1996-97 аnd 1997-98 Аnnuаl Medicаl School Questionnaire Pаrt II distributed by the Liaison Committee on Medicаl Educаtion indicаted а notable increаse in instruction in 'аlternаtive medicine'. Аlthough no medicаl school reported offering а sepаrаte required course in complementаry health cаre prаctice, medicаl schools covering these аreаs аs pаrt of а required course increаsed to 63 (from 46 in 1996-97) аnd medicаl schools offering а sepаrаte elective course increаsed to 54 (from 47 in 1996-97). In the 1996-97 аcаdemic yeаr, medicаl schools offered instruction аs pаrt of аn elective course, аnd 28 offered other educаtionаl experiences.
The request to look for safer treatment is changing medicine rather quickly. Multicentric clinicаl triаls were lаcking in the past due to financial and patent problems or to the pаucity of specific funding. In the United States, the Medicаl Reseаrch Council spent no money reseаrching complementаry therаpies in the period 1998-99 while in 1999 the US medicаl reseаrch charities spent only 0.05% of their totаl budget. At the same the country that completely recognized alternative medicine and included it officially in their traditional practice is India. During the last 12 years, the Indiаn Council of Medicаl Reseаrch hаs set up а unique network throughout the country for carrying out controlled clinicаl triаls for herbаl medicines. Using this network, the council showed the efficаcy of severаl holistic medicines, including Picrorhiziа kurroа in liver steatosis аnd Pterocаrpus mаrsupium in diаbetes. Аs а result of these triаls, the above herbs are used even in аllopаthic clinics. The Union Ministry for Health & Fаmily Welfаre (UMHFW) hаs аsked the medicаl council of Indiа to include the bаsic principles аnd concept of the Indiаn system of medicine аnd homeopаthy in the course content of MBBS.
Despite the increasing use of alternative medicine in the United States and throughout the world, most alternative therapies have not been evaluated using rigorously conducted scientific tests of efficacy based on actual evidence. Other therapies reported on in this issue include relaxation techniques, herbal medicine, massage therapy, chiropractic care, multivitamins, self-help groups, imagery techniques, commercial diet nutritional supplements, folk remedies, lifestyle diet, energy healing such as magnets, homeopathy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture. In 1992, the Office of Alternative Medicine within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was formed to research the effectiveness and safety of alternative therapies. This office became the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 1999.
Without doubt, the effectiveness of alternative medicine treatments is still an important consideration. Some therapies have been shown to be effective for specific conditions, and these therapies are applied more broadly. Double-blind аnd well-designed clinicаl triаls hаve started to appear in the last few years. Double blind studies that have been conducted with Cinnamon, soy protein, recombinant HGH, American ginseng and many others, but these treatments hаve not been widely implemented. Many forms of alternative medicine have not undergone thorough evaluation. However, a lack of proof does not mean that a therapy is ineffective, but rather, that its effectiveness has not been established. If an alternative therapy has been proved ineffective, its use cannot be further advocated scientifically. The greatest risk occurs when a person is treated by an alternative medicine approach in place of a proven conventional medicine approach, although data suggest this is rarely the case.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Why Stress is Detrimental?

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

We all know that stress is quite detrimental to the human body. One of the main scientific explanations behind this statement is that stress promotes lipid peroxidation in the liver. The human body is well-designed to handle temporary spikes of physical and emotional stress, but how much and how long and in what way stress affects human health varies from person to person. .
Chronic emotional stress can dramatically increase risk of heart attack, stroke, and even cancer, as when people are stressed, their cardiovascular, nervous, hormonal and endocrine systems work in partnership to cope, provoking quick narrowing of vessels, increasing the rate of blood coagulation, causing irregular heartbeats, and building up arterial plaque. Under stress, adrenal hormones induce the release of fat and sugar into the blood to be used for immediate energy supply (Bjorntorp, 2001; Bjorntorp & Rosmond, 2000).
Stress disrupts normal hormonal levels, influencing immune system strength and eating habits (Innes, Vincent & Taylor, 2007). People who are not able to handle stress well show high blood sugar and decreased release of insulin from the pancreas (Viner, Mc Grath & Trudinger, 1996). Extreme emotional stress (grief, anger, worry, fear) can cause the “broken heart syndrome “(BHS), also known as cardiomyopathy (Innes et al., 2007).
Stress and disease connection is topic that is researched quite extensively in the scientific literature (Dunbar et al., 2008). Dyslipidemia and mainly lipid peroxidation play an important role in metabolic syndrome development. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the accelerated atherosclerosis and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (Cameron & Cotter, 1993; Lyons, 1993), and can result in widespread DNA cellular damage (Halliwell, 1994). Central to atherosclerosis main pathogenesis combined with an earlier endothelial dysfunction is believed to be an oxidative damage of the LDL cholesterol (Lyons, 1993). Clots may easily block an artery already narrowed by plaque, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, or aortic dissection.
In a recent study, scientists restrained mice, what induced serious level of stress in these animals. After 28 hours of being restraint, blood levels of the key liver enzyme ALT increase. At the same time the level of stress reduced their blood's ability to neutralize toxic free radicals. It is already well known that bilberries and blueberries can prevent macular degeneration. In this mice study was found that these little juicy fruits can assure help not only for macular prevention but also in chronic stress. When the researchers fed the mice bilberry extract, the oxidative stress improved and they showed smaller rises in the liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) than the mice that didn't eat the bilberry. Moreover, the key chemical marker-- malondialdehyde, was significantly lower in the bilberry supplemented groups.
Because stress can be a contributing factor for multiple degenerative diseases, meditation and relaxation techniques may also be very helpful. These can be practiced in conjunction with, or independent of, daily exercise or a yoga session. Yoga Journal offers several descriptions of specific meditation exercises. Some exercises involve deep breathing; others simply involve sitting quietly and either focusing on a specific thought, or letting go of all thoughts. Meditation is an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety, but should be practiced on a regular basis in order to achieve lasting benefits.
People who practice meditation and yoga are able to control and manage stress better than those who do not practice. It is noted that people who change their total lifestyle strategy and who use stress management relaxing techniques are able to control metabolic syndrome much better than those who only change their diets. Stress management techniques can improve long-term glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes (Surwit et al., 2002).
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Fighting "Denialism"

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

The anti-homeopathic, anti-vitamin and anti-herbal propaganda or the so called “anti-Eastern” medicine movement is a reaction to the high handed arrogance of the conventional medical establishment, sponsored by the big giants of Corporate America. You may hear casual news on the beneficial effect of some vitamins or nutrients and the immediate “denialism” that the same do not work or that they have not proven benefits. It's a tragedy that safe, natural remedies, vitamins or minerals are deliberately ignored in favor of greed and profit. Immediate phrase as “more scientific studies” are needed is following the above approach.

We must remember that constant “denialism” may kill people as it is energetically negative. After leafing through latest literature data, while reading the April issue (2010) of Reader’s Digest and its so called anti-vitamin “propaganda” news data, it is quite easy to understand, that statements like these contain no facts, but only vague attempts to conflate “denialism” and causality. It's a tragedy that achievements of one of the oldest (Eastern and Western) Worlds are deliberately ignored in favor of ignorance, greed, and profit.

At the same time the opposite “anti-educational” or “anti-science” movement is only a symptom of the irrationality phenomenon--that ugly child of the Western “antiintellectualism.” People are conditioned to believe that it’s almost “inhuman” or “unmanly” to be exceptionally educated and smart. People of intelligence are sent clear signals to hide their gifts, under the term of being “overqualified” so the average people don't feel threatened. Later in life, nerds are tolerated only insofar as they make the gadgets run and keep bringing advancements in our Western elevated standard of living. People are instructed that “simple” minds are honest minds with Godly spirits. Thus, nobody wants or attempts to get exceptionally smart. Of course, we don't want, especially to be dumb, but surely not one of those “nerds."
Thus, we come to a place where, everyone has his/her own private set of statements, visions or principles. In the particular case of a science, most people don't have any meaningful exposure to it in schools. Modern science is intertwined with mathematics, a difficult discipline that is often taught poorly in primary schools. Lack of mathematical fluency is a barrier to much scientific understanding. In addition, the discipline of logic is not taught in primary schools, despite being an essential tool for evaluating what might or might not be true.

Born an European, I grew up in an environment where intelligence was the way to escape from the grotesque physical deformity of leading the traumatizing laboring style of life or to avoid the so called life of the peasant. It was agonizing to study all day long, or to play instruments in the rest of the time, instead of playing with classmates. I've since grown up, created a dynamic stereotype to build a degree after degree, or to learn language after another, requiring the same from my children. I could not leave that part of me back in my childhood and consider it as an odd phenomenon that seems to have a patchy distribution across one part of the European World.

Use Food as Your Best Remedy (Part II)

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

As you get older, make sure that the foods you consume are “nutrient-dense”, and try to eliminate all empty calorie foods like candy and sodas. Nutrient-dense foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and phytochemicals, and are relatively low on calories. As people get older they tend to lose muscle mass, and as consequence they burn off fewer calories each day and gain easily pounds. So it is very important to reassure that the food you eat doesn’t carry empty calories in it.
As you get older it is essential to get extra calcium and vit D3 or foods containing them, as bones are becoming brittle. When we speak about the main bone strengthening nutrients you must consider: Vitamins A, C, D, K, B6, Folic Acid, and few minerals and trace minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Boron, Silica, Zinc and Cooper. Calcium is of course the first in the list. Consider vegetables and green foods as spinach, kale, nettle and other green foods, sesame seeds, pure maple syrup and seaweed as your main and primary source for calcium. Blackstrap molasses, unsalted raw nuts, soybeans, vegetables, fruits and legumes are known as the best foods for strong bones. They will supply you with an impressive list of nutrients: calcium, manganese, copper, vit K and zinc. I am not mentioning milk and other dairy foods on purpose, as there are many people who cannot simply tolerate them - having lactose intolerance, or sensitivity. Above all most of the diary foods are rich on saturated fat, and as we age- we must abstain as much as possible of highly saturated fats.
Naturally, if you can tolerate milk, yogurt, kefir, and cheese- you are free to use them in your daily diet. Low fat milk, cheese and yogurt are the best sources of Calcium supply. For example 1 cup of fat-free yogurt contains 415 mg of this important bone-building nutrient, or 41% of the TV. You can also add a little brewer’s yeast to your diet as it is a good supplier of calcium, folic acid, vitamin B6 and zinc. Do not forget that all of the above are important for a good bone formation. At the same time you must be careful with too much phosphorus as too much of it can cause calcium lose. That is why I can advise you to look for foods that have an ideal calcium/phosphorus ratio close to one to one. Those are mainly most of the fruits and vegetables as for example- apples, radishes, and pears. Cherries and berries are the best osteoporosis preventers as they are rich on vit C and flavonoids, (especially when eaten in season) what makes them one of the best natural “osteoporosis fighters.” Green and red bell peppers, brown rice, leafy green vegetables, and mainly the herb-horsetail are good silica supplier.
Despite, calcium is the main mineral for strong bones, never underestimate his twin brother- the magnesium. Magnesium is not only one of the key nutrients required in both calcium utilization and protein synthesis, but it also plays a tremendous role in virtually every enzymatic reaction in our body. It is also known as the “magic mineral.” While it is rather easily obtained from many foods (in whole grains, nuts and green vegetables) magnesium deficiencies are extremely common nowadays due to the presence of fluoride, and the consumption of alcohol and certain foods that increase the need for magnesium supplementation, as they decrease its absorption. Calcium and Magnesium are macro-minerals that have to be supplied together as they work synergistically. They are best taken at night as they will relax you and will assure you with a good night sleep.
Iron is one of the minerals that are quite questionable and problematic. Some people do not get enough iron, while others who prefer meat in their diet get too much of it. After menopause women need less iron, especially after they stop menstruating. Iron is blamed for the free radicals overload, and as an obvious cancer promoter. Iron is lately blamed for metabolic syndrome appearance, known as the cluster of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk factors including elevated waist circumference, high blood sugar and blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels. The presence of three or more of the above factors increases a person’s risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Natural organic iron is contained in green foods. They should be taken in addition to any diet as they represent a synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals (including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and potassium), essential amino acids, chlorophyll, flavonoids, many trace elements, enzymes and antioxidants, plus a high level of enzymatic activity that is necessary for building new, strong, healthy and vital cells in your body.
The concept of “calorie restriction” (eating fewer calories) is proven to extend lives and helps slow down aging while improves the body/fat percentage and the level of free radicals. The Louisiana State University followed 48 people for a period of 6 months, and found that calorie restrictive diets can lover fasting insuline levels and body temperature- both markers of longevity. Calorie restriction diets” reset” your metabolism so it works more efficiently, and the body shifts its focus from reproductive growth to long-term survival. When you take fewer calories, your body produces fewer free radicals while it turns food into energy. Thus, you have less oxidative damage, at the same time if you drastically reduce your caloric intake-you might be reach the point of being highly malnourished.
That is why in order to be healthy, one must follow the “prudent-pattern” of a diet. In general, the “Western-pattern” of diet is heavy on fried foods, refined grains, processed meat, red meat, pasta, eggs and soda, and light on legumes, fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. “Prudent-pattern” of a diet, by contrast, favors cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, radish and broccoli), carotenoid vegetables (e.g., carrots, pumpkins, red pepper, cabbage, broccoli and spinach), fruits, fish and seafood, poultry and whole grains, along with low-fat dairy. Findings behind this statement emerged from an analysis of dietary intake by 9,514 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. It was a study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Unlike other researchers who have investigated relationships between nutrients and cardiovascular risk, ARIC researchers specifically studied food intake. They assessed food intake using a 66-item food frequency questionnaire and from the responses, they categorized people by their dietary preferences into a Western-pattern diet or a “prudent-pattern” diet. The Leading author of the study stated, “Fried foods are typically synonymous with commonly eaten fast foods, so I think it is safe to say that these findings support a link between fast-food consumption and an increase in metabolic risk factors.”
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to variety of age-relating problems-wrinkles, atherosclerosis, cataracts. When sugar attaches to proteins it contributes to cross linkages, inflammation and oxidative damage in the aging body. AGE can develop within the human body, when you have high blood sugar, or by eating meats that have been cooked at high temperatures. It seems as a vise idea to keep sugary foods and excessive meat consumption in the diet under strong control and monitoring.
Recently it was found that 4.5 mln of Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number doubled since 1980. The expectations are that the number will skyrocket to 16 mln by 2050. Of course, nobody still know what is causing this highly degenerative, progressive and pro-inflammatory disease , but the brains shrinks and shrivel by deposits of amyloid plaques (protein). It's good news that we are living longer today, but bad news that the longer we live, the better our odds of developing Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the best foods for a healthy aging are fruits, vegetables, low fat, moderate complex carbohydrates, whole grains (if you are not allergic or sensitive). All processed foods, full-fat cheeses, and meats cooked under high temperature (fried or broiled) must be used sparingly.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

The Autoimmune Paradigm

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

Autoimmune diseases have something in common with cancer. Both diseases are chronic, progressive degenerative proinflammatory diseases, with not well known etiology and pathogenesis (reason and mechanism of appearance), not well known and proven treatment, and maybe one of their main difference with cancer is that the last one is a byproduct of the extremely suppressed immunity, while autoimmune diseases are due to the paradoxically or pathologically increased immune system that recognizes its proper organs and tissues as unknown (alien ones) and attacks them.
Autoimmune diseases, show symptoms that range from mild and middle rated to life-threatening, but most of them can go into short of long term remission- in terms of weeks, months and even years. Conventional medicine manages autoimmune symptoms with two main group of drugs: 1) Immunosuppressive drugs [Imuran (Azathioprine), Leukeran (Chorambucil), Isoleukeran, Methotrexate] and 2) Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs (Prednisone) that can control the severity of symptoms. While being helpful, the above drugs should be used with caution, due to 1) their multiple side effects and 2) while helping-they can reduce the chance the disease to will into its natural remission. In case if you face autoimmune disease you will need a multifaceted comprehensive program that is designed to help overcome your symptoms and to restore your previous stable health. A drug called beta-interferon has become the conventional treatment for autoimmune diseases. While it can slow the progression of the disease, it is quite expensive and produces unpleasant side effects.
Signs & Symptoms that you may face:
1. Frequent fatigue
2. Unexpected falling episodes
3. Trouble climbing stairs or standing from a seated position
4. A foot that seems to drop when walking, causing tripping
5. Weakened hand grip
6. Difficulty swallowing
7. Weakness and noticeable shrinking of the quadriceps (main muscle of the thighs), causing falls
8. Weakness in the forearm muscles or of muscles below the knees, causing the foot to drop and toes to catch when walking
9. Weakness of flexor muscles of the fingers used for gripping
10. Weakness of throat muscles, causing trouble swallowing (dysphagia) and possibly choking
11. Pain or discomfort as muscles weaken
Cutting-edge research reveals that many people with autoimmune diseases share certain genetic commonalities that are known markers for gluten intolerance. Many holistic healers found that when they treat the food intolerance, the other problems fade away without any need for prednisone or other immune-suppressants or cytostatics.
A relatively new study found that household insecticides may be linked to autoimmune diseases. Parks the lead investigator of this study concluded at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in Philadelphia PA (2009, October 17) that her team findings do raise a red flag. In her proper words “It is hard to envision what other factors might explain this association.”
Autoimmune diseases tend to flare up after short or longer periods of remission as well as in response to emotional ups and downs. Thus, any form of mind/body treatment-hypnosis, meditation, psychotherapy, cognitive restructuring, guided imaginary, personal autosuggestion or biofeedback may be extremely helpful. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are also of an immense help but you have to turn to a well trained Chinese traditional naturopath for the above purpose.
Even though I always considered that there are multiple aspects to be covered when dealing with autoimmune disease without significance what exactly the autoimmune disease diagnosis might be, I do definitely agree that a good diet and the addition of dietary supplements in term of a good multivitamin with minerals (trace minerals) are one of the most important first and second step that should be considered. If you are asking why, my answer is quite simple. Just due to the fact that those are diseases in which the immune system is not performing on its best, and it works with elevated speed or at least not at its desired level, there is a need to help the body to modulate it. You do not need immunopotentiating formulas, but you may consider immunomodulators
Dietary changes that might be of help:
1. Try to reduce protein intake to 10-15% of your total calories. You may replace animal protein with a plant protein. In case you cannot separate with meats in your diet- consume organic ones predominantly.
2. Make attempt to avoid milk, yolk and dairy byproducts. You may indulge organic fetta cheese only in time of remission.
3. Eat more seasonable and organic fruits and vegetables. The main diet should consist of plenty of seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouts (with the exception of alfalfa sprouts), green foods or super foods.
4. Eliminate all polyunsaturated vegetable oils (margarine, vegetable shortening, partially hydrogenated oils, and mainly trans-fats acids) deep-fried and all the foods that might contain them. Use virgin olive oil or coconut oil for cooking instead.
5. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by consuming wild Alaskan salmon, or other oily non-farmed cold fish, flax seeds oil or consider a complementary 3 omega formula -1-3 g/ day
6. Add a good multivitamin and antioxidant to your daily routine. For enhancing your energy, you may consider: acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and coenzyme Q10 of 30 mg (2-3 times daily)
7. You can add Lactobacillus and Acidophilus culture while soluble fiber and psyllium may help if constipation is a problem, together with the ayurvedic herbal Triphala.
8. Walk and exercise when possible and as much as your body can tolerate.
9. You should rest between your daily chores.
10. Assure at least 8h of a good night sleep.
11. If you are suffering from excessive fatigue, concentrate on getting adequate rest. In addition, you could take Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Ashwagandha or Cordyceps, a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom that may help fight fatigue and boost energy levels. Ashwagandha and Ayurvedic herbs might be very helpful.
13. Ensure enough sun light daily and try to do “deep breathing” exercises. Vit D3 is one of the best immunomodulators in case of autoimmune disease diagnosis.
14. If you accept your emotions of anger, denial or frustration that are all usually staged feelings you will feel much better while dealing with autoimmune diseases. Try to maintain your daily routine as best you can and don't neglect doing the things you enjoy. By eliminating all the stress and any negative influences, including negative people or people who consume your proper energy you will improve your health status.
15. Exercise: One of the best thing you can do for yourself is finding time and power for at least 20 - 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, or simple daily walking on a daily basis. A British study found that 55 percent of the chronic fatigue patients who took part in a 12-week exercise program rated themselves better after just one year of aerobic exercise 74 percent of all patients considered themselves very much improved.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Adjusting Your Proper Body Ecosystem

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

The bacteria in the intestines operate as little body-friendly ecosystem. Too few or too much of particular species can produce excessive digestive disturbances, fermentation, bloating, pain, etc, named with the medical term "DYSBIOSIS".
What is Dysbiosis? That is one of the most common disorders of the digestive system where the balance of good bacteria versus harmful (pathogenic) bacteria in the colon is seriously disrupted. The gut flora ecosystem can be easily disrupted by poor nutrition, stress, surgery, parasitic infestation, and drugs- (antibiotics, corticosteroids and painkillers). The healthy gut should ideally contain over several pounds of friendly bacteria.
Probiotics and they include (Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., E. coli,). Pro-bio in Greek language means Prolife. Thus probiotics help digest and absorb the food you eat, and play a role in generating very important nutrients without which we cannot survive (as vitamin B-12). But the main action of the Probiotics is to keep our immune system functioning properly, prevent food allergies, help repair the gut lining, and suppress bad bacteria. They not only break down all your food into essential nutrients, but also participate in the metabolism of hormones, in particular estrogens.
As a student in medicine and later on as a PhD in microbiology I have been researching for years on the right approach to prevent or treat the most serious complication after a long term chemotherapy in oncology patients- called 'pseudomembraneous colitis'. In the above case the entire lining of the colon disrupts, resulting in bloody, mucous-filled diarrhea. It is provoked by overgrowing anaerobic bacteria named Clostridium difficile. I observed also that many of my patients complained of the same gut inflammation despite they have never taken broad spectrum antibiotics, but used the meat from antibiotic treated animals. Thus I already knew (despite nobody was engaged with exact explanation of the above case) at the same moment when kill the bad (pathological) bacteria, we kill also the good ones, without which we simply cannot live longer enough.
We have to remember that as we age, this so called "army" of normal healthy residents decreases dangerously also. In a healthy individual, the beneficial bacteria inhabit the digestive tract in huge numbers, balancing out harmful bacteria, aiding digestion, and supporting immune function. This healthy gut flora can usually be maintained with sufficient dietary foods such as plain yogurt and kefir (the products that contain millions of "living cultures"), and lignans (such as flaxseed), carrots, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, millet, and buckwheat. The digestive tract can be also recolonized by introducing enough good bacteria to overpower the bad bacteria, but dietary sources alone can't provide organisms in the vast numbers required to correct an imbalance. That job usually requires a high-potency probiotics as a nutritional supplement. Taking probiotics, which restock the gut with good bacteria, can help allot.
Enzymes are one of the main keys to a normal cellular life. When we are young, our body (stomach, pancreas, etc) naturally secretes all kind of enzymes (digestive, metabolic etc). They participate in every biological process. Thus our body breaks down the food we eat while making it well absorbable, while our metabolism stays healthy and strong. In fact, the enzymes are so important to the human organism that any malfunction of even one enzyme decline can lead to severe malabsorption, leading to a degenerative disease. Unfortunately with aging our enzyme productions, as well as many other functions tend to slow down. We complain of bloating, indigestion, gas, frequent diarrhea, and/ or constipation etc. As the digestive process deteriorates, energy decreases, while fatigue, lethargy, infection and disease increases. Most adults don't have enough digestive enzymes in their body system because cooking and processing food destroys the natural enzymes present in raw foods.
The Bottom Line is that with aging except enzymes you need probiotics and prebiotics too. Especially in case you overuse antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Here is a brief summary of the most important enzymes and probiotics that come to your gut rescue. If you're not taking a digestive aid with your food or nutritional supplements, you might use the half of their benefits due to decreased absorption.
Enzymes:
· Protease breaks down protein-rich foods (the most difficult to digest)
· Amylase helps digest carbohydrates
· Lipase takes on the fats
· Cellulase and Hemicellulase break down plant cell walls
· Lactase breaks down milk and dairy products
· Invertase breaks down sucrose
· Bromelain and Papain are the anti inflammatory (systemic) enzymes
Probiotics- Normal residents (Good) Bacteria
· Bifidobacterium bifidum is helping you absorb your vitamins and minerals.
· Bifidobactrium lactis.
· Lactobacillus sporogenes to keep things moving at an even clip.
· Lactobacillus Bulgaricus- (maintains the equilibrium between Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei and Bifidobacterium spp.).
· Lactobacillus Casei and Paracasei.
· Lactobacillus salivarius.
· Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
· Lactobacillus acidophilus which helps you to digest dairy products, creates natural antibodies to boost your immune system and produces vitamin-K, an essential nutrient for healthy bones.
· Aloe juice can be taken with probiotics also.
Prebiotics are beneficial carbohydrates that can nourish the growth and to promote the activity of the Good bacteria (Probiotics). Thus they also participate in the stimulation and the maintenance of our immunity. Prebiotics include: fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), lactoferrin and arabinogalactan. The good bacteria can metabolize and utilize the prebiotics but the bad bacteria (like Proteus vulgarus and mirabilis, Clostridium Difficile, Pseudomonas, and Serratia) cannot.
Note* Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans can utilize prebiotics for its metabolism. But she is relatively rate in the above cases. The fungi Candida albicans that can also overgrow the bowel can use FOS for its metabolism, as it thrives on Yeast. Thus people with Candida infestations or with disrupted immunity (as autoimmune diseases or cancer) should stay away of FOS.
In order you to promote proper digestion and elimination you need:
1. Digestive enzymes
2. Systemic enzymes
3. Colon cleanse
4. Fiber- gentle cleansing
5. Detoxification
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2010, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Botanicals For Metabolic Help

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

The human body has a communication system that controls how cells behave between themselves. You remember that when you were young you could eat whatever you wanted and still not gain weight. This was because your body had the right balance of hormones, enzymes and other factors that controlled the size and hormonal production of fat cells. You were then in the so called “homeostatic zone.” As you age this system breaks down, the fat cells are not only getting bigger, but they also increase in numbers. The body chemistry goes step by step out of balance and all of the above chaos interferes with the hormonal production and signaling between these cells.
With aging we are facing other age-related problems: obesity with or without elevated bad cholesterol (VLDL), high blood sugar, hypertonia, high triglycerides, decreased good cholesterol (HDL) and many other symptoms known as the Deadly Quartet or Metabolic Syndrome. Having just one or two of the above problems doesn’t diagnose anyone with metabolic syndrome, but it does add to the risk of it. If more than two and even three of the above conditions occur in combination, the risk of having it is becoming even greater. Above all, most people don't have their fat distributed evenly throughout their bodies. Each of us inherits a genetically determined and hormonally-influenced pattern of fat storage just as we inherit our eye or hair color. In other words, the fat seems to "stick" to certain areas more than others. That is why some people looks like “apples” while other as “pears,” while third look like “sand watches.”
The explanation is quite simple as there is a scientific and physiological explanation behind this. The fat cells are not just inert "storage warehouses" - they are actually endocrine organs or glands which send and receive signals from the rest of the body. Imagine that your fat cells are instruments that play concerto under the stick of the conductor. The conductor– is your genetics and all of this occurs throughout enzymatic regulation and a well tuned hormonal-receptors system. Another way to understand this is to say that your fat cells "talk” to your body while the body "answers” back to his proper fat cells. The human fat cells have two types of receptors known as Beta 1 and Alpha 2. While B1 are playing the “good guys” tune- the A2 are the “bad guys.” Beta 1 receptors activate the enzyme “lipase,” that breaks down the fat and allows it to be released and utilized for fuel by the body, while Alpha 2 receptors block the fat-releasing enzyme in the fat cell and encourage body fat formation. Unfortunately the abdominal region of men and the hips and thighs in women are quite abundant of Alpha 2 receptors. Again the above process is conducted by genetics and dictated by the hormonal and enzymatic pathways we have already discussed. Thus, for the purpose body fat loss to occur you must first get the adipocytes to release the fat into the bloodstream and then the free fatty acids must be delivered to the working muscles where they are burned for energy. For fat to be released, the hormone adrenaline (epinephrine) must be secreted and send a signal to your fat cells. The fat cells receive this adrenal hormonal signal via specific receptors called adrenoreceptors.
Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the today’s Western World, and the number of people who struggle with it or its deadly consequences continues to rise. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that over 50 million Americans have Metabolic Syndrome. The reason for the increased incidence of it in the highly industrialized countries is mainly due to the high level of stress, malnutrition, use of over processed food, and physical inactivity. It includes cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), hypertension, high triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and high levels of low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) combined with high fasting glucose levels (insulin resistance).
Losing weight is hard but not impossible. Deciding which the best weight loss program is seems even harder. The internet is a big place, and everywhere you turn there is another sales advertisement claiming that their fitness and diet plan is the best weight loss program. You can even try to do and overdo them all, and I am sure you do all the right things, but still end up with an out of control waistline. No matter how carefully you watch your calorie intake and daily exercise, the pounds are starting to add up until an additional fat layer around your middle is formed. I am sure that you seriously doubt you are the same good looking person you used to be. As you age the fat cells continue to build up due to overeating, insufficient physical activity, stress, depression, insomnia, hormone imbalance and other causes.
Scientists have finally identified specific factors that cause aging people to accumulate unwanted fat pounds. However, these factors fail to address the reason many aging individuals put on extra pounds despite making great efforts to eat less, to exercise more, to take dietary supplements or to follow other practices that should theoretically lead to weight loss. For example, Leptin is a hormone, produced by fat cells, that works to maintain a lean body. Leptin tells the brain when you’ve consumed enough food so you are no longer hungry. Leptin also contributes to the breakdown of stored fat for energy. When you were younger, this naturally occurring hormone signaled your brain that you were full, shutting off hanger pangs. It also signaled your fat to breakdown so it could be burned as energy. When these signals were working, you didn't get hungry as often and your fat was burned naturally. However, as you got older, your cells became more "leptin resistant.” In other words, fat cells built up and CRP protein sticks to the Leptin and can then no longer communicate with your brain so you always feel hungry and the fat inside your cells is not burned. This is called leptin resistance as leptin is no longer able to effectively regulate body weight.
Like insulin resistance, leptin resistance is a chronic inflammatory condition that contributes directly to progressive weight gain, stubborn weight loss, and subsequent weight regain.If you remain leptin resistant you could always be vulnerable to age-related fat gain, no matter how much you exercise or how well you eat. Increasing and maintaining leptin sensitivity may be the key to finally losing excess pounds and keep them off for good. It also switches on appetite-suppressing signals; telling your brain to stop being hungry and start burning calories, without dangerous appetite suppressants. The good news is medical research scientists have identified and have found a "useful tool" for battling this growing problem.
Herbs have been used for centuries in Eastern (Chinese and Ayurvedic) and Western holistic medicine. In fact most of today’s pharmaceuticals are reproduced from their botanical forms. Their safety is reviewed by McGuffin, Hobbs, Upton and Goldberg (1997). Comparative evaluation of the hypoglycemic activity of some Indian medicinal plants in alloxan diabetic rats is done by a team (Kar, Choudhary & Bandyopadhyay, 2003). Around 400 botanicals are until now reported in the international literature to treat metabolic syndrome and diabetes. As there are not proven controlled trials for most of them, only herbs with proven clinical efficacy will be analyzed in the study (Werbach, & Murray, 1993). The use of botanicals in metabolic syndrome holistic treatment should be directed to lower glucose intolerance and to reverse insulin resistance (Yeh, Eisenberg, Kaptchuk & Phillips, 2003; Werbach & Murray, 1993) to manage dyslipidemia, and to reduce obesity and hypertonia (Doc & Riley, 2003). The clinical applications of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs are researched by Bone (1996). The metabolic health-promoting properties of common herbs are studied by Craig (1999) and their safety explained in Mc Guffin (1997). Meletis and Barker (2006) studied the role of several medicinal mushrooms and their benefits in chronic degenerative diseases.
According to the literature, metabolic syndrome can be healed by the use of several herbs: American ginseng (Panax Guinguifolia), Ayurvedic herbs (Gymnema Sylvestre), and Chinese botanicals: Chinese Bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia), Green tea (Chantre & Lairon, 2002) and the so called "thermogenic" or weight loss herbs (Moro & Basile, 2000). By using these plants and by eliminating nutritional deficiency, the metabolic syndrome can be prevented and even reversed. Several other botanicals have been employed for treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome and its cluster of disturbances. The insulin-like biological activity of culinary and medicinal plant extracts in vitro is researched by a team (Bro?dhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000).
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This is an Eastern system of holistic traditional healing that is centuries old (Gao, 2004; Yin, Zhang & Ye, 2008). In the management of metabolic syndrome TCM is an excellent representative of the alternative healing with centennial theoretical system and substantial amount of herbal remedies. Chinese use a combination of multiple herbs for diabetes treatment (Yeh et al., 2003) between them Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Lonicera japonica and others.

In a recent article (Yin et al., 2008) the basic principle of TCM is explained, using a background of 25 traditional Chinese herbs, reviewed for their potential activities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Ginseng, rhizoma coptidis (berberine, the major active compound) and bitter melon are discussed in detail concerning their metabolic syndrome therapeutic potentials. The clinical application of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs is researched by Bone (1996).
Bitter melon (Bitter gourd or Momordica charantia). Bitter melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of the Caribbean Sea and South and Central America, Africa and Asia. It is used traditionally for blood sugar control and to keep the body metabolism to function normally. Three of its active “steroid like” constituents (charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids) were proven to promote healthy blood sugar levels in a study by Chan, Chen, Go, Lam and Li (2005). The study established the blood-sugar lowering action of the fresh fruit and of the extract of the unripe fruit in human clinical trials, as well as in experimental models in rats (Chan et al., 2005).
Bitter melon was proven to be able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals and to reduce adiposity in bitter melon-fed rats (Laureen et al., 2005). It also showed beta cells protection properties, enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced oxidative stress in a study done by Yin, Zhang and Ye (2008). Bitter melon was shown being able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals with pronounced insulin sensitivity while reduced oxidative stress was also observed by two teams (Yin et al., 2008; Laureen et al., 2005).
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus). This is an herb, native to the Mediterranean region. It is the root (rhizomes) of this plant that is used medicinally. The mechanism of action of the herbal extract appears to be strengthening blood vessels, notably with collagen. It can be also used as a mild diuretic. The herb may reduce orthostatic hypertension without raising the blood pressure, as some other treatments do (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Russian tarragon. The action of Russian tarragon in metabolic syndrome natural healing was shown in “in vivo” model in mice in a study that presented data that suggest that one of the major botanical extracts of Russian tarragon may manifest a mouse-strain genotype-specific insulin-sensitizing phenotype (Zubery, 2008). Despite the results cannot be directly extrapolated in humans that open the door for future experiments.
Gingko biloba. Gingko biloba is an herbal extract that has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues, including the heart. It has been shown to give cardiac protection against stroke and atherosclerosis, beling effective for hearing disorders and dizziness where blood flow is poor. It may offer significant protective action against strokes, and it protects arterial walls (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Olive Leaf Extract. According to a recent study, food supplementation with olive leaf extract was proven to reduce blood pressure in borderline hypertensive monozygotic twins. The study claimed that the olive plant (fruit, oil and leaves) can be a significant natural source for treating a wide variety of ailments—decreased immunity, postmenopausal syndrome and many others (Perrinjaquet-Moccetti et al., 2008).
Hawthorn Berry. Hawthorn Berry works as a cardiac tonic, and may be used for cardiovascular conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary circulation problems and arrhythmias. It is also used to increase cardiac output reduced by hypertension or pulmonary disease, to treat hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia (Mashour, Lin & Frishman, 1998).
Guggulipid (Myrrh). This plant extract is used to lower high cholesterol, and to treat atherosclerosis, arthritis, and assist in weight loss. Guggul is the extract of the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Guggulsterones can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, may have an antioxidant effect on lipids and may have thyroid-stimulating activity. Preliminary evidence suggests that it has protective effects against drug-induced myocardial necrosis. A study suggests guggul extracts might have anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity and may also lower lipoprotein and C-reactive protein (Vaidya, 1997).
Irvingia garbonensis: The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Nation’s Medical Research Agency reports: “An extract of the West African plant Irvingia gabonensis, or African Mango, significantly reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight humans and favorably impacts adipogenesis through a variety of critical metabolic pathways.” In other words, the African Mango is an adaptogen; it helps your body to normalize bodily processes, helping you finally shed pounds. This scientific discovery may reverse today’s epidemic of obesity by specifically correcting “leptin-resistance.” This study concludes that for the first time, humans can benefit from their own leptin because it can now enter cells and induce massive weight loss.
Grape seed extract (GSE). GSE is also used for diabetes complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy, improving wound healing, preventing dental caries, cancer prevention, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), poor night vision, liver cirrhosis, allergic rhinitis, and prevention of collagen breakdown. GSE contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) or procyanidins which are responsible for these (antioxidant) actions. GSE is often used for preventing cardiovascular disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, edema associated with injury or surgery, and myocardial or cerebral infarction. A team of researchers (Moreno et al., 2003) found that GSE strongly inhibit pancreatic lipase in a “dose-dependent” manner. These findings implied that human adipocytes might absorb GSE from the circulation comparatively to Orlistat, which works only in the intestine. Thus, GSE could potentially reduce the levels of circulating free fatty acids and help prevent insulin resistance in obese people (Moreno et al., 2003).
Spanish experts analyzed the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins on healthy male rats with normal blood lipid levels. GSE extract improves plasma lipid profile; it lowers triglycerides by 50% and apolipoproteins-B by 40%. It also significantly lowers free fatty acids and LDL (“bad cholesterol”) while slightly increasing HDL (“good cholesterol”) while the total cholesterol levels are not changed. Hence, a single dose may improve lipid profile and improve atherosclerotic risk index in rats (Del Bas et al., 2005). Another team of researchers summarized their results by suggesting that a combination of GSE and chromium polynicotinate (also known as niacin-bound chromium) can be more effective than either one alone in helping to protect humans against metabolic syndrome. The extract is used as an antioxidant and as an insulin-sensitivity enhancer (Preuss, Montamarry, Echard, Scheckenbach & Bagchi, 2000; Preuss, Bagchi & Bagchi, 2002).
Kava (or kava-kava). Kava is a name or a term used for both the plant and the beverage made from it. The beverage is prepared from the root of the herb, found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Kava is approved in European Union (EU) for treatment of anxiety. In the US is used mainly for its relaxing and calming effects, and for a weight loss. The use in a low dose is recommended, as in higher doses can be harmful for the liver. Herbalists are careful while prescribing Kava due to its liver toxicity. Several drugs as statins and acetaminophen (Tylenol) must be also avoided together with kava-kava, due to the cumulative liver toxicity of all the above (Volz & Kieser, 1997).
Garcinia cambogia. Garcinia is an herb that contains a biologically active compound—hydroxycitric acid, which is known to inhibit the synthesis of lipids and fatty acids and to lower the formation of LDL and triglycerides. Significant amounts of vitamin C and Garcinia have been used as a heart tonic in a study. Researchers have found that in an in vivo model in diabetic Zuker fatty rats (an equivalent to metabolic syndrome model in humans), the rats experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms when treated with niacin-bound chromium, Maitake mushroom and Garcinia cambogia (Heymsfield et al., 1998). The team confirmed that this combination can significantly ameliorate hypertension and diabetes mellitus, reduce high cholesterol, and may also inhibit the conversion of excess calories to body fat by inhibiting appetite substantially. The above results prove the herb as an effective herbal medicine for controlling metabolic syndrome. In conclusion Garcinia is well-established “fat-burning agent” all over the world and is currently becoming the primary herb in America, EU and Japan, for obesity and metabolic syndrome treatment (Heymsfield et al., 1998).
Gymnema Sylvestre. The primary use for this botanical is as an antidiabetic agent. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which inhibits elevated blood sugar and acts as a cardiovascular stimulant. This use has been the subject of considerable research since the 1930s, with promising results for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema is also known as Gurmar or Meshashringi, what literally means “sugar destroyer.” It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to regulate sugar metabolism and to reverse insulin resistance. It was proven to prevent adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels and reversing insulin resistance (Sugihara et al., 2000).
Gymnema contains gymnemic acid (GA), quercitol, lupeol, ß-amyrin and stigmasterol, which have glucose lowering properties. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. The leaves of the herb increase secretion of insulin by the beta cells in the pancreas and improve uptake of glucose into the cells, by significantly stimulating the activity of the glucose-utilizing enzymes (Persaud, Al-Majed, Raman & Jones et al., 1999). In a study conducted by Diabetes Educators, Gymnema was found to lower HbA1c from 10.1% to 9.3%. The leaves are also known to lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides and abolish the taste of sugar, which neutralizes carbohydrate cravings (Bishayee & Chatterjee, 1994).
Mahonia grape (Oregon grape). Mahonia plant is used for ulcers, heartburn, stomach problems, and to treat infections. In low doses it is a cardiac and respiratory stimulant, while in high doses-it is a depressant. The American Indians used it for centuries as an appetite stimulant due to its bitter taste. The main herbal parts that are used are the rhizome and the root. The root contains 2.4 - 4.5% of isoquinoline alkaloid constituents including berberine, berbamine and oxyacanthine. Berberine has sedative, hypotensive, antifibrillatory, bile-stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies indicated that the constituent berbamine might have antiarrhythmic, hypotensive, spasmolytic and immunostimulating activity (Galle et al., 1994). Berberine (the most active ingredient) had a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic effect and its primary mode of action is the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in another study (Rackova, Oblozinsky, Kostalova, Kettmann & Bezakova, 2007).
Salacia reticulata/oblonga. Salacia is an Ayurvedic plant that has been grown and used for centuries in India. Studies proved that the herb helps support healthy blood sugar, insulin and blood lipid levels, reduces triglycerides and has LDL-lowering ability which aids in weight loss. Salacia is a powerful antioxidant also and contains mangiferin, a polyphenol that enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, and participates in sugar digestion and absorption (Yoshikawa, Morikawa, Matsuda, Tanabe & Muraoka, 2002).
Another study showed saponins positive effects on lowering LDL and triglycerides and hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in vivo experimental studies in mice. In Japan the herb is generally used as a supplementary food in order to help against metabolic syndrome, diabetes as an antioxidant and for hepatoprotection (Yoshikawa, Ninomiya, Shimoda, Nishida & Matsuda, 2002). The largest dose ever offered experimentally to humans was 1,000 mg. The study concluded that this dose is decreasing insulin and blood glucose levels by 23% to 29% and that it has hepatoprotective effect (Yoshikawa et al., 2002).
Red Clover. Red clover is a herb rich in isoflavones (a class of phytoestrogens which are structurally similar to estrogens). Hence, the herb is very useful for hormonal disturbances in premenopausal and menopausal women. It may also help protect against heart disease due to its isoflavones that have been associated with elevation in "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL). One study found that menopausal women taking red clover had better arterial compliance (stronger arteries), which can help prevent heart disease. Red clover was also proven to have blood-thinning properties, which keeps blood clots from forming (James, 1997).
Terminalia Arjuna. Terminalia bark contains several active constituents, including gallic acid, ethyl gallate, the flavone luteolin, and it is reported to be beneficial in cardiovascular conditions. It was also reported to lower serum cholesterol and is used for cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, angina, hypertension, to lower the cholesterol in cases of hyperlipidemia, and to prevent necrosis of cardiac tissue. Terminalia Arjuna was also used orally as a mild diuretic (Vaidya, 1994; Vaidya, 1997).
Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus). Red yeast rice is a byproduct of the yeast (Monascus purpureus). It contains fiber, starch and fatty acids, as well as monacolin and mevinolin that are proven to provide natural benefits for cholesterol health. Red yeast is proven to effectively inhibit cholesterol production in the liver similarly to statins. At the same time red yeast may lower Coenzyme Q 10 levels thus, recommendation on daily supplementation with Co Q 10 must be advised. Lately they were contraindications mentioned in the literature for its side effects, reminding to those of the statins family (Bartram, 2002).
Banaba Leaf (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Banaba leaf is a traditional folk remedy from Southeast Asia: India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan. At the beginning it was used for memory improvement. Secondarily the leaf extract was shown to have powerful effect in metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes sufferers. Its main mechanism is to help maintaining healthy blood sugar levels with its active ingredient—corosolic acid. Several “in vivo” animal and human studies showed that corosolic acid helps to support optimal glucose metabolism and to reverse insulin resistance. A well randomized trial showed that banaba leaf can benefit adults with Type 2 diabetes, when taken for a period of two weeks. The study concluded those patients’ blood glucose levels decreased by 20-30% in total. In conclusion standardized banaba leaf extract may benefit people who suffer of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes, by maintaining optimal blood sugar concentrations and normalizing the function of insulin in the cells (Judy et al., 2003).
Jujube (Zizyphus Mauritania). Jujube is a small Indian tree used also in the Chinese medicine with its fruits – the main applicable part. Chinese medicine is using the fruits for its anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties. The herb is also known as blood detoxified and purifier. Its main use was proven in cases of hypertension, appetite, anemia, for improving muscular strength, nephritis, for preventing liver steatosis, and in case of general inflammation. New research has shown that Indian jujube increases immune-system resistance, and it can be used in treatment of fevers (Arndt & Kayser, 2001).
Linseed oil (Ocimum sanctum). Linseed oil was always known for its antihyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects. Its oil (OSSO) was investigated in alloxan diabetic rabbits (Gupta, Mediratta, Singh, Sharma & Shukla, 2006). The results of the study show hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects despite they did not show any antidiabetic effect. Despite the authors believed that OSSO should be used for its good antioxidant properties, especially in cases of elevated lipid peroxidation like metabolic syndrome and diabetes. It was also found that linseed oil is increasing the reduced glutathione levels in blood (Narendhirakannan, Subramanian & Kandaswamy, 2006).
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). There are several small “in vivo” studies in the literature on the “thermogenic” and sugar lowering properties of the American ginseng in which 3g/d of a standardized ginseng extract is used. In one of the studies, ginseng was proven to reduce peak postprandial glucose by 1.0 mmol/L and insulin IAUC by 23.8% comparatively with the control group. A Canadian study proved that there is no significant difference across different ginseng types of treatments (Dascalu et al., 2007).
Another separate study studied the effects of American ginseng on blood glucose levels in mice (Xie et al., 2002) and showed that glucose tolerance improved significantly, and in addition, a significant reduction in body weight was observed after 12 days, due to its “thermogenic” effect. Two other small studies results support the antihyperglycemic (Xie, Wang, Wu, Basila & Yuan, 2005) and antiobese effects of American ginseng (Xie et al., 2002). In conclusion American ginseng can be a significant addition for prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes (Xie et al., 2002).
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Ginseng extracts are prepared from root, berry and leaf of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) (Xie, Wu, Mehendale, Aung & Yuan, 2004) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) (Attele et al., 2002). They have been proven effective for anti-hyperglycemic, insulin sensitization, pancreatic islet protection, antiobesity and antioxidative effects in “in vivo” clinical trials (Xie et al., 2002; Xie, Wang, Wu, Basila & Yuan, 2005). Energy expenditure was shown enhanced by ginseng through thermogenesis. Specific saponins (ginsenosides) are considered the major bioactive compounds in the metabolic activities of ginseng. Berberine from rhizoma coptidis is shown possessing hypoglycemic, anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia properties. The main mechanism is related to the inhibition of mitochondrial function, stimulation of glycolysis, suppression of adipogenesis and induction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression (GAO, 2004).
The root of Panax ginseng is well known as it has been used for centuries in China. The active substances in ginseng are similarly named--ginsenosides (steroidal saponines). Their sugar-lowering effect was also observed in a dose of 3g/d extract of Panax ginseng by Attele et al. (2002). Later study showed that treatment with the extract significantly reduces plasma cholesterol levels in mice. The study demonstrates that ginsenosides in Asian ginseng play a role in antihyperglycemic action (Xie et al., 2005). The study was programmed to study the antidiabetic effect of ginsenosides that was not associated with body weight changes. From the study became obvious that other constituents in the extract have antiobesity effect. Final conclusions of the above studies were that Asian ginseng berry extract may have therapeutic value in treating diabetics and obese patients as well as metabolic syndrome patients (Xie et al., 2002).
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum). Fenugreek is a well-known Mediterranean legume, with sugar-lowering potential. The herb has properties in improving glucose tolerance, decreasing sugar absorption, reducing insulin resistance, and improving and reversing insulin resistance by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas. A comparative study on the activity of fenugreek and several other Indian medicinal plants in alloxan diabetic rats has been done by a team of researchers (Kar, Choudhary & Bandyopadhyay, 2003).
Hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii is a plant growing in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It has been used by African tribes for centuries to help keep off hunger while on long hunting expeditions in the desert. Researchers believed that a molecule found in Hoodia gordonii (known also as P57) is the responsible active mechanism behind its ability to work as appetite inhibitor. At the same time the herb was proven to help support increased energy levels without any side effects. The properties of Hoodia gordonii in metabolic syndrome with obesity were studied by Holt (2005). Actually, Hoodia gordonii is under constant clinical trials in the last few years and is an herb with obvious clinical metabolic interest for the authorities.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha holds one of the main places in the Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is recognized from centuries as a powerful adaptogen that helps memory, and assists in times of elevated stress as calming botanical. In addition to its anti-stress properties it has expressed anti-inflammatory, energetic and rejuvenating properties. Researchers discovered that the herb is also a potent antioxidant with anti-cancer effect, and weight-loss boosting properties (Karst, 2006). The author described Ashwagandha as an adaptogen of first choice in metabolic syndrome treatment. The antioxidant activity of the glycowithanolides—the active part of Ashwagandha was studied separately by another team of researchers (Bhattacharya, Satyan & Ghosal, 1997).
Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica and Coccinia cordifolia). Coccinia is an Ayurvedic herb used in India for centuries. Its main use is in obesity, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes management (prevention and healing). Coccinia indica protective effect on changes in the fatty acid composition in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats is studied by (Pari & Venkateswaran, 2003). Coccinia cordifolia and Coccinia indica are compared for their glycemic control in experimental model in rats (Kuriyan, Petracchi, Ferro-Luzzi, Shetty & Kurpad, 2008).
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). The review of the medical literature reported a number of beneficial effects of chamomile in both, in vitro and in vivo animal tests. A recent study in Tokyo published in Nat Med Tokyo (2008) proved that chamomile is showing good antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties in vivo animal models of diabetes. The study showed anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in various human cancer cells and concluded that drinking chamomile tea daily with meals may help prevent the complications of diabetes, which include loss of vision, nerve damage, and kidney damage (Srivastava & Gupta, 2007).
Cinnamon. Cinnamon is an herb granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA. It may be obtained from various sources: the Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a tree native to Asia, described in a study by a team of researchers (Mancini–Filho, Van Koiij, Mancini, Cozzolino & Torres, 1998). Other sources of cinnamon may also be used, as shown in methods and materials disclosed by (Benedetti, Maggi & Lopiano, 2003).
Chinese medicine has used cinnamon medicinally for more than 4,000 years. Recently cinnamon was rediscovered by the Western industrialized countries as powerful nutrient that may support overall digestive and colon health and may help keep blood sugar in control. Cinnamon contains catechins: a group of powerful antioxidants and chalcones- type of polyphenols or flavonoids. The isolation of chalcones or other polyphenol molecules from cinnamon follows a general process of aqueous extraction followed by centrifugation to remove non-soluble residues. The active principles of cinnamon are: (a) volatile oils (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, cinnamic acid, and weitherhin); (b) mucilage; (c) diterpenes; (d) proanthocyanidins (Bertalanffy, 1997).
Cinnamon provides benefits for good digestion and normal blood sugar control (Khan, Safdar, Muzaffar & Khan, 2003). Cinnamon may be used in the form of raw bark, sliced, or minced bark, or pulverized for the preparation of many therapeutic materials. Other researchers (Bausell & Barker, 2007) have demonstrated that cinnamon’s glucose-lowering effects are from a class of compounds other than chromium. A team (Broadhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000) concluded that cinnamon is a strong potentiator of insulin secretion in comparison to various other herbs and spices.
Cinnamon bark shows a potentiating effect on insulin (Khan, Bryden, Polansky & Anderson, 1990), and can be useful in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes (Holt, 2003; Khan et al., 1990) as well as in lowering triglyceride levels and total serum cholesterol (Broadhurst, Polansky & Anderson, 2000; Khan, Safdar, Khan, Khattak & Anderson, 2003). The true properties of cinnamon to improve glucose balance and lipid profile in people with Type 2 diabetes have been proven in a clinical trial (Khan, Safdar, Muzaffar & Khan, 2003). A compound in the cinnamon extract known as methylhydroxychyalcone polymer (MHCP) was shown to be very effective for glycemic control. A recent study compared the effect of MHCP in 3T3-L1 adipocytes to that of insulin. The results from that study supported the theory that MHCP is triggering the insulin cascade and subsequent transport of nutrients and also demonstrated that MHCP treatment can stimulate glucose reuptake and glycogen synthesis to a level very similar to insulin (Benedetti, Maggi & Lopiano, 2003).
Another method of treatment includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inventive cinnamon extract supplement to an individual with a manifestation of metabolic syndrome (Bertalanffy, 1997). According to the author, different dosing regimens may be used in the method of treatment. In a recent study (Bennett & Dawson, 2003). Type 2 diabetes patients (age 40) with glucose levels in the range of 140-400 mg/dl were found to have their glucose and lipid profiles improved after daily cinnamon intake. Daily treatment with cinnamon reduced fasting glucose levels by 18-29%, as well as triglycerides by 23-30% and LDL by 7-27%. It is noted that these patients had Type 2 diabetes and that was the reason they were recruited for study. After the cinnamon treatment they were rendered “less diabetic” but still diabetic with elevated blood glucose levels. As per author conclusion, it remains to be determined whether the raw cinnamon regime was sufficiently effective to reverse these patients' glucose levels as defined by NCEP-ATP-III (Bennett & Dawson, 2003).
Ephedra. Ephedra was always a popular herb, known from the past with its effective weight-loss effect. It was consequently banned by the FDA due to adverse cardiovascular side effects. As a final conclusion, the use of various botanicals is another holistic botanical approach in metabolic syndrome healing and prevention. Flavonoids presented in herbs as ginkgo, hawthorn, grape seed extract, and green tea with its catechins are major part of a healthy diet. The weight loss effect of Hoodia gordonii is studied by Holt (2005). Obesity can be influenced by the consumption of ephedrine, turmeric, and green tea (Diepvens, Westerterp & Westerterp-Plantenga, 2007). The properties of different medicinal mushrooms are reviewed by Meletis and Barker (2006). Green tea is another antiobesity option and its efficacy has been reported in multiple clinical studies (Diepvens et al., 2007). A new matched-pair study showed higher quality of placebo-controlled trials in Western Phytotherapy than conventional medicine (Nartley et al., 2007).
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