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Syndrome X- The mystery syndrome

2010-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Syndrome X — a term, coined by Gerald Reaven (1988), describes a cluster or group of symptoms and abnormalities including high blood pressure, abdominal (visceral) obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia [elevated blood triglycerides, increased bad cholesterol (LDL), and decreased levels of good cholesterol (HDL)].

In 1988, at the end of his Banting Memorial lecture (Stanford University) Reaven states: "At first blush it appears outlandish to suggest an association between hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperinsulinemia."
The terms 'metabolic syndrome,' 'insulin resistance syndrome' (IRS), 'dysmetabolic syndrome,' 'Syndrome X,' 'Raven’s syndrome,' 'plurimetabolic syndrome,' 'hypertriglyceridemia waist syndrome' 'visceral fat syndrome,' 'cardiometabolic syndrome,' 'general cardiovascular syndrome,' and CHAOS (in Australia) are all synonyms that define a cluster of conditions or abnormalities that occur together in a person, and increase the risk for development of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke.
Metabolic syndrome is also named the “Deadly Quartet” (1989) by Norman Kaplan, MD (professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas) as it can include upper-body obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Kaplan believes that underlying the "Deadly Quartet" is the excessive blood-insulin levels often associated with insulin resistance.(Women'sHeartAdvantage)
Gale (2002) identifies the acronym CHAOS as an abbreviation for coronary artery disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, obesity, and stroke. Actually, the metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders, all of which are affected by genetics, diet, and other environmental and lifestyle (intrinsic and extrinsic) factors (Grundy et al., 2005).
Five metabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertonia, and a general prothrombotic state with a proinflammatory state) are blamed for its appearance. (Source, Wiki and WD) Above all, they are commonly clustered together. As the cluster of abnormalities is frequently observed in allopathic clinical practice, it has been well documented in prospective studies by several cluster-analytical trials (Grundy, 2007; Hanley et al., 2002).
Experimental evidence suggests that it is the exact nature of the cluster which appears to bring additional risk, over and above that which would be expected from each one of the components separately and together. Stern et al. (2004) conclude that people with metabolic syndrome have five fold greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, if not already presenting with this disorder.
There are statistic expectations that up to 80% of the almost 200 million adults worldwide will die of CVD, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2003). Hence, people suffering from metabolic syndrome are also at increased risk of mortality, as they are three times as likely to die from stroke or heart attack, and twice as likely to die from a coronary event, compared to people without metabolic syndrome. More than 300 million worldwide are now classified as obese, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2009), while another billion of people are considered overweight. The European health report (2005) places metabolic syndrome far ahead of HIV/AIDS in morbidity and mortality.
Jean-Pierre Després, PhD, FAHA (director of the lipid research center at Laval University Hospital in St. Foy, Quebec) claims, "Syndrome X is the most important public health problem in North America. Having this syndrome is as high a cardiovascular risk as having high cholesterol, yet most of the people who have it have normal or close-to-normal cholesterol they think they're fine."
Finally, the syndrome has been identified as an actual disease state with the code ICD9. "Nothing helped metabolic syndrome more than the establishment of the ICD9 code." - Yehuda Handelsman, MD (co-chair of the International Committee for Insulin Resistance and medical director of the Metabolic Institute of America).
Joanna Breitstein (2004) states,” The science is beginning to understand the role of insulin resistance,” and proceeds, “A new disease is being born. Unlike a new pathogen bursting from the jungle like Ebola or mutating from something familiar like each year's "new" strain of influenza, metabolic syndrome must be both socially and scientifically constructed. Well-known medical facts have been reorganized into a new understanding. And with that knowledge comes the need and opportunity for new research, new modalities of treatment, and, on the pharma side, new market risks, demands, and opportunities."
Author's final prediction is that “By 2025y - 86 million Americans will have the metabolic syndrome.” Some of the clinical syndromes and diseases, following the metabolic syndrome appearance are: (a) type 2 diabetes mellitus; (b) cardiovascular disease (CVD); (c) essential hypertension; (d) polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); (e) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; (f) certain forms of cancer; (g) sleep apnea; (h) gout; (i) kidney failure, and (j) Alzheimer's disease (Annual Rev. Nutr. 2005).
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently launched "Make the Link," campaign informing physicians and consumers that people with metabolic syndrome are undeniably linked to type 2 diabetes what can increase risk of heart disease and stroke. At the same time a new society called the "International Society of Diabetes and Vascular Research" launched its own journal-"Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research" (May, 2004)

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New Update on Qnexa®

2010-07-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drug Advisory Committee (July 15, 2010) failed to endorse the new obesity drug Qnexa® (Phentermine/ Topiramate) of Vivus Inc. for a final approval, due to concerns of its safety. In a final 10-6 vote, the FDA Advisory Panel concluded that they were concerned that Qnexa was too experimental. (Source, FDA and ChicagoTribune)
Most, if not all members agreed that Qnexa® is very effective drug- a combination of two separate drugs working in obvious synergism in inducing sensible weight loss. The drug alters the taste of food and boosts human metabolism, by cutting a person's body weight up to 15 percent. (Source, Vivus)
Despite their agreement on the efficacy of the drug, a number of side effects (e.g. depression, anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder,metabolic acidosis, tachycardia, language and cognitive disorders, suicidal thoughts and teratogenicity) postponed the final Advisory Committee approval. It is obvious that the benefits of Qnexa® did not outweigh its potential risks.
Abraham Thomas, MD, MPH (Whitehouse Chair of Endocrinology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI) agreed, "Qnexa® is far superior to anything else on the market. But our concerns are with safety. These have to be addressed, and I think it's best if these are addressed before approval." He especially was concerned about the metabolic acidosis that may occur with its use, reflecting young individuals bone health.
Some of the members proposed further pharmacodynamic studies and longer period of a follow-up (five years), while emphasizing on the increasing necessity of new anti-obesity drugs, due to the pandemic rate of obesity in U.S. The short follow-up of one year, was the major reason for casting a negative vote, for some of the panel members.
Michael Rogawski, MD, PhD (Chair of Neurology at the UC,Davis, Sacramento, CA) agreed, "Clearly we need more information about this medication, but the type of information we need, particularly with respect to teratogenicity, cannot be gained in a clinical trial setting, it can only be gained once the drug is on the market and large numbers of individuals are exposed to it."
Michael Proschan, PhD (Statistician from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD), explained his negative vote with the following statement, "A lot of these potential problems are brain related — depression, anxiety, memory, cognitive, and that always makes me worry a little more than with other kinds of problems. I don't think we have enough data to be able to say whether they are serious issues or not. I think if we had had longer follow-up I probably would have voted the other way but I just don't feel comfortable with 1-year follow-up."
Jessica Henderson, PhD (Acting Consumer Representative on the panel) voted in favor of Qnexa® approval, although she agreed that long-term safety data are missing. She concluded, "As a consumer representative, I put a lot of credence into quality of life and the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness and a patient's right to those things."
Kenneth Burman, MD – (Acting Chair and endocrinologyst at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC) finally concluded, "We know that obesity is a major health problem and all efforts to address this issue should be lauded. Qnexa® does meet or exceed the agency's requirement for efficacy. On the other hand the medication has serious potential adverse effects, including potential teratogenicity, increased suicidal ideation, cognitive issues, tachycardia, and possible renal stones. Some of these side effects are serious and could be life threatening, and they have to be weighed against the potential of a relatively modest weight loss and its long-term health benefits."

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Is Metabolic Syndrome Contagious?

2010-07-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The etiopathogenesis (the cause and development) of obesity, as part of the metabolic syndrome, remains problematic, questionable and still rather unknown. Insulin resistance (IR), which is often despite not always seen as a consequence of an increased obesity, is probably the cornerstone of metabolic syndrome and the main link to the metabolic cluster appearance.
Recent cascade of clinical trials is oriented to the viral etiology of the metabolic syndrome and obesity. Latest studies predict that a “Common Cold” virus may be the reason behind the metabolic syndrome and obesity appearance. (Source, Wiki) It is well known that common cold is an infection shown with symptoms like sniffles and sore throat for a period of one to three days, after the viral respiratory inhalation. In fact, common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract infection caused by several viruses, the most common of which is the human Rhinovirus, and several others known as Coronavirus, Adenovirus, and human Para influenza virus (HPIVs) might be involved in its pathogenesis.
A new clinical study published in Stem Cells (Pasarica et al. 2008) at Pennington Biomedical Research Center suggest that an adenovirus called “AD-36” may be the new adipogenic factor, involved in some cases of obesity. AD-36 it is proven to cause obesity in chickens, mice, rats, and monkeys. The human adenovirus 36 (AD-36) is one of the 52 types of adenoviruses known to infect humans. It was first shown to be associated with obesity in chickens by Dhundhar et al. (2000).
The authors speculate that the virus seems to show similar serotype as the one that causes sore throat, cough and common cold, but it may also contribute to weight gain. The same research claims that 33% of all obese adults have contracted AD-36 at some point in their lives, compared to just 11% of thin (lean) people.

According to the lead author, it seems quite likely that the virus triggers obesity by spreading to other parts of the human body. The team considers that when the virus goes to the fat tissue- it replicates, making more copies of itself increasing the number of new fat cells, which may explain why people get fat when they are infected with this virus. They concluded that a person exposed to AD-36 virus may recover from related viral ailments rather quickly, but he/she could gain weight for a period of 3 months. This is the period until the body will build up resistance to the same virus. Above all people infected with the virus could remain contagious for three months.
Further, it was found in several other studies that AD-36 could turn adult stem cells from fat tissue into fat cells. To recent date, AD-36 is the only human adenovirus that has been linked with human obesity, present in 30% of obese humans and 11% of non-obese humans (Albu, 2005; Augustus et al., 1967; Atkinson, 2007).
Another team of researchers led by Vangipuram (2007) infected ‘young’ fat cells with a variety of adenoviruses. The authors found that the adenovirus AD-36 suppresses the production of leptin by up to 51% and increases the reuptake of glucose in fat cells infected with this virus, leading to the secondary simulation of fat production. It was found that the fat accumulation is significantly higher than in cells that had not been infected. (Souce, Health24) Finally, the authors’ concluded that people could be fat for reasons other than viral infections so it's really pointless for fat people to try to avoid infection.

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FDA sets the day for a final Qnexa® approval

2010-07-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Vivus Inc. a biopharmaceutical company- producer of the new generation weight loss drug- Qnexa®, with encouraging weight loss results offering a great promise for a sensible weight loss in both, overweight and obese patients, is seeking for final FDA approval. (Source, Vivus)
Qnexa® is a drug combination of two drugs- Phentermine and Topiramate that are believed to work synergistically addressing satiety and appetite in patients who are overweight or obese. The expected effect of the drug is directed to address the metabolic syndrome cluster effects: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, central adiposity, including sexual health. (Source, Vivus)
Phentermine, known as the most widely prescribed weight loss pill in the U.S., was approved in 1959 for a short period of treatment in obesity. Caloric restriction, behavior modification and daily exercise are prescribed as an adjunct to the drug that must be used for a period of several weeks. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant drug FDA approved (1996) as antiepileptic drug and later on as a prophylactic drug for migraine. (Source, WebMD, Wiki, Answers)

Qnexa® is in its 3d clinical phase of approval, seeking final registration by the U.S. FDA, being evaluated in over 4,500 patients as a treatment for obesity, completed under a special protocol assessment (SPA) by the FDA. Despite its final stage Qnexa® is currently not approved. There were three separate studies performed at its first clinical phase. The first study (EQUATE) evaluated the drug in 756 obese patients over 28 weeks at 32 sites. The second (EQUIP) and the third (CONQUER) studied the drug for 56-weeks in 1,267 morbidly obese people (with or without co-morbid conditions) and 2,487 overweight and obese patients, (with at least two co-morbidities) respectively.
There were found the following encouraging results:
A. Weight loss of up to 14.7% (37 lbs) was achieved by patients treated with the drug across the 56 weeks in the EQUIP study.
B. During the two 56-week studies, the most commonly reported side effects were dry mouth, tingling and constipation.
C. There were found statistically significant results of improvement in all (cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory) metabolic risk factors among patients treated with the drug
D. The efficacy points of reference (benchmarks) for weight loss agents were exceeded at all three doses of the drug
E. The therapeutic results were significantly (69%) higher than the placebo results at all three doses of Qnexa®, showing good drug tolerability (Source, Vivus)
Tomorrow (July, 15) an FDA advisory committee meeting will be taking place to evaluate Qnexa® for obesity treatment. It is expected that upon the conclusion of the meeting, a panel of medical doctors is preparing to make a recommendation on the drug's approval. The FDA has set October 28, 2010 as the date by which the agency will make a formal decision on the approval of the drug.
FDA decided to publish the background material at the location of the advisory committee meeting (prior to the meeting), and the material is expected to be published on the FDA's web site (after the meeting). The Committee is supposed to discuss the safety and efficacy of new drug application (NDA, 22-580), with the trade name Qnexa® (Phentermine/Topiramate). FDA briefed in their online publications (this Thursday) that the review panel should take into account a number of potential side effects, despite acknowledging the drug’s effectiveness in helping patients losing weight. It is expected that FDA will announce its final decision in October, 28 (2010). (Source, FDA) Given two-thirds of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese, weight loss products, such as Qnexa®, may have widespread exposure, and the potential for associated safety issues must be considered," the FDA said, as the Associate Press reported. (Source, HealthNews)

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Metabolic syndrome and HGH connection

2010-07-12T15:08:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. Humans begin producing HGH at birth and varying levels of HGH circulate in the bloodstream until death. HGH levels reach their peak during adolescence and begin to drop with each passing year. Unfortunately, as we age- beginning as early as age 25, our HGH levels decline to a fraction of the levels of our young age.
Many scientists link this decrease to multiple health threatening degenerative diseases and complications of advanced aging, which include loss of muscle (sarcopenia) and bone strength, an increase in body fat and decrease in metabolism and immune function along with multiple other problems.
Many anti-aging specialists name HGH--the old age “Performance Enhancer” and believe that supplementing our diets with HGH is an effective way to avoid the diseases and conditions associated with aging and improve vitality and appearance. HGH promotes tissue repair, cell regeneration, bones’ repair, muscles and vital organs rejuvenation, and supports immune system in combating infection and disease.
HGH facilitates the building of bone and muscle as well as production of cells that help organs and tissues grow and repair themselves. It also provides for the growth and repair of human muscles and tissue in advanced aging and has also show rejuvenating, regenerating effects on the human body that have been documented in multiple of scientific papers. In addition to all the above, HGH promotes an active metabolism and accelerates the way your body uses energy.
There are multiple symptoms and factors of aging that negatively affect quality of life, such as increased body fat, loss of lean muscle tissue, lower energy levels, decreased sexual function, common depressive symptoms, and weakened immune function or decreased skin turgor.
As explained in the HERS (2002) study, the low circulating level of hormones (HGH and testosterone) in particular promotes an increase in adipose tissue bulk. This leads to free fatty acids release, which are immediately transported to the liver, consequently stimulating the production of Apo-B, containing very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). At the same time insulin resistance leads to overproduction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and there is also a reduced activity of peripheral lipoprotein lipase which in turn supports the accumulation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the circulation. Hlatky et al. (2002) teach that via the action of cholesterol ester transfer protein, triglycerides are transferred from these lipoproteins to high density lipoproteins in exchange for cholesterol esters. The enrichment of the triglyceride-rich remnant particles with cholesterol ester leads to formation of small dense LDL, known as VLDL. Moreover, because of this exchange, the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol simultaneously falls.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine study (1990) HGH helps with: restoring muscle mass; decreasing body fat; thickening the skin; reducing wrinkles; restoring lost hair; restoring hair color; increasing energy; improving cholesterol profile; restoring size of internal organs; improving vision; improving memory; elevating mood and improving sleep; increasing cardiac output and stamina; improving immune function; increasing mental function; increasing sex drive
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19897679
An increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults is proved in a study published in J. Clin Endocrinol Metab (2010) by Attanasio et al. found metabolic syndrome age-adjusted prevalence in the United States was significantly higher than in Europe (51.8 and 28.6%, respectively). The metabolic syndrome prevalence in HGH deficient patients was higher than in the general population in the United States and higher in the United States than Europe. After HGH treatment significant changes were found in waist circumference, fasting glucose, and blood pressure measurements. Prevalence was unaffected by GH replacement, but baseline metabolic syndrome status and obesity were strong predictors of metabolic syndrome after HGH treatment.

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Obesity, recognized as the 21st century epidemic

2010-07-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Without doubt, obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world and it is specifically reinforced in America. It is recognized as the most prevalent, recurrent, and relapsing pandemic disorder of the 21st century. (Source, ObesitySociety) Scientists are constantly defining obesity as the leading cause of chronic morbidity, disability and mortality, adding at around 112,000 excess deaths in the US. Latest study published in the New England Journal of medicine (Adams et al., 2006) showed an increased risk of mortality in overweight people (men and women). The excess body weight during midlife, including being overweight, was associated with an increased risk of death. (Source, NEJM). A potential decline in life expectancy in the US in the 21st Century is seen in a study done 2005, March 17, (Source, NEJM)
Obesity increases chances of developing all the co-morbid conditions that constitute the “deadly quartet” of the metabolic syndrome: abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In fact, obesity is considered the main feature of the metabolic syndrome cluster as it packs many negative health effects, including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and several common cancers and it has been also shown to reduce sexual activity (WHO, 2005). (Source, Third Age)
More than 300 million worldwide are now classified as obese, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2009). Another billion or people are considered now overweight in another study. The epidemic rate of morbid obesity in the US in the period (1986–2000) and (2000-2005) is studied by (Sturm, 2003; Sturm 2007).
Obesity is a disease that affects over one-third of the adult American population (approximately 72 million Americans). (Source, ObesitySociety) The U.S. Department of Health reports that each year, obesity causes at least 112,000 excess deaths in the US. Unfortunately, it doesn’t affect only adults as approximately 11 percent of all American children aged 6 to 17 are obese. (Source, ObesitySociety)
The rate of increased obesity is leading to major disability. The metabolic derangements, seen as part of metabolic syndrome can be outlined as a combination of: elevated Body Mass Index (BMI), an “apple shape,” visceral adiposity (belly fat), “nonalcoholic” type of liver cirrhosis, dyslipidemia (elevated LDL and triglycerides with decreased HDL), hypertension, glucose intolerance- all based on insulin resistance. Unfortunately this is one of the most mismanaged diseases in the clinical practice. (Source, NH-WC Beyond Holistic)
Obesity can shorten your life by 10 years, while extreme obesity - by 12 years, and put you at risk of developing a number of chronic conditions. Generally, obese people die young or develop premature morbidity and disability. (Source, About) The rate of morbidity and mortality is explained with maladies such as: type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, gout, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, degenerative (bone and joint) diseases, asthma, fatty liver, gallstones, infertility, miscarriages, birth defects, pancreatitis, irritable bower syndrome, heart failure, multiple cancers: hormonal (breast and prostate) cancers, colorectal, gallbladder, pancreatic, lung, uterine, cervical, ovarian, kidney, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and many others. (Source, Wiki)
Obesity is defined as excess adipose tissue, measured by the body mass index (BMI), defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. BMI is seen as an indicator of obesity. A person with BMI > 25 is defined as overweight and a BMI > 30 as obese. The main causes for obesity, according to the metabolic experts are: bad diet, including an increased reliance on highly processed foods, high level of stress, and increased immobility. (Source, ObesitySociety)
Fat tissue is recognized as an endocrine organ and as such, secretes a number of metabolites, cytokines, lipids, and coagulation factors, leading to chronic proinflammatory status and secondary insulin secretion, which can cause insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. (Axima, 2006)
Lately, obesity has increased across all age groups, reaching different ethnic groups and educational levels. Many features of modern life seem to promote weight gain. The combination of immobilization and stress, abundant and easily available calorically dense, nutritionally empty foods, in tandem with late social and economic influences are all likely contributors to the rising obesity pandemic. (Source, NHLBI)
It is well known fact that societies, which produce a steady stream of constant abundance tend to become overweight societies – especially when much of the diet consists of calorically dense but nutritionally empty foods. The human body has a natural system that helps prolong life when food becomes dangerously scarce. Although this is a helpful mechanism of survival, it does not adjust for a life lived in constant and perpetual plenty. All of these environmental and lifestyle factors lead many to overeat and get too little physical activity, with the result that many people are overweight or obese. (Source, NHLBI)
Authors strongly believe that current dietary recommendations to increase the consumption of carb-dense foods are counterproductive to weight management. Author’s hypothesis is that high-carbohydrate diets based on carbohydrate foods that promote high glycemic response (i.e., high-glycemic-index foods) alter appetite and energy partitioning in a way that is conducive to body fat gain. Thus, carbohydrate-dense foods that have strong impact and postprandial effects must be strongly limited in the case of metabolic syndrome (Holt et al, 1995; Holt et al., 2003).
As conclusion, being overweight, alongside diabetes, having elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased blood pressure, constitute the foundation of metabolic syndrome modern pandemic. In recent years, obesity and overweight are reaching epidemic proportions. Underlying reasons for this global obesity pandemic are complex and still not completely proven. Whereas genetic predisposition plays an obvious part, changes in genetic makeup cannot explain the dramatic rise in obesity rates over the past 10-15 years believe Flegal (1999) and Seidell (2000).
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The Canada Day celebration

2010-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Antoaneta Sawyer

This 1st of July, Canadians from all groups, races and ages are proudly celebrating their day of independence from Great Britain. The Canada Day is a holiday elegantly and widely celebrated by the whole Canadian population.

On this day, years ago (in 1867) Canada became an independent dominion from Great Britain officially established with the British North Americas Act. Canada became a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. Known as the Dominion Day, since 1983 the day was officially renamed as the "Canada Day"- the way how it is celebrated today. (Source, About)

The Canada Day is the largest annual holiday event in Thunder Bay - the neighboring city of the Twin Ports (WI). With estimates of over 20,000 the municipality is planning to organize a multitude of outdoor events. The symbol of national pride- the Canadian flag can be seen everywhere on the Canada Day. It consists of two vertical red rectangles separated by a white square, containing a red image of a maple leaf.

The Canada Day will include a lot of ceremonies- city pancake breakfasts, concerts, official town's parade with evening firework display and many other official citizenship ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. The patriotic mood can be seen everywhere from the national flags in red and white displayed on cars and houses to the elegantly dressed Canadians with smiles on their faces.

The 1st of July is the day when the summer closes all school doors in Thunder Bay and all its students are proudly celebrating the beginning of summer vacation. Even the post office is closed. It is well known that only the public transport is still operating on that day, while most of the shops, small business offices, and little stores are closed. Only few pharmacies and gas stations may operate on this day.

For more info on the celebration of the Canada Day in Thunder Bay go to the article "Thunder bay to celebrate Canada day with a bang."

Obesity rates in America

2010-07-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Obesity in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. We are all informed that obesity has been rising in the last 10-20 years. In fact people in the well developed and developing countries are increasing their waistline, with obesity reaching global epidemic proportions. Generally one is considered obese if is more than 20 percent overweight over his ideal body weight. Medical experts say a person who's about 30 pounds overweight must be considered obese.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is already labeling obesity with two terms- a "chronic disease" and "escalating global epidemic" and estimates that by 2025, the number of people with diabetes will reach 300 million- a staggering 122 percent increase in less than 30 years.
Obesity results when the person consumes more calories than the ones used by his daily activity. In the last decade, the conventional medicine changed its main concept that white adipose tissue works as a protective buffer or it is a "passive" energy warehouse. Now it is well known that white adipose tissue is highly dynamic hormonally involved tissue, engaged in multitude of hormonal, biochemical and metabolic reactions and with its proper memory.
In authors' proper words, "Our view of white adipose tissue (WAT) has changed over the last decade, from an inert triglyceride storage tissue to a highly active metabolic organ. Indeed, WAT secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines such TNF-a, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon gamma inducible protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin-8 (IL-8), RANTES, and peptides with hormone-like actions such as adiponectin, leptin and resistin" (Meier & Thalmann, 2007).
Lately, there is some more bad news on the "weight loss" horizon. Despite all the bold steps taken by government and state programs, the recent - 2010 Annual Obesity Report (June 29, 2010) showed data that obesity rates are still geometrically increasing. When in 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent, the new 2010report done by two separate public health groups concluded that the obesity rate in US is increasing in 28 states for 2009. (Source, Mayo Clinic, Healthy Americans and Medicine Net)
There is only one state, showing good results- the District of Columbia, while Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Weight Virginia scaled an increase of obesity rates over 30 percent comparatively to previous reports' data. What is unfortunate that four more states- Kentucky, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana have been added to the already well known list of "obese" American states. (Source, Medicine Net)
Currently, more than 12 million children and adolescents in the United States are considered also obese according to the report. "Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges the country has ever faced, and troubling disparities exist based on race, ethnicity, region and income," concluded Jeffrey Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH.
The report classifies Wisconsin right in the middle, scaling much better than 42 other U.S. States. The report says that 27 percent of Wisconsin adults are obese and nearly half of all black adults are obese. It is more than obvious that neither the increased awareness, nor the wealth of health knowledge offered by health organizations and government sponsored programs is translating yet in real results.
Additional Key findings of the Annual report are:
1. Adult obesity rates for Blacks topped 40 percent in nine states, 35 percent in 34 states, and 30 percent in 43 states and D.C.
2. Rates of adult obesity for Latinos were above 35 percent in two states (North Dakota and Tennessee) and at 30 percent and above in 19 states.
3. Ten of the 11 states with the highest rates of diabetes are in the South, as are the 10 states with the highest rates of hypertension.
4. No state had rates of adult obesity above 35 percent for Whites. Only one state - West Virginia - had an adult obesity rate for Whites greater than 30 percent.
5. The number of states where adult obesity rates exceed 30 percent doubled in the past year, from four to eight - Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia.
6. Northeastern and Western states had the lowest adult obesity rates; Colorado remained the lowest at 19.1 percent. (Source, Healthy Americans)
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Metabolic Syndrome-- Cancer link defined

2010-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Most scientists believe that metabolic syndrome is conglomeration of three or four diseases that together can portend a worse prognosis for certain illnesses, including number of cancers. What has not been well-defined until that moment— is the associated risk for colorectal cancer.
A national survey report presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida (October, 6) concluded that patients coping with the metabolic syndrome have a 75% higher risk for developing colorectal cancer sometime in their lives (Garrow & Delegge, 2008). (Source, NH-WC"Beyond Holistic")
The authors’ purpose was to review and analyze data collected between 2000 and 2003 by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Their survey was centralized on 1,200 survey participants with history of metabolic syndrome and 350 patients with a family history of colorectal cancer.
Cross-referencing disease data revealed that patients with metabolic syndrome do bear higher risk for colorectal cancer as the study showed a 75% increase. According to their opinion, this is one of the first—and certainly the largest—study to look specifically at colorectal cancer risk.
The National Survey Report read at the American College of Gastroenterology scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida concluded that there is indeed a higher (75%) risk for colorectal cancer in this population.
Similar results on the connection of metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes and cancer were gathered in studies of colon cancer (Cowey & Hardy, 2006) breast cancer (Goodwin et al., 2005), pancreatic cancer (Huxley et al., 2005), prostate cancer( (Hammarsten & Hogstedt, 2004), and endometrial cancer (Cust et al., 2007, T. Bjorge et al., 2010; and Lane, 2008).
In Cowey and Hardy's words, " Specifically, we examine the hypothesis that individual components of the metabolic syndrome contribute to the development of several processes, including insulin resistance, aromatase activity, adipokine production, angiogenesis, glucose utilization, and oxidative stress/DNA damage, which can work together to increase cancer risk beyond that of the individual components alone. We propose that the metabolic syndrome be considered as a high-risk state for certain types of cancer and that this relationship should be systematically explored across cancer types."
Metabolic syndrome and obesity are also associated with an increased risk for clear-cell renal carcinoma (RCC), according to results reported in the January issue of BJU International (2010; 105, 16-20). The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and histology of RCC in a cohort of 1640 patients with renal cortical tumors being surgically removed from January, 2000 to December, 2007. Of these tumors, 12% were benign and 88% were malignant, while 61% of the last ones were clear-cell RCCs.
The lead author William T. Lawrence, from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, stated, "This makes it more important than ever to identify those people who face an increased risk of developing this variant, which is on the rise in the USA." The association of BMI with RCC histological features was examined with multivariable logistic regression by the researchers. The lead researcher concluded, "The widespread use of abdominal imaging has definitely contributed to increased detection of RCC, but fails to account for it entirely." A number of studies have suggested that obesity could be a risk factor for RCC, but the exact reason is still unknown. Researchers speculated that it might be secondary to hormonal changes, decreased immune function, hypertension or diabetes in obese patients.
Obesity, defined as a BMI of equal or more than 30 kg/m2, was found in 38% of patients. BMI was associated with clear-cell renal carcinoma (RCC) histological features, after adjustment for tumor size, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. (Source, Wiki)
BMI was considered an independent predictor of clear-cell renal carcinoma histology in the subgroup of patients with RCC “We also looked at other health and lifestyle factors, like diabetes, hypertension and smoking. This showed that the only other factors that were independent predictors of clear-cell RCC were male gender and tumor size" concluded the author.
Finally the authors stated, "This study is useful as it provides individual predictors of the chance of developing this form of RCC cancer and obesity provides the strongest association." (Source, NH-WC "Beyond Holistic")

Prediabetes revisited

2010-06-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome) is a metabolic disease characterized by the presence of several of the following risk factors: glucose intolerance with hyperglycemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), elevated very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high triglycerides, and abnormal body mass index (BMI), microalbuminuria, endothelial dysfunction, and general prothrombotic state– all at the background of chronic inflammation. (Source, Wiki and Wrong Diagnosis)
The main problem of our last century is that the syndrome is constantly escalating around the world, and especially here in U.S. It is estimated that over 22% of the adult U.S. population have the syndrome and its incidence is rapidly increasing each year. There are expectations that additional number of 12 million adults will likely develop the disease as a result of aging alone by 2022.
Metabolic syndrome is also known as a “prediabetic” phase or as a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is recognized as the condition of having abnormal or elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is found in cases when blood glucose levels are elevated beyond normal but are not considered high enough to indicate true type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially (Source, ADA)
Prediabetes is recognized as the condition of having abnormal or elevated levels of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides in the blood. In general, the ‘prediabetic’ phase should be defined as combination of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, elevated insulin secretion, and inflammation - all seen as predictors of the metabolic syndrome. Even in non-diabetic subjects, people who are insulin resistant always have slightly elevated glucose levels. There are two different tests your doctor can use to determine whether you have pre-diabetes: the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
(Source, ADA and Wiki)
From multiple literature data is concluded that increased cardiovascular risk factors precede the onset of type 2 diabetes. An issue is whether it is glucose intolerance or insulin resistance that increases the cardio-vascular risk. As shown in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) there is a beta-cell dysfunction (an increased insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion) and chronic subclinical inflammation. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) data suggest that the relationship between glucose concentrations, while clearly significant related to myocardial infarction (MI) is not as significant in its relationship to microvascular disease. Pyorala and co-authors also presented data from a 22-year follow-up of the Helsinki Policemen Study reported in Circulation (1998) that showed that nondiabetic men with the highest insulin resistance (IR) are at greatest risk for a major CHD event.
The "prediabetic" phase is seen by most of the researchers as an early attempt metabolic syndrome to be defined. Most adults who develop “prediabetes” have insulin resistance as its main culprit. Insulin resistance refers to the mechanism by which one develops prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. In fact they are not considered two different conditions. They are cause and effect — insulin resistance is a synonym for metabolic syndrome which is the preamble of the prediabetes state.
The recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study and the Wisconsin Diabetes Strategic Plan (WIDSP) 2004-2009 are showing to people with prediabetes the way how they can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is offering allot of resources for people at risk for diabetes that can be used by people with prediabetes.
In conclusion, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are both intimately associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, visceral (central) obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The metabolic syndrome describes the same constellation of abnormalities, with or without glucose intolerance. In conclusion, “prediabetes” is a term-synonym for metabolic syndrome. The prediabetic phase is found in case when blood glucose (sugar) levels are elevated beyond normal but are not considered high enough to indicate true Type 2 diabetes. (Source, Wiki and Emedicine)
Otherwise, prediabetes is diagnosed when the levels of glucose are abnormal but below the well known diabetic values: fasting values of 100-125 mg/dl, and 140-199 mg/dl (two hours after a glucose load). For true diabetes to be confirmed, the values must be 126 mg/dl (fasting levels) and 200 mg/dl (two hours after a glucose load).

The Science of Nutrition

2010-06-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Proper and balanced nutrition is absolutely necessary for proper metabolic health.(Source, NYTimes) The connection between nutrition and metabolic syndrome is studied by Stephen Holt, MD. He offers another metabolic syndrome term- Syndrome X, Y, Z... In his book "Combat Syndrome X Y & Z" by Stephen Holt MD and Julian Whitaker, the authors claim the metabolic syndrome may qualify as the number- one public health problem faced by the Western societies.
In author's proper words, "Metabolic diet tailored to specific weight control targets and objectives consists of: a) Short-term accelerated weight loss with low carbohydrate approach; b) Long-term maintenance with restricted simple sugar, trans-fatty acids and saturated fats, moderate protein intake (1g/Kg) with vegetable protein inclusion, moderate salt intake. (Source, NaturalClinician)
Isaacs and Vagnini (2005) offer a complete and comprehensive nutritional path to a complete metabolic syndrome healing in their book "Overcoming Metabolic Syndrome". Karst (2006) believes that what and how much one eats may provoke the metabolic syndrome appearance (The Metabolic Syndrome Program). According to Kushi & Kushi (1993) the "Macrobiotic diet" is the correct road to final cure of most of the chronic degenerative diseases, such as cancer and metabolic syndrome including. (Source, Amazon)
The right nutritional balance is an essential approach in the prevention and healing of the metabolic syndrome in its early and advanced stages. Consuming meals that include all ingredients is known to benefit the metabolic health, and could add years to people life, according to the U.S. Department of Health. The claim is that five or more daily portions of fruits and veggies may cut risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. The researchers used data from eight studies in Europe, Japan and the U. S. have identified nearly 40 vitamins and minerals that the body needs for various tasks, from shoring up bones to bolstering the immune system and repairing cellular damage. Instead of delivering predictable effects at particular doses, nutrients team up in complex synergistic ways. (Source, HHS)
On October 10, 2008, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced the Wisconsin Genomics Initiative (WGI), which is a collaborative research effort among Marshfield Clinic, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Their statement is, "The vision of WGI is to be able to predict for individual patients in a clinical setting the risks of disease susceptibility and treatment response using the combined power of cutting edge genetic, phenotypic, and environmental analyzes, thereby making the promise of personalized medicine a reality" (School of Medicine and Public Health, and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee)
The amount, type, balance, and the pharmacokinetic marker "bioavailability" of nutrients are all important in nutrition. It is well known that insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes are all intimately related to nutrition. By selecting nutrition from all four food groups, and by choosing fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, rich sources of protein and good (healthy) fats, while avoiding heavily processed food is the way to go. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) published officially its nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetes that are the same as the metabolic syndrome nutrition recommendations and interventions (ADA, 2007).
"Metabolic syndrome is a phenotypic expression of the genetic code as it interacts with the whole body environment and if someone has a genetic tendency to develop the metabolic syndrome phenotype, he/she will be far more likely to develop this phenotype if overweight, doesn't exercise, consumes a diet high in simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and doesn't add specific nutrients" believes Steven Joyal MD (Source LEMagazine,2005). The author published a completely new ‘nutriphenotypic' approach, based on the individual phenotypic metabolic characteristic to weight management and obesity. His conclusions are that the ‘phenotypic nutritional approach' enables people to choose dietary strategies and nutrients that influence powerful biochemical and genetic factors to help control the expression of their genetic code to their benefit.
A new allopathic program for metabolic syndrome treatment proposed by Harvard University is already in use by the conventional medicine. A well-balanced diet combined with lifestyle changing approach and daily physical activity to prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome management was established. (Source, Harvard) The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2010) are the main cornerstone of the U.S. Federal nutrition policy and nutrition education activities. (Source, USDA)
Epidemiological data showed that metabolic syndrome is increasing in the State of Wisconsin. The 2nd Annual Diabetes Symposium of Wisconsin (2009) showed that better diagnosis, management, as well as institution of preventative measures can affect these outcomes positively. (Russell A. Wilke, MD, PhD "Obesity...Exploring Management Strategies for a Growing Epidemic") The future of nutrition will be based on the science of nutrigenomics - the study of the effects of foods and food constituents on gene expression. (Source, Wiki)

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Childhood obesity pandemic

2010-06-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. The Americans are slowly but steadily expanding their waistline. As per recent statistics 33 percent of the adult population is considered obese. Almost a third of all American children are considered either overweight or obese.
Generally one is considered obese if is more than 20 percent overweight over his ideal body weight. In fact that is the most commonly used definition of obesity. According recent statistics about 200,000 Americans will have weight loss surgery this year only. Obesity accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths in the United States each year, and is associated with numerous chronic health issues.
The main cause of obesity in humans is the constantly increasing caloric intake and the rate of physical inactivity. Generally, obesity results when the person consumes more calories than he uses in his daily activity. Chronic consumption of an excessive amount of calories will result in a steady weight gain.
Obesity sets the stage for metabolic syndrome which itself increases your child chances of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gout, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic disturbances. While the metabolic syndrome is becoming more common in elderly (above 40 y), now children as young as 15 are being diagnosed with the syndrome leading to diabetes, stroke, heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, gout, kidney failure, eye problems or peripheral neuropathy later in life.
Constantly increasing rates of metabolic syndrome are influencing type 2 diabetes cases. The World Health Organization (WHO, 1998) estimations are that by 2025, the number of people with diabetes will reach 300 million—a staggering 122% increase in less than 30 years. Prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents: United States, Trends 1963–1965 Through 2007–2008 is reported by CDC. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1990 and 1998, obesity fueled a 33 percent jump in adult diabetes and 70 percent for those between the ages of 30 to 39.
Childhood obesity pandemic rates represent one of the WI top health priorities. Since 1960, the number of children who are obese has doubled in the United States. The U.S. government estimates that some six million children are now overweight enough to endanger their health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCFHS), 14 percent of the children between the ages of six and 11 are overweight (1988 to 1994)- a six percent increase over the 1976 to 1980 period. The percentage of teenagers who are overweight increase by six percent (1976 to 1980) to 11 percent (1988 to 1994). (Source, Univ Iowa)
There is a new project funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program with a team led by Aaron Carrel, MD (medical director of the UW Health Pediatric Fitness Clinic) aimed to address childhood obesity rates among Latino children in Milwaukee. The purpose of the project is to examine how different factors will affect health, nutrition and lifestyle of these children. The program is focused on helping the child, and the whole family, to create and maintain healthy eating behaviors. It will be introduced in Milwaukee- (Bruce-Guadalupe School). Individual nutritional choices and fitness programs will be documented by technology. (Source, UWSMPH)

The new obesity hypothesis

2010-06-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The bacteria in our bowel, also known as residents (normal inhabitants) are between 10- 100 trillion. In order the human body to be healthy, they must function in a constant equilibrium, being intimately connected with immunity and metabolism. The gut bacteria are not just passive microorganisms, they provide us with many benefits but on times they may compromise our health. In a new study was proved that they may not only influence our metabolism but to determine how much calories we absorb from food. They may be the new hypothetical reason behind metabolic syndrome and obesity.

Until now the science shows data that every person has 160 different kinds of gut bacteria, which belong to two main families: the family of Bacteroidetes and the family of Firmicutes. These bacteria are found not only in humans and in animals, but they are also isolated from water and soil samples. Normally they are beneficial but when they overpopulate- they may cause a disease. (Source, Wiki)

“On the whole, our gut bacteria are beneficial as they prevent disease-causing bacteria from taking hold in our body simply by filling up all the available space. And they help us digest foods, such as some starches that we cannot break down ourselves, producing vitamins and energy sources we can use,” states Ruth Ley, a microbial ecologist at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.(Source, Los AngelesTimes)

A comparative study done by the same team (2005) at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, studied the gut bacteria in mice, and compared lean mice with genetically obese ones. The genetically obese mice had a mutation in the hormone leptin, which normally controls appetite and metabolism. Similarly to mice, the two main gut inhabitants in humans were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The researchers were surprised to find out that obese and lean mice had different proportions of each. In particular, fat mice tended to have more Firmicutes, and fewer Bacteroidetes, just the opposite to lean mice who had more Bacteroidetes than Firmicutes.

In a separate study, the same team worked with sterile (bacteria-free) mice that have no gut bacteria. Generally, these mice eat a lot, but do never get fat, presumably because they don't have Firmicutes bacteria to absorb all the calories from the food. For their surprise, when the researchers implanted the same bacteria from fat mice to their sterile counterparts, the recipients mice gained weight. This result, reported in Nature (2006), directly suggests that intestinal bacteria are directly connected with obesity and weight gain.

In another study also published in Nature (2006), the team tried to compare the results in mice with people, and studied the proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in 12 people. They examined the bacteria in obese people in one year of follow up diet program. Before the diet started, the subjects had more Firmicutes and fewer Bacteroidetes, but as the diet progressed, the Bacteroidetes went up, while the Firmicutes numbers went down. Despite the conclusions in 12 people are far from being statistically significant, the question behind the new obesity hypothesis is still open for a future research.

Generally, babies are born “bacteria-free” (sterile), but start collecting bacteria from their mothers and their family. It is obvious that there is also an inheritance from family members. If the gut-obesity theory proved correct, that would suggest obesity risk could be over passed with correct diet, selected foods and drinks which regulate the kind of bacteria that are not beneficial.

A study found that ‘a "high-fat, high-sugar" diet changes the composition of bacteria in the gut, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. ’According to the study published in the new Journal of Translational Medicine, ‘the changeover can happen in as little as 24 hours." Researchers led by Andrew Gewirtz at Emory University found that bacteria in human gut may play an important role in whether the body will use fat for energy or will store fat for future occasion. " If a person has changes in their gut bacteria — and that could be due to anything, to diet, to illness or antibiotic use and if that person has kids, then they can transfer those gut bacteria and maybe transfer the problem," Gewirtz stated. (Source, Time)

Otherwise, Firmicutes are seen as bacteria that absorb maximum calories from food by fighting for each available calorie from food and drinks, while signaling the body to either to store fat, slowing down metabolism. In fact the more Firmicutes one individual has the more obese he (she) is.

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Mediterranean diet prescription for healthy living

2010-06-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Mediterranean diet is built on high-quality food with basic ingredients that include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, seafood, yogurt, olive oil, and small amount of wine. This diet has the reputation for being a "true model of preventive eating" for patients with chronic degenerative disease and is known to contribute for better quality of life. (Source, AHA and NH-WC "Beyond Holistic)
The Mediterranean-style diet which is mainly a "low-carb" diet is quite more effective than low-fat- low-calorie diet for prediabetics and aged people with a cognitive decline. It is also rich in olive oil, nuts, and fish, but low in red meat, dairy products and alcohol. Whole food should be seasonal, fresh, strictly portioned, appropriately cooked, and organically grown. (Source, Wiki)
"This diet emphasizes organic vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, lower meat consumption, and moderate wine and non-refined grain intake," concludes lead author Tangney (Rush University Medical Center in Chicago), in a news release from the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). In a completely new and ongoing prospective study called the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP, 2010), a team led by Tangney, have found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of cognitive decline with older age. (Source, Rush Univ)
A traditional nut-enriched Mediterranean Diet helps reverse metabolic syndrome, and appears to be useful for managing metabolic abnormalities in older adults, as well as provides substantial protection against diabetes, heart disease and stroke. (Source, MedPage Today) One of the first major studies on the Mediterranean diet use as preventive nutritional strategy in metabolic syndrome was performed in 2004 by a team of Italian scientists. Researchers randomized 180 men and women with metabolic syndrome to compare the effect of two diets-- "Mediterranean diet" and the so called "prudent diet." The nutrient ratio composition of both diets was identical consisting in 50%-60% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and <30%>It was concluded that after 2 years on both diets, metabolic syndrome patients on Mediterranean diet lost more weight, had lower plasma C- reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels (a guarantee of reduced inflammation), and less insulin resistance, comparatively to the control group. Their total cholesterol and triglycerides fell, while the good cholesterol (HDL) rose significantly comparatively to the participants on the prudent diet. The main and maybe most important feature from the whole study was the endothelial function improvement in the Mediterranean diet group, while it remained unchanged in the control group. That was the first proof ever in the scientific literature (JAMA) that a Mediterranean diet works in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome, including people with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. (Esposito et al., 2004) (Source, Wiki and PubMed)
The Mediterranean-style diet is more effective than a typical "low-fat" and "calorie-restricted" diet in case of metabolic syndrome prevention. According to a new study released last Monday, not only did the Mediterranean diet lead to a greater weight loss, but it also resulted in better glucose tolerance, and improved some of the serious metabolic effects (cardiovascular risk factors). The study, presented at the Experimental Biology 2010 meeting in Anaheim California experimented with testing the diet of 4,000 adults aged 65 and older. Final conclusions from the above study were that, "Adults over age 65 should look to include more olive oil, legumes, fiber, nuts, and seeds in their diet in order to improve their recall times and other cognitive skills, such as identifying symbols and numbers." Tangney, lead author of the above study, added to the above equation the necessity of a daily physical activity as an important part of maintaining cognitive skills. (Source, ASIP)
Authors (Cloutier & Adamson, 2004) claim that the Mediterranean diet is more than just a diet- it is a lifestyle. They believe that by finding fulfillment in exercise, the outdoors lifestyle, and relationships-- all fundamental part of the Mediterranean life style--would help prevent anyone falling back into unhealthy habits. The authors found that a compound in olive oil named "oleocanthal" (whose pungency induces a stinging sensation in the throat) m?y help reduce inflammation, and may prevent conditions like he?rt disease, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. (Source, NH-WC "Beyond Holistic and ElementsForHealth)
Needes separately concludes that in order to lessen gout and kidney damage, protein levels had to be kept low and should not be above 15- 20% of the total diet calories (Needes, 2002). Based on the results of a 20 year mega-nutritional study two authors scientifically illustrated that a "plant-based- oil-free diet" can not only prevent and stop the progression of heart disease but it can also reverse its effects (Caldwell & Esselstyne Jr, 2008). Mediterranean diet is connected with less risk of mild cognitive impairment, according to another report (Scarmeas, 2009). (Source, NH-WC Beyond Holistic")
Another Italian team or researchers (Sofi, Cesari, Abbate, Gensini & Casini, 2008) assessed and analyzed 12 international studies, which collectively included more than 1.5 million participants whose dietary habits and health were tracked for follow-up periods ranging from three to 18 years. A score based on the strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet could be used as an effective preventive tool for reducing the risk of premature death in general population. It was examined the concept of using a numerical score to estimate how much people stick to the diet, known in the literature as an "adherence score." The researchers found that people who stayed strictly on the Mediterranean diet had significant improvements in their health, including a 9% drop in overall mortality, a 9% drop in mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 13% reduction in incidence of Parkinson and Alzheimer's disease, and a 6% reduction in cancer. (Source, BMJ)
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The DASH diet

2010-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Another "metabolic syndrome friendly" diet is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet also known as the " DASH diet." This is maybe one of the most rigorously researched diets than anyone else in the scientific literature. (Source, DASH diet) The influence of a diet on blood pressure monitoring results is studied by Djousse et al., 2006 ( Source, AHA)
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) started in a joint venture manner a huge multi-centered, well randomized, outpatient version of a study across the US nation, involving Harvard School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center (1993- 1997). As a result of this research the diet (DASH) approach was officially recommended by the NHLBI, as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to control blood pressure and to help maintaining stable weight. (Source, Wiki)
One of the main and most specific DASH diet features is to limit the intake of sodium in the general diet. The diet is proven to help lower hypertension (elevated blood pressure) what name it- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). The diet is proven to reduce systolic blood pressure by 11mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mm HG in hypertensive patients and systolic blood pressure by 6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 3 mm Hg in patients with normal blood pressure. (Source, Wiki and EHow)
DASH diet was also found to reduce and stabilize blood glucose and to reduce blood lipids, what makes her good and reliable choice of a diet in case of metabolic syndrome and obesity. The emphasis is on good eating habits, by encouraging the consumption of nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables, while lowering the consumption of red meats, sweets, and sugary foods and beverages. Generally, the diet is focused on the replacement of "junk food" and highly processed food pattern (a typical western diet) with home cooked healthy alternatives. So this is in fact another option for someone who is overweight or obese and has metabolic syndrome.
DASH diet is highly abundant in lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy option. It is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as protein and fiber. DASH diet consists of lean protein, 8-10 fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and about 25 percent of the total daily calories come from good fats, like olive and canola oil. In general the diet recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day, two to three servings of low-fat dairy and protein, and five to six servings of whole grains.
Actually, DASH diet is a good prototype-example of a low GI diet and also one of the best diets for prediabetes, obesity with hypertension and metabolic syndrome as it has been tested and proven to significantly lower blood pressure and lipid levels, and to improve glucose intolerance. It can be compared also with the Mediterranean diet as it requires 8-10 fruits, vegetables and fiber in the diet. (Source, ADA)
What can compare DASH to the Low GI diet is that all the fruits and vegetables must be with low glycemic index. It is high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains - plus, it recommends a certain amount of low-fat dairy and lean protein pretty much alike the Mediterranean diet. You may learn more about the DASH diet specifics by reading the NIH guidebook (2009) termed "Your Guide to lowering your Blood Pressure with DASH." The manual offers healthy food alternatives and their nutritional value, as well as meal plans and exact proportions of macronutrients.
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The ‘Fat Resistance’ diet

2010-06-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Dr. Leo Galland, wrote his book ‘The Fat Resistance Diet: Unlock the Secret of the Hormone Leptin to: Eliminate Cravings, Supercharge Your Metabolism, Fight Inflammation, Lose Weight & Reprogram Your Body to Stay Thin' ( 2006), based on the concept that hormones such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon and adiponectin control appetite and closely monitor body fat levels.
The diet is built with the idea of possible biochemical and metabolic changes, following a recovery from the effects of 'bad eating' habits. (Source, Amazon; Fatresistancediet) As an internist, the author recognizes that obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are modern pandemics of our American society. While separating myths from facts, Galland is completely sure that 'leptin resistance' is the phenomena that drives obesity and metabolic syndrome up. The critical relationship between inflammation, incorrect diet habits, and obesity is well explained in the initial chapters of the book. (Source, Answers)
According to the author, when the body lipids elevate, that causes chronic but steady proinflammatory background, which subsequently alters the whole body biochemistry and creates hormonal imbalances. The book is built on healthy eating guidelines, so you can reverse your metabolic problem by designing your proper menu. The Wall Street Journal termed it: "The new thing in dieting." (Source, Random House)
By offering a variety of more than 100 different recipes, the author is introducing the reader to his version of an "anti-metabolic syndrome" diet plan to the road of success in combating ‘leptin resistance' timely and steadily with the help of hormone-balancing and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
As most of the well known diets, the Galland's diet is built on three-phase (stage) approach:
Stage 1. Consisting in a radical and quick weight loss
Stage 2. Directed to a moderate but steady weight loss
Stage 3. Geared to a long term "lifestyle" maintenance
Galland claimed that it is possible for dieters to achieve their ideal weight by inhibiting inflammation and to restore body biochemistry in terms to reduce cravings, and to increase metabolism and fat burning. In addition, his nutritional approach is based on detoxification and the addition of several super foods, what has been associated with weight loss and significant decline in cholesterol levels and blood pressure- all recognized as metabolic syndrome effects. (Source, Wiki)
The author's purpose is to transform the human body into a "fat-fighting" lean machine with the help of correct nutrition. The foundation of the "Fat resistance diet" is based on the abundant intake of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids that have proven their anti-inflammatory effect. The author's idea is simple, but reasonable: eat plenty of veggies, fruits, and lean meats (fish and chicken), never overeat, maintain an active lifestyle, and get your daily exercise.
Foods high in carotenoids include carrots, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, grean leafy vegetables, pumpkins and papaya, already recognized as powerful natural anti-inflammatory key weapons. The diet also emphasizes an increased intake of foods that are high in good fats, such as the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Despite there is no any guarantee that the ‘Fat Resistance’ Diet will work exactly in your individual metabolic syndrome case, as there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ diet out there on the American market, you can still educate yourself on several rules for healthy and preventive nutrition.
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Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in the modern diet

2010-06-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Recent USDA statistics show that since 1970, the average daily caloric intake in the U.S. has increased by nearly 25 percent. Researchers at the Cornell University examined 52 paintings of the well known 15th century painting created by Leonardo da Vinci the “ Last Supper” and digitally compared the size of food and plate for a period of time of 1000 years with the most modern one.

Their report, published in The International Journal of Obesity (April, 2010), showed that the plate, as well as the entrée size enlarged by about two-thirds over the millennium while bread size increased by nearly 25 percent. (Wansink, B & Wansink, C.S.)
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimations are that by 2015, there will be more than 1.5 billion overweight consumers, with an incurring health cost beyond $117 billion per year in the US alone. (NH-WC "Beyond Holistic) Thus, the need of future research in the science of metabolomics for obesity control is strongly substantiated. (Source, Wiki, and PMV)
The new science of metabolomics is constantly discovering new mechanisms to control morbid obesity as part of the metabolic syndrome. Recently it was found a new connection between obesity as part of the metabolic syndrome disorder related to the use of probiotics and prebiotics, as regulators of the gut microflora (Source, Wiki)
Results from recent research suggested that there is a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), linked to a modulation of gut peptides and appetite modulation that have been observed upon long term treatment of overweight and obese patients with probiotics and prebiotics. The study published in the Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care (2005). also noted that the concept may be also applicable to humans, “Moreover, the metabolomic analysis will allow to select the potential new microbial targets related to obesity and related disorders in the future” (Delzenne & Cani, 2005).
Gut microorganisms, also termed “microbiota” are the trillions of bacteria that normally reside in the human GI tract, and affect nutrient absorption, energy and immunity regulation. Margaret Furtado MS, RD, LDN claims in her article"Probiotics, prebiotics, gut microbiota, and obesity" that ingestion of probiotics and their synbiotic use with prebiotics is highly recommended as preventative approach to the road of health and well-being (Source, BariatricTimes)
The rule that early gut microbiota composition can guide weight development throughout early childhood was established. Ingestion of probiotics is recommended as preventative approach to maintaining the balance of the intestinal microflora and thereby enhancing health and well-being (Furtado, 2009). The role of the gut microflora in affecting the caloric intake control and satiety is gradually being unraveled” are the statements of Prof. Glenn Gibson (University of Reading).
New science breakthrough study published in Nature (Ley, Turnbaugh, Klein & Gordon, 2006) reported that microbial gut flora is different between obese and lean people and that obese people are losing weight when probiotics are added. Two main divisions of beneficial bacteria—Bacteroides and Firmicutes—are recognized as normal residents in the gut, and the equilibrium between the two species is very important in determining an individual’s chance for obesity. This breakthrough is based on the finding that the obese people microflora reverted back to the one of the lean people, suggesting that obesity may have a microbial pathogenesis component.
Thus, the obesity phenomena is induced not so much by overeating, but as to the different metabolic activities of already modified gut flora facilitating the extraction of calories from ingested dietary substances that is storing calories in the adipose tissue for later use. It is obvious that there is an elevated rate of food ingestion in obese patients. Therefore, the attempt to modulate the equilibrium or gut microflora may have a role in the future prevention and treatment of obesity.
Probiotics are nonpathogenic live microorganisms that are believed to confer health benefits to the host when ingested (WHO). (Source, USProbiotics.com) As Gibson (2010) stated “The role of the gut microflora in affecting calorie control and satiety is gradually being unraveled.” The author’s conclusion is that prebiotics may beneficially modify bacterial populations in the guts and aid weight management, with “promising effects also shown in humans.” Larsen, Vogensen, Van den Berg & Anderson proved that "Gut microflora in human adults with type 2 diabetes differs from non-diabetic adults” (2010)
Prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides believed to act as “fertilizers” of the colonic microflora, enhancing growth of beneficial residential organisms (e.g. Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus) (Reuter, 2001). Despite known as “non-digestible” the prebiotics are between the food fibers or ingredients that have a beneficial effect through their selective metabolism in the intestinal tract” (Gibson et al., 2004). Prebiotics are believed to offer health benefits on the host, explained with the activation or modulation of lipid metabolism most likely via the process of fermentation. (Source, NutritionNews)
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as "synbiotic", is believed to show enhanced health benefits acting as a “functional food.” (Source, Invista.com) Recent studies reviewed the synergistic role of prebiotics and probiotics on obesity and suggested that individuals with obesity may have differing amounts of particular microflora (e.g. Firmicutes). (Source, Wiki) The combination of probiotics and prebiotics has been proposed to be used in food due to its health-enhancing, and anti-obesity properties to modify the gut flora to its beneficial ratio.
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The Glycemic Index diet

2010-06-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is considered factor number one for metabolic syndrome prevention. Conversely, maintaining chronic elevated levels of blood sugar is a guarantee to develop not only diabetes, but abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure (all abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome cluster). (Source, AHA)
The Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) are relatively new concepts that relate to how quickly sugar in the food is absorbed into the blood stream from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. You maybe know that, not all carbohydrates are created the same. If you consume low GI foods, your blood sugar will stay stable, so you will feel more energetic and happy, but if you consume high GI foods, you blood sugar will fluctuate, resulting in frequent hunger, mood shifts and general fatigue.
The main difference between carbohydrates is in their rate of absorption. There are two main groups of carbohydrates- (complex and simple)- that show different rate of a break down and absorption. For example white bread behaves quite differently than a vegetable (e.g. broccoli or carrots) as per its rate of absorption or break down rate. Basically all simple carbohydrates are absorbed rather quickly. High glycemic foods (e.g. white bread, instant rise, pretzels, cakes and crackers) are absorbed very quickly, while low glycemic foods (some vegetables and fruits, oatmeal, popcorn and nuts) are absorbed less quickly. (Source, About and Weightlossforall)
The glycemic index (GI) is a scale from 1 to 100 that determines how quickly food causes a spike in blood sugar levels. Otherwise, the GI concept is a numerical system of measuring how much of a blood sugar rise a carbohydrate triggers. Thus, the higher the number, the greater the blood sugar rises. For example, food ranking lower in the scale (less than 55) will cause a slower spike, while food with a high GI score (above 70) will cause an immediate spike. There are also foods with intermediate GI score (between 56 and 69). The glycemic index is an interesting, despite deceptive concept especially in diabetics. (Source, Wiki)
The glycemic load (GL) concept is a ranking system for carbohydrate content in food portions based on their glycemic index and the portion size. Some low GI foods are oats, carrots, barley and they are digested more slowly providing gradual and steady supply of blood sugar that is often referred as “slow carbs.” (Source, Wiki)
Both terms (GI and GL) are relevant to the dietary guidelines for counteracting metabolic syndrome.

Foods rich in simple sugars can be expected to cause a rapid rise in blood glucose which causes insulin secretion from the pancreas. They were termed by Axelrod and Levine (1982) as “high glycemic foods.” High GI foods are determined to a degree by the altered rates of transfer of glucose to its site of maximal absorption in the small bowel, which is a function of the rate of gastric emptying. By avoiding high glycemic foods and choosing low glycemic index foods will help you feel satisfied and more energetic. (Source, EHow)
Hence, slower glucose supply is critical for prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. According to Giampapa et al. (2004) carbohydrates must constitute 45% of the daily food intake in metabolic syndrome but they must be complex carbohydrates only.
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The power of sugar in our diet

2010-06-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The overconsumption of sugar can be compared with one of the most frequent addictions seen later in life. Simple sugar is what our cells painfully crave to be used as fuel for energy supply. Some of this sugar is stored in the liver as glycogen for future use, while the excess of it is stored as fat, in order to be used in periods of starvation and famine.
The Western medicine claims that turning to sugar is similar to material rewarding or spiritual nurturing, while the Traditional Eastern (Chinese and Ayurvedic) medicine compaires the craving for sugar, as a craving for mother love, material security and spiritual comfort or the so called "Yin energy". Nowadays, many nutritional authorities believe that chronic overconsumption of sugar is building the road to the most modern chronic degenerative diseases of the last century- obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. Nancy Appleton PhD numbered the 146 reasons why sugar is ruining your health and wrote her books "Lick the sugar habit" and "Lick the sugar habit sugar counter."(Source, Rheumatic)
Sugar especially in case if consumed in excess can compromise your immunity or your ability to fight illness in a long run. In a number of studies it was found a positive correlation between daily consumption of sugar and several cancers- colon, pancreas, prostate, kidney, ovary and brain.(Source, NH-WC "Beyond Holistic") As dietitian Edith Hogan claims many people consume 450 calories a day through sugary drinks. (Source, USAToday)
Despite of the heated debate between the lobby of modern nutritionists and the one of sugar industry, the U.S. Government now refers to minimal elevations of glucose, known as "prediabetes"- the stage of impaired fasting glucose. Thus, anyone at high risk, with a sibling or parent with diabetes, excess weight, and abdominal obesity is advised to be tested annually for fasting glucose. Glucose levels below the threshold for diabetes- 126 mg/dl- used to be admitted as normal in past. Nowadays, even a level of 100-125 mg/dl can raise a significant risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer, and certain cancers. (Source, ADA and Wiki)
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently made a scientific statement published in Circulation (2006, June 15) saying that "Hyperglycemia and the often-associated insulin resistance are related to numerous cardiovascular complications, including CHD, stroke, cardiomyopathy, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure (p.85) and it recommended that a) women consume no more than 100 calories a day, or about 6½ teaspoons, from added sugars; b) men, no more than 150 calories, or about 9½ teaspoons. You should know that the above recommended amount includes table sugar, brown sugar, HFCS, honey, molasses, brown rice syrup, agave syrup and other caloric sweeteners.
What most of the metabolic syndrome patients fail to recognize is the rapid preliminary "aging" effect of sugar. The bottom line is that blood sugar frequent spikes known as "hypoglycemia," can make anyone excessively hungry, and prematurely older than his generation. The explanation behind this statement is that when excess blood sugar reacts with proteins in the blood, advanced glycosylation end- products (AGEs) are formed what is leading to rapid reaction of glycation. As a dangerous process, reaction of glycation impairs biomolecular, cellular, organ and tissue functions leading not only to premature aging but also to rapid degenerative decline. Hence, a good blood sugar control is considered of a paramount importance for longevity and anti-aging as well as for metabolic syndrome prevention. (Source, Wiki)
Metabolic syndrome dietary recommendations are generally not different than those for managing type 2 diabetes. The carbohydrate intake should include whole grains, fibers, fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed, rather than the type or source of the carbohydrate, determines the glycemic effect-sucrose does not increase glycemia any more than isocaloric amount of starch. Although very high carbohydrate diets may exacerbate existing levels of dyslipidemia, it has not been proven that substituting unsaturated fats in place of some carbohydrates will improve the lipid profile. Saturated fats should be also reduced as stated by ADA in the article Dietary Approaches to Prevent the Metabolic Syndrome" (Diabetes Care) and an active lifestyle with daily exercise should be followed as per the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD, 2006).

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Depression can trigger abdominal obesity

2010-06-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

With the latest economic downturn- the exponential growth of depression and anxiety, intensity, duration, and frequency of worry are leading to serious impairment of our normal physical and psychological functioning. (Source, MedicineNet and Wiki)
Anxiety is often, despite not always, accompanied by mild (distimia) to moderate depression with number of physical symptoms including headache, muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, mood shifts, insomnia, and irritability. It is believed to affect about an estimated 19 million adult Americans (15% of the U.S. adults), and is converting in more common than any other mental health disorder.
Many conditions (symptoms, syndromes and diseases) are direct result and consequence of a brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) imbalance. Inadequate or imbalanced neurotransmitter levels can result in distorted signals between the brain cells known as "neurones." Latest research has shown that lowered levels of the brain hormone- serotonin and increased levels of the adrenal hormone- cortisol could be responsible for anxiety and depression, obesity, chronic insomnia, addiction to food, addictions in general, obsessive compulsive disorders, etc. (NH-WC Beyond Holistic) Multiple literature data proved the probability that neurotransmitters' imbalance can trigger chronic muscle/ joint pain, obsessive/ compulsive behaviors, attention deficit disorder (ADD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, hypertension, fibromyalgia and many others. (Source, Wiki)
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health (June 9, 2010) and performed in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) showed conclusive data that depression could play a role in abdominal obesity- one of the major metabolic syndrome markers. The researchers compared data from the coronary artery risk development in young adults study (CARDIA)- a 20-year mega-longitudinal study of more than 5,115 men and women aged between 18-30. The main task of this study was to prove the “cause-effect” connection and to testify whether the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measurements were associated with increases in depression and vice versa. Their findings were that over a period of 15 years, all the subjects put on some pounds, but the group selected as “depressed” individuals gained even faster. (Source, UAB.edu)
The study strongly confirmed that depression may trigger abdominal obesity, but did not find any confirmation data on the question if overweight people are more depressed than their lean counterparts. "Those who started out reporting high levels of depression gained weight at a faster rate than others in the study, but starting out overweight did not lead to changes in depression" claimed UAB Assistant Professor of Sociology Belinda Needham, Ph.D She stated that since cortisol, is already known as the hormone of stress, depression and abdominal obesity, can be speculated that elevated levels might explain why depressed people tend to gain more belly fat than the rest of the group. Finally, the author concluded, "Our study is important because if you are interested in controlling obesity, and ultimately eliminating the risk of obesity-related diseases, then it makes sense to treat people’s depression. It's another reason to take depression seriously and not to think about it just in terms of mental health, but to also think about the physical consequences of mental health problems."

Integrative Approach to Metabolic Syndrome Management

2010-06-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Metabolic Syndrome is well known as a cluster or constellation of several common disorders, including high blood pressure, glucose intolerance, abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and abnormal cholesterol levels that make anyone susceptible to the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Each of these disorders is by itself a risk factor for many other degenerative diseases such as: gout, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, and in combination, all of the above dramatically boost the metabolic syndrome patient;s chances of developing potentially life- threatening illnesses. (Source, AHA)
Worldwide, over 250 million people suffer from the disease and the estimations for 2025 are depicted at a total of 380 million patients. As per Feinstein and Eden (2008) an additional 12 million adults will likely develop the disease as a result of aging alone by 2022. (Source, NH-WC Beyond Holistic) Widely known as "The Nutrition Reporter" Jack Challem (2007) claims, “Two- thirds of the Americans are now overweight or obese (including four out of five men), and upward of 100 million Americans are prediabetic - with 1 million Americans now being diagnosed with full-blown diabetes each year. Between, 60 -75 million of us are insulin resistant and 5-10 percent of those millions will develop Type 2 diabetes.
Managing metabolic syndrome is to address all of the available risk factors rather than each one individually, and separately (Holt & Whitaker, 2002). The authors state, "Obesity must be addressed with rapid and immediate weight loss, high blood pressure must be reduced, high cholesterol must be diminished and blunting of surges in blood glucose must be accomplished. " Nowadays many authors relate the syndrome X predominantly with an increasing rate of morbid obesity in the Western industrialized world. (Source. Amazon)
As per latest AHA recommendations for managing metabolic syndrome- the primary goal of the metabolic syndrome management program is to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Thus, the “first-line” therapy approach should be oriented to reduce the major risk factors for heart disease: to stop smoking, to reduce LDL cholesterol (its VLDL fraction), blood pressure and glucose levels to the recommended levels.
For managing both- long and short term risk consequences, lifestyle therapies must constitute the primary intervention management plan. These lifestyle interventions include: (a) Weight loss to achieve a desirable weight (BMI less than, 25 kg/m2); (b) Increased physical activity, with a goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week; (c) Healthy eating habits that include reduced intake of saturated fat, simple carbohydrates, saturated fat and cholesterol. (Source, AHA)
Darwin Deen, MD (2004) claims that “low fat- high-carbohydrate diets” have been criticized because they may raise triglycerides and lower HDL-cholesterol levels in some patients, leading to aggravation of dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome diet should remind to a typical Mediterranean-style diet. Deen states, "For sedentary patients with elevated triglycerides, who are obese and insulin resistant-- a lower carbohydrate diet that limits sodas, juice drinks, and refined grains (such as sweetened cereals, baked goods, and desserts) is advisable." (Source, AAFP)
Incorporating activity into most, if not all days of the week, is a prerequisite for longevity and a graceful aging. Regular exercise helps prevent cardiovascular disease, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, obesity (all part of the metabolic syndrome cluster). The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP, 2007) recommends an exercise routine of 30 minutes of physical activity, at least four to six days per week — a combination of aerobic, strength, and flexibility training. (Source, AAFP)
Thus, among the first steps in addressing metabolic syndrome are:
1. Lifestyle changes, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, including smoking cessation, reduced caffeine and simple sugar intake.
2. Behavior modification, including changing eating patterns and extinguishing adverse lifestyle choices.
3. Exercise matched to the level of aerobic fitness (with professional training advice).
4. Diet, reduced in simple sugars, salt, and saturated fat with controlled protein intake and more liberal in healthy fats (e.g., fish oil, olive oil and monosaturated fats).
Stephen Holt, MD (2003) considers rapid dietary and lifestyle modification as fundamental in the rapid improvement of metabolic syndrome. Syndrome X dietary recommendations are generally not different than those for managing diabetes. Excessive dietary intake of refined sugar, lack of exercise, poorly defined genetic tendencies and adverse lifestyle variably contribute to the cause of metabolic syndrome.
All of the above suggestions are consistent with dietary attempts to restrict the carbohydrate intake, and may explain the “quick-fix” (or short-term) success of some low carbohydrate diets for weight control. “Current pharmaceutical and dietary approaches in metabolic syndrome management show multiple disadvantages, restrictions and limitations,” believe Holt and Whitaker (2002). It had been proposed and then reiterated by the same authors that focused pharmaceutical treatments on the components of metabolic syndrome are not likely to provide better outcome than integrated management strategies.
Despite conventional treatments (cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure lowering medications, anti-obesity drugs and surgery) have their specific role when risks within metabolic syndrome are already present, they should form the “back-up” strategy plan for management, while in contrast, diet approaches, active lifestyle modification, exercise, nutritional, and nutraceutical interventions may provide versatile, flexible and powerful “first-line” management option. According to the same authors the idea of holistic strategies opens the door for the so called "integrative approach" with dietary supplements. (Source, Dr Weil)
“Effective prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome should involve a multifaceted approach to impact all cardinal components of the disorder,” believe the authors. It had been suggested that focused treatments on obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension (the individual components of the syndrome) were unlikely to provide better outcome than are integrated management strategies. (Holt et al., 2003).
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Curtesy to Youtube and to Dr Oz "The Healthiest Diets"

Detoxification and Weight Loss Connection

2010-06-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

We as humans, tend to follow the tendency to make poor diet choices and to overeat, despite being well informed that our ‘bad food’ choices may soon ricochet in a “bad health’ status. There are known over 85,000 chemicals, officially licensed for use in North America, most of which are scientifically proven and demonstrated carcinogens, poisons, contaminates or hormonal disrupters (xenoestrogens).

Some of them are fluoride, bis-phenol, clothing dyes, chlorine, mercury, dioxin, chlorine, sulfite, nitrites, nitrates, phthalates, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides food additives, poisons and contaminates. Drugs, sugar and alcohol are also toxins. Over the time they can build up – a process called “ bio-accumulation.” (Source, Wiki)

Detox, or detoxification, is the process of holistic (natural) or conventional (medicinal) removal of toxic and potentially harmful substances from the human body (sugar, toxins, alcohol, drugs, metabolites). Although the process of detoxification is primarily thought of as a treatment for alcohol and opiates, the term detox is also used in reference to nutrition, diets, herbal detox, and many other methods of removing toxins from the body for general health achievement. The mechanism behind a “full body detox” can refer to the period of withdrawal during which an organism returns to homeostasis after long-term use of an addictive substance. (Source, Fullbodydetox and Wiki)

There are countless of products, articles and books on the market that are step by step detox plans to support physiological detoxification by increasing elimination, cleansing the colon, enhancing circulation, lymph cleansing, eliminating foods from the diet that are allergenic, while providing nutrients to support the liver, known as the main organ involved in the detoxification process.

Majority of the diet detox programs are one to two-four week plans to support detoxification by increasing elimination from the body, cleansing the colon, enhancing circulation to clear toxic substances, eliminating foods from the diet that require detoxification or are allergenic, and providing nutrients to support and protect the liver, the majaor organ involved in detoxification. (Source, Dietdetoxsecrets)

There is a difference between the conventional and alternative medicine detoxification procedures. The holistic (alternative) detox approach is based on latest scientific research, empirical case studies, self-tests and inquires. Holistic medicine is constantly focused on the numerous benefits of choosing a raw diet, fasting, juicing with fresh fruits and vegetables rather than cooked meals. (Source, Wiki)

Many alternative practitioners promote various types of detoxification such as detox diets, detox foot pads, oil pulling, botanical detox, body cleansing, Gerson therapy (diet), electromagnetic treatment (such as the Aqua Detox treatment), raw diet, water fasting, metabolic therapy, etc. but the conventional doctors argue that there is little scientific evidence that detox diets have any health benefits.

Certain detox writers believe that the body accumulates toxins that must be removed, especially after periods of over-eating or the consumption of non-nutritious and processed foods. Nearly all detox diets advocate increased water consumption, at least eight glasses a day.

An example for a detox diet is described in the book 21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox. The book offers three different detox programs, one of which is the rapid 21-day "Master Fast," in which 21-pounds are lose in 21 days. The book is based on detox through stress reduction, fasting, exercise, lifestyle changes and the use of antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes designed to nourish the body during the process of detoxification. Also included in the book are recipes, juices, formulas, etc. (Source, Mydietdetox)

Another detox diet book is The Fast Track Detox Diet: Boost metabolism, get rid of fattening toxins, jump-start weight loss and keep the pounds off for good by Ann Louise Gittleman. Combining the theory with practice, the writer incorporates the method into one day of fasting plan. The author’s opinion is that the weight loss approach- is absolutely necessary to the road of health, longevity and graceful aging. (Source, Everydiet)

The New Detox Diet –The Complete Guide to Lifelong Vitality with Recipes, Menus, and Detox Plans by Elson Haas is another practical guide to detoxification that uses common ingredients and helps you feel stronger and healthier. The author explains the difference between transitional and general detoxification diets, detox throughout supplements, juices and fasting, and offers recipes that can be incorporated for a long life detox dieting. (Source, Elsonhaas)

A good example of a natural raw food diet book the 12 Steps to Raw Foods: How to End Your Dependency on Cooked Food by Victoria Boutenko. The author believes that raw food diet is necessary to the road to absolute energy and health, throughout optimal nutrition. After years of research, Boutenko found that the only group that matches by all essential macro nutrients and micro nutrients to a complete and optimal nutrition is the family of green foods. (Source, Amazon)

Generally the medical community is skeptical to detox diets. Conventional medicine believes that there is no scientific evidence for toxic bioaccumulation, as the liver and kidneys automatically detoxify and excrete the toxins, including its proper body metabolic byproducts.Under the conventional medical theory if toxins are too rapidly eliminated the process of elimination can damage the body and cause disease. The conventional medicine detox approach can be achieved by using antidotes versus toxins, as well as techniques as kidney dialysis or chelation therapy. A UK-based charitable trust “Sense about Science”, determined that most commercial “detox’ products can be considered a "waste" of money. (Source, Wiki and Senseaboutscience)
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A review of the new 2010 dietary guidelines for Americans

2010-06-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

On June 15, 2010, the USDA’s Nutrition Evidence Library (NEL) specializing in conducting systematic reviews to inform the US public on the changes in Federal nutrition policy and programs announced the preliminary release of the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.
Generally, the dietary guidelines are the foundation of the My Pyramid Food Guidance System, formerly known as the Food Pyramid. (Source, Cnpp.Usda) The dietary guidelines are based on what the USDA's experts have determined to be the "best scientific knowledge" on food, diet and nutrition, including requirements for physical activity, and lifestyle changes, related to what individuals aged 2 years and older. These guidelines are under review every five years and provide the foundation of the latest federal government general (food and nutrition) policy based on latest research, labeling, and food promotion rules. (Source, Cnpp.Usda)

During the 70’s, the USDA’s nutrition recommendations were based on high animal protein and eggs. The increasing rate of heart attacks, diabetes and strokes during that time requested drastic changes of the food pyramid towards the high carbohydrate- low fat diet corner. Thus, the next USDA guidelines included higher carbs, lower fat and lean protein. For the first time since 1980, the dietary guidelines for Americans emphasized more on exercise for weight loss and less on cardiovascular and other modern diseases risk.
Despite of the drastic changes in nutrition and active lifestyle recommendations, the Americans are still facing today a pandemic rate of metabolic syndrome and obesity, while the heart disease and cancer are leading the list of modern mortality statistics. The main problem in 70-80's years guidelines was that there were not exact specifications of what kind of carbs exactly were recommended (e.g. breads, pastas, drinks, oats and cereals, or just vegetables and fruits).
The 2005 y guidelines were based on the rapidly increasing rate of obesity in the U.S. The Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson stated, “Two-thirds of the Americans are still overweight or obese, and more than 50 percent of us Americans do not get the recommended amount of physical activity, so the new guidelines emphasize physical activity and calorie control more than ever before.” Thus, the 2005 guidelines specific recommendations, included eating whole grains, reducing fat intake to less than 30% of the total intake, eating whole (home prepared) foods as opposed to overly processed foods. In addition they added a daily exercise routine at least 30- 60 minutes of moderate exercise on a daily basis. It was underlined that those who need to lose weight should exercise between 60 and 90 minutes each day.

The new 2010 Advisory Committee report observations are the following: "The single most significant adverse health trend among US children in the past 40 years has been the dramatic increase in overweight and obesity. Since the early 1970s, the prevalence of overweight and obesite people has approximately doubled among children ages 2 to 11 years, and tripled among adolescents’ ages 12 to 19 years. Not only is obesity associated with adverse health effects during childhood, but evidence documents increased risk of future chronic disease in adult life. “
While kindly acknowledging the lack of progress, the Advisory Committee is advising Americans to consume ‘nutrient-dense’ foods with a follow up note ‘but again not too much of them.’ In their proper words, “Currently, Americans consume less than 20 percent of the recommended intake for whole grains, less than 60 percent for vegetables, less than 50 percent for fruits, and less than 60 percent for milk and milk products. Inadequate intakes of nutrient-dense foods from these basic food groups place individuals at risk for lower than recommended levels of specific nutrients, namely vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. “
The new guidelines can be shortly summarized with the following statements:
a) Eating a healthy balance of nutritious (nutrient dense) foods continues as a central point in the dietary guidelines, but balancing nutrients is not enough for health.
b) There is an emphasis on increased availability of fresh produce for consumers.

c) To be placed a stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity. The amount of total calories also should be considered.
d) Reduction of salt intake by 40%. The new guidelines lower the recommended maximum daily intake of salt from 2,300 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams.

e) General reduction of solid fats and added sugar (sugary foods and drinks).

f) To give preference on plant (vegetables and fruits) based diet.

g) To be selected low fat, high on fiber, dairy and whole grains based diet.

h) Another emphasis is on the improvement in nutrition based on cooking skills and home cooked healthy foods and on creating new nutrition programs and physical education in schools. (Source, Cnpp.usda.gov)
Despite vit. D, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid are positively included in the guidelines for Total American diet, the general use of dietary formulas and other supplements among healthy Americans is completely dismissed. Here is the final executive summary statement to your attention: “A daily multivitamin/mineral supplement does not offer health benefits to healthy Americans.”
Generally, the use of supplements is oriented to selected demographic groups of the population: “Women of reproductive capacity should consume foods rich in folate and iron, and older individuals should consume fortified foods rich in vitamin B12 or B12 supplements, if needs cannot be met through whole foods. Nutritious breakfast consumption and in some cases nutrient-dense snacking may assist in meeting nutrient recommendations, especially in certain subgroups.”
Their final statement is the following: “The food industry will need to act to help Americans achieve these goals.” “Every aspect of the industry, from research and development to production and retail, needs to contribute healthful food solutions to reduce the intake of SoFAS [solid fats and added sugar], certain refined grain products, and sodium. Sound health and wellness policies at the local, state, and national level also can help facilitate these changes.”

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Father's Day health discussion

2010-06-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Nowadays, there are many men who are complaining of the so called “androgen (testosterone) deficiency” syndrome, characterized by several symptoms like: anxiety, low energy, low libido, frequent fatigue, mood shifts, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, sleep disturbance, morning tiredness, frequent anger and depression. The association between androgens and sexual function is proven 30 years ago.
The main function of the prostate is to secrete and store a clear fluid with slightly alkaline PH 7.29 that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the semen. The rest of the seminal fluid is produced by two seminal vesicles. To work properly, the prostate needs androgens (male hormones), which are responsible for the male primary and secondary characteristics. The main male androgen hormone- testosterone is produced by the testicles and in very small amounts by the adrenals. The hormone regulator of the prostate gland is the metabolite of testosterone known as “dehydrotestosterone”. As in aging men the production of testosterone is generally reduces, they have not enough production of its metabolite either.
Generally, androgen deficiency in males above 40 must be confirmed by at least two morning samples taken on different mornings. The phenomena “androgen deficiency” is confirmed by testosterone less than 8 mmol/ L, or 8-15 mmol/ Litter with elevated LH greater than 1.5 times the upper limit of the normal reference eugonadal range for young men. The conventional medicine defines androgen deficiency as available when men show lower than normal amounts of testosterone or in older men is a synonym of the so called “male menopause.” Erectile impotence (ED), known as the main symptom behind the phenomena is proven related to metabolic syndrome (hypertonia, cardiovascular diseases) or as a side effect of its therapy.
Despite it can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, there are also many cases showing it as an uncommon cause of men with ED. Malcolm Carruthers, MD, an UK based physician published several popular books on the diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency, “Male Menopause” “Maximizing Manhood” and “The Testosterone Revolution”, “ADAM : Androgen Deficiency in the Adult Male.”
Adrenal (testosterone) deficiency is a frequent syndrome in elderly due to the following factors:
1. Prostate operation (radical and partial).
2. Latent (subtle) form of adrenal deficiency.
3. Undiagnosed form of adrenal deficiency.
4. Missing health care coverage.
5. Low socioeconomic status.
According to an U.S. study, published May 26, 2008 in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine many men with low testosterone levels do not receive any treatment, due to their low socioeconomic status and missing health care coverage: a/ low socioeconomic status b/ missing health care coverage.
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/medical/dehydrotestosterone.htm
The conventional medicine offers several options for hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), able to restore testosterone levels back to the normal range. Testosterone can be administered as: gel, capsules, patches, injections, implants. The best way to find out which option is the best for you is to consult with your primary physician. The holistic medicine offers botanicals and nutritional formulas proven to help in this disorder like: Pygeum africanum, Saw palmetto, Tribulus terrestris, Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Vitamin E, Selenium, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Horny Goat, Zinc and Lycopene.

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Understanding Syndrome X

2010-06-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Metabolic syndrome (also known as insulin resistance syndrome or syndrome X) is the name of a group of risk factors associated with overweight and obesity that can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and future development of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of dangerous health disorders that work and represent together in a person, and increase his risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, gout, kidney failure, hypertension, Alzheimer's and even certain cancers.
The most important characteristics of Syndrome X are high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, low HDL, high LDL, abdominal obesity (apple shape) and high blood glucose. However, increasing evidence suggests the disease originates from both insulin resistance and activation of vascular inflammatory mechanisms related to increased oxidative stress. Insulin resistance results in preferential metabolism of free fatty acids which leads to reduced glucose utilization.
What does metabolic syndrome mean?
Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which a group of risk factors for heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes occur together. According to a report by the National heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of the following health conditions:
1. Abdominal obesity (apple-shaped obesity)
2. Atherogenic dyslipidemia (High LDL and low HDL)
3. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
4. Insulin resistance and/or glucose intolerance
5. Prothrombotic state (clot in a blood vessel)
6. Proinflammatory state (body inflammation)
Although metabolic syndrome is not yet fully understood, abdominal fat (stored in the abdominal region) and insulin resistance seems to be the main contributing factors of developing the syndrome. The type of fat localized viscerally (abdominal fat) is now considered an active "toxic" tissue, acting as a typical endocrine organ, secreting hormones and other proinflammatory chemicals that can alter metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance.
The appearance of insulin resistance as well as the degree of subclinical inflammation are claimed as main predictors of the syndrome. There is some controversy about insulin levels as the main predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), although most of the literature data indicate positive correlation. It is already known that elevated blood levels of glucose with increased insulin resistance predict not only the syndrome but many other metabolic disorders, as well.
The infiltration of adipose tissue by inflammatory macrophages is indicated as common feature of obesity. Adipose mass as measured by weight, BMI or visceral obesity correlates quantitatively with genetic expression of macrophages that produce inflammatory mediators and markers. An individual "hip-to-waist" ratio may be the best indicator of one's risk for this disease. Therefore, while Metabolic Syndrome may share some characteristic features with diabetes, it is not a diabetic condition, per se.
The National Health and Blood Institute (NHLBI) estimates that in the U.S. about 47 million (at around 25%) adults have metabolic syndrome. It can affect anyone but it is most frequently seen in those who are obese or significantly overweight (especially in the abdominal area) and those leading a sedentary lifestyle. People suffering of metabolic syndrome are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke and one in four are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone without the syndrome.
Diagnosing the metabolic syndrome requires presence of at least three of the following risk factors.
1. Abdominal obesity (men- more than 40 inches; women- more than 35 inches).
2. Elevated fasting glucose (more than 110 mg/dL).
3. Elevated triglycerides (more than 150 mg/dL).
4. Reduced HDL cholesterol (men- less than 40 mg/dL; women- less than 50 mg/dL).
5. Elevated blood pressure (more than 130/85 mmHG).
Key indicators for diagnosing the syndrome X are: (Source, Scientific Publishing Ltd)
a). Waistline measurements exceeding 36 inches for women or 40 inches for men
b). Blood pressure above 130/85 mmHG
c). Triglycerides exceeding 150 mg/dL
d). Fasting blood glucose higher than 110 mg/dL
e). HDL (High density lipoprotein) levels below 50 mg/dL (women) or 40 mg/dL(men)
Beyond this considerations, three specific group of patients are associated with metabolic syndrome:
a). Diabetics who cannot maintain normal glucose levels with diet and exercise.
b). Non-diabetics with pre-diabetic levels of blood glucose and high blood pressure
c). People with previous heart incident (heart attack) with high insulin levels but still glucose tolerant.
External links: NH-WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC
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Modalities in metabolic syndrome management

2010-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Diet and rapid lifestyle changes are the first key weapons able to address the metabolic syndrome underlying causes and health consequences. These changes should include improving your diet through education, selection, and portion control while also increasing physical activity levels. (Source, NH-WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC) Another way to assess your risks for metabolic syndrome and number of other diseases is by using the Diabetes Personal Health Decisions (diabetes PHD) risk assessment online tool. If you are at risk, visit your physician or holistic doctor for a complete evaluation before starting the metabolic syndrome intervention program. Find the exact health practitioner, specializing in metabolic syndrome disorders, able to address the exact ratio between diet, amount and type of exercise, and lifestyle changes as part of your program.
The best way to heal the syndrome is simply to prevent it. The exact time for its prevention is while insulin secretion is still adequate. An early assessment is important to prevent the development of more serious diseases, such as diabetes, gout, and kidney failure.The best way to prevent the syndrome is by using the Mediterranean diet. A perfect "metabolic diet" should emphasize on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats and eliminating processed foods, as recommended. This type of a diet will insure nutrition that is high in fiber (25 to 30 grams per day).
With the help of nutritionist or holistic health practitioner you will choose between the exact ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in your daily menu. A precise fitness assessment by a personal trainer can identify if you are at risk for this syndrome and can precise what type of exercise you should select and how to combine them.
In case that you are already diagnosed with the syndrome - rapid and aggressive lifestyle changes must be initiated. You should concentrate on what does work for you and what does not, while including the correct weight loss plan and daily exercise. (Source, Beyond Holistic Blog)
Selecting between the most appropriate diets for your metabolic type will be the correct approach. You may choose between Low Glycemic Index (GI) diet, DASH diet, and the South Beach Diet. (Source, Wiki)
Restricting the carbohydrates to no more than 45-50% of your daily caloric intake will be the most important approach in your dieting. You should stay focused on fruits and vegetables with low Glycemic index (GI) and low Glycemic Load (GL) until reversing the body's insulin sensitivity.
Increasing exercise is the second important approach to improve and heal the metabolic syndrome. By using aerobic exercise, weight lifting, and daily walking, in order to be able to decrease elevated blood pressure and to reduce elevated cholesterol to its normal borderlines.
The benefits of exercise impact many aspects of your health and well-being. Exercise not only helps you look trimmer but to feel stronger and to be healthier. Exercise increases abdominal fat loss and reduces insulin resistance typically associated with belly fat, therefore reducing risks for metabolic syndrome. It lowers your general risk for a multitude of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some forms of cancer.
Surprisingly, you don't need to run a marathon to reap the rewards. Exercise recommendations include a minimum of 30-60 minutes most days of the week. In addition, at least two days of strength training per week is recommended. Another good on line "self-help" source for changing your lifestyle regime pattern is "America on the Move" which is an American initiative that encourages people to increase additional 2,000 steps more than what they usually do, while eating 100 fewer calories per day. (Source, America on the Move)
Quitting smoking, while reducing coffee and restricting alcohol is another important approach to the road of metabolic syndrome healing, as they increase insulin resistance and promote future heart problems. In case that diet, exercise and drastic lifestyle changes cannot address elevated cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure- allopathic (conventional) approaches to metabolic syndrome treatment must be considered.
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The Stress-- Obesity connection

2010-06-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Modern life, as positive it seems to be with its latest, modern technology and scientific achievements, it has its negatives, as well. We live in these stressful times when stress is converting in the newest and most modern Western world disease.

Stress Syndrome (SS) is a state of emotional strain often brought on by overwork, prolonged study, emotional pressure, or a host of other physiological or psychological factors. (NH-WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC)
The connection between stress and disease is a topic that is researched extensively in the scientific literature. The human body is designed to handle temporary spikes of physical and emotional stress, but how much, in what degree and for what length of time it may affect human health varies from one person to another. While small amount or a short term stress is rather beneficial, the chronic emotional stress can dramatically increase the risk of many diseases as obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart attack, stroke, and even cancer.
We already know that chronic stress and depression are detrimental to the human body. (Sources, Wiki and Mayo Clinic) The scientific explanation behind this statement consists in the following: the amount of stress promotes reaction known as "lipid peroxidation" (a damaging biochemical reaction) to the liver cells (hepatocytes) during which a key chemical marker, known as "malondialdehyde" is found secreted as a byproduct of the cellular damage. (Source, Wiki)
As described, malondialdehyde works as a reactive aldehyde that can cause toxic stress while forming advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs), quite similar to the advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)- both with strong proinflammatory effect . Actually, the rate of produced malondialdehyde is used to measure the level of oxidative stress in the human body. (Source, Wiki)
Dyslipidemia and mainly lipid peroxidation play an important role in metabolic syndrome appearance. Oxidative stress has already been implicated in the accelerated atherosclerosis and microvascular damage complications of diabetes mellitus, which can result in widespread DNA cellular damage. (Source, Wiki)
Central to the main atherosclerosis pathogenesis (cause and development) combined with an earlier vessel dysfunction is believed to be the rate of oxidative damage of the LDL (bad) cholesterol (Journal of Sports, Science and Medicine, 2002).
Blood clots may easily block an artery already narrowed by a plaque, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, or aortic dissection. In the latest few years, Johns Hopkins University scientists discovered that an extreme emotional stress (grief, anger, worry, fear) can cause the so called "broken heart syndrome "(BHS), also known as "cardiomyopathy." (Source, New England Journal of Medicine)
Under stress, adrenal glands secrete hormones that induce the release of fat and sugar into the blood to be used for immediate energy supply. Stress disrupts normal hormonal levels in humans, influencing their eating habits. People who are not able to handle stress show high blood sugar and decreased release of insulin from the pancreas.
Under chronic stress, all body systems (cardiovascular, nervous, hormonal and endocrine) work in partnership to cope with the problem, provoking a quick narrowing of vessels, increasing the rate of blood coagulation, causing irregular heartbeats, and building up arterial plaque.
Depression, stress and obesity connection is researched by many teams of researchers. It is proved that chronic stress reduces body ability to neutralize free radicals (of oxidation). In a recent study scientists restrained mice, what induced serious level of stress in these animals. After 28 hours of being restraint, the blood levels of key liver enzyme - alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly increased, a guarantee that the liver is seriously damaged or diseased.
People who practice meditation and yoga are able to control and manage stress better than those who do not. 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 prediabetes and diabetes cases. As stress can be contributing factor for multiple degenerative diseases, exercise, Yoga, Tai chi, Tae Bo, meditation and other relaxation techniques may be very helpful. The last can be practiced in conjunction with, or independently of a daily exercise or 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 another excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety, but should be practiced on a regular basis in order to achieve lasting benefits. (Source, Learning Meditation)
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Genes-- the missing link behind obesity and heart disease

2010-06-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Scientists have finally confirmed the long term debated causative role of elevated blood triglycerides and their pathways in obesity, metabolic syndrome and heart disease risk of appearance. (Source, Wiki) Recent study proved that an inheritance of a specific mutated gene-apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) has major role in provoking the phenomena "hypertriglyceridemia"- or elevated triglycerides in blood what may be the main cause-reason (pathogenesis) link behind heart disease. (Source, MedlinePLus)
Triglycerides are produced in the liver and absorbed from our diet. Representing the main form of fat in blood, triglycerides are major source of vital energy, organ protection and insulation. They are also required in helping the human body to metabolize proteins and carbohydrates more efficiently. Despite their obvious benefits, too much of them in blood circulation can cause major health problems, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and heart disease.
The new genetic evidence linked high concentrations of blood fat (hypertriglyceridemia) with increased heart risk for people inheriting the specific gene from their ancestors (parents and grandparents). The long time debated genetic link was almost rejected by the modern (functional) medicine, and placed as secondary by the conventional one.
The team of researchers used completely new genetic approach known as "Mendelian randomization analysis" collecting data on 302,430 people and 101 studies. The scientists looked at mutations in the apolipoproteins A5 gene (ApoA5) an already well known determinant for elevated triglycerides in blood. (Source, Wiki)
The study, published in the May 8 issue of The Lancet (2010) revised the previous way of thinking that cholesterol is the key target to heart disease prevention, directing the link towards elevated levels of triglycerides due to inheritance. Familial hypertriglyceridemia has been already associated with the increased risk of heart disease, being an integral component of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance- all features of the metabolic syndrome cluster. (Source, Redorbit.com)
Dr. Lee (assistant professor of cardiology at the UCSF) stated, "Traditionally, clinicians have focused only on getting our patients' LDL down while elevating their HDL up, because we thought that these were the major players in heart disease. However, this study indicates that we need to now worry about high triglyceride blood levels as well."
Prof. Fonarow (director of the Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center) agreed that "Elevated LDL cholesterol has been definitively established as a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor but there is also a strong evidence that low levels of HDL identify individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular events."
The final results of this study proved that every copy of the genetic ApoA5 variant, leads to at least 16 percent increase in blood triglyceride levels, and when two gene-copies are inherited-- the triglyceride concentrations increase geometrically to 32 percent, leading to a 40 percent heart disease risk. Sarwar, lead author of this study claimed, "Despite several decades of research, it has remained uncertain whether raised levels of triglyceride can cause heart disease."
The study established a new postulate that by reducing triglyceride concentration in blood it may help reducing the risk of a future heart attack. It is obvious that by knowing the right fats to consume can help reduce overall cholesterol levels and help us to maintain a healthy body. In authors' proper words, "We found that people with a genetically programmed tendency for higher triglyceride levels also had a greater risk of heart disease. This study suggests that triglyceride pathways may be involved in the development of heart disease."
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Reference:
Nadeem Sarwar, Ph.D., lecturer in cardiovascular epidemiology, University of Cambridge, England; Gregg C. Fonarow, M.D., professor, medicine, and director, Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, University of California, Los Angeles; Byron Lee, M.D., assistant professor, cardiology, University of California, San Francisco. Genes Tie Blood Fat to Heart Disease, The Lancet (May 8, 2010)

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The new "obesity-preventive" diet

2010-06-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Eating to starve the adipose (fat) tissue will be maybe the new and amazing breakthrough or "antiobesity approach" in fighting the metabolic syndrome pandemic of 21st century. Similarly to cancer, adipocytes (fat cells) show malignant memory and obesity is largely dependent on angiogenesis. "Like tumor cells, fat cells grow when blood vessels grow," is the conclusion of Dr. William Li. So in essence, a "cancer-preventive" diet it should be an "obesity-preventive" diet also. (Source, TED.com)
Angiogenesis is the process of growing new blood vessels within your body, a natural formation that occurs after an injury or during the process of reproduction. As described, it is a natural, physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from old and pre-existing ones. Despite considered normal process in growth, development, and in wound healing, angiogenesis is also a step in the growth of cancer tumors from a latent (dormant) state to an expressed (malignant) one. The phenomena" tumor angiogenesis" is described for first by Greenblatt and Shubik (1968) (Sources, Wiki and Ehow.com)
Otherwise, the answer to cancer is to prevent angiogenesis, which can effectively starve any cancerous cell-growths (even microscopic ones), preventing dangerous tumor overgrowth and future metastasis. We all know that drugs and surgery are the only well known conventional approach in the recent battle with cancer. In fact the term "antiangiogenesis" is a synonym for "anticancerous," but soon it might mean-"antiobese" also. (Source, Wiki)
Dr William Li believes that food is equally if not more powerful in terms of preventing cancer and obesity, comparatively to drugs and surgery. The scientist believes that by consuming specific "antiangiogenetic" foods and beverages, the body will naturally fight cancer and/or obesity. Li calls it "eating to starve obesity and cancer." For example, according to him, resveratrol from red grapes, and ellagic acid from strawberries have been shown to inhibit abnormal angiogenesis by 60 percent. (Source, TED.com)
Similarly to drugs- foods are found to work in synergism (potentiator), antagonism (antagonist) or as additives' (indifferent). In fact the food may work as a drug and a healthy and wholesome diet is the only guarantee for health prevention and a disease cure. By constant balancing hormonal (insulin, ghrelin, leptin) levels, and protecting radicals of oxidation (negative radicals), glycation and methylation will help you prevent any disease, including cancer and obesity. (Source, TED.com)
According to Li, foods are even exceeding the potential of drugs include parsley, soy, red grapes and garlic. "Some foods are as potent, if not even more potent than several antiangiogenetic drugs" claims the scientist, who is engaged in collecting the so called "food rating score system" (FRSS) as per their antiangiogenetic (antiobese and anticancer) potential. (Source, Blog, ted.com)
It fact, it seems quite logical, from nutritional point of view, that different foods will have different antiangiogenetic potential. That is why, the team started to evaluate different foods alone or by combining them and found that similarly to drugs- foods work in synergism, antagonism or showed an additive behavior. For example, when the author evaluated a combination of two relatively weak in their antiangiogenetic potential (Jasmine and Sencha) Chinese teas, it was created a completely new one, more powerful than all the previous ones , included in the study. (Source, TED.com)
So, by consuming "antiangiogenetic" foods you can naturally boost your body's defense system and prevent blood vessels supply to tumors or fat cells that exist in your body. Thus, "eating to starve obesity" could be the new and dramatic approach in the battle to decrease obesity rates across the world. According to the team, resveratrol from red grapes, and ellagic acid from berries have been shown to inhibit abnormal angiogenesis by 60 percent. (Source, TED.com)
The scientist believes that Mother Nature is offering a plethora of different foods- the future answer to obesity and cancer enigmatic cure. In his proper words, "Mother nature has placed a large number of foods, beverages and herbs with naturally occurring inhibitors of angiogenesis. Starving cancer growth is similar to the starvation of the adipose tissue." So in essence, a cancer-preventive diet is also an obesity-preventive diet. (Source, TED.com)
The main "antiangiogenetic" list of foods listed by Dr. Li are: Green tea, Resveratrol (in red grapes), Ellagic acid from (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries), Cherries, Garlic, Kale, Turmeric, Parsley, Maitake mushrooms, Artichokes, Tomatoes, Nutmeg, Turmeric (Curcuma) (Source, TED.com)
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The weight loss enigma

2010-06-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Despite all the recent advances in modern medicine and development of modern technologies and diagnostic procedures the enigma of metabolic syndrome remains unsolved. The answer on the question, “Why with aging the human body starts functioning abnormally?” is that all its hormones are imbalanced and in havoc. But, why diet, exercise and lifestyle changes work successfully in some metabolic syndrome patients and do not work in others is still an enigma.
The main goal of metabolic syndrome prevention is to mitigate or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular (heart attack) and the damage of blood vessels complications in the brain (stroke), that come with it. Thus, if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25, you should start a weight loss program, because your weight is making your predisposition to develop diabetes twice stronger. You must remember that weight gain solely can cause Type 2 diabetes.
The best plan to prevent prediabetes (metabolic syndrome) from developing into full-blown Type 2 diabetes is to lose weight and to exercise regularly. The best diet for weight loss in case of metabolic syndrome is by following a well balanced-- low glycemic index (GI) diet rich on fruits and vegetables. A low glycemic index diet means that the foods you choose to eat will not raise your blood sugar levels too high, or too quickly. There are foods in this diet, including sugars (sugary foods and drinks), breads, and pasta, that you should only eat sparingly and in small quantities. The low GI diet is very similar to a low-carb, high-protein diet except that is recommending more whole grains than the low-carb diet. Selecting a low glycemic index diet over a high protein, low-carb diet for weight loss is the best approach, to follow in a long term, especially in case if you suffer of metabolic syndrome.
Varying the foods you eat and following the so called “anti-anti-inflammatory” diet approach can help reducing your risk of developing chronic degenerative disease. Consuming salt in moderation, reducing the amounts of sugar and cholesterol from food, and balancing omega 3 EFA to omega 6 EFA will give you plenty of room to enjoy your life to its best. “A healthy diet is all about variety and moderation” states Sandquist, director of diabetes, nutrition and weight management at Southwest Washington Medical Center (SWMC). As main spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) he recommends, “Make half of your grains- whole grains, vary your veggies and fruits, go lean with protein, get calcium-rich foods and stay at healthy weight." The explanation behind his statement is that by maintaining a steady and healthy weight you will reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, so that your quality of life will be greatly improved.
Adopting active health-oriented lifestyle habits and exercise into most of your daily activities, assuring a good night rest is the second road to weight loss success.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the range of 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity at least four to six days per week. A combination of aerobic, weight lifting, and flexibility training is recommended.
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) postulates that even if you lose only 7 percent of your body weight, you will reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Researchers took patients with prediabetes and put them on an intensive lifestyle program that included a low-calorie diet and moderate exercise, including 30 minutes of walking per day. The research concluded that individuals with prediabetes who engaged in physical activity, consumed a healthy diet, and lost at least 7 percent of their body weight reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent, while those who were taking a diabetes medicine (metformin) reduced the risk by 31 percent.
Adding a good night sleep is an absolute must in case of insulin resistance. A new study soon to be published in the June issue of Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, measured insulin levels in healthy people after eight hours and four hours of night sleep comparatively. In author’s proper words, "Our data indicate that insulin sensitivity is not fixed in healthy subjects, but depends on the duration of sleep in the preceding night. In fact, it is tempting to speculate that the negative effects of multiple nights of shortened sleep on glucose tolerance can be reproduced, at least in part, by just one sleepless night" (Dr. Esther Donga, of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands)

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.

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Metabolic syndrome diets preview

2010-06-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Today's industrialized world is in the midst of a complex epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertonia- all parts of the metabolic syndrome deadly cluster. While two thirds of U.S. adults are overweight-- one third are obese. Thus, more research directed towards this metabolic pandemic is necessary.
The high coѕt of mаnаging the ѕyndrome, together with the recent economical situation have led to the growing interest in potentially gentler modalities and methods presented as a strategy by the integrative medicine. Research and Development (RAND) corporation study found that people who are severely overweight were the fastest increasing group of obese Americans. The proportion of the Americans, who are severely obese, increased by 50% in the period between 2000 and 2005, twice as fast as the growth seen in moderate obesity.
Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that can pave the way to Type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, gout, kidney failure, and Alzheimer's disease- the most common and important chronic degenerative diseases of our century. The syndrome is also one of the main promoters and common cаuѕe of premаture deаth and diѕаbility, and itѕ progreѕѕion comeѕ with аccelerаted аging.
Scientists concluded that while chronic inflammation was once thought to be a result of obesity, it now appeared to promote it. Thus, learning how to regulate the new hypothalamic (IKKb/NF-kB) pathways is a step in the right direction. (Cell, 2008) Looking for new nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals in suppressing the newly discovered pathways might be a weapon in fighting the obesity epidemic, heart disease, and even cancer.
Many authors describe metabolic syndrome as a "vicious cycle" and agree that more research is required in the future. A new in vivo trial in mice showed that frequent overeating triggers a metabolic response normally dormant in the hypothalamus region of the brain, even when a person hasn't gained weight. It is becoming obvious that overeating can trigger and provoke metabolic syndrome if it is frequent.
It is well known in the literature that metabolic syndrome is intimately related to nutrition. Having a balanced diet from the main food groups, choosing fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains and rich sources of protein healthy fats, while avoiding heavily processed foods, high-fructose corn syrup and trans-fats is the bottom line of metabolic syndrome healing approach. Right and good nutritional balance is as essential in metabolic syndrome as it is in overall health.
While no single proven treatment for metabolic syndrome as a whole exists yet, it is well established fact that active lifestyle changes, changes in diet, good and balanced nutrition with the help of nutraceuticals will form the main strategy of treatment. Effective prevention аnd treаtment of metаbolic syndrome must involve а multifаceted versatile and integrative аpproаch-program that impacts аll the cаrdinаl components of the disorder. When lifestyle and diet changes seem to be inadequate, it will be necessary to treat the individual components of metabolic syndrome, so that a reduction in the individual risk associated with each component will likely contribute to reduce the overall impact on cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk.
Despite that there is no unified treatment or exact "disease--cure" approach; by following the correct "metabolic" diet, nutritional and herbal supplementation, with active lifestyle changes you can control the metabolic syndrome effects. Nutritional factors play an important role in the development and treatment of metabolic syndrome. Several vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants have been already studied for their efficacy in promoting stable blood sugar and protecting cells from the damage of elevated oxidation, with favorable results.
Metabolic Diets intended to combаt the ѕyndrome ѕhould hаve more liberаl contentѕ of omegа-3 EFA, less omegа-6 EFA (in the correct bаlаnce with one аnother) together with ѕtrictly controlled intаke of refined cаrbohydrаteѕ, reѕtricted ѕаlt intаke, increase of fiber intаke, аnd аn increаѕed proportion of vegetаble ѕourceѕ of protein.(Holt et al., 2003)
Atherogenic diets (e.g, diets rich in ѕаturаted fаt аnd choleѕterol) cаn enhаnce riѕk of developing cаrdiovаѕculаr diѕeаѕe in people with metabolic ѕyndrome- although these diets are not liѕted ѕpecificаlly аѕ underlying riѕk fаctor for this condition (Ford et al., 2002). As a solution to the problem, it is advocated a diet high in unsaturated fat (45%), low in protein (15%), and moderate in carbohydrate (40%). It is also known as the "Reaven's diet" (1994).
Low carbohydrate diets. Restricting carbohydrates to no more than 45-50% of the daily caloric intake will be the most important approach in metabolic syndrome dieting. You should stay focused on fruits and vegetables with low Glycemic index (GI) and low Glycemic Load (GL) until reversing body's insulin sensitivity. It is obvious that current low-carbohydrate diets require modification with revised dietary guidelines with the help of key dietary supplements or functional foods. They also require facilitation to make them more effective in long term and healthier in terms of the healthy weight control with lowering of cholesterol blood pressure and combat against insulin resistance.
High-Fructose diets: "High fructose corn syrup depletes the body's ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and causes many functions in the body to come to a standstill" claimed Dr Sawyer (Altrum News, 2010) Yale scientists discovered the missing link in order to explain why high-fructose corn syrup diets may boost the development of insulin resistance. A gene called PGC-1b appears to play a role in insulin resistance that can be caused by consuming large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, The way fructose is metabolized in the brain may increase food intake and lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome. "We feel that these findings may have particular relevance to the massive increase in the use of high fructose sweeteners (both high fructose corn syrup and table sugar) in virtually all sweetened foods, most notably soft drinks," concluded Lane - lead researcher from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. New Princeton study (2010) confirmed, "Our findings lend support to the theory that the excessive consumption of high-fructose corn syrup found in many beverages may be an important factor in the obesity epidemic."

Dairy diets. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) mega-study examined the association between the consumption of a variety of dairy products and their related nutrients with obesity, central obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study was created to explain some of the ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome outcomes through dairy consumption using national data. Indicators of obesity, central obesity and metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults were constructed. The authors used direct anthropometric assessments, blood pressure and laboratory tests. Sample sizes ranged from 4,519 for metabolic syndrome to 14,618 for obesity with significant inverse association between the syndrome and the intake of whole milk, yogurt, calcium and magnesium. The researchers concluded that dairy products may have differential associations with metabolic disorders, including obesity.

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.

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Leptin- The Hunger Mediator

2010-05-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The last two centuries saw Americans transforming from fit to fat and from overweight to obese. Heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome plagued the whole American society with very little sign of statistic improvement. Maybe you have heard of metabolic syndrome, or maybe not, but according to recent statistics, 27 percent of all American adults and 40 percent in their 60s and 70s, fit the criteria of having the syndrome.

Syndrome X is seen as the common cаuѕe of premаture deаth and diѕаbility, leading to аccelerаted and preliminary аging. Despite, insulin resistance is considered the main culprit behind the metabolic syndrome appearance, there are few other hormones involved in its pathogenesis. One of them is the hormone leptin. Its discovery (1994) marked one of the most significant changes in conventional medical theories and practice.

Leptin is a major and powerful hormone that sends impulses to a specific structure in the human brain (hippocampus) suggesting resistance to the temptation of foods. When food is consumed, leptin is secreted by the adipose (visceral and subcutaneous) tissue into the blood where it sends impulses to the brain. There is a structure in the human brain known as “nucleus caudatus,” armed with specialized receptors that respond to leptin.

Actually, leptin is a hunger-mediator, causing feelings of satiety and is proven critical in controlling the caloric intake. It can be easily compared to a natural appetite suppressant, while insulin- to an appetite stimulant. Leptin can be also compared to the principle violin in the philharmonic orchestra – the “concertmaster”– who controls (tunes) the other instruments (hormones) - to function- or – not. The hormone works to increase energy expenditure, thus being particularly responsible for the body fat warehouse.
Rosenbaum is one of the first researchers whose attention stayed focused mainly on the paradigm “leptin and leptin resistance.” Its discovery helped scientists to start “in vivo” clinical trials with leptin that caused mice to eat less and lose weight. According to the author, leptin may explain why people who lose weight often have a hard time keeping it off, and by restoring leptin to its pre-diet levels may reverse the problem. The article published in the International Journal of Obesity (2004; 28, p.1344–48) proved that “obese subjects are almost uniformly hyperleptinemic, but the hypothalamus is unable to transduce this leptin signal to reduce body weight, termed 'leptin resistance'.” Explained differently, leptin resistance occurs when the body is no longer efficient at carrying the hormone across the blood-brain barrier to the brain.
By offering completely “new way” for dieters to treat obesity, Rosenbaum et al. concluded that “when someone looses weight it is created about the ‘perfect storm’ for regaining weight,” and that “after a significant weight loss, the metabolism not only becomes more efficient, but the brain becomes more vulnerable, as there are areas of the brain that seem to be less active-thus, one becomes more responsive to food and in less control of it, as per his final conclusions.” (Rosenbaum et al., 2004) http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v28/n10/full/0802753a.html
Several other teams of researchers pointed out to the fact that hormonal imbalance may have everything to do with being overweight or obese. Hart abd Grossman (2007) believed that the fat cells do not and cannot develop insulin resistance to the degree other body and organ’s cells do, and as a result of insulin resistance, all muscles and organs are being starved, while fat cells are being fed. They were working on leptin resistance, as the main culprit behind the syndrome appearance. That was the new “missing link” that surfaced in the field of weight loss. Insulin was just seen as a co-promoter in the appearance of the “apple shape” obesity— main marker of the metabolic disorder. Researchers agreed that the more insulin the pancreas secretes— the more likely is the appearance of the “apple shape” around the waist. It was also proved that the more “leptin resistant” the body becomes— the more likely is the metabolic syndrome appearance. Apparently, hyperinsulinemia combined with insulin and leptin resistance can make anyone obese.

You may request our "Leptin Restore" program or an on line or by phone alternative consultation, as well as newly written article that can suit your business purposes:: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; (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.
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Metabolic Syndrome Revisited

2010-05-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in the today’s Western World, and the number of people who struggle with it and its deadly consequences continues to rise. The reason for the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome in the highly industrialized countries is mainly due to the high level of stress, malnutrition, use of over processed food, and physical inactivity. The metabolic derangement includes cardiovascular disease, diabetes 2, 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).
The terms “metabolic syndrome,” "insulin resistance syndrome,” dysmetabolic syndrome”, “syndrome X," “Syndrome X,” “Raven’s syndrome,” and CHAOS (in Australia) are all synonyms used specifically to define the syndrome as a constellation of symptoms or conditions associated with increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic vascular disease (e.g. heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke). The cluster of metabolic abnormalities has been also named the “Deadly Quartet” by Kaplan (1989), due to the fact that metabolic syndrome can lead to type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes mellitus), high blood insulin levels, high blood pressure, obesity and poor lipid profile (dyslipidemia) - elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, with increased risk for clotting-heart attack, stroke, gout, kidney failure and Alzheimer disease.
The syndrome comprises an accumulation of different and mutually intensifying diseases and risk factors, which mostly share the same causes. Actually, metabolic syndrome is a known as a cluster of disorders, affected by both genetics and lifestyle intrinsic and extrinsic factors. It affects a large number of people in a clustered fashion. In some studies it is calculated as being up to 25% of the population in USA. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes) anywhere from 9-30 times that of the normal population and despite studies vary the risk of heart disease increases 2-4 times over the normal population.
There are also other concerns as well as fat accumulation in the liver (also known as fatty liver), resulting in chronic inflammation and the potential for degenerative cirrhosis. The kidneys can also be affected, as there is an association with microalbuminuria- the leaking of protein into the urine, a subtle but clear indication of kidney damage. Other problems associated with metabolic syndrome include obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (POOS), increased risk of dementia with aging, and rapid cognitive decline in the elderly.
The main features of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol abnormalities, and an increased risk for clotting. It is a cluster of conditions that occur together in one the same person. It is increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions- increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels- is not a guarantee that you have metabolic syndrome, but it does contribute to the risk of it. If more than one of these conditions occurs in combination, the risk is even greater.
What remains yet controversial is whether metabolic syndrome should be considered a coronary equivalent or not. There is also a debate as to whether it is obesity or insulin resistance that causes metabolic syndrome, or if the syndrome is a result of a greater metabolic cause. Insulin resistance refers to the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in promoting the transport of the sugar glucose, from blood into muscles and other tissues. Because of the main role that insulin resistance plays in the metabolic syndrome, a separate part of the study as devoted to insulin resistance. The literature research depicts that long with regular medical checkups few tests will help to diagnose and monitor the syndrome (Grundy et al., 2005). Excess of insulin can cause fat storage. When excess insulin is secreted in response to excess sugar consumption, the blood sugar (glucose) is stored in fat cells. Normally, the glucose is used by the cells of the body and mostly stored in the muscles and the liver. But when there is more than the body can use, insulin forces fat cells to take in blood lipids called triglycerides and fat cells grow.
Metabolic syndrome can remain latent for years, masquerading as other diseases like: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), attention deficit disorder (ADD), obesity, kidney failure with edema (fluid retention), bipolar disorder, etc. Despite the serious cardiovascular risk posed by metabolic syndrome, there is currently no standard, accepted interventional treatment regimen to prevent the disorder. However, for those at greatest risk for metabolic syndrome, phenotypic nutrition allows nutritionists to tailor a nutrient and supplement strategy to amplify beneficial biochemical pathways as well as gene expression.
Mechanism of appearance (Pathogenesis): An important pathogenic factor is the insulin-resistance which is often a consequence of increased obesity.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of:
1. Abdominal obesity (waist circumference: Men — waist greater than 40 inches; Women — waist greater than 35 inches
2. Triglycerides — greater than 150 mg/dl
3. HDL Cholesterol — less than 50 mg/dl in women, and less than 40mg/dl in men
4. Blood pressure — greater than 130/ 85 mm Hg
5. Fasting glucose — greater than 110 mg/dl
To be diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome one must present the following:
Central obesity (waist circumference) greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women
Fasting blood triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl
Blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) of less than 40 mg/dl for men and less than 50 mg/dl for women
Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 110 mg/dL.
Fasting plasma glucose test. This convenient test measures blood glucose after at least 8-12 hours of fasting. It is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test. This highly sensitive test, which is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes, measures blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours and 2 hours after a glucose-containing beverage.
Casual (random) plasma glucose test. This test measures blood glucose no matter when last meal was eaten. This test, along with other symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.
Tests you must request:
1. Fasting blood sugar or three-hour glucose tolerance test (diagnoses pre-diabetes).
2. Iron panel — includes ferritin, tranferrin, iron-binding capacity and free iron level.
3. Cholesterol (with complete breakdown of subtypes) -- LDL, HDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides levels.
4. Independent risk factors: homocysteine, Lp(a), fibrinogen and CRP.
5. Blood pressure frequent monitoring.
6. Waist measurement and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation.
7. C-reactive protein test (CRP) and Homocysteine test. The above tests measure the rate of inflammation.
8. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride test. The above tests measure the level of dyslipidemia.
9. Urine test for microalbuminuria.
10. Hemoglobin A1C (measures the chronic blood sugar glycation control). Hb (A1) or glycosilated (glycated) test. This Hb is a form that is implicated in the diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy and Type 2 diabetes.
Note* Test-results that come back positive for diabetes should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test on a different day. If one has been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, there are a number of different ways to monitor it. Your MD will select the right drug, or procedure, while the ND- the correct diet, nutraceutical, herb or lifestyle changing approach.

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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.

Insulin Resistance Explained

2010-05-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Insulin is an important polypeptide hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas that is central to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the human body. Its main role is in the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which lowers the elevated blood glucose to normal levels. Insulin causes body cells in different organs and tissues (e.g. liver, muscle, and fat tissue) to utilize glucose from blood, storing the restful amount as glycogen in the liver and muscle. It helps controlling the metabolism of foods you eat and levels of glucose in the blood as an authentic “key keeper."

The function of insulin seems rather simple. During digestion, sugar is absorbed into the blood stream and elevated blood sugar levels stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to diffuse from the blood into essential body organs and tissues in order to be utilized for energy. While regulating glucose and glycogen in the liver, insulin also controls blood sugar by promoting protein synthesis in the cells.
There are two reasons the blood glucose to stay unutilized properly by the body cells- when insulin is absent (type 1 diabetes) and in case of a relative insuline deficiency or “insulin resistance” (type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes can also occur as a result of a partial failure of the pancreas. Thus, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in an excessive amount of circulating blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Even people with diabetes who take oral medication or require insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels can have higher than normal blood insulin.
The phenomena “insulin resistance” occurs when the normal amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas is not able to unlock the door to cells. In some cases (about 1/3 of the people with insulin resistance), do not respond to elevated levels of insulin. In metabolic syndrome, the body cells become resistant to normal effects of insulin and the cells do not absorb glucose from the blood properly to use for energy. In case that a person is affected by metabolic syndrome, his body is becoming resistant to normal levels of insulin secreted by the pancreas, making impossible the future utilization of glucose by the mitochondria in the cells. To maintain normal blood glucose, the pancreas secretes additional insulin, but not in sufficient quantities to meet the body’s needs. In order to balance the above disorder, the pancreas keeps producing additional amount of insulin, but as the body is becoming “deaf” to insulin stimulation or “insulin-resistant”- the last one cannot be used for future glucose assimilation.
Constantly elevated levels of insulin are responsible for the abdominal "apple shape" obesity - as a consequence of insulin resistance, leading to a high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, persistent hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, vision problems, gout, kidney insufficiency and Alzheimer's disease. Hence, metabolic syndrome can result in a variety of serious health problems, linked mainly to the central disorder – insulin resistance.
Central obesity and insulin resistance (glucose intolerance) are thought to represent the common underlying factors of the Syndrome X, whose other features are chronic low-grade proinflammatory state and a common prothrombotic state. Another missing link in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is the long time unrecognized hepatic insulin resistance that appears to mediate the cascade of glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, high level of triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol abnormalities that contribute to the constellation of heart-disease risk factors called metabolic syndrome and it does represent a newly discovered pathophysiology link in CVD development.
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.

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Weight Loss – The Key to Long Life

2010-05-14T18:42:00.001-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

The Key to a long and healthy life is weight loss, no doubt about it. How you eat may influence your health, as well as your figure. No matter how skinny you are if you aren’t healthy, it will not match your longevity criteria.
Obesity is a major public health problem that is becoming more common among adults, increasing rapidly in children and adolescents, and has been linked to a broad range of physical, emotional and socioeconomic problems. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has found that obesity affects close to 100 million American adults- that is one in three and an increase of more than 57 percent since 1991. Being overweight can have a devastating effect on human well-being both physically and emotionally.
An increasing number of Americans are becoming overweight, which can lead to many serious health problems, including premature death. Obesity has been linked to a growing complex of health conditions including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), metabolic syndrome, cancer, osteoporosis, and depression. Fueling the problem is a growing amount of misinformation about obesity itself, as well as serious confusion over the connection and understanding between dietary fat and body fat.
Getting obesity and overweight epidemic under control will involve more than just telling everyone to go on a diet. It is quite obvious that there is no single magic bullet that can overcome obesity as a condition. Fortunately, obesity can be reversed with proper nutrition, dietary and lifestyle changes. Exercise, weight management, and optimum nutritional supplements such as chromium polynicotinate, vitamin C, proline, lysine, and other antioxidants help to normalize sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. Every attempt should be made to reduce total body weight to within 20% of the "ideal" body weight calculated for age and height. If this is done obesity will improve significantly.
Despite that there is no unified treatment or a disease cure, right diet, nutritional and herbal supplementation, aggressive lifestyle changes can help support healthy blood sugar levels and to control obesity and metabolic syndrome. Several vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants have been studied for their efficacy at promoting healthy blood sugar and protecting cells from the damage of elevated oxidation with favorable results. The high cost of managing morbid obesity, together with the recent economical situation have led to a growing interest in potentially gentler modalities and methods presented as a strategy by the alternative medicine.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, please call and require a personal consultation: (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.

Fight Nausea the Natural Way

2010-05-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Nausea (Latin, nausea) is a sensation of unease and stomach discomfort in the upper zone of the stomach with the urge to vomit. The attack of nausea is known as a qualm. The specific odor and flavor of ginger is caused by a mixture of zingerone, shogaols and gingerols, volatile oils that compose one to three percent of the weight of fresh ginger. In laboratory animals, the gingerrols increase the motility of the GI tract and have antiinflammatory, analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial properties. Ginger has a sialagogue action, stimulating the production of saliva, which makes swallowing easier.
Factors which can trigger nausea are listed here:
Food Poisoning is the main reason behind nausea.
Stomach indigestion is another main reason behind nausea.
Clustered headaches can trigger nausea.
Stomach infection (enteritis) or gastroenteritis can be reason behind nausea.
Enteroviruses (stomach flu) are another reason behind the symptom-nausea.
Motion or sea-sickness may also lead to nausea and vomits.
Food intolerances (lactose, gluten) can also provoke nausea.
Holistic & Home Remedies for Nausea
Nausea can be easily treated with the natural remedies and above all they are completely safe. In case you are interested to receive our holistic "Fight Nausea The Natural Way" please call (715) 392-7591, 218-213-7087, 218-213-6167 or connect doctors@naturalhealth-wellness.com and http://naturalhealth-wellness.com/

The Vicious Circle

2010-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Annie Sawyer, PhD

One of the main focuses for quite number of years of mine was on obesity and insulin resistance, at the background of the metabolic syndrome - or the so called “prediabetes” phenomena. This was in the early 1980s when I finished my MD degree, and started to work as an endocrinologist in one of the main hospitals in the city where I was born. As a medical student, I have been always interested in understanding all hidden biochemical and molecular mechanisms behind obesity as a phase of metabolic syndrome appearance.

The medical team I worked for had made quite many efforts investigating what exactly were the causes of obesity as main promoter for metabolic syndrome appearance and vice versa. The focus of ours was at first on identifying the bacterial and viral etiology of the obesity as triggers to the road of prediabetes, and Type 2 diabetes. At the same time most of the world famous researchers consider insulin resistance as the main cause behind obesity and started to look for auto-antibodies or mutations in genes and insulin receptors. It was extrapolated that these antibodies will bind to the insulin receptor and consequently will block them. From our studies we could see that increased cardiovascular risk factors precede the onset of type 2 diabetes. An issue is whether it is glucose or insulin that increases the CVD risk. In nondiabetic subjects, people who are insulin resistant always have slightly elevated glucose levels.
Metаbolic Syndrome is a combination or a cluster of disorders chаrаcterized by the presence of severаl of the following risk fаctors: hyperglycemiа, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (LDL), high low-density lipoprotein (HDL), high triglyceride, аbnormаl body mаss index (BMI), micro-аlbuminuriа, endotheliаl dysfunction, prothrombotic stаte, based on general proinflаmmаtory process (Bаusell, 2007) (Although not аll these criteriа need to be met before the syndrome will be found). In fаct, three of the above symptoms are found to be an indicаtive of the syndrome. It is estimаted thаt over 22% of the аdult U.S. populаtion hаve Metаbolic Syndrome аnd the incidence is rаpidly increаsing eаch yeаr.
Prediabetes is a phase known as the condition of having abnormal elevated levels of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides in the blood. In fact “prediabetes” is a term-synonym for metabolic syndrome. Prediabetes is found in cases when blood glucose (sugar) levels are elevated beyond normal but are not considered high enough to indicate true Type 2 diabetes. Generally, the ‘prediabetic’ phase should be defined as combination of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, elevated insulin secretion, and subclinical inflammation as predictors of the metabolic syndrome, beta-cell dysfunction, chronic inflammation, increased insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion, as shown in the Framingham Study (FS) and the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS). The prediabetic phase is seen as an early attempt metabolic syndrome to be defined as already available.

What makes metabolic syndrome quite dangerous is that is converting in the 21st century modern pandemic, constantly escalating in numbers around the world, and especially in US, where morbid obesity is on a rise. With other words, prediabetes is diagnosed when the level of glucose is abnormal but below the well known diabetic values: fasting values of 100-125 mg/dl, and 140-199 mg/dl two hours after a glucose load. For diabetes, the values are 126 mg/dl (fasting) and 200 mg/dl (two hours after a glucose load). Old аge, postmenopаusаl stаtus, ethnicity, higher body mаss index, current smoking, low household income, high cаrbohydrаte intаke, аnd physicаl inаctivity аll hаve been connected with the increаsed odds of the onset аnd or deterioration of metаbolic syndrome. Аn аdditionаl 12 million аdults will likely develop the diseаse аs а result of аging аlone by 2022 (Feinstein, 2008). Not а single cаuse аt the moleculаr level cаn be trаced to the origin of metаbolic syndrome (Diаmond, 2001).
However, increаsing evidence suggests this enigmatic syndrome originаtes from a combination of insulin resistаnce аnd the аctivаtion of vаsculаr inflаmmаtory mechаnisms relаted to increаsed oxidаtive stress. For exаmple, insulin resistаnce results in preferentiаl metаbolism of free fаtty аcids which leаds to reduced glucose utilizаtion (Ford, 2002).

Insulin resistаnce is identified in children prior to the development of the dyslipidemiа, hypertension аnd hyperglycemiа thаt occur lаter in life. Аs one аges, pаncreаtic betа cell exhаustion is not аble to meet insulin resistаnce demаnds, аnd this might eventuаlly leаd to the progression of metаbolic disturbаnce including dyslipidemiа, hypertension (Feinstein, 2008). On the other hаnd, the infiltrаtion of аdipose tissue by inflаmmаtory mаcrophаges is indicаted аs а common feаture of obesity. Аdipose mаss аs meаsured by weight, BMI or viscerаl obesity correlаteѕ quаntitаtively with genetic expression of mаcrophаges thаt produce inflаmmаtory mediаtors аnd mаrkers. Therefore, while Syndrome X mаy shаre some common chаrаcteristic feаtures with diаbetes, despite it's not а diаbetes or prediаbetic condition per se as other distinct fаctors аnd cаuses аre аlso involved (Bаrclаy & Lie, 2004).

The insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and the phase of subclinical inflammation are claimed as predictors of the metabolic syndrome. Many researchers noted that there is some controversy about insulin levels as a predictor of CHD, although most of the data indicate a positive correlation. It is known that insulin concentrations predict metabolic syndrome and many others metabolic disorders. High absolute concentrations of LDL are not related to baseline insulin levels, but high insulin concentrations predict the development of small dense VLDL. In the San Antonio Heart Study (SAHS), people with normal glucose tolerance were followed to see whether they developed Type 2 diabetes. At baseline, they had higher triglycerides, higher HDL, higher systolic blood pressure (BP) than prediabetics, slightly higher glucose levels but the differences were really very small, although significant, and much higher insulin concentration.

The argument was that it was hyperinsulinemia and IR that drove this pre-diabetic issue. After some time, the San Antonio data were reviewed and an attempt made to develop a model for IR versus glucose. From the San Antonio study, where there was information on IR and low insulin secretion, and from earlier studies of the Pima Indians, it was shown that low insulin secretion and IR do predict the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, when these factors were combined, there was about a 20-fold excess of incidence of Type 2 diabetes. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) data suggest that the relationship between glucose concentrations, while clearly significant related to myocardial infarction (MI) is not as significant in its relationship to microvascular disease. Pyorala at all (1998) also presented data from a 25-year follow-up study reported in (Circulation, 1998; p. 398-404) that showed that nondiabetic men with the highest IR are at greatest risk for a major CHD event.
Major clinical feature of the metabolic syndrome is the abdominal (visceral) obesity. Obesity sets the stage for metabolic syndrome which then itself increases one's chances of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other diseases. Therefore, everyone in our Western society should be concerned about obesity as well as our government must take care on developing preventive programs. What is good, the government is already starting to take substantial meassures to fight the above mentioned pandemic. Of course people are different. Those in whom the disorder is quite severe will accumulate fat extremely quickly, when those in whom it is moderate - will gradually increase in weight and those in whom it is mild- may be able to keep their excess weight stationary for long periods. Despite of the aggressiveness in many weight loss programs (plans), based on restrictive diets, multiple drug treatment strategies, active exercise, sauna and massage techniques, the results seem temporary and quite unsatisfactory. The pounds seem to come back immediately, after months and even years or as soon as the treatment programs are forgotten or relaxed.

BMI is a measure of how much weight anyone carries for a given height. Basically one is considered "overweight" when their body mass index is greater than the upper range of the normal ranges. In order to meet the criterion for frank "obesity" one's BMI needs to be 30 or higher. The entity known as "morbid obesity" also known as clinically severe obesity, is defined as a BMI of greater than or equal to 40.

However, one can also be labeled as morbidly obese if body mass index is 35 or higher and the individual has one or more "co morbid" conditions. The following co-morbid conditions can be formulated as metabolic syndrome (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and cardiovascular disease). Being overweight is, alongside diabetes, a leading cause of increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Hence, obesity increases chances of developing all the above risk factors. One of the missing links in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is the long time unrecognized hepatic insulin resistance that appears to mediate the glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, high level of triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol abnormalities that contribute to the constellation of heart-disease risk factors called metabolic syndrome and it does represent a newly discovered pathophysiology link in CVD development (Biddinger et al., 2008).
Kahn R., (2005) proved that insulin resistance is related to dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance- to glucose intolerance, while is not related to obesity. Actually, it is already known that obesity causes insulin resistance, but is not related to high blood pressure. Except insulin there are few other hormones involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. One of them is the hormone- leptin.

Leptin is a hormone that works as natural appetite suppressant secreted by fat cells in the body. Its discovery in the 1990s helped researchers to start experimenting with leptin that caused mice to eat less and lose weight while this rarely happens in humans. Falling levels of this hormone, that helps the brain resist tempting foods, may explain why people who lose weight often have a hard time keeping it off. Restoring leptin to its pre-diet levels may reverse this problem, concluded Rosenbaum, offering a new way for dieters to finally win the weight battle. "When you lose weight you've created about the perfect storm for regaining weight," as per Rosenbaum of Columbia University Medical Center in New York, whose research appears in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. After significant weight loss according to him the metabolism not only becomes more efficient, so the body needs fewer calories, but the brain becomes less vulnerable to tasty-looking treats. "Areas of the brain involved in telling not to eat seem to be less active. "When you are obese, you are more responsive to food and you are less in control of it," states Rosenbaum. Since then researchers started to look for the best methods to use human hormones to help healing obesity. In several earlier studies, researchers found out that when people lose weight, leptin levels decrease, as the body tries to protect its proper stored energy.

Rosenbaum was interested to investigate the impact of the leptin loss on the brains of people who had lost weight, and whether replacing leptin might help them keep off the weight. He used functional magnetic resonance imaging that shows activity in the brain. The researcher studied six obese patients before and after going on a hospital-supervised diet that reduced their body weight by 10 percent. People were shown pictures of food and non-food items. The author found that after weight loss, areas in the brain responsible for regulating food intake were less active when people were shown food images, while areas in the brain responsible for emotion were more active. When the researchers restored leptin to the levels before dieting, these changes were largely reversed. Similar results have been seen in people with a rare genetic condition in which their bodies do not make leptin. Rosenbaum believed leptin could be useful tool in helping people maintain weight loss. According to him the idea was to create a whole new class of therapies to help people with obesity keep weight off after they have lost it.

Making the situation worse, insulin resistance or low level of insulin secretion from the pancreas co-promote the formations of an additional third type of adipose tissue. It seems that the more insulin the pancreas secretes, the more likely is the appearance of the “apple shape” around the waist. Apparently hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood) can make anyone not only fat but also preliminary aged. And in fact insulin is the hormone that makes us fat and preliminary aged, despite we need it for energy supply. An even more insidious reason for this is that the fat cells do not develop insulin resistance to the degree other body cells do. The final result is that, in insulin resistance, all muscles and organs are being starved while the fat cells are being fed. Already knowing that adipose tissue also produces increased levels of pro-inflammatory signaling factors (eicosanoids and interleukins) cellular substances – hormones and other bioactive substances referred to as adipocytokines (Hotamisligil, 2004), as a vicious circle of all of these factors insulin sensitivity in organs like muscle and liver is decreasing (Matsuzawa, 2004).

It is also hypothesized that secondary factors as for example: nonesterified fatty acid liberation and adipokine (e.g., adiponectin) production (Carr et al., 2004), independent of obesity and other risk factors (Egan, Greene, and Goodfriend, 2001; Janssen, Katzmarzyk and Ross, 2002) may also play a significant role in the metabolic syndrome pathogenesis. Obviously the conglomeration or the convergence of these risk factors elevates the risk for this disease (Pladevall at al., 2006). As it is already cited in the literature- adipokines are a variety of proteins with signaling properties produced in body fat cells. While in the past white adipose tissue (one type of body fat) used to be regarded as a passive energy warehouse which is also used to provide a buffer and protection to all internal organs, lately this concept has been turned 180 degrees up and it is now understood that white adipose tissue is highly active and dynamic organ being involved in a multitude of physiological and metabolic biochemical reactions and processes.
Research also suggests that appetite-regulating hormones are affected by sleep and that sleep deprivation could lead to weight gain. In two separate "well randomized" studies, people who slept five hours or less had higher levels of ghrelin - a hormone that stimulates hunger - and lower levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin than those who slept eight hours per night. Prof. Cappuccio of the University of Warwick has proved that short sleep duration may also lead to obesity, through an increase of appetite via hormonal changes. Lack of sleep produces secretion of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite and creates less leptin, which suppresses appetite. The hormonal relationship and obesity is shown also in HERS study published in JAMA (2000).

The hyperinsulinemia in women has been shown to stimulate the release of testosterone from the ovaries (HERS study). It is a well known fact that people who are obese are suffering from this disorder regardless of whether they eat normally, excessively, or less than normal. At the same moment it is quite obvious that there are people who are constantly overeating but are free of the above disorder. It is easy to conclude that obesity in all its multiple forms is due to an abnormal damage in the hypothalamic area of the brain- a center that is the main regulatory mechanism of a hunger, thirst and the sexual desire.
Most adults who develop “prediabetes” have insulin resistance as its main culprit. The human body uses sugar as a fuel (energy) to function, and reproduce. To this end, sugar has to be transported from the bloodstream across cell walls into the cells, where the sugar is actually burned and turned into energy. Insulin is a key hormone produced by the pancreas, primarily as a response to the sugar absorbed into the bloodstream after you eat a meal. Insulin acts on cell walls in such a way that the cells can take up and metabolize sugar. If the cell walls don't allow insulin to do its job, a person is said to have insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance refers to the mechanism by which one develops prediabetes or metabolic syndrome. They're not two different conditions. They are cause and effect — insulin resistance is a synonym for metabolic syndrome which is the preamble of the prediabetes state. To make things worse, lipid metabolism is also affected as a consequence of the insulin resistance and the blood pressure consequently elevates. Above all the rate of blood clotting increases- thus, the danger of a stroke and heart attack in the future. In order to overcome resistance, the pancreas produces more and more insulin — and unfortunately, the increased levels of insulin are detrimental to our arteries leading to the vicious circle of elevated blood pressure. In fact, only a small proportion of individuals who have prediabetes have insulin deficiency, but all of them show insulin resistance. If cells such as those of the liver and muscles are becoming resistant to insulin, then sugar cannot enter cells easily and remains in the bloodstream exceeding its normal values.
A relationship between severe stress or emotional drama (loss of a loved one, divorce, etc.) and the onset of metabolic syndrome had been noted by few clinical studies since the first descriptions of metabolic syndrome as an entity. It seems in the way how it's described--that the presence of extended emotional disturbance or elevated stress, especially in individuals who can't handle stress, is a good enough indicator for the onset of metabolic syndrome. I am not surprised, as most of the chronic degenerative diseases start immediately after severe psychological drama and the above phenomena continues to be seen as main reason in cancer, autoimmune disease and many other diseases ethiopathogenesis. However, the presence of elevated stress or emotional shock is not the only reason beind the metabolic syndrome appearance, but for its treatment resistance as well. Practical research experience shows that the relative resistance of treatment of most of the metabolic syndrome cases rests upon the inability to deal with anger, to gain love, respect or affection and at a certain point separate clinical symptoms (e.g. obesity, high blood sugar) start to manifest on different levels. Contrary the syndrome seems to improve by finding or giving love to the others.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an online or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; (218) 213-7087 by using paypal: http://www.naturalhealth-wellness.com/index.cfm?optionid=9125
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.

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

2010-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-04-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-04-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-04-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

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).
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.

Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis

2010-04-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Greg Sawyer, D.C.

Osteoarthritis (OA) appears in 2 main forms: Primary and Secondary one.
Primary OA
· The most common form
· A slow and progressive condition
· Starts after the age of 45
· Affects the most weight-bearing joints-knees and hips, lower back, neck, large toe and fingers joints
· The exact cause is not known yet
· Family history and obesity are well known risk factors
· Appears when excessive loads are placed on normal joint tissues or a reasonable load is applied on inferior joint tissues.
Secondary OA:
· Less common form
· A quick and acute condition
· Can develop after injury to a joint-sometimes many years later
· Appears as a result of a known condition-acute or chronic (repetitive) trauma or injury, joint laxity, poor bone alignment, infection, metabolic imbalances (gout, thyroid diseases, after chronic use of certain medications, iron overload, calcium deposits) etc.
· Starts before the age of 45
OA is not an autoimmune disease. It is a condition of wear and tear associated with aging or acute and chronic injury. The immune system is not affected.
· OA stiffness tends to get worse with use throughout the day.
· OA usually occurs when the person ages, whose joints have become worn down by excessive use.
· OA symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and inflamed enlarged joints.
· OA is associated with asymmetrical swelling in individual joints that are not part of a pair e.g., one knee and an elbow, instead of both knees.
· Inflammation generally occurs at the joint closest to the fingernail.
· OA tends to cause pain and swelling in bigger joints such as the hips and knees.
· OA is much more common than RA
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not a condition of wear and tear like the OA. It is a disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation that damages the joints.
· RA usually causes pain or stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after long rest and lack of activity.
· RA can occur at any age. It often begins in middle age and tends to get worse over time.
· RA can worsen very quickly in its early stages and can cause serious damage to the joints in just the first 24 months.
· RA is associated with symmetrical swelling (e.g., both hands, both elbows, etc.)
· Most typically, RA symptoms include joint pain, swelling, tenderness, redness of the joints, prolonged morning stiffness, less range of a movement, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and/or anemia.
· RA tends to cause swelling and pain in smaller joints such as the hands and ankles.
Arthritis impairs significantly the life of old adults by:
· Reduced muscle efficiency and a range of motion in the affected joints
· Loss of physical conditioning, a major risk factor for obesity and life-threatening diseases
· Partial or total physical disability
· Growing reliance on others
· A sense of being handicapped and a loss of emotional well-being
· Reluctance to get out and socialize
· Lost workdays and productivity
· High risk for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer
As reported in “Arthritis Care and Research” (1995)
· 25% could not leave their residence or could leave only with help
· 45% had some level of physical dependence
· 18% were not participating in social activities
· 51% of those under 65y were not in the labor force
· 76% never went to events such as sports or movies
· 42% had out-of-pocket due to disability
Factors to consider when choosing top quality glucosamine/ chondroitin and ASU supplements are:
1/ Dose:
· Glucosamine: 1500 mg Glucosamine HCL or 1884 mg Glucosamine Sulfate/ taken once daily or divided in two equal doses
· Chondroitin: 800 –1200 mg taken once daily, or divided in two equal doses
· ASU: 300 mg once daily
2/ Safety of the Supplements- USP-DSVP; NSF, NNFA, Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, Consumer Labs
3/ The best form is the “ long- acting”, “ time- released “, “ with controlled delivery”. Topical and liquid form should be avoided.
4/ The products should be tested and recommended by 2 or 3 independent laboratories
5/ They should be manufactured according Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Holistic Formulas to consider:
1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are substances found naturally in the body that contribute to key proteins that bind water in cartilage tissue. They work in synergism, being able to reduce pain of arthritis, with benefit for joint injuries also. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity. They are extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells; and chondroitin sulfate from animal cartilage, such as tracheas or shark cartilage and are able to reduce the pain of arthritis with particular benefit for joint injuries. Multiple studies show that people with osteoarthritis (OA) taking either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reported pain relief at a level similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Recent research indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage in people with OA.
2. MSM- (Methylsulfonylmethane) is another supplement on the market that helps for a range of ailments including pain and/or inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia and gout. It is a sulfur compound plentiful in fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, fish and grains. There have been conducted human studies that show MSM relieves the pain of OA and other conditions. One should start with a low dosage of 500 milligrams (mg) or less twice a day and gradually increase the amount until reaching the pain relief effect. A dose of 1,000 mg (1 gram) twice a day is proven beneficial in capsules or in a liquid.
3. Dehydration is one of the reasons of multiple sets of symptoms, as: headache, heartburn, rheumatoid joint pain, back pain, migraine, colitis, fibromyalgia, angina etc. When there is not enough water to be evenly distributed and certain parts of the body are working but not receiving enough water to deal with its toxic waste and metabolism, thus the toxic waste builds up that area, while the nerve endings in that area register the chemical environmental change with the brain. The brain translates this information for the conscious mind in the form of pain.
David Brownstein M.D. had an incredible experience, that when water intake is improved most of the symptoms dissipate. We know that our body is mainly water- 75% water, and our brain- is 85% of water. We lose nearly 6 pints of water a day for: perspiration- 1 pint, breathing- 2pints, and urine- 3 pints. Coffee, tea or sodas are not water, but at the same time they work as diuretics. The explanation of why dehydration can provoke pain and mainly osteoarthritis pain is the next: We know that the cartilage surfaces of the bones in a joint contain water that allows them to glide and to work together, thus, prolonged dehydration that leaves the cartilage short of water will produce a greater friction and stress at the cartilage contact points in the joint. This friction force will produce an inflammatory process that destroys the bone surfaces. Thus osteoarthritis of the joint will establish - a vicious circle of dehydration that will finally destroy the cartilage surfaces. As more blood circulation is brought to the area, it is the swelling in the joint capsule that causes stiffness and pain. This joint pain is an indicator of local dehydration and the inability of the joints to cope with the extra demands for its movement.
The environment of cartilage is alkaline, while in case of chronic dehydration it becomes acid. The acidity will also register consequent pain. The dying tissue is broken up from inside the cells and the broken fragments are ingested and then again recycled. There is an associated protein breakdown and more amino acids are mobilized, as they may be needed for the repair of the damage. In the inflammatory media inside the joint, the white cells begin to manufacture hydrogen peroxide and ozone to keep the joint space sterilized and to prevent bacteria from infecting the cavity and to supply with adequate oxygen to the cells that are engaged in the repair process. There is a local RGF "remodeling growth factor" that promotes the growth of abnormal tissue that can explain the changes in the arthritic deviated joints.
4. Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (chee) energy. It is a holistic and gentle medical system. Many symptoms, syndromes or diseases can be treated with it as for example: Infertility, Shingles, Allergies, Headache, Anxiety, Arthritis, Backache, Depression, Digestive Symptoms, Flu, Smoking, Insomnia, Gynecological Conditions, Irritable Bowel, etc. In the human body, inserting a small needle into the blocked meridian will liberate the excess of Qi, or will eliminate the disease away from the body, as the East medicine believed. Instead of discussing acupuncture in terms of letting something out of the body, West healers began describing it in terms of regulating the flow of Qi within the body. The flow of Qi through the meridians could be blocked off by an obstruction. If the Qi in the meridian becomes blocked, the condition of the body becomes disordered, and if one could remove the blockage from the flow of Qi within a meridian, the natural flow could be restored.
The process is quite simple and can be explain in 3 steps:
· Locate the areas of disturbance
· Isolate the main blockage points
· Clear the blockage: The needless stimulation sends impulses up through the spinal cord to different areas of the brain- local and central effects. By stimulation of these points, acupuncture tries to restore the normal flow of Qi, and to stimulate the body to heal. Blood vessels dilate, nerve supply improves, and muscle spasms relax. All the above means more oxygen, nutrients, better nerve stimulation, reduced irregular pressure on the joint. In case of pain the patient experiences relief. Acupunctures should be done once, two or three times in the month
Reference:
“ Your Body's Many Cries for Water”, by Dr. Batmanghelidj
“ Water For Health, For Healing, For Life”, by Dr. Batmanghelidj
“ Natural Medicine for Arthritis”, by Glenn S. Rothfeld, M.D. and Suzanne Le Vert
“ The arthritis cure”, by Jason Theodosakis, M.D., M.S., M.P.H.,
“ Preventing arthritis”, by byRonald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. and Martin Zucker
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, please call and require a personal consultation: (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.

PLEASE OPPOSE Wisconsin Bills AB440 & SB115

2010-04-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

A monopolistic Dietician and Nutrition Licensing Bill That Will Negatively Impact all Nutritional Healthcare!

I respectfully urge you to OPPOSE, a dangerously restrictive Dietician and Nutrition Licensing bill with broad implications for consumer choice. AB440 & SB115 would jeopardize my access to a wide variety of nutritional healthcare practitioners that provide me with nutritional advice.

AB440 & SB115 creates a monopoly and mandates state licensure of all practitioners practicing in the area of nutrition and makes it a crime for thousands of valuable nutritional practitioners to practice their healing arts trades or to use the title nutritional consultant, nutritionist, and many other titles, unless they are a state licensed dietician.

As an informed consumer, and alternative practitioner I want the freedom to make my own choices about my health care, including the right to choose from a wide variety of nutritional information sources in Wisconsin. I do not support unnecessary licensure for all persons giving nutritional advice.

AB440 & SB115 would destroy THOUSANDS of Wisconsin entrepreneurial natural health and nutrition based businesses, taking away thousands more people informed access to, in many cases, their only readily available source of local and natural health care information.

WISCONSIN HEALTH SEEKERS DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR OPTIONS PROTECTED!!!

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD & Gregory J. Sawyer, DC
413 23Rd Ave East
Superior, WI 54880

phone: 715-392-7591

doctors@naturalhealth-wellness.com

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) – Forty Years of Fat Production and Rising!

2010-04-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Greg Sawyer, DC

Why has “the conversation about high-fructose corn syrup” led its manufacturers to want to rehabilitate its reputation? Let’s take a look: In 2004, researchers from the Louisiana State University and University of North Carolina published a paper that theorized that high-fructose corn syrup in beverages could play a role in the obesity epidemic. They looked at the correlation between the 1,000 percent increase in high-fructose corn syrup consumption between 1970 and 1990, and a correlating rise in obesity rates. Because of the way the body metabolizes fructose from beverages, the researchers argued, it may play a role in the obesity epidemic.
High fructose corn syrup has become one of the “boogeyman” of processed foods. The Corn Refiners Association is probably right in noting that it has no known special risk compared to table sugar (2004). While it has been implicated in a rise of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health problems, high-fructose corn syrup and white sugar are almost identical chemically; each is about half fructose and half glucose. The association between high-fructose corn syrup and obesity may reflect that we consume so much of it. Nearly all sugars add empty calories to our diets. And because high fructose corn syrup is the main sweetener in most soft drinks common in other foods (including breakfast cereals, salad dressings, cheese spreads, yogurts, jams, and peanut butter, among others), many people may consume more of it then other sugars. But that doesn’t mean there’s definitely no added risk from fructose in general. A new study by researchers from the University of Florida suggests that a diet high in fructose may lead the body to develop a resistance to a protein called leptin, which helps control appetite. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship (see the new Princeton University research below). We do know that Americans can stand to cut back on sugar. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American should consume no more than about 40 grams of added sugars a day (added sugars don’t include those that occur naturally in fruit and other foods). But the average American consumed more than three times that in 2000.
People who want to limit their overall sugar intake would be wise to cut down on products that have added sugars, including high-fructose corn syrup, listed among the first several ingredients, which are listed by proportional weight on the label.
But be aware, sugars can hide under variety of names!

Replacing soft drinks with water has been shown to reduce total calories consumed by kids and adults.
On March 22, 2010, Princeton University researchers released findings from a new study on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The results demonstrated that laboratory rats fed high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those fed table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same. Compared to animals eating only rat food, rats on a diet rich in high-fructose corn syrup showed characteristic signs of a dangerous condition known in humans as the metabolic syndrome, including abnormal weight gain, significant increases in circulating triglycerides and augmented fat deposition, especially visceral fat around the belly.
This new finding is another indication of the adverse effects of high-fructose corn syrup in our food products, sodas and fruit juices. It seems that the scientific community is coming to terms with HCFS being something to avoid. With 47 million Americans suffering from metabolic syndrome it is time to research the food labels and reject the foods produced with high-fructose corn syrup. We can win this fat war by reading the labels and sending the message to the food manufacturers to make the changes to help us eat better and lead healthier lives. By NOT buying what is on the grocery shelf sends a powerful message indeed.
What are keys to natural healing of metabolic syndrome with ALTRUM products?
Although there is no unified treatment or cure for metabolic syndrome, the right diet, nutritional, herbal supplementation and lifestyle changes that include exercise can help support healthy blood sugar levels and control metabolic syndrome. A great number of vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants have been studied for their ability to promote healthy blood sugar and protect cells from the damage of elevated oxidation with favorable results. Among those nutrients are: essential fatty acids (DNO & DUO) , co-enzyme Q-10 (DEQ), minerals such as zinc, chromium and magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin C, amino acids, plant stanols/sterols, antioxidants, herbs and super foods (DNU, DVP, DWI,VB010, etc.). This is only a partial list of the nutrients known to help protect your body from the onset of metabolic syndrome or its precursors.
ALTRUM Nutritional Supplements contain all of the natural vitamins, minerals and herbal/phytonutrient ingredients good science says can help your body function properly. Some experts say lack of proper nutrition may be linked to 90 percent of all physical ailments. ALTRUM carries a line of 30 nutritional supplements with the ingredients known to help with the conditions that can lead to metabolic syndrome.
For further reading about the Princeton University HFCS study, please link to the following:
http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/

The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Metabolic Syndrome

2010-04-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

The USDA statistics show that since 1970, average daily calorie intake in the U.S. has increased by nearly 25 percent. Researchers at Cornell University examined 52 of the well known painting “The Last Supper” and more than 1,000 years separated the earliest painting from the most modern one . Their report in The International Journal of Obesity (April, 2010), shows that the plate size and entrée size enlarged by about two-thirds over the millennium while bread size increased by nearly 25 percent. At the same time the World Health Organization (WHO) estimations are that by 2015, there will be more than 1.5 billion overweight consumers, with an incurring health cost beyond $117 billion per year in the US alone. Thus, the needs of future research in the science of metabolomics as well as the opportunity for scientifically-substantiated weight management products for food control are strongly increased.
The new science of metabolomics is constantly discovering new mechanisms to control morbid obesity as part of the metabolic syndrome. Recently it was found a new connection between obesity as part of the metabolic disorder related to the use of probiotics and probiotics, as regulators of the gut microflora (microbiota) in relevance with the food intake control. Results from this study suggest that there is a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), linked to a modulation of gut peptides and appetite modulation that have been observed upon long term treatment of overweight and obese patients with pro-and prebiotics. The researchers also note that the concept may also be applicable to humans. “Moreover, the metabolomic analysis will allow to select the potential new microbial targets related to obesity and related disorders in the future” (Delzenne & Cani).
Matsusawa (2007) writes,” Recently, adipocytes have been shown to be recognized as endocrine cells that secrete a variety of bioactive substances known as adipocytokines, among which, adiponectin, a newly found adipose tissue-specific collagen-like protein has been noted as an important antiatherogenic and antidiabetic protein and then proceeds. “Visceral fat accumulation causes dysfunction of adipocytes and results in the development of a variety of metabolic and circulatory diseases through the abnormal secretion of adipocytokines.” Hotamisligil agrees that adipose tissue may produce increased levels of cellular, hormone-like substances—cytokines and other bioactive substances referred to as adipocytokines (Hotamisligil, 2004). As a result of the above vicious circle, insulin sensitivity in organs like muscle and liver is decreasing (Matsuzawa, Funahashi, Kihara & Shimomura, 2004). It is also hypothesized that secondary factors as nonesterified fatty acid liberation and adipokine (e.g., adiponectin) production (Carr et al., 2004) as well as other risk factors (Egan & Julius, 2004; Janssen, Debets, Leenders & Smits, 2002) may also play a major role in metabolic syndrome pathogenesis.
There are findings that raise the question that gut residential microflora may play an important role in regulating weight as a factor in obesity development (Furtado, 2010). The human gut includes 100 billion microorganisms per milliliter, with a total of 100 trillion microorganisms residing in the GI tract. It is obvious that our bodies have more bacteria than cells, while comparing with the estimated 10 trillion cells in the human body. An adult human’s GI tract contains approximately 1012 microorganisms per milliliter of luminal content, with at least between 15,000 and 36,000 distinct species of bacteria. Gut microorganisms, also termed “microbiota” are the trillions of bacteria that normally reside in the human GI tract, and affect nutrient absorption and energy regulation. While the term “microbiota” is defined as a collection of microorganisms normally associated with a particular tissue or organ while “microbioma” is defined as the collection of the microbial genomes (Gill, Pop & De Boy, 2006).
Two main divisions of beneficial bacteria—Bacteroides and Firmicutes—are known as normal residents in the gut, and the equilibrium of the two is very important in determining an individual’s propensity for obesity. A study found an association between obesity and an increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, compared with Bacteroides and that lean people show different gut flora than those who are overweight or obese (Bajzer & Seeley, 2006). Another research investigating the gut bacterial flora of obese mice and humans has discovered fewer Bacteroides and more Firmicutes than lean counterparts, suggesting differences in caloric extraction of ingested food substances due to the composition of the gut microflora (Di Baise, Zhang, Crowell et al., 2008). Thus, obesity it is not so much explained with overeating, but as to the different metabolic activities of already modified gut flora facilitating the extraction of calories from ingested dietary substances while storing calories in adipose tissue for later use. It is obvious that there is an elevated rate of food ingestion. Therefore, modulating the equilibrium or gut microflora may have a role in the future prevention and treatment of obesity.
Probiotics are nonpathogenic live microorganisms that are believed to confer health benefits to the host when ingested (WHO). In authors’ proper statements “The role of the gut microflora in affecting calorie control and satiety is gradually being unravelled” (Gibson, 2010). Authors’ conclusions are that prebiotics may beneficially modify bacterial populations in our guts and aid weight management, with “promising effects also shown in humans.” As has been suggested from the above studies, lean invidividuals possess more Bacteroides and those with obesity possess more Firmicutes (Ley, Turnbaugh, Klein, & Gordon, 2006). Kalliomäki, Collado, Salminen & Isolauri (2008) established the rule that early gut microbiota composition can guide weight development throughout early childhood.
Ingestion of probiotics is recommended even as preventative approach to maintaining the balance of the intestinal microflora and thereby enhancing health and well being (Furtado, 2009). A survey of the literature indicates positive results in over 50 human clinical trials, with prevention/treatment of infections the most frequently reported output (Gorbach, 2000). Increased levels of probiotics may induce a “barrier” influence against common pathogens. Mechanisms of effect are likely to include excretion of acids (lactate, acetate), competition for nutrients and gut receptor sites, immunomodulation, and formation of specific antimicrobial agents (Fooks & Gibson, 2002).
Researchers have suggested that improved immunity and weight loss or antiobesity prevention are among some of their multiple benefits. There are many “in vivo” and “in vitro” trials on the anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), a bacterium that produces conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It was found that after eight weeks of oral feeding with L. rhamnosus, mice lost weight without reducing their energy intake. CLA has been suggested to possess a number of potential health benefits based on animal studies, including the ability to reduce body fat. Anyway, this is just one of the mechanisms in which probiotics are believed to show their antiobesity effects.
Recent study suggests a compelling role for probiotics in enhancing liver health, in case of nonalcoholic fatty liver steatosis or disease (NAFLD) (O’Sullivan, 2008). Liver steatosis has long been associated with long-term and excessive alcohol consumption, but there is other -- "nonalcoholic" version of the disease that is believed to be caused by a poor diet, loaded with simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. Called a “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” (NAFLD), or liver steatosis, the disorder affects about a third of the American adult population and numbers are progressively rising. Patients are unaware they have the above problem, as it rarely causes symptoms by itself, but when accelerates in its progression- it can lead to serious liver damage and to final death. Hepatic insulin resistance is sufficient to produce dyslipidemia and susceptibility to atherosclerosis as concluded in a study by Biddinger et al. (2008). Sedentary lifestyles, consumption of energy-rich diet, obesity, and advanced age are important reasons for this rise. According to a study done by Duke University Study (DUS, 2003) people with metabolic syndrome who made intensive lifestyle modifications had a 47% reduction in insulin overproduction, also known as hyperinsulinemia and caused by insulin resistance. Those who exercised but didn’t lose weight saw a 27% reduction (DUS, 2003).
Although the causative link between central body fat and insulin resistance has not been proven yet, numbers of factors are now under clinical trials: i.e., increased levels of fatty acids in the blood, fat derived hormones and cytokines, and abnormalities in the brain's interpretation and coordination of metabolic cues (Eckel et al., 2005). Intestinal microflora is believed to play a large role in the progression from NAFLD to real cirrhosis of the liver. According to the same study, when gut flora is high in facultative microbes (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae) and low in anaerobes (e.g., Bifidobacteria), higher levels of ammonia and endotoxins result. Probiotics have been shown to modulate intestinal flora and increase the anaerobic population. The era of microgenomics is now providing tools to more effectively understand probiotics mechanism of action in the gut area.
Prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides believed to act as “fertilizers” of the colonic microflora, enhancing growth of beneficial residential organisms (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) (WHO). Prebiotics are believed to offer health benefits on the host, explained with the activation or modulation of lipid metabolism in general. Researchers have even suggested potential "antiobesity" effects as well, possibly by modulating gut hormones, such as the peptide YY (PYY) and the glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1). Inulin and oligofructose (naturally occurring fructooligosaccharides [FOS]) are prebiotics that are gaining more exposure lately as possible health-enhancing agents. Prebiotics modulate the lipid metabolism, most likely via the process of fermentation (Furtado, 2009).
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics, known as "synbiotics", is advised to be ingested as it is believed to show enhanced health benefits acting as a “functional food.” Several articles review the synergistic role of prebiotics and probiotics on obesity and discuss research that suggests that individuals with obesity may have differing amounts of particular microbiota (e.g. Firmicutes) The combination of pre-and probiotics, has been proposed to characterize some colonic foods with interesting nutritional properties that make these compounds candidates for health-enhancing, functional food ingredients that are able of modifying the gut flora to its beneficial ratio (Gibson & Roberfroid, 1995)
New science breakthrough article published in Nature (Ley, Turnbaugh, Klein & Gordon, 2006) reported that microbial populations gut flora is different between obese and lean people and that obese people are losing weight when probiotics are added. The breakthrough is in the finding that obese people microflora reverted back to the one of the lean people, suggesting that obesity may have a microbial pathogenesis component. Despite known as “non-digestible” prebiotics are between the food fibres or ingredients that have a beneficial effect through their selective metabolism in the intestinal tract” (Gibson et al., 2004).
“The role of the gut microflora in affecting the caloric intake control and satiety is gradually being unravelled” are the statements of Prof. Glenn Gibson (University of Reading). According to a new review at the catholic university of Louvain (Belgium) in the metabolic disorder area “in vivo” animal data supported the potential of prebiotics to beneficially manage metabolic syndrome and other metabolic derangements in overweight or obese patients (International Dairy Journal). The scientists note that “inulin-type” prebiotics may reduce appetite, increase satiety, and thereby decrease the amount of energy consumed. However, such effects were only noted after several weeks and no such effects being observed over a 48-hour period.
Although researchers have been utilizing the science of genomics to make strides in gut microbiota research, there are many questions that must be answered in the future e.g:
1. Could the elimination of obesity-related bacteria virtually eliminate obesity?
2. Are differences in gut flora in lean individuals versus overweight or obese the cause or the consequence of obesity?
3. What are the hormones that direct changes in the gut flora and in which degree they can be modulated by probiotics and prebiotics?
4. What are the exact proportions of Bacteroides and Firmicutes that are beneficial in humans?
5. Could gut genomic research one day make surgery obsolete?
As a final conclusion it seems that probiotics and prebiotics are able to modify the gut microbiota in a positive way. Some of the modifications of the gut flora include an increase in the production of hormones that may have weight loss properties; others may be helpful in terms of decreasing inflammation, so it appears prudent to include them as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
REFERENCES:
1. Lee, H. Park, J. H., Seok, S. H.(2006).Human originated bacteria. Lactobacillus rhamnosus PL60 produces conjugated linoleic acid and shows anti-obesity effects in diet-induced obese mice. Biochem Biophys Acts, 1761, 736–44.

2. Gorbach, S. L. (2000). Probiotics and gastrointestinal health. Am J Gastroenterol, 95, 2

3. Fooks, L. J., Gibson, G. R. (2002). Probiotics as modulators of the gut flora. Br J Nutr, 88, 39–49.

4. O’Sullivan, D. J. (2008). Genomics can advance the potential for probiotic cultures to improve liver and overall health. Curr Pharm Des, 4, 1376–8.

5. Celleno, L., Tolaini, M. V., D’Amore, A., et al.(2007). A dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus Vulgaris extract influences body composition of men and women. Int J Med Sci, 4, 45–52.

6. Roberford, M. B. (2002). Functional foods: concepts and application to inulin and oligofructose. Br J Nutr. 87, 139–43.

7. Keenan, M. J., Zhou, J., McCutcheon, K. L. et al.(2005).Effects of resistant starch, a non-digestible fermentable fiber, on reducing body fat. Br J Nutr, 94, 1–11.
8. Gibson, G. R. & Roberfroid, M. B. (1995).Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr, 125, 1401–12.

9. Gill, S. R., Pop, M., DeBoy, R. T., et al.(2006).Metagenomic analysis of the human distal gut microbiome. Science. 312, 1355–9.

10. Amann, R. I., Ludwig, W. & Schiefer, K. H.(1995). Phylogenic identification and in-situ detection of individual microbial cells without cultivation. Microbiol Rev, 59, 143–69.

11. Berg, R. D. (1996). The indigenous gastrointestinal microflora. Trends Microbiol 4, 430–5.

12. Bajzer, M. & Seeley, R. J. (2006). Physiology: obesity and gut flora. Nature, 444, 1009–10.

13. DiBaise, J. K., Zhang, H., Crowell, M. D., et al. (2008). Gut microbiota and the possible relationship with obesity. Mayo Clin Proc. 83, 460–9.

14. Bäckhed, F., Ding, H., Wang, T., et al. (2004). The gut microbiota as an environmental factor that regulates fat storage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 101, 15718–23.

15. Ley, R. E., Bäckhed, F., Turnbaugh, P., et al.(2005).Obesity alters gut microbial ecology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 102, 11070–5.

16. Ley, R. E., Turnbaugh, P. J., Klein, S., & Gordon, J. I. (2006). Microbial ecology: human gut microbes associated with obesity. Nature, 444, 1022–3.

17. Kalliomäki, M., Collado, M. C., Salminen, S., & Isolauri, E. (2008). Early differences in fecal microbiota composition in children may predict overweight. Am J Clin Nutr, 87, 534–8.

18. Furtado, M. (2009). Probiotics, Prebiotics, Gut Microbiota, and Obesity Bariatric. Times 6, 27–30.
19. Zhang, H., DiBaise, J. K., & Zuccolo, A. (2009). Human gut microbiota in obesity and after gastric bypass. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 106, 2365–70.
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.

Happy Easter to All Christians!

2010-04-03T22:02:00.001-07:00

Urinary Incontinence Linked To Vit D Insufficiency

2010-04-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

Recently the Cleveland Clinic Press Release published data on a new study that found that the syndrome known as “pelvic floor disorder” is a women disorder that is strongly associated with vit D insufficiency. In the above study, researchers at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse New York found that the pelvic disorder, leading to frequent urinary incontinence, is associated with significantly decreased vit. D levels. The paper was published in the April issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Badalian & Rosenbaum, 2010).

The researchers studied 1,961 women and found that 23% of them, over the age of 20, have the above described pelvic disorder, leading to frequent urinary incontinence. Women who were overweight or who had more than one child were at especially increased risk. The researchers found that vitamin D deficiency securely predicted the disorder, even in younger women and that urinary incontinence was twice as likely in vitamin D deficient women compared to women with higher vitamin D levels. In their proper statement: “Our findings suggest that treatment of vitamin D sufficiency or deficiency in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women could improve pelvic muscle strength, with a possible reduction in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence.”
References:
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/news/article.aspx?AID=637248&setSpecialty=true