Insomnia Due to Sleep Apnea and RLS

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

Insomnia is a disorder marked by a lack of sleep or poor quality sleep. The condition may cause symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, frequent nighttime waking, waking up too early in the morning, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Although anyone can experience insomnia at any time, it is more common in women and in people of advanced age. It often, though not always, occurs in conjunction with other health problems. Insomnia can affect you at any age, although you become more susceptible to it as you get older. Restorative sleep gives your body the chance to recuperate and regenerate. Without it your body and mind become weary and easily malfunction. Illnesses and viral or bacterial infections result, giving rise to severe illness and general malaise.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that includes one or more of the following symptoms:
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Frequent nighttime waking
Waking up too early in the morning
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
Insomnia may reproduce several daytime consequences as well, such as feelings of tiredness, irritability, lethargy, as well as difficulty focusing on tasks. These symptoms are the result of sleep deprivation.
People with insomnia also may experience feelings of anxiety in relation to sleep.
Insomnia may be classified into two main categories: acute and chronic forms.
Acute (situational) insomnia results from stressful events or temporary physical or environmental obstacles to sleep that usually resolve within a few weeks on their own. Examples of causes of acute or situational insomnia include:
Temporary noise disturbances that interfere with sleep, such as construction noises outside the bedroom or a noisy puppy, kitten, or baby within the household
Short-term pain that interferes with sleep, such as a tender throat or sore muscles
Temporary anxiety that keeps you awake, such as short-term work, family, financial, health worries jet lag
Chronic insomnia persists longer than 3 weeks and usually requires treatment. The condition may be due to:
An underlying mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety
Chronic stress
Chronic illness
Long-term use of sleeping pills or alcohol
Aging
Shift work
Medical problems such as chronic pain or overactive bladder
Primary sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
Insomnia can be also divided into two other categories:
Sleep Onset Insomnia (inability to fall asleep) - SOI
Sleep Maintenance Insomnia (inability to stay asleep, or to wake frequently)- SMI
It is possible for you to suffer both sleep onset insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia, leading to chronic sleep deficiency.
There are varying degrees of insomnia in both duration and severity:
Temporary insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. It has a known cause and is an interruption to your body clock, e.g. when you are suffering from jetlag.
Short-term insomnia can last from two to three weeks and again has a known emotional or psychological cause, e.g. stress over a particular factor, like work.
Intermittent insomnia is more difficult and vague. It is unpredictable in terms of the number of episodes and their duration, and can be attributable to both emotional and physical causes.
Chronic insomnia can take place on most nights and may last indefinitely.
What you should do first?
Find out what is causing your sleeplessness, making gradual improvements to your sleep hygiene, keeping a sleep diary and using the information to track and overcome obstacles to sleep
Some people find that short-term use of over-the-counter sleep aids can be helpful in dealing with temporary bouts of insomnia. However, these are recommended only for short-term use and should not be depended upon for regular, healthy sleep.
Another option for people seeking self-help remedies for insomnia includes taking herbs and supplements that promote sleep and relaxation it cannot be matter of a choice.
Statistics:
49% of adult’s worldwide report brief periods of difficult sleep.
10% of adult’s claim they have had insomnia lasting at least two weeks.
Over 100 million Americans are estimated to have sleep problems. 1 in 6 of these have chronic insomnia at a serious level.
Insomnia and untreated sleep disorders cost Americans $15 billion in health care expenses annually and $50 billion in lost productivity.
Globally, 25% of elderly people and about 15% of the general population suffer from varying degrees of insomnia.
Insomnia can be caused by multiple biological, physical, emotional and psychological factors, with stress being the number one contributor. Factors include: depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, chronic diseases- heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases etc.
Factors:
Biological factors are also a consideration as sleep may become lighter and more disjointed as you age. Your inbuilt biological sleep regulator can malfunction, encouraging you to remain awake longer, but also sleep longer, or to sleep earlier but rise early too.
Psycho-physiologic insomnia is also more common than perhaps first thought. This is an inability to sleep through the worry of being unable to sleep
Main Signs & Symptoms:

Recognizing initial symptoms is pretty much the same regardless of the severity. It is only as your insomnia progresses that you may notice more serious signs. With ongoing lack of restful restorative sleep - noted by difficulty falling asleep and/ or frequent unrepressed waking – you find you are constantly tired, irritable and generally fatigued. Your memory, concentration and patience will all decrease and your general mood will become more negative, the need for effort unmanageable. A preoccupation with the need for sleep, or anxiety over the lack of it is often seen. But the more you try to sleep, the greater your anxiety and restlessness at not being able to sleep, and so the circle continues.
What you must know and remember?
There are a variety of treatments that may help this condition.
The first step is to recognize that chronic insomnia is a symptom of a deeper problem, a hidden medical condition or psychological/nutrient imbalance that you need to treat.
You need to avoid insomnia becoming a serious chronic problem.
You need to prevent the underlying causes becoming debilitating and you need to halt the continuance of other current potentially serious health issues. Studies show that if insomnia is left untreated you are more likely to be involved in a car accident or an accident at work.
You also have a significantly higher risk of developing an addiction or a mood disorder like depression.
If you are elderly you are more prone to accidents involving fractures or other serious injury. This is taking into account complicating factors like health problems, memory and daily tasks. Additionally, if you are elderly and have untreated insomnia it can lead to complications in the treatment of other medical conditions you may be suffering from including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Untreated sleep deprivation results in irrational irritability and cognitive disorders. There is also some preliminary evidence that it can lead to a dysfunctional immune system, serious enough to result in the progression of various cancers.
Natural Remedies:
Insomnia does have the potential to destroy your health. It is important to correct medical imbalances causing the problem. We now know that this is possible to do naturally.In addition to good dietary practices, regular sleep patterns and exercise, it is necessary to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies and to rebalance your body’s natural chemical structure.
There are a number of natural substances known to help such as:
1. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) - A neurotransmitter used to regulate serotonin levels in the brain and central nervous system. It is the quickest and most effective overall treatment for insomnia, with the added benefit of improving the quality of sleep. In clinical trials by Brain Research, 5-HTP show an increase in REM sleep by more than 25%, whilst increasing deep sleep stages 3 and 4 by shortening the time spent in sleep stages 1 and 2.
2. Phosphatidlyl Choline-A major constituent of Lecithin, essential for forming acetylcholine. It belongs to a category of fat-soluble substances called phospholipids. In a study on the effects of phosphorylcholine affects were seen on neuronal mechanisms relating to paradoxical sleep, possibly caused by fatty acid residues
3. Choline Bitartrate - An essential nutrient needed by the peripheral nervous system for the proper transmission of nerve impulses from nerve endings to target organs. It helps maintain sleep by strengthening the 'stimulus barrier’, enabling you to sleep through minor noises and disturbances.
4. SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine)-is a natural substance found in every cell of the body. It reduces symptoms of major depression and produces a similar sedative effect to conventional antidepressants but without the side effects. It alters the brain’s responses and improving the quality of sleep.
5. D-Phenylalanine- is an amino acid with antidepressant properties. It influences chemicals in the brain that relate to mood sensation and elevation. It relieves depression and the underlying cause of insomnia, producing relaxation, effective in treating sleep disturbances.
6. Magnesium-This nutrient helps you feel calm and keeps your muscles relaxed. Magnesium plays a role in sleep regulation, possibly through its ability to affect the neurotransmitters associated with feelings of calmness
7. Hops- An extract known to cause sedation and sleepiness by the action of its volatile oils. In a study by the Institute fur Psychosomatics, a double blind clinical trial shows Hops and Valerian as a good alternative to benzodiazepines for the treatment of non-psychiatric sleep disturbance.
8. Valerian Extract (Root)- An anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) for restlessness and sleeping disorders. It has hypotensive properties attributed to its volatile oils and other constituents, along with sedative-hypnotic effects. It works by increasing amounts of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) – an inhibitory neurotransmitter – and by it’s valereanic acid inhibiting the enzyme that destroys GAMA. It also decreases benzodiazepine withdrawal.
9. Chamomile- The dried flower heads of either Anthemis nobilis or Matricaria chamomilla. Used as a counterirritant and carminative. It acts as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative hypnotic. It contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs. It contains the amino acid Tryptophan and appreciable amounts of calcium, together giving a soporific effect.
10. Passion Flower- A mild natural sedative that’s isolated multiple flavonoids exhibit sedative effects. Studies reveal that Passion Flower extract is an important factor in the phytotherapy of tenseness, restlessness and irritability with difficulty in falling asleep.
Botanicals for Insomnia:
1. Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb, which can be safely used, by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children. Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe overwrought nerves, diluted to 2% to make excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant. Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.
2. Hops (Humulus lupulus): In the early 1900s, Eclectic physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness (Bell, 1925; Ellingwood, 1983). Hops, a major flavoring component of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia. Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.
3. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime is recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia. Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Essential oil--oil may be inhaled, massaged into the skin (use 10 drops essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil), or added to baths (3-10 drops).
4. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): Herbalists consider passionflower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly sold sedative preparations. Passionflower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults (Bruneton, 1995). It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses (Spaick, 1978). Dose: Tea, 1 cup 3 x daily; Tincture, 30-60 drops 3-4 x daily.
5. Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime is recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia. Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Essential oil--oil may be inhaled, massaged into the skin (use 10 drops essential oil per ounce of vegetable oil), or added to baths (3-10 drops).
6. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): In Europe, herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those types of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Dose: Tea, 1 cup as needed; Tincture, 2-5 droppersful 2-3 x daily.
7. Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa): Wild lettuce is a mild sedative used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia (Boericke, 1927). Dose: Tincture, 2-3 drpfls 3-4 x daily.
8. Kava, or Kava Kava (Piper methysticum): Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue. Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 3-4 droppersful 2-3 x daily.
9. St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal therapeutics. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight. Dose: Tincture, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 2-3 x daily; powdered extract, 1-2 tablets or capsules 2-3 x daily. Allow 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to develop.
Note* The above herbs and nutrients, along with many other individual substances are well known for their abilities to relax and aid sleep and are readily available in shops and other retail outlets. On their own they will provide you with a certain amount of relief and relaxation. This is extremely limited however and does not tackle your essential need to rebalance your chemical and hormonal discrepancies. Experts know that if these ingredients could be combined to work together to enhance each other’s individual components, it may enable a product to be produced that will be potent enough to achieve results.
Hormones:
Melatonin: is a human hormone that is increasingly popular as a supplement to promote sound sleep. People report mixed success with this product; some people find real benefit and others feel nothing from its use, while a smaller percentage of users experience side effects such as nervousness and increased depression as well as increased insomnia. A dose as 3mg before sleeping can be helpful and it can assure 5-6 h of a restful sleep. Of course as each body has different biochemistry, what is the explanation that it works for someone and doesn’t work for others.
Holistic formulas:
1. Neuro-Natural Sleep”
2. Sleep Solutions”
3. SerenitePlus” is a combination herbal/homeopathic formula specially formulated to treat the symptoms of insomnia, especially sleep onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) and to assist in the treatment of chronic insomnia.
Common behavioral treatments:
Relaxation Therapy helps to minimize cognitive or emotional arousal prior to sleep. Examples of relaxation methods include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and attention-focusing activities such as meditation. Sleep Restriction attempts to increase the length of time a person spends sleeping by limiting his or her time in bed to the amount of time typically spent asleep in it. The hope is that gradually the amount of time will increase as the patient uses time in bed more efficiently and the ratio of time spent asleep in bed compared to the total time spent in bed improves.

Stimulus Control attempts to improve sleep quality by restricting any activities in the bedroom besides sleep. By training people to associate the bed only with sleep, it is expected that people will fall asleep more quickly once they get into bed.

Cognitive Therapy involves mental reconditioning that helps people redefine stressful attitudes or beliefs that are undermining their efforts to sleep. For example, the belief that sleep loss will ruin activities scheduled for the next day may compound a person’s anxiety and make it even more difficult for him or her to sleep. The aim of this therapy would then be to help that person develop coping skills that improve sleep by minimizing the stress of sleep loss.

Sleep hygiene refers to a list of recommended behaviors and environmental conditions that, when employed singularly or in combination, can improve sleep quality. Research indicates that 70% to 80% of patients with sleep disorders benefit when practicing good sleep hygiene.
Home Remedies:
Take a warm bath. One theory held by sleep experts has it that normal body temperatures play off the body's circadian rhythm. Those temperatures are low during sleep and at their highest point during the day
Drink a cup or warm milk 1h before sleeping.
Herbal Mix 1 tsp. chamomile flowers. 1 tsp. hops. 1 tsp. valerian root. 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 45 minutes, strain and drink 1 hour before bedtime.
Chamomile tea steeped for 3 minutes with a bit of milk and 2 Tbsp natural honey, a hot shower to reduce your body's natural temperature as you lie down to rest and a good book as you lie down.
Tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow before leaving for the day. When you come home you will sleep better.
Behaviors to avoid:
Consuming caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol too close to bedtime
Watching television right before going to bed
Eating or drinking 2-3 hours before bedtime
Going to bed before you are sleepy
Exercising too close to bedtime
Behaviors to adopt:
Using your bedroom only for sleep
Exercising regularly, preferably in the morning or early afternoon
Keeping a regular bedtime and waking time, even on the weekends
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a leisurely stroll, soaking in a tub, listening to soothing music, or massaging your legs or feet before bed
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation therapy, guided imagery, and deep breathing exercises
Maintaining good sleep hygiene.
Keeping a sleep diary so you can monitor obstacles to sleep
Walking or stretching when your legs feel uncomfortable
Taking a hot or cold bath
Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or biofeedback
Keeping your mind engaged by reading, working on crossword puzzles, or engaging in conversation while you are at rest
Creating a comfortable environment that is conducive to sleep by eliminating uncomfortable bedding, wearing loose clothing, keeping the bedroom temperature slightly cool, and eliminating any bothersome noise or light
Sleep apnea is treatable, but not curable, and may contribute to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, frequent nighttime waking, and daytime tiredness. Although anyone can develop sleep apnea, it is most common in obese people, particularly men, and is more common in people over the age of 40. Nasal obstructions; a large neck; and certain airway, palate, or jaw formations also may increase a person’s risk.

The main symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Snoring
Pauses in breathing that may last from 10 to 60 seconds
Morning headaches
Forgetfulness or inability to concentrate
Tiredness during the day
Frequent napping
Recommendations:
Weight loss.
Alcohol avoidance.
Change your sleep position.
Oral appliances
Note *You must know that sleep aids are not recommended for people with sleep apnea due to the fact that they repress their Central Nervous System and exacerbate pauses in breathing.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological movement disorder marked by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an almost irresistible urge to move the legs in order to relieve those sensations. Some people describe the feeling as an agitated inability to rest their legs.

Primary RLS runs in families and is an inherited, genetic, neurologic movement disorder. Although the majority of people with RLS begin to experience symptoms in their middle years, people with primary RLS may exhibit symptoms as early as childhood.
Treating the underlying condition that is causing secondary RLS may help alleviate uncomfortable leg symptoms. It is important for all RLS sufferers to note that the disorder is not caused by psychological conditions. However, stress, anxiety, and other psychological problems may exacerbate symptoms.
Secondary RLS occurs as a result of another underlying condition, such as:
Anemia or low blood iron levels
Folate deficiency
Nerve damage due to diabetes or other conditions
Kidney disease or dialysis
Attention-deficit disorder (ADD)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD)
Pregnancy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Parkinson’s disease

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness 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.

Establishing one's niche in the modern society

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

That is the initial step of the Settling Down period, when we dig, and build a nest in pursuing our dreams and patterns. We all require and crave stability and security in our life that gives us pride in knowing who we really are, while fighting for a place (niche) in the society. It is a period when we fight to establish a new structure, a new niche in the society, in terms of competence. That is a period when we make firm choices, build or rebuild a new structure, while the others become more secondary, the one’s stability and security has the main place and role. We grow from the “junior” to a “senior” membership club, while trying to consolidate our achievements. With other words the age of 30s represents the final entry into full adulthood with all the stability and security, and the advancement of it that produces the final fruits of this era.
According to Daniel Levinson during the 20s, the person is a “novice” or “apprentice”, while after the end of the age 30 transition, he moves from a novice phase of “ Early adulthood” to the “Settling Down” period- at 32/ 33 y of age. This is the period of culmination of early adulthood, and the time of realizing one’s dreams into practice. This period describes the development of a full-fledged adult, who is relatively more independent, instead of co/interdependent. Levinson offers to our attention two terms: “early setting down phase” and” becoming one’s own man phase”, each one lasting 3 or 4 years. While excluding women from his study, Levinson asserts that in the above stage the person should work at two major tasks:
1/ “Establishing one’s niche in the society”. That is the initial step of the Settling Down period, when we dig, and build a nest in pursuing our dreams and patterns. We all require and crave stability and security in our life that gives us pride in knowing who we really are, while fighting for a place (niche) in the society. It is a period when we fight to establish a new structure, a new niche in the society, in terms of competence. That is a period when we make firm choices, build or rebuild a new structure, while the others become more secondary, the one’s stability and security has the main place and role. We grow from the “junior” to a “senior” membership club, while trying to consolidate our achievements. With other words the age of 30s represents the final entry into full adulthood with all the stability and security, and the advancement of it that produces the final fruits of this era.
2/ "Working at advancement in building better life, while becoming more creative, being affirmed, according to one’s values"- that is the phase of so called “becoming one’s own man” of progression within the structure, becoming more creative while waiting to be affirmed by the society. We fight to create a broader structure, and to enhance our life from within it. That is a period when we define our “dream”, by realizing it into practice. It represents the climax of the Settling Down period. Here we are moving towards success, and thrive mainly to the progression in already established structure, building better life, health and wealth, recognition and scientific achievements, esthetic values, prestige, reaching an advance on the ladder. We thrive to mentor instead of being mentored, and to raise a family while exercising our tribal rights. We are trying to do our best in what we want the most in our life such as: family, work, community, interests, hobbies, friendships, etc. We tend to become more “serious”, “senior”, and responsible, while deciding what it is the most important for us and to realize it in practice.
In his book “The seasons of a man’s life” Daniel Levinson describes the Life Structure of Adult Development which has periods of stability and periods of transition. Main transitions are at age 30, 40, and 50, while the age 40-45 is the most strenuous. For example in the Early Transition period the young man has to both terminate the era of being a child, to eliminate the codependency of his parents, and to start the process of “growing up”, to take adult responsibilities, to get married, to enter a new occupation, to define his goals, to lead more organized life or to “make something of his life”. According to Levinson the period of transition consists of a beginning and an end, loss and termination, and it is suspended between the past and the future, where we have to review and evaluate our Life Structure and to decide what to keep and what to reject. Levinson delineates a middle adult era from the mid-40s to the early 60s. What is in-between is what he calls the years of Mid-Life Transition. He sees these years as a bridge between young adulthood and senior membership in one's occupational world. According to him 80 percent of the men studied went through a time of personal crisis and re-evaluation during this mid-life transition. Levinson argues that the 20 percent that did not encounter a struggle were in a state of denial and would go through this transition later.
The author confirms that in every period there is a past and a future, where we suffer because of the undone developmental work and the need to do further developmental work. Each transitional period is oriented to terminate one era and to initiate the next. Levinson states “ In every cross- era transition a new season is born and takes its initial shape. The above transitions have a great effect on our future, but they never explain the whole story. Each new period makes its essential contribution to the life course”. They seem to be times of significant discomfort, questioning, reassessment, and redirection in a man's life. They are followed by a period of consolidation and stability--until the next transition ten years later. While the transitions and the results of them are different for each person, each of us one way or another will go through them.
The “New warrior” image holds the profound power of the masculine psychology and spirituality in one. As Bill Kauth says: “The new warrior knows who he is what he wants and where he is going. He is a man without shame, guilt, or apology. He has integrity and holds himself accountable for his own actions. He is wild and gentle, tough and loving, fierce and perceptive. He comes from a tribe of man. He is not a savage. He is a Warrior of the Heart”.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness 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.

Common Cold and Flu revisited

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

Due to the strong and extremely cold winter in WI, I have been questioned almost daily by my patients to differentiate cold from flu. As a specialist in microbiology and virology I am completely sure that there are lots of people who also question themselves on what is common and what is different between Common Cold (CC) and Flu. Finally, they became inseparable like "twins". Thus we need to know their differences, in order to know how to help healing ourselves.
Common features of CC and Flu are: that they appear when the weather is cold, while CC can appear even in a mild but humid climate. Many patients even think that they have simultaneously CC and Flu, or the first let to the second or vice versa. Above all their symptoms can be quite similar and in fact the people are not completely wrong as the symptoms can also overlap. But they are still 2 completely different infestations. Their symptoms are result of the heroic attempt of the human body to eliminate the virus and to minimize the damage. Sneezing ejects the virus from the nose, the coughing from the lungs and throat, vomiting from the stomach, and diarrhea from the intestines- so all of the above symptoms are guarantee that your body is fighting well to eliminate the virus. High fever stops the virus to reproduce itself (something what is very natural for all the viruses). So, high temperature can be quite curative for your organism especially at the start of the disease.
Common Cold, or just Cold is provoked by 200 families of different viruses with multiple serotypes as Paramyxoviruses, Enteroviruses, Rhinoviruses, Para-influenza virus, Adenoviruses, Coxsakieviruses, Echoviruses, Orthomyxoviruses (including Influenza A and B viruses), Picornaviruses, Respitory syncytial virus( RSV)- the most common cause for bronchitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 y of age and many others. Due to the multiple rapid mutation of the above number of viruses-CC is quite frequent disease. It takes between 5-6 days to be healed by itself. In fact a body with normal immune system will mobilize all its forces and will eliminate the cause for a time of a week.
The main symptoms are localized in the nose area- nasal stiffness, frequent sneezing without reason, runny nose and eyes, painful irritated throat, decreased appetite, light headache, scratchy throat that urges you to cough, with or without postnasal drip are also possible but rare. You do not have to live in the North latitudes in order to catch CC- it can appear even in California and Florida during colder, rainy season. Due to their lower immunity children between 3-7 years old are the main patients. Adults and other elder children with cold generally have minimal or no fever. Young children, however, often run a fever at around 100-102 F. Once you have a CC, the symptoms usually begin to subsidize in 2-3 days, though it make take a week. Typically, an irritated nose or scratch throat is the first sign, followed without hours by sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Within 1-3 days, the nasal secretions become ticker that can become yellow or green. This is a normal phase of the CC and now a reason for any antibiotics.
Parents and other adults can be also infected while providing care for their children. Sneezing and coughing are the usual routs for the viral infection and its spread among people. As know well antibiotics do not work for viruses. Neither so there is any reason to use them in the above case. They will not work on our symptoms, especially in case the infection is only viral, but they might work if the infection is mixed with bacterial one. As usual viruses always go hand in hand with bacteria. You can think on your infection being mixed if the symptoms are aggravated and the bronchi and bronchioles inflammation, or in case of ear inflammation (otitis). Then you may think about eventual chemotherapeutic agents or even antibiotics. But till that moment my advice is you to follow the usual holistic treatment for Cold and Flu.
Note*: There are clinical data that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting infected by cold viruses.
The 3 main symptoms of CC are: Runny nose, Nasal congestion, Frequent Sneezing
Other less frequent symptoms are: Dry Cough (at first), Sore throat, Muscle aches- lighter than in the case of Flu, Frequent Sneezing, Postnasal drip, Decreased appetite, Headache.
Possible, despite rare complications: Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Ear infection (otittis), Sinusitis, Asthma Exacerbation (worsening).
Antibiotics- are not matter of a choice. Health care provider will be needed in case of: Breathing problems, Symptoms do not improve after 7-10 days, the person is aged or with heart disease, cancer or other degenerative disease, or the symptoms seriously worsen
Flu on the contrary makes you seriously sick, dizzy, lousy and drowsy. It is a very serious airborne and contagious disease. You feel pain all over the whole body, and especially along the bones and joints.
Flu is exceptionally caused by the family of influenza virus and is pandemic or at least epidemic (easily spread). It is a very serious disease (we remember the Spanish Flu in Spain that took more than millions of lives).
Older people and those with lower immunity due to cancer and others degenerative diseases are in a serious risk for being attack by influenza virus. The most vulnerable groups are those in advanced age or with major illnesses- autoimmune disease, cancer, heart attack, diabetes etc.
The main difference is that it attacks both young and old, and we can have flu each year and on times several times per year. It starts without warning symptoms, with extremely high fever at around 106 degree F, red face, strong body aches all over the whole body, high level of tiredness, lack of energy, strong headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea or vomits. In general the temperature is the first symptom and lasts 2-3 days in the highest range. On times it can prolong for a week and can make us seriously afraid. The feeling of fear is accompanying the above symptoms during the first several days of flu appearance. After 3-4 days the main symptoms decline, and the pulmonary tract is starting to show problems- bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, sore throat, croup etc.
At first the cough is dry and then it converts to mucous but painful cough. We do not have runny eyes or nasal problems like in the case of common cold. The length is 7 – 10 days, but there are secondary receives (repeating symptoms) available quite frequently. The tiredness and cough can proceed longer than 3 weeks on times, especially if the virus is causing the so called interstitial bronchopneumonia. The only good thing is that we may prevent flu (with vaccination), while common cold can be prevented by natural healing formulas that can improve our immunity holistically.
The CDC( Center for Disease Control) currently recommends flu vaccine for all the people who want that vaccine regardless of the risk, with an emphasis on pregnant women, older old, cancer, heart attack, in case of bypass operation, or other serious heart operation, autoimmune disease, after heart attack, diabetes 1 or 2 etc. You should ask for a vaccine without level of mercury’s in it.
There is another vaccine also used for prevention of pneumonia, but I am not a strong advocate of the last one. I saw that the big Pharma companies still work on the attenuation of the inflectional level of the bouquet of bacteria in it (and believe me some of them are very virulent ones as: MRSA, Klebsiella, Serratia, Staph. Aureus, etc.
How you can stop Common Cold and Sore Throat from developing?
· Gargle with warm water containing baking soda or salt several times daily. Repeat as often as possible throughout the whole day. Warm salt water and baking soda can remove viruses from the tonsils and adenoids that line the back of the throat region.
· You must drink warm herbal teas- 5-7 cups daily. All teas have anti-inflammatory benefits and hydrating properties as well. Select caffeine free type of teas (especially in case of HBP). One of the best choices is organic cammmomile tea as it is incredible beneficial in case of CC or Flu.
· If appetite is not there available, give it some time, and offer as little food as the body requires. Your body needs the energy to fight off the infection and doesn’t require as much food as while healthy. You can cook a nice organic chicken soup and slowly move forward to steamed veggies or/and mash potatoes. Use lemons and citrus fruits as your snack. Eat organic plain yogurt for dinner- it is extremely beneficial for your immunity system as it contains Probiotics in their most natural form.
· Now it is the time to increase you vit C uptake. Take between 1-3g vit C and increase the dose uptake till diarrhea tolerance moment would appear. Then decrease the dose and stay on the above dose.
· If you have a starting sore throat, water a piece of a newspaper in a length-wise type of a compress (long enough to cover up around your neck). Cover up the newspaper compress with a towel and tight it slightly around your neck. Try to sleep with it the whole night. Despite being a little uncomfortable, it has an incredible effect in terms of healing an initial stage of a painful sore throat.
· In case there is a dry cough- boil a large amount of water containing 3-4 table spoons baking soda in it. Cover well your head with a towel (but be careful and preserve your face of the burning steam). Try to inhale as much as possible of the steamed baking soda water.
· Get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take comfort in knowing that countless viruses are at work destroying your weakest cells. And don't forget to blow your nose as often as it runs; help your body get rid of what it wants to get rid of.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (2003) offers this list of cold symptoms, and how to differentiate them from symptoms of the flu:
· A cold is generally mild, while the flu tends to be more severe. In general, cold symptoms are milder and come on slowly, while symptoms of the flu tend to occur very suddenly.
· The cold starts with feeling extremely tired, sneezing, coughing, and having a runny nose. You may or may not have fever, of you may run a low fever.
· It's probably a cold if you have a fever no higher than 102 degrees. The flu usually causes fevers higher than 102 degrees.
· It's probably a cold if you have symptoms including a congested or runny nose, sneezing and coughing, watery eyes, and a sore throat. More than 100 different viruses can cause colds- Adenoviruses being the most frequent ones.
· As usual the flu starts suddenly and hits harder while it stays longer than cold. Symptoms of the flu often include nausea, headache, eye pains and whole body ache, sore throat, chills, sweats, vomiting, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. It generally takes longer to get over the flu than cold
Good holistic formulas:
· ProBoost and T-Cellerate – two products that stimulate the t-cells responsible for immune response
· ImmPower-AHCC – a t-cell booster that also increases natural killer cell activity, which helps eliminate tumor cells and cells infected with viruses
· ImmunoCare – an Ayurvedic herbal blend that prompts production of a specific type of infection-fighting white blood cell
· Transfer Factor – isolated sets of molecules from colostrums that protect against parasites and viral infections.
· Olive leaf tabs.
General Prevention:
· Avoid sugar and sugary goods.
· Wash well your hands.
· Isolate yourself from ill people.
· Get a good night sleep.
· Dress appropriately.
· Exercise as much as possible.
· Change the exercise techniques- aerobic with anaerobic.
· Do not let the stress overwhelm you.
· Eat well balanced and nutritious food.
· Increase your intake of omega 3 fats.
· Drink enough warm liquids- tea, soups etc.

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness 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.

The Entropy of Aging

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

As we live in the 21st century, aging is likely to emerge as a leading issue for the contemporary generation of modern scientists. With the advance of the medical technology and of the medicine, the group of the very old adults is increasing significantly. According to Walker's proper statement " Aging is associated with a decline in hormones and an increase in free radicals, glycation, and methylation that begins relatively early in life. Perturbations in growth hormone homeostasis occur first and can be detected clinically during the early thirties. This change initiates a progressive cascade of general endocrine decline with each passing decade. Not coincidentally, there is a massive oxidative shift in the human plasma thiol/disulfate Redox state between the 3d and 10th decades of life."
Questions you may ask are:
1/ Is there a Normal Pattern of Aging?
2/ How well educated are older adults?
3/ Are older people still productive?
4/ What is the economic well-being of today’s older adults?
5/ What are the social circumstances and the social well being of older people?
6/ What are the social and leisure interests of older adults
7/ What are the common age-associated physical changes?
8/ What are the common cognitive and psychological changes of older adults?
9/ What about mental health in older adults?
10/ How is their personality affected by the advanced age?
11/ How do they cope with normal age-associated changes?
1/ What is aging?

Any change in an organism over time is aging. There is "universal aging" (age changes that all people share) and "probabilistic aging" (age changes that may happen to some, but not all people as they grow older, such as the onset of diabetes two in some of the old population. There is also “chronological aging”, referring to how old a person is, that is the most correct definition of aging. It may be distinguished from the "biological aging" which is the organism's physical state as it ages.
2/ What are the causes of aging?

There are primary and secondary causes of aging. The primary causes of aging are fifty percent genetic and fifty percent environmental. From the environment we get free radicals, glycosylation, and hormonal changes. We cannot do much about the genetic part, but we can influence the environmental part of aging. The medicine including the holistic can offer only ways for prevention or counteracting the environmental causes, or the environmental basis of aging. The secondary causes are our life standard- the way in which we eat, sleep, exercise, travel, metabolize our food and handle stress etc.
3/ What are best ways to slow down or reverse the aging process and extend the human life span?

It’s a combination approach- a combination of different therapies affecting the entire body. For example: the antioxidants and the anti-glycator supplements are at the first place in the anti-aging, as they fight with 2 type of radicals- the so called- free radicals and the radicals of glycation. Apart from the ordinary vitamins and nutrients, good idea for supplementation is carnosine, DHEA, and other hormones (natural), depending upon whether you are deficient in those hormones or not. But first and foremost one has to do several laboratory tests and to find out that deficiency. In case of hypothyroid problems - there is a formula “Armour Thyroid" what is a porcine well balanced formulas containing T3, T4 and T2, but MD may not know it or disagree to prescribe it. Nutritional lifestyle and exercise is a must plus mental and sensory exercises.
4/ What is carnosine and its place in anti-aging?

That is a supplement you can take in case you are healthy. The first thing you might notice it will be- an increased level of energy. Your mental performance, memory, and other brain functions will improve as well. It's a formula that works inside the body in a long-term, to prevent all the different age-related processes and damages that happen. It is used mainly as a preventative treatment, not so much as a treatment. For example, you cannot take it if you have autoimmune diseases or cancer.
5/What is the difference between free radicals and radicals of glycation?

The free radicals and their oxidation are the main causes of aging. But there's another important process going on, which is called- glycosylation. It is due to glucose or other molecules attaching to proteins. This causes cross-linking and "advanced glycosylation end-products" or AGEs. This causes more damage to the body than even the free radicals. Carnosine prevents this damage in different ways. First of all, it prevents free radical and their oxidation as it's an powerful antioxidant. But it is also an anti-glycosylator. In other words, it prevents the proteins from being cross-linked. So it is the first known antiglycosylator available. Its third positive effect is that it helps the elimination of waste material out of the body. It can also prevent, eliminate and to reverse or uncross the cross linking due to glycosylation in our bodies. So carnosine has triple mechanism of action and brings three different benefits in addition to being an antioxidant.
6/ What about caffeine?

Caffeine can also help, but only in case if you do not have high blood pressure or anxiety. Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 can also help your mitochondria to digest the fat and to produce energy. The antioxidant benefits of the pure, natural Coenzyme Q-10, which is essential for all cellular energy production and for life itself, are well known already. CoQ-10's energy and antioxidant protection are critical to the heart, brain, liver and skeletal muscles. Its availability declines with age, stress, medications, etc. I can add also the most powerful antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). ALA is referred to as the universal antioxidant because of its unique ability to work in either aqueous (water) or lipid (oil-based) environments, thus enabling ALA to deliver its benefits anywhere in the body. Like CoQ-10, ALA's unique properties allow it to be particularly effective in protecting our nervous system and brain, along with the liver, kidneys and immune system. NAC is a powerful antioxidant that provides an essential building block for glutathione peroxidase- one of the body's most powerful antioxidants. EGCG from green tea and resveratrol from red wine have gain allot of attention lately. EGCG is credited with the myriad of health benefits associated with green tea and the Asian diet, while resveratrol has been assigned that same role in the health benefits of red wine, the Mediterranean diet. Green tea and red wine have been revered for centuries, and decades of research have culminated in some of the most exciting anti-aging findings ever.
7/ What should you do to protect your eyes?

There are plenty of formulas on the market, containing lutein, zeaxanthine, astahanthine, blueberry etc. N-Acetyl carnosine eye drops, etc. It helps the eye in different ways. Most importantly, acetylcarnosine helps patients on cataracts development. There's quite a lot of research showing that carnosine not only prevents the formation of cataracts, but most importantly, it reverses existing cataracts as well.
8/ Is there any connection between stress and aging?

Mild stress is even beneficial on times. But an excessive stress on a daily basis is quite damaging for our cells, organs and tissues. There is not enough time for the body to be repaired and it finally gives up. The immunity goes quickly down, and illnesses like cancer, infections or autoimmune diseases start to appear. So high level of stress is extremely damaging dangerous for your body. Try to avoid the extreme stress or at least learn to handle it. The most important advice is Do not socialize with people who are negative or influence you negatively. The best decision is avoiding them. You can use techniques as: Relaxation techniques, Sport, Meditation, Biofeedback, Positive imagery, Positive thinking.
9/ What is the true mechanism of aging?

The molecular mechanisms of aging are at the bottom of the evolutionary theory of aging, based on multiple factors such as oxidatively modified proteins as markers of aging, the role of the mitochondrial/ nuclear DNA damage in aging, and the pathogenic mechanisms in common geriatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer.
From biological point of view aging can be defined as a gradual morpho-functional degeneration of organs and systems regardless of whether these alterations are due to genetics, advanced age or predisposing factors, lifestyle, important diseases, stress, highly cytotoxic toxins or/ and medical treatment.
From social, medical and political points of view, the tendency is to set a chronological limit to age, beyond which a subject is classified as old.
10/ When adults are defined as old?

Adults are defined as old after 65 years of age and older old after 85y. The population of older Americans is itself getting older old. The above is due to the extremely high level of technology and elevated level of standard of life. With the downturn of our economy there is an observable decline which may shorten significantly our expectation for longevity.
11/ What are the common changes/ stereotypes in the aging process?

Aging is known to be sufficient on its own to cause serious structural, morphological and functional alterations to the vital organs and systems as: immune system, circulatory system, digestive system, respiratory system, kidney function and connective tissue as once certain limits have been passed, to be incompatible with life. Old adults do experience age-related changes--both physical and cognitive. Common age-related physical changes include hearing impairment, weakening vision, and the increasing probability of multiple chronic conditions such as arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. While there is some degree of cognitive impairment, cognitive changes in older adults are highly variable from one person to another, but can include decline in information processing speed and memory problems. Because a large number of older adults take several medications, drug interactions and drug side effects are more common than in younger age groups. There are numerous negative stereotypes about older people. The reality is that older people live independently and maintain close relationships with family and friends.
There are few more general questions that I would like to clarify:
1/ What is a Normal Pattern of Aging?

The criterion for Normal Aging is too complex to be defined. There are two determinants for it- 1/ Optimal or healthy aging and 2/ Typical aging. “Optimal aging” is for individuals who do not have obvious physical diseases and “Typical aging” is a term selected to define a person with one or more medical conditions.
2/ How well educated are older adults?

Educational attainment within the older population has increased significantly. In 2030, 83 percent of the older adults will have completed high school, and 24 percent will have at least a bachelor's degree.
3/ Are older people still productive?

Over one-third of older adults are involved in formal or informal volunteer work. Over 65% of the older adults still remain in the labor force work part time.
Although today's older men are less likely to participate in the labor force than previously, older women are more likely to participate than in the past.

4/ What is the socioeconomic status of the today older adults?

The overall economic status picture of older adults has improved significantly since the 1970s- 1980s. Family and friends are key social and financial support for many older adults. In general Social Security benefits are the primary source of money income. Half the women over the age of 65 are widows. Older women are more likely to live alone than are older men.

5/ What are the leisure interests of older adults?

Older adults keep active participation in politics and in voting. They tend to pursue more sedentary, solitary activities.Few of them still vigorously persecute the active way of living.

6/ What are the common age-associated physical changes?
Hearing impairment in older adults is often mild or moderate, but it is widespread
Visual changes include problems with reading speed, seeing in dim light, reading small print, and locating objects visually. The top five causes of death are heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Common comorbidities include arthritis, hypertension, cataracts, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
7/ What are the cognitive changes associated with aging?
Information processing speed declines with age,
Greater need for repetition of new information.
Divided attention between two simultaneous tasks shows age-related decline
Ability to switch attention rapidly declines.
Filtering out information through selective attention also appears to decline with age.
Short-term memory shows relatively less age-related decline.
Long-term memory shows more substantial age changes.
8/ What about the mental health of older adults?
Older people evidence fewer psychiatric disorders than younger persons
Only cognitive impairment shows a definite age-associated increase in incidence.
Life satisfaction is associated with good health, an adequate income, adequate social relationships, and a sense of control over one's life.
9/ How do older adults cope with normal age-associated changes?
Making lists or modifying tasks. Accommodating to external influence. Training their interactive imagery. Doing crossword puzzles, playing cards. Practicing memory by learning a new language. Participating in mood and memory workshops. Visiting friends or travelling actively. Cultivating creativity, optimism, and hope in spiritual counseling. Seeking support from family, friends, neighbors, other peer groups.
10/ What are the psychological problems in an older age?
They may have recurrence of psychological disorders they have had when younger.
They can face multiple problems as major depression or a substance abuse.
They can refuse to eat, drink or to walk.
Medical problems are the most common in that age group.
They can suffer of the side effect of their medications
The most common in older adults is the generalized anxiety disorder.
Panic disorder rarely has a later-life onset.
Obsessive - compulsive symptoms wax throughout the life course.
11/ Delirium and Dementia
Rapid mental confusional state at the end of the day- “sundowning “symptom.
Dementia is a risk factor for delirium, and the two often coexist.
The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia- multi-infarct dementia. Some may have both
People with dementia often show coexistent psychological symptoms, which may include depression, anxiety, paranoia, and behavioral disturbances.
Mania in late life does occur in the absence of acute medical diseases.
Mood disorders may present differently in older than in younger adults.
Feeling hopeless is often an important indicator of depression among the elderly.
The highest suicide rate of any age group is found in older adults
Depression can coexist with chronic pain, loneliness, boredom.
12/ Psychotic disorders
The most common form of psychosis in later years is paranoia.
Schizophrenia rarely occurs for the first time in older age.
13/ Sleeping disorders.

The age-related sleep patterns augment with the ages. The amount of dream sleep decreases 25% by the age 70. Insomnia is a common complaint among adults, while hypersomnia is not common.
14/ Somatodisorders. Older adults have frequent fear or increased concern about themselves or their health, with the tendency to aggravate it (hypochondriacs).
16/ Substance abuse. There is a decline in a substance abuse over the age of 60. Genetic predisposition, low income, depression or lack of education can be the reason of a substance abuse in very old age.
Older widowers have the highest prevalence rates of alcohol abuse among older adults.
17/ Other problems
Adjustment Disorder (AD) - physical illness, relocation, physical loss of a wife or husband, retirement, financial problems, family problems can lead to it.
Personality Disorder (PD) – it is also called Narcissistic, Borderline or Antisocial, Sociopathic.
Pathological Grief- frequent among older adults, as of an extensive guilt and preoccupation with death or themselves, a sense of worthlessness, marked psychomotor retardation, and functional impairment.
Physical abuse (e.g., bruises or other injuries) is frequent in the older age, and they are mainly due to members of the same family.
18. The entropy of a graceful aging
Exercise- a good anti-aging workout must be a fusion of Yoga/ Tai Chi/ Dance / Pilates.
Anti-aging Diet- by consuming foods and beverages that are rich in antioxidants, and are antiinflammatory, such as fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, yogurt, nuts, water.
10 "super-foods," can be included due to their anti- inflammatory activity: Acai fruit ; allium vegetables: garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots; barley and green foods, such as wheatgrass ; buckwheat, both seeds and grains; beans and lentils; hot peppers; nuts and seeds sprouts; yogurt and kefir.
Walking and moving daily
Socializing with your age group and family, neighbors and friends.
Make the commitment- and travel or dance, swim or listen beautiful relaxing music
Eliminate cafe from your diet, decrease the alcohol, and improve your sleep.
Rely on your caregiver.
If you have a chronic pain consider acupuncture
Keep the optimism and be creative while living actively
References:
http://www. mayoclinic.com
http://health.live.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/aging
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9110653/aging
http://mcb.berkeley.edu/courses/mcb135K
http://en.wikipedia.org/Senescence
http://prolongyouth.com/theories.html
http://longevity-science.org/Evolution.pdf
http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx/page=List&ProdID=1356&zType=2
http://www.uic.edu/classes/socw/socw550/AGING/tsld019.htm
“ Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging” by Barbara Beckman; Jan, 2006
“ The seasons of a Man’s life”- by Daniel J. Levinson
“ How to find happiness and vitality as you age”- Mayo Clinic Plan for Healthy Aging
http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php=0309050855
http://socserv.mcmaster.ca/sedap/p/sedap192.pdf
http://crab.rutgers.edu/deppen/journals.htm
http://www.agis.com/cmpid=MSN-PPC
http://www.magellanassist.com/mem/library/default.asp/TopicID=74&C
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/nutritionelderly.html
http://www.search.msn.com/results.aspx=agingandMayoclinic&first=1&form=pore
http://www.infodaily.org/Topics/Anti-Aging/Anti-Aging-Facts-and-Myths.asp
http://teampublish.allsoldout.net/teampubv3/includes/Ombcur2.pdf
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness 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.

Adjusting Your Proper Body Ecosystem

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

The bacteria in the intestines operate as a 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 include - Lactobacillus spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. Probio in Greek language means "pro-life". 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 microbiologist I have been researching for the right approach to prevent or to 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 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 normally 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 or 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 our digestive process deteriorates, energy decreases, while fatigue, lethargy, infection and disease increase. 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 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, Papain are the anti inflammatory enzymes
Probiotics- Normal residents (Good) Bacteria
· Bifidobacterium bifidum is helping you to absorb vitamins and minerals.
· Bifidobactrium lactis.
· Lactobacillus sporogenes to keep things moving.
· 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 can utilize prebiotics for its metabolism. But this bacteria is relatively low rate in the above cases. The fungi Candida Albicans that can also overgrow the bowel can use FOS for its metabolism also, 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 sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness 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.

Dyslipidemia Support Information

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

Cholesterol is a lipid produced in the liver, and also obtained from animal products in the diet: red meats, eggs and dairy products (Freeman & Junge, 2005). As a fat-like substance, cholesterol does not dissolve in blood, but instead it connects with proteins to form small particles known as lipoproteins. There are known four types of lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density (LDL) lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The overproduction of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) is described as the hallmark of dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome appearance in a study by Adiels et al. (2008). The emergence of cholesterol reduction as a marker is a major event for the pharmaceutical industry and metabolic syndrome promises to be as “big or bigger" (Breistein, 2004).
According to Reaven, unbalanced levels of cholesterol can lead to a cluster of metabolic cardiovascular diseases known as “metabolic syndrome” (Reaven, 1988). He taught that there are known two types of fat—subcutaneous and visceral. The first type of body fat, which is a noticeable layer of fat that lies just below the skin, is called “subcutaneous fat”. The second type, “visceral fat”, can go largely unnoticed because it is not visible to the naked eye. The only effective way researchers can locate visceral fat is by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Where adipose tissue is stored is critical to diagnose metabolic syndrome and determining of its health consequences. As proven in several experiments, individuals who consume large amounts of saturated fat and those who perform little or no physical activity are likely to have high stores of visceral fat (Fauci, 2008; Ford et al., 2002).
Atherosclerosis can occur in arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries (those feeding the heart). In time, narrowing or clogging of the coronary arteries by atherosclerosis can produce the signs and symptoms of heart disease, including angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. Metabolic syndrome and the risk of heart incidents and mortality are studied in mega-analytical, longitudinal studies (Gami et al., 2007). As known in the literature, hypercholesterolemia (dyslipidemia) may significantly increase the risk of heart disease as it can lead to atherosclerosis—a condition in which fat and cholesterol are deposited on the walls of the arteries. Recent study published in Lancet is showing the effect of statins and 3-omega fatty acids in heart failure cases (Fonarow, 2008).
Many factors appear to contribute to the development of high cholesterol:
(a). Heredity—genes partly influence how the body makes and handles cholesterol.
(b). Diet—a high intake of saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and excess calories can cause cholesterol levels increase.
(c). Age and gender—Cholesterol levels begin to increase in both men and women beginning around 20 years of age. Premenopausal women usually have lower levels of cholesterol when compared with men of the same age. After menopause, a woman's LDL cholesterol levels typically go up, as so does her risk for heart disease.
(d). Other medical conditions—Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, liver steatosis, or kidney disease can cause elevated cholesterol.
(e). Lack of physical activity—Increased physical activity lowers LDL and raises HDL levels.
Treatment of dyslipidemia is generally aimed at lowering the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad cholesterol," lowering triglyceride levels, and increasing the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or "good cholesterol” (Freeman & Junge, 2005). The Cholesterol and Recurrent Events Study (CARE) performed in 1996 showed benefits of cholesterol lowering especially in heart attack patients. This study reported that even in patients with normal cholesterol the use of statin drug decreases the risk of having another repetitive heart attack by 24%. Women benefited more than men by reducing their risk of having another heart attack by 45%. The final conclusions done after the CARE study calculated on the basis of 1000 patient’s treatment showed 153 fewer heart attacks and deaths from heart attack and in patients over 60- they would be 214 fewer deaths for men and 248 fewer for women (CARE, 1996).
Another study published in 1998, also known as the “long-term intervention with Pravastatin in ischemic disease” (LIPID) study, was based on the examination of the effects of cholesterol lowering in people with CHD who already experienced a heart attack or had been hospitalized for angina. They all presented normal cholesterol levels. The patients were placed on a cholesterol-lowering diet, and on a statin drug. The final results showed a drop of 18% in the total cholesterol and 25% in the LDL cholesterol leading to 24% decreased in death rate among the treatment group comparatively with the placebo group. In the group of patients who needed bypass surgery or angioplasty the results showed a decline by 22 of death rates, a decline by 20% in the need for bypass surgery or angioplasty, a decline by 29% from heart attack, and 19% from stroke (LIPID, 1998).
Link between Metabolic Syndrome and the Adipokines
The metabolic syndrome is associated with the adipokines in older adults across a wide range of adiposity, including in those with low or normal overall fatness is a statement published by Perls et al. (1999). A protein hormone produced and secreted exclusively by the adipocytes (fat cells), adiponectin can regulate the metabolism of lipids and glucose. Adiponectin influences the body's response to insulin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects on the cells lining the walls of blood vessels. High blood levels of adiponectin are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack while low levels of adiponectin are found in people who are obese and therefore at increased risk of a heart attack (Matsuzawa et al., 2004).
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels) is a marker of the metabolic syndrome cluster, characterized with elevated triglycerides, decreased HDL, and increased VLDL. Atherogenic dyslipidemia consists in an aggregation of lipoproteins abnormalities (elevated serum triglycerides and apo (a), increased small LDL (VLDL), and reduced HDL levels). All of the above factors plus glucose intolerance, a prothrombotic and a proinflammatory state are atherogenic factors. Increased LDL is not exactly part of the metabolic syndrome, but it makes a lot of sense to be considered in the treatment panel. Abnormal cholesterol levels and more specifically high LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels are strong predictors for cardiovascular disease, especially in men (Armstrong, 2006). Highly elevated LDL cholesterol in the blood causes plaque formation and can signal the beginning of atherosclerosis (Ridker et al., 2002).
The connection between HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, and body weight in women aged 40-65 years is shown in the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster Study (PROCAM, 1997). Determinants of mortality are showing that with increasing BMI, there is an increase in fasting triglyceride levels and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels. An important question of the study is if age-related changes in lipid risk factors in women are due to increasing age alone or due to effects of menopause. Thus, all the women have been divided into two groups—a premenopausal group and menopausal group. The difference in many risk factors between both groups was greater than can be explained on the basis of age alone, including LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and BMI (Cullen, Schulte, & Assmann, 1997). The HDL cholesterol levels did not differ between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Fasting insulin and apolipoproteins B levels and low density lipoprotein particle size are seen as risk factors for ischemic heart disease (Cullen et al., 1997; Lamarche et al., 1998).
Anticholesterol Drugs (PDR, 2008)
Statins
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are used as first and initial allopathic choice of treatment in case of hypercholesterolemia. Their prescription is a reason of the millions of profit by the Big Pharmaceutical companies. Currently, there are six statin drugs available, which prescription choice depends on doctor’s preference, insurance benefits and how much cholesterol reduction is requested. There are several studies that show that certain high risk patients, such as those with metabolic syndrome and diabetes, benefit from cholesterol lowering therapy with statins. The anti-inflammatory effect of statin therapy on C-reactive protein levels are proved in a randomized trial and a cohort study (Albert, Danielson & Rifai, 2001).
Due to the well-known connection between high cholesterol and heart disease, a complete cholesterol profile should be issued for adults with family history of metabolic syndrome, obesity and coronary heart disease. The lipid panel includes measuring total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). According to the opinion of Sinatra (2008), despite the increasing use of statins, a significant number of coronary events still occur and many of such events take place in patients presenting with the metabolic syndrome. Since the introduction of statins, dietary therapy for control of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of cholesterol has received less attention. According to the author’s statement people should be aware that statins may cause multiple side effects.
The family of statins is also proved to lower body's ability to produce CoQ10 due to both substances- CoQ10 and cholesterol are derived from the same substance, mevalonate. As the main purpose of statins is to inhibit the creation of cholesterol, and by extension, it suppresses the creation of CoQ10. Sinatra believed that it is extremely important to consider adding a high quality CoQ10 supplement to the daily regimen, in order to help maintain optimal health. He states that fortunately, we are living in time of huge importance of maximal dietary therapy as a cost-effective means for treatment of elevated LDL concentrations and for lifetime prevention of coronary heart disease (Sinatra, 2008).
A low fat or low cholesterol diet and exercise are essential in helping to lower cholesterol and to maintain low cholesterol levels. While drug therapy is often needed to lower cholesterol, diet and exercise are additionally recommended helping the drug therapy to lower and control cholesterol levels (Chapman et al., 2005). The authors claim that to patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) are offered more intense lifestyle changes. They believe that a correct decision is to start a patient with dietary therapy while drug therapy is usually based on a patient's LDL cholesterol levels, presence of heart disease, and risk factors, especially the so called “Framingham Risk”.
Fibrates
Fibric acid derivatives (fibrates) are another class of medications directed to lower blood triglyceride levels. The available US registered fibrates are gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor). Their main mechanism of action is to lower blood triglyceride levels by reducing VLDL liver’s production and by increasing their elimination.
Fibrates are moderately effective in increasing blood HDL cholesterol levels and not effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. In high risk patients, a combination between fenofibrate with statin may be prescribed to a metabolic syndrome patient with dyslipidemia. According to a new study there is strong evidence indicating that fibrates may reduce significantly cardiovascular risk (Tenenbaum & Fisman, 2004).
The side effects of fibrates include gallstones formation, nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Along with statins fibrates can cause liver toxicity or liver inflammation. Nature can also help you support LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. There are formulas and ingredients in them that have shown ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce triglyceride levels, enhance circulation and reduce clotting potential.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There are many clinical studies that prove regular consumption of fish oils can lower risk of sudden cardiac death and to protect against heart disease. Working as anti-inflammatory substances, they can reduce inflammation and oxidation as a byproduct of degenerative diseases including metabolic syndrome, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, gout, kidney disease, diabetes (Mori et al., 2000).
Omega- 3 fatty acids may be used for their anti-clotting properties. UCLA scientists have confirmed that fish oil is a missing link to Alzheimer’s disease, recently also known also as ‘diabetes of the brain’. There was a report that recapitulated that omega-3-fatty acid DHA could increase production of LR11, a protein found in Alzheimer’s patients (Azzi, Gysin & Kempna, 2004).
Omega-3 EFA’s have been found intimately related with increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity (Kris-Etherton & Hill, 2008). Omega-3 EFA effects in patients with chronic heart failure were studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (GISSI-HF investigators). Omega-3 EFA can improve amino acid transport to muscle tissue, metabolic rate, cholesterol and energy levels (Mori et al., 2000). Omega-3 EFA could also play role in alleviating inflammation by decreasing cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzymes associated with cytokines related with inflammation (Sears & Lawren, 1995). Mori et al (2000) concluded that by simply incorporating high omega-3 sources into the metabolic syndrome diet in a form of fish or fish oil would be very beneficial for alleviating the syndrome and its consequences. Authors also added that other natural sources of 3-omega fats are: salmon, flaxseeds, whitefish, tuna, algae, and spirulina for daily supply (Mori et al., 2000). Giampapa et al. (2004) calculated that fat should constitute 20% of the food supply. The authors claimed that omega-3 EFA could have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism by reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides, positive anti-inflammatory effects, reducing insulin response to glucose, and diminishing risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Supplementation with omega-3 seems was linked to an increase of vigor and a decrease of depression, anger, and anxiety. 3 EFAs were found beneficial in adult’s dementia, depression and mood disorders, as they may act as mood stabilizers. The above correlation was shown in subjects the Zone diet and the results confirm the influence of omega-3 on the central nervous system (Sears & Lawren, 1995).
The beneficial role of omega-3 EFAs in term of influencing obesity was studied by (Kris-Etherton & Hill, 2008). A mega-analytical study executed by a team (Balk, Chung & Lichtenstein, 2004) combined the results of 31 placebo-controlled studies of fish oil (3-omega) and 1,356 hypertensive individuals. The authors’ concluded that there was a dose-response hypotensive effect of fish oil in hypertensive patients. Final conclusion from this study was that omega -3 EFAs did reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. The use of omega 3 fatty acids for cardioprotection was also studied by (Lee, O'Keefe, Lavie, Marcholi & Harris., 2008). Based on results of a 20-year nutritional study two authors scientifically illustrated that a “plant-based- oil-free diet” can not only prevent and stop the progression of heart disease as a consequence of metabolic syndrome, but it can also reverse its effects (Caldwell & Esselstyne Jr, 2008).
Olive Oil
Recent study results showed that olive oil also has a powerful protective effect upon experimental inflammation models in cases of a polyphenol-supplemented virgin olive oil diet (Martinez-Dominguez, de la PR., & Ruiz-Gutierrez, 2001). The polyphenols of olive oil and red wine antioxidant polyphenols inhibit the endothelial activation and have strong antiatherogenic properties, as seen in the “Mediterranean Diet” (Carluccio et al., 2003).
One of the largest and most comprehensive studies of lifestyle risk factors titled The Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) lead by a team of (Hu et al., 2001) followed 85,000 women for a period of 16 years. This study was dedicated to the diet, lifestyle, and risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in women and made an effort to convince Western civilization that most cases of Type 2 diabetes may be prevented by losing weight. It was found that eliminating trans-fatty acids and reducing polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Although no direct causal link between trans-fat acids effect and diabetes was identified, in the presence of an underlying insulin resistance, researchers found trans-fats and other hydrogenated fats to increase the probability of developing the syndrome and its consequences (Hu et al., 2001). All the above studies and observations open a new path to the development of nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations tailored to specifically affect the function of the human genomic control, being named genome-directed nutraceuticals (Azzi et al., 2004)
Fiber
These important micronutrients are needed to keep the body in a good balance. Vegetables, especially non-starchy vegetables, contain fiber and important micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Daily fiber may help metabolic syndrome patients to regulate blood sugar levels. The ability of oat beta-glucan to reduce blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects it is shown in a study by Braaten, Wood and Scott (1994). Oats, spelt, corn, barley, peas, beans, fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates. The connection between soluble fiber and serum lipids is shown in a literature review published by the team of researchers (Glore, Van Treeck & Knehana, 1994).
Glucomannan. Glucomannan is another natural plant-based fiber that benefits digestive health. It is a calorie-free nutrient, what may promote healthy blood sugar levels and a significant decrease of elevated cholesterol. Derived from the konjac root, it is a water-soluble dietary fiber that acts as a bulk-forming laxative (Anderson, Algood & Turner, 1999). Another team of researchers (Anderson, Kendall & Jenkins, 2004) offered carbohydrate and fiber recommendations for individuals with diabetes. The lipid-and glucose-lowering efficacy of Plantago psyllium in Type 2 diabetes are studied by another team (Rodrigers-Moran, Guerrero-Romero & Lazcano-Burciaga, 1998).
Choline Bitartrate. Choline Bitartrate prevents fats from accumulating in the liver, and is essential for the health of nerves, kidneys and liver. It aids in emulsifying cholesterol so it doesn't settle on the arterial walls. Most people with metabolic syndrome, hypertonia, heart abnormalities (heart palpitation), liver steatosis, and even liver cirrhosis are discovered to show choline deficiency. It is an important lipotropic (fat emulsifier) involved in the biosynthesis of lecithin and the formation of the amino acid methionine (Mindell, 1999).
Inositol. Inositol is not considered a vitamin per se because it can be synthesized by the body. It is beneficial in case of diabetic neuropathy, metabolic syndrome, panic disorder, high cholesterol, insomnia, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, peripheral vascular disease and Raynaud's disease (Goodman, Rall, Nies & Taylor, 1996).
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) is important for maintaining cell energy. It assists in transforming carbohydrates into fats, and also processes alcohol. Experts in cardiology research explain in their study the benefits of niacin by influencing the glycemic status in patients with healed myocardial infarction. According to this study vitamin B3 (niacin) was found to improve cholesterol regulation in terms of decreasing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol (Canner, Furberg, Terrin & McGovern, 2005). The study is a randomized, placebo-controlled coronary study known also as the Coronary Drug Project (CDP, 2009) compared five lipid-modifying agents in men with previous myocardial infarction (MI). The study identified strong benefits of niacin in metabolic syndrome; it improved glycemic status in patients with myocardial infarction. Results of this study supported the use of B3 in post-myocardial infarcts (MI) and proved that there is a decreased 6-year (MI) mortality and 15-year total mortality (CDP, 2009) in people with metabolic syndrome. What took the attention of the authors was that benefits of niacin were found greater in patients with metabolic syndrome, versus patients without the syndrome. Niacin was confirmed as a low-cost, highly effective agent capable of reducing total cholesterol, raising HDL and lowering VLDL and triglycerides (Canner et al., 2005).
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).
Phosphatidyl Choline. Phosphatidyl choline is a phospholipid and a main constituent of lecithin. As such, it is essential to form acetylcholine, one of the main neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It demonstrates an inhibitory effect on cholesterol absorption and is used in metabolic syndrome with dyslipidemia. It may be beneficial in cases of high C-reactive protein and homocysteine blood levels (associated with inflammation), heart disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes with peripheral vascular disorders, liver steatosis and cirrhosis, elevated triglycerides, memory loss, and in advanced aging in case of Alzheimer's disease (Murray, 1994)
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).
Green tea. Green tea may improve cognitive performance as well as treat stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. It is used as a diuretic and in combination products for weight loss (Luo, Kannar, Wahlqvist & O'Brien, 1997). It may be beneficial to in prevention of heart disease, glucose abnormalities and kidney stones. Preliminary studies show that flavonoids found in green tea might reduce lipoprotein oxidation. In vitro tests indicate that catechins in green tea reduce proliferation of vascular smooth muscle that occurs with high concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). There is some evidence that an unidentified compound in green tea and caffeine suppresses thromboxane formation during blood clotting by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid from platelets. A study indicated that a green tea extract rich in EGCG can increase calorie and fat metabolism (Luo et al., 1997). Polyphenols such as gallic acid and catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC) are abundant in green tea and were found to be responsible for many of its proposed benefits.
Policosanol. A natural derivative of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), policosanol was found to control elevated cholesterol levels in multiple studies in Cuba and in 25 other countries in Central and South America. As a natural mix of higher aliphatic alcohols, policosanol is considered one of the most useful nutritional supplement in case of metabolic syndrome with dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertonia, high risk of CVD with insulin resistance (Castano, Mas, Gomez, Fernandez & Illnait, 2004; Castano, Mas, Fernandez, Gomez & Amor, 2002).
Another long-term follow-up study by the same authors established the beneficial role of policosanol in patients with intermittent claudication (Castano, Mas, & Fernandez 2001; Castano et al., 1999) with no observable side effects (Castano et al., 2001) Type 2 diabetes development (Castano et al., 1999; Crespo et al., 1999) and high coronary risk and type II hypercholesterolemia (Castano et al., 2001). The teams concluded that doses of policosanol at 40 mg/day are able to lower triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects. They proved policosanol works like lovastatin in dyslipidemia cases without the side effects of the synthetic drug (Castano et al., 2002).
Policosanol is described in the literature as decreasing the total cholesterol, bad (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as increasing good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Thus, it is considered useful for heart attack prevention. In another direct comparative trial with statins, policosanol performed better than both lovastatin and simvаstаtin. Policosanol at 10 mg/day resulted in a 24% reduction in LDL, whereas lovastatin at 20 mg/day reduced LDL 22%, and simvastatin at 10 mg/day reduced LDL 15%. The same study showed that policosanol may significantly increase HDL, while HDL levels did not change in patients taking statins (Pratt & Matthews, 2003). Comparative effects of policosanol and two HMG-CoA- reductase inhibitors on type II hypercholesterolemia are studied by Prat (1999).

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