The Wellness Times
Before you lose weight, shed the Fat!
by Eric Robert Santiago on 06/20/12
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Baxyl: The Fountain of Youth.
by Eric Robert Santiago on 06/19/12
Ponce de Leon searched for it in the 16th century. Alexander the Great set out to discover its secrets. It has been revered in Ethiopia, the Middle East, India, Israel, Cuba, Spain and the Caribbean.
It is the Fountain of Youth, and we call it Baxyl!
You can understand its allure. To be able to revert your body back to a state of youthful health. No aching joints, decreased inflammation, fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, more zest in your life.
But what if those same health-giving, youthful benefits could be found not in mystical waters but a very real nutrient? Get ready to discover hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found throughout your body, primarily concentrated in the fluids of the eyes and joints. It is also abundant in your skin. In fact, HA is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, the key component in all of your connective tissues, including collagen and cartilage.
While HA is involved in many body processes, its key roles include wound repair, cell regeneration and lubrication of joints and skin. It is also instrumental in helping your skin retain moisture.
As such, it’s no surprise that researchers have long studied the benefits of hyaluronic acid for everything from joint concerns and easing inflammation to eye health and cosmetic use. Whether you are talking about feeling better or looking better, it seems the answer may be found in hyaluronic acid.
One of the major health concerns today is inflammation. Whether it’s impacting your heart health, joints, brain or immune system, rampant inflammation seems to create havoc wherever it goes.
According to a lab study, hyaluronic acid appears to ease the inflammation response. Researchers took human skin cells and connective tissue cells from mice and added ethanol to them to produce an inflammatory response. They then added hyaluronic acid to determine if HA could reduce the inflammatory response.
After 24 hours, researchers found that the HA reduced the amount of inflammatory compounds released due to the ethanol in the human skin cells as well as the mouse tissue.
Taking the idea of easing inflammation to the next logical conclusion, researchers looked at HA injections in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In one randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled study published in February 2012, researchers tested the effects of Gel-200 (a HA injectable product) on 379 people with arthritis in their knees.
After 13 weeks, researchers found the effectiveness of a single injection of HA was statistically significant from week three to week 13, as determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, physical function and physician evaluation.
Similarly, a meta-analysis published in April 2012 reviewed all prospective studies about the use of injectable HA in several joints, including the ankle, hip, shoulder, sacroiliac (found on either side of the sacrum), facet joints (between the vertebrae), toes, fingers and temporomandibular joint (found in the jaw; it is more commonly referred to as TMJ).
They learned that not only are HA injections effective in treating osteoarthritis in these various joints, but they could not find evidence that HA worked any better or worse than other pharmaceutical treatments, including corticosteroids.
Another area that researchers are exploring for hyaluronic acid is gingivitis. This inflammatory gum condition is often marked by tender or bleeding gums and is commonly caused by plaque build-up.
To test HA’s effectiveness in treating gingivitis, researchers divided 130 children into three groups:
- Group 1 (chronic gingivitis)—treated with basic oral care;
- Group 2 (chronic gingivitis)—treated with basic oral care plus hyaluronic acid application;
- Group 3 (healthy gums)—no treatment.
Researchers found that while basic oral care did reduce plaque accumulation and bleeding, there was a more significant reduction in inflammation of the gums in the hyaluronic acid group. They concluded, “The use of hyaluronic acid together with the basic treatment can markedly improve the treatment effect.”
Hyaluronic acid’s benefits extend to external use as well. In fact, there is great research on the use of topical HA to treat wounds and skin ulcers, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
One study in particular looked at the use of a HA-treated fibrin sheet to speed wound healing in rabbit skin. They found that, after 14 days, not only was the rate of the healing process increased in those sites treated with the HA sheets, but the general appearance, most notably of sebaceous glands and hair follicles, was particularly impressive. Researchers concluded, “HA with fibrin can create an effective wound care matrix, which promotes water retention and wound healing potential.”
These results were supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in March 2012, which examined the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of leg ulcers. Researchers divided 89 patients into two groups. The first group received gauze treated with HA while the other group received gauze wrapping treated with a placebo.
Forty-five days into the 60-day study period, researchers noted that the ulcers had significantly reduced in size (73 percent) in the HA group, as compared to just 46 percent in the control group. By day 60, 38 percent of the HA group enjoyed healed ulcers, compared to 16 percent in the control group.
Additionally, pain intensity was significantly lower in the HA group. Best of all, the HA treatment was well tolerated with no documented side effects. Based on this, researchers concluded that HA was significantly more effective in treating leg ulcers in terms of wound size reduction, healing rate and pain management
When it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid also shines. According to one randomized, placebo-controlled study of 76 women between the ages of 30 and 60, HA may just be a woman’s (and man’s!) best friend.
Researchers divided the women into two groups. One group received a cream containing 0.1 percent HA while the other group recieved a placebo.
After applying the cream to the skin around their eyes twice a day for 60 days, those in the HA group enjoyed significant improvement in skin hydration and overall elasticity as compared to the control group. Additionally, the hyaluronic acid group demonstrated significant reduction in wrinkle depth as well.
Hyaluronic acid appears to be a great choice for reducing the inflammatory response, easing joint pain, improving oral care, supporting wound healing and even reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And while it’s not quite the Fountain of Youth, HA can help you look and feel years younger than the calendar may suggest.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, Baxyl, is one of the best sources of Hyaluronic Acid available. To help reduce Joint pain, to control inflammation, to protect cartilage, and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles....Baxyl is the Bomb!
Please visit us online at: www.vibranthealthcompany.net
Vision Health: The AREDS Study
by Eric Robert Santiago on 06/12/12"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Maintaining eye health with age is critical for preserving your quality of life. Having ones vision impaired can often have dire latent effects on ones health. Macular degeneration affects 1.75 million Americans and is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. in individuals over the age of 60.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by loss of central vision caused by deposits of white or yellow cells (called drusen) in the macula. Wet AMD is less common, but results in more severe vision loss caused by neovascularization in the retina. The dry form of AMD is less severe, presents gradually due to atrophy of the macula and retinal pigment epithelium.
Cataract affects nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older and is characterized by opacities of the lens. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have a cataract.
In 1992, researchers began conducting a long-term, multicenter, prospective study to assess the clinical course, prognosis and risk factors of both AMD and cataract. The researchers evaluated 4,757 individuals between 55 and 80 years of age every six months for approximately seven years. Researchers collected data regarding potential risk factors, comorbid conditions, current and past medication and hormone use and nutrient intake. Investigators conducted telephone 24-hour dietary recall interviews and evaluated the subjects for eye health, measuring changes in visual acuity, photographically documenting changes in macula or lens status and assessing self-reported visual function.
The results of AREDS are detailed in numerous studies, with the initial research published in October 2001. The AMD clinical trial included 3,640 subjects with extensive small drusen, intermediate drusen, large drusen, noncentral geographic atrophy, pigment abnormalities or advanced AMD or vision loss due to AMD. The researchers randomized subjects to receive daily supplements containing:
(1) antioxidants including 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E and 15 mg beta carotene,
(2) minerals including 80 mg zinc and 2 mg copper,
(3) antioxidants plus zinc or
(4) placebo.
The investigators followed the subjects for an average of 6.3 years, assessing progression to or treatment for advanced AMD and changes in visual acuity.
Compared to the placebo group, the antioxidant plus zinc group experienced a 28 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing advanced AMD. The subjects in the zinc plus copper group showed a 25 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing AMD, and the antioxidant alone group demonstrated a 20 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing AMD compared to the placebo group.
When excluding the subjects with a lower risk of developing AMD, the results were even more significant. The antioxidant plus zinc group showed a 34 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing advanced AMD, the zinc plus copper group showed a 29 percent decrease and the antioxidant group showed a 24 percent decrease. Furthermore, the researchers found that only the antioxidant plus zinc group showed a statistically significant reduction in rates of at least moderate visual acuity loss.
AREDS also investigated the relationship between the dietary carotenoids lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C and the development of AMD, the results of which were published in September 2007. This arm of the study included 4,519 subjects between 60 to 80 years of age with varying severity of AMD or only small amounts of drusen to serve as the control group.
The subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire to determine nutrient intake. Higher dietary intake of lutein/zeaxanthin correlated with a decreased likelihood of having neovascular AMD, end-stage dry macular degeneration (also called geographic atrophy) and large or extensive intermediate drusen. More specifically, the researchers showed that the subjects with the highest intake of lutein/zeaxanthin had a 35 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing neovascular AMD, a 55 percent decrease in geographic atrophy and a 27 percent decrease in large or extensive intermediate drusen compared to the subjects with the lowest intake.
The AREDS group published several studies investigating the role omega-3 fatty acids play in people with AMD. In May 2007, the researchers published a study investigating lipid intake and the development of AMD in 4,519 subjects between 60 and 80 years of age.
The subjects completed a food-frequency questionnaire and were evaluated for drusen deposits. Higher dietary total omega-3 fatty acid intake, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total fish intake was inversely associated with the development of neovascular AMD. In fact, the subjects with the highest intake of DHA had a 46 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing neovascular AMD compared to the subjects with the lowest intake. Additionally, dietary arachidonic acid intake (an omega-6 fatty acid) was directly associated with AMD prevalence.
In another AREDS study published in September 2008, researchers evaluated DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and fish intake and the development of AMD and central geographic atrophy. The subjects reporting the highest intake of EPA showed a 56 percent decrease in the likelihood of progressing from bilateral drusen to central geographic atrophy, and those with the highest EPA plus DHA showed a 55 percent decrease compared to the subjects with the lowest intake.8
Other interesting findings from the AREDS study include risk factors for AMD. The researchers found that several factors increase the likelihood of developing AMD or geographic atrophy including cigarette smoking, Caucasian race, greater body mass index, less education, diabetes and some medications.
Physical activity and diet also play a role in the development of AMD. In a study published in April 2011, researchers report that the combination of three healthy behaviors (healthy diet, physical activity and not smoking) was associated with 71 percent lower odds for developing AMD. Eating a healthy diet alone resulted in a 46 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing early AMD. The subjects with the most physical activity had a 54 percent decreased likelihood of early AMD compared to the subjects least physically active.
Additionally, vigorous physical activity such as running significantly impacts AMD risk. A study published in January 2009 demonstrated that the relative risk for AMD decreased by 10 percent per km-per-day increment in running distance.
Vision Protection
To ensure that your vision stays in top form, keep these tips in mind:
- Exercise at least five days a week for 30 minutes at a time.
- Reduce red meat consumption.
- Eat fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, especially lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Eat wild, cold-water fish at least two days a week.
- Supplement with 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.
- Take an antioxidant-rich vision supplement.
- Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection.
Please visit us online at: www.vibranthealthcompany.net
What to do about Stress...
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/17/11
Modern everyday life can be stressful, and often is. Stress can be caused by the simplest of things and is often the cause of many illnesses and out of control emotions. Everyone has stress, but stress affects everyone differently. Momentary stress can cause temporary tension or nervous energy, such as feeling wired, anxious or temporarily hot under the collar. For example, speaking to computer tech. support in another country always seems to do this to me. But a prolonged stress response can offset normal body maintenance and leave you weak, tired, or emotionally exhausted.
Your personal stress and how you respond are unique. You don’t have to avoid your stress, you just need healthy ways to manage them. Here are a few tips:
- Be armed with quick and long-term stress relievers to help you repel the effects of stress.
- Be smart about “hand-to-mouth” responses. If stress makes you eat, then have healthy choices handy. Caffeine and nicotine can also increase stress.
- Be active to relieve stress quickly and build your immune system.
- Be rested and make time to relax—even in small chunks.
Each stress response “type” has its own intensity, symptoms, and
characteristics. Identifying these can help us recommend targeted
nutritional support, such as rehmannia, licorice, polygala, ginseng,
holy basil, and other plant extracts. These herbal “adaptogens” can
help balance the natural events of the stress response—to help you
manage stress better. In addition, vitamins B & C, the so-called "stress supplements", are excellent choices to help relieve stress. Amino acids like L-theanine, 5-HTP, or Gabba may also be used. Finally, there are an entire array of herbal supplements like kava-kava and St. John's Wort that may do the trick. And if none of these suggestions work for you, try my own special stress-reduction mode, a glass of red wine and an old Honeymooners episode....it works every time.
