The Wellness Times
The cold, hard facts about omega-3 essential fatty acids
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/14/11
Over 19,000 scientific articles examine the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. For more than 20 years, researchers have conducted studies with over 10,000 people to see how omega-3s—namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—may help maintain health and prevent disease. And it really all began in the early 1970s when Danish researchers went to Greenland to discover how an Eskimo tribe eating a high fat/choleterol diet could still be so much healthier heartwise than those consuming a Western diet. The difference was healthy omega-3s from seafood. This also may explain why Japan and Iceland—where more marine fatty acids are consumed—enjoy extended health as well.
EPA/DHA consumption may be the key for healthy aging. The strongest evidence for EPA/DHA intake is for supporting heart health and reducing risk of serious cardiac events—and is recommended by the American Heart Association. EPA and DHA also have anti-inflammatory effects and may be suggested as adjunctive therapies for autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis (to relieve joint stiffness/tenderness). These omega-3s have also demonstrated benefits in helping reduce age-related macular degeneration and dementia to promote healthy aging. And preliminary studies have shown promise in supporting a postive mood.
How much EPA/DHA is right for you? Depending on your health goals, concentrated doses of EPA and/or DHA may be recommended. And here, perhaps more than anywhere else, is where supplement quality really counts due to public warnings about consuming polluted marine life.
New Help for Managing Blood Sugar
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/12/11
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The rise in blood sugar after meals can increase insulin resistance. That “sugar rush” we often joke about is serious business. During digestion, carbohydrates are converted into glucose (sugar) and circulated throughout the body, where insulin helps cells absorb it to use as energy. Due to genetic and lifestyle factors, cells can become “resistant” to insulin signals—increasing the risks of developing obesity, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. For those who already have diagnosed insulin resistance conditions, controlling the rise in blood sugar after a meal (the “glycemic response”) is crucial to managing these diseases. Unfortunately, many conventional approaches for blood sugar control may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort—such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, and indigestion—and increase the risk of bone fractures and coronary heart failure. That's why many health experts recommend exercise and healthy eating habits—such as eating a low-glycemic-load diet (high fiber/low sugar)—and targeted nutritional support more than ever. Touchi extract may help control the glycemic response. For centuries, a fermented soybean extract known as touchi has been used in food preparation in China and Japan. Preliminary laboratory and clinical research suggests that a concentrated dose of touchi extract before meals may help reduce the glycemic response in diabetic inviduals—minimizing the rise in blood sugar.† And, best of all, it has an excellent saftey profile with no reports of serious adverse events or stomach discomfort. |
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Reprogramming Illness
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/11/11
New research tells us there's a lot more to consider when planning our daily diets than just avoiding a deficiency. You truly are what you eat and that starts with how food and other natural substances that complement the diet affect your cells and influence your health.
Signal Interference. Eating processed foods and other unhealthy dietary habits can interfere with the dietary signals sent to cells throughout the body, which can lead to premature aging and disease. But with an eating plan that addresses unhealthy dietary patterns, you can help manage symptoms and perhaps even halt or reverse the progression of illness. Eating plans can also be tailored to specific conditions to maximize healthy signals, such as to help regulate blood sugar or reduce inflammation, for example.
Strengthening the Signal. The growing field of research in nutritional genomics—or nutrigenomics—has demonstrated the effects that nutrients and plant substances can have on modifying gene function. These discoveries have led to the development of research-based nutraceuticals and medical foods that complement dietary approaches to address today's top health concerns.
Groundbreaking research suggests that certain plant components can selectively modify the activity of enzymes called kinases, which have the ability to translate dietary signals to positively influence numerous aspects of health. These plant-derived substances are referred to as selective kinase response modulators (SKRMs). They function by regulating cellular processes, especially those involved in the transmission of signals within cells. When an unhealthy diet makes cell signaling less clear, SKRMs may help increase the volume of the messages in ways that positively influence cellular processes for preservation or restoration of health.
Here are some of the SKRMs that have been discovered so far:
- Reduced iso-alpha acids (RIAA), derived from Humulus lupulus L. (hops), favorably influence glucose utilization and insulin signaling. Hops have also been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and components derived from hops have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids (THIAA), also derived from H. lupulus L. (hops), have been extensively researched and shown to help favorably regulate kinase activity involved in joint tissue health.
- Acacia nilotica (acacia tree) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and has been shown to positively influence kinase signaling in fat-storing cells involved in glucose utilization and insulin signaling.
These research-based nutritional substances offer a new avenue for a natural approach to wellness for a variety of conditions. In fact, in a preliminary clinical study at the Functional Medicine Research CenterSM, the clinical research arm of Metagenics, a combination of RIAA and acacia was shown to improve fasting insulin and blood lipid parameters, such as triglycerides.
Send a Healthy Message. Healthier eating and other modifiable lifestyle factors can help you achieve your optimal health. A variety of nutritional approaches shown to be without serious adverse effects can be tailored to your specific health concerns and help you feel your best.
Rev up your Immune System for the winter months!
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/09/11
2011-11-09
There’s an easier way to bolster immunity. We all know the basics for keeping our immune system strong in the face of all that winter can bring—eat healthy, keep hydrated, and get adequate rest. But there are also 2 other things you can do that go beyond basic immune protection.
1. Try a combination immune support formula. For core support, consider a formula that contains vitamin C (in a clinically tested, potent form), zinc, and a blend of mushroom extracts (including shiitake and maitake). All 3 approaches have been recommended separately for keeping your immune system running at peak performance. Together—in one convenient formula—they may offer a formidable ally against whatever blows your way.
2. Try a probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis BI-07. NCFM is one of the most researched probiotic strains. This combination of “good” bacteria was shown in a recent study in young children to significantly reduce the following (vs. placebo or NCFM alone): duration of fever, cough, and runny nose; days absent; and antibiotic use. That’s a pretty convincing argument for supplementing with these specific strains.
These comprehensive nutritional approaches for immune support and overall health are ready and willing to go to work for you today.
The Role of Detoxification in the Prevention of Chronic Degenerative Diseases: A Summary
by Eric Robert Santiago on 11/08/11
Low-level, long-term exposure to toxins such as heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium), pesticides, industrial compounds, and pollutants is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), fibromyalgia (FM), neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and atherosclerosis, and many types of cancers.1-4 Common signs and symptoms of environmental toxicity include acne, rashes, headaches, aches and pains, fatigue, muscle weakness, tinnitus, fertility problems, memory loss, and chronic immune system depression.
Toxins can remain in the body for many years; therefore, we are exposed to much higher toxin doses than present environmental concentrations suggest. Research suggests we all maintain toxin contamination within our bodies on a regular basis due to this lifetime of exposure.
How Does the Body Remove Toxic Substances?
An individual’s ability to remove–or detoxify–toxins is a primary factor in susceptibility to toxin-related conditions.5-11 In order to remove (excrete) the multitude of diverse toxins, the body has a complex system that converts them into non-toxic molecules for removal. This complex system occurs in two phases—Phase I and Phase II—that together convert (biotransform) a toxic molecule into a non-toxic molecule that can be easily excreted. The majority of detoxification occurs in the liver; however, all tissues have some ability to detoxify, including the intestines, skin, and lungs.
In Phase I, a functional group is added to the toxic molecule producing an intermediate that needs to be further transformed. Phase II detoxification involves a process called conjugation, in which various enzymes in the liver attach protective compounds to the intermediate, making it less harmful and more readily excretable. Because the products of Phase I can be highly reactive and more harmful than the original compound, achieving and maintaining a balance between the Phase I and Phase II processes is critical. Furthermore, a significant side effect of all this metabolic activity is the production of free radicals as the toxins are transformed, resulting in oxidative stress. Nutrients that help protect from oxidative stress include vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and copper.12,13
Achieving Balanced Detoxification
Optimal detoxification requires that both Phase I and Phase II pathways function optimally and in balance with each other. Bifunctional modulators are phytonutrients that support balanced detoxification by modulating Phase I and promoting Phase II. This minimizes damage by reactive intermediates and free radicals. Fruits and vegetables contain many bifunctional modulators, which is one reason these foods are associated with reduced susceptibilities to cancer and degenerative diseases.14
Nutritional Support for Detoxification
Detoxification is an energy-requiring process that puts a metabolic burden on the body. Therefore, water or juice fasts are not beneficial because they deplete the body of the essential nutrients required for healthy detoxification. These fasts can have many adverse health effects, including decreased energy production, breakdown of lean tissue instead of fat, increased oxidative stress, and unbalanced detoxification.15,16
Instead of decreasing nutrient support, a focused, high-impact, low-allergy-potential source of macronutrients should be provided. High-quality protein provides methionine and cysteine, which are beneficial to Phase II and may help with toxic metal burdens.17 Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) support energy production,18and olive oil may protect against chemically-induced liver damage.19 Fiber supports fecal excretion of toxins and the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which decreases toxic burden. In particular, rice bran can directly bind some toxins, thereby removing them before they can enter the body and cause damage.20
Nutrients that support energy production include vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), niacin, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and magnesium. In addition, the following nutrients and phytonutrients provide targeted support for optimal detoxification:
N-Acetylcysteine and Sodium Sulfate promote generation of glutathione, which is used in Phase II and is a major route for detoxification of heavy metals, and supports Phase II sulfation.16,21
Vitamin B12, Folate, Methionine, and Choline promote balanced detoxification by supporting Phase II methylation and healthy homocysteine recycling. Choline deficiency is causative for liver disease, and is a newly-designated essential nutrient.22-24 The biologically-active, natural form of folate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.25
Ellagic Acid from pomegranate significantly reduces tumors in animals with chemically-induced cancers, protects from toxin liver damage, enhances glutathione production, decreases lipid peroxidation, and binds some metals, thus promoting their excretion.26-29 It is a bifunctional modulator that can bind some toxins directly, rendering them non-toxic, and can directly bind and protect DNA.30,31
Catechins from green tea are bifunctional modulators that are strong antioxidants possessing anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potential.32,33Catechins are associated with lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease.33,34The National Cancer Institute is currently investigating the chemotherapeutic potential of green tea catechins.35Catechins also promote healthy gastrointestinal function.36
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) contains high levels of glucosinolates, which are precursors to several bioactives that can inhibit chemically-induced cancers in animals, and promote excretion of carcinogens in humans.37-41 The bifunctional activity of watercress is one of the proposed mechanisms for its chemoprotective effect.37,42-44
Silymarin from milk thistle is a well-known liver-protectant that may improve liver function in patients with liver disease and toxicity.45-47 Silymarin increases glutathione and is a strong antioxidant.46-49
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is also a liver-protectant with a long history of traditional use that provides strong antioxidant protection and may decrease the loss of glutathione after toxic exposure.50-53
Summary
Minimizing exposure to toxins is only one part of a beneficial detoxification program. Low-allergy potential, targeted nutrition providing the full spectrum of Phase II supportive cofactors, bifunctional modulators for balanced detoxification, and support for energy production and excretion may optimize balanced detoxification and promote optimal health throughout life.
