Dr Sanjay Gupta says "Time is of the Essence for Stroke Patients" Tart cherries linked to reduced risk of stroke

Tart cherries linked to reduced risk of stroke

In addition to positive heart health benefits, cherry-rich diet suggests decrease in stroke risk in University of Michigan animal study

ANN ARBOR, Mich. 

For the millions of Americans at risk for heart disease or diabetes, a diet that includes tart cherries might actually be better than what the doctor ordered, according to new animal research from the University of Michigan Health System.

The new research from the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory suggests that tart cherries not only provide similar cardiovascular benefits as the prescribed medications, but can also reduce the risk of stroke, even when taken with these pharmaceutical options.

The results, which were seen in stroke-prone rats, were presented Tuesday, April 23 at the Experimental Biology 2013 meeting in Boston.

The group’s previous research has shown that intake of U.S.-produced, Montmorency tart cherries activates PPAR isoforms (peroxisome proliferator activating receptors) in many of the body’s tissues. Researchers believe that anthocyanins – the pigments that give the fruit its red color – may be responsible for PPAR activation.

PPARs regulate genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism, and when modified can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. PPAR agonists, among them medications such as Actos (pioglitazone), act in a similar way but cardiovascular side effects have limited their use.

“Our previous research has shown that Montmorency tart cherries can have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and can reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes,” says E. Mitchell Seymour, Ph.D., supervisor of the Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. “While prescribed drugs improve the outlook for certain risk factors, they’ve also shown to have undesirable side effects. We wanted to see if a tart cherry-rich diet might provide similar cardiovascular benefits without the risk of heart attack or stroke.”

The researchers compared the effect of tart cherries and the drug Actos in stroke-prone rats by measuring the animals’ systolic blood pressure as well as locomotion, balance, coordination, all of which can show the aftereffects of a stroke.

By putting the rats through various physical tests, such as walking on a tapered beam and climbing a ladder, the researchers found that compared to Actos, tart cherry intake significantly improved balance and coordination, and at the same time lowered blood pressure.

While the research results indicate that rats who consumed only tart cherries had the best results, those who had the combination of tart cherries and Actos also did better than those who only took the drug. Seymour cautioned that the results can’t be applied directly to humans, but they are a potentially positive sign for those taking medications.

“We weren’t sure if the risk for stroke would decline in animals taking both tart cherry and the drug,” Seymour says. “It turns out that the cherries did have a positive effect even when combined with the medication.”  

Steven Bolling, M.D., a U-M cardiac surgeon and the laboratory’s director, said the study adds to the group’s growing body of research linking cherries to positive heart health. The results provide the groundwork for continued investigation into the topic, he says.

“This research is the first to link to cherries to a reduction in stroke-related symptoms,” Bolling says. “It gives us a good preclinical model to further explore the positive stroke-related benefits of an anthocyanin-rich diet.” 

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta
"Time is of the essence for Stroke Patients"

Learn more here -Time is of the Essence for Stroke Patients

Most people don't recognize stroke symptoms or realize how small the window is for successful treatment.  

Take Control of your situation!  

OPC-3

There are basic preventive measures that can reduce your risk of having a stroke:

• Keep high blood pressure in check by exercising, eating wisely and, if needed, with medication.
• Watch out for cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet. That can reduce the plaque in your arteries.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight contributes to other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• If you’ve already suffered a stroke or TIA, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent having another. Learn more from Dr. Sanjay here

If you cannot get the anthocyanins from your diet then you must supplement.  Get the anthocyanins though a supplement ( OPC-3 or ORAC ) Try an isotonic blend so your body can absorb 95% of the product compared to a pill or capsule you get max of 35%.
Remember if someone continues doing what they have always done then they will have what they have always had.  It is time to make a change for your own health.

The Benefits of Berries

 By Ryan Saba

Berries have been shown to be some of the healthiest foods on the planet.  Low in calories, high in fiber, and containing vitamins and mineral your body needs to function optimally, berries are nutritional powerhouses.

Extremely powerful antioxidants, berries protect your body from inflammation.  With their high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values – a method of measuring antioxidant capacities – berries help to prevent negative effects on the body by turning off inflammation signals, making them a vital part of our diet. These little power foods may be simple but they have been shown to poses a variety of amazing benefit from protecting the heart all the way to enhancing vision. Try Isotonix Maximum ORAC 

Heart Protection
One of the primary benefits of berries is their ability to improve heart health and blood flow throughout the body.  One way this is done is by reducing the buildup of harmful plaque on blood vessel walls, which reduces the risk of arteries hardening.  By keeping arteries clean and avoiding the buildup of plaque, the heart can work more efficiently, reducing the potential of heart attacks and other heart disease related conditions. 

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Below is Dr. Steven Lamm a practicing internist, faculty member at New York University School of Medicine, and the Director of Men's Health for NYU Medical Center discussing Pycnogenol and its amazing benefits in Isotonix OPC-3

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Also, incorporation of berries into your diet has been shown to reduce oxidation of LDL – or “bad” – cholesterol. Oxidation, the process by which cells and tissue break down, is a key factor in heart disease because oxidized LDL can inflame arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks. Reducing the oxidation levels of LDL cholesterol not only improves overall heart function, but also reduces long term risks of heart disease. Learn more about an exclusive isotonic form of Pycnogenol in (OPC-3)

Powerful Antioxidants
Even though taste is often what we like most about berries, their color is what makes them so good for us.  The rich blues, deep purples and bright reds are a result of a group of phytochemicals called flavonoids. These pigments help to counter cell damage in our bodies caused by free radicals.  Over time, free radicals contribute to disease and are one of the primary factors in the aging process.

Antioxidant compounds protect our bodies from the oxidative damage that is caused by everything from poor diet, environmental toxins and even vigorous exercise.  By neutralizing free radicals, flavonoids may help to reduce the risk of cancer and aid in memory and other brain functions that begin to decline as we age.

Vision Enhancement
Various forms of berries contain lutein, a carotenoid important for healthy vision. Reduced eye function and the degeneration of vision are some of the most common problems associated with aging.  With the ability to protect against glaucoma and cataract progression, berries have been show to promote overall eye health. Berries have also been shown to enhance vision, especially at night, by supporting the regeneration of rhodopsin in the eyes.  This process helps the eyes to adjust better during periods of darkness and also reduces the permeability of the fine blood vessel walls throughout the eye. Berries have also been shown to protect against retinopathy, a condition the leads to impaired vision and blindness due to blood accumulation in the retina.

Sometimes the simplest things offer the best benefits.  Berries are some of the most powerful (and delicious) disease-fighting foods available. Introducing them into your diet – ideally two or three types each day – can improve various areas of health and overall well being.

Children and Autism: Many nutrients have been clinically shown to play a role in kids’ health:

Children and Autism

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but have issues in areas of communication, social interactions and repetitive behaviors. It’s currently unexplained, but the prevalence of autism in males is 4:1 compared to females. There are milder versions of autism, such as Asperger’s Syndrome, that are referred to as being on the autism spectrum.

Some common symptoms of autism include decreased social interaction, an aversion to physical contact, repetitive behaviors such as rocking or hand-flapping, poor eye contact, insensitivity to pain, hyperactivity, and attention deficits, to name a few. There is also a very high incidence of gastrointestinal problems, auto-immune disease and mental retardation in those with autism. In fact, 90% of these children suffer from gastrointestinal challenges. Autistic individuals also have reduced glutathione levels, which contribute to higher oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress may explain the high incidences of gastrointestinal and immune abnormalities seen in autism.

Many nutrients have been clinically shown to play a role in kids’ health:

Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin and minerals are essential components for numerous processes in the body related to growth and development.  Get all your vitamins and minerals  here.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Multivitamin

Beta-Carotene is a nutrient found in plants that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A may be useful for the treatment of autism because it is involved in cell growth and differentiation in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and brain; areas that are problematic for those with autism. Some studies have reported improvements among autistic individuals supplemented with vitamin A, such as language, eye contact, socialization and sleep patterns. Vitamin A deficiency is also common among those with autism. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for vitamin A is 22:1, meaning when supplemented with beta-carotene, 22 autistic individuals got better for every 1 that got worse.

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate is the active form of vitamin B6. The conversion of B6 to P5P in the liver can be problematic for some autistic children, so it is best to use the P5P form. This form has not been associated with toxicity. Vitamin B6 is the master vitamin for numerous metabolic pathways in the body. One specific function is its involvement in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain and peripheral nerve cells, which are critical for the development of language, attention, alertness, etc. B6 is also required for the production of glutathione which is crucial for detoxification. Another proposed mechanism of action is the role of vitamin B6 as a cofactor for enzymes that degrade oxalates (organic compounds that appear increased in autistic individuals). Vitamin B6 is the most studied nutrient among autistic children and is often given in combination with magnesium.

Significant improvements in common autism symptoms, such as behavior, better eye contact, fewer tantrums, improved sleep patterns, better speech, etc., have been consistently reported using vitamin B6 and magnesium. In fact, the combination of B6 and magnesium has been described by many as a “breakthrough autism intervention.”

Methylcobalamin (B12) is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal nerve cell activity, DNA replication, and production of the mood-affecting substance SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). B12 is a necessary component for the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant in the body. Because those with autism may have fewer beneficial bacteria in the gut to make vitamin B12 or they have a reduced synthesis of Intrinsic Factor, or more simply, autistic children don’t get enough B12 in their diet due to their food choices, a deficiency is common.

Folic Acid (Folinic acid) is essential for numerous processes in the body and is critical for development of the nervous system. Folinic acid is the metabolically active form of folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin essential for numerous processes in the body and is critical for development of the nervous system. Additionally, folic acid aids in the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds to glutathione, and this antioxidant is extremely important in autistic individuals.

Many studies have documented improvements in sleep, communication, social interaction and other behaviors with supplementation with folic acid in autistic individuals. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for folic acid is 11:1, meaning 11 autistic individuals supplementing with folic acid got better for every one that got worse.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, synthesize proteins, aid in the development and maintenance of the brain, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among many other functions. When zinc levels are down, copper levels are often increased. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, 90% of autistic children have this abnormal zinc to copper ratio. Because zinc helps facilitate the excretion of excess copper, it is important to make sure a multivitamin has an adequate amount of zinc. The B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for zinc is 17:1.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Probiotics

Probiotics play a critical role in achieving optimal digestive health and help children maintain a bacterial balance within their digestive tracts. The digestive system naturally houses trillions of “good” bacteria that directly help the body digest, modify and convert the foods we eat, but disruptions to these populations of probiotics (good bacteria) are common. Probiotics must be kept at normal levels in order to overwhelm the other bacteria, which may begin to run rampant in the event the good bacteria levels decrease. There are numerous strains of probiotics, all of which work to maintain optimal bacterial balance, promote bowel regularity and stomach comfort, improve gastrointestinal health and support the digestive system. Some important strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are a key component in the digestive system and collectively support the breakdown of complex macromolecules into energy sources and promote the release of the nutrient content from the foods we eat. Ingredients such as DigeZyme® (which is a multi-enzyme complex composed mainly of amylases, proteases and lipases), sucrase and maltase supplement the gastrointestinal tract with enzymes to adequately support the body’s ability to digest food. In addition to the physical discomfort caused by poor digestion, undigested (and consequently unabsorbed) food in the gastrointestinal tract serves as fuel to intestinal microbes, causing them to overpopulate and ferment. These fermenting microbes lower the pH of the colon and increase bacterial toxins in the gut. Supplementation with digestive enzymes provides the body with the additional support it needs for proper digestion. In addition to abdominal discomfort, there is also a connection between the function of the digestive system and the brain. Research suggests that promoting normal digestion may in turn support physical health.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum OPC-3 with Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol® is natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. This pine bark extract is an all natural combination of proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids, and organic acids. It is one of the most potent antioxidants backed by clinical research. As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Trebaticka et al treated 61 children with ADHD with Pycnogenol for 1 month. They saw a significant reduction in hyperactivity, as well as improved attention, coordination and concentration. The placebo group had no positive effects, and one month after termination of Pycnogenol administration a relapse of symptoms was noted.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that has a number of biological functions. It is essential for tissue repair, wound and bone healing, immune function among other things. Its role as a cofactor for dopamine production may help to explain the improvement in symptoms of those with autism when supplemented with vitamin C. One study even showed an improvement in sensory motor scores and sleep patterns. Also, several studies have shown children with autism have significant oxidative stress, so supplementing with a proven antioxidant, like vitamin C, is helpful in combating free radicals. Vitamin C also elevates glutathione levels, another important antioxidant in the body. According to data from the Autism Research Institute, the B:W (Better:Worse with treatment) ratio reported by parents of autistic children for vitamin C is 16:1.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential”: they are vital for life and they are not able to be produced by the body. While most other nutrients – vitamins and minerals, for example – can be synthesized by the body, certain omega-3s (including EPA and DHA) cannot. They are especially important in childhood, when the brain – which is made up of approximately 60 percent fat – and immune system are developing.

Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3

Unfortunately, many children are not receiving adequate omega-3 fatty acids from food sources. According to the American Dietetic Association and the Dieticians of Canada, nine out of 10 children are deficient in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Children need ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to support their brain and immune health. Ensure your children receive the omega-3s they need with Might-a-Mins Spectrum Essential Omega 3.*

for more Information go to Explore Supplements

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