Is Daily Aspirin Right for You?

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra 

Early in my career when I was running through hospital halls, coat tails flying behind me, headed to help someone in cardiac arrest—I pondered whether daily aspirin could prevent these types of calamities. It was the 1980s and there wasn’t a hard-working doctor who didn’t worry about having their own heart attack. Knowing that aspirin had the power to thin the blood, many doctors began adding a daily aspirin to their regimen.

Later on, once the efficacy was confirmed, it was decided an 81 mg baby aspirin could replace the hefty 325 mg adult dose. Bayer, the largest producer of aspirin, jumped at the chance to promote its pain reliever as the “wonder drug” in heart attack prevention, even in healthy individuals. Doctors began prescribing it to virtually every patient they had.

Daily Aspirin Increases Bleeding Events

Now, a new meta-analysis of 9 placebo-controlled trials challenges that practice. This month, the Archives of Internal Medicine published data collected from 100,000 people over six years showing that we have to treat 120 people with a daily aspirin to prevent just one nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI).

Super Antioxidant OPC-3

The researchers did report that total cardiovascular events decreased by 10 percent.  But at the same time there was a 30 percent increased risk for “trivial bleeding events.”  Because it took treating just 73 people to trigger that bleeding event, we must think twice about our overzealous use of aspirin.

The Bottom Line on Daily Aspirin 

* I don’t recommend an aspirin for primary heart attack prevention. While a daily aspirin prevents clot formation, the final step that triggers a heart attack, it doesn’t change atherosclerotic plaque which is the underlying cause of heart disease.

A far better way to prevent a heart attack is by keeping plaque from forming and building up in the first place.  That means back to basics: a healthy diet, exercise, weight reduction, nutritional support with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, blood pressure lowering, stress reduction
and so on.

* But taking a daily aspirin for secondary heart attack prevention—if you’ve already had a heart attack or have a history of cardiovascular disease—is just plain good medicine. I regularly advocate aspirin for those who have known heart disease, such as a history of angina, heart attack, angioplasty or stent procedures, or coronary artery bypass surgery. In these cases, I recommend taking one baby aspirin daily.

But even if you have all the characteristics I just mentioned that would make you a perfect candidate for a daily preventative aspirin regimen, it won’t do you a lick of good if you’re part of the population known as “aspirin-resistant.” Fortunately, there’s a test to determine if an aspirin a day will work for you.

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.

Vitamin D Deficiency In Sick Kids Could Make Them Sicker

NPR's Health Blog by ELIZA BARCLAY

If you're an adult, and a relatively healthy one at that, then you've probably been confused in recent years about whether or not you're getting enough vitamin D. Indeed, a series of reports from some of the top medical institutions – including the Institute of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – have said most adults aren't deficient, even as other top researchers have said most are.

Where there seems to be a little less controversy is vitamin D for kids, who need it to build strong bones and a strong immune system. The IOM in 2010 said children and most adults need 600 international units of vitamin D a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a slightly different take: It suggests kids get a lower dose — 400 IU per day — and that they take a daily vitamin to make sure they're getting it.

Now new evidence from two studies finds that not only is vitamin D deficiency common among critically ill kids, but it's also associated with the severity of their illness.

In one study published today in Pediatrics, researchers at Harvard University tested the vitamin D levels of 511 children, up to 17-years-old, who were admitted to six different pediatric intensive care units between November 2009 and November 2010.

They found that 40 percent of the sick kids they tested had less than 20 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood — meaning they were deficient. This led the researchers to conclude that kids deficient in vitamin D were more likely to be sick than kids with sufficient levels of the vitamin. The kids deficient in vitamin D were also more likely to be in the hospital longer than the other kids.

Isotonix Vitamin D with K2

Another study from researchers in Ottawa, Canada, of sick kids at six Canadian PICUs from 2005 to 2008 came to a similar conclusion.

While both groups of researchers were hesitant to blame vitamin D deficiency for making the kids sick, they called for more studies on whether giving sick kids big doses of the vitamin in the early stages of their illness might be beneficial.

In addition to supplements, vitamin D is readily available in foods like eggs and oily fish and fortified foods such as milk, cereal, orange juice, yogurt and margarine.

From Shop.com

What makes Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 product unique?

Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, heart health and immune support while working with vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy arteries. Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of these powerful vitamins with isotonic delivery.

Vitamin K is included in Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.

Curcumin supplements prevent type 2 diabetes

By David Liu, PHD

Saturday Aug 4, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Eating curry or taking curcumin supplements helps reduce risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care. Curcumin is an ingredient found in turmeric which is used in curry, a food commonly used in India.

The study showed one of pre-diabetics who took curcumin supplements every day for nine months developed type 2 diabetes mellitus while 16 percent of pre-diabetics who took a dummy pill for the same period developed the disease.

For the study, researchers of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok recruited 240 people with pre-diabetes who were randomized into two groups with 120 each. One group were given six capsules of curcumin per day and the other  a placebo for nine months.

At the end of the study, 16 percent of placebo users developed type 2 diabetes  mellitus whereas none of the curcumin users developed the disease.  Subjects in the study group but not those in the control group were also found to have lost weight.

The Thai researchers believe turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas from damage and improve their efficiency.  

Curcumin Extreme™with BCM-95

About 24 million people live with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United States alone.  Another 20 million Americans suffer pre-diabetes, a condition in which a person has a problem with controling blood sugar, but not as severely as in the case of type 2 diabetes.

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From Shop.com

There are many curcumin products on the market, but Curcumin Extreme™ with BCM-95® has superior bioavailability and absorption. BCM-95 contains the natural spectrum of the turmeric rhizome and is 100 percent natural. Curcumin Extreme promotes liver detoxification, promotes healthy glutathione levels and normal cellular regeneration. Taking Curcumin Extreme every day can help detoxify impurities in your body that build up over time.* 

Curcumin Extreme also includes 167mg of broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes, including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes also support gene transcription, the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA. They also support the body’s natural defense systems. Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body, which serves to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. Furthermore, glutathione recycles vitamins C and E, which are also powerful antioxidants.*

Primary Benefits of Curcumin Extreme™*:  

• Promotes normal activity of NF-KappaB
• Supports normal liver detoxification activity
• Supports overall liver health
• Promotes apoptosis in unhealthy cells
• Promotes normal cell cycle activity
• Helps maintain overall cell integrity
• Promotes normal cellular regeneration
• Helps maintain healthy glutathione levels
• Supports normal glutathione synthesis
• Promotes the normal production of detoxification enzymes
• Supports the body’s natural ability to produce detoxification enzymes
• Promotes normal levels of detoxification enzymes that scavenge harmful toxins in the body
• Helps to maintain neurological health as we age
• Helps to maintain good cognitive health as we age
• Promotes normal immune cell-brain (neuron) interactions in order to maintain cognitive health
• Promotes neurological health
• Protects neurons from the negative effects of free radicals
• Powerful antioxidant
• Protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals
• Promotes free-radical protection
• Promotes a strong immune system

Try it today --- Curcumin Extreme by clicking here

Chronic Inflammation at the Heart of America’s Deadliest Diseases

Chronic Inflammation at the Heart of America’s Deadliest Diseases

Author: willllamas 

New science has linked diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s,
stroke, and cancer to one condition: chronic inflammation. Chronic
inflammation is a condition brought about by obesity and from a diet high
in fatty foods.  This condition can
attack the immune system and clear the way for harmful bacteria to enter the
body.

“You need to have inflammation when you have a wound
and the immune system goes in to heal it. Yet we don’t want too much
inflammation in our system causing damage to
our arteries” and other harm, says Wendy Weber, a program director at
the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the
National Institutes of Health.

Chronic inflammation can be caused a few different ways. One
recent discovery showed that fat cells were not solely acting as storage for
excess weight. “Instead, fat cells act like small factories to churn out
molecules known as cytokines, which set inflammation in motion,” says Peter
Libby, chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women’s
Hospital in Boston.

Besides body weight issues, a diet rich in high-fat foods is
another common cause of chronic inflammation.

What can be done to combat inflammation? First and foremost,
maintaining a healthy body weight is a must. Losing excess weight and fat cells
will counter cytokine production and keep down inflammation. On top of that, a
specialized diet limiting fat consumption can help. However, no diet alone can
completely stop inflammation. “If you weigh 300 pounds and eat healthy,
the weight will still counter any beneficial foods you are eating,” says Dr.
Cannon, a professor of medicine at Harvard University.

The American Heart Association also recommends consuming
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, and omega-6 fatty acids found in nuts and
vegetable oils to reduce the risk of inflammation. Supplementation is also
recommended if you are not getting the proper amounts.

Mushrooms pack vitamins and minerals: Tasty fungi contain antioxidants and boost the immune system

Mushrooms pack vitamins and minerals

Tasty fungi contain antioxidants and boost the immune system

Nutrition guidance from Palomar Pomerado Health

Need an extra reason to pick up mushrooms from your supermarket today?

Mushrooms are more than just flavor enhancers for a variety of meals. Besides adding taste to salads, soups, casseroles, rice dishes, stir-fry, scrambled eggs and other dishes, mushrooms are flat out nutritious.

They are excellent sources of protein, vitamins (A, B5, B6, C, D), amino acids, minerals (potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc), fiber and iron. These vitamins and minerals play an important role in boosting the immune system and keeping your body healthy.

Mushrooms also contain antioxidants and are low in sodium and calories. The following are five healthy types of mushrooms commonly found in stores:

1. Portobello mushrooms (also known as portabella): These brown mushrooms are frequently used as a meat substitute by vegans or vegetarians in sandwiches and burgers because of their meaty texture. They are rich in selenium, which is an antioxidant or substance that helps reduce the risk of certain diseases by preventing cellular damage from free radicals in the body.
1. 
   

   1. White button mushrooms: Also called a table mushroom, this small-sized mushroom has a mild flavor that intensifies when cooked. It is commonly used in salads, meat dishes, soups or pastas. At grocery stores, they are found freshly packaged, dried or in a canned form. They are also good sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
   2. Shiitake mushrooms: These spongy, meaty-textured mushrooms with a woodsy taste are very popular in many Asian dishes. In addition to their antioxidants benefits, they may have an immune-boosting effect in the body.
   3. Oyster mushrooms: These broad mushrooms with oyster-shaped caps and tan and ivory colors contain significant antioxidant properties. A 3-ounce serving of oyster mushrooms contains 13 milligrams of the amino acid ergothioneine which is very high in antioxidants. Cooking the mushrooms does not reduce this level.
   4. Porcini mushrooms: Porcini mushrooms (usually purchased dried) are costlier than other mushrooms and have a distinct woodsy taste. They are used in preparation of soups, stews and casseroles. Porcinis are also rich in vitamins and minerals.

   Quick Tip: If for some reason you don't like mushrooms but still want the benefits you can always use a supplement at a pharmacuetical grade.
   
   

Living Well with Flavonoids

Natural Products Foundation – NPF Science Update: Flavonoids

NPF Science Update: Flavonoids

Posted Thursday, September 8, 2011

The NPF Science Update brings you news about scientific advances in the field of natural products. The Science Update features contributions from scientists, academics, doctors, healthcare professionals, industry veterans and other experts. To sign up to receive the monthly Science Update via email, please click here: NPF Science Update. OPC-3  Living Well with Flavonoids Nature, Inflammation and Osteoarthritis Botanical products have been used for medicinal purposes by human civilizations over the course of thousands of years. Not surprisingly, many of the pharmaceuticals used today are derived in part from natural substances. Flavonoids are an excellent example of a safe and effective botanical compound that has natural biological activity in physiologic processes. Isotonix OPC-3 Super Antioxidant In general, flavonoids are found in colored fruits, vegetables and spices as well as cocoa, teas and even red wine. When your parents said, “Eat your vegetables,” they really meant, “Eat your flavonoids, because they have health benefits!” Lycopene, resveratrol, baicalin, catechin, curcumin, and quercetin are examples of flavonoid ingredients with therapeutic effects which can be found OTC in dietary supplement products and by prescription in medical food products. Flavonoids have been known for decades to promote anti-inflammatory activity, and flavonoid molecules have recently entered osteoarthritis clinical trials with successful results. Why look at flavonoids in osteoarthritis studies? There are multiple underlying causes and contributing factors to osteoarthritis including trauma, repetitive motion, inflammation, obesity, genetic predisposition and diet. Recently, with a substantial increase in our understanding of the problem, the roles of nutrition and lifestyle have become important focal points for osteoarthritis concerns. Many scientific studies have shown that anti-inflammatory micronutrients like flavonoids help the body naturally manage inflammation and oxidation, two important factors in osteoarthritis. There are literally thousands of papers in scientific literature related to flavonoids. The goal of a nutritional, metabolic therapy for osteoarthritis is to manage inflammation and oxidation. Botanical flavonoid molecules have been shown to manage osteoarthritis as suggested by modulating the production of inflammatory oxidized lipids, while reducing and controlling induced inflammatory molecules. Unfortunately, by eating large amounts of processed food, too much red meat and few colored fruits and vegetables, we usually don’t get a high enough intake of the nutrients we need to nutritionally manage the chronic progression of osteoarthritis over time. So, make sure to eat plenty of colored fruits and vegetables, and consider dietary products that contain concentrated and purified flavonoids to either maintain joint health or to help to nutritionally manage the metabolic processes of osteoarthritis. Natural resources taken under the care of your physician may be very effective in helping osteoarthritis. Story Source: The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by Natural Products Foundation staff) from materials provided by J.D. Weir, President and CEO of Primus Pharmaceuticals and Secretary of the NPF Board of Directors. For more information, please click here: The Role of Flavonoids in Osteoarthritis, or on any of the Healthnotes links below: Healthnotes: Flavonoids Healthnotes: Osteoarthritis Healthnotes: Curcumin Healthnotes: Lycopene Healthnotes: Quercetin Healthnotes: Resveratrol

Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts, and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of

Prime Joint Support Fomula

Pycnogenol® in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid.*
Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.
Isotonix® dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.