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.

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

To find children’s health products or more information about children’s health products, click here.

Simple steps to help ensure a longer life span. Rules for Immortality

Simple steps to help ensure a longer life span.

Rules for Immortality 

from Dr. Ronald Klatz and Dr. Robert Goldman: Who Wants to Live to Be 150?

• Drive a big car (2,800 pounds or more)
• Avoid stress and depression.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
• Sleep seven to eight hours a night.
• Consume little or no alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
• Try to keep your weight at, or even five percent lower, than the ideal body weight (IBW).
• Maintain optimum antioxidant vitamin blood levels.
• Drink eight to ten glasses of water per day.
• Get blood tests and comprehensive anti-aging physical exams yearly, early detection is key in both heart disease and cancer.
• Limit harmful fats in your diet.
• Think young.
• Do not accept “just getting old”.

And remember the three rules for immortality:

1. DON’T DIE!

2. DON’T GET SICK!

3. DON’T GET OLD BIOLOGICALLY!

Paint Your Heart Healthy with Flavonoids

Paint Your Heart Healthy with Flavonoids

By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND

Eating more colorful, flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables may reduce the chance of dying from heart disease by up to 40%, says a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Fix it before it breaks

Preventing heart disease is easier than curing it. We already know a lot about how to keep the heart happy, like

• not smoking,
• maintaining a healthy weight,
• keeping blood pressure in check, and
• getting regular physical exercise.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is also key to preventing heart disease. These foods are rich in magnesium, potassium, and fiber that can help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Brightly colored fruits and veggies are also high in flavonoids, plant compounds that give foods such as oranges, broccoli, and so on their characteristic hues. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in the body. They also inhibit the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and encourage blood vessel walls to relax, helping to lower blood pressure.

As part of the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, researchers from the American Cancer Society and Tufts University investigated how different types of flavonoid compounds in the diet might protect against death from heart disease. In the study, 38,180 men and 60,289 women (average age 69 and 70, respectively) gave detailed information about their diets. The amount and types of dietary flavonoids were estimated for each participant. For the next seven years, the participants were followed and deaths due to heart disease were recorded.

• Of the seven classes of flavonoids studies, five of them were associated with a lower risk of heart disease death.
• Risk of fatal heart disease was 18% lower in men and women who had the highest amounts of total flavonoids in their diets those with the lowest. The risk of fatal stroke dropped by 37% in men with the highest total flavonoid intake.
• The subclass of flavonoids called flavones was especially beneficial for women. Women with the highest flavone intake had a 26% reduction in risk of overall heart disease death and a 40% reduction in risk of death from heart attack.

“Even relatively small amounts of flavonoid-rich foods may be beneficial for reducing risk of fatal cardiovascular disease,” commented the researchers.

Brighten your plate for a happier heart

OPC-3 #1 Bioflavonoid in the world

Getting more flavonoids into your diet is as easy as blueberry pie. Just aim for a rainbow of colors throughout the day. You don’t have to get them all in at every meal, but when you’re planning your five-a-day of fruits and vegetables, make sure they’re not all in the white family.

Raspberries, strawberries, apples, blueberries, green tea, black tea, dark chocolate, red grapes, purple cabbage, red wine, oranges, grapefruit, kale, broccoli, onions, and leeks are all loaded with heart-healthy flavonoids.

Parsley, thyme, oregano, celery, and green chili peppers are rich sources of the subclass of flavonoids called flavones. These are the ones that may be especially helpful for women.

About Natural Products Foundation: NPF is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. For more information about this story and the foundation visit: naturalproductsfoundation.org. 

Story Source: Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, received her doctoral degree from Bastyr University, the nation’s premier academic institution for science-based natural medicine. She co-founded South County Naturopaths in Wakefield, RI, where she practiced whole family care with an emphasis on nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, detoxification, and food allergy identification and treatment. Her blog, Eat Happy, helps take the drama out of healthy eating with real food recipes and nutrition news that you can use. Dr. Beauchamp is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire. The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Aisle7. All rights reserved.

References: (Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:454–64)

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.

Pine bark extract plus CoQ10 shows benefits for heart failure patients

From Nutra Ingredients.com
By Stephen Daniells, 23-Jun-2011

A combination of coenzyme Q10 and an extract from French Maritime Pine bark may improve blood flow and general heart health in heart failure patients, indicates a new study from Italy.

According to findings published in Panminerva Medica, 12 weeks of daily supplementation with 350 milligrams of CoQ10 (Kaneka) and 105 milligrams of the branded pine bark extract Pycnogenol (Horphag) were associated with a improvements in blood pressure and heart rate, compared to a placebo group.
Furthermore, the combination ingredient – PycnoQ10 – increased the amount of blood pumped by the heart by 22 percent, reported researchers from Chieti-Pescara University, led by Dr Gianni Belcaro.
“Coenzyme Q10 has been extensively researched for its ability to strengthen the heart muscle, specifically in patients with heart failure. Preclinical trials have suggested that Pycnogenol strengthens heart chamber walls and dilates arteries,” said Dr Belcaro.
“These preliminary observations suggest that the respective contributions of Coenzyme Q10 and Pycnogenol in PycnoQ10 may significantly improve heart health.”

No cure, just management
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 400,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure in the US each year.
Heart failure is develops as a result of high blood pressure (hypertension), when with heart chamber walls wear out and heart muscle weaken. The disease can be costly, disabling and potentially deadly and is characterized by the heart’s inability to pump or eject sufficient amounts of blood to the organs.
“Many conditions that lead to heart failure cannot be reversed, but heart failure can often be medically managed with good results,” said Dr Belcaro.
“This study shows that a combination of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 offers an effective, natural solution as adjunct for heart health management.”

Success story
In a recent interview with NutraIngredients-USA , Horphag chief executive Victor Ferrari explained that the retail value of products containing the company’s Pycnogenol ingredient is estimated to top $500m.

“We have multiplied the business by six since 2002 and we’re still seeing double-digit growth,” said Ferrari.
However, the firm had only scratched the surface when it came to functional food and drink applications for Pycnogenol, which was water-soluble and heat-stable, making it suitable for a wide range of products from pasteurized dairy products to baked goods, he said.

Isotonix Co Q10

In addition to the potential in food and beverages, another area of potential growth is in combination products to target specific health condition categories such as joint health (with glucosamine/chondroitin or collagen hydrolysates), or eye health (with Indena’s Mirtoselect bilberry to give us Mirtogenol), or, as in this new study, heart health (with CoQ10).

(Please Note: Market America is the Exclusive provider of an Isotonic Form of  Pycnogenol in their Isotonix OPC-3 and Anti Aging Prime Joint Formula along with CoQ10.  This isotonic form will allow a person to absorb up to 95% of the product compared to the standard pill or capsule that will only offer up to a maximum of 30%.  You can also get a Custom Cocktail made specifically for you at www.CustomizeME.com)

Isotonix OPC-3 has Isotonic Pycnogenol

Study details
The Italian researchers recruited 53 heart failure patients aged between 54 and 68 were randomly assigned to receive either the PycnoQ10 supplement or placebo for 12 weeks.
Results showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased following the CoQ10-pine bark combination, from 139.2 to 133.2 mmHg and 82.3 to 77.3 mmHg, respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 140.3 to 139.5 mmHg and 83.4 to 81.2 mmHg, respectively, in the placebo group.
In addition to increases in the amount of blood pumped by the heart, the researchers also reported improvements in heart rate were also observed in the PycnoQ10 supplement group from 78.4 to 74.2 beats per minute, compared with a decrease from 79.1 to 78.4 in the placebo group.
“The association of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 may offer an important therapeutic option in the management and costs of heart failure, without side effects and with a very good tolerability,” stated the researchers.
“These initial observations warrant further investigation of the Pycnogenol CoQ10 combination with a much larger number of heart failure patients including a broader range of clinical pictures,” they concluded.
Source: Panminerva Medica
Volume 52, Supplement 1 to No 2, Pages 21-25
“Investigation of Pycnogenol in combination with coenzymeQ10 in heart failure patients (NYHA II/III)”
Authors: G. Belcaro, M.R. Cesarone, M. Dugall, M. Hosoi, E. Ippolito, P. Bavera, M.G. Grossi

Isotonix Prime Joint with Pycnogenol endorsed by Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls

The Spice that Helps Prevent Cancer - Now being used to Repair Stroke Damage

Great info from Dr. Mercola

The Spice that Helps Prevent Cancer - Now Being Used to Repair Stroke Damage

Posted By Dr. Mercola

Scientists have created a new molecule from curcumin, the key chemical component of the spice turmeric. In laboratory experiments, the molecule was shown to affect the mechanisms that protect and regenerate brain cells after a stroke.
The new curcumin compound, called CNB-001, actually repairs stroke damage at the molecular level.
Physorg reports:

"Those who cook Indian, Thai, Malay and Persian dishes know turmeric well for its zesty flavor, use in curries and for the rich color it imparts to food. Turmeric also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine."

Sources:

  Physorg February 10, 2011

 
Curcumin -- the pigment that gives the curry spice turmeric its yellow-orange color -- is a natural compound that should be on your health radar for a number of reasons. Both the ancient Chinese and Indian systems of medicine have recognized curcumin's beneficial properties for thousands of years, and modern research suggests it may be one of nature's most powerful potential healers.

As you'll see, its health benefits are far-reaching and are now entering the arena of emergency medicine.
In this article I will also review several natural strategies for preventing stroke, as there are other lifestyle and dietary factors that play a massive role. You really don't want to wait until a stroke happens, regardless of how effectively drugs might help to keep you alive.

So What is a Stroke?

Strokes are sometimes referred to as "brain attacks" (instead of "heart attacks") because they occur when a blood clot blocks an artery or blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to your brain. As a result, brain cells die and brain damage can occur.
Strokes can be particularly devastating because they often occur without warning, and the longer your brain goes without oxygen, the greater your risk of lasting damage. This is one area where emergency medicine excels, as emergency medications can dissolve the clot that is blocking blood flow to your brain. In order to be effective, however, you typically need to get help within one hour.
So if you notice any of these signs of stroke, you should get help right away:

• Sudden trouble walking (dizziness, loss of balance, etc.)
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of your body only)
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden severe headache

Curcumin Drug May Help Regenerate Brain Cells after Stroke

Contrary to the clot-busting drug currently used on stroke victims, the curcumin-hybrid compound, called CNB-001, does not actually dissolve the blood clot. Rather it repairs the damage incurred by the lack of oxygen, at the molecular level, by influencing the mechanism responsible for regeneration of neurons (brain cells).
This offers future stroke victims new hope for greater recovery, as it may reduce lasting damage. The research was presented at the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles on February 9.
Now, although curcumin itself has been found to have great healing potential, including in the treatment of brain injury, it has drawbacks that makes it unsuitable for emergency treatment of stroke.
Physorg reports:

"[Curcumin] is not well absorbed in the body, fails to reach its target in high concentrations, becomes depleted quickly, and is blocked from entering the brain by a natural protective mechanism called the blood-brain barrier."

The curcumin-derived compound CNB-001, however, does cross the blood brain barrier and "moderates several critical mechanisms involved in neuronal survival," according to lead researcher Dr. Lapchak, PhD.
What this means is that if you're having signs of stroke, do not reach for the spice jar or a turmeric supplement. Seek immediate emergency medical attention! Turmeric cannot be used as a make-shift home-remedy for a stroke. I just want to make that perfectly clear.
The hybrid spice-drug compound may however help save lives in an emergency setting later on. According to Physorg's report:

"The drug reduced stroke-caused "motor deficits"—problems of muscle and movement control—in this laboratory study. It was effective when administered up to an hour after stroke, which correlates with about three hours in humans, the same time frame for which tPA is currently approved."

There's a time and place for conventional medicine, and stroke is one of those times when a drug can save your life. That said, considering how devastating (not to mention life threatening) a stroke can be, it would be in your best interest to adjust your lifestyle to prevent it from ever happening in the first place.

This Common Vitamin Deficiency DOUBLES Your Risk of Stroke!

What vitamin could this possibly be?
If you guessed vitamin D, you're absolutely correct. This was the impressive finding of a study presented on November 15 last year at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
It adds weight to research released earlier last year, which found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with arterial stiffness; a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A separate study from Finland also found that those with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 25 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, and when only stroke was evaluated, those with the lowest levels had twice the risk as those with the highest vitamin D levels.
In the past couple of years, research into the health benefits of vitamin D and the serious ramifications of deficiency has exploded. The evidence that vitamin D is a key player in your health is just overwhelming.
For example, optimizing your vitamin D levels can also slash your risk of diabetes and cancer in half! And that's still just the tip of the iceberg.
What other drug or nutrient do you know of that can cut your risk of three of the most dangerous chronic diseases by 50 percent?!
It's abundantly clear that if you want optimal health, you need to pay attention to your vitamin D levels. Ideally, you'll want to increase your levels through safe sunshine exposure year-round. Not only is this the way you were designed to produce vitamin D naturally, but it also eliminates the risk of overdosing. You can also use a safe tanning bed if you can't get sufficient amounts of sun exposure outdoors.
If neither of those options are available to you, consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement, but be sure to get your vitamin D levels tested regularly to make sure you're staying within therapeutic limits, as you're circumventing your body's built-in regulatory mechanism.
For more information about safe sun exposure, testing, and dosages, please see my vitamin D page. I also recommend viewing my one-hour video lecture on vitamin D to get a deeper understanding of its vital importance to your health.

Other Stroke Prevention Strategies

Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable, according to the National Stroke Association, so I strongly encourage you to take control of your health to reduce your risk. Conventionally speaking, many of the same risk factors that increase your risk of heart disease also increase your risk of stroke, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• High triglycerides and elevated homocysteine levels
• Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Smoking

So, as with your heart, eating unprocessed, natural foods, exercising, getting regular sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy weight will help to reduce your risk of stroke.
Also high up on the list of keys to preventing a stroke is to get a handle on your stress levels as the more stressed you are, the greater your risk. As an example, a study published in the journal Neurology found that psychological distress will greatly increase your risk of suffering a stroke. The researchers actually found that for every notch lower a person scored on their well-being scale, their risk of stroke increased by 11 percent.
Not surprisingly, the relationship between psychological distress and stroke was most pronounced when the stroke was fatal.
So while optimizing your vitamin D levels and leading a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food and regular exercise are important, you'll want to be sure you tend to your emotional health as well.

More Health Benefits of Curcumin

Now that we've reviewed the strategies that can help prevent you from becoming another stroke statistic, let's get back to curcumin, because this spice compound—which is also available in supplement form—has many other potent health benefits.
Most notably, curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, and chronic inflammation is the hallmark of most chronic disease, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, just to name a few. The compound has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.
But that's not all. Other health benefits include:

• Strengthening and improving your digestion
• Supporting healthy liver function and detoxification
• Purifying your blood

Further, evidence suggests turmeric may play a beneficial role in the following diseases:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cataracts
• Gallstones
• Muscle regeneration
• Alzheimer's disease

Curcumin—One of the BEST Supplements for Many Cancers Too!

If you want to use curcumin to prevent stroke I believe your best strategy is to use it as a food in the form of turmeric. However if you have a severe illness, like cancer, then it is best to use it as a drug at a much higher dose as described below.
Dr. William LaValley from Austin Texas is one of the top natural medicine cancer physicians I know and he recently shared this important information on curcumin, which has the most evidence based literature for use as a cancer support than any other nutrient.
Curcumin affects more than 100 different pathways once it gets into the cell. Interestingly this also includes the metabolite of curcumin and its derivatives, which are also anti-cancer. Best of all, curcumin appears to be safe in the treatment of all cancers.


In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to the curcumin in turmeric.
Numerous studies have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells
• Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor
• Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body
• Decrease inflammation
• Enhance liver function
• Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation
• Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth

And, according to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers.
The spice actually stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and pushes the cancer cells to die by shutting down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful protein known to induce abnormal inflammatory response that leads to an assortment of disorders such as arthritis and cancer.
To get the full benefits that curcumin has to offer, you will want to look for a turmeric extract with at least 95 percent curcuminoids that contains only 100 percent certified organic ingredients.
The formula should be free of fillers, additives and excipients (a substance added to the supplement as a processing or stability aid), and the manufacturer should use safe production practices at all stages: planting, cultivation, selective harvesting, and then producing and packaging the final product.

Details on How to Use Curcumin

The unfortunate challenge at this time is that good formulations of curcumin to use in cancer still aren't available. This is because relatively high doses are required and curcumin is not absorbed that well. Typical anticancer doses are up to three grams of good bioavailable curcmin extract, three to four times a day.
One work-around for this is to use curcumin powder and make a microemulsion of it by combining a tablespoon of the powder and mixing it into 1-2 egg yolks, and a teaspoon or two of melted coconut oil. Then use a high-speed hand blender to emulsify the powder.
Another strategy to increase absorption is to put one tablespoon of the curcumin powder into a quart of boiling water. It must be boiling when you add the powder as it will not work as well if you put it in room temperature water and then heat the water with the curcumin already in it. After boiling it for 10 minutes, you will have created a 12 percent solution, which you can drink once it has cooled down. The curcumin will gradually fall out of solution over time and in about six hours it will be a 6 percent solution, so it is best to drink the water within four hours. It does have a woody taste.
One caution to know is that you want to avoid the "yellow kitchen" syndrome. Curcumin is a very potent yellow pigment and can permanently discolor surfaces if you aren't careful.

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Curcumin (BCM-95®): 400 mgScientists have long been aware of the wide array of health benefits from the Indian spice turmeric, which is a source of the active phytochemical curcumin. Until now, curcumin has been known to have poor bioavailability, requiring high doses to promote health. BCM-95® delivers significantly more pharmacologically bioactive curcumin into the blood than other curcumin sources. This new delivery system allows for a variety of health benefits.
How is this possible? Traditional 95% extract focuses strictly on one part of the Turmeric rhizome. This bioactive substance of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) contains “Curcuminoids” and Curcumin is the most important molecule. Research has shown its tremendous health benefit. Even though Curcumin is the most important molecule, the bioavailability of the regular Turmeric 95% extracts sold on the market is not very good in terms of uptake or sustainability in the blood stream. There are other essential components present in Turmeric Rhizome which have been neglected during the traditional method of manufacturing of Turmeric 95% Extract. BCM-95® represents the natural spectrum of turmeric rhizome. It is 100 percent natural and has been proven to provide optimal bioavailability for synergistic effect. This new method of manufacture offers tremendous value in terms of bioavailability.
Antioxidants have received increased attention, and it’s important to know what nutrients are antioxidants and information about them. One such nutrient is Curcumin. Curcumin is a natural extract from the spice turmeric. Turmeric is derived from the plant Curcuma Longa, a member of the ginger family.
Curcumin is employed mostly as an antioxidant; though it was traditionally used to promote stomach and joint comfort. The immune-balancing activity of curcumin has been demonstrated through multiple mechanisms to support normal COX-2 and NF-KappaB levels in the body.
The neuroprotective properties of curcumin are among the most studied. Curcumin has been designated as a strong candidate for the promotion of neurological health and cognitive function. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and support the normal uptake of amyloid-beta in the brain. This supports the brain's memory and learning abilities as we age. Another neuroprotective property of curcumin is its ability to promote normal levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain. This can help to maintain the health of neurological tissues.
Curcumin supports the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. The liver plays several roles in detoxification: it filters the blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile full of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically disassembles unwanted chemicals. This enzymatic process usually occurs in two steps referred to as phase I and phase II. They promote the body’s natural enzyme antioxidant defense systems and function as a powerful indirect antioxidant. These enzymes promote the body’s normal metabolism of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, toxins and pollutants into less reactive molecules. Curcumin has also been shown to promote normal hepatic tissue repair.


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Curcumin