New research exposes risk of nutritional
deficiencies in obese teenagers
by Nathan Gray

Teenagers and young adults who are severely obese are at risk of nutritional deficiencies including low iron, anaemia, and a low vitamin D status, find researchers.

The study is believed to be the first study to compare the nutritional status of severely obese teens who did not undergo weight loss surgery to those who did have surgery ­ finding that at leastyears after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, teens and young adults maintained significant weight loss but were at risk of nutritional deficiencies, particularly low iron, mild anemia and low vitamin D.

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The team, led by Dr Stavra Xanthakos, director the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens at Cincinnati Children's, also found low iron and low vitamin D in severely obese teens who did not undergo weight loss surgery. Those who didn't have surgery also had low levels of protein in their blood.

"We knew there were nutritional difficulties in teens who had undergone bariatric surgery, but everyone thought it was primarily the surgery that caused these problems since gastric bypass excludes the portion of the small intestine where many nutrients, especially iron, are most absorbed," said Xanthakos.

"What this shows us is that nutritional deficiencies occur even in teens who don't undergo surgery. Severely obese patients should be screened for nutritional deficiencies, regardless of whether they've undergone weight loss surgery."

Research details
The researchers studied 79 obese teens who either received weight loss surgery or were evaluated but did not receive surgery. These participants were evaluated between 2001 and 2007 and contacted to participate in the study between 2011 and 2014.

Eight years on average after surgery, the team found that the patients had experienced "durable and significant" weight loss, about 28%, while those who didn't receive surgery had not lost weight.

However, both groups were at risk from nutritional deficiencies, said the team ­ who presented their data at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Vancouver, Canada.

Indeed, obese teens were found to be at risk from low iron and vitamin D irrespective of whether they received the surgery.

Autism Linked to decreased microbe diversity in the gut: Study

Autism linked to decreased microbe diversity
in the gut: Study
By Nathan Gray, 03­Jul­2013


The diversity of beneficial bacteria in our guts may be associated with the development of autism, according to the first comprehensive analysis bacterial analysis of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The race to map and understand the microbial microflora that inhabits our guts is one of the hottest topics and greatest challenges in current research. The suggested links between the microbiota and a whole range of health conditions and wellness measures – including digestion, body weight, immunity, mood, and heart health – are only now beginning to be understood.
Writing in PLoS One, the research team led by Rosa Krajmalnik­Brown of Arizona State University present findings from the first comprehensive bacterial analysis focusing on commensal – or beneficial – bacteria in children with ASD, finding that children with autism had significantly fewer types of gut bacteria and had significantly lower amounts of three critical bacteria, Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Veillonellaceae.

"One of the reasons we started addressing this topic is the fact that autistic children have a lot of GI problems that can last into adulthood," Krajmalnik­Brown said. "Studies have shown that when we manage these problems, their behaviour improves dramatically."

"We think of Prevotella as a healthy, good thing to have," she added. "We believe that a diverse gut is a healthy gut."

Significant study 
Commenting on the research, Dr Alex Richardson of University of Oxford ­ and founder of UK­based charity Food and Behaviour (FAB) Research ­ suggested that the study is important in confirming that 'distinct abnormalities' of gut microflora are present in children with autistic spectrum disorders.

might-a-mins spectrum probiotics

"Obviously these latest findings are only correlational, but they need following up," she said.

"Given what we know about the very strong links between the health of the brain, the gut and the immune system, we urgently need more research into their possible implications – particularly for developing new treatment approaches," she said.

"Children with autism often have other health problems that an unhealthy balance of gut flora – and its effects on the immune system – might plausibly help to explain."

Richardson added that many parents and health professionals already maintain that dietary changes can not only improve the general health of children with autism, but can also have an impact on the autism symptoms ­ "and there is no question that diet affects the gut microbiome," she added.

Study details
The research team analysed gut microflora from faecal samples in a cohort of 20 healthy and 20 autistic
participants aged between 3 and 16 years using high­throughput method – known as pyrosequencing – which allows many DNA samples to be combined as well as many sequences per sample to be analysed.

might-a-mins spectrum digestive enzymes

In doing so, Krajmalnik­Brown noted that the new study is the first to approach autism from a different angle, by examining the possible role of commensal gut bacteria.

Analysis of the high­ throughput data showed that a lower diversity of gut microbes was positively correlated with the presence of autistic symptoms in the study ­ detecting significantly decreased microbial diversity in the 20 autistic subjects whose faecal samples were analysed.  To learn more about the study click here

To learn more about probiotic supplements that could help improve microbial diversity that could help click here.

How Genetics Play a Role in Your Health

How Genetics Play a Role in Your Health

When it comes to our bodies, we want to make choices that have a positive impact on our health. But some of those decisions – eating the wrong foods, making certain lifestyle choices, even the way we exercise – could impact our body's ability to maintain optimum health. Even if we think we’re making the right choices, there are other factors that help determine our overall picture of health.

Genetics play a huge role in how our bodies process nutrients, how they respond to activity and how we react to our environment and surroundings. When it comes to your health, the answers are in your genes. Your DNA tells a story: how you process foods, how you react to exercise, how your environment affects your body, how your family history plays a part in your health.

What if you could learn about your health with a simple test, one that could give you realistic and reasonable recommendations to promote your quality of life? It’s time to make informed decisions about your health – no more guesswork, just facts.

The Gene SNP DNA Analysis combines your individual diet, lifestyle and environment information and is scientifically merged with your genetic background to provide an exclusive Health Action Plan designed specifically for you. It will help provide practical suggestions intended to promote your health and wellness. Based on variations in your DNA and lifestyle factors, the Gene SNP DNA Analysis will make recommendations based on how your body metabolizes food, utilizes nutrients, removes toxins and responds to physical activity. By understanding how your genetic profile affects your well-being, the Gene SNP DNA Analysis will help you take charge of optimizing your wellness. The Gene SNP DNA Analysis examines a wide variety of genes and SNPs, providing a customized Health Action plan that focuses on diet, nutrition, exercise and supplementation based on your genetic profile.    

Now you can be sure your personalized Health Action Plan includes the best possible supplementation, thanks to the integration of the most advanced nutraceutical products available, Isotonix. Each product has been carefully chosen to provide you with the best supplementation based on your individualized Health Action Plan. By integrating the Gene SNP DNA Analysis with the Isotonix product line, you’ll be receiving the very best supplementation support to maintain the healthiest of lifestyles.

No longer will you have to accept a “one-size-fits-all” vitamin and nutrition regimen. Using our exclusive patent rights to screen genetic variations, Gene SNP DNA Analysis uncovers the ability of your genes to respond to nutritional and environmental factors that affect various areas of your health.

The best part is that the results remain accurate throughout your life, since your gene makeup does not change. Since your genes don’t change, you have the ability to optimize the function of your genes through diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. And while you can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle. As you progress through your Health Action Plan, following the recommendations specifically suited for you and your body, you can make changes to your online customer profile and receive an updated Health Action Plan with recommendations based on your new, healthier lifestyle.

What Makes Gene SNP™ Isotonix® Custom Cocktail Unique?

Your Gene SNP Isotonix Custom Cocktail is carefully formulated based on a thorough analysis of your diet, lifestyle and genetics. Combining up to 17 Isotonix products, your Gene SNP Isotonix Custom Cocktail helps you achieve optimal nutrient intake, taking the guesswork out of nutritional supplementation.

With your personalized health recommendations from the Gene SNP DNA Analysis and your personalized supplement recommendations, there is no more guesswork, just the facts – and the proper supplements with Gene SNP Isotonix Custom Cocktail.

Primary Benefits of the Gene SNP™ DNA Analysis:

• Learn about your genetic risk based on variations in your unique genetic code
• Understand how your current nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices interact with your unique genetic code
• Make informed decisions regarding eating habits, lifestyle choices and exercise based on your genes
• Learn how market-leading Isotonix® nutraceutical supplementation recommended in your personalized Health Action Plan can help you maintain your optimum health
• Track changes and progress in your Health Action Plan and, after following recommendations, update your Online Customer Profile to determine whether you have new nutrition, exercise, lifestyle or supplementation recommendations

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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.  

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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

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How to Choose a Multivitamin

How to Choose a Multivitamin 
from Scientific Affairs

While it’s generally agreed that a balanced diet is the best foundation for health, some studies suggest that to receive the required amounts of all vitamins and minerals we would need to consume approximately 3,000 calories worth of very specific fruit and vegetable combinations on a daily basis. For anyone who is not free to cook—and eat—for the majority of the day, this is not a viable option.

For these reasons among others, it’s no surprise that a study conducted by The Council for Responsible Nutrition shows that a daily multivitamin is the first choice among dietary supplements. Adding to healthy eating with the missing vitamins and minerals not only helps prevent deficiencies related to disease; it also promotes optimal performance in everyday life. As a result, multivitamin supplementation continues to increase, as do the available choices. When it comes to making the right choice, the following points will provide solid guidance.

MultiVitamin

• Most multivitamins will contain approximately 100 percent of the RDA recommendations for 20-25 individual nutrients—in general, the most important of these are the B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, and these can certainly be present in higher amounts.
• Biotin is critical for B-complex absorption, but is often included in minimal amounts for reasons of cost—a quality multivitamin will contain 100 percent of the RDA.
• Zinc is regarded as increasingly important in recent studies, and obtaining the entire RDA from food can be challenging; a quality multivitamin should contain approximately 50 percent of the RDA to make up the difference.
• Iodine helps to ensure proper thyroid function, which is foundational to proper metabolism—a sound multivitamin formula will contain 100 percent of the RDA.
• Despite debate about iron supplementation, it is almost certainly advisable for pre-menopausal women; their RDA is set at 18mg, while men require 8mg.
• Selenium has demonstrated particular potential for men’s health, specifically prostate function, but intake must be moderate, regardless of gender—a balanced formulation will contain 75 to 100 percent of the RDA.

As the last two points suggest, varied vitamin and mineral needs have been shown in certain populations, such as higher amounts of B-complex for athletes, Vitamin D for adults over 65, and other categories based on individual genetics and lifestyle habits. Assessing those needs and taking the next step towards custom nutrition may prove useful for those individuals.

All of the above, however, will definitely prove useful in selecting a good general-purpose multivitamin. In times when many of us find ourselves struggling to reach the top of the food pyramid, this simple measure can deliver a much-needed nutritional boost.

No "Magic" bullet - Here are ways to propel you from chubby to chic

No "Magic" bullet: 
Ways to propel you from chubby to chic

With summer just around the corner, the advertisements for weight loss programs are ramping up. But despite what some diet programs promise there is no easy answer or “magic” bullet to quickly propel you from chubby to chic without any hard work on your part—despite what some of the diet programs promise.

But it can be done, over a period of time if you develop the right healthy habits:

1. Eat plenty of foods that are rich in fiber, especially plant-based fiber found in fruits, vegetables, oat bran, lentils, chickpeas, and more. 

2. Increase your intake of healthy-fat foods, including coconut oil, palm oil, and the essential fatty acids found in foods like salmon and sardines. 

3. Drink lots of clean, filtered water—strive for at least eight glasses a day. 

4. Consume large amounts of green foods, including green “superfoods” supplements. 

5. Exercise regularly with activities you really enjoy, like walking, dancing, or swimming. 

6. Get adequate rest and sleep every day. 

7. Maintain a wholesome balance between work, play, and family time. 

8. Strive to reach, and maintain, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

9. Supplement your diet with a good, daily, natural multi-nutrient preparation. 

Now it’s your turn: Which of these healthy habits do you practice?


 

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.

Study unlocks Pycnogenol’s skin health mechanism

A recent study of 20 women between the ages of 55 and 68 shows that taking 75mg of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks improved skin elasticity. 

Twelve weeks of supplementation with the Pycnogenol branded part was related with increases in skin agility and hydration, and an enlarge in the prolongation of hyaluronic acid in skin by 44%, according to commentary published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.


Hyaluronic acid is a component of the pattern between cells (extracellular matrix) that occurs of course in the body until the age of about 30, after that levels beginning to decrease. The lessen is accepted to fool around a purpose in the aging process, specific a relapse in the extracellular pattern and an enlarge in the arrangement of wrinkles.

Indeed, the hunger bellow remove was moreover related with a 3% shrinking in skin wrinkles, according to researchers from Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF) in Dusseldorf, Germany and Horphag Research, the firm at the back the ingredient.
“The present investigate confirms at a molecular turn the profitable belongings Pycnogenol supplementation might supply to human skin,” wrote the researchers. 
Read more here:
Study unlocks Pycnogenol’s skin health mechanism

Isotonix OPC-3 (OPC-3) contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol(r) 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 & blood, plasma and tears.  All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body & 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 & metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state. Isotonix(r) 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.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta praises fish oil supplements |

Dr. Sanjay Gupta praises fish oil supplements |

It’s always good to know that doctors take the supplements they’re recommending. It’s even better when the most famous doctor on the planet is recommending them.

Enter Dr. Sanjay Gupta, he of CNN fame and the man President Barack Obama initially tabbed to be Surgeon General of the United States. In a recent post on his blog “Paging Dr. Gupta,” the world-renowned medical correspondent called fish oil supplements “one of the few vitamins and supplements I take,” adding that “there’s plenty of scientific evidence to show [they] can be a powerful tool in preventing disease.”

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce a person’s risk of heart attack and heart disease and protect against stroke, dementia and other cognitive problems.

Dr. Gupta goes on to say that people should consult their physicians, since increased levels of fish oil can have side effects and do impact certain medications. Good to know, though, that the world’s most famous doc understands how combining a healthy diet with proper supplementation is a benefit to all.

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