Glyconutrients

Folks worried about their heart health will be relieved to learn that a number of recent studies suggest that you already have a cheap yet very powerful weapon against heart attacks, strokes and other heart disease conditions. At a cost of less than $2 it sits, waiting, on your bathroom counter and is none other your humble toothbrush.

Researchers have found that people with Periodontal Disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from Coronary Artery Disease as those without Periodontal Disease. One study even found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (Gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good at predicting Heart Disease as cholesterol levels!

How can that be? Some studies point to the culprit in the, ‘bad gums = heart disease’ connection as an inflammatory process. They explain that plaque build-up at the gum-line, produces inflammation which sets-off a cascade of events producing inflammation in the arteries of the heart.

Oral bacteria may provoke inflammation, which may increase levels of white blood cells and C-Reactive Protein, or CRP, Will said. C-Reactive Protein is an inflammatory marker found in the blood that has been linked to Heart Disease.  A form of this protein called, ‘Highly Sensitive CRP (or hs-CRP) is considered a good predictor of recurrent heart attacks. The hs-CRP is also associated with lower survival rates, according to the American Heart Association.  Consumer Reports cites a recent study that found periodontal therapy actually reduced patients’ levels of CRP.

Yet most recent studies point to bacteria rather than CRP as the connection between Heart Disease and Gum Disease. Researchers at Howard University did a retrospective look at 11 studies that examined the connection between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease.

Results point to a strong correlation between subjects’ levels of systemic bacteria, the presence of Periodontal Disease and the development of Heart Disease.  “They found that individuals with Periodontal Disease whose biomarkers showed increased bacterial exposure, were more likely to develop coronary heart disease or atherogenesis;” which is the formation of artery-blocking plaque, according to study results published by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Periodontitis has been linked in multiple studies not only to heart disease, but also Diabetes complications, pneumonia, stroke and even premature births.

The milder form of gum disease is gingivitis and, with proper treatment, it usually can be reversed with improved oral care and mouth rinses. The more aggressive form is periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.  When the gums become red and inflamed due to poor oral hygiene or a disease in the body affecting soft tissue, “the spillover of bacteria gets into the bloodstream,” said Gayle Will, deputy health editor of Consumer Reports.

Another study by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York looked at people with no known Heart Disease, and the levels of bacteria in their mouth. They found people with higher blood levels of certain oral bacteria were more likely to have clogged carotid arteries in the neck, which can cause strokes.  Yet the lead author of that study, Dr. Moise Desvarieux, said the results could lead to the old “which-came-first, the-chicken-or-the-egg” question. It is difficult to know for certain whether one caused the other and further research is needed.

Still, he suggests, even if severe gum disease doesn’t cause Heart Disease, it could be just as important to know if Gum Disease is a precursor to heart disease. That’s because Heart Disease is difficult to diagnose before patients are symptomatic — and sometimes by then, significant damage is already done.

Why not begin to make changes to safe-guard your heart health today?  You can easily start by establishing a routine of flossing and brushingafter each meal, followed by a refreshing natural mouth rinse. This is especially important as a bedtime habit.  A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you’re sleeping and bacterium are gathering on your teeth.

So start your new routine today!

Best Health,

-Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

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Straight from the docks – fresh evidence that Fish Oil is absolutely essential to your health – especially for cognitive brain function, as well as aging.

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Disease & Memory Disorders Center have found positive associations between Fish Oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of Fish Oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of Fish Oil supplements on brain health and aging.

       The results were reported at the recent International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, in Paris, France that just wrapped-up on July 21^st; and truly provide new hope for anybody concerned about the long-range health of their brain.hmmmm, are you taking Fish Oil?

       The study included 819 individuals, 117 of them reported regular use of Fish Oil supplements before entry and during study follow-up. The researchers compared cognitive functioning and brain degeneration for patients who reported routinely using these supplements to those who were not using Fish Oil supplements.

       Lori Daiello, PharmD, lead researcher, reports that compared to non-users, use of Fish Oil supplements was associated with better cognitive functioning. However, this association was significant only in those individuals who had a normal baseline cognitive function and in individuals who tested negative for a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease known as APOE4. This is consistent with previous research.

       The unique finding, however, is that there was a clear association between Fish Oil supplements and brain volume.In other words, Fish Oil use was associated with less brain shrinkage in patients taking these supplements during the study compared to those who didn’t use them.

Hey, but before you click over to House of Nutrition to get your brain healthy product – you should probably ask – How do I chose a Fish Oil supplement? 

Glad you asked!  Here are some easy tips.

• Look for the seal. Companies including USP and NSF analyze supplements for the real vitamin level and for any impurities. The seal on the label tells you an independent company has reviewed the supplement.Also, a reputable company will also ensure that the purity, quality and your safety are guaranteed.
• Look for oil which is molecularly distilled, a process that takes place in a vacuum to avoid oxidation of Fish Oil. This is the only process that successfully removes impurities and contaminants from Fish Oil. This process also produces a more concentrated form of Fish Oil supplement with high potencies of EPA and DHA.
• Look for a product that’s “species specific,” with fish like wild Salmon, Anchovies and Sardines on the label (btw these are the specific varieties which have the highest levels and the best Fish Oil for Omega-3). This is the only way to know where the oil came from. When a supplement label just says “fish oil” or “marine lipids,” they’re hiding something and the product should NOT be considered.
• Look for supplements that have a balanced ratio of all eight Omega-3 fatty acids. Research has proven that all eight members of the Omega-3 family are vitally important to your health. The Omega-3 nutrients need to be complete and balanced, just like they are in nature, in order to be beneficial. Many people have heard of ALA, DHA and EPA – they’re the Omega-3 ‘all-stars’. But DPA, HPA, ETA, ETA and SDA are all just as important. And when the whole Fish Oil family is present, they’re much more powerful than any individual fatty acid.
• Lastly, make sure there are no unlabeled oils or strange ingredients hidden in the product. How? Take a moment to add up the individual Omega-3 fatty acids listed on the label. They should equal the total amount of oil in the product. Otherwise, you’re getting ripped off!

So now that you know what to look for come by and check out some great prices on some really superior Fish Oil products like:

Futurebiotics Omega-3 Fish Oil

Schiff’s Omega-3 Fish Oil Enteric Coated

Natrol’s Omega-3 Fish Oil

Carlson’s Very Finest Norwegian Fish Oil

Best Health,

Jeanne Ricks, CHC, AADP

Ribose is another glyconutrient necessary to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) , which is the body’s main energy source.  Like other glyconutrients it can be used by diabetics.  Many elderly people come in looking for energy supplements without the adverse side effects of stimulants that cause high blood pressure and/or palpitations.  This product not only gives you energy but assists the body in healing itself before and after any form of exercise.  Excellent for muscle recovery!

I used to work for a Medical Doctor who practiced Integrative Medicine, who highly recommended this product for her patients, especially the elderly.  Many patients who suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and/or Epstein Barr greatly benefited from taking this product.  It’s nice to know that some Medical Doctors recognize the benefits of this supplement.

I usually recommend Jarrow D-Ribose along with Jarrow Q Absorb (CoQ10).  Ribose is one of the most essential nutrients for general heart health.

by:  Carol Lombardo

There are so many benefits in taking inositol. In Italy inositol has been used for years for depression. Inositol is part of your B vitamins and combines with choline to form lecithin. It is found in many different foods, e.g., brown rice, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains. Helps to lower cholesterol, aids in metabolizing body fat and may aid in preventing hair loss. It has calming benefits as well which makes it a great supplement to take before bedtime.

Last week a customer came in with a prescription paper from her doctor for myo-inositol. Myo relates to our  liver and muscles. Inositol works on an intra-cellular level. Most companies don’t put myo-inositol on label, except for Jarrow Formulas Inositol capsules. I prefer their powder form, especially for medicinal purposes. The powder has a sweet taste but doesn’t cause glucose elevation, in fact, it can be used for diabetics.

Customers have asked me where does it come from. Jarrow’s inositol comes from rice bran grown in Japan. Most assume that it’s a sugar and in a way they are right. It’s a glyconutrient — an indirect source of glucose and glucoronic acid. Glyconutrients are imperative for every cell in your body. For example, glycoside is used to heart disease, as in the plant Digitalis purpurea.

According to Michael Murray, ND, you can take inositol supplementation without any side effects. For general liver support — 100 to 500 mgs. daily; for depression or panic disorder — 12 grams (12,000 mgs.) and for the treatment of diabetes — 1 gram to 2 grams per day.

Don’t use if you’re using lithium or have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Also note this product, like any supplement that helps to detoxify the liver it may increase bowel movements (don’t be alarmed).

There are many books written regarding glyconutrients, e.g., Miracle Sugars by Rita Elkins.

Glucosamine is a natural occurring substance in the body. Glucosamine delays the progression of the disease and relieves symptoms even for weeks after termination of the treatment. It is also one of the 8 (eight) glyconutrients, which help our bodies heal.

There has been some confusion about this supplement because of its classification as a sugar. However, there is a big difference in white sugar vs. miracle sugars that our bodies make. There is still no definite evidence that diabetics shouldn’t use glucosamine. Diabetics and those taking medications should still check with their doctor(s) before taking this or any other supplements, due to possible interactions.

As most people know glucosamine is very beneficial for cartilage repair and joint health related to arthritis, however, some people are allergic to shellfish. There are several formulas available without shellfish.

I recommend Garden of Life’s FYI ULTRA ULTIMATE Joint & Cartilage Formula.