by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
New words get coined all the time. We first heard “hangry” from one of our sons characterizing his child’s behavior. The word is quite a smooth combination of hungry and angry. The simple and undoubtedly correct idea was that the child was acting up and needed something to eat to remedy this.
The biological cycle involved here is not entirely obvious to most. A prominent “hangry” response if often the result of a sugar overload an hour or more before that results in an insulin surge and an uncomfortable blood sugar dive. The simple preventative measure is not creating a sugar overload to begin with. We know well that is easier said than done, but real whole foods work. That is not often appreciated. Loading up with sugary cereal, drinks, breads and cookies is all too easy and indeed gratifying for a parent and certainly for ourselves as well. The reward mechanism is never very subtle. “If you go and get dressed you can have a cookie and an “energy drink” is just one variation of this time-honored technique.
The immediate remedy for the “hangry” response is of course another dose of sugar. Unfortunately that just creates another meltdown in the next couple of hours and cycle continues. As this cycle repeats over years, insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes and heart disease may well develop.
In church we noticed a lively 3 year old ahead of us clutching a coloring book and a freezer bag full of sugary cereal and candy. The obvious intent was to keep the child occupied during the service. The meltdown from this high sugar dose took just under an hour.
One of our most perceptive mentors, pediatrician Dr. Doris Rapp, spoke about this decades years ago. Some still choose to debate the issue, but she knew well from observation and critical thinking what has taken health scientists many years to confirm: Sugar loads affect behavior. Dr Rapp has taught us much regarding the disorders caused by “Our Toxic World.” As her book cover states, it’s a true wake up call.
We tend to avoid processed foods and certainly sugary cereals and drinks. Our perspective is that real whole uncontaminated food results in optimal human function.
by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
SODA OR POP?
“DIET” OR SUGAR?
We often banter about whether to call it soda or pop. It depends on where we are. Regardless of what we call them, the link between sugar sweetened beverages and obesity is now clear.
“Diet” drinks bring up another subject. Because they have an artificial sweetener and no calories does that translate to less weight? What does the artificial sweetener do to our human hunger biology? How does our human biochemistry process it? Is the end result disease or health? A September 2012 study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that drinking diet soda daily was associated with an increased risk of bad blood vessel events. Other studies are confirming associations with neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis. Since it takes months or years for these manifestations of disordered biology to occur, the association often escapes the casual observer.
Most perceptive drink companies are getting into pure or naturally flavored waters and pure teas, realizing that most health conscious consumers they serve will not choose beverages that are harmful to their health.
by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
Join The HeartVolution!
We have come a long way from when our ancestors searched over generations to identify foods and herbs that improved our heart health. In the 1900’s, the earliest heart medications were purified, digitalis from the foxglove plant and quinidine from Andean forest cinchona tree bark. Heart toxins were identified including mercury, cocaine, and environmental pollutants. Specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies resulting in heart diseases were uncovered, including inadequate vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. Evaluations of general populations allowed some effective public health initiatives to succeed for a percentage but left many individuals behind. Physical activity was recognized as being good for the heart and blood vessels. Colored vegetables topped the list of foods identified as hearth healthy. There was unfortunately a huge misstep in placing all the blame for heart disease on saturated fat. We just didn’t know enough to allow all our energy to be focused on that ill-defined target.
Enter the advances of this century. The human genome project revealed the blueprint for our species. Along with it came the understanding that we are all unique. Our genes vary quite a bit from person to person. We were surprised to learn they can be turned on and off. Then we were blown away by the Human Microbiome Project showing that the trillions of microorganisms making up part of our digestive system from mouth to colon are huge parts of our DNA and our health.
Amazing techniques including NMR developed allowing us to understand that fat biochemistry is a very complex world and not just cholesterol.
The stage for the HeartVolution is set. We are beginning to measure and optimize all the beneficial components of our biochemistry, not only with the shotgun of public health, but also with the precision of a laser for each specific human. Wow! We are seeing the root causes of all those symptoms and diseases we could never understand before.
The HeartVolution is:
*Optimizing our critical building blocks like Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids
*Optimizing our microbiome with fermented foods and probiotics
*Minimizing unnecessary inflammation with our best nutritional program
*Ridding our personal environment of toxins
We continue to advocate I CAN DO:
Inflammation –cut unnecessary inflammation. It is a root cause of heart blockage. Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements can help.
Control gut health—the microbiome science is overwhelming on this point.
Activity–any type is good. Specific programs can produce amazing results
Nutrition–more scientific information and favorite foods are identified every day
D3 Vitamin—This critical component of out health must be optimized
Omega 3 ‘s – Must make up a major part of our fuel to build a healthy blood vessel system and indeed a healthy human.
The HeartVolution is here!
by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
Magnesium – A first step in blood pressure control!
MAGNESIUM IS A CENTRAL ELEMENT IN THE CONTROL OF OUR BLOOD PRESSURE. OUR BIOCHEMISTRY DOES NOT FUNCTION WELL WHEN WE HAVE AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF THIS INGREDIENT OF THE BIOLOGICAL SOUP WE KNOW TO BE OURSELVES. MOST NOTABLY, OUR BLOOD VESSELS FAIL TO RELAX PROPERLY, CONTRIBUTING TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
ECLAMPSIA IS A CONDITION WHICH MAY BE FAMILIAR TO MANY OF US. ASSOCIATED WITH LATE PREGNANCY, IT IS CHARACTERIZED BY ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE, WHICH CAN INDEED BE CRITICAL. THE TREATMENT USED FOR DECADES IS MAGNESIUM. IT IS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE IT ADDRESSES THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE CONSTRICTED BLOOD VESSEL, ALLOWING IT TO RELAX.
MAGNESIUM IS INVOLVED IN MANY BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES IN OUR BODIES. ESTIMATES ARE IN THE HUNDREDS.
MAGNESIUM IS CALCIUM’S PARTNER. NEITHER DO THEIR JOB NEARLY AS WELL WITHOUT THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE OTHER. CALCIUM GETS ALL THE PRESS, BUT MAGNESIUM DESERVES JUST AS MUCH.
INSUFFICIENT MAGNESIUM MAY MANIFEST ITSELF IN THE FORM OF MUSCLE CRAMPS, IRREGULAR HEART BEATS, DIZZINESS, WEAKNESS, CONFUSION AS WELL AS MANY OTHER WAYS.
WE GET MAGNESIUM IN OUR FOOD. DEFICIENCY RESULTS FROM INADEQUATE FOOD SOURCES, POOR ABSORPTION, AND LOSING TOO MUCH IN THE URINE.
FOODS CONTAINING GOOD AMOUNTS OF MAGNESIUM:
DARK LEAFY GREENS: SPINACH, COLLARD GREENS ETC.
AVOCADO
NUTS: ALMONDS, PECANS, BRAZIL NUTS WALNUTS ETC. WE JUST GET A NUT MIX AND KEEP IT OUT FOR HAVING A SOME PERIODICALLY DURING THE DAY. WE KNOW ABOUT THE CALORIE COUNTERS, BUT HAVE REALIZED WITH ALL THE HORMONES AND BIOCHEMISTRY INVOLVED, NUTS DON’T SIMPLY TRANSLATE TO WEIGHT.
THE BROCCOLI FAMILY THEY ARE ALWAYS NUTRIENT RICH WINNERS
DARK CHOCOLATE (IT SEEMS THIS IS ALWAYS A FUN CHOICE)
BEANS: DON’T FORGET CHICKPEAS, LENTILS AND BLACK-EYED PEAS
WHOLE GRAINS: BROWN RICE, OATS, BUCKWHEAT, WHOLE GRAIN PASTA AND QUINOA. REMEMBER THAT “REFINED GRAINS” ARE MORE PROPERLY TERMED “DEPLETED GRAINS”
FISH
YOGURT: (AVOID THE SUGARED ONES)
POOR MAGNESIUM ABSORPTION:
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY GUT WITH PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS CAN HELP.
USING SUPPLEMENTS WHICH ARE EASILY ABSORBED WILL WORK.
LOSING TOO MUCH MAGNESIUM IN THE URINE:
DIURETICS “WATER PILLS” DO THIS.
NATURAL DIURETICS LIKE CAFFEINE AND BEER. WE ALL KNOW THIS.
THIS IS ALL PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE FOR HEART HEALTH. WE SHOULD MAKE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM, VITAMIN D3 AND VITAMIN K2.
SO, DO WE JUST ROUGHLY ADJUST BASED ON THIS KNOWLEDGE, OR DO WE MEASURE TO SEE IF WE ACTUALLY HAVE ACHIEVED THE RESULT WE WANT?
GOOD: A SERUM MAGNESIUM TEST IS BETTER THAN GUESSING. THE PROBLEM IS THAT 99% OF MAGNESIUM IS NOT IN THE BLOOD, BUT IN OUR CELLS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE TEST ONLY MEASURES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE ROAD, WHEN THERE MAY BE VERY FEW AT THEIR DESIRED DESTINATION.
BETTER: RBC MAGNESIUM TEST. THIS MEASURES THE MAGNESIUM IN THE RED BLOOD CELLS. IF OUR RED CELLS DON’T HAVE ENOUGH, WE CLEARLY NEED MORE.
BEST: IONIZED MAGNESIUM AND/OR EXA TEST CAN BE HELPFUL FOR SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL BUT WON’T BE OF MUCH VALUE FOR MOST OF US.
WE ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT EACH OF US IS UNIQUE, THUS WE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH OUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.
IDEALLY, MAGNESIUM IS NORMALIZED BEFORE ANY TREATMENT FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. WHEN ALREADY BEING TREATED WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SPECIFIC ABNORMALITIES LIKE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, DIABETES, OR INTESTINAL DISEASE, MAGNESIUM WILL HAVE AN EFFECT AND MUST BE CAREFULLY ADJUSTED WITH MEDICATIONS IN MIND.
IF NEEDED, SUPPLEMENTAL MAGNESIUM CAN BE TAKEN IN MANY FORMS. WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT TAKING CERTAIN MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS BY MOUTH CAN RESULT IN DIARRHEA SO START WITH A LOW DOSE AND INCREASE AS TOLERATED. WE ALL KNOW MILK OF MAGNESIA AS A COMMON LAXATIVE.
ORAL FORMATIONS, TOPICAL GELS AND LOTIONS AND MAGNESIUM BATH SALTS ARE AVAILABLE. EPSOM SALT (MAGNESIUM SULFATE) HAS LONG BEEN USED ORALLY AS A LAXATIVE, BUT FOOT SOAKS OR BATHS CAN RESTORE MAGNESIUM LEVELS. For Epsom salt baths, use 2 cups of Epsom salt in the tub and soak for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week. What a relaxing way to provide our body with one of the critical components it craves.
SWIMMING IN SEA WATER ALLOWS MAGNESIUM ABSORPTION THROUGH THE SKIN.
MAINTAINING A NORMAL MAGNESIUM IS BASIC TO OUR HEART HEALTH.
by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
It’s possible to slow down the aging process!
Much more is known, day by day, about the biochemical mechanisms that make up our being. The biochemistry and biophysics involved is basic, but the appreciation of the importance of certain reactions and how they can be enhanced is new.
Aging is an unclear term that really refers to deterioration of our optimal biochemistry.
We have always known that some persons age more quickly than others. One of the extremes of this proves the rule. Individuals with the Progeria condition have rapid deterioration of biochemical mechanisms due to their DNA composition. (See Drill down 1 below)
One of the keys to this is the NAD-NADH reaction basic to our system.
The more poor, lonely unpaired electrons circulating in our bodies, the greater the deterioration of our system. The more NAD (electron paired molecules) the better.
More of the building blocks, such as pterostilbene and forms of Vitamin B3, result in more NAD and slower deterioration or “aging.”
More of these building blocks can be taken in through food with high amounts of the proper nutrients.
Pterostilbene is found in almonds, blueberries and grape leaves.
Niacin is the food source of the building blocks and in found in sweet peppers, portabella mushrooms, apricots, sesame seeds, ginger, tuna, venison and pork among many others.
A somewhat easier way for those of us whose nutrition habits are lacking is to take purified forms of these nutrients so that the optimal effect can be achieved.
(Drill Down 1)
This is called the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Like many medical conditions, the name says nothing about the actual root cause or remedies for the condition. The DNA in these persons is degraded rapidly such that at ages less than 10 years they have physical characteristics of the average elderly person. Certainly this is a brave group of resilient individuals, relatives and friends who work to improve this condition all the while embracing the remarkable life the present situation offers.
by imavexadmin | Feb 4, 2019 | Today's Information
Picking our poison?
WHITE RICE IS HIGH IS SUGAR. EXCESSIVE SUGAR, A PRIMARY VILLAIN IN THE HEART DISEASE STORY, PROMOTES OBESITY AND HEART DISEASE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, BROWN RICE CONTAINS THE HUSK WHERE DAMAGING LECTINS LURK. LECTINS ARE CARBOHYDRATE-BINDING PROTEINS PRESENT IN MANY PLANTS AND ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID ENTIRELY IN THE DIET. THEY ARE PARTIALLY NEUTRALIZED BY COOKING.
LECTINS ARE HIGHLY INFLAMMATORY. CHECKING OUR hsCRP LEVEL AND KEEPING IT LOW GIVES OF A MEASURE OF HOW WE ARE DOING IN HEART DISEASE PREVENTION.
LESS THAN 1.0 IS GOOD, LESS THAN 0.5 BETTER AND LESS THAN 0.1 BEST.
DON’T CONFUSE LECTIN (AN INFLAMMATORY FOOD COMPONENT) WITH LEPTIN (A HORMONE IN OUR BODY THAT REGULATES OUR APPETITE AND FAT.)
DISCOVERED IN 1994, LEPTIN IS A HORMONE WHICH IS MADE IN OUR FAT CELLS. IT GOES THE HYPOTHALAMUS PART OF OUR BRAIN AND USES VAGUS NERVE PATHWAYS TO TELL US WHEN WE ARE FULL. ONE EFFECT OF LECTIN IN OUR FOOD IS TO MAKE US RESISTANT TO THE HORMONE LEPTIN’S MESSAGE THAT WE’VE EATEN ENOUGH. ULTIMATELY, LEPTIN CONTROLS OUR APPETITE AND OUR FAT.
SIMPLY IT APPEARS BEST TO US TO CONTINUE WITH WHOLE FOODS AND A PLANT BASED MATRIX WHILE BEING AWARE THAT EXCESSIVE LECTIN CAN BE A CULPRIT IN OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE. SOME COOKED BROWN RICE IS NOT A BAD CHOICE AS PART OF WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION WITH LOTS OF FIBER. LIMITING SUGAR, FOODS THAT GO TO SUGAR, AND PROCESSED FOODS ARE GOOD CHOICES.
DRILL DOWN:
Miyake K, Tanaka T, McNeil PL, 2007 Lectin-Based Food Poisoning: A New Mechanism of Protein Toxicity. PLoS ONE 2(8): e687. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000687
“The Plant Paradox” Steven Gundry, MD
