– The study showed higher intakes of the mineral selenium and folic acid (a B-vitamin) were associated with a 50% reduction in colon cancer incidence

Study Design

The study was a large, population-based, case-control study including 1,691 subjects with colon cancer

Results: – Individuals with Selenium blood levels above 140 mcg/L and Folic Acid intake above 354 mcg per day, on average, showed a 50% reduction in risk of colon cancer.

Reference: Connelly-Frost A et al (U of North Carolina, Chapel Hill). Selenium, folate, and colon cancer. Nutr Cancer, 2009; 61(2): 165-78. (2009)

How To Achieve These Levels:

• To get your selenium blood levels above 140 mcg/L you typically need a supplement each day that contains about 100 mcg per day. The typical intake of selenium from the diet is an additional 35-55 mcg per day. Thus, from diet and supplementation everyone can achieve this important blood level. This is one of the reasons I included 100 mcg in the Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Supplement

• To ingest over 354 mcg of folic acid per day, most people accomplish this by taking a supplement containing meaningful levels of folic acid. The Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral contains 400 mcg of folic acid.

• Most people only consume about 190 mcg of folic acid from food each day.

• Previous studies have also shown that selenium and folic acid were associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer. This is important because colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in our society and the National Cancer Institute indicates that up to 90% of cases are preventable through better nutritional practices.

How Selenium Protects Us

1. Selenium by-products (methlylated selenium) have been shown to have direct killing effects on emerging cancer cells and encourages them to commit suicide (programmed cell death)  – experimental studies
2. Selenium also activates the antioxidant enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase, which quenches free radicals.

How Folic Acid Protects Us

1. Folic acid is required for DNA replication with each cell division. A deficiency in folic acid leads to weak DNA strands (hypomethylation) that break easily forming mutations, which can trigger cancer development.
2. The cells that line the colon turn over every few days, and thus, require adequate folic acid for DNA synthesis and integrity. As such, folic acid deficiency puts colon cells at high risk for cancerous changes to occur

Overall Colon Cancer Prevention Program

10 Steps To Prevent Colon Cancer:

1. Reduce or eliminate intake of high animal fat foods including all red meat, pork and high fat dairy products (exception of fish). You should also avoid fried foods, pan-fried foods, and foods high in transfats.
2. Consume more fiber from whole grains, beans and peas, fruits, vegetables, and consider daily supplementation with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds.
3. Remain physically activity as people who exercise regularly have been shown to have a lower incidence of colon cancer.
4. Ingest 1500 mg of calcium and at least 1200 IU of vitamin D each day from food and supplements. Remember that you can easily achieve these levels by taking the Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral each day, along with the Adeeva Bone Support Formula (2 caplets).
5. Ingest 100 mcg of selenium and 400 mcg of folic acid per day (The Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral enables you to succeed with this strategy as well)
6. Reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages to no more than one drink in any 24-hour period (one drink = 5 oz glass of wine; 12 oz beer; 1 oz hard liquor)
7. Keep your waist circumference below 36 inches if you are a man and below 33 inches if you are a woman.
8. Get some additional omega-3 and anti-inflammatory fats from a supplement containing Borage, Flaxseed and Fish oil (e.g. Adeeva Nature’s Essential Oils)
9. Avoid foods containing nitrates (e.g. processed meats) and don’t char your foods if you Bar BQ. And don’t Bar BQ red meat or pork products.
10. Get a colonoscopy if you are over 50 years old. If a first-degree relative died of colon cancer then get your first colonoscopy by age 40. A colonoscopy not only screens for early detection of colon cancer, but also enables the doctor to remove any polyps or suspicious lesions during the procedure. So, it can also be a therapeutic procedure.

A 2009 study once again showed that vitamin E supplementation improved outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients.

(Reference: Pavlik VN  et al. Vitamin E Use Is Associated with Improved Survival in an Alzheimer’s Disease Cohort. Journal – Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders 2009, Vol. 28, No. 6)

Study Design

847 Patients with Alzheimer’s disease were recruited into the study:

• One group of patients were given vitamin E supplementation and an Alzheimer’s Drug
• One group of patients received only vitamin E supplementation
• One group of patients received only the Alzheimer’s drug
• The control group did not receive either vitamin E or the Alzheimer’s drug

Results

• The group receiving vitamin E on its own realized a reduced overall mortality by 23% compared to patients receiving no therapy
• The Alzheimer’s drug taken on its own slightly increased mortality compared to patients receiving no treatmen
• The group receiving the vitamin E and the Alzheimer’s drug  showed the best overall results (about 30% reduction in overall mortality and improved overall function)

Conclusion

• Vitamin E supplementation is helpful to Alzheimer’s patient, and the sooner they start the better
• The ideal dosage appears to be 1000 IU, twice per day
• Vitamin E acts as a brain antioxidant, slowing brain damage produced by free radicals. Free radicals have been shown to participate in Alzheimer’s disease
• Alzheimer’s Cooperative Study in previous years also showed that 2000 IU of vitamin E supplementation per day slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
• This recent study (Pavlik VN  et al. 2009) shows that vitamin E supplementation can be taken safely in concert with standard Alzheimer’ medications, and further that vitamin E supplementation enhances the efficacy of Alzheimer’s medications
• No increased risk of cancer or heart disease occurred in the groups given the high doses of vitamin E. The researchers concluded, “The results do not support a concern over increased mortality with high-dose vitamin E supplementation”

(From the journal, Arthritis Research and Therapy: Norman Ng et al, 2010)

• In this study, 36 inactive patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee (ages 43-73) were given 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate/day for 6 weeks

• At the end of 6-weeks they began a walking program – working up to 30 mins, 3-5 times per week, along with continuing to take their glucosamine supplement for another 6 wks. Then they increased their walking time to 1 hour, 3-5 times per week for another 6 weeks (while still taking the glucosamine supplement)

Results

1. Glucosamine on its own reduced pain, swelling, stiffness and improved joint function in the first 6 weeks
2. The addition of walking 30 mins, 3 times per week improved symptoms further
3. Walking one hour, 3-5 times per week, did not improve symptoms more than just walking 30 minutes

Numerous studies show that Glucosamine Sulfate improves symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis.  This is because it:

1. Stops cartilage erosion
2. Reduces swelling
3. Improves joint function

This 2010 study is one more example of the value of glucosamine sulfate in managing osteoarthritis.

How does Glucosamine work?

• Our body makes glucosamine till age 40, then there is a decline in synthesis
• Glucosamine is required for cartilage production in our joints, which act as shock absorbing pads
• The decline in glucosamine synthesis after 40 results in cartilage breaks down leading to osteoarthritis

Thus, glucosamine supplementation should be considered as a supplement to help prevent osteoarthritis as well as to help manage this condition.

In my opinion, it’s best to take a glucosamine supplement that also includes some effective natural anti-inflammatory agents, as I did with the creation of Adëeva Glucosamine Joint Formula, which contains:

1. MSM
2. Quercetin
3. Bromelain Enzymes – from the pineapple stem
4. Glucosamine Sulfate

Dosage:

• One capsule per day for prevention after age 40
• Three capsules per day in the management of osteoarthritis. If you weigh more than 200 pounds or are taking a diuretic drug (water pill) then you may need four capsules per day (2000 mg of glucosamine)

]]> http://www.meschinohealth.com/blog/just-in/2010/03/30/glucosamine-for-hip-and-knee-arthritis/feed/ 0 http://www.meschinohealth.com/blog/just-in/2010/02/26/green-tea-for-stronger-bones/ http://www.meschinohealth.com/blog/just-in/2010/02/26/green-tea-for-stronger-bones/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:08:05 +0000 admin http://www.meschinohealth.com/blog/?p=307 Green Tea and Bone Density

• The catechin compounds in green tea have recently been shown to increase bone density in animal studies.

• Previously, we saw that tea drinkers had 2.8% higher bone density than non-tea drinkers in a large human observation study, as published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007.

• The study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2009) showed that epigallocatechin (EGC), a catechin compound in green tea (and one of the antioxidant components), had the strongest effect of stimulating bone growth (osteoblastic activity) and inhibiting bone breakdown (osteoclastic activity).

• Other studies have shown an association between green tea and a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease and that green tea catechins can promote weight loss. As such, many health experts suggest drinking 2-5 cups per day of green tea daily for general health support.

• It has been proposed that catechins in green tea help to burn fat by increasing thermogenesis (burning more calories at rest by prompting a person’s brown fat to burn more fat at rest and give it off as heat to the environment) and/or by releasing fat from fat cells, so muscles can burn the fat more efficiently during activity and exercise.

• In green tea 30-40% of the constituents are antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, including various catechins

• In black tea, only 3-10% of the constituents are antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, including various catechins (black tea is green tea that has undergone fermentation, which removes much of the catechins and other antioxidants)

• The take home message is that drinking more green tea may be one more way that you can support your bone density and help to prevent osteoporosis, which is estimated to affect one in four women and one in eight men over 50. Of course, the anti-cancer, anti-heart disease and fat-burning properties of green tea are also very nice side effects.

• Thus, you may wish to consider drinking 2-3 cups per day of green tea.

• As well, remember that Adeeva Body Burn contains 200 mg of decaffeinated green tea extract per capsules (along with other fat-metabolizing agents), of which a high percentage is comprised of catechins. Taking 3 capsules per day (the recommended dosage) provides 600 mg of these important health-promoting compounds, at the same time as they assist you in achieving your weight management goals. And now we learn that these same catechins may also help to support bone density – NICE

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Eczema is estimated to affect up 20% of Americans

Eczema can be triggered by skin contact with irritants or by ingesting certain foods, or may result from a deficiency state of certain dietary compounds. Thus, the approach to eczema needs to be personalized to the unique circumstance of the individual.

Recently, we have seen that topical treatment or eczema lesions with Vitamin B12 (a solution applied to the skin) has been shown to improve eczema in adults to a significant degree.

In April 2009, publishing in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, R. Januchowski reported results of a study using topical vitamin B12 to treat eczema in individuals between 6 months old and 18 years old. This was the first study to test topical vitamin B12 in infants, children and young adults.

The study by Januchowski showed that topical vitamin B12 treatment produced significant improvement in eczema lesions compared to the group given the placebo treatment, when patients were followed up after 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-treatment.

A number of studies have shown that certain dietary strategies and certain nutritional supplements can also improve and stabilize eczema conditions.

As such, if you suffer from eczema you should complete the free online Nutrition/Lifestyle/Anti-Aging Assessment I created (Natural Health Test) and answer yes to the question, “Do you suffer from eczema”? A detailed report will be emailed back to you outlining a comprehensive lifestyle and nutrition program to help better manage this condition.

The recent studies showing that topical application of vitamin B12 is a useful adjunct to eczema treatment for infants, children and adults is a relative new discovery. As such, many doctors may not yet be aware of this important finding, which you may wish to bring to their attention.

Below is the link to my online Nutrition/Lifestyle/Anti-aging Assessment, which you should access if you have not yet undergone this comprehensive evaluation.

During pregnancy and breast feeding a woman should go off of all supplements she was taking previously and supplement with a Prenatal Vitamin supplement only, as recommended by her attending physician

There is also an argument for the use of a supplement containing flaxseed oil, fish oil and borage seed oil, to provide essential fatty acids required for brain development of the fetus and the breast feeding infant. In this case, 3 capsules of Adeeva Nature’s Essential Oils, per day, should be considered. But approval from your physician is mandatory.

Ginger has long been used as an anti-emetic because it soothes the stomach and through different mechanisms helps to reduce nausea and vomiting in people with motion sickness and other problems that promote nausea and vomiting.

As such, over the years ginger has been taken by pregnant women who experience morning sickness or nausea and vomiting through the day. Studies have shown success with this application.

The recent study by G. Ozgoli and fellow researchers (March 2009) in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that taking 250 mg of ginger capsules, 4 times daily, significantly reduced nausea and vomiting compared to the group given the placebo pill. All 67 women in the study were pregnant and were experiencing nausea and vomiting problems at the beginning of the study.

This is a research paper that you may wish to bring to the attention of your physician if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant (and nausea and vomiting is an issue for you).

For individuals who are not pregnant of breast feeding, you may wish to consider taking 250 mg of ginger capsules, four times daily if you are bothered by a condition that induces nausea (and/or vomiting) or if this problem is side effect of a drug or medical treatment you are receiving, or in cases where you may be bothered by motion sickness.

Reference: Ozgoli G, Ozgoli M, Simbar M. Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea and vomiting. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. March 2009, 15 (3):243-246

Migraine headaches are a very disabling pain problem for a high percentage of individuals.

Researchers continue to look for safe and effective practices that can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines

A 2004 study in The European Journal of Neurology showed that high dose Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) supplementation reduced migraine frequency and severity in migraine sufferers.

More recently, the study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics (2009) by R. Lea and fellow researchers showed that B-vitamin supplementation with folic acid, riboflavin and vitamin B12 reduced migraine severity and frequency to a significant degree compared to those given the placebo pill, in a study involving 57 migraine sufferers.

The B-vitamin daily dosages were:

• Folic acid – 2 mg (2000 mcg)
• Riboflavin – 25 mg
• Vitamin B12 – 400 mcg

The B-vitamin supplemented group also realized a 39% decrease in their blood homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a dangerous substance that has been shown to cause about 10% of all heart attacks each year. Therefore, keeping homocysteine lower is very desirable.

Some evidence suggests that homocysteine may also contribute to susceptibility to migraine headaches, and thus lowering homocsyteine may reduce migraine attacks, as realized in this 2009 study.

Other studies have shown that by simply taking a B-50 complex that homocysteine levels are reduced. The Adeeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral already has a B-50 complex in it, or you can simply purchase a B-50 complex at a drug or health food store. However, 2000 mcg of folic acid is a very high dose, which requires a prescription. It is likely not necessary to take such a high dose of folic acid. A B-50 complex should be tried as the first strategy.

Other natural ways of reducing migraine frequency and severity is through supplementation the herb feverfew and magnesium. Some patients report improvement with chiropractic treatment, and/or acupuncture, and/or progressive relaxation exercises (including yoga).

If you are a migraine sufferer I suggest that you take my free online Nutrition/Lifestyle/Anti-aging assessment (Natural Health Test) and answer yes to the question, “Do you suffer from migraine headaches”? Here is the link to the natural health test if you have not yet undergone this important health evaluation.

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More Than 5 Pounds of Weight Loss In 12-Weeks!!

Very few supplements can actually help you shed extra body fat. The only safe and proven ones that have real scientific support in my view include:

• Chromium – 200-400  mcg per day
• Hydroxycitric acid (from the Garcina Cambogia fruit) – 1000 – 2000 mg per day
• Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract – yielding 600 – 1200 mg of Catechin content per day

Of course, stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, amphetamines, caffeine and ephedra-containing herbs can speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight, but they also over stimulate your brain, nervous system and heart and have resulted in cases of sudden death heart attack, stroke, seizures, and other nasty side effects. These ingredients are very unsafe in my view. You are simply putting yourself at risk for sudden death if you use them, regardless of your age – young people have died from taking stimulant-containing supplements.

So the recent studies showing that the catechin compound, found in decaffeinated green tea extract, can boost the burning of fat is quite impressive.

The study by T Nagao and fellow researchers (American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition) showed that catechin supplementation alone produced a 5.3 pound weight loss in human subjects in just 12-weeks. The participants also lost inches around their waist and hip. In addition, supplementation with catehins also improved several risk factors for heart disease

Many researchers have shown that the antioxidants in green tea can reduce events associated with cancer and heart disease, and quite conveniently catechins are an important component of green tea antioxidants. The latest research now shows that in addition to their disease prevention properties, supplementation with a meaningful dose of catechins each day can help you burn fat more efficiently and lose excess body fat.

The research indicates that in order to lose weight one would require a minimum daily dosage of 600 mg of catechins from decaffeinated green tea extract (less than 1% caffeine). I suggest you take this supplement as part of comprehensive weight management supplement that provides a minimum daily dosage of:

1. Chromium -200 mcg
2. Hydroxycitric acid – 1500 mg
3. Green Tea Catechins (from decaffeinated green tea) – 600 mg

I recently reformulated the Adeeva Body Burn supplement to reflect the new research showing that catechins, from decaffeinated green tea extract, outperforms coleus forskolin, and is a safer ingredient to use as a fat metabolizer. It also has outstanding disease—prevention properties that I want for my own body each day, in addition to its fat-burning properties.

Well, before you give up your morning cup I’d suggest you watch this short video.

I hope you enjoy it,

Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ND