This Week's Healthy Fun Facts!

Fact #1:
Since I take my Vitamin D everyday, I hope I don’t outlive my 401K.
Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of death from all causes by 26 per cent, suggests a study with 13,000 initially healthy men and women. In adults, vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

DFH carries Vitamin D Synergy and Vitamin D Supreme with 2000IU’s and 5000IU’s of vitamin D respectively.

Source: 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the risk of mortality in the general population.

Fact #2:
Spicing up your diet may also add years to your life and life to your years.
Herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, and a new University of Georgia study suggests they are also potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar. In addition to finding high levels of antioxidant-rich compounds known as phenols, they revealed a direct correlation between phenol content and the ability of the extracts to block the formation of compounds that contribute to damage caused by diabetes and aging.

A process known as protein glycation occurs in which the sugar bonds with proteins to eventually form what are known as advanced glycation end products, also known as AGE compounds. The acronym is fitting because these compounds activate the immune system, resulting in the inflammation and tissue damage associated with aging and diabetes.

If you’re spice cabinet is a little bare, you can always reach for the Ultimate Antiox HS which contain a wide variety of herb and spice extracts.

Source: Inhibition of protein glycation by extracts of culinary herbs and spices.

Fact #3:
“Very funny Billy. Yes, you look like an elephant but your celery sticks belong in your stomach not in your nose.”
It appears that as parents, we have a greater influence on our children’s eating habits than we might believe. When parents eat more fruits and vegetables so do their children. On the other hand the same occurs when the parents are reaching for sugary and salty snacks.

"Overweight children have already been exposed to salty, sweet foods and learned to like them," says Debra Haire-Joshu, Ph.D., a professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work and who also holds an appointment at the School of Medicine as a professor. "To keep a child from becoming overweight, parents need to expose them early to a variety of healthy foods and offer the foods many times."

Haire-Joshu says many children today are taught patterns that lead to obesity. "We want families to provide their child with an environment in which they not only learn how to eat healthy but have the opportunity to practice what they learn," she says.

Source: High 5 for Kids: The impact of a home visiting program on fruit and vegetable intake of parents and their preschool children.

Fact #4:
This may help those going through a difficult time.
According to a recent study, high protein meals with ginger reduced the delayed nausea of chemotherapy and reduced use of antiemetic medications. Protein with ginger holds the potential of representing a novel, nutritionally based treatment for the delayed nausea of chemotherapy according to the authors.

DFH’s Whey Cool protein powder is low heat processed in order to retain the immune-protective activities of the lactoferrins, immunoglobulins, serum albumins and other important natural components of whey.

Source: Protein and ginger for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced delayed nausea.

Fact #5:
…and it’ll also help with those stubborn cases of H. Pylori.
Extracts of ginger demonstrated inhibitory properties against H. pylori growth.


Source: Inhibition of gastric H(+),K(+)-ATPase and Helicobacter pylori growth by phenolic antioxidants of Curcuma amada.

L-Carnitine for Fat-burning

L-carnitine helps burn fat without causing muscle loss! Overweight subjects benefited from supplementation with the amino acid L-carnitine in a study conducted at the University of Rostack Children’s Hospital Research Laboratory in Germany. Study subjects supplemented three grams of L-carnitine daily for 10 days. At the end of the study, researchers noted that the subjects experienced a significant increase in fat burning without attendant protein breakdown leading to muscle loss.

Metabolism 53(8):1002-1006, 2004

Designs for Health CarniClear™ supersaturated carnitine liquid is a pleasant naturally flavored non-acidic liquid form of carnitine, conveniently delivered in two sizes: 8 oz economy and 1 oz for travel. This product is both the most convenient, and most affordable way of delivering the multi-gram dosing of carnitine that is most often prescribed by health care practitioners.
In addition to the pure base L-carnitine, CarniClear™ contains small amounts of highly purified glycerine and 500 mcg of vitamin B12 and 100 mg of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). Vitamin B5 is added to support a necessary step in fat metabolism, the synthesis of Coenzyme A, which is essential for the transport of fat by l-carnitine. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in many metabolic pathways, including endogenous carnitine synthesis. Diets low in animal meat are very deficient in Vitamin B12, as well as carnitine.
L-Carnitine is a compound naturally occurring in all foods but significant amounts are only found in dark meats (due to high concentration of mitochondria), for example: lamb (190mg/4 oz), beef (143mg/4 oz), poultry(13mg/4 oz), fish (3-10mg/4 oz).
Carnitine supplementation may be needed especially for vegetarian diets or when dark meats are consumed in small amounts because neither preformed carnitine nor its precursor amino acids are ingested in adequate amounts to support optimal health.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Inositol May Help Fight Psoriasis caused by Lithium

According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, taking the supplement inositol may help reduce the severity of psoriasis, a common side-effect in people using lithium medication. Lithium carbonate is the most widely used long-term treatment for bipolar affective disorders, but its ability to trigger and exacerbate psoriasis can become a major problem in patients for whom lithium is the only treatment option.

Describing why they initiated their study, researchers reported that “Inositol depletion underlies the action of lithium in bipolar affective disorders and there are good theoretical reasons why the use of inositol supplements might be expected to help this group of patients.”

A member of the B-complex vitamin group, inositol has previously been shown to reduce some negative side-effects of lithium without impeding the benefits.

In the new study 15 patients with psoriasis who were taking lithium took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial comparing the effect of inositol supplements with those of a placebo. Study subjects were randomly assigned to take six grams of inositol per day or placebo for 10 weeks. Changes in the severity of their psoriasis were measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores recorded before and after the different courses of treatment.

Researchers found that the group taking inositol experienced a 35% decrease in psoriasis severity, whereas the placebo group’s psoriasis worsened by roughly 60%. They concluded that “the use of inositol supplements is worth considering for patients with intractable psoriasis who need to continue to take lithium for bipolar affective disorders.”

British Journal of Dermatology, 150(5):966, 2004

Designs for Health Inositol powder

Inositol Powder: Inositol is one of the most versatile nutrients for promoting brain wellness, a positive and relaxed outlook, and restful sleep. It also is one of the most crucial nutrients for promoting female hormonal health through its role in supporting optimal liver function. Inositol also helps maintain healthy serotonin metabolism, and by so doing helps treat many conditions that involve poor serotonin function. Inositol promotes liver health, and works especially well when taken along with phosphatidyl choline. Inositol is a pleasant, mildly sweet tasting powder that dissolves instantly in water. Patients love the taste!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Krill Oil May Help Inhibit Inflammation

A Canadian study clearly indicates that Neptune Krill Oil (NKO™) at a daily dose of 300 mg “significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.”

In the study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers wanted to assess the effect of NKO on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic inflammation; they also set out to evaluate the effectiveness of NKO on arthritic symptoms. CRP is a protein produced by the liver that is used as a marker of inflammation. It’s useful in determining the effectiveness of various treatments.

Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, 90 subjects with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis and increased levels of CRP were recruited to undergo blood analysis for three consecutive weeks. Group A received 300 mg of NKO daily and Group B received a placebo. CRP levels and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis scores were measured at the beginning of the study and at days 7, 14 and 30.

After seven days of treatment, NKO reduced CRP by more than 19% compared to an increase of 15% in the placebo group. After 14 and 30 days of treatment, NKO further decreased CRP by 30% and 31%, respectively. Meanwhile, the CRP levels of subjects in the placebo group increased to 32% after 14 days and then decreased to 25% at day 30.

NKO also showed a significant reduction in all three WOMAC scores. After seven days of treatment, NKO reduced pain scores by 29%, reduced stiffness by 20% and reduced functional impairment by 23%.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition 26(1):39-48, 2007
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

CLA and Weight Loss

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) combined with treadmill exercise may decrease fat mass and increase lean muscle tissue, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Researchers began their study stating, “Nearly half of the U.S. adult population is overweight or obese, which may be related to increased energy intake combined with lack of physical activity. Obesity increases the risk of several chronic diseases including diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke.

“Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) were shown to decrease fat and increase lean mass in several animal studies. However, the effects of CLA in combination with exercise on body composition have not been studied in an animal model. We examined the effect of a low concentration of either safflower oil as control (0.5%) or mixed isomers of CLA (0.4%) along with treadmill exercise on body composition in male mice fed a high-fat diet.”

Scientists found that CLA consumption lowered fat mass and a combination of CLA and exercise decreased fat mass even further. Lean mass did not increase with exercise alone but increased significantly due to the combination of CLA and exercise. Also, serum insulin, glucose, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 were lower in CLA-fed mice.

“In summary,” researchers said, “the combination of dietary CLA and exercise decreased fat mass and increased lean mass in mice fed a high-fat diet.”

Journal of Nutrition 135(5):1124-1130, 2005

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Keverne's Healthy Facts

Fact #1:
Synergy is a good thing. Nature knows best.
We are now all fully aware of the cardiovascular and healthy lipid enhancing benefits of the omega 3 fatty acids found specifically in certain fish. Recently, a study using healthy human volunteers, has demonstrated even more profound benefits of using omega 3 fatty acid (EPA and DHA) in combination with supplemental taurine, an amino acid also abundantly found in seafood.Using both taurine and DHA and EPA together raised HDL and lowered LDL total cholesterol and ApoB even more than using omega 3’s alone.

DFH’s Taurine comes in either powder or capsule forms. Taurine is found in 13 synergistic DFH products including Lipoic Synergy, Chromium Synergy and Zinc Supreme.

Source: Seafood diets: Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of taurine and n-3 fatty acids.

Fact #2:
While I’m at it, maybe I’ll add some vitamin C to my blackberry chocolate cheesecake.
In another study that underscores the many important functions and properties of vitamin C, a semi quantitative food questionnaire revealed that those people with relatively high plasma vitamin C levels and to a lesser degree, higher fruit and vegetable intake, were associated with a substantially decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.

For those on the go and who have trouble getting in their fruits and veggies, DFH’s Stellar C contains both natural forms of vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids. PaleoReds and PaleoGreens are the next best thing.

Source: Plasma vitamin C level, fruit and vegetable consumption, and the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus: the European prospective investigation of cancer--Norfolk prospective study.

Fact #3:
On second thought, maybe I’ll skip the cheesecake altogether.
One of the reasons people on low-carbohydrate diets may lose weight is that they reduce their intake of fructose, a type of sugar that can be made into body fat quickly, according to a researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Current health guidelines suggest that limiting processed carbohydrates, many of which contain high-fructose corn syrup, may help prevent weight gain, and the new data on fructose clearly support this recommendation. “Our study shows for the first time the surprising speed with which humans make body fat from fructose,” said lead author of the study Dr. Elizabeth Parks.

Fructose, glucose and sucrose, which is a mixture of fructose and glucose, are all forms of sugar but are metabolized differently. “All three can be made into triglycerides, a form of body fat; however, once you start the process of fat synthesis from fructose, it’s hard to slow it down,” she said.

Source: Dietary sugars stimulate fatty acid synthesis in adults.

Fact #4:
It appears we still have a lot of work to do.
According to a report released by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern for kids in 2008, topping smoking and drug abuse. In 2007, childhood obesity ranked third among parents’ top 10 overall health concerns for kids.

Source: Obesity Tops List of Biggest Health Problems For Kids in 2008

Fact #5:
The niacin/liver relationship is clarified.
A research team has uncovered the likely target of niacin (vitamin B3) in the liver, which should provide a clearer picture of how this vitamin helps maintain adequate HDL-cholesterol levels in the blood and thus lower the risk of heart disease. The study indicates niacin hinders the liver from removing HDL from the blood, thus maintaining high plasma HDL levels. Importantly, niacin does not affect another major pathway known as "Reverse Cholesterol Transport." Therefore, it maintains HDL levels while still allowing the removal of other cholesterol types, explaining why niacin is especially beneficial.

Source: Niacin inhibits surface expression of ATP synthase beta chain in HepG2 cells: implications for raising HDL.

Keverne's Fun Facts-August 8,2008

Fact #1:
My colon is nuts for almonds.
According to a recent study almonds have been found to possess prebiotic effects, increasing populations of bifidobacteria and Eubacterium rectale more effectively than commercial prebiotics.

DFH’s PaleoBars contain almonds and almond butter giving them an additional benefit beyond their low glycemic, high protein profile.

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, July 2008, p. 4264-4270, Vol. 74, No. 14
0099-2240/08/$08.00+0 doi:10.1128/AEM.00739-08
American Society for Microbiology

Fact #2:
Is there anything that green tea doesn’t do
In a study done at the University of Connecticut by Dr. Richard Bruno, green tea extract was shown to protect against the development of hepatic steatosis and reduce hepatic injury in mouse models. This finding suggests that green tea extract may be used as a potential dietary strategy for preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.


Source: Green Tea Extract Protects Leptin-Deficient,Spontaneously Obese Mice from Hepatic
Steatosis and Injury1,2
Richard S. Bruno,3* Christine E. Dugan,3 Joan A. Smyth,4 Dana A. DiNatale,3 and Sung I. Koo3
Departments of 3Nutritional Sciences and 4Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-4017

Fact #3:
“Hey doc! There’s something buggy going on with my stomach.”
In patients who've had surgery for stomach cancer, removing Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the stomach greatly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, a Japanese study finds.

"The results of our study suggest that treatment to eradicate H. pylori reduces the risk of developing new gastric carcinoma in patients who have a history of such disease and are thus at risk for developing further gastric cancers we believe that our data add to those from previous studies showing a causal relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, and also support the use of H. pylori eradication to prevent the development of gastric cancer," the researchers concluded.

GastroMend-HP was specifically designed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the stomach.

Source: Is it time to screen and treat H pylori to prevent gastric cancer?
Nicholas J Talley
The Lancet - Vol. 372, Issue 9636, 2 August 2008, Pages 350-352

Fact #4:
Taking a stand for our children.
A new Federal Trade Commission report has revealed that food and beverage corporations spent $1.6 billion dollars in food advertising in 2006. As parents and public health officials understand, the nation's alarming surge in childhood obesity and diabetes are directly related to increased consumption of junk food. Senator Tom Harkin has urged industry and government regulators to redirect the massive funds spent every year in junk food advertising toward education and programs focused on healthy eating.

Source:http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmkting.shtm

Fact #5:
Maybe vitamin C, zinc and quercitin can get you into swimsuit shape faster than you thought.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found the brain's appetite center uses fat for fuel by involving oxygen free radicals—molecules associated with aging and neurodegeneration. The findings, reported in the journal Nature, suggest that antioxidants could play a role in weight control.

"In contrast to the accepted view, the brain does use fat as fuel," said Tamas Horvath, one of the lead authors of the study. "Our study shows that the minute-by-minute control of appetite is regulated by free radicals, implying that if you interfere with free radicals, you may affect eating and satiety."

"The timing of taking antioxidants may be critical for the control of appetite," said coauthor Sabrina Diano. "If taken on an empty stomach antioxidants may further increase appetite, however when taken with food, they may affect satiety.

Source: Andrews et al. UCP2 mediates ghrelin's action on NPY/AgRP neurons by lowering free radicals. Nature, 2008; DOI 10.1038/nature07181

Why did the fish blush?

Fact #1:
Why did the fish blush?

Because he saw the boat’s bottom.
While the medical establishment remains mired in it’s obsession with cholesterol as a risk for heart disease they continue to miss an important and naturally modifiable risk factor by ignoring the fatty acid status of their patients. According to a recent study, testing for omega-3 fatty acid (found primarily in fish and fish oils) status "compares very favorably with other risk factors for sudden cardiac death."


Source: Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a case for omega-3 index as a new risk factor.

Fact #2:
No problem. Just give ‘em some Vioxx.
The FDA has issued a new warning that a popular class of osteoporosis drugs may lead to severe, chronic and even permanent pain in muscles, joints and bones. But according to the FDA, many doctors do not appear to be aware that the drugs may be linked to severe pain in their patients.

The bisphosphonate drug family includes Merck's Fosamax; Roche and Glaxo SmithKline's Boniva; Novartis' Aredia, Zometa and Reclast (marketed as Aclasta outside the United States); Procter & Gamble's Didronel; Sanofi-Aventis' Skelid; and Actonel, sold by Procter & Gamble and Sanofi-Aventis.

Source: FDA Information on Bisphosphonates

Please click here to access DFH’s protocol for osteoporosis.

Fact #3:
Antioxidants for diabetics can mean anti-memory loss.
Daily doses of 1000 mg of vitamin C and 800 IU of vitamin E improved mental function after carbohydrate-rich meals and may protect against memory loss, according to a small study with 16 diabetics published in the journal Nutrition Research. "Results from this study suggest that postprandial oxidative stress is a potential contributor because deficits in [cognitive performance] after test meal consumption could be minimized by co-consumption of the test meal with high doses of antioxidant vitamins," wrote Michael Chui and Carol Greenwood from the University of Toronto.

Source: Antioxidant vitamins reduce acute meal-induced memory deficits in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Fact #4:
Adding more fuel to the mercury fire.
A newly published study of Texas school district data and industrial mercury-release data, conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, indeed shows a statistically significant link between pounds of industrial release of mercury and increased autism rates. It also shows -- for the first time in scientific literature -- a statistically significant association between autism risk and distance from the mercury source.

To learn more about autism, please click here to listen to last Wednesday’s Clinical Rounds discussion with Kelly Barnhill, CCN.

Source: Proximity to point sources of environmental mercury release as a predictor of autism prevalence.

Fact #5:
“You’re getting sleepy…your eyes are getting heavy…sleepy, sleepy…you are now asleep. NOW WAKE UP, PUT THAT SHOT AND MAKE US PROUD!!”
According to a research abstract that was presented on June 9 at the SLEEP 2008 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, getting extra sleep over an extended period of time improves athletic performance, mood and alertness.

“These results begin to elucidate the importance of sleep on athletic performance and, more specifically, how sleep is a significant factor in achieving peak athletic performance,” said lead author Cheri Mah of the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory. “While this study focuses specifically on collegiate swimmers, it agrees with data from my other studies of different sports and suggests that athletes across all sports can greatly benefit from extra sleep and gain the additional competitive edge to perform at their highest level.”

Source: Extra Sleep Improves Athletic Performance.

Healthy Fun Facts from Designs for Health

Fact #1:
Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe Superman’s x-ray vision may have come from these.
Scientists have identified the protein responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye that are believed to protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in elderly Americans. According to the study, the protein SR-B1, or scavenger receptor class B, type 1, plays a central role in transporting the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin from the bloodstream to cells in the eye. Various studies have suggested that high concentrations of these two dietary compounds in particular, known as xanthophylls, have properties that can prevent macular degeneration.

The recommended dose of DFH’s OcuForce contains 10mgs of Xangold Lutein Esters and 2mgs of Zeaxanthin Esters.

Source: Xanthophylls are preferentially taken up compared with {beta}-carotene by retinal cells via a SRBI-dependent mechanism.

Fact #2:
Aren’t the Laker’s looking for a center who can rebound?
Zinc has been shown to induce growth in short children with zinc deficiency according to a Japanese study.

Source: Mild to moderate zinc deficiency in short children: effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth velocity.

Fact #3:
Eating less is not only good for the waste line but also good for the planet.
A healthier diet and a return to traditional farming can help reduce energy consumption in US food system by 50 percent says a recent study. According to the study, individuals should eat less, especially considering that the average American consumes an estimated 3,747 calories a day, a staggering 1200-1500 calories over recommendations. Traditional American diets are high in animal products and junk and processed foods in particular, which by their nature use more energy than that used to produce staple foods such as potatoes, rice, fruits and vegetables. By just reducing junk food intake and converting to diets lower in meat, the average American could have a massive impact on fuel consumption as well as improving his or her health.

Source: Reducing Energy Inputs in the US Food System

Fact #4:
This mushroom may not make good soup but… The medicinal mushroom reishi or gandoderma lucidum is a known immunmodulator and has potent antioxidant properties. In a recent study water extracts of demonstrated chemopreventive properties in bladder cell DNA.

DFH’s Immunitone Plus contains 4 different immunomodulating medicinal mushroom species.

Source: The dual roles of Ganoderma antioxidants on urothelial cell DNA under carcinogenic attack.

Fact #5:
More on the mercury scourge.
A recent paper is one of the first, if not the first, to offer scientific documentation of the infiltration of mercury from a contaminated body of water into a purely terrestrial ecosystem. “In bodies of water affected by mercury, it’s always been assumed that only birds or wildlife that ate fish would be in danger,” said Professor Cristol, an associate professor in William and Mary’s Department of Biology. “But we’ve now opened up the possibility that mercury levels could be very high in the surrounding terrestrial habitat, as well. It’s not just about the fish, the people who eat the fish and the animals that eat the fish. We’ve also got to look at a strip of habitat all the way around the lake or river that is affected.”

“The birds eat a lot of spiders. Spiders are like little tiny wolves, basically, and they’ll bioaccumulate lots of contaminants in the environment. The spiders have a lot of mercury in them and are delivering the mercury to these songbirds,” Cristol said. “The question that remains is this: How are the spiders getting their mercury?”



Source: The movement of aquatic mercury through terrestrial food webs.

Carotenoids Inhibit Oxidative DNA Damage

Protection against oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes and the many chronic, degenerative diseases it can cause, is achieved by various carotenoids, according to a study published in the January issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Jean Mayer Research Center at Tufts University, in conjunction with scientists from the Instituto Chimico Farmaceutico Tossicologice, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, and BASF, investigated the effects of dietary carotenoids in 37 healthy, nonsmoking postmenopausal women aged 50 to 70.

In the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, the women were randomly assigned to one of five distinct groups of women and given either a daily dose of mixed carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene: 4 mg each), 12 mg of a single carotenoid (beta-carotene, lutein or lycopene) or placebo for a total of 56 days. Researchers analyzed plasma concentrations and measured lymphocyte DNA damaged.

Following the supplementation period, each carotenoid group exhibited significantly reduced DNA damage, whereas the placebo group showed no improvement. Both mixed carotenoid and the beta-carotene groups further displayed significantly less oxidative DNA damage as early as 15 days into supplementation.

Scientists concluded that significant reductions in oxidative DNA damage can be achieved by supplementation with 12 mg per day of individual carotenoids or with 12 mg total of mixed carotenoids—4 mg each of lutein, beta-carotene and lycopene.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 83(1):163-169, 2006

Green Tea and Longevity

Everyone wants to lead a long and healthy life. Now it appears that green tea can help you achieve your goals. A study completed by a research team from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that green tea “reduced mortality due to all causes.”

At the beginning of the study, researchers noted “Green tea polyphenols have been extensively studied as cardiovascular disease and cancer chemopreventive agents in vitro and in animal studies. However, the effects of green tea consumption in humans remains unclear.” So they decided to “investigate the associations between green tea consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality.”

Researchers began the Ohsaki National Health Insurance Cohort Study in 1994 among 40,530 Japanese adults aged 40 to 79 years without a history of stroke, coronary heart disease, or cancer. Participants were followed for up to 11 years for all-cause mortality and for up to seven years for cause-specific mortality. Study participants lived in northeastern Japan, where green tea is a popular beverage.

More than 4,000 of the participants died over the total 11 years of follow-up. During the seven years of the study that focused on specific causes, 892 people died from cardiovascular disease and 1,134 from cancer.

Comparing death rates and green tea consumption, the research team found that individuals who drank five or more cups per day had a risk of death from all causes that was 16% lower than people drinking less than one cup per day. Deaths from cardiovascular disease were 26% lower for tea drinkers, compared to those who avoided the beverage. Green tea appeared to have no effect on cancer risk, however in this particular study.

Women fared even better in the study. Women who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 31% lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke death compared to women who drank less than a cup a day.

Journal of the American Medical Association 296(10):1255-1265, 2006

Healthy Fun Facts!

Fact #1:
Why are all dumb blonde jokes one-liners?

So men can remember them.
Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) -- the "good" cholesterol -- in middle age may increase the risk of memory loss and lead to dementia later in life, researchers have recently reported. "Memory problems are key in the diagnosis of dementia," said Archana Singh-Manoux, Ph.D., lead author of the study and Senior Research Fellow with the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM, France) and the University College London in England. "We found that a low level of HDL may be a risk factor for memory loss in late midlife. This suggests that low HDL cholesterol might also be a risk factor for dementia."

DFH carries several products that may help with supporting healthy lipid balance such as our Chromium Synergy.

Source: Low HDL Cholesterol Is a Risk Factor for Deficit and Decline in Memory in Midlife. The Whitehall II Study.

Fact #2:
I’m nuts for almonds.
Recently published work by the Institute of Food Research has identified potential prebiotic properties of almonds that could help improve our digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria. The study found that finely ground almonds significantly increased the levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria. This effect was not seen when the fat content was removed from the almond preparation, suggesting that the beneficial bacteria use the almond lipid for growth, and this is the basis for the prebiotic effect of almonds.

DFH’s Chocolate flavor and Vanilla Almond PaleoBars contain almond butter and FOS to help insure GI health.

Source: Investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) seeds.

Fact #3:
The key to breast health may be in your head…
Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a prospective case-control study. The researchers found that women with the lowest levels of melatonin had a statistically significantly higher incidence of breast cancer than those with the highest levels.

To learn more about hormones, hormone testing and subsequent therapies, please click here to listen to Wednesday’s Clinical Rounds discussion with Dr. Dan Gleason.

Source: Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Fact #4:
…or it may be in your glass.
Resveratrol, the polyphenol found in grape skins and seeds and in wine, was found to have aromatase inhibitory qualities in breast cancer cell lines. In past studies, resveratrol, which has a structural similarity to estrogen, has shown agonistic and antagonistic properties on estrogen receptors. Here, resveratrol demonstrated aromatase inhibition at both the enzyme and mRNA levels.

This is one of the many reasons DFH included resveratrol in our FemGuard + Balance product designed to not only balance hormones but help to ward off estrogen- dependent cancers. DFH’s Resveratrol Synergy contains 200 mg of resveratrol per capsule and also contains 200 mg. of quercetin per capsule.

Source: The red wine polyphenol resveratrol displays bilevel inhibition on aromatase in breast cancer cells.

Fact #5:
You may want to add some EGCg to your cardiovascular protocol.
A study found that the consumption of green tea rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system; endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis. The study was a randomised trial involving the diameter measurement (dilatation) of the brachial artery of healthy volunteers on three separate occasions - after taking green tea, caffeine, and hot water (for a placebo effect). The measurements were taken at 30, 90 and 120 minutes after consumption.

Results showed that endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilatation increased significantly after drinking green tea, with a peak increase of 3.9 per cent 30 minutes after consumption.

Source: The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals.

Healthy Fun Facts!

Fact #1:
Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe Superman’s x-ray vision may have come from these.
Scientists have identified the protein responsible for transporting nutrients to the eye that are believed to protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in elderly Americans. According to the study, the protein SR-B1, or scavenger receptor class B, type 1, plays a central role in transporting the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin from the bloodstream to cells in the eye. Various studies have suggested that high concentrations of these two dietary compounds in particular, known as xanthophylls, have properties that can prevent macular degeneration.

The recommended dose of DFH’s OcuForce contains 10mgs of Xangold Lutein Esters and 2mgs of Zeaxanthin Esters.

Source: Xanthophylls are preferentially taken up compared with {beta}-carotene by retinal cells via a SRBI-dependent mechanism.

Fact #2:
Aren’t the Laker’s looking for a center who can rebound?
Zinc has been shown to induce growth in short children with zinc deficiency according to a Japanese study.

Source: Mild to moderate zinc deficiency in short children: effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth velocity.



Fact #3:
Eating less is not only good for the waste line but also good for the planet.
A healthier diet and a return to traditional farming can help reduce energy consumption in US food system by 50 percent says a recent study. According to the study, individuals should eat less, especially considering that the average American consumes an estimated 3,747 calories a day, a staggering 1200-1500 calories over recommendations. Traditional American diets are high in animal products and junk and processed foods in particular, which by their nature use more energy than that used to produce staple foods such as potatoes, rice, fruits and vegetables. By just reducing junk food intake and converting to diets lower in meat, the average American could have a massive impact on fuel consumption as well as improving his or her health.

Source: Reducing Energy Inputs in the US Food System

Fact #4:
This mushroom may not make good soup but… The medicinal mushroom reishi or gandoderma lucidum is a known immunmodulator and has potent antioxidant properties. In a recent study water extracts of demonstrated chemopreventive properties in bladder cell DNA.

DFH’s Immunitone Plus contains 4 different immunomodulating medicinal mushroom species.

Source: The dual roles of Ganoderma antioxidants on urothelial cell DNA under carcinogenic attack.

Fact #5:
More on the mercury scourge.
A recent paper is one of the first, if not the first, to offer scientific documentation of the infiltration of mercury from a contaminated body of water into a purely terrestrial ecosystem. “In bodies of water affected by mercury, it’s always been assumed that only birds or wildlife that ate fish would be in danger,” said Professor Cristol, an associate professor in William and Mary’s Department of Biology. “But we’ve now opened up the possibility that mercury levels could be very high in the surrounding terrestrial habitat, as well. It’s not just about the fish, the people who eat the fish and the animals that eat the fish. We’ve also got to look at a strip of habitat all the way around the lake or river that is affected.”

“The birds eat a lot of spiders. Spiders are like little tiny wolves, basically, and they’ll bioaccumulate lots of contaminants in the environment. The spiders have a lot of mercury in them and are delivering the mercury to these songbirds,” Cristol said. “The question that remains is this: How are the spiders getting their mercury?”


Source: The movement of aquatic mercury through terrestrial food webs.

Fish Oils and Low Calorie Diet May Reduce the Risk of Inflammation

By: iHealthTube, S. - 4/2/2008


A diet high in fish oil and low in calories could reduce markers of inflammation by up to 90%, according to a study published in the journal Life Sciences.

The study looked at the effects of fish oil and/or low-calorie diets on markers of inflammation-such as lipid oxidation levels and concentrations of superoxides, prostaglandins and leukotriene B4-in both young and old mice. The animals received either corn oil or fish oil and those on calorie-restricted diets received the same dosages of corn oil or fish oil as did the controls.

Older mice on the corn oil diet had superoxide levels about 18% higher than their younger counterparts. Younger mice on the calorie-restricted diet had superoxide levels about 35% lower, while for those on the fish oil diet the decrease was about 60%. In calorie-restricted younger mice consuming fish oil, superoxide levels were decreased by 90%.

Life Sciences 78(21):2523-2532, 2006

Meridian Stress Assessment

Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA)

The Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA) instrument used is the BioMeridian. It is a computerized interactive meridian stress assessment device that surveys the body’s meridians and identifies its stressors. Once the body’s stressed system(s) have been identified we then focus on balancing them and eliminating the interferences with the use of homeopathic and nutritional support as well as natural hormone replacement therapies.

Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA) is a medical procedure that was invented by Dr. Reinhold Voll in 1953. It was called "Electro-Acupuncture According to Voll" (EAV). The MSA establishes the systemic relationship between acupuncture points and specific organs of the body.

BioMeridian gives you an in-depth look at how your body functions. It can identify hidden food and environmental reactions and allergies. It can determine what nutrition is best for YOU and even pinpoint any digestive, endocrine (hormonal), circulatory and adrenal weaknesses or problems.

Meridian Stress Assessment may be used to screen:
1. All the systems, organs and functions of the body.
2. For allergies and sensitivities to foods, plants, animals, environments, inhalants and most anything we meet in our daily life.
3. Testing imbalances to see if nutritional products such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids ("EFA"s), proteins, hormones and/or homeopathy can bring these back into balance.
4. The quality of teeth, dental conditions, dental materials and compatible products.
5. Sensitivity or a weakness to heavy metals, toxic products and pollutants, such as herbicides, pesticides and insecticides
6. The MSA can determine the causative factors for your specific disease process.

The process is simple and painless: An initial baseline scan is done on the acupuncture points on the surface of your skin. It reads and records the electrical activity along the body’s meridians. In traditional Chinese Medicine, the meridians are described as fine, tube-like pathways or channels located about 2-3 millimeters underneath the skin that transport energy to the various organs, nerves, and blood vessels of the body.

The BioMeridian instruments are used to register the resistance to an electrical charge at a particular acupuncture point. The resistance is an indication of the energy of the particular organ or system, reflecting the functional status of the organ or organ’s system. One of the biggest advantages of using Meridian Stress Assessment is the ability to test responses or reactions to supplementation without having to rely on trial and error. In addition, it can identify optimal treatment dosages.

After your initial baseline scan, the BioMeridian produces a report of the stress survey to determine the stress factors, i.e. diet, xenobiotics (toxins such as heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, molds, fungus, environmental pollutants, etc.), emotions, life conditions, etc.

Based on this survey report, recommendations for restoring your optimal health by incorporating into your treatment nutritional, homeopathic and/or flower essence support. Your first BioMeridian session will take approximately 1 hour. Please do not wear lotions on hands or feet when coming to your appointment.

At your follow up visits comparison reports are done so that you can chart your progress. Follow up appointments are made approximately 3-6 weeks after the initial visit to allow time for the body to heal while using the recommended therapies.

Dental testing: BioMeridian testing can assist the dentist in locating imbalances in the teeth and gums as well as testing for compatibility of materials used; identifying clinical and pre-clinical problems; heavy metal poisoning; complications; surgical procedures; monitoring surgeries; viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic implications; root canals; cavitations; dental toxins; systemic relationships. Patients with long-standing health problems often find that the problems originate in the mouth. Meridian Stress Assessment can help identify which tooth or teeth are imbalance and need correction.