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Atherosclerosis

Posted on May 16, 2018 by | Comments Off on Atherosclerosis

AtherosclerosisJacquie Eubanks RN BSNCardiovascular disease and stroke prevention by early intervention is of great importance, as heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. Atherosclerosis, often referred to as hardening of the arteries, is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that damages arterial walls, and results in dysfunctional, stiff, clogged arteries, and improperly regulated blood flow and pressure. Soft, flexible healthy arteries consist of multilayered walls capable of constricting or dilating as needed by the tissues they supply. The loss of artery suppleness and elasticity occurs slowly over time, as plaque formations consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, cellular waste and clotting factors, eventually occlude and restrict the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body.

Arterial stiffness, or the loss of vascular elasticity, structure, and function, has been identified as a contributing factor in hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and type II diabetes, as well as liver, kidney and neurodegenerative disorders. Perhaps most importantly, arterial stiffness results in a steady rise in blood pressure, contributing to a vicious cycle of further destruction and loss of flexibility. While aging is certainly a factor, early stages of atherosclerosis may actually begin in childhood, making preventive measures desirable for all ages. A seven-year investigation of cardiovascular risk factors performed by scientists from 15 medical centers found that young persons, males in particular, had evidence of coronary artery disease as early as their mid-teens.

The study showed that those who were overweight, smoked, and had the highest blood pressure, blood sugar and LDL cholesterol levels were most at risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. The now famous and oft quoted Framingham Heart Study evaluated the impact of high total cholesterol, low HDL (good) cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking on cardiac health. Those who were free of all risk factors had only a 5% risk of developing cardiovascular disease by age 95. Contrarily, those with two or more risk factors had a 69% risk, leading one to conclude that healthful behaviors beginning at a young age can go a long way in preventing future heart disease and stroke.

One of the main contributors to loss of arterial stiffness is calcification, which occurs when serum calcium is deposited into the arterial walls. Scientific evidence suggests that vitamins D3 and K2 play important roles in calcium metabolism and management. Working individually and synergistically, vitamins D3 and K2 help to keep calcium out of arteries and promote proper deposit of calcium into bones, where it aids continuous bone remodeling. Several studies have shown that vitamin D3 supplementation is an important approach to preventing or alleviating cardiovascular disease, particularly in high risk groups such as seniors, diabetics, and those with insufficient sunlight exposure and deficiencies in dietary intake. Vitamin K2 helps to activate osteocalcin, a bone protein, and helps to produce proteins that are needed to move calcium from the bloodstream into bone tissue.

Preventing arterial stiffness is essential in the prevention of age-related chronic disorders. While aging and family history of early heart disease are risk factors, the exact cause of atherosclerosis remains unknown. However controllable risk factors can help prevent or delay arterial stiffening. Smoking, chronic inflammation, high serum triglycerides and cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar, as well as an unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise are known largely controllable risk factors. By working to reduce modifiable risk factors, one can help prevent atherosclerosis, improve general health or arrest the progression of the disease.

-Follow a heart and brain healthy, low inflammatory plant-based diet that is low in sodium, added sugars, processed fats, refined grains, processed foods, and allergens. Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce excess pressure on the legs, as well as the risk of developing diabetes.

-Arterial stiffness with aging has been shown to be less pronounced in physically active persons. Regular aerobic exercise can help to fight atherosclerosis by lowering blood pressure and controlling weight. Strengthening the thigh and calf muscles by walking, cycling, swimming or stair climbing promotes good circulation and encourages blood flow.

-Maintain healthy blood sugar levels to prevent or control diabetes. Diabetes can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis.

-Take short frequent breaks from prolonged sitting or standing which can worsen symptoms. A short walk can help to stimulate circulation. While sitting, perform ankle exercises such as pointing, flexing, and circling the feet to activate the calf muscles.

-Elevate your legs above your heart for 10-15 minutes daily to help reduce blood pooling and pressure on the legs.

-Graduated compression stockings can help with swelling of the lower extremities that often accompanies venous insufficiency. Compression stockings reduce pooling and pressure and may also reduce the risk of forming a deep vein blood clot.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality products to help support circulatory and overall heath:

Arterial TherapyArterial Therapy™ by Integrative Therapeutics®: This triple action blend provides three clinically studied synergistic ingredients, garlic extract, pomegranate fruit extract, and vitamin K2, in bioavailable forms to promote optimal arterial function. Gluten, wheat, dairy and sugar free, vegan formulation.

Vitamin D Supreme...Vitamin D Supreme with Vitamin K1 and K2 by Designs for Health®: This synergistic product supplies a clinically useful dose of vitamin D3 and highly bioavailable forms of vitamins K1 and K2 in support of optimal bone, arterial and immune health. Non-GMO formulation.

Nutrient 950 with...Nutrient 950® with Vitamin K by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic, nutrient rich, highly bioavailable multivitamin/mineral/trace element formula includes superior mineral cofactors, and antioxidants, as well as the active forms of vitamins K1 and K2 to maintain healthy arterial calcium metabolism and vascular activity. Vitamins D and K provide synergistic support for bone heath and blood vessel function. Gluten free, Non-GMO, vegetarian formulation.

PGX DailyPGX® Daily by Bioclinic Naturals: This proprietary highly viscous fiber blend is formulated to support healthy glucose metabolism by lowering the glycemic index of meals. Fiber viscosity is associated with increased satiety, reduced appetite, improved regularity and healthy weight maintenance. Gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast, and artificial sweetener free.

Compression Leg...Compression Leg Sleeve White by Zensah: Made of durable, comfortable, machine washable fabric, these compression sleeves provide calf support, shin splint relief and decreased fatigue. Three sizes available.

 

Circulation Support,...Quantum Circulation Support by Quantum Nutrition Labs: This unique, proprietary nutraceutical formula promotes healthy microcirculation of blood to peripheral tissues and provides comprehensive support for circulation and associated nerve, heart and arterial health. Vegan formulation.

References:
Arterial stiffness and stroke: de-stiffening strategy, a therapeutic target for stroke. http://svn.bmj.com/content/early/2017/03/17/svn-2016-000045
Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
What is Arterial Plaque? http://www.secondscount.org/heart-condition-centers/info-detail-2/what-is-arterial-plaque
Atherosclerosis. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis
What You Can Do to Prevent Atherosclerosis. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=1583
Premature heart disease. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/premature-heart-disease
Atherosclerosis. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Atherosclerosis_UCM_305564_Article.jsp

 

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Sugar Consumption and Cardiovascular Health

Posted on January 3, 2018 by | Comments Off on Sugar Consumption and Cardiovascular Health

SugarHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

For decades the tobacco industry misled consumers by withholding revealing scientific data on the deadly health risks of smoking. Today, the sugar industry is in the spotlight for its role in downplaying the damaging health risks of excessive sugar consumption on cardiovascular health. According to a newly published article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, the early signs of the relationship between sugar consumption and coronary heart disease first emerged in the 1950’s. The journal researchers found that a group known as the Sugar Research Foundation (SRF) funded research executed by a team of Harvard scientists. Without disclosing their funding, the SRF set the objective, and contributed articles for inclusion. Their goal was to cast doubt about the health hazards of sugar, while promoting fat as the dietary cause of heart disease. The Harvard researchers concluded that cutting out fat, not sugar, was “no doubt” the best dietary intervention to prevent coronary heart disease.

JAMA researchers found that SRF’s internal documents revealed the sugar industry’s successful attempt to influence scientific study and debate. Circumstantial evidence indicates SRF shaped the conclusions of the Harvard review published in 1967. The review, led by the chairman of Harvard’s Public Health Nutrition Department, who was also an ad hoc board member of the SRF, minimized the significance of research that implicated sugar as a coronary health risk, while also influencing public health recommendations for reduced dietary fat consumption. Consequently, as people followed recommendations to eat less dietary fat, sugar consumption rose, along with obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Well into the 1970’s, the sugar industry continued to fund similar research surreptitiously. When asked to comment on the recent findings, the SRF admitted they should have exercised “greater transparency” of its industry funded studies, and added that “funding disclosures and transparency standards were not the norm they are today.” Though the documents that were examined are five decades old, this practice persists. The food industry continues to spend millions on nutrition research, while policy making committees continue to base dietary recommendations on food industry-funded studies. New York University Nutrition scholar, Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, who spent a year informally tracking these studies found that approximately “90 percent of studies funded by the food industry resulted in outcomes that favored the sponsor’s interest.” It appears that when the food industry funds research, it often gets the pro-industry desired conclusion that it paid for.

“The longstanding influence of food industry funding on nutrition research, researchers, and professional societies threatens the credibility of nutrition science,” says Nestle. During a seven-month period, Nestle identified 76 industry-funded studies. Of these, 70 reported results favorable to the sponsor’s interest. Independently funded studies have found correlations between sugary drinks, obesity and poor health, while studies funded by the soda industry did not. Research funded by the National Confectioners Association concluded that children who eat sweets have healthier body weights than those who don’t. Coca-Cola, the world’s largest producer of sugary drinks, backed a “science-based” solution to the obesity crisis. Coke has provided financial and logistical support to a new nonprofit organization called the Global Energy Balance Network, which works to convince weight conscious Americans that they simply need to exercise more rather than be overly concerned about how much fast food and soda they consume.

In truth, many Americans do need to be more physically active. However, they also need to eat smarter, as exercise expends far fewer calories than most people realize. Independent scientific research indicates that limiting intake of high glycemic foods, such as refined carbohydrates and sugary foods and drinks, greatly impacts weight management. Sugar sweetened drinks are the largest source of added sugar in the average American diet. Sugar not only delivers empty calories, devoid of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other health promoting nutrients, it may also crowd healthier foods from the diet. Studies show that those with high sugar consumption have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality, even when they also consume heart healthy vegetables and fruits.

How does sugar harm the heart? Cardiovascular disease is mainly associated with atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty plaque deposits build up in the linings of blood vessels and restrict blood flow. A 15-year study on added sugar and heart disease found participants who consumed 25% or more of their daily calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease than those whose diets included less than 10% added sugar. This major study published in JAMA found that a sugar-laden diet raised the risk of cardiac morality even in those who were not overweight.  A high sugar diet has been shown to cause abnormalities including high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, oxidized LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and abnormal glucose tolerance, all of which are implicated in heart disease.

Sugar’s overall effect on these numerous health markers is likely more detrimental to overall health than consumption of saturated fat, which can increase LDL, but at the same time raise HDL. Sugar contributes to insulin spikes and the inflammation that harms the fragile endothelial lining of blood vessels, and promotes obesity, prediabetes and diabetes type 2, putting those with these conditions at greater risk of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons or 100 calories a day of added sugar for women, and no more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories a day for men. Along with decreased sugar and ultra-processed food consumption, a diet of whole foods, as well as increased exercise is highly recommended for cardiovascular and overall good health.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality products to support overall wellness:

PGX DailyPGX® Daily by Bioclinic Naturals: This proprietary highly viscous fiber blend is formulated to support healthy glucose metabolism by lowering the glycemic index of meals. Fiber viscosity is associated with increased satiety, reduced appetite, improved regularity and healthy weight maintenance. Gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast, and artificial sweetener free.

Cinnamon Biotin...Cinnamon Biotin Chromium Complex by Natrol®: The 100% vegetarian antioxidant complex provides support for sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range. Gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, sugar, and artificial ingredient free.

Chromium SynergyChromium Synergy™ by Designs for Health®: This synergistic blend of chelated minerals provides highly absorbable nutrients to assist blood sugar control. Ingredients include zinc, manganese, chromium, taurine and vanadium. Gluten, wheat, yeast, dairy, soy, sugar, preservative, and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Alpha Lipoic Acid...Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This exceptionally versatile nutrient provides antioxidant protection, as well as support for nerve health, cardiovascular function, and glucose metabolism. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Sweet Defense™Sweet Defense™ by Enzymatic Therapy®: This vitamin, mineral, botanical and glandular supplement provides support for glucose, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, Sweet Defense™ may help manage weight and reduce sugar cravings. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, yeast, sugar, and preservative free formulation.

References:
Sugar Industry and Coronary Heart Disease Research. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2548255?redirect=true
The Food Industry’s Influence In Nutrition Research. https://www.npr.org/2016/09/17/494360187/industry-influence-in-nutrition-research
Corporate Funding of Food and Nutrition Research. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2471609
Coca-Cola Funds Scientists Who Shift Blame for Obesity Away From Bad Diets. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/coca-cola-funds-scientists-who-shift-blame-for-obesity-away-from-bad-diets/
Eating too much added sugar increases the risk of dying of heart disease. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eating-too-much-added-sugar-increases-the-risk-of-dying-with-heart-disease-201402067021
Sugar consumption plays greater role in heart disease than saturated fat. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160113103318.htm

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The 1 Resolution To Keep

Posted on January 11, 2017 by | Comments Off on The 1 Resolution To Keep

resolution_eatbetterJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

In the New Year, some will make several resolutions, some will make none, and most will not keep their resolve past March. However, if you are going to make just one resolution to support good health in 2017, resolve to eat better. There’s just no getting around it, good nutrition is key to long-term wellness. Many chronic diseases are preventable and related to nutrition. And, while you are at it, if the word diet implies deprivation to you, and the word willpower causes you stress, resolve to eliminate those words from your vocabulary. If your goal is simply to improve your health, or you chose a loftier goal to achieve and maintain your ideal weight, replace diet and willpower with one meaningful and important word, commitment, as in commitment to a healthier lifestyle and all that implies.

Most of us understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods, and that some amount of daily exercise helps maintain health. Yet, many us struggle to meet our goals. So yes, getting from Point A–setting a goal–to Point B– achieving that goal–takes commitment. The only way to reach your goals is through your own accountability. According to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, it’s adherence to healthy behaviors that supports both long-term health and ideal weight. True commitment to behavior modifications ensures that you follow through on your intentions. Further, focusing on consistency in small daily actions can help you to reach your behavioral goals.

Setting short-term unreachable goals is a recipe for frustration and failure. The key to long-term success is to set small achievable goals, reward yourself when you reach them, and then set new goals to help you reach the next level. If you choose to eat healthier, be specific about your intentions and be mindful about meal planning. Rather than set a general goal to consume more fruits and veggies, simplify by adding a piece of fruit to your morning meal, having a salad for lunch and filling half of your dinner plate with a variety of vegetables each night. If you are not a fan of veggies, try roasting them with a bit of olive oil and some spices and you may be pleasantly surprised, as roasting caramelizes the veggies and brings out their natural sweetness.

Simple nutritional changes that support overall health could include:

  • Eat less sugar. Overconsumption of sugar is behind the rise of obesity, diabetes, type 2, cardiovascular disease and impaired cognitive function. Eliminate or at least reduce consumption of liquid sugar, such as soda and fruit juice. Watch for hidden sugars in processed foods, flavored yogurts and condiments.
  • Whether you are hungry or craving something salty or sweet, most people will eat whatever is in front of them, whether healthy or unhealthy. Fill your fridge and pantry with healthy food and snacks to reduce temptation and help you stay on track.
  • Pay attention to nutritious foods that provide energy, including almonds, eggs, and dark leafy greens, and eliminate unhealthy foods that drain your energy, such as sugary foods and refined carbohydrates.
  • Eat less meat. Start by making meatless meals one or two nights each week. Try vegetarian chili or whole wheat tortillas filled with beans, avocado and veggies. Studies show that a plant-based diet is ideal for preventing and reversing disease.
  • Increase your fiber intake, not only by consuming more fruits and vegetables, but by adding some interesting whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur or farrow.
  • Don’t forget about healthy fats. Beware of processed low-fat foods that are high in sugar content and avoid processed oils high in omega-6 fats. Avocados, olive oil, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds are all good sources of healthy fats, as well as fiber.
  • Focus on quality and eat real food. Real food comes without packaging and additional ingredients, which are often artificial and health damaging. If you are worried about expenses, purchasing real food doesn’t need to break the budget. Shop local sales and farmer’s markets when possible. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season, and equally nutritious frozen products out of season.
  • Add in some fermented foods to keep your intestinal system functioning optimally. Foods like sauerkraut, pickles, plain yogurt and kimchi are all readily available. Fermented foods help to restore and support the intestinal microbiome, which aids good digestion and elimination.
  • Drink more non-caloric beverages, such as water or unsweetened tea. Often, hunger can be confused with thirst. Rather than conform to the eight glasses of water a day rule, just be sure to drink enough water to satisfy your thirst, especially during exercise.
  • Don’t forget about vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Both macro and micronutrients are necessary for peak function. A high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to support optimal health.

Healthy nutrition is not a fad or a diet, it’s a commitment that can lead to a longer, healthier lifespan. If you are looking to lose weight while improving your nutrition, remember weight loss is a long and steady process. When you eat healthy foods most the time, and get some exercise that you enjoy at least three times each week, you may find that you lose weight naturally. Consistency is the key that opens the door to the greatest wellness benefits.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements to help support your improved nutritional goals and optimal function:

Sweet Defense™Sweet Defense™ by Enzymatic Therapy  – Along with a healthy diet and exercise, Sweet Defense™ has been shown to help reduce sugar cravings and provide the necessary nutrients for blood glucose, carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Gluten, soy, sugar and dairy free.

PGX DailyPGX® Daily by Bioclinic Naturals – PGX® is a clinically studied polysaccharide complex that provides viscous soluble fiber associated with increased satiety and reduced appetite. PGX® helps to lower the glycemic index of meals, contributing to healthy glucose metabolism. Gluten, dairy and yeast free.

MetaFiber®MetaFiber® by Metagenics  – MetaFiber® provides a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers to support the structural integrity of the intestinal wall, healthy intestinal transit time, and bowel regularity. Non-GMO, vegetarian formulation.

 

New Greens The...New Greens The Original by Iagen Naturals – This complete superfood drink mix provides 10+ portions of fruits and vegetables per serving. Synergistic ingredients include digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, detoxifying herbs and fiber. Natural mint flavor, stevia sweetened.

Greens First Berry...Greens First Berry Pro by Greens First – This proprietary powdered drink formula contains 54 different super foods, extracts and concentrates, and provides antioxidants, probiotics, soluble fiber, natural flavonoids and 15+ portions of fruits and vegetables per serving. Produced without solvents at low temperature to preserve nutrient content. Naturally fruit flavored. Gluten, soy, dairy, egg free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
10 High-Fat Foods That Are Actually Super Healthy. https://authoritynutrition.com/10-super-healthy-high-fat-foods/
The 9 Best Fermented Foods for Your Gut. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-9-best-fermented-foods-for-your-gut/
12 Baby Steps to Optimal Nutrition. https://authoritynutrition.com/12-baby-steps-optimal-nutrition/
10 Small Diet Changes to Start Making Now. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2012/11/16/10-small-diet-changes-to-start-making-now

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