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Silencing Inflammation

Posted on August 10, 2018 by | Comments Off on Silencing Inflammation

SilencingInflammationJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

By now, many recognize the difference between a healthy acute inflammatory response versus an unhealthy persistent one. Acute inflammation is a necessary and vital short-term immune response to an injury, pathogenic invasion, damaged tissue, or toxic chemical effects. Systemic low-grade chronic inflammation is a long-term health damaging and unnecessary inflammatory response that can continue unnoticed and unabated for years. This prolonged state of emergency keeps the immune system’s first responders on high alert, eventually triggering disease processes that can cause lasting damage to the heart, brain, blood vessels, joint, cells and other organs.

Researchers continue to study the effects of chronic inflammation to seek an understanding of triggers that in some cases cause the body to attack its own healthy tissues. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. Genetics may play a role, as autoimmune diseases tend to run in families, and women, in particular, have a higher risk for developing certain autoimmune conditions. Depending upon the disease, flare ups may be followed by periods of time when uncomfortable symptoms may temporarily subside. The ultimate goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, control the autoimmune process and maintain the body’s ability to fight disease, as when the immune system is overwhelmed, it will prioritize defense over repair.

Culprits that can contribute to inflammation:

Visceral fat: Deep belly fat is thought to be a major cause of inflammation, as metabolically active fat cells release numerous hormones and chemical messengers that can lead to leptin and insulin resistance. These factors also ultimately contribute to increased appetite and fat accumulation, and consequently even higher levels of inflammation.

Gluten: Foods that contain wheat, including durum, rye, barley and ancient grains, as well as beer and malt beverages, can cause an immune response in those with sensitivities, allergies or celiac disease. This includes bakery goods, pasta, cereal, soy sauce, pretzels, tortillas, salad dressings, veggie burgers and many other products and condiments. Eliminating gluten from the diet helps to calm inflammation in many people.

Dairy and casein: As numerous food allergies result from specific types of proteins, those who are  sensitive to casein proteins found in dairy, or who are lactose (milk sugar) intolerant should eliminate dairy from their diets. Casein allergies or intolerances can result in gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, fatigue and behavioral changes. Eliminating dairy/casein from the diet also means eliminating a top source of calcium. Green leafy vegetables, bone broth, and dried fruits all provide a rich source of absorbable calcium for those excluding dairy. Be sure to include foods rich in vitamins K1 and K2, which are essential for calcium utilization, such as fermented foods and greens.

Sugar: Research has confirmed the link between added sugar and higher inflammatory markers, like C-reactive protein. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, increased gut permeability, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Additionally, the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, mental decline, and other chronic diseases increases with excess sugar consumption. Natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables have not been linked to inflammation, and many, in fact, may be anti-inflammatory.

Good lifestyle habits can help reduce inflammation:

Read food labels. Look for hidden sources of added sugar in processed foods, flavored yogurts, and cereals, as well as more obscure sources of gluten, such as brewer’s yeast, oatmeal, sausages and candy.

Eat more vegetables and fruits that contain fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to combat and reduce inflammation. Regularly consume anti-inflammatory spices, including turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, to help reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation. Used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric helps control inflammation, and has shown some potential against inflammation linked diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

Regularly consume antioxidant-rich foods such as nuts, beets, cruciferous vegetables, berries, leafy greens, cherries, and artichokes. Numerous plant bioactive components have been shown to have pharmacological properties that counteract various acute and chronic diseases. Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the impact of oxidative stress and resulting free radical production can lead to imbalances of enzymatic processes, resulting in cell damage and health issues. Insufficient antioxidant compounds in the daily diet can lead to the development of degenerative diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, neurogenerative diseases and inflammatory conditions.

Exercising regularly and effectively managing stress levels can also help fight inflammation. Stress can be particularly harmful when it comes to inflammation, as it can alter gene expression in immune cells, making them more likely to attack the body’s own tissues.

Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity triggers a cascade of cellular inflammation that leads to metabolic conditions including insulin resistance. Losing excess body fat helps to normalize blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation and, in some cases, results in type 2 diabetes reversal.

Be moderate in alcohol consumption, as alcohol is a known contributor to many diseases and disorders some of which are linked to inflammation. Heavy drinking can lead to a condition known as “leaky gut” that can drive widespread inflammation and lead to organ damage.

Make an all out effort to cease smoking. In addition to causing morbidity and mortality, cigarette smoke causes diverse changes in immunity that lead to increased inflammation, impaired immune response to pathogens, and suppressed anti-tumor immune cell functions.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality products to help reduce inflammation and support overall health:

Zyflamend Whole BodyZyflamend™ Whole Body by New Chapter®: This 100% botanical full spectrum formula delivers turmeric, ginger, rosemary and other plant extracts in support of the body’s natural healthy inflammatory response, as well as the relief of minor pain or soreness associated with exercise. Naturally gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Boswellia-Turmeric...Boswellia-Turmeric Complex by Douglas Laboratories®: This product provides a synergistic blend of three standardized botanical extracts in support of a healthy inflammatory response and free radical protection. Includes boswellia, turmeric, and devil’s claw, which are beneficial for connective tissues, including joints, ligaments and cartilage. Free of yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk/dairy, corn, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, artificial preservatives. Non-GMO formulation.

Vital ClearVital Clear® by Vital Nutrients: This powdered formula provides 29 grams of non-GMO rice protein and pea protein isolate, as well as a full range of high quality naturally pure macro-and micro-nutrients. Vital Clear® supports healthy blood sugar maintenance, detoxification, and suppressed  inflammation. Free of binders, gluten (wheat, rye, barley), milk/dairy (casein, whey), soy protein, egg protein, and sugar. Natural pineapple flavor.

Homocysteine...Homocysteine Response™ by Innate® Response Formulas: Skillfully crafted with organic whole food ingredients, this formula helps maintain healthy levels of homocysteine in the body. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with fat accumulation, as well as tissue and organ damage. Provides specific vitamins, bioactive enzymes, trace minerals and branch chain amino acids. Gluten, wheat, soy, preservative and artificial ingredient free. Assayed for purity and potency.

References:
Why You Should Pay Attention to Chronic Inflammation. http://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidden-in-plain-sight/
5 Ways to Reduce Inflammation. https://chopra.com/articles/5-ways-to-reduce-inflammation
11 Food Rules For The Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Diet. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22607/11-food-rules-for-the-ultimate-antiinflammatory-diet.html
Sources of Gluten. https://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/sources-of-gluten/
Casein Protein Intolerance: https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/casein-protein-intolerance-2028.html
Does Sugar Cause Inflammation in the Body? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-and-inflammation
Cigarette Smoking and Inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3261116/
12 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants.
Hidden in Plain Sight. http://sugarscience.ucsf.edu/hidden-in-plain-sight/
Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm
Best Spices for Arthritis. https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/best-spices-for-arthritis.php
The Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075620/

 

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Sugar Consumption and Cognitive Health

Posted on January 5, 2018 by | Comments Off on Sugar Consumption and Cognitive Health

SugarCognitiveHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

While an occasional sweet treat is a pleasurable experience, daily overindulgence of added sugar is a major contributor to poor dental heath, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, many health professionals view sugars as toxic to cognitive health and function. Scientists now refer to Alzheimer’s disease as “diabetes of the brain” or type 3 diabetes. Glucose, a form of sugar, is the primary fuel source for our energy-demanding brains. This may lead one to wonder how a simple carbohydrate necessary for brain function can wreak havoc on mental, physical and psychological wellbeing. However, supplying the brain with energy is a delicate balancing act that doesn’t require the consumption of added sugars.

Proper glucose levels and efficient use of this energy source are closely linked to valuable brain functions such as thinking, memory and learning. Low glucose levels are linked to decreased production of neurochemicals, as well as poor cognitive function. High glucose levels are linked to memory problems and cognitive deficiencies. Science shows that our bodies don’t need added sugar for proper function, as sophisticated bodily functions break down complex carbohydrates into the simple sugars essential for cell and organ functioning. A whole food largely plant-based diet replete with vitamins, minerals, omega-3’s, fiber, good quality proteins, and healthy fats, provides sufficient brain fuel and supports overall health.

We know that type 2 diabetes accelerates brain aging, and that high glucose levels can negatively affect the brain’s functional connectivity, accelerating the progression of functional decline. Long term type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause brain atrophy, and can lead to small vessel disease, resulting in cognitive difficulties and hastening the development of vascular dementia. An observational study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that higher blood glucose levels are associated with a greater risk of dementia, even among those not diagnosed with diabetes. The seven-year study, which adjusted data for cardiovascular factors already linked to dementia, such as high blood pressure and smoking, found that over the course of the study, approximately 25 percent of participants developed Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia.

The results showed a direct correlation between higher blood sugar levels and increased dementia risk, providing more evidence that the brain is a target for damage by high blood sugar. The typical American diet, high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars and industrial food toxins, is linked to inflammation, a major driver of chronic disease. Neuroinflammation is believed to be a cause of depression and other mental health disorders. Per board certified women’s holistic health psychiatrist, Kelly Brogan, MD., “Sugar has direct inflammatory effects on the body that may be related to its influence on gut microflora, its associated insulin spike or the glycation effects of circulating sugar on proteins. The more days of your life you engage in a pattern of sugar and refined carb consumption, the more your brain suffers, potentially putting you at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia down the line.”

Brain neurons are very sensitive cells and those with diabetes and high blood sugar are at risk of neuronal damage. Data shows that type 2 diabetes causes brain insulin resistance, oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. Persuasive evidence supports the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s represents a form of diabetes that selectively afflicts the brain. Although type 2 diabetes itself may not cause Alzheimer’s, it may serve as a cofactor in its pathogenesis or progression. Additionally, the strong link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease is seen to support the claim that sugar toxicity may be destroying mental health. While correlated with mild cognitive impairment in seniors, high sugar consumption has negative effects on children’s cognitive function as well.

While there are no simple answers, common sense actions that promote health throughout life may help to avoid or delay cognitive decline. There’s no single medication or action that has been found to preserve brain health. Currently, a mixed approach of healthy lifestyle choices is recommended to help maintain brain resiliency and function. Factors that play a role in supporting cognitive and overall health include controlling blood sugar and hypertension, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, engaging in regular physical and cognitively stimulating activities, and avoiding smoking and social isolation. Making a broad overall effort to reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption, as well as a commitment to a healthier lifestyle is good advice for supporting cardiac, brain and overall health. Don’t delay, start today.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality products to support overall heath and healthy glucose levels:

Vanadium Complex...Vanadium Complex with Cinnulin PF® by Progressive™ Laboratories: This scientifically designed complex provides nutritional support for glucose metabolism, normal blood sugar levels, and pancreatic health, as well as insulin production and sensitivity. Natural ingredients help to manage sugar and carbohydrate cravings.  

 

Sweet Defense™Sweet Defense™ by Enzymatic Therapy®: This vitamin, mineral, botanical and glandular product provides nutrients for blood glucose, carbohydrate and energy metabolism. Sweet Defense™ may help with weight management by helping to reduce sugar cravings. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, yeast, preservative and artificial ingredient free.

 

Chromium (picolinate...Chromium Picolinate 500 mcg by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic supplement provides a highly usable form of chromium essential for proper glucose and lipid metabolism. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Glyco StressGlyco Stress by Biospec Nutritionals: This unique formula provides vitamins, minerals, and botanicals to nutritionally support the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as promote healthy glucose levels.

 

Glucose Support...Glucose Support Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic complex contains highly recognized ingredients that provide specific support for optimal pancreatic function, as well as   healthy glucose and fat metabolism. Ingredients include traditional botanicals, adaptogens, chromium and maitake medicinal mushroom. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

References:
Sugar and the Brain. http://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/and-brain-series/sugar-and-brain
High Blood Sugar Linked to Dementia. https://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/09/high-blood-sugar-linked-to-dementia/
Dietary Sugar and Mental Illness: A Surprising Link. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-depression-cure/200907/dietary-sugar-and-mental-illness-surprising-link
Alzheimer’s Disease is Type 3 Diabetes-Evidence Reviewed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769828/

 

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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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