Tag Archives: Whey Protein Concentrate by Biotics Research

Soil, Plants and Heavy Metal Pollution

SoilPlantsJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Per the World Health Organization (WHO), some natural heavy metals can enhance the quality of life, health, and wellbeing. Metals such as iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, chromium and manganese are essential for health in minuscule amounts. For example, iron is needed for blood production, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, proper immune function, and collagen and neurotransmitter synthesis; zinc aids hormone regulation and gene activity; magnesium is necessary for muscle function, strong bones and healthy teeth; copper plays a role in iron metabolism, melanin synthesis, and central nervous system function; selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, which protects protein, cell membranes, lipids and nucleic acids; and manganese aids energy production by breaking down fats, carbohydrates and protein.

While some elements are necessary in minute amounts for human health, others are toxic or carcinogenic, affecting the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Heavy metals are defined as any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. These include cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, which along with air pollution, dioxins and hazardous pesticides, appear on the WHO’s list of ten chemicals of major public health concern. Highly toxic, arsenic is widely distributed throughout the environment as a naturally occurring substance, or as a result of contamination from human activity, including mining and smelting ores, the burning of fossil fuels, and previous or current use of arsenic containing pesticides.

Arsenic is found in rocks, soil, air, groundwater, and foods such as rice, grains, fruits, fruit juices and vegetables. Because arsenic is found in soil and water, it is absorbed by plants whether grown conventionally or organically. Long term exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning associated with higher rates of skin, bladder and lung cancers, as well as diabetes and pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. Per WHO, inorganic arsenic is a confirmed human carcinogen and is the most significant chemical contaminant in drinking water globally. Arsenic is found in high levels in groundwater in countries such as China, India, Mexico and the United States.

Fertilizers produced from phosphate ores are a major source of diffuse cadmium pollution. Food is the main source of cadmium intake for non-occupationally exposed people. Because insecticides, fungicides and commercial fertilizers contain cadmium that pollutes the soil, cadmium was found to be significantly higher in non-organic food crops. Crops grown in polluted soil or irrigated with polluted water, as well as meat from animals grazing on contaminated pastures, may contain increased concentrations. Studies have shown that cadmium exposure can result in high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and kidney, liver, brain, lung, and immune dysfunction.

As a neurotoxic chemical, even a small amount of mercury exposure may cause serious health problems, including heart disease and changes to the brain. Mercury exposure can have toxic effects on the nervous, immune and digestive systems, as well as deleterious effects on the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. While mercury occurs naturally in the earth’s crust, it is released into the environment largely as a result of human activity. While some mercury is released through volcanic activity, the majority of mercury is released into the environment through coal fired power stations, residential coal burning, industrial processes, waste incineration, and precious metal mining. Toxic to the central and peripheral nervous systems, mercury is found in dental amalgam fillings, and every day products such as batteries, light bulbs, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Lead has a cumulative neurotoxic effect on multiple body systems, including the brain, liver, kidneys and skeletal system. Particularly toxic to women of child bearing age, fetuses and young children, there is no known amount of lead exposure that is considered safe. As a naturally occurring toxic metal, the widespread use of lead in gasoline, pigments, vehicle batteries, toys, cosmetics, plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and jewelry, as well as mining, smelting, and manufacturing, has resulted in extensive environmental contamination. Lead exposure can result in a wide range of biological effects dependent upon the level and length of exposure. High levels of exposure may result in toxic effects that may cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract and joints, as well as hemoglobin synthesis and acute or chronic damage to the nervous system.

Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), heavy metal soil pollution is a serious global environmental problem that adversely affects plant growth and alters the composition and activity of soil microbial communities. Soil is essential for seed germination, and for the growth and survival of plants. Seeds are stressed by the presence of heavy metals, which, decrease germination, reduce root elongation and negatively affect protein levels. In plants, soil pollution results in oxidative damage, and altered sugar and protein metabolism, resulting in cellular damage and nutrient loss. In response to heavy metal exposure, plants have developed detoxification mechanisms. Heavy metal chelators, known as phytochelatins are synthesized from reduced glutathione, which helps plants to ameliorate the toxic effect of heavy metals.

In addition to posing serious threat to agricultural produce, the toxic accumulation of certain heavy metals in the body may compete with and replace essential minerals, which can lead to harmful health consequences to the body’s organ systems. Heavy metals can accumulate in the soft tissues of the body in concentrations sufficient to cause physiological, neurological and behavioral changes. Long term exposure may result in symptoms of muscle and joint pain, chronic fatigue, digestive and immune issues, neurological conditions, infertility and heart disease. Although the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal system are designed to remove toxins, the body can become overwhelmed by pollution, pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Glutathione, found in all bodily cells, is a powerful antioxidant and a natural detoxifying agent. Aging, stress, poor diet, injury, and illness all contribute to low cellular levels of glutathione. However, you can help to protect the body from oxidation by supporting the production of glutathione, as glutathione is both produced and recycled within the body. Increasing the blood levels of glutathione supports immune function, reduces free radicals, optimizes detoxification, and enhances heavy metal clearance. Detoxification, as well as glutathione synthesis and recycling can be enhanced by a sulfur-rich diet, exercise, and proper supplementation.

– Glutathione on its own is not readily bioavailable. Liposomal glutathione, however, is believed to be fully absorbable. For optimal absorption and bioavailability, s-acetyl-glutathione provides the acetylated form of glutathione.

-One of the most effective ways to improve and ensure healthy levels of glutathione is by supplementing with N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), an essential amino acid and a main building block of glutathione. Those taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing with NAC.

– Be sure to get adequate levels of vitamins B6, B12, folate and betaine to support critical bodily functions, that include DNA repair, detoxification and immune health.

– Consider supplementing with liver-supportive milk thistle, as well as selenium, which supports glutathione recycling, and alpha lipoic acid for support of many bodily processes, including detoxification and energy production.

-Bioactive, pesticide and hormone free whey protein is a great source of cysteine and other amino acids that support glutathione synthesis.

– Be sure to include sulfur-rich, cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetables in your diet. Studies have shown that sulfur amino acids stimulate glutathione production and support higher glutathione levels.

-Studies suggest that moderate exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise in combination with weight training, can increase glutathione levels, which helps to boost immunity, support detoxification and enhance antioxidant defenses.

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

NAC 600 mgNAC 600 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This free form amino acid provides nutritional and antioxidant support, promotes healthy glutathione levels, and supports heavy metal detoxification by helping to reduce cadmium and mercury accumulation in the kidneys and liver. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Liposomal...Liposomal Glutathione by NuMedica: This product provides 500 mg of liposomal glutathione and activated B vitamin cofactors for optimal absorption and bioavailability in support of the immune and detoxification systems. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

S-Acetyl Glutathione...S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy by Designs for Health®: This product provides 1 g of NAC and 200 mg of the acetylated form of glutathione for optimal absorption and bioavailability. Gluten free.

 

Metal-X-SynergyMetal-X-Synergy™ by Designs for Health®: This complex includes ingredients that work synergistically to bind to heavy metals without depleting essential minerals. This formula includes NAC, reduced glutathione and alpha lipoic acid in support of heavy metal detoxification. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Mercury DetoxMercury Detox™ by Integrative Therapeutics®: This blend of powerful ingredients includes selenium, NAC, reduced glutathione and amino acids for targeted support for heavy metal detoxification. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, preservative and artificial ingredient free formulation.

 

AntiOxidant FormulaAntiOxidant Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This synergistic broad-spectrum formula provides antioxidant nutrients to promote cellular heath and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Ingredients include milk thistle, NAC, and selenium. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO hypoallergenic formulation.

 

Whey Protein...Whey Protein Concentrate by Biotics® Research: This whey protein concentrate is derived from the milk of grass fed New Zealand cows in support of detoxification, glucose metabolism and liver and gallbladder health. Gluten free.

 

Folate 5,000 PlusFolate 5,000 Plus by Pure Encapsulations®: Folate Plus provides the universally metabolized and biologically active form of folate as 5-MTHF as well as optimal levels of vitamin B6 and B12 in support of cellular, cardiovascular, neurological and psychological health. Non-GMO vegan formulation.

References:
Heavy metal pollution in soil. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289299230_Heavy_metal_pollution_in_soil
Hemoglobin and Functions of Iron. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin_and_functions_of_iron/
Adverse Health Effects of Heavy Metals in Children. http://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/heavy_metals.pdf
Arsenic. https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/ucm280202.htm
Arsenic. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs372/en/
Cadmium in Drinking Water. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/water-quality/guidelines/chemicals/cadmium.pdf
Mercury and health. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs361/en/
Lead poising and health. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs379/en/
Healthy Metals. https://publications.nigms.nih.gov/findings/mar05/popups/lead_sb.html
Effect of heavy metals on germination of seeds. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3783763/
Heavy metals toxicity in plants: An overview on the role of glutathione and phytochelatins in heavy metal stress tolerance of plants. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629909003159
Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427717/

 

 

Nutritional Supplements for Women 50 and Older

SupplementsOlderWomenJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

While many women choose to age gracefully, we would also like to slow the hands of time. To reverse, delay or avoid frailty as well as conditions associated with aging, good nutrition and physical activity should be considered mandatory. Those wanting to remain mobile, independent, and enjoy a long, healthy, vibrant life should maintain a healthy weight, participate in enjoyable physical and social activities, and get the recommended intake of daily nutrients. However, as we age, we need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight, making it more difficult to obtain the full array of micronutrients.

Additionally, hormonal and metabolic changes, low dietary intake, and less efficient digestion and absorption can have a profound impact on nutritional requirements. Nutritional supplements may do more than fill in dietary gaps. They may also address particular health concerns of aging women, including enhanced support of bone, heart, and cognitive health. Studies have identified micronutrient deficiency levels in the range of 30 – 95 percent in those over 50, including certain vitamins and minerals critical to aging, such as B2, B12, C, D, E, folate, calcium and magnesium.

Maintaining energy production, along with healthy muscles, joints, and bone, keeps the body strong and healthy, preventing weakness and frailty. Calcium and protein are essential to support the lifelong process of bone formation and maintenance. More than 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, leaving less than 1 percent in extracellular serum. While some individuals may meet calcium requirements through dietary sources and fortified foods, calcium absorption, unfortunately, declines with age.

Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average dietary calcium absorption rate is approximately 30 percent. Small amounts of calcium are utilized throughout the body for vascular contraction, vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion. Adolescents, post-menopausal women, the elderly, and those with allergies or lactose intolerance are at the highest risk for calcium deficiency.

Adequate dietary protein provides the amino acids required for protein synthesis necessary for energy production, and the repair and maintenance of body tissues. Bones and muscles comprise approximately 50 percent of body protein stores. Seniors are more susceptible than younger adults for declining muscle mass during periods of inactivity, as well as for anabolic resistance, the impaired capacity to synthesize muscle mass. The loss of muscle strength and mass, known as sarcopenia, is found to some degree in more than half of adults aged 80 years and older. Sarcopenia may be the result of changes that occur with aging, including reduced physical activity, changing endocrine function, insulin resistance and increased dietary protein needs.

Recent science suggests that the consumption of a good quality whey protein, ideally 20g daily, could help seniors meet adequate protein requirements. Along with sufficient exercise, protein supplementation could minimize the loss of skeletal muscle and reduce anabolic resistance. As renal function also decreases with age, a high protein intake is contraindicated in those with renal disease. However, there is compelling data to support the ability of high quality dietary protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in aging healthy individuals.

Three synergistic micronutrients, vitamins D3 and K2 and magnesium work to strengthen bones and protect the heart. These nutrients are essential to the absorption and maintenance of proper calcium balance. Together, vitamins D3 and K2 shuttle calcium into bones and teeth, and help remove calcium from arteries and soft tissues. In order for muscles to exist in a neutral state, calcium and magnesium must be in balance. Magnesium helps in muscle relaxation, while calcium constricts the muscles. Proper balance is especially important to heart muscle health, helping to prevent angina, heart attack and hypertension.

B vitamins, also critical to heart health, become more difficult for women to absorb as we age. Vitamins B6, B12 and folate help to properly regulate homocysteine levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Vitamin B12 is essential for optimal brain function. The body’s ability to absorb B12 declines with age, which may increase the risk of dementia in older adults. The Institute of Medicine advises adults over age 50 to supplement with B12 to ensure sufficiency.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements to support overall health and wellbeing:

RevitalAge Ultra ...RevitalAge™ Ultra by Pure Encapsulations®: This scientifically researched blend offers sustained released CoQ10, acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and pure resveratrol, as well as antioxidant and mitochondrial support cofactors in support of enhanced cardiovascualar, metabolic and neurocognitive support. Specific ingredients target cellular pathways and genes involved in the aging process. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO, hypoallergenic formulation.

Whey Protein...Whey Protein Concentrate by Biotics® Research: Derived from the milk of grass fed New Zealand cows, this Non-GMO, low temperature, microfiltered whey protein powder provides 21g of protein per serving in support of healthy aging, detoxification, glucose metabolism, liver and gallbladder health, and weight management. Gluten free.

Ultra Whey Plus...Ultra Whey Plus™ Vanilla by Douglas Laboratories®: This product provides essential amino acids, 22g of protein per serving, an organic antioxidant fruit and vegetable blend and soluble fiber. Sweetened with organic coconut palm sugar and organic stevia in a natural vanilla flavor. Gluten, wheat, yeast and artificial ingredient free.

Vitamin D Supreme...Vitamin D Supreme With Vitamin K1 and K2 by Designs for Health™: This product supplies a clinically useful dose of vitamin D3 and highly bioavailable forms of vitamins K1 and K2 in support of optimal bone and arterial health and proper immune system balance. Gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar and preservative free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Calcium...Calcium Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite by Douglas Laboratories®: This product supplies beneficial bioavailable calcium, phosphorus, amino acids, boron, and bone matrix proteins derived from young bovine bone in support of the maintenance of healthy bone structure and function. Gluten, wheat, yeast, soy, dairy, sugar and artificial ingredient free.

References:
The Role of Calcium in Human Aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337919/
Protein nutrition, exercise and aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640513
Role of dietary protein in the sarcopenia of aging. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1562S.full

 

The Importance of Whey Protein for Seniors

WheyProteinJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

If you read our recently published blog post entitled Fitness After 50, you learned that as we age our body composition changes. Weight gain and muscle loss are among the most noticeable changes. However, a reduction in total body protein, including physiologic proteins, results in deviations we can’t see. Aging is associated with various changes that include the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. This age-related loss of muscle mass, which may typically begin around age 40, is attributed to a disruption in the regulation of skeletal muscle protein turnover, also known as protein metabolism.

Protein turnover is defined as the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. When there is more protein synthesis than degradation the body is in an anabolic state wherein lean tissue is built. More protein degradation than synthesis indicates the body is in a catabolic state that tears down lean tissues. When we are younger, protein tissue accounts for 30 percent of whole-body protein turnover. As a result of an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation that comes with aging, the 30 percent rate declines to 20 percent or less by about age 70. This results in the need for increased protein intake as we age, even more so for physically active seniors.

Physical activity stimulates post-exercise muscle growth in people of all ages. In older persons, prolonged resistance training is an effective strategy for building skeletal muscle and improving functional performance. However, muscle growth can only occur when muscle protein synthesis exceeds muscle protein breakdown. A positive muscle protein balance largely depends on the timing of amino acid and/or protein ingestion before, during, and/or after exercise. The availability of plasma amino acids is an important regulator of muscle protein metabolism and improved muscle protein balance. Although exercise increases muscle protein synthesis, in the absence of protein intake, the balance remains negative.

The daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. Recently, it has come to light that seniors require an increased amount of at least 1.0 to 1.2 grams of dietary protein per kilogram of body weight. Other research indicates that active seniors may require up to 1.5 grams to optimize muscle and bone health. Dietary animal protein is the primary source of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, biotin, amino acids and other essential nutrients. The importance of dietary protein cannot be underestimated for older folks, as inadequate protein intake contributes to a decrease in reserve capacity, which can negatively affect immune health, slow healing, and increase recuperation time from an illness.

The increased need for protein may coincide with a diminished appetite, as well as decreased energy requirements and reduced caloric needs. Eggs, seafood and soy based products are good dietary protein sources for seniors, yet some may find adequate dietary protein difficult to obtain. Often associated with athletes and body builders, high quality whey protein powders may be even more beneficial for older individuals. Daily whey protein supplementation

offers a convenient and practical way to meet increased protein needs, and aids in retaining lean muscle mass, most notably when accompanied by regular exercise.

In fact, whey protein may be the ideal post- exercise nutrition, as it is quickly digested and encourages muscle growth and increased strength. As part of a healthy diet and exercise plan, protein shakes can help to boost physical strength, and have been shown in studies to improve fitness and the overall health profile of participants aged 70 and older. It appears that nutritional supplementation, particularly whey protein, provides a practical approach to increase the availability of plasma amino acids to noticeably improve the physical strength of those at risk of muscle loss in their senior years.

Professional Supplement Center carries many fine quality whey protein powders to support muscle and overall health:

Whey Protein...Whey Protein Concentrate by Biotics® Research: This suburb whey protein concentrate is derived from the milk of grass fed New Zealand cows, never treated with growth hormones or fed unnatural or GMO food. One scoop provides 21 grams of high quality whey protein with only 2 grams of natural sugar. Gluten free.

Vital Whey Protein...Vital Whey® Protein Natural Cocoa by Well Wisdom: This 100% natural biologically-active proprietary whey protein is derived from raw milk obtained from grass fed cows. It is minimally processed to maintain the full range of immune-modulating and regenerative components naturally present in fresh raw milk. Gluten, hormone, pesticide and chemical free, Non-GMO product. Flavored with natural cocoa. Also available in Natural Vanilla and Natural flavors.

Whey Basics VanillaWhey Basics Vanilla by Pure Encapsulations®: This product provides 21 grams of highly purified, non-denatured, nutritious whey protein isolate per serving. The protein is sourced from the milk of grass fed cows and is cold processed to preserve the natural health supportive ingredients. Natural vanilla bean flavor.

Whey Cool Protein -...Whey Cool™ Protein Natural Flavor by Designs for Health: This non-denatured proprietary whey protein concentrate is minimally processed to retain the full range of immune boosting and regenerative components naturally present in fresh raw milk. Derived from milk from cows that graze on pesticide and chemical free natural grass pastures. Cows are not subjected to growth hormone treatment, antibiotics, or GMO feed. Also available in Natural Vanilla and Natural Chocolate flavors.

Ultra Whey Plus...Ultra Whey Plus™ Vanilla by Douglas Laboratories®: This whey protein and potato protein concentrate provides 22 grams of protein per serving. A well-rounded product, it provides a rich source of amino acids, as well as an organic fruit and vegetable blend. Naturally sweetened with organic coconut palm sugar and organic stevia. Gluten, wheat and preservative free.

References:
Whey protein ingestion in elderly results in greater muscle protein accrual than ingestion of its constituent essential amino acid content. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2612691/
Protein and older adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640517
Whole-body protein turnover in the healthy elderly. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9322564
Distribution of Protein Turnover Changes with Age in Humans as Assessed by Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Image Analysis to Quantify Tissue Volumes. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/130/4/784.full
Aging, exercise, and muscle protein metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19131471
Exercise, protein metabolism, and muscle growth. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11255140
Can the Elderly Take Whey Protein? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/can-elderly-whey-protein-8318.html
Is There a Need for Protein Ingestion During Exercise? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008809/
New supplement can repair, rejuvenate muscles in older adults. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170718142925.htm