Integrative Lifestyles - July 2016

lifestyles TM

SUMMER 2016

Take a breath

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LUNG DISEASE

Neurologist

KULREET CHAUDHARY

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on the link between a healthy gut, a healthy brain, and the ability to finally lose weight!

PAIN

SOLUTIONS

The TRUTH about your

THYROID The Natural Remedy for

COPD

PATIENTS VOLUME 1, ISSUE 0716

BEYOND PRESCRIPTIONS A NATURAL APPROACH TO AUTISM

COMPLIMENTS OF

2

3

contents

6

14

22

IN THIS ISSUE 6

Solutions to 7 Everyday Pain

All-natural ways to feel better fast!

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on't Let Disease Take D Your Breath Away

Herbal help for asthma and COPD. 14

top the Diabetes S Epidemic

3 ways to keep from becoming a statistic.

16 Understanding Autism Drug-free nutritional strategies.

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20 Are

You Suffering from Hypothyroidism?

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The simple fix for a sluggish thyroid.

A guy's guide to supplements.

22

rime Talk with P Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

The surprising health benefits of blending old and new medical modalities.

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ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CHEST

Men's Health 30

Research Roundup

EDITOR'S CORNER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jaye McDonald DESIGN/ART DIRECTOR

Roberta Jones DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Amy Medina ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Stan Daniels Leigh Day CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Holly Lucille Dr. Binu T. Kuruvilla Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum Dr. Robert Thompson COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Katz Photography EDITORIAL OFFICES

1950 S. Rainbow Blvd.

Suite 103-63 Las Vegas, NV 89146 editorial@goodhealthlifestylesmag.com PUBLISHER

It’s finally summer, which means it’s time to step out and enjoy all the farmer’s markets, music festivals, and other outdoor activities the season has to offer.

Hopefully you’re taking advantage of the warmer weather right now—reading this edition of Integrative Lifestyles on your front porch, refreshing glass of iced tea in hand.

Of course, while summertime can conjure up warm images of things like alfresco dining and outdoor yoga practice, the reality is that the season can also wreak havoc on individuals with certain health issues. Humidity can trigger complications for asthma and COPD sufferers, which is why you can find natural remedies for lung concerns on page 10. The warmer temps also encourage people to participate in more outdoor sports than usual, leaving many individuals seeking safe, effective pain relief for aching joints and sore muscles. On page 6, you’ll find “7 Solutions for Everyday Pain”.

This edition spotlights Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, a practicing neurologist and neuroscientist, who describes how she found a connection between treating her patients’ migraines while simultaneously helping them lose weight. We’ve also focused on why patients with hypothyroidism desperately need iodine, and compiled a useful list of natural substances that are showing promise for children diagnosed with autism and other spectrum disorders.

Though summer is the perfect time to relax and recharge, it’s difficult not to get excited about the amazing discoveries that are taking place in the natural medicine world. We hope you make some interesting discoveries yourself in this edition of Integrative Lifestyles. Enjoy!

Mukoy Publishing

Yours in health and happiness,

Jaye

Like us on facebook

Jaye McDonald Editor-in-Chief

www.facebook.com/ GoodHealthLifestylesMagazine

IL124_07_2016

Published quarterly by Mukoy Publishing, 1950 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 103-63, Las Vegas, NV 89146. ©Mukoy Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by the contributors to Integrative Lifestyles are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

The information in this publication is solely for educational purposes under Section 5 of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 and is not intended as medical advice.

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7 SOLUTIONS to Everyday

PAIN

by Holly Lucille, ND, RN

If there’s one universal experience, it’s pain. Whether it’s the dull ache of a pulled muscle or the sharp pain of a stubbed toe, we’ve all been there. But when pain is ongoing, it becomes more than just an uncomfortable hiccup in your life. Daily pain can limit your activity and lead to frustration and even depression.

Most doctors recommend popular antiinflammatory painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. While these over-the-counter medications do inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, they can also cause stomach upset, esophageal discomfort, internal bleeding, and ulcers— especially when used on a long-term basis. What’s more, they can actually delay healing.

oxaprozin. Yet, even as they were touted as a “safe” alternative to aspirin, these drugs were found to worsen colitis and increase the risk of heart attack. They are so dangerous that the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that “It has been estimated conservatively that 16,500 NSAID-related deaths occur among patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis every year in the United States. This figure is similar to the number of deaths from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and considerably greater than the number of deaths from multiple myeloma, asthma, cervical cancer, or Hodgkin’s disease. If deaths from gastrointestinal toxic effects from NSAIDs were tabulated separately in the National Vital Statistics reports, these effects would constitute the 15th most common cause of death in the United States. Yet these toxic effects remain mainly a 'silent epidemic,' with many physicians and most patients unaware of the magnitude of the problem. Furthermore, the mortality statistics do not include deaths ascribed to the use of over-the-counter NSAIDs.”

For pain related to chronic conditions like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, pharmaceutical companies have developed a new generation of COX-2 inhibitors that include celecoxib, diclofenac, fenopfofen, and

Fortunately, there are a number of safe and natural ways to find relief that are often just as effective as pharmaceuticals. The following are my top seven methods to ease both chronic and acute pain.

THE POWER OF PAIN

Whether you suffer from back pain, joint issues, migraines, or even that stubbed toe, most types of pain have one common denominator—inflammation.

When you experience an injury, your body immediately gets to work repairing the damage by releasing the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, more commonly known as COX-2. This enzyme turns a specific type of fat called arachidonic acid into prostaglandins that trigger the inflammatory response and result in pain.

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HERBAL HELP

Herbs have been used for centuries to treat all types of pain. Modern science has found that four herbs in particular work by reducing inflammation.

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Curcumin is the compound in turmeric responsible for its deep golden hue. Studies have found that curcumin is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that supports the normal inflammatory response and helps manage chronic pain. It does this by suppressing certain substances secreted by the immune system, known as cytokines, that contribute to inflammation. Because of this, curcumin can help to reduce or eliminate numerous types of pain including joint pain, postoperative pain, and even premenstrual pain.

But not all forms of supplemental curcumin are equally effective.

Curcumin is extremely difficult for the body to absorb. It’s also quickly broken down in the gut and shuttled out of the body. And yet, smart companies have found ways to improve absorption so we can all benefit from curcumin’s important benefits. One

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form of curcumin called BCM-95 has displayed exceptional bioavailability.

This novel formulation, which is created by blending curcumin with turmeric essential oils, is so effective that it provides 10 times better absorption and improves retention in the bloodstream 7-fold over ordinary curcumin.

New research in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine reports that, when osoteoarthritis patients took a supplement containing BCM95, both their pain and their range of motion improved. Plus, the researchers noted a significant improvement in inflammation markers.

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Boswellia can also help tame inflammation and pain thanks to boswellic acids.

The most important of these is acetyl11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA), which modulates 5-LOX, an enzyme that triggers inflammatory leukotrienes. But, much like curcumin, this herb is poorly absorbed by the body. Fortunately, scientists have developed a standardized form of bioavailable boswellia known as BosPure that enhances absorption and provides at least 70 percent boswellic acids, including 10 percent AKBA.

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Comfrey Cream is an excellent option for those times when a topical remedy is called for. Popular during the Middle Ages, this herb has been rediscovered for its inflammationquenching properties and its ability to relieve arthritis pain, muscle pain, strains, and sprains. But choose your comfrey wisely since most cultivars of the herb naturally contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause liver damage. Check the ingredient label for Trauma Comfrey, a special cultivar that is naturally free of PAs.

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4

Devil’s Claw is a South African herb with strong analgesic properties, making it an effective remedy for lower back pain.

But the real secret to the herb’s efficacy is its ability to reduce inflammation by triggering changes in leukotrienes. A month-long study that appeared in the European Journal of Anaesthesiolog y found that devil’s claw was more effective than a placebo in people with moderate to severe back pain.

THE MAGIC OF MANIPULATION

The healing power of touch can’t be minimized when it comes to relieving pain. Two forms that have both a long history of use and clinical evidence are acupuncture and massage.

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Acupuncture is based on the theory that pathways of energy called Qi flow through the body and influence our health and well-being. A modality that is Chinese in origin, it is the practice of inserting fine needles at specific points of the body to relieve pain and treat certain diseases.

Studies suggest that acupuncture is especially effective for pain associated with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, migraine, or cancer. One systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials confirmed that adding acupuncture to drug therapy increased the remission of cancer-related pain and improved the quality of life in participants.

Another review of 22 trials found that acupuncture resulted in better outcomes and fewer side effects than drugs often used to treat migraines.

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Massage is a great way to destress. But it can also be a wonderful way to manage pain.

Massage therapy relieves stress and strain from muscles and connective tissues using pressure, kneading, stroking, and other hand techniques. It also increases circulation to the area. Studies show that massage using moderate pressure is particularly effective for increasing range of motion and decreasing pain in those with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EATING

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The foods you eat can have a profound impact on the inflammatory response. Some foods—like antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, wild-caught salmon, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil—help to keep inflammation in check. Yet processed foods, sugar, refined grains, gluten, seed oils, and conventionally raised meat and poultry contribute to chronic inflammation that can keep pain at a constant simmer. If you have a painful condition like arthritis or back trouble, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet just might be the missing piece to solving your pain puzzle.

Holly Lucille, ND, RN, is a nationally recognized licensed naturopathic physician, author, educator, and certified CrossFit instructor. Dr. Holly has a private practice in Los Angeles called Healing from Within Healthcare. She is a frequent contributor to several publications, hosts the “Dr. Holly Lucille Show: Mindful Medicine” on RadioMD, and provides natural health videos at her website, www.drhollylucille.com.

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Don’t Let Disease TAKE YOUR

BREATH AWAY

Boswellia—the natural remedy for COPD, asthma, and more

by Binu T. Kuruvilla, MBBS In the time it takes to read this article, you’ll take an estimated 150 breaths.

You probably won’t even notice.

That’s the way it should be. However, for those with a lung disease, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, breathing can’t be taken for granted. The simple act of breathing can be a struggle, and the prognosis for someone with one of these diseases is often poor.

Unfortunately, chronic lung diseases are on the rise, while effective treatments can be hard to find or come with a laundry list of serious side effects. Natural remedies, however, can make a profound difference in the lives of those affected.

How the lungs function The lungs are sponge-like organs that are responsible for taking in oxygen while expelling carbon dioxide. When we breathe in, the air goes down our trachea—better known as the windpipe—to the bronchi, which are the main passageways that carry air through the lungs. The air then flows 10

into smaller bronchioles that branch off of the bronchi. At the end of each of these bronchioles are microscopic air sacs called alveoli. These sacs have a permeable outer layer that allows air exchange. In other words, this is where oxygen is taken into our bloodstream and carbon dioxide is released back

into the lungs. Once this occurs, we exhale and the air is expelled.

When our lungs are healthy, we don’t even think about this complicated process of air exchange. But for those with chronic respiratory problems, just taking a breath can be a challenge.

Trachea Bronchi Bronchioles

Alveoli

COPD

COPD is a type of chronic and progressive lung disease that encompasses two serious respiratory conditions—emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD affects at least 11 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. However, exposure to chemicals or industrial dust and lung damage from preterm birth may also cause COPD. If you have COPD, the airways become inflamed. Over time, the airways and air sacs lose their elasticity and the walls between air sacs are destroyed. Mucus also builds up and

Over

25 MILLION Americans suffer from asthma

clogs the lungs. Unfortunately, this lung damage can’t be reversed, but catching the disease early, making lifestyle changes, and getting effective treatment can make a big difference in the quality of life. It’s important to know the symptoms of COPD because many people don’t see a doctor until the disease has begun to make their lives miserable. See your healthcare provider if you have a persistent cough that just won’t go away, or are coughing up extra mucus, and are often short of breath, especially after exercise.

ASTHMA

Imagine that you’re going about your day when suddenly you start wheezing and your chest gets tight. You begin coughing and can’t seem to stop. Your face is pale and sweaty. As you struggle to breathe, your fingernails start turning blue. And you start to panic!

That’s an asthma attack. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, over 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. People of all ages can have asthma, but it most often develops in childhood. Sometimes the condition is mild, and the symptoms go away with little or no treatment.

Asthma can also be severe—even fatal.

Tragically, an estimated nine people die of asthma every day.

People with asthma develop swollen, inflamed airways that are overly sensitive to certain triggers like respiratory infections, cigarette smoke, or physical activity. Allergies are also common triggers, especially among children. When someone is exposed to a trigger, the airways create extra mucus and swell even more.

BREATHE BETTER WITH BOSWELLIA

Boswellia—an ancient herb long used for lung conditions—is at the top of the list of herbal therapies for COPD and other lung conditions. The reason boswellia works so well is because some of its natural acid constituents, particularly acetyl-11-keto-ßboswellic acid (AKBA), tame a potent inflammatory enzyme in the body called 5-lipoxygenase or 5-LOX. This pro-inflammatory substance has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases, including COPD and asthma.

Preliminary research suggests that lower 5-LOX levels mean less airway reactivity—which is promising news for people with these chronic lung diseases.

One of these studies, which was published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Patholog y, reported that boswellia also reduced airway inflammation and resistance.

The herb also helped to maintain

BREATHE EASIER WITH LIFESTYLE CHANGES

STOP SMOKING and avoid second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke will accelerate lung damage.

Avoid lung irritants such as chemical fumes, dust, and other TOXIC SUBSTANCES. Use natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals. Stay inside when outdoor air quality is poor.

Get REGULAR EXERCISE to strengthen your cardiovascular system and help maintain lung capacity. Talk to your doctor about what exercises are safe for you.

Eat a HEALTHY DIET filled with fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins and fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Keep meals small and frequent to ensure adequate nutrition and maintain weight.

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normal immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

IgE is an antibody involved in allergic reactions. Since the most common form of asthma is allergenic asthma, this is very good news.

In a German double-blind, clinical trial, patients with asthma received 300 mg of boswellia or a placebo three times daily for six weeks. The results of this study were dramatic: 70 percent of patients in the boswellia group showed improvement in their symptoms.

Only 27 percent of patients showed improvement in the placebo group.

FORTIFY YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

For many people with lung disease, a respiratory illness like a cold or flu can be life threatening.

Because of this, it’s important to keep your immune system strong. In addition to taking precautionary measures, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding people who are sick, natural immune boosters may help. Try wellresearched herbals, like elderberry, along with the immune-enhancing vitamins A, C, and D, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium to keep your immune system going strong.

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Other herbal remedies

can also help deal with the symptoms of lung diseases. In Europe, if you’re bothered by an acute or chronic cough caused by COPD, bronchitis, or asthma, chances are good that you’ll be taking a cough remedy that includes ivy and thyme. These herbal medicines have been used for centuries and researchers have found that they possess properties that are useful in treating persistent coughs. This herbal duo helps to thin mucus, making coughs more productive, and helps relieve smooth muscle spasms that can restrict airways during an asthma attack. They also have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Plus, these two herbs are safe and effective for adults and children alike.

QUIET COUGHS with IVY

and THYME But boswellia isn’t just effective for COPD and asthma.

Pulmonary fibrosis is an especially serious lung condition where scar tissue develops in the lungs, causing thickening and stiffening.

Egyptian researchers found that supplementing with a boswellia extract for one month significantly reduced the inflammatory markers associated with the condition.

In addition, they found that boswellia decreased several indicators of the disease, including the number of cells affected by the fibrosis, the lung architecture destruction, and the progression of the lung fibrosis itself. The researchers suggested that boswellia’s ability to block 5-LOX was the reason it was able to prevent the progression of the disease.

Binu T. Kuruvilla, MBBS, serves as Assistant General Manager of Research and Development of Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd. He is keenly involved in preclinical and human clinical trials, with expertise in oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

A German trial examined the use of a liquid syrup of ivy and thyme extracts in over 360 adults with acute bronchitis.

Those taking the herbal syrup experienced a 69 percent reduction in their coughing within seven to nine days compared to just 48 percent among the participants taking a placebo. Another clinical trial—this one involving 1,234 children between the ages of 2 and 17 suffering from bronchitis—found that those taking a thyme and ivy syrup improved by an impressive 81 percent during the 10 day study. And the treatment proved safe and extremely well tolerated.

†Blood GSH/GSSG Ratio compared to unprotected glutathione *THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.

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Stop the

DIABETES EPIDEMIC Manage diabetes with lifestyle changes and one exceptional herb

by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD According to the American Diabetes Association, over 29 million Americans have diabetes—that’s almost 10 percent of the population. That’s not surprising considering the amount of sugar and empty calories we consume every day.

In fact, the Standard American Diet is filled with foods that make our blood sugar levels surge.

All that sugar wandering around in our bloodstream has escalating consequences for our health. With increased glucose (sugar) in our blood, our pancreas releases more insulin to help our cells use the glucose. But our cells can’t handle that extra load for long. Eventually they stop responding to insulin properly (what’s known as insulin resistance), which can mean that cells actually don’t get the energy they need. With even more glucose in our blood, the pancreas tries to adjust by making ever more insulin, resulting in weight gain and a spiral leading to 14

worsening diabetes. Doctors typically diagnose diabetes with a fasting plasma glucose blood test, which tests blood after at least eight hours of fasting.

A fasting glucose level between 100 and 125 indicates prediabetes. A level over 125 mg/dl means diabetes, which can set you on a course of regular blood sugar testing, restricted diets, and pharmaceutical interventions.

If blood sugar levels aren’t kept under control, serious—or even life threatening—complications can occur.

Unfortunately, uncontrolled diabetes is all too common: Experts estimate that nearly 8 million Americans don’t know they have the disease.

And those complications? Diabetes can lead to increased infections, blindness, amputations, and kidney disease. Having diabetes ups your risk for cardiovascular conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. What’s more, a growing body

of research is connecting diabetes to certain types of cancer, especially colon cancer. Another disease that’s being associated with insulin resistance in brain cells is Alzheimer’s disease—so much so that it’s sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes.

Dump the Donuts The simple answer for us all is to eat a sensible diet. Avoid added sugar and simple carbohydrates, like soft drinks, which can add the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories in one can. Unfortunately, fruit juices have the same teaspoons of sugar as sodas, so stick to eating the fruit instead.

Admittedly, a sugar addiction can be hard to conquer. If you’ve tried to be sensible about sugar but have failed time and again, consider a more structured diet, like a paleo or ketogenic diet that emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods.

These diets will fill you up without spiking your blood sugar and will help

you control your sugar cravings. In addition, my book, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, can show you how to get rid of the sugar cravings while keeping the pleasure.

Some good news? Dark chocolate, in moderation, is actually a health food!

Get Moving At the same time, exercise can have a profound effect on blood sugar and diabetes. It increases the action of insulin, improves blood glucose levels, and reduces insulin resistance. Of course, exercise, especially aerobic exercise, improves cardiovascular health. Strength training is also important for those with diabetes and as a prevention strategy. A Japanese population-based study found that those who engaged in strength training had a 34 percent reduced risk of developing diabetes, even after other types of physical activity were accounted for.

Vitamin D is also associated with lower diabetes risk, so go for walks in the sunshine as well.

An Herbal “Hint” In the markets of Mexico, bark from the Hintonia latiflora tree is often sold as an herbal remedy for diabetes. Hintonia latiflora is a small tree that grows in Mexico and parts of Central and South America. The use of the bark spread to Europe, where it has been used for over 50 years. Hintonia bark contains potent micronutrients, most especially coutareagenin, that help keep blood sugar levels low without episodes of hypoglycemia or other side effects.

A German study followed 177 patients with prediabetes or mild type 2 diabetes for eight months. Patients consumed capsules that included Hintonia latiflora as the primary ingredient. During the study, patients were evaluated every two months for various parameters of diabetes, including A1c, fasting glucose, and postprandial blood sugar (glucose measured after a meal), as well as common symptoms associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy. At the end of eight months, researchers noted the

following significant improvements: • A1c

improved by a dramatic average of 10.4 percent.

• Fasting

glucose improved by an average of 23.3 percent.

• Postprandial glucose improved by an average of 24.9

percent.

Improvements were also found in diabetic symptoms, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and liver values.

One of the features of the study was that patients with diabetes who were on medication were included if the patient was failing to reach A1c targets while on the medication (114 participants). By the end of the study, 10 of those patients were able to stop using their medication and 45 patients had reduced the amount of medication they required.

Antidiabetic drugs have significant side effects, including fluid retention, hypoglycemia, and liver disease.

Being able to delay using other medications or reduce the dosage could decrease the risks associated with these drugs and improve the quality of life of patients.

Don’t Wait If you’re overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or other risk factors for diabetes, don’t wait until you’ve gotten a diabetes diagnosis before making changes that could prevent you from becoming its next victim. It’s never too late to start making your health a priority.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is a board certified internist and an expert in chronic pain. He is the author of numerous books and booklets, the most recent being the Better Nutrition Healthy Living Guide, Conquer Chronic Pain.

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SIGNS

You May Have Diabetes

The trouble with diabetes is that it can wreak havoc on your body without you even realizing it. If you have any of these early warning signs, be sure to have a conversation with your doctor.

1 Frequent urination: If you find

yourself running to the bathroom more often or getting up in the middle of the night, it could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Your kidneys react to the extra sugar in your blood by increasing urine production to flush it out.

2 Increased thirst: All those trips to

the bathroom mean that your body is losing fluids. Your mouth may become dry and you’ll be thirsty more often.

3 Increased hunger: When your

insulin system is challenged, you can feel hungry even though you’re eating regularly.

4 Foot pain/numbness: If you notice your feet tingling frequently, it could be an early signal of nerve damage that occurs with diabetes.

5 Urinary tract and yeast infections: Your urinary tract can

become a breeding ground for bacteria where sugar acts as the fertilizer. The same goes for yeast infections—extra sugar in your bloodstream is like an unlimited candy dish for yeast.

6 Slow wound healing: Your

immune system suffers when you have excess sugar in your bloodstream, meaning wounds heal more slowly and infections are more likely.

7 Vision changes: If your vision is getting a little fuzzy, it could mean that you’re in the early stages of diabetes, where a glucose buildup in the eye can temporarily change the shape of its lens.

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Understanding

AUTISM Shining a light along the spectrum

By the time Ethan was two, Jessica knew something was wrong. He seemed to shy away from her touch and didn’t interact with other people. Ethan also wasn’t talking much and he hated any changes in his routine. After a visit to a pediatric specialist, Ethan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASD encompasses a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Some children are high functioning but they may have trouble making friends and need a high level of structure in their lives (sometimes called Asperger’s syndrome). Others are severely disabled and may not be able to communicate verbally at all. Typically, those with ASD display behaviors that fall into three categories: • Social interaction problems.

Children who have autism tend to have trouble deciphering the social cues that determine normal behavior. Reading facial expressions and differences in tones of voice are also hard for them. These children tend to be withdrawn and may not respond to their name. They don’t seek

interactions with other people, even their parents.

• Communication difficulties. Most children are stringing together short sentences by age two. But speech delays are common in ASD. Although some affected children can have extensive vocabularies, they often have difficulties holding conversations with others.

•R epetitive behaviors. Rocking, hand flapping, head banging, and other repetitive behaviors are core symptoms of ASD. Those with ASD may be obsessively preoccupied with order and can become agitated when routines are disrupted.

Behavioral symptoms are the hallmarks of the disease, but people with ASD also have some physical symptoms, including poor coordination, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and trouble sleeping. They may also suffer from seizures and may show signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety. It is common for them to become highly fixated on particular things. A teenager may be

Boys

are 4 times more likely than girls to have ASD.

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able to recite all of the dialogue from the new Star Wars movie, or a child may have encyclopedic knowledge about dinosaurs. A small number will have savant characteristics—remarkable abilities in a particular area, such as being supremely gifted in mathematics or music.

An Emerging Epidemic?

According to the CDC, the prevalence of ASD was 1 in 150 in the year 2000.

By 2010, the prevalence had increased to 1 in 68. In fact, the incidence of ASD could be even higher. The 2014 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics surveyed American parents. This survey found the prevalence of ASD to be 1 in 45. Similar rates have been found in other developed countries. Changes in the definition of ASD partially accounts for this increased incidence as do enhancements made to survey tools and improvements in diagnosing cases of ASD. Despite this, most experts are concerned about the increased incidence of this complex condition.

The causes of ASD are equally complex and still not well understood, but nearly everyone agrees that it’s a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Researchers are looking at everything from genetic mutations to exposure to the persistent organic pollutants in our environment to acetaminophen use in

pregnant women. Most investigators believe that it’s not a single thing, but a combination of factors that lead to ASD. One thing is increasingly clear, however: Oxidation and inflammation are implicitly involved, either as a cause of the condition itself, or as a marker of its effects on the brain and body.

Therapies that reduce toxic burdens, oxidation, and inflammation may offer new hope for treating this condition.

Glutathione

Glutathione is sometimes called the “master” antioxidant because of its role in fighting oxidative stress. In fact, glutathione is found in every cell in our bodies—including our brain cells.

Glutathione in its active form changes to its oxidized form when it quenches free radicals. The ratio of active glutathione and oxidized glutathione is a good indicator that our cells are functioning properly.

Recent studies have suggested that children with ASD suffer from glutathione deficiencies and a reduced capacity to convert oxidized glutathione back into its active form.

Researchers in Arkansas investigated glutathione ratios in the brains of children with ASD. They found a 52 percent lower glutathione ratio than in healthy controls, and significantly

ASD may affect as many as 1 in 45 children in the U.S.

lower levels of active glutathione. The researchers also found more oxidative damage and inflammation in the brains of children with autism.

Researchers are just beginning to explore the benefits of glutathione for those with ASD. But supplementing with glutathione can be tricky because the digestive process can easily oxidize active glutathione. Even taking a “reduced” glutathione supplement— which indicates that it provides an active form of the antioxidant—is no guarantee that the glutathione will still be in its active state when it reaches the bloodstream. But some new delivery systems are having success with oral versions that dissolve in the mouth, bypassing harsh stomach acids. And because several studies have found that those with ASD may have a flaw in the glutathione redox system—that cellular machinery that converts oxidized glutathione to the active form—using a high-quality reduced glutathione supplement could make a huge difference.

Curcumin

Since oxidation and inflammation play major roles in ASD, it makes sense to look at curcumin as a potential therapy. Curcumin is the powerhouse component in turmeric and has remarkable properties as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Recent research in Germany has established that curcumin can help maintain the health of a specific type of immune cell called microglial cells that act as the first line of defense in the brain and spinal cord.

Several scientific investigations have found that these microglial cells are dysfunctional in ASD, so curcumin supplementation may be an effective way to stabilize them.

Curcumin may also be a good option to relieve some of the GI issues that plague those with ASD. Studies suggest that curcumin might soothe inflammation and reduce oxidative stress in the intestines, which could help heal a leaky gut. But, because curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, look for a curcumin supplement like BCM-95 which has been specifically

the role of diet in ASD If you care for a child with ASD, you may already be familiar with the value of a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet. But research suggests that the ketogenic diet may be even better than the GFCF diet.

The ketogenic diet is high in fat with some protein and very few carbohydrates. People on this diet burn fat as a primary fuel instead of glucose. In a case report published in the Journal of Child Neurolog y, a child with autism and epilepsy (a condition that sometimes accompanies ASD) consumed a GFCF ketogenic diet with an emphasis on medium-chain triglycerides.

After several years on the diet, the child's Childhood Autism Rating Scale score decreased from 49 to 17. Her IQ also increased and she lost weight. What's more, after 14 months on the diet her seizures essentially disappeared.

Although research on using a ketogenic diet in cases of ASD is preliminary, it may improve symptoms in at least some forms of the condition. Because of the unique dietary needs of those with ASD, work with your doctor or a nutritionist to determine if the ketogenic diet is right for your child.

formulated to improve bioavailability.

In fact, clinical studies have shown that BCM-95 delivers up to 10 times more curcumin to the bloodstream compared to ordinary curcumin supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Even though many parents give their children with ASD omega-3 fatty acids, research on their effectiveness for this condition is limited. That doesn’t 17

mean that omega-3 fatty acids aren’t still vitally important.

Omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in the brain and play a crucial role in its development. They’re essential components of cell membranes, ensuring their integrity and functioning in cellular communication. Optimal omega-3 levels are needed for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt as needed to new stimuli. Yet researchers have discovered that children with ASD often have low omega-3 levels, as well as low phospholipids.

Along with improving neuroplasticity, omega-3s also play a role in the body’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems. Supplementation with these important fats increases glutathione levels in the body and is also associated with increased activity of the enzymes needed to synthesize glutathione.

A California pilot clinical study examined omega-3 supplementation in children with ASD. After 12 weeks, those in the omega-3 group showed improved hyperactivity scores compared to the controls and slight improvements in other autistic markers. Preliminary research also shows that omega-3 supplementation may improve attention, cognitive function, and behavior in children with ADHD. Since many children with ASD share similar attention issues, omega-3 fatty acids make sense as a possible therapy.

Probiotics

More and more researchers are connecting gut health with brain function. Because gut issues are a recurring theme in those with ASD, it’s important to make probiotics part of any supplementation plan. Probiotics are live microorganisms—the good bacteria that can promote a healthy GI tract. Clinical research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders examined how GI disorders affect children with ASD. Compared to those without GI issues, those with digestive issues showed more severe symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and social withdrawal. In addition, the researchers found that these children were less likely to respond to treatment.

Probiotics may help: When researchers studied an animal model of ASD, probiotics not only improved gut barrier integrity, they also reduced behavioral abnormalities associated with ASD.

Does ASD Start in the Womb?

Recent research indicates that ASD may begin in the womb, and chemical exposures during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of a fetus developing ASD. To reduce the risk of ASD and other conditions, limit your exposure to chemicals if you’re pregnant.

• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your home and yard.

• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating and go organic when possible.

• Avoid canned foods, which can absorb BPA from can linings.

• Use glass or metal containers instead of plastic to store and heat food.

• Use natural beauty products without artificial ingredients and chemical fragrances.

• Clean your home with natural cleansers such as baking soda and essential oils.

SOS for ASD

Most treatments for ASD are focused on educational interventions or psychiatric drugs. But these approaches are like mopping up a wet basement without fixing the leak in the foundation—you’re just going to keep having problems until you’ve addressed the cause. We need to focus on the underlying mechanisms, like inflammation, relating to the development and progression of ASD. Learning how to prevent or limit those mechanisms is our best hope for fixing the ASD leak.

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• Avoid antibacterial soap and toothpaste that contain triclosan.

• L et someone else paint the nursery. Paint fumes can be toxic.

19

Are You Suffering from

HYPOTHYROIDISM? Iodine is the answer

by Robert Thompson, MD

people were deficient. But then table salt suppliers started adding iodine to salt, and we stopped thinking about iodine.

What do you really know about iodine?

If you’re like most people, not much.

Yet iodine is a critical trace mineral the body uses to make thyroid hormones.

Without iodine, your thyroid can’t function properly, leading to a condition called hypothyroidism. Like vitamin C and scurvy or vitamin D and rickets, iodine is one of those nutrients that is so important that, when we are severely deficient, we can develop a specific condition—and for

We really got that one wrong. Iodine is still incredibly important to our health, and we’re still learning about all its benefits.

Not only is iodine crucial to thyroid health, it’s found in every cell in our bodies.

But like some other nutrients, the intake recommendations for iodine are way too low. Underestimating our need for a nutrient has happened before. Until a few years ago, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D was 400 IU. That level is enough to protect us from rickets, but that’s about it. But recently we’ve learned a lot more about vitamin D’s

iodine it’s a goiter. A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland in which a nodule forms on the neck that can grow quite large. Goiters were common in the USA a century ago, and the Great Lakes, Appalachian, and Northwestern U.S. regions were sometimes called the “goiter belt.” Because the soil in those areas is low in iodine, the food grown there is naturally low in this mineral. As a result, many

health benefits. Consequently, in 2010, the Institutes of Medicine increased the RDA to 600 IU for most of us. Many doctors still consider that level too low given all that vitamin D does in the body. It is important to know your D level and take enough to keep it above 30 ng/ml. But remember, the D vitamin is actually a hormone. Too much D is bad and not enough is bad.

We may be at the beginning of the same

20

type of important change in our thinking concerning iodine, although we know of no known toxicity for iodine, except in untreated hyperthyroidism patients, which is very uncommon.

While some experts understand the importance of iodine, most of us still aren’t getting enough. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition looked at the iodine status in U.S adults from 2001 to 2012. The researchers determined that, based on average urinary iodine concentrations, American women are borderline iodine deficient—even at the paltry levels currently considered “sufficient.” The consequences of this deficiency are profound, especially if a woman is pregnant.

Iodine is so critical to the development of a baby’s brain that an iodine deficiency in the mother can cause irreversible mental retardation in her children—a condition called cretinism. These are extreme cases, and thankfully rarely seen in the U.S. But in a recent study, researchers in the UK have stated that a mother’s iodine deficiency affects the fetus on a “continuum of disability” that could include slight impairments in intelligence and motor skills with only mild iodine deficiencies. Two large studies including 18 states have shown taking iodine during pregnancy actually increases a baby’s IQ over 10 points and may protect against autism. OB doctors continue to miss the boat on this one. Deficiencies can also affect us as adults, leading to poor mental function, decreased learning ability, apathy, and reduced work productivity.

Iodine is also important for cardiovascular health and breast health, and may protect us from breast, prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, thyroid, and possibly other cancers. One large population-based study showed an over 40 percent reduction in breast and prostate cancer with consuming at least 13 mg of iodine per day—that’s over 70 times the current RDA. Why aren’t we getting enough iodine?

There are lots of reasons for that. First off is the false assumption that putting iodine in salt is enough. The form of iodine found in refined table salt dissipates as it sits on your shelf, especially when it’s humid. Researchers from the University

of Texas at Arlington who studied iodine in salt concluded that the intake from salt fell substantially short of meeting our requirements—and, again, they were basing this conclusion on the small amount that the Institutes of Medicine determined as the daily value.

There are a few other problems with iodized table salt. First, manufacturers are not required to put iodine in table salt—only about 70 percent of table salt sold in the U.S. contains iodine. Second, processed food doesn’t contain iodized salt, so even though that canned soup is loaded with sodium, it may not provide any iodine. Third, many of us have been advised to reduce our salt intake. The trouble is that while we’re consuming less salt, we’re also consuming less iodine.

Also, this recommendation may be wrong 90 percent of the time. And remember the goiter belt? The iodine content of our soil hasn’t improved. If anything, with modern farming practices, it’s gotten worse. Unless you eat seafood and seaweed regularly, you may not be getting enough iodine from food.

One of the biggest problems with iodine intake actually has more to do with what else is getting absorbed in your body. Certain chemicals—and the use of bromine—have become prevalent in our industrialized world and compete with iodine in the body and affect thyroid function. One group of chemicals, called halogens, is similar in structure to iodine and includes chlorine, bromine, and fluorine. Iodine is the only halogen that our bodies need. Unfortunately, we’re exposed to other halogens, like chlorine and fluoride in municipal water supplies, that make it harder for our bodies to get enough iodine. Another is potassium bromate, a form of bromine. Most commercially baked goods use flour that includes potassium bromate, an additive that helps make bread and other baked goods fluffy and white. This chemical additive—that other countries have banned—competes with iodine and has been linked to all endocrine cancers and now autism. Bromines, especially methyl bromide, are sprayed on berries to keep mold from growing. It is also used in gas form to fumigate organic fruits and vegetables to kill insects (and Orkin uses

it to kill termites). It can also be found in soft drinks, jars, cans and bottles, fire retardants, and water in hot tubs and swimming pools. Only taking enough iodine can protect us and may push out the bromine or limit its toxicity.

Other substances, called goitrogens, can also interfere with thyroid function.

These include chemicals, including PCBs, dioxins, dyes, and even certain foods. One goitrogen of note is perchlorate, which significantly inhibits iodine uptake. Found

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM Hypothyroidism typically doesn’t show symptoms in the early stages. However, ask for a thyroid test if your basal body temperature is consistently below 97.7° and you have one or more of the following symptoms: • You’re tired all the time; afternoon energy loss.

• You’re always cold or have cold hands and feet.

• You’re constipated.

• You’ve gained weight; difficulty losing weight.

• Your skin is dry and itchy.

• You have heel calluses and acne.

• Your eyebrows are thin, especially the outer third.

• You’re losing hair.

in rocket fuels, propellants, and naturally in some areas, perchlorate has become a widespread environmental toxin. Soy isoflavones are also goitrogenic and can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.

Cruciferous vegetables also contain small amounts of goitrogens and are high in calcium, which can lead to thyroid hormone resistance when eaten in excess.

Research suggests that optimal iodine supplementation can counteract the effects of goitrogens and bromine.

Now that you know all the factors that contribute to iodine insufficiency, you may be convinced that you need more iodine. Take a look at the symptoms of hypothyroidism in the box to the left.

If you’re nodding your head at many of these statements, you owe it to yourself to investigate further. Because everyone’s iodine needs are different, I recommend working with your integrative health practitioner to perform an iodine-loading test. Iodine experts believe that this is the best way to determine if you’re getting enough iodine. Bromine levels can also be measured with this test and 95 percent of us or more are bromine-toxic. When choosing a supplement, look for one with three forms of iodine—potassium iodide, sodium iodide, and molecular iodine— for optimal utilization. Taking a 12.5 or 25 mg iodine supplement may just put you back on the road to health and help protect you against cancer, straighten out your hormones, eliminate breast tenderness and pelvic pain, and protect developing babies from autism. Please do not underestimate the significance or need for more iodine.

• Your nails are brittle.

• You have muscle and joint aches.

• You have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

• You’re depressed or irritable or have decreased libido.

• You’re forgetful.

• Your brain is foggy.

• You’re always hoarse.

• You have difficulty swallowing.

• Your menstrual periods are heavy or irregular.

• You’re having trouble getting pregnant.

Robert Thompson, MD practices integrative, antiaging, and holistic medicine in Soldotna and Anchorage, Alaska. A board certified obstetrician and gynecologist for more than 30 years, he now devotes his practice to preventive medicine and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. He is author of The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know. A concert violinist and outdoors enthusiast, Dr. Thompson also devotes his time to cooking, art, and raising and training his beloved Labrador Retriever dogs. Find him at www.calciumlie.com.

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with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF KATZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Merging two medicinal worlds

22

w

hen Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, a practicing neurologist and neuroscientist, developed migraines and other health problems as a busy young doctor, she first sought help through mainstream medical channels. When that didn’t work, she returned to her Indian roots and found healing in Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine. Dr. Chaudhary found a new way of

GHL: What led you to become

a doctor?

My grandfather was a physician— Western trained, but he incorporated many Ayurvedic practices into his care. He was a beacon of love. He helped everybody. And because he combined these different methodologies, he became what we would call an integrative doctor before we even had a word for it. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor because I adored my grandfather and so respected his passion for helping people.

KC:

GHL: You state in your book that as

you went through medical school and the beginnings of your medical practice, you developed serious health problems.

I survived on caffeine in school, and my eating changed dramatically to whatever I could grab on the run.

I didn’t get enough sleep. I gained a lot of weight. And I developed serious migraine headaches. I am a neurologist, and I saw people with migraines all the time. I wrote many prescriptions. But when I tried to take the migraine drugs myself, I felt absolutely miserable. I was so tired and groggy I couldn’t run my practice.

I finally confided in my mother, who insisted I needed to see an Ayurvedic practitioner. Despite being Indian, I was very cynical about these kinds of treatments. But when you are miserable and nothing else is working, sometimes KC:

practicing medicine—by weaving Ayurveda into neurological care. She found her patients’ health dramatically improved with even simple changes. To her surprise, she also found that patients who had struggled with their weight suddenly began to lose weight, almost without effort. The result is her new book, The Prime: Prepare and Repair Your Body for Spontaneous Weight Loss.

you put aside your skepticism and take a leap of faith. There were some prestigious Ayurvedic doctors touring the U.S. at the time and I was able to connect with one. The first thing he asked me about was my digestion. That was the beginning of my healing journey.

With help from this doctor, my migraines disappeared, my energy returned, my weight became normal and healthy again, and I felt wonderful. This took a mere three months, all without problems or drug side effects. After several more months of incorporating lifestyle changes, my mental clarity and energy improved so much that work that had been previously time consuming and overwhelming became much more manageable. Because of my personal experience, I began a course of training to learn more about Ayurveda and started to incorporate it into my practice.

The results were phenomenal. My patients had much better resolution of their neurological problems, regardless of cause. Chronic conditions were getting better when others expected only decline. And as people became healthier, they started to tell me about their weight loss, losing 20 or 30 pounds without making much of an effort. I learned that by healing the gut and changing how we think about food, not only do neurological problems improve, but weight starts to move more towards normal. In fact, everything in the body starts to move

towards normal, toward a return to healthy homeostasis.

GHL: In your book The Prime, you

have a statement on the cover “Stop Dieting Backwards!” What does that mean?

It means that it is impossible to ask people to give up the foods they crave until the gut is healed, and the microbiome is beginning to move into a healthier balance. First you must prepare the body and incorporate practices that initiate these changes in function, and then the cravings stop.

If someone eats cookies, I never tell them to give up their cookies. That is deprivation. That cuts off a supply of feel-good chemicals in the brain related to sugar consumption. That sets them up to fail. Instead, I say “Let’s heal your digestion, let’s improve your microbiome,” and when that happens, people stop craving the cookies. They give them up on their own. That pathological connection between the cookies, sugars, and feeling good is broken and replaced by a healthier relationship to food.

KC:

I outline these easy practices in my book, and how to take easy, manageable steps to move your body into a place where spontaneous weight loss occurs.

I also created a web-based community for additional support called The Prime Club. You can find it on my website, www.ThePrimeClub.com. The first step towards healing is to improve our 23

relationship with food. This allows the body to better repair itself. I have worked with thousands of patients who have had incredible improvements in their health, sometimes when they believed there was no hope. And I have also seen thousands of people lose weight spontaneously, even if they were previously unsuccessful in prior attempts, simply by following my program. The best part is that if you change your relationship to food, if you change the microbiome, you don’t regain all the weight you’ve lost. You stop the cravings.

GHL: If you could make some

easy changes for better health in every adult, what would they be?

First, people need to move their bowels every day, at least once a day. Stagnant fecal material in the intestines leads to a whole host of inflammatory issues. If people are not regular, I tell them to take a traditional herbal blend called Triphala, which includes amla (Indian gooseberry), haritaki, and bibhitaki.

It’s a very healthy way to heal the gut lining and help people have regular bowel movements.

KC:

Second, make my recipe for Prime tea, and drink it every day or at least five days a week (see recipe).

These are easy changes that start people on the road to health and healing.

GHL: Do you see your current

medical practice as bringing together two worlds of medicine?

Very much so. There is so much that is good in both systems of medicine that we can only benefit by combining the best of the best practices. That is what I have tried to do in extending my medical practice into new areas, into developing online communities, and in writing my book.

There is so much more we can do to help people be healthy, and it is what inspires me every day.

KC:

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recipe for

p rime Tea:

Boil 4 to 5 cups of water in a pot. As the water is heating, add the following to the pot:

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ teaspoon coriander seeds

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

Let the water and seeds boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want your tea to be. Afterward, strain the seeds out of the tea, then pour the tea into an insulated vessel (like a thermos) to keep it hot all day. If you have a tea ball, use it for easier cleanup. Then sip the tea throughout the day until it’s all gone. Try to finish it before 6 p.m., so you don’t have to use the bathroom during the night.

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ALT ERNATIVE

MEDICINE CHEST Ashwagandha:

The herb ashwagandha has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for over 6,000 years for its rejuvenating properties.

As an adaptogen, ashwagandha stabilizes processes in the body, called homeostasis, while reducing the effects of stress. Healthy men can use ashwagandha to enhance athletic endurance and stamina. The medicinal benefits of ashwagandha extend to the reproductive system. In a doubleblind, clinical study, researchers tested the effects of ashwagandha on male infertility. Forty-six infertile men were given 225 mg of a standardized ashwagandha extract (KSM-66) or a placebo three times a day for 12 weeks. At the end of the 90-day study, semen parameters and hormone levels were measured. The researchers found that ashwagandha increased sperm concentration by a whopping 167 percent from baseline. Semen volume and sperm mobility were also increased substantially, by 53 and 57 percent respectively.

Additionally, testosterone levels in the blood increased by 17 percent compared to the placebo.

MEN'S HEALTH Supplements uniquely suited to men’s health needs Men have unique nutritional needs, but many of them don’t pay enough attention to them. Some take better care of their cars than they do their bodies. But just like a car performs better when it’s had a tune-up, men can improve their health and quality of life by paying attention to what their bodies are telling them, and taking steps to address their health needs. That’s where supplements can play an important role. In this edition of the “Alternative Medicine Chest,” we’re focusing on supplements that can give men the edge in taking care of their health.

Curcumin:

Research has suggested that this nutrient derived from the Indian spice turmeric is a cancer-fighting powerhouse, and that includes fighting prostate cancer. A double-blind clinical trial examined the protective effects of BCM-95, a highly absorbable form of curcumin, in patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy, reported that after three months, those in the curcumin group experienced significantly fewer urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, compared to the placebo group. The researchers reasoned that the antiinflammatory properties of curcumin led to less bladder irritation.

Grape Seed Extract:

Grape seed extract is exceptionally high in oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs)—antioxidant compounds that are potent free radical scavengers. Grape polyphenols have shown therapeutic potential for multiple health concerns, particularly cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. What’s more, because the arteries in the penis are small, erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Experts believe that when the smooth muscle or the lining of blood vessels becomes damaged, the result can be erectile dysfunction. Grape seed extract may help relax blood vessels and preserve vascular integrity.

26

Icelandic Angelica:

A frequent symptom of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is an overactive bladder. Men with an overactive bladder may have trouble starting and stopping urination. It can also mean extra trips to the bathroom, including at night. One unique herb used to treat an overactive bladder is Icelandic angelica. Icelandic angelica has been used traditionally for over a thousand years as a health tonic and includes many beneficial compounds, including flavonoids and other polyphenols. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Urolog y, researchers examined the effects of Icelandic Pomegranates are rich angelica in antioxidants and other nutrients—the seed oil is leaf the only botanical source of the omega-5 fatty extract on men with acid known as punicic acid. Research suggests nocturia—an overactive that pomegranate extract may help treat bladder at night. The cardiovascular disease and certain forms researchers found An excellent source of the building of cancer. More specifically, because of that those who had blocks needed for the walls of our blood its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reduced bladder vessels, mesoglycan is a supplement like no other. effects, pomegranate may help prevent capacity showed It strengthens weak blood vessels and improves or slow the progression and recurrence a significant microcirculation. Mesoglycan can reduce fibrinogen of prostate cancer, the second-leading improvement levels associated with abnormal clotting. What’s truly cause of cancer death for U.S. men. In a after using remarkable is that mesoglycan does this without thinning clinical study published in Clinical Cancer Icelandic the blood. Men may be just as likely as women to suffer Research, men with recurrent prostate angelica for from varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency cancer who had rising PSA (prostateeight weeks.

(CVI)—especially if they are sedentary or stand in one specific antigen) levels were treated with In men over place while they work. Mesoglycan has been shown pomegranate juice daily. Compared age 70 without in clinical trials to relieve symptoms associated to baseline, PSA levels took longer to sleep disorders, with CVI and peripheral artery disease. double—from an average of 15 months Icelandic angelica Mesoglycan improved walking distance, at baseline to 54 months after treatment, increased the lower leg swelling, and quality of signaling a stabilization in the cancer. While amount of time life measures. you could drink pomegranate juice, consider a they slept before their pomegranate supplement with fruit and seed oil to first bathroom trip by an get the benefits of pomegranate for more convenience average of 101 minutes. and fewer calories.

Pomegranate:

Mesoglycan:

Saw Palmetto: The indigenous people in the Southeastern U.S. have used the fruit of the saw palmetto shrub traditionally for centuries. Today, saw palmetto is frequently used to help relieve symptoms of BPH, especially frequent nighttime urination. A Greek clinical study examined the use of saw palmetto in addition to the antibiotic prulifloxacin in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis. This condition is marked by symptoms of pelvic pain and urinary complaints. At the end of eight weeks, those treated with saw palmetto and prulifloxacin experienced greater pain relief and fewer urinary symptoms than those who only received prulifloxacin. Other scientific studies have suggested that saw palmetto may prevent or treat erectile dysfunction and male pattern baldness.

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We’ve gotten to the

root of

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EuroMedicaUSA.com | 866.842.7256 | info@euromedicausa.com 28BCM-95® is a registered trademark of Dolcas-Biotech, LLC.

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Research Roundup

It’s our goal here at Integrative Lifestyles to bring you the latest in cutting-edge research for a variety of common health issues. Because we believe that knowledge is power—especially when it comes to health—we are digging deeper into the exciting new research from leading medical journals and breaking it down to help you get the most from today’s science.

Grapes—An Answer for Cancer?

THE STUDY ABSTRACT:

Potential anticancer properties of grape antioxidants.

Dietary intake of foods rich in antioxidant properties is suggested to be cancer protective. Foods rich in antioxidant properties include grape (Vitis vinifera), one of the world's largest fruit crops and most commonly consumed fruits in the world. The composition and cancer-protective effects of major phenolic antioxidants in grape skin and seed extracts are discussed in this review. Grape skin and seed extracts exert strong free radical scavenging and chelating activities and inhibit lipid oxidation in various food and cell models in vitro.

The use of grape antioxidants are promising against a broad range of cancer cells by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream pathways, inhibiting over-expression of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 receptors, or modifying estrogen receptor pathways, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Interestingly, some of these activities were also demonstrated in animal models. However, in vivo studies have demonstrated inconsistent antioxidant efficacy.

Nonetheless, a growing body of evidence from human clinical trials has demonstrated that consumption of grape, wine, and grape juice exerts many health-promoting and possible anticancer effects. Thus, grape skin and seed extracts have great potential in cancer prevention and further investigation into this exciting field is warranted.

Source: Zhou K, Raffoul JJ. J Oncol. 2012;2012:803294.

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WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

While the compounds from grapes are well known for their heart-friendly properties, it may come as a surprise to some that they can help stop tumors, too. A review of studies headed up

by Kequan Zhou of the Wayne State University Department of Medicine, found that the phenolic antioxidants in grapes worked to stop the growth of cancer cells in many ways: by inhibiting over-the-top inflammatory COX-2 expression, affecting estrogen actions, and targeting tumor-specific growth factors in the body. To put it in the language of the review, grape compounds show ‟antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities.”

At first glance, the takeaway from research like this is the reiteration of the connection between food as medicine, with a plea for all of us to get more fruits and vegetables in our diets.

But at a more therapeutic level, it shows the importance of clinically studied grape seed and grape skin extracts and the concentrated effects of those ingredients for cancer treatment and prevention. The researchers note that clinical research— versus in vitro studies—is still limited and that the absorption of grape seed and grape skin compounds can be poor. The challenge for anyone looking to boost their protective factors against cancer is to find an extract that overcomes this.

Nonetheless, the review concludes that grape polyphenols offer a very viable possibility in the battle against cancer.

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The Power of 3 a l i f c i o f r e m n s e b o f io e er POTASSIUM IODIDE SODIUM IODIDE

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The Mineral for Your Mind: Zinc

THE STUDY ABSTRACT:

THE STUDY ABSTRACT:

The total content of zinc in the adult human body averages almost 2 g. This is approximately half the total iron content and 10 to 15 times the total body copper. In the brain, zinc is with iron, the most concentrated metal. The highest levels of zinc are found in the hippocampus in synaptic vesicles, boutons, and mossy fibers. Zinc is also found in large concentrations in the choroid layer of the retina which is an extension of the brain. Zinc plays an important role in axonal and synaptic transmission and is necessary for nucleic acid metabolism and brain tubulin growth and phosphorylation. Lack of zinc has been implicated in impaired DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis during brain development. For these reasons, deficiency of zinc during pregnancy and lactation has been shown to be related to many congenital abnormalities of the nervous system in offspring. Furthermore, in children, insufficient levels of zinc have been associated with lowered learning ability, apathy, lethargy, and mental retardation. Hyperactive children may be deficient in zinc and vitamin B-6 and have an excess of lead and copper. Alcoholism, schizophrenia, Wilson's disease, and Pick's disease are brain disorders dynamically related to zinc levels. Zinc has been employed with success to treat Wilson's disease, acrodermatitis enteropathica, and specific types of schizophrenia.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes chikungunya fever and has infected millions of people mainly in developing countries. The associated disease is characterized by rash, high fever, and severe arthritis that can persist for years. CHIKV has adapted to Aedes albopictus, which also inhabits temperate regions including Europe and the United States of America.

CHIKV has recently caused large outbreaks in Latin America. No treatment or licensed CHIKV vaccine exists.

Traditional medicines are known to have antiviral effects; therefore, we examined whether curcumin or Boswellia serrata gum resin extract have antiviral activity against CHIKV. Both compounds blocked entry of CHIKV Env-pseudotyped lentiviral vectors and inhibited CHIKV infection in vitro. In addition, vesicular stomatitis virus vector particles and viral infections were also inhibited to the same extent, indicating a broad antiviral activity.

Although the bioavailability of these compounds is rather poor, they might be used as a lead structure to develop more effective antiviral drugs or might be used topically to prevent CHIKV spread in the skin after mosquito bites.

Zinc, the brain and behavior.

Source: Pfeiffer CC, Braverman ER. Biol Psychiatry. 1982 Apr;17(4):513-32.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

With the exception of popular immune-supporting products, it may be easy to think of zinc—if at all—as something to take during a cold or f lu. But despite the lack of attention it typically gets, zinc is essential for the way the brain develops during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood. Levels of zinc can even determine our susceptibility to addictive behavior and the risk of mental disease.

The importance of this classic research is that it illustrates the need for zinc in ways that you may easily forget and underscores some very critical reasons to get zinc into a daily regimen, whether you are a mom-to-be, a young child, or an adult.

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Curcumin and Boswellia Battle Viruses Curcumin and Boswellia serrata gum resin extract inhibit chikungunya and vesicular stomatitis virus infections in vitro.

Source: von Rhein, Christine, et al. Antiviral research 125 (2016): 51-57.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:

With the increasing worldwide spread of viruses, we need new ways to fight them. This research showed that two powerful herbal ingredients normally associated with pain relief or tumor reduction may also have strong antiviral effects. While this study mentioned bioavailability as a potential limiting factor, it doesn’t have to be: There are clinically studied varieties of both curcumin and boswellia available with enhanced absorption or higher levels of beneficial compounds. Getting one or both of these natural virus fighters into your regimen each day can help you and your family preempt immune system attacks. And the only side effect is better health overall.

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I have dedicat ed my life to tr aveling the wo bring clinically rld to proven ingred ients to the U States. With ov nited er 45 years of experience in natural produ the cts industry, I have had the introducing m pleasure of any firsts to th e Un Glucosamine Sulfate and stan ited States including dardized Ginko during my day biloba s as the found er of Phyto Ph armica®.

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Driven by Science. Focused on Nature. Rich in History.

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EuroMedicaUSA.com | 866.842.7256 | info@euromedicausa.com

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†Occasional muscle pain due to exercise or overuse. *THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT DISEASE.