Millions of people suffer year around from environmental allergens, yet there is a definitive surge during the spring and summer seasons. According to the scientific research, there has been a strong and growing prevalence of allergic rhinitis over the last couple of decades. I can also attest to this increased prevalence by the number of patients I see with this problem in clinical practice. The number of people who suffer from seasonal allergies also is reflected in the billion-dollar industry of prescription and over the counter drugs to control allergic symptoms.

There are some interesting observations that have been documented in the medical literature relative to risk of allergic rhinitis that presents with allergy induced inflamed runny or stuffy, itchy nose and sneezing. Research has indicated that individuals who live in higher pollution regions, have a family history of allergies, who were fed formula or food early in infancy, who were born during peak allergy season and who received antibiotics at an early age have an increased risk of developing seasonal allergies (Table 1).

Proactive Stance

It is important to proactively tackle allergic symptoms before the avalanche of symptoms cascades throughout the mucous membranes including the eyes, nose, throat and sinuses. Individuals that suffer from environmental allergens also know all too well that the risk for developing secondary health concerns is all too real and include: sinusitis and sinus infections, middle ear infections and fluid accumulation, bronchitis and asthma.

Clinically there are four steps that I implement with all my patients with allergic rhinitis.
1. Minimize exposures
2. Control histamine levels naturally
3. Enhance mucous membrane resistance
4. Lessen inflammation

Minimize Exposures

The microscopic pollen released by trees, grasses and weeds or molds and mildews and animal dander are common culprits for those of us who are nasally challenged.

Minimizing exposure is critical—total burden is the real factor. Many people can get away with a quick passing exposure for a few moments, yet anything other than ones personal threshold will start a cascade of events that can have long-lasting consequences for hours, days and sometimes weeks. So try to incorporate the following simple ways to help keep exposure to a minimum.

• Keep your home’s doors and windows closed.
• Use the air conditioner rather than opening a window.
• Limit outdoor activity, particularly in the morning (5 AM to 10 AM) and mid-evening.
• Keep track of pollen counts in your area and don’t exercise outside during your allergen peak.
• Don’t go outside more than necessary on windy days.
• Keep your car windows up and sunroof closed and keep air on re-circulate while driving.
• Shower prior to going to bed including your hair, because pollen will collect on you throughout the day.
• Change your clothes after being outside, otherwise you will contaminate your inner sanctum.

Controlling Histamine Levels Naturally

What all allergies have in common is the antigen (allergen) stimulation of two related cell types: mast cells and basophils. Mast cells line the blood vessels in the connective tissue of the lungs, inner eyelids, gut, ear, nose, throat and skin. Basophils are a type of white blood cell. Both mast cells and basophils are full of granules of histamine and other allergic chemical mediators. When allergen/antigens in the blood contact mast cells or basophils in sufficient numbers, a burst of histamine and other allergic mediators is released into the bloodstream. It is the histamine and other allergic mediators that trigger the misery of allergic reaction: runny, itchy nose and sneezing, watery, itchy red eyes, tickling and itching in ears, nose and throat, skin rash, headache, asthma, etc.

A number of natural substances that can help ameliorate this process are of interest to allergy sufferers. Quercetin is a powerful inhibitor of antigen-stimulated histamine release from basophils and mast cells, even at low levels (5-50 micromoles, or 1.51-15.1 mcg/ml).3-4 Unlike most anti-allergy substances, quercetin is highly effective at inhibiting histamine release during both the first and second stage of basophil histamine release.5-6

The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin might be due to inhibition of the production and activity of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, and inhibition of histamine release by basophils and mast cells.7 Preliminary evidence suggests that quercetin inhibits antigen-stimulated histamine release from mast cells of patients with allergic rhinitis.8

Enhance Mucous Membrane Resistance

The first and most important way to protect your mucous membranes from irritation other than avoidance to unnecessary exposure is to maintain proper hydration. This can be as simple as drinking at least a minimum of 64 ounces of clear fluids per day and limiting caffeine intake. Moist membranes are more resilient and less likely to become irritated. Additionally, if you have sufficient hydration, a quick flow of mucus from the nasal passages or tearing of the eyes can naturally rid the body of the burdensome exposure more efficiently opposed to allowing it to cozy up to your mucous membranes for long term mast and basophil stimulation.

The next important step in protecting your mucous membranes is to ensure that you are immunocompetent to the best of your individual capacity. This is where EpiCor® can play a significant role, as it has been shown to increase natural killer cells, phagocytosis, enhance your CD4/CD8 ratio and most importantly for this conversation enhance your sIgA. It is this immune coating of your mucous membranes that protect against foreign substances and helps prevent the spread of infection that can readily occur with ongoing irritation and longstanding presence of mucus. As I share with my patients, the human body is moist and warm, and with excess mucus, we become a “human petri dish,” which serves as the host of opportunistic infections.

The immune properties of EpiCor have also been shown to help directly with allergies. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects were given either EpiCor (1,000 mg) or placebo for 5 weeks. At the end of 5 weeks, the salivary sIgA increased while the serum IgE decreased. Though not reaching full statistical significance due to the nature of this pilot trial, this was a strong trend. These results helped confirm the findings of a previous trial supporting the efficacy of EpiCor. On the other hand, the decreased serum IgE suggests the important immune balancing effects of this substance.

Since this trial was conducted in the spring when allergies are a problem for many people, one would expect serum IgE to increase, since this immune parameter is associated with allergies. This was seen in the controls. However, in the EpiCor group, the levels stayed nearly at baseline, giving laboratory confirmation of the subjects reporting fewer allergy problems than usual. This was also reflected in a standardized questionnaire showing fewer health complaints with the EpiCor group. It was also observed that cytokine profiles were shifting in the EpiCor group—from Th1 (pro-inflammatory) to Th2 (pro-adaptive) and vice versa—again demonstrating the immune balancing properties of EpiCor.9

A study published in the journal Urologic Nursing confirms EpiCor’s immune-enhancing effects. In the new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers studied 116 people recently vaccinated against the flu. Subjects received either daily supplements of EpiCor (500 mg) or a placebo. The University of Michigan scientists collected data on the subjects at the study’s start and after six and 12 weeks.

The researchers found that the subjects given EpiCor experienced significantly fewer cold and flu symptoms and significantly shorter duration of symptoms, compared to subjects taking the placebo. Among the 116 study participants, those who did have symptoms experienced a reduction in the duration of symptoms by 14 percent after taking EpiCor. The overall occurrence of cold and flu symptoms was reduced by 21 percent in the EpiCor group.10

Lessen Inflammation

It is essential to control inflammation when it comes to allergic response, to avoid the “itis” factor. Whether it is rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis from post nasal drip, or bronchitis, the “it is” designates inflammation of the particular body part. Inflammation furthers the irritation of the tissues and in the case of the airway, it also further narrows it, making it hard to breathe and increasing congestion.

The use of bromelain has demonstrated its clinical utility over the years to help ameliorate inflammatory symptoms. When taken on an empty stomach approximately 40 percent of the bromelain is absorbed into the bloodstream intact.11 Bromelain stimulates the production and release of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs), while simultaneously reducing the production and release of proinflammatory PGs.12

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. It both prevents histamine release and increases the detoxification of histamine. A study found that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C daily lowered blood histamine levels 38 percent in healthy adults in just one week. People with low levels of plasma vitamin C seem to have higher levels of histamine, so ongoing use of vitamin C to achieve sustained levels clinically appears to optimize the overall benefits.13

Conclusion

It is absolutely essential to become proactive at the first sign of allergic symptoms. In an ideal world, one will have the correct supplements on hand, so that a strong offense to protect the body’s mucous membranes can begin before the full speed of the allergic cascade is underway. Some simple approaches include consuming a formula with the synergistic ingredients of quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C, optimizing immune health with EpiCor, and minimizing exposure to allergens, a strategy that can strengthen the health of allergy sufferers.

References

1. Skoner DP. Allergic rhinitis: definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, detection, and diagnosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108:S2-8.
2. Rosenwasser LJ. Treatment of allergic rhinitis. Am J Med. 2002;113:17S-24S.
3. Pearce, F, et al Mucosal mast cells III. Effect of quercetin and other flavonoids on antigen-induced histamine secretion from rat intestinal mast cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 73 (1984): 819-23.
4. Middleton, E. et al Quercetin: an inhibitor of antigen-induced human basophil histamine release. J Immunol. 127 (1981): 546-50.
5. Foreman J. Mast cells and the actions of flavonoids. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73: 769-73.
6. Middleton E, et. al. The effects of plant flavonoids on mammalian cells: implications for inflammation, heart disease and cancer. Pharmacol Rev. 2000;52: 673-751.
7. Anon. Quercetin. Alt Med Rev. 1998;3:140-3.
8. Otsuka H, Inaba M, Fujikura T, Kunitomo M. Histochemical and functional characteristics of metachromatic cells in the nasal epithelium in allergic rhinitis: studies of nasal scrapings and their dispersed cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1995;96:528-36.
9. Unpublished study.
10. Moyad MA, Robinson LE, Zawada ET, Jr, Kittelsrud JM, Chen DG, Reeves SG, Weaver SE. Effects of a Modified Yeast Supplement on Cold/Flu Symptoms. Urologic Nursing. February 2008;28(1): 50-55.
11. Taussig S. The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain. Med Hypoth. 1980; 99-104.
12. Kelly G. Bromelain: A literature review and discussion of its therapeutic applications. Alt Med Rev. 1996;243-57.
13. Johnston C, et al. Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis. J Am Coll Nutr. 1992; II:172-76.

Proper adrenal function is an important aspect of optimal health. Overt adrenal diseases such as Addison’s or Cushing’s disease are quite rare. However, sub-clinical adrenal dysfunction caused by chronic stress is increasingly common and often presents as fatigue. One study indicated that fatigue is one of the most common complaints in outpatient care, and an amazing 24 percent of patients report that fatigue is a major health problem.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2.54 percent of adults suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.2

Adrenal Dysfunction

The adrenal gland is made of two distinct areas: the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla is responsible for secreting epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex secretes steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The stress response involves activation of both the sympathetic-adrenal response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. During times of increased stress, the adrenal gland is stimulated to produce increased levels of hormones. Cortisol, the main hormone involved in the stress response, is secreted in increased amounts within minutes of a perceived stressor. Cortisol secretion can increase as much as 20-fold and has several important physiological effects. Cortisol is responsible for increasing glucose synthesis in the liver for energy, breaking down protein, and inhibiting glucose uptake and utilization into cells, which can result in mild insulin resistance. Short-term surges in cortisol levels can suppress inflammation and at the same time suppress immune function. Though inflammation control is important, surges or sustained levels of cortisol are not healthy and ultimately lead to premature aging, degenerative disease, and increased susceptibility to cancer. Furthermore elevated cortisol leads to slow wound healing, increased appetite and energy intake, and central weight gain. It suppresses bone formation, causes loss of muscle mass and weakness, changes in mood and sleep, memory loss, depression, anxiety, and increases blood pressure.

Studies show that psycho-social stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis causing an increase in morning cortisol levels, which correlated to the subjects’ reports of increased fatigue and anxiety.3 Although this stress response is important for survival during an acute stressor, prolonged activation of the stress response may lead to adrenal exhaustion in which cortisol levels drop to insufficient levels resulting in fatigue or illness.4
Eliminating Fatigue Through Improved Adrenal Function

Many herbs have been shown to impact adrenal function. Adaptogens are plants that produce a non-specific response improving the physiological resistance to stressors. These herbs are often used in the context of adrenal support formulas to balance adrenal hormone levels. It is believed that adaptogenic herbs can increase low levels of adrenal hormone or decrease levels that are elevated. Additionally, these herbs provide balancing activity on many body systems that are impacted by stress, such as the immune response and blood sugar control.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola is considered to be one of the most active adaptogenic herbs, used historically in Russia and China for anxiety, insomnia, and depression. In a recent study, Rhodiola was given to patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder for 10 weeks. The results showed significant improvement in reported anxiety symptoms with Rhodiola supplementation.5 Research has also shown that Rhodiola significantly improves depression, insomnia, and emotional instablity.6 In another experiment, Rhodiola was given to 120 subjects with physical and cognitive deficiencies for 12 weeks. The results showed highly significant improvement in physical and cognitive deficiencies such as exhaustion, decreased motivation, daytime sleepiness, decreased libido, sleep disturbances, and cognitive complaints including concentration deficiencies, forgetfulness, decreased memory, susceptibility to stress, and irritability. In addition, treatment effectiveness was reported as “good” or “very good” by 80 percent of patients and physicians reported efficacy for 81 percent of patients.7

In a double-blind cross-over trial, fatigue during night duty among a group of physicians was evaluated with and without supplementation of Rhodiola. Fatigue was evaluated through tests that reflect an overall level of mental fatigue, complex perceptive and cognitive functions such as associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation, and concentration, and speed of audio-visual perception. The results indicate that Rhodiola supplementation reduced general fatigue under stressful conditions as there was a statistically significant improvement in these tests with Rhodiola supplementation.8 Another study evaluated students during examinations with supplementation of Rhodiola. The study found significant improvement in mental fatigue, physical fitness, and neuron-motor tests in the treatment group compared to placebo.9 Animal studies have also shown that Rhodiola supplementation selectively moderates stress-induced anorexia.10 Rhodiola has also been reported to have anti-mutagenic effects in cell culture, animal and human studies, prevent high altitude sickness, and have cardio-protective, and central nervous system supportive activity.11 It is also believed to provide support for stress-induced conditions such as headaches, sleep difficulties and irritability by influencing opioid peptide levels and activity.11

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleutherococcus, or Siberian Ginseng, has been traditionally used for modulation of stress and fatigue as well as immune stimulating action. In a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, supplementation with Eleutherococcus was evaluated in regards to maximal working capacity in adolescent males. The results indicated a 23.3 percent increase in total work with Eleutherococcus supplementation. This increase in total work seemed to be partially due to the improvement of subjects’ oxygen metabolism reflected by an increase in maximal oxygen uptake and in maximal oxygen pulse.12 Animal studies measuring forced swimming time show that supplementation with Eleutherococcus inhibits stress-induced cortisol increase, inhibition of stress-induced immune suppression, and improved endurance demonstrated by increased swimming time.13

Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra is an adaptogenic traditional Chinese botanical used to improve resistance to stress and disease. Studies show that it may increase endurance, concentration, and coordination as well as provide anti-depressant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory action.14 Evidence suggests that adaptogens such as Schisandra support the stress response both by affecting the sympathetic-adrenal response with short term administration as well as supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with longer-term administration.15 Studies using animal models confirm that Schisandra can improve locomotor activity and stress behaviors as well as reduce elevated serum corticosterone levels.16 Schisandra has been shown to protect against oxidative damage in the liver, heart, brain, and kidneys in animal models.17 In addition, constituents found in Schisandra have been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines.18-19

Crataegus sanguinea extract

The fruit of Crataegus, or hawthorn, is traditionally used for cardiovascular support. Numerous studies indicate that hawthorn increases coronary blood flow and force of contractions, decreases abnormal heart rhythms, and may decrease blood pressure. Additional evidence suggests that Crataegus may lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL).20-21

Aralia mandshurica extract

Aralia mandshrica, also known as Aralia manchurica or Mandshurica Thorn Tree, has historically been used in Russia as an adaptogen for fatigue, weakness, headaches, depression, immune support, and stress-overload. One study showed a 90 percent success rate using this herb in individuals with stress overload and weakness.22 Aralia has also been shown to decrease blood glucose levels in animal studies.23

Myricetin

Myricetin is a bioflavonoid found in many fruits and berries. Research indicates that myricetin has potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.24 Additionally, this flavanol exhibits antibacterial and antiviral activity, and potent free radical scavenger action decreasing oxidative stress and providing generalized support to cells.25 Recent research has shown that myricetin protects neurons from degeneration and cell death.26 Additionally, myricetin has been shown to increase the whole-body insulin sensitivity in animals with insulin resistance, which is important as increased cortisol may lead to insulin resistance.27

Echinopanax Elatum

Echinopanax is a traditional Russian adaptogen. In one study, children suffering from acute dysentery were treated with antibiotics in combination with adaptogens, such as Eleuterococcus and Echinopanax elatum, or antibiotics alone. The study demonstrated the adaptogens decreased the duration of disease in these children.28

Rhaponticum carthamoids

Rhaponticum carthamoids (also called Leuzea carthamoids) contains active constituents known as ecdysteriods. Animal models show that constituents in Rhaponticum have direct anti-anxiety activity, demonstrating a selective stress-reducing effect in stress-sensitive animals.29 Rhaponticum has also been shown to improve learning and memory in experimental models.30 Rhaponticum has anti-microbial properties including antibacterial and anti-fungal activity and antioxidant activity, and inhibited the development of nervous system tumors in rats.31-33 Studies indicate that Rhaponticum has cardio-protective activity against stress-induced damage, helps stabilize abnormal cardiac rhythms triggered by epinephrine, and decreases platelet aggregation.34-35 A study using a combination of Leuzea carthamoids, Rhodiola, Eleutherococcus, and Schizandra was performed to evaluate these herbs in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The results indicate that this combination of adaptogenic herbs may boost the suppressed immunity in cancer patients during chemotherapy.36

Ajuga turkestanica

This herb also contains ecdysteriods. Research in the Ukraine suggests that these constituents provide adaptogenic, anabolic or rebuilding activity, as well as antioxidant, anti-free radical, immune modulating, stimulating, liver protecting, and cholesterol lowering actions.37 Ajuga contains turkesterone, possibly the most potent ecdysteroid.22

Conclusion

Chronic stress ultimately leads to adrenal dysfunction. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with abnormal adrenal activity. Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to support adrenal function as well as combat many of the symptoms associated with chronic stress and adrenal activation or exhaustion. Therefore, consuming formulas that contain a synergistic blend of the above botanicals is a simple way to help support adrenal health and increase overall energy levels.
It is important to remember that the adrenal glands by design are intended to deal with short term periods of stress, the fight or flight response. They can be compared to “sprinters,” yet for far too many individuals, they take on the role of “marathoner” for which they are not well suited or conditioned. Consequently, proactive and ongoing support of adrenal function is critical to healthy aging, daily surviving, and the ultimate goal of thriving.

References

1. Kroenke K, Wood DR, Mangelsdorff AD, et al. Chronic fatigue in primary care. Prevalence, patient characteristics, and outcome. JAMA.1988 Aug 19;260(7):929-34.
   Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/publications/surveillance_6.htm. Accessed on: 04-13-08.
2. Izawa S, Sugaya N, Ogawa N, et al. Episodic stress associated with writing a graduation thesis and free cortisol secretion after awakening. Int J Psychophysiol 2007 May;64(2):141-5.
3. Gupta S, Aslakson E, Gurbaxani BM, et al. Inclusion of the glucocorticoid receptor in a hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis model reveals bistability. Theor Biol Med Model 2007 Feb 14;4:8.
4. Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD. A Pilot Study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax((R))) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). J Altern Complement Med 2008 Mar;14(2):175-80.
5. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, et al. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nord J Psychiatry 2007;61(5):343-8.
6. Fintelmann V, Gruenwald J. Efficacy and tolerability of a Rhodiola rosea extract in adults with physical and cognitive deficiencies. Adv Ther 2007 Jul-Aug;24(4):929-39.
7. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue--a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine 2000 Oct;7(5):365-71.
8. Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9.
9. Mattioli L, Perfumi M. Rhodiola rosea L. extract reduces stress- and CRF-induced anorexia in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2007 Sep;21(7):742-50.
10. Kelly GS. Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen. Altern Med Rev 2001 Jun;6(3):293-302.
11. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutheroccocus senticosus Extract on Human Physical Working Capacity. Planta Med 1986 Jun;52(3):175-7.
12. Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M. Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2004 Dec;95(2-3):447-53.
13. Upton R, ed. Schisandra Berry: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1999;1-25.
14. Panossian A, Wagner H. Stimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration. Phytother Res 2005 Oct;19(10):819-38.
15. Lee S, Kim DH, Jung JW, et al. Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in mice. Phytother Res 2007 Dec;21(12):1187-92.
16. Chiu PY, Leung HY, Ko KM. Schisandrin B Enhances Renal Mitochondrial Antioxidant Status, Functional and Structural Integrity, and Protects against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats. Biol Pharm Bull 2008 Apr;31(4):602-5.
17. Lin S, Fujii M, Hou DX. Molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by schizandrae-derived lignans in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2008 Feb;46(2):590-7.
18. Min HY, Park EJ, Hong JY, et al. Antiproliferative effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans isolated from Schisandra chinensis in human cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008 Jan 15;18(2):523-6.
19. Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, et al. Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol 2002 Jun;42(6):605-12.
20. Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med 2003 Jun 1;114(8):665-74.
21. South J. AdaptaPhase® II: New, Improved Formula. Available at: http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx?page=LIST&ProdID=1624&zType=2.  Accessed on: 04-14-08.
22. Martinez B, Staba EJ. The physiological effects of Aralia, Panax and Eleutherococcus on exercised rats. Jpn J Pharmacol 1984 Jun;35(2):79-85.
23. Wang L, Tu YC, Lian TW, et al. Distinctive antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of flavonols. J Agric Food Chem 2006 Dec 27;54(26):9798-804.
24. Lyu SY, Rhim JY, Park WB. Antiherpetic activities of flavonoids against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro. Arch Pharm Res 2005 Nov;28(11):1293-301.
25. Shimmyo Y, Kihara T, Akaike A, et al. Three distinct neuroprotective functions of myricetin against glutamate-induced neuronal cell death: Involvement of direct inhibition of caspase-3. J Neurosci Res 2008 Feb 8 [Epub ahead of print].
26. Liu IM, Tzeng TF, Liou SS, et al. Myricetin, a naturally occurring flavonol, ameliorates insulin resistance induced by a high-fructose diet in rats. Life Sci 2007 Nov 10;81(21-22):1479-88.
27. Vereshchagin IA, Geskina OD, Bukhteeva ER. Increased effectiveness of antibiotic therapy with adaptogens in dysentery and Proteus infection in children. Antibiotiki 1982 Jan;27(1):65-9.
28. Yamamotová A, Pometlová M, Harmatha J, et al. The selective effect of N-feruloylserotonins isolated from Leuzea carthamoides on nociception and anxiety in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2007 Jun 13;112(2):368-74.
29. Mosharrof AH. Effects of extract from Rhapontcum carthamoides (Willd) Iljin (Leuzea) on learning and memory in rats. Acta Physiol Pharmacol Bulg 1987;13(3):37-42.
30. Kokoska L, Polesny Z, Rada V, et al. Screening of some Siberian medicinal plants for antimicrobial activity. J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Sep;82(1):51-3.
31. Koleckar V, Opletal L, Brojerova E, et al. Evaluation of natural antioxidants of Leuzea carthamoides as a result of a screening study of 88 plant extracts from the European Asteraceae and Cichoriaceae. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2008 Apr;23(2):218-24.
32. Bespalov VG, Aleksandrov VA, Iaremenko KV, et al. The inhibiting effect of phytoadaptogenic preparations from bioginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Rhaponticum carthamoides on the development of nervous system tumors in rats induced by N-nitrosoethylurea. Vopr Onkol 1992;38(9):1073-80.
33. Anon. Cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic properties of preparations from Leuzea carthamoides, Aralia mandshurica, and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Eksp Klin Farmakol 2007 Nov-Dec;70(6):48-54.
34. Koleckar V, Brojerova E, Rehakova Z, et al. In vitro antiplatelet activity of flavonoids from Leuzea carthamoides. Drug Chem Toxicol 2008;31(1):27-35.
35. Kormosh N, Laktionov K, Antoshechkina M. Effect of a combination of extract from several plants on cell-mediated and humoral immunity of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Phytother Res 2006 May;20(5):424-5.
36. Kholodova Y. Phytoecdysteroids: biological effects, application in agriculture and complementary medicine (as presented at the 14-th Ecdysone Workshop, July, 2000, Rapperswil, Switzerland). Ukr Biokhim Zh 2001 May-Jun;73(3):21-9.

Researchers have long known that obesity is tied to an important cardiovascular disease risk factor known as endothelial dysfunction. This refers to dysfunction in the endothelium, the layer of cells lining the blood vessel walls. Disturbing new research, however, by Mayo Clinic researchers indicates that even small weight gain in lean, healthy adults can result in endothelial dysfunction, putting these otherwise healthy subjects at an increased risk for heart disease.

In this article, we will discuss the results of this new study and address a two-pronged approach that can be used for both weight management and maintaining healthy blood vessels. First, though, we will explain the importance of the endothelium in cardiovascular health.

Endothelial Dysfunction

Endothelial cells are the cells that line the blood vessels. When there is damage to the endothelium—the blood vessel lining that contains these cells—it can obstruct blood flow, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

The endothelium plays a crucial role in regulating vascular function and structure. In healthy conditions, nitric oxide produced by endothelial cells exerts not only vasodilating (blood vessel widening) properties, but also several other protective actions toward the vessel wall against the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are characterized by endothelial dysfunction caused by an enhanced production of oxidative stress that reduces the availability of nitric oxide.1

Endothelial dysfunction represents the earliest abnormality in the development of vascular disease. It is linked to subsequent atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease events.2

Arterial endothelial dysfunction occurs at all stages of atherosclerosis, both preceding structural atherosclerosis changes, as well as before cardiac events in late obstructive disease. Thus, the link between endothelial dysfunction and risks of vascular events such as heart attacks and strokes is well established.3

Endothelial dysfunction plays a central and critical role in other aspects of cardiovascular disease including the initiation and development of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and angina.4-5

Endothelial dysfunction is thought to play an important part in the increased risk of heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients6 and may explain the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease found in people with the metabolic syndrome and diabetes.2

In human subjects, researchers usually measure endothelial function by measuring what’s known as flow mediated dilatation, a technique that is less invasive than other possible ways to measure endothelial function. Tracking flow mediated dilatation is a non invasive ultrasound-based method that researchers can use to measure arterial diameter and blood flow in the vessels.3

Minor Weight Gain Increases Heart Disease Risk

For many years researchers have investigated how obesity can wreak havoc on the endothelium. However, a new study indicates that it doesn’t take a lot of weight gain—as little as 9 pounds of visceral fat in lean, healthy subjects—to cause endothelial dysfunction and increase the risk of heart disease.

Mayo clinic researchers conducted a randomized, blinded, controlled trial to investigate how weight gain and subsequent weight loss affected endothelial function. The study authors recruited 43 lean, healthy volunteers (average age 29 years) who each had a body mass index of between 18.5 and 24.9 kilograms. Forty-two percent of the subjects were women. All subjects were non-smokers and none were on medications. After a weight maintenance period supervised by an experienced dietitian, volunteers randomly were assigned into a group of 35 people who gained weight (about 9 pounds) or a group of eight subjects who maintained their weight.

The scientists measured endothelial function in the subjects by determining flow mediated dilatation in the brachial artery, a large vessel in the upper arm. The measurements were always taken at the same time each day, in the early morning. In the weight gain group, researchers measured endothelial dysfunction at the study’s start, after the subjects gained fat at 8 weeks, and after weight loss at 16 weeks. In subjects who maintained their weight, endothelial function was measured at the study’s start and at 8 weeks. Low flow indicated vessel dysfunction.

At the conclusion of the study, the subjects who had gained an average of 9 pounds experienced a significant increase in their visceral fat (the abdominal fat surrounding internal organs) and subcutaneous fat found just under the skin. In these subjects, the brachial artery flow measurements decreased as weight was gained. The endothelial dysfunction noted in these subjects appeared to be related to a specific type of weight gain, notably visceral fat gain rather than subcutaneous fat gain. Once the weight was lost, endothelial function was restored to levels measured at the beginning of the study.

In the group who maintained their weight, endothelial function remained unchanged.7

According to the Mayo Clinic researchers who conducted the study, “In lean healthy young subjects, modest weight gain results in impaired endothelial function, even in the absence of changes in blood pressure. Endothelial function recovers after weight loss. Visceral rather than subcutaneous fat predicts endothelial dysfunction.”

This study sheds new light on the small amount of weight gain that many individuals consider to be a normal part of aging.

Weight Loss and Healthy Blood Vessels

Since the individuals in the above study were able to restore the health of their blood vessels once they lost the weight, the first step in maintaining cardiovascular health would be to shed even small amounts of weight gain.

One of the easiest ways to reduce weight and control appetite is to consume porangaba tea. Consuming whole, unprocessed porangaba tea has been found to reduce appetite and produce up to 15 pounds of weight loss in a matter of weeks.

Centuries of tradition and anecdotal data have accumulated on Porangaba to support its appetite-suppressant and weight loss properties. The popularity of Porangaba increased dramatically when Dr. C.L. Cruz published his book Dictionary of the Plants Used in Brazil, in which he reported in detail all the known health benefits of Porangaba tea. Among other uses, Dr. Cruz recommends Porangaba as a weight loss aid, a mild diuretic and a heart tonic that improves blood circulation.

For appetite-suppressing benefit, Porangaba works best when taken 30 minutes before a meal. It gives the sense of being full after eating smaller amounts of food. It also appears to delay the emptying time of the stomach. Rather than completely suppressing hunger, like ephedra and amphetamines do, with a rebound hunger effect when they wear off, Porangaba reduces the amount of food intake to achieve satiety.

Strengthening Blood Vessels

An effective two-part approach to improving cardiovascular health must go beyond weight loss and also restore endothelial function. Fucoidan—a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed—is now thought to have a role to play in endothelial repair by virtue of its ability to increase the activity of stem cells that repair cardiovascular damage. Studies have begun to emerge indicating fucoidan might influence the mobilization of endothelial stem cells and their incorporation into ischemic tissue. By mobilizing the endothelial cells to sites of blood vessel damage, fucoidan can strengthen the vessels and improve cardiovascular health.8

Recent studies suggest that fucoidan may work by enhancing the activity of stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), which plays a critical role at several steps of progenitor (stem) cell mobilization. Researchers reporting in the journal Blood recently discovered that plasma concentrations of the highly potent SDF-1 increased rapidly and dramatically after treatment with fucoidan in monkeys and in mice, coinciding with decreased levels in bone marrow. In vitro and in vivo data suggest that fucoidan displaces certain factors that normally trap the SDF-1 in bone marrow, on endothelial cell surfaces or other tissues, helping to release the SDF-1 and allowing it to more easily mobilize the stem cells. The researchers tested other mobilizing agents to see if they would have the same effect but fucoidan was the only substance tested able to increase SDF-1 activity and enhance stem cell mobilization to sites of injury.9

Numerous in vitro and animal studies have shown that fucoidan can strengthen the blood vessels by interacting with endothelial cells, producing anticoagulant effects. Studies have shown that fucoidan inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth to the same extent as heparin and that it can help endothelial cells migrate to the site of blood vessel injuries. Fucoidan has been shown to act in the same way as heparin with a mechanism of action that involves regulating tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a process that is involved in blood coagulation. Fucoidan causes the endothelium to release TFPI, resulting in anti-coagulant effects.10

The results of these studies led researchers to conclude, “Moreover, the data already suggest a potential role of fucoidan as a new therapeutic agent of vegetal origin in the vascular endothelium wound repair.”11

Conclusion

The surprising new study by Mayo Clinic researchers indicated that lean subjects who gain even a small amount of weight could suffer blood vessel damage. Therefore, individuals who want to maximize their heart-protection supplement regimens can focus on weight loss goals by consuming porangaba tea and improving the health of the endothelium with fucoidan.  Furthermore, consuming a good multivitamin and/or antioxidant supplement can provide synergistic support as substantial research exists to show that vitamins C as well as other antioxidants can inhibit the free radical damage and other factors involved in endothelial dysfunction.

References

1. Taddei S, Ghiadoni L, Salvetti G, Virdis A, Salvetti A. [Obesity and endothelial dysfunction]. [Article in Italian]. G Ital Cardiol (Rome). 2006 Nov;7(11):715-23.
2. Meyers MR, Gokce N. Endothelial dysfunction in obesity: etiological role in atherosclerosis. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2007 Oct;14(5):365-9.
3. Patel S, Celermajer DS. Assessment of vascular disease using arterial flow mediated dilatation. Pharmacol Rep. 2006;58 Suppl:3-7.
4. Junhui Z, Xingxiang W, Guosheng F, Yunpeng S, Furong Z, Junzhu C. Reduced number and activity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Respir Med. 2008 Apr 2. [Epub ahead of print].
5. Li AH, Lee BC, Chen KC, Weng CS, Chu SH. Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in Patients With Cardiac Syndrome X. Angiology. 2008 Apr 2. [Epub ahead of print].
6. Rojas-Villarraga A, Ortega-Hernandez OD, Gomez LF, Pardo AL, López-Guzmán S, Arango-Ferreira C, Hincapie ME, Betancur JF, Pineda-Tamayo R, Diaz FJ, Anaya JM. Risk Factors Associated with Different Stages of Atherosclerosis in Colombian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print].
7. Corral AR, Sierra-Johnson J, Orban M, Gami AS, Kuniyoshi FHS, Pusalavidyasager S, Davison D, Huyber CM, Votruba SM, Jensen MD, Somers VK. Modest Fat Gain Causes Endothelial Dysfunction In Lean Healthy Humans: A Randomized Blinded Controlled Trial. Circulation. 2007;116:I6 Supplement:797.
8. Boisson-Vidal C, Zemani F, Caligiuri G, Galy-Fauroux I, Colliec-Jouault S, Helley D, Fischer AM. Neoangiogenesis induced by progenitor endothelial cells: effect of fucoidan from marine algae. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem. 2007 Jan;5(1):67-77.
9. Sweeney EA, Lortat-Jacob H, Priestley GV, Nakamoto B, Papayannopoulou T. Sulfated polysaccharides increase plasma levels of SDF-1 in monkeys and mice: involvement in mobilization of stem/progenitor cells. Blood. 2002 Jan 1;99(1):44-51.
10. Giraux JL, Tapon-Bretaudière J, Matou S, Fischer AM. Fucoidan, as heparin, induces tissue factor pathway inhibitor release from cultured human endothelial cells. Thromb Haemost. 1998 Oct;80(4):692-5.
11. Giraux JL, Matou S, Bros A, Tapon-Bretaudière J, Letourneur D, Fischer AM. Modulation of human endothelial cell proliferation and migration by fucoidan and heparin. Eur J Cell Biol. 1998 Dec;77(4):352-9.

Estrogens are well known for their ability to create both health and disease. Estrogen hormones are integral to female development, and they also play a role in male health such as maintaining skeletal health.1

Among the general population, estrogen is usually talked about as a single entity. However, there are a few different forms of “estrogen” in the human body: estradiol, estrone, and their metabolic product estriol. And while the overall importance of estrogens is widely understood, this hormone group is most often vilified with good reason, for its ability to cause disease, namely cancers in women. Interestingly, newer research is exploring the role of estrogens and cancer in men as well.2

Estrogens, in a very general sense, incite the growth of tissues in the body. Developmentally this is a positive effect that predominately underlies female maturation. In its wisdom, the body creates these and other hormones to achieve a purpose, and then promptly metabolizes and removes them from the body (ideally). However, this is when we begin to see the problems associated with estrogens. If these hormones are not adequately metabolized and subsequently removed, they can stay in our bodies and begin to wreak havoc.

Removal of hormones is achieved in two main ways. First, they are chemically altered (metabolized) in a way that prepares them for removal. Second, they must be physically removed via the organs of elimination. While physical removal is a relatively straightforward process (urination and bowel movements), the chemical processing can go awry if the proper nutrients are not available to the liver where the majority of hormone metabolism takes place. Removal of hormones also is affected by thyroid health. This is particularly true for individuals who have undiagnosed low thyroid or under treated thyroid insufficiency and explains the link between hypothyroidism and breast and prostate cancer.

Good vs. Bad Estrogen Metabolism

There are two main metabolic pathways of estrogen processing. The first pathway (16 alpha-hydroxylation) appears to be more active in women with estrogen-related cancers3-4 and produces the carcinogenic estrogen metabolite 16 alpha hydroxy estrone. The second main pathway (2 hydroxylation) produces the “protective” estrogen metabolite known as 2 hydroxy estrone, which appears to provide a lower estrogen-related cancer profile.5 Research is showing that by positively modulating the ratio of 2 hydroxy estrone to 16 alpha hydroxy estrone, there is a decreased cancer risk. This increased 16 alpha-hydroxylation activity has been shown to precede clinical evidence of cancer, and it represents a significant risk factor for developing estrogen-dependent tumors. Healthy individuals not at risk for breast or endometrial cancer bypass the 16-alpha route and instead metabolize estrogen through this preferable pathway.

Some of the ways estrogens are metabolized in our bodies depends on our genetic expression, our diet and lifestyle, and elimination habits. The enzymes in our liver that are responsible for metabolizing hormones and other chemicals can also be affected by lifestyle choices, i.e. diet. One such dietary constituent that has a positive effect on the way estrogens are metabolized are cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable group, of which broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are members, exerts potent effects on the way estrogens are metabolized in terms of reducing cancer risk.

These vegetables were discovered to have anti-cancer effects on the development of breast, prostate, cervical and other hormone dependent cancers.6 Epidemiologic studies initially suggested that people consuming very large amounts of these vegetables each day had less hormone-related cancers than their non-vegetable eating cohorts.7

One of the compounds responsible for cancer prevention in these vegetables is diindolylmethane, also known as DIM. DIM is the major metabolite of another compound derived from cruciferous vegetables known as indole-3-carbinol, or I3C. It is estimated that roughly 10-20 percent of ingested I3C is converted to DIM in the stomach.8 DIM itself has preventive effects against breast cancer,9-10 works as an estrogen receptor antagonist and agonist in human breast cancer cells,11 and stimulates programmed apoptosis in human breast cancer cells as well.12

Once the conversion of I3C to DIM occurs, DIM can then exert its anti-cancer effects throughout the body.

Supplements vs. Dietary Sources

Individuals would have to consume prohibitively large quantities of raw cruciferous vegetables in order to achieve the known effects. Studies suggested that 1-2 pounds of these vegetables must be consumed in order to achieve this clinical effect.13 While consuming large amounts of fruits and vegetables is sound health advice, cruciferous vegetables in particular are difficult to digest for many people, especially 1-2 pounds’ worth. Furthermore, eating large quantities of cruciferous vegetables is known to be goitrogenic (enlarging the thyroid gland) and can lead to thyroid problems. Interestingly, while cruciferous vegetables have been found to be goitrogenic, DIM has actually been found to inhibit the growth of primary goiter cells by 70 percent compared to untreated controls. The same study found that DIM inhibited a number of different thyroid cancer cell lines.14

For individuals who want to confer protection against hormone dependent health conditions, supplementation with DIM is therefore preferable to eating large quantities of cruciferous vegetables.

Estrogen in Males

Estrogen is not just a problem for women. Men also make estrogen in their bodies as they both age and gain weight. Male fat tissue will manufacture the enzyme aromatase that then converts testosterone to estrogen. Coupled with the natural decline in testosterone production, this leads to substantial decreases in testosterone availability, and may preclude the onset of several diseases including prostate cancer. Aromatization of androgens to estrogens is a physiologic consequence and can occur within various tissues including the adipose tissue.15 With increased weight gain, men may thus manufacture greater amounts of estrogens.

Alcohol consumption may also raise estrogen levels in the body, via impaired liver detoxification of estrogens.16 (Table 1) All of these factors may contribute to possible estrogen-related disease in men.

Evidence continues to accumulate that shows estrogens may in part be responsible for prostate cancers.2 This is fueled by newer findings that show that elevated androgen levels are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer,17 and given the anti-estrogenic activity of androgens (testosterone), it furthers the hypothesis that estrogens may assist with prostate cancer initiation in the presence of low testosterone.18

Supplementation with DIM in men will affect estrogen metabolism the same way as women, leading to the creation of safer estrogen metabolism by products, thereby reducing the overall estrogen load in men. Weight loss and limiting alcohol consumption are additional key methods of reducing overall estrogen burden in men.

Cruciferous vegetables also have potent antioxidant effects and may thereby also protect against cancers in this regard. Cruciferous vegetable intake, in epidemiological studies, has inhibited prostate, breast, cervical and colon cancers and appears to alter metabolism of dietary carcinogens in humans.19-21

Conclusion

Estrogen-induced cancers are prevalent for a variety of reasons today, environmental and genetic causes being most indicated. Improper estrogen metabolism into the 16 hydroxy form is one way that estrogen-related diseases can occur. Supplementation with cruciferous vegetables and their extracts in the form of DIM can afford a means to steer estrogen metabolism away from carcinogenic estrogen metabolites such as 16-hydroxy and toward the safer metabolite 2 hydroxy.

References

1. Venken K, Callewaert F, Boonen S, Vanderschueren D. Sex hormones, their receptors and bone health. Osteoporos Int. 2008 Apr 5. [Epub ahead of print].
2. Singh PB, Matanhelia SS, Martin FL. A potential paradox in prostate adenocarcinoma progression: Oestrogen as the initiating driver. Eur J Cancer. 2008 Mar 30. [Epub ahead of print].
3. Huang Z, Guengerich FP, Kaminsky LS. 16Alpha-hydroxylation of estrone by human cytochrome P4503A4/5. Carcinogenesis. 1998. May;19(5):867-72.
4. Cauley JA, Zmuda JM, Danielson ME, Ljung BM, Bauer DC, Cummings SR, Kuller LH. Estrogen metabolites and the risk of breast cancer in older women. Epidemiology. 2003 Nov;14(6):740-4.
5. Tsuchiya Y, Nakajima M, Yokoi T. Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of estrogens and its regulation in human. Cancer Lett. 2005 Sep 28;227(2):115-24.
6. [No authors listed]. Fighting cancer at the grocery store. Research shows broccoli sprouts, cabbage, garlic, among other vegetables, contain anti-cancer properties. Health News. 2006 Jan;12(1):10-1.
7. Higdon JV, Delage B, Williams DE, Dashwood RH. Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis. Pharmacol Res. 2007 Mar;55(3):224-36.
8. Balk JL. Indole-3-carbinol for cancer prevention. Altern Med Alert. 2000; 3:105-7.
9. Riby JE, Chang GHF, Firestone GL, Bjeldanes LF. Ligand-independent activation of estrogen receptor function by 3,3’-diindolylmethane in human breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000;60:167-77.
10. McDougal A, Gupta MS, Ramamoorthy K, et al. Inhibition of carcinogen-induced rat mammary tumor growth and other estrogen-dependent responses by symmetrical dihalo-substituted analogs of diindolylmethane. Cancer Lett. 2000;151:169-79.
11. Chen I, Safe S, Bjeldanes L. Indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane as aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor agonists and antagonists in T47D human breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol. 1996;51:1069-76.
12. Ge X, Yanni S, Rennert G, et al. 3’3-diindolylmethane induces apoptosis in human cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1996;228:153-8.
13. Bradlow HL. Personal Communication with Vitamin Research News editor Kimberly Pryor, 1999.
14. Tadi K, Chang Y, Ashok BT, Chen Y, Moscatello A, Schaefer SD, Schantz SP, Policastro AJ, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. 3,3’-Diindolylmethane, a cruciferous vegetable derived synthetic anti-proliferative compound in thyroid disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Nov 25;337(3):1019-25.
15. Fossati P, Fontaine P. [Endocrine and metabolic consequences of massive obesity]. Rev Prat. 1993 Oct 1;43(15):1935-9.
16. Pignata S, Daniele B, Galati MG, et al. Oestradiol and testosterone blood levels in patients with viral cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1997 Mar;9(3):283-6.
17. Raynaud JP. Prostate cancer risk in testosterone-treated men. Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 Dec;102(1-5):261-6.
18. Carruba G. Estrogen and prostate cancer: an eclipsed truth in an androgen-dominated scenario. J Cell Biochem. 2007 Nov 1;102(4):899-911.
19. Voorrips LE, Goldbohm RA, Verhoeven DT, et al. Vegetable and fruit consumption and lung cancer risk in the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2000;11(2):101-115.
20. Feskanich D, Ziegler RG, Michaud DS, et al. Prospective study of fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of lung cancer among men and women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000;92(22):1812-1823.
21. Walters DG, Young PJ, Agus C, et al. Cruciferous vegetable consumption alters the metabolism of the dietary carcinogen 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in humans. Carcinogenesis. 2004;25(9):1659-1669.

What is protein? Most of us simply think of steak, hamburger, chicken, fish and animal foods when we think of protein. While we are correct that these are good sources of protein, there are many other sources. There are varying amounts of protein in vegetables, seeds and nuts, and each source has its own amino acid complex. A balance of amino acids is very important.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Most of the amino acids a dog’s body requires can be manufactured in the body. However, there are 10 essential amino acids that the dog cannot manufacture for itself. These are: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Because these cannot be made in the body, they must be in the food consumed. Not only does food need to have these included but also they need to be in a ratio that brings about health to the dog’s body. If a food is deficient in one of the amino acids, the animal will try to eat enough of the food to satisfy the needs of the body for that particular amino acid. This can cause excess food to be consumed, the body to be thrown out of balance and the health of the body to be compromised.

When we realize how complex the dog’s system is, it helps us understand the need to keep things in balance. Proteins are the principal structural constituent of the body’s organs, tissues and even a component of bones. Collagen and elastin proteins are the building blocks of cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The contractile proteins, actin and myosin, cause the muscle to contract and relax. Keratin proteins make up the skin, hair and nails. Circulating blood proteins include hemoglobin, transferrin, albumin and globulin. Proteins are involved in the makeup of enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

In keeping things in balance, we need to understand that some foods are more digestible and utilizable than others. Consider the egg as the standard that most proteins are measured against. The egg has a chemical score of 100, a biologic value of 94, a net protein utilization ratio of 94 and a protein efficiency ratio of 3.92. Amino acid quality is considered good for casein, whey, beef, lamb, pork, chicken, liver, fish meal, meat and bone meal, lamb meal, chicken/poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It is considered adequate for corn gluten meal, corn, rice, wheat, barley and poor for collagen.

Protein deficiency, while rare in this day of age, can include reduced growth rate, anorexia, anemia, infertility, reduced milk production, alopecia (hair loss), brittle hair, and a poor hair coat. The signs of an essential amino acid deficiency in pets can be similar to a general protein deficiency and can include catabolism or breakdown of the muscle tissue as a dog’s body tries to balance its needs.

Protein toxicity or excess is very hard to create when feeding from natural sources of meat and grains. Excess natural protein tends to be metabolized to energy and utilized or stored in the body as fat. Synthetic amino acids can create toxicity when added to foods at high levels.

A recommended minimum protein level in commercial dog foods is 18 percent and there is an absolute minimum requirement of 6 percent. This percentage is calculated on a dry matter basis. If a person is trying to understand what that would be in canned food, just subtract out the water content to get to the dry matter basis then calculate the percentage. Healthy cats require a minimum of 14 percent protein. However, commercial foods are recommended to contain at least 26 percent protein on a dry matter basis.

In commercial foods, multiple sources of proteins are often combined to improve the overall quality and the amino acid profile of the food. As one might expect, the cost of the source and the amino acid profile are considered when creating food for our pets to eat. If one wants to feed a food that is primarily meat and balanced with other products, one can expect to pay more than for a food that is created from sources that look primarily at cost and amino acid profiles.

For people feeding their dogs a lamb and rice food, consider supplementing with a little taurine. It should be a natural source and the dose could vary from 100 mg daily for a small dog to 250 mg daily for a large dog. Because tryptophan is an amino acid that tends to relax the body—in both humans and dogs—adding a little extra to a dog’s diet can be especially helpful for relaxation and anxiety reduction. As mentioned above, since the signs of an essential amino acid deficiency in pets can be similar to a general protein deficiency, Neptune Krill Oil™ can be added to food to ensure dogs are receiving enough omega-3 fatty acids.

For any other supplementation, you should consult your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.

Using the words colon and cleansing adjacent to one another seems like an oxymoron since a colon, by virtue of its function, is not a place we think of as clean. Yet, relatively speaking, a properly functioning colon is actually quite clean compared to one that is filled with toxic substances, parasites, and pathogenic yeasts, fungi, and bacteria.

In today’s world, however, our intestinal tracts are exposed to many substances—from antibiotics to protozoal parasites to sugary, processed foods—that create an unfavorable atmosphere in the colon. The result can be constipation, diarrhea, candidiasis, parasitical infections and other conditions attributable to poor colon health.

Keeping the colon healthy prior to pathogen exposure can help make it less vulnerable. Consequently, periodically detoxifying the colon can create an environment resistant to a number of conditions.

Constipation

Our Westernized diet is often devoid of fiber, resulting in chronic constipation, a widespread disease affecting up to 25 percent of the population in Western countries.1 Constipation-related symptoms may lead to a heavy burden and a decrease in quality of life.

In one study of Dutch senior citizens, it was estimated that about fifty percent of the elderly use laxatives. In the very old and in institutions the use is even more frequent. In the aged, constipation can have dangerous complications, such as acute mental confusion, urinary retention, urinary incontinence and fecal impaction.2

Pathogenic Parasites

The human intestine is vulnerable to a wide array of intestinal invaders including the common protozoal parasite Giardia, which inhabits the small intestine of humans and other animals. Giardia cysts attach themselves to the intestinal mucosa from which they derive their nourishment. The concentration of chlorine routinely used in treating domestic water supplies does not kill Giardia cysts.

One pathogenic form of Giardia, Giardia lamblia, is transmitted by ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated water or food. G. lamblia interferes with fat absorption and causes giardiasis. Symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhea, fever, cramps, anorexia, nausea, weakness, weight loss, abdominal distention, flatulence, greasy stools, belching and vomiting.

Giardia is a common infection in both the United States and the world’s population. In one study of 137 patients with irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia, it was found that 6.5 percent really had giardiasis caused by Giardia lamblia infection. In addition, there were no symptoms that reliably allowed for the recognition of giardiasis versus traditional IBS. A significant association also was found between giardiasis and H. pylori infection.3

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied a large, prolonged outbreak of giardiasis that occurred in June through December of 2003 in families belonging to a country club in a suburb of Boston, Massachusetts. Of 30 primary cases, exposure to the children"s pool at the country club was significantly associated with illness. In addition, 105 secondary cases probably resulted from person-to-person spread.4

With the boundaries of the earth shrinking and international travel becoming more common, there is an increased risk in the United States for the transmission of parasites usually considered more common in other areas of the globe such as tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

Furthermore, Enterobius (pinworm) infections have always been quite common in the United States, with children contracting the nematodes and passing on the infection to other family members. It is estimated that in temperate climates 20 percent of children are infected with pinworms.5

Food-Borne Infections

Food-borne transmissions of various parasitic and bacterial organisms also create a convincing case for ensuring that the intestinal tract is regularly detoxified. Researchers from Santa Barbara college hospital wrote of a case study of a 25-year-old woman who developed anisakiasis, a disease caused by human infection by the Anisakis larvae, a marine nematode found in raw or undercooked fish. Human infections are principally the result of ingestion of the anisakis larvae usually found in herring, mackerel, salmon, cod, halibut, rockfish, sardine, and squid. In the current case, the woman checked into the emergency room with anisakiasis and a resulting bowel obstruction. She had eaten seviche, a raw fish appetizer, 2 days earlier, and sashimi 3 weeks before admission. According to the researchers, “With the increased popularity of eating sushi and raw fish (sashimi) in the United States infection with anisakis is expected to rise.”6

Food contaminated with E. Coli and Salmonella bacteria pose another threat to intestinal health. Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium found in the intestinal tract of humans. Fecal contamination of food with E. Coli can cause travelers’ diarrhea and food poisoning. Salmonella is also a gram negative bacterium. Several Salmonella species are pathogenic and food contaminated with these pathogenic species can cause food poisoning ranging from mild to fatal.

Candidiasis

The presence of Candida albicans, a common yeast-like fungus, in the intestinal tract provides further incentive to undertake a colon cleansing program. Normally this organism is present in the blood, gastrointestinal tract and vaginas of warm-blooded animals. Candida also lives in the folds, creases, and wrinkles of our skin.

Normally candida is a harmless symbiont, living in the gastrointestinal tract, kept under control by the inhibitory actions of beneficial bacteria and a healthy immune system. Unfortunately, consuming antibiotics or birth control pills or eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars disrupts this internal ecology, leading to conditions that not only allow, but actually promote, the rapid growth of yeasts. These conditions can (1) decrease the number of beneficial bacteria, (2) lower immunity, and (3) stimulate further yeast growth. As a result, the yeast cells quickly multiply out of control, especially in the colon. Candidiasis symptoms include fatigue, bloating, genital burning or itching, anal itching, frequent yeast infections and fungal infections, cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, mood swings, constipation, and diarrhea.

Intestinal Housekeeping

A combination of botanicals, fiber, and probiotics can help rid the intestinal tract of many of the pathogenic microorganisms mentioned above. Colon cleansing can also help improve colon motility and support the health of individuals with constipation.

Butternut and ginger possess pronounced activity against a variety of fungi, including strains highly resistant to commonly used pharmaceutical antifungals.7 Cayenne pepper is another potent antifungal and exerts strong anticandida activity.8 In addition, capsicum, a component of cayenne, was able to kill Schistosoma, an intestinal blood fluke found in Africa and tropical America, at a key stage in the parasite’s development.9

Senna is another botanical that can simultaneously control constipation while demonstrating antifungal, antimicrobial effects. It has long been known for its laxative properties, but has recently emerged as an antibacterial agent. In cell culture experiments it has inhibited the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and the yeast/fungus Candida albicans.10

The licorice component glycyrrhizin is another botanical with colon-supporting properties. In mice with burn injuries, the animals’ susceptibility to Candida albicans infection is usually increased by up to 50-fold when compared with normal mice. However, glycyrrhizin reduced the Candida albicans susceptibility of thermally injured mice to levels observed in normal mice. Thermally injured mice inoculated with immune cells from glycyrrhizin-treated mice were also resistant to Candida albicans infection.11

Licorice also has been shown to inhibit E. Coli and HIV.12-13 Like licorice, Rhubarb inhibits candida and E. Coli as well as the anaerobic intestinal bacteria known as Bacteroides fragilis. Bacteroides are the most common bacteria in the colon, outnumbering E. Coli by at least 100 to 1. Some species are pathogenic and are often found in necrotic tissue and in the blood after an infection.14-16

Rhubarb also is a particularly helpful botanical for anyone suffering from constipation as it enhances the cellular electrical excitability of the colon, which results in a strengthening of colon contractions.17 It may help alleviate constipation through its ability to enhance peristalsis, the wavelike motion that is responsible for moving the colon’s contents onward.18

Furthermore, in studies of animals with colitis, a rhubarb component diminished the ulcerative area, and reduced colon weight and white blood cell counts.19

Milk Thistle (silymarin), although best known for its liver-supporting properties, has additional colon-supporting properties. In dogs with Giardia infections, silymarin enhanced the efficacy of a standard drug used to treat giardiasis.20

Fiber has long been considered the intestinal detoxifier par excellence and psyllium is one of the most effective fibers used to improve colonic function. Psyllium delays gastric emptying, probably by increasing meal viscosity, and reduces the acceleration of colon transit, possibly by delaying the production of gaseous fermentation products. Consequently, it has alleviated both constipation and diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome patients.21

Another fiber found to nourish the colon is citrus pectin. In rats with short bowel syndrome, citrus pectin improves small and large bowel mucosal structure, prolongs intestinal transit, and decreases diarrhea. Following massive intestinal resection in animals, citrus pectin significantly decreased body weight loss, increased stool solidity, and improved colonic water absorption without significantly altering mucosal structure.22 Researchers also have extensively studied modified citrus pectin for its ability to inhibit colon cancer.23

Cascara Sagrada can be combined with fiber to help the intestinal tract function properly. Its laxative properties make it especially useful for individuals with constipation. Like Senna, Cascara Sagrada is used for intermittent periods as a colon detoxifier and laxative.

Conclusion

Colon cleansing is an important way to minimize the digestive tract’s exposure to the multitude of micro-organisms we encounter daily. The above botanicals often work best as a colon cleanser when combined with other colon supporting substances such as fennel seeds, digestive enzymes, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), black walnuts, cranberry and the probiotic Lactobacillus, which has antigiardia, anticandida properties.24

References

1. Krammer H, Schlieger F, Singer MV. [Therapeutic options of chronic constipation] [Article in German]. Internist (Berl). 2005 Dec;46(12):1331-8.

2. Merkus JW. [Constipation in the aged. I. Significance, prevalence, causes and treatment] [Article in Dutch]. Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr. 1984 Jun;15(3):105-13.

3. Grazioli B, Matera G, Laratta C, Schipani G, Guarnieri G, Spiniello E, Imeneo M, Amorosi A, Foca A, Luzza F. Giardia lamblia infection in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia: A prospective study. World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Mar 28;12(12):1941-1944.

4. Katz DE, Heisey-Grove D, Beach M, Dicker RC, Matyas BT. Prolonged outbreak of giardiasis with two modes of transmission. Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Mar 29;:1-7 [Epub ahead of print].

5. Clayton Lay Thomas, editor. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 18th Edition, F.A. Davis Company, p. 647.

6. Schuster R, Petrini JL, Choi R. Anisakiasis of the colon presenting as bowel obstruction. Am Surg. 2003 Apr;69(4):350-2.

7. Ficker CE, Arnason JT, Vindas PS, Alvarez LP, Akpagana K, Gbeassor M, De Souza C, Smith ML. Inhibition of human pathogenic fungi by ethnobotanically selected plant extracts. Mycoses. 2003 Feb;46(1-2):29-37.

8. Hronek M, Vachtlova D, Kudlackova Z, Jilek P. [Antifungal effect in selected natural compounds and probiotics and their possible use in prophylaxis of vulvovaginitis] [Article in Czech]. Ceska Gynekol. 2005 Sep;70(5):395-9.

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Vitamin K2 Linked to Reduced Risk of Hip Fractures

Higher intakes of vitamin K—especially vitamin K2—are associated with a reduced risk of hip fractures, Japanese researchers report in a new study.

Using data from the 2002 national survey on the incidence of hip fracture and the National Nutritional Survey of Japan, the researchers examined the dietary patterns of people living in various regions of Japan. They found that in those regions where subjects had an increased consumption of vitamin K-rich fruits and vegetables, there was a reduced rate of hip fracture. In eastern areas of Japan, where there was a high intake of vitamin K, there was a low incidence of hip fracture. The opposite pattern occurred in western areas of Japan, where there was a low intake of vegetables rich in vitamin K and a higher incidence of hip fractures.

The scientists also studied the link between hip fractures and calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. They found that there was an association between intake of magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K and reduced hip fracture in both men and women, and calcium in women. However, the strongest association between nutrient intake and reduced risk of hip fracture occurred in subjects with the highest intake of vitamin K2 in both men and women.

The current recommended intake of vitamin K in Japan is 55 mcg for women and 65 mcg per day for men. In the US and Canada it is 120 mcg per day for men and 90 mcg per day for women. However, in light of the results of the current study, the researchers suggested “that a review of the dietary reference value of vitamin K from the perspective of osteoporosis would be useful.”

Two of the most commonly consumed forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone (K1), which is typically found in cruciferous vegetables, and menaquinone (K2), sourced from friendly bacteria. Past studies have indicated that the vitamin K2 form is more effective in enhancing bone health. In this current study, vitamin K2 showed a very long half-life time compared to vitamin K1. Consequently, the study authors recommended higher doses of vitamin K2 in regions such as Europe and North America, where vitamin K1 consumption is higher.

According to the scientists, “Since regions which consumed a lot of vitamin K, especially vitamin K2, showed a low incidence of hip fracture, we considered that vitamin K intake, not absorption, of over 300 mcg/day would be helpful to reduce the incidence of hip fracture.”

Reference:

Yaegashi Y, Onoda T, Tanno K, Kuribayashi T, Sakata K, Orimo H. Association of hip fracture incidence and intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Eur J Epidemiol. 2008;23(3):219-25.

Vitamin C and Selenium May Inhibit the Damaging Effects of a High-Fat Diet

In a new animal study, the antioxidants vitamin C and selenium inhibited the oxidation of cholesterol in rodents fed a high-fat diet.

When lipids in the body are exposed to free radicals (reactive oxygen species), they oxidize (a process also called peroxidation), and it is this process that causes cholesterol to possess cardiovascular-damaging properties. Cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), also referred to as oxysterols, are formed by the oxidation of cholesterol and are known to be specific in vivo markers of oxidative stress.

In the current study, researchers fed one group of rats a high-fat diet to induce increased oxidation in the animals. Another group of animals received the same diet supplemented with a combination of two different antioxidants, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg per rat per day) and sodium selenite (200 mcg/kg per rat per day). A third group was fed a control diet without antioxidants.

At the end of the experimental trial, rats were sacrificed and serum cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol oxidation products were measured. None of the diets induced changes in rats’ body weight, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. However, serum total cholesterol oxidation products were two times higher in rats fed the high-fat diet compared to the control rats. By contrast, in the group receiving dietary antioxidant supplementation along with the high-fat diet, serum total cholesterol oxidation products were at the same lower levels as those of the rats on the control diet. Cholesterol oxidation also produces what’s known as 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, formed via cholesterol peroxidation in the presence of reactive oxygen species. In the rats given antioxidants, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol levels were slightly lower compared to the control animals.

The scientists concluded, “This study confirms the importance of dietary antioxidants as protective factors against the formation of oxysterols.”

Reference:

Menéndez-Carreño M, Ansorena D, Milagro FI, Campión J, Martínez JA, Astiasarán I. Inhibition of Serum Cholesterol Oxidation by Dietary Vitamin C and Selenium Intake in High Fat Fed rats. Lipids. 2008 Mar 12. Published online ahead of print.

Folate Linked to Male Fertility

Researchers have found an association between higher folate intake in men and enhanced male fertility.

Folate’s importance to pre-conception health in women has been well established and women in childbearing years have been urged to consume folate and folic acid in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in infants. The authors of this new study, however, published in the journal Human Reproduction, believe it to be the first to indicate that folate is equally important in the fertility of men.

The researchers studied 89 healthy, non-smoking men who gave sperm samples.  The study authors used a food frequency questionnaire to determine the subjects’ total intake of the nutrients zinc, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene from food sources and from dietary supplements. The scientists then investigated the subjects’ rate of aneuploidy, a term which refers to the changes in the number of chromosomes in the sperm. Between 1 and 4 percent of a healthy man’s sperm are thought to have some form of aneuploidy, a condition linked to infertility and miscarriages. Aneuploidy in fathers is also associated with Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome in children.

The study authors found a statistically significant association between high folate intake and lower sperm aneuploidy. Men who had the highest folate intake of between 772 and 1,150 micrograms per day had 20 to 30 percent lower sperm aneuploidy than those with the lowest folate intake.

According to the researchers, “Men with high folate intake had lower overall frequencies of several types of aneuploid sperm.”

The researchers cautioned that the study did not prove that high folate intake causes the enhanced sperm quality, only that there was an association.  Since this was the first study of its kind, they called for further research, especially a randomized controlled trial, to further investigate folate’s effects on sperm health.

Reference:

Young SS, Eskenazi B, Marchetti FM, Block G, Wyrobek AJ. The association of folate, zinc and antioxidant intake with sperm aneuploidy in healthy non-smoking men. Hum Reprod. 2008 Mar 19. Published online ahead of print.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid EPA May Improve Mood and Well-Being

Research now indicates that the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may play a role in improving mood and well-being in subjects with depression.
Researchers studied 60 subjects who had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.  Each of the subjects had a score of 15 or more on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, which is commonly used to assess the severity of depression.

In the double-blind study, the subjects were randomly allocated to receive daily either 1,000 mg EPA, 20 mg of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, or a combination of both for 8 weeks. Patients were assessed at 2 week intervals. The researchers found that EPA plus the fluoxetine was significantly better than fluoxetine or EPA alone in improving depressive symptoms from the fourth week of treatment. When given alone, both the antidepressant drug and the omega-3 fatty acid were able to reduce depression by a similar amount. Depressive symptoms were reduced by 50 percent in subjects taking the antidepressant, 56 percent in patients taking the omega-3 fatty acid and 81 percent in patients taking both the omega-3 fatty acid and the antidepressant.

“In the present 8 week trial EPA and fluoxetine had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone,” the study authors wrote. “Although this study had some limitation including small sample size and lack of placebo group, the findings suggest that EPA is safe and effective as monotherapy as well as adjunctive treatment for unipolar major depressive episode.”

Reference:

Jazayeri S, Tehrani-Doost M, Keshavarz SA, Hosseini M, Djazayery A, Amini H, Jalali M, Peet M. Comparison of therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid and fluoxetine, separately and in combination, in major depressive disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;42(3):192-8.

Green Tea Increases Antibiotics’ Effectiveness Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Cell Culture Study

A new in vitro study has determined that green tea may increase the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria, including the so called “super bugs,” a class of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics.

In a study presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s 162nd meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, researchers tested green tea in combination with antibiotics against 28 disease-causing microorganisms belonging to two different classes. Different classes of antibiotics were tested separately and in combination with green tea against strains from the bacterial family Staphylococcus spp., gram-negative isolates and three standard strains.

In every single case, green tea enhanced the bacteria-killing activity of the antibiotics. For example, the killing effect of the antibiotic chloramphenicol was 99.99 percent better when administered with green tea than when given on its own.

The researchers found that green tea can help antibiotics be three times more effective in fighting drug-resistant bacteria. They also found that 20 percent of drug-resistant bacteria were more susceptible to cephalosporin antibiotics when administered with green tea. New drug-resistant strains of bacteria have evolved resistance to cephalosporin antibiotics, but the green tea appeared to increase the antibiotics’ effectiveness against these strains.

Reference:

Kassem MA, Fanaki NH, Fawzi MA, Dabbous FSE. Influence of green tea on the antimicrobial activity of some antibiotics against multiresistant clinical isolates.
Presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s 162nd meeting, March 31, 2008, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Taurine Improves Mitochondrial Health in Mice

The amino acid taurine prevents the free radical damage that occurs in the mitochondria after treatment with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, researchers reported in a new animal study.

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. Tamoxifen potentially impairs mitochondrial functions as it acts as a powerful inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Consequently, some concern has been expressed over the deleterious effects of tamoxifen on the mitochondria.

Because taurine is known to have membrane stabilizing and antioxidant properties, researchers set out to determine whether the amino acid could protect the mitochondria found in the liver of mice against the toxicity of tamoxifen.

When the researchers treated the mouse mitochondria with tamoxifen, there was a significant rise in the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical generation. Lipid peroxidation is the process by which fats in the body, after exposure to free radicals (superoxide radicals), oxidize. However, in the mice that were given (100 mg/kg) taurine prior to treatment with tamoxifen, the amount of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical generation was markedly reduced. Taurine also restored levels of antioxidants in the mitochondria.

The researchers concluded, “It is suggested that taurine has a potential role in ameliorating tamoxifen-induced mitochondrial toxicity, and the protection is afforded either by reversing the decline of antioxidants or by the direct free radical-scavenging activity.”

Reference:

Parvez S, Tabassum H, Banerjee BD, Raisuddin S. Taurine prevents tamoxifen-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2008 Apr;102(4):382-7.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Associated with School Performance in Children

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as dietary fat intake were associated with improved school performance in children, according to the results of a new study.

Although the effects of nutrition on health and school performance are often cited, few research studies have examined the effect of diet quality on the academic performance of children. This study examined the association between overall diet quality and academic performance in 5,200 grade 5 students in Nova Scotia, Canada. The children and their parents were surveyed. Information on dietary intake, height, and weight and sociodemographic variables were compared to results of a standardized literacy assessment.

Across various indicators of diet quality, an association with academic performance was observed. Students with decreased overall diet quality were significantly more likely to perform poorly on the literary assessment. In particular, students with an increased fruit and vegetable intake and lower caloric intake of fat were significantly less likely to fail the assessment.

“These findings demonstrate an association between diet quality and academic performance and identify specific dietary factors that contribute to this association.”

Reference:

Florence MD, Asbridge M, Veugelers PJ. Diet quality and academic performance. J Sch Health. 2008 Apr;78(4):209-15.

An easy way for children to obtain more nutrients from fruits and vegetables is for them to consume a high-quality green drink such as Primary Greens™.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help RA Patients Reduce NSAID Dosage

Cod liver oil supplementation helps reduce daily NSAID requirements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a new study has found.

Dose-dependent gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects limit the use of NSAID painkillers in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, researchers set out to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids from cod liver oil, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions in past studies, could help RA patients reduce their dosages of NSAIDs.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 9 months’ duration, 97 rheumatoid arthritis patients were randomized to take either 10 grams of cod liver oil containing 2.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or identical placebo capsules. Documentation of NSAID daily requirements, clinical and laboratory parameters of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and safety checks were done at 0, 4, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. At 12 weeks, patients were instructed to gradually reduce, and if possible, stop their NSAID intake.

Out of 49 patients in the cod liver oil group, 19 (39 percent) were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30 percent. Out of 48 patients in the placebo group, only 5 (10 percent) were able to reduce their daily NSAID requirement by more than 30 percent. No differences between the groups were observed in the clinical parameters of RA disease activity.

The scientists concluded, “This study suggests that cod liver oil supplements containing n-3 [omega-3] fatty acids can be used as NSAID-sparing agents in RA patients.”

Reference:

Galarraga B, Ho M, Youssef HM, Hill A, McMahon H, Hall C, Ogston S, Nuki G, Belch JJ. Cod liver oil (n-3 fatty acids) as an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sparing agent in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Mar 24. Published online ahead of print.

BHT Preserves Gasoline in Cars: Food Preservative Has Novel Use

We thought you’d like to see this interesting Q & A about a novel use for the antioxidant BHT. It is reprinted with permission from the Questions & Answers section of Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace.

Q. In the Nov. 25, 2004, issue, Richard Palmer requested information on a homemade product to preserve gas. I believe what Mr. Palmer had reference to was the use of BHT (butyl-hydroxytoulene) as a gasoline additive. This information was listed in “Q&A” published on Nov. 8, 2001, and further elaborated on in Old Cars Weekly on Dec. 5, 2002. I’ve not used it personally, but am referencing the articles. Jim Bourgeois, Cedarburg, Wis.

A. My first response was to be impressed by our reader’s filing system and wonder at his method for achieving old editions of this column, then I realized that Mr. Bourgeois is the person who originally informed us about BHT as a preservation additive for gasoline. In his November 2001 letter, he reported finding a tip on preserving gasoline, which read: “The best way to preserve gasoline is to make sure the tank is topped up and to add four teaspoons of powdered BHT to a 20-gallon tank.” BHT’s most common use is as a food preservative, but, according to the tip, “Government tests have shown it’s good for keeping gasoline fresh.” The tip further states that BHT dissolves in gasoline and doesn’t affect engine parts or performance. <

In the response, we asked if our readers could comment on the advisability of adding BHT to gasoline as an antidote to “gummy gas,” whether anyone has used this treatment, and, if so, with what results? In the Dec. 5, 2002, issue, Dr. B. John Shadroui of Lapeer, Mich., responded, stating, “I’ve been using BHT to keep gasoline fresh with my collection of 25 cars, ranging from a 1907 Ford to a 1957 Cadillac, for over 20 years. I’ve never had any problems, whatsoever, even with gas 8-10 years old. I make a super saturated solution of BHT by dissolving powdered BHT in a gallon container about three/quarters full of gasoline until it no longer dissolves after agitation and begins to settle out at the bottom of the container. This may take 300 to 400 grams of powdered BHT. Then I use five ounces of this solution per tank of gas and do this every 12 months if the car is not driven. I’m told that the gasoline today is different from the gas of a few years ago, and that my method may not work, so I have a test going in my laboratory. So far the treated gas smells fresh, is the same color as new gas, and not gummy. The untreated gas is dark in color and smells slate. I get my supply of powdered BHT from Vitamin Research Products in Carson City, NV (800)877-2447. A 300 gram container sells for $13.95.”