Author: Janus Baker

Why Probiotics Matter for Kids

Posted on by Janus Baker

Here are some things to consider. Probiotics add another layer of good microorganisms to the already existing good ones, so they can be very beneficial to not only adults, but kids too. When the ratio of good bacteria is altered, for example, after your child uses antibiotics, probiotics can help get their gut back on track by replenishing the microbiome with good bacteria. If your child has an ear infection or diarrhea, taking a probiotic may actually help to lessen these symptoms. In addition, probiotics can also help your children stay healthy by decreasing the number of bacteria in the gut that can cause infections or inflammation. Gut health is key for supporting overall health at all ages, but the early years are most important for developing a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Most babies actually get their first large dose of microbes at birth, while traveling through the birth canal. They then pick up more while breastfeeding. These early microbes are crucial because they help shape your immune system, your digestive system, and even your brain. After a baby is born, the mother’s breast milk is what contains the exact nutrients the baby needs, including the right bacteria. The breast milk, in addition to feeding the baby, also feed’s the baby’s microbiome (American Museum of Natural History1 2018).

Safety First

The number one concern of most parents when deciding whether they should give their child a probiotic supplement, is to know if it is safe. Generally speaking, probiotics are safe for kids unless your child has a compromised immune system, or is a premature infant. If that is the case, taking probiotics may open them up to infection.

Signs your child might need a probiotic

They take antibiotics: Sometimes there is no getting around taking an antibiotic, whether it’s for an infection or a skin rash. While the antibiotic helps fight the infection though, it also diminishes the resilience and diversity of your child’s gut flora.

There is a history of allergies: Children who have a parent/brother/sister affected by allergies such as hay fever, eczema, and asthma are twice as likely to develop allergies themselves, than children without a family history of allergies are. Taking a probiotic may help reduce children’s likelihood of allergies by aiding the maturation of the immune system and reducing the risk of allergic reaction.

They keep catching colds: More than 70 percent of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut, where they strengthen resistance against disease and help fight off disease-causing organisms (Fusion Health2 2018). Giving your child a probiotic may help reduce their risk of experiencing upper respiratory tract infections like colds.

How to pick a probiotic for your child

Probiotics are available in capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders, each containing a specific type of probiotic blend. So, which is best?  Well, getting your kid to actually take the probiotic every day is the first challenge, so find a format that you think they will accept.

There are some strains that are more beneficial than others when deciding on a probiotic for your child. Lactobacillus acidophilus, for example, is a gut bacteria that can also be found in fermented foods like yogurt. This gut microbe produces an enzyme known as lactase, which breaks down lactose into lactic acid (Cleveland Clinic3 2018). Another great strain is Bifidobacterium lactis which is present in raw milk. Some benefits of this strain are improving digestion, enhancing the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and treating diarrhea.

If you are looking for a probiotic supplement with clinical studies (Simon4 2005). that show efficacy, you should consider Kyo-Dophilus probiotics. Kyo-Dophilus Kids Probiotic provides one billion live cells of L. gasseri, B. bifidum, and B. longum for digestion and immune health, and is also free of GMOs, dairy, sodium, yeast, gluten, preservatives, and artificial colors. It is a great “first probiotic” to introduce into your child’s routine.

Making Healthy Eating Choices for Blood Sugar Control

Posted on by Janus Baker

If you take anything away from this blog, just know that diets high in starchy or sugary foods, and drinks with added sugars (even fruit sugars), promote high fasting blood sugar and can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes. The Mediterranean diet, or a modified low-carb diet, can help keep your blood sugar balanced.

Food (Groups) That Can Help

Carbohydrates

Every diet should include some form of carbs, which provides energy to help power your body. Many carbohydrates are very healthy, like fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt and legumes…just try and avoid the refined and/or overly processed carbohydrates. Aim for whole grains like barley and brown rice, versus white rice and pasta. Also, it’s worth checking the label to make sure that it actually says 100% whole grain, you do not want to get duped! Lastly, eat fruits rather than drinking fruit juice, since fruit juices often contain added sugars and ingredients you do not need.

Dairy

The USDS reports that dairy products are the primary source of calcium in the American diet (MS1 2018). Cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products provide protein, calcium, and other nutrients, but they can also have a lot of fat. Greek yogurt, for example, has more protein and fewer carbs than regular yogurt. If you must eat regular yogurt, try and go with plain yogurt, and add fresh fruit for extra flavor, since flavored yogurts often contain added sugar.

Protein

Your body needs protein to build and maintain muscles, your bones, your skin, and for a plethora of other bodily functions. The same can be said for protein as was said for carbs…look for healthy sources! The best protein options are lean meats like chicken, turkey, low-fat dairy, fish, and shellfish. All are healthier than protein that come from four-legged animals. If possible, avoid steaks and other meats that are eaten rare, they tend to be fattier. As for fish, salmon is the best source of protein.

Fat

Everybody needs fat in their diet. Fats are essential to give your body energy and support cell growth. They also help protect your organs and help keep your body warm. Fats help your body absorb nutrients and produce important hormones as well. Try and focus on plant-based fats, since animal fats contribute to heart disease, a particular danger to those with diabetes. Examples of healthy plant-based fats include avocados and nuts. Just don’t go overboard though, because even healthy fats have lots of calories, so eat in moderation.

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, it’s worth considering adding a blood sugar balancing supplement to your routine. Kyolic Blood Sugar Balance contains Aged Garlic Extract, Niacin, Chromium, Salacia and Bitter Melon, and is designed to naturally support healthy blood sugar balance and weight control, as well as cardiovascular and immune health, for overall well-being. You may have never heard of some of these ingredients before, like bitter melon, chromium, or salacia, but they each play an important role in balancing blood sugar. Bitter melon, for example, is a fruit that contains several substances that encourages the body to use carbohydrates in the way nature intended. This helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Chromium is a trace mineral necessary for the efficient metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and also for stable blood sugar levels. In addition, chromium helps cells respond as they should to insulin. Salacia is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for obesity and diabetes thanks to compounds shown to stabilize blood sugar, even after a high-carb meal.

Fine tune your diet with the tips above, and you’ll keep that blood sugar in check! For more information, check out this article in the Kyolic Men’s Health Healthy Living Guide.

Candidiasis Warning Signs and Solutions

Posted on by Janus Baker

When this fungus is at normal levels, it is not problematic, but when it starts to grow uncontrollably, it can cause an infection known as Candidiasis. In fact, Candida overgrowth is one of the most common causes of fungal infection in humans. That’s right, it can affect men, women, and even children too, though predominantly women.

Here are a few “warning signs” to look out for, if you think you might have a Candida infection: exhaustion, cravings for sweets, bad breath, brain fog, hormone imbalance, joint pain, chronic sinus and allergy issues, and digestive problems.

Usually, the healthy bacteria in your body keeps Candida levels under control. But, if healthy bacteria levels are disrupted or the immune system is compromised, Candida can begin to overproduce. Taking antibiotics, eating a diet high in sugar, and taking oral contraceptives, among other things, can all lead to Candida overgrowth. When Candida begins to overproduce, it can lead to various health problems, such as the ones listed below.

Thrush: Common in newborns and the elderly, a Candida infection that develops in the mouth is called “thrush.” Also, people with poor oral hygiene or removable dentures are also at an increased risk for developing this infection. Oral thrush is often associated with redness or soreness of the tongue and mouth (McDonell, 2017).

Fatigue: One of the most common symptoms associated with Candida is also fatigue.  First of all, Candida infections are usually accompanied by nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B6, essential fatty acids and magnesium. Particularly, magnesium deficiency has been shown to cause fatigue. Second, Candida infections primarily occur, as mentioned above, when your immune system has been weakened. A low-functioning immune system in it of itself may leave you feeling tired and fatigued.

Yeast Infection: Another common place Candida is found is in the vaginal tracts of most women. An overgrowth of it can lead to Candidiasis of the vagina, also known as a yeast infection. It is estimated that 75% of all women will get at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, and half of those will have at least one recurrence.

We mentioned above that a diet high in sugar, use of oral contraceptive pills, and frequent use of antibiotics, among others factors, can contribute to Candida infections. Here is how:

Antibiotics: Sometimes, antibiotics are needed to fight a stubborn infection to kill the offending bacteria in your system. The problem with antibiotics and with overusing them is that they don’t just kill the bad bacteria, they also kill the good bacteria too. Your body’s good bacteria is responsible for digestion and keeping Candida under control. A long course of antibiotics can make your body a breeding ground for Candida, leading to overgrowth.

Birth Control Pills: To clarify, birth control pills do not directly cause yeast infections or Candida overgrowth. But, if a woman eats a diet high in refined sugar and is taking antibiotics concurrently, birth control pills can negatively affect her immune system, leading to infection

Diabetes: In a type 1 or 2 diabetic, sugar levels in the mouth or other mucous membranes are traditionally higher than in an individual without diabetes. Since Candida is a type of yeast and sugar feeds yeast, it is understood that people with diabetes are at greater risk of developing infection.

When Candidiasis infections occur, many opt to try a Candida Cleanse. A Candida Cleanse helps a person get rid of their extra Candida through the flushing of the digestive tract, and the introduction of healthy Candida fighters found in organic vegetables. There are usually two options people select from for these cleanses: a liquid cleanse, or a gentler cleanse with food. When people embark on the first cleanse, they make a vegetable broth from organic vegetables. Throughout the day (2 days total for this cleanse), they sip on this broth. It is imperative that you drink lots of broth, but also lots of water, to fully flush out all of the toxins in your system. This is not a long-term cleanse. For the second type of cleanse, the participants usually consume steamed vegetables for 3-5 days. By eliminating grains, sugars, fruits, starches, and alcohol, you can reduce the amount of Candida in the body (Axe, 2019).

For some added help in fighting Candida overgrowth, Kyolic has a Candida Cleanse product. Kyolic Formula 102, is geared towards fighting Candida overgrowth. It contains Aged Garlic Extract (AGE), ginger and enzymes, and is designed to support Candida balance, cleansing and digestion.* AGE and Ginger are used to support healthy GI cleansing and function, as well as manage yeast overgrowth.* Glucanase, Lipase and Protease are a comprehensive enzyme combination to support complete digestion and nutrient assimilation.* This formula can also be used as a preventative if you know your immune system may be compromised by antibiotics or if you are susceptible to yeast infections.

If you think any of the Candidiasis symptoms described above could be affecting you, talk to your health care professional today. Take the time to take care of you!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What Makes a Good Detox and Anti-Aging Supplement

Posted on by Janus Baker

Here are some all-natural, healthy nutrients you can add to your diet, to help support your body’s healthy aging and detoxification.

Aged Garlic Extract – Better than Garlic

As we’ve shared before, Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) is very beneficial to the cardiovascular and immune system.* The unique aging process applied in manufacturing AGE distinguishes Kyolic from other garlic products available on the market. Our garlic is stored in stainless steel tanks and naturally aged for up to 20 months. Through this process, the harsh and unstable organosulfur compounds are converted into mild and effective compounds, including the sulfur-containing amino acids that are responsible for Kyolic’s health benefits. This conversion eliminates odor-causing components, resulting in the truly odorless AGE. Over 900 research papers have shown that AGE not only supports immunity and reduces inflammation, but also has proven cardiovascular benefits, for lowering blood pressure, and cholesterol as well.*

Now, let’s break down all of the other ingredients in this supplement, including vitamins A, C, E, and selenium, also green tea, milk thistle, and L-Glutathione.

Vitamins A, C, E, & Selenium – Antioxidant Power

There are so many vitamins that are beneficial to our health, and vitamin A is certainly one of them! Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is good for healthy vision, skin, bones, and other tissues in the body. It often works as an antioxidant, fighting cell damage. Not only that, it also has a significant role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other vital organs. There are two types of vitamin A; preformed vitamin A (also called retinol), which is found in animal products. Good sources are milk, eggs, meat, cheese, and liver. Pro-vitamin A is found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables (Bradford, 2017).

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that cannot be produced by the body itself. It is water-soluble and found in lots of fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, oranges, kiwi, kale, and more. While it’s usually advised that people try and get as much of their vitamin C that they can through their daily diet, many also turn to a quality vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses.

For reference, antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They are able to do this by protecting the cells from harmful free radicals. When functioning properly, free radicals can help fight off pathogens (pathogens lead to infection). When these free radicals accumulate and overpopulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress (Raman, 2018). Oxidation in and of itself is a normal process that takes place in the body. On the other hand, oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies.

Vitamin E, like Vitamin C, plays the role of antioxidant, preventing free radical damage to specific fats in the body that are critical for your health. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is required for the proper function of many organs, enzyme activities and neurological processes. One of the top benefits of Vitamin E is that is balances cholesterol. When cholesterol levels are in their natural state, they’re balanced, and healthy. When cholesterol oxidizes, that’s when it becomes dangerous. Studies have shown that certain components of vitamin E serve as a protective antioxidant that fights cholesterol oxidation (Levy, 2018). Vitamin E also has powerful antioxidant abilities that have the power to reduce free radical damage as well, and fight inflammation. Some of the top vitamin E rich foods are: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, mango, and avocado.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of the immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in the body, which reduces inflammation and boosts immunity (Kubala, 2017). A diet rich in selenium may help keep you heart healthy, since low selenium levels have been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Selenium may also lower markers of inflammation in the body, one of the main risk factors for heart disease. To get a little more selenium in your diet, focus incorporating more sunflower seeds, eggs, Brazil nuts, oats, brown rice, and turkey.

Green Tea, Milk Thistle and L-Glutathione – Liver Defense

Green tea has been touted by many as the healthiest drink you can consume. Not only is it chock full of antioxidants, but it also aids brain function, fat loss and many other impressive benefits. Caffeine is one of the key active ingredients in green tea. Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain called Adenosine. This way, it increases the firing of neurons and concentrations of neurotransmitters like dopamine (Gunnars, 2018).  Many people say that they have more energy and are able to be more productive, when they consume green tea.

Milk Thistle is an herbal remedy that has traditionally been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. It is commonly used by people who have liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis. Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with a compromised liver who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting that it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage (West, 2018).

L-Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in every cell in the body. It is made of three types of molecules known as amino acids. One interesting fact about this antioxidant is that the body is able to make it in the liver, which isn’t true of most antioxidants (Carter, December). Some other important functions of this antioxidant include: making DNA, supporting immune function, breaking down free radicals, regenerating vitamins C & E, and more.

While we can’t turn back the clock, we can take steps to support our heart, immune and liver health to help us maintain the strength and vitality of our younger selves.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

Nutrients from the Sea

Posted on by Janus Baker

Today we’re talking sea vegetables. Here is a breakdown of what sea vegetables are, popular ones you should try, and why you should be eating these nutritious foods.

Chlorella: This unique single-celled freshwater algae has survived on the earth for more than two billion years. The secret to its longevity is chlorella’s fibrous outer wall. Hidden within that wall – which is indigestible to humans – are powerful detoxification properties. Fortunately, scientists have found that breaking the wall releases chlorella’s natural ability to bind toxins and heavy metals through a process known as chelation. Chlorella also boasts a wealth of antioxidants and vitamins including vitamins B1, B2, B12, folic acid, C, and K. Plus it’s a potent source of minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber.

Preliminary research has found that supplementing with chlorella can increase the amount of cadmium and other heavy metals that are excreted by the body. A randomized clinical trial found that this superfood has remarkable liver-protective and detoxifying benefits for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study participants took either the popular diabetes drug metformin and vitamin E, or metformin and vitamin E combined with 1,200 mg of chlorella. Those who took the medications with the addition of algae experienced improvements in their diabetes markets, triglycerides, and abnormal liver enzymes.

Spirulina: This blue-green microalgae is actually a type of bacteria called cyanobacterium. High in antioxidants, especially phycocyanin, spirulina has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory-signaling molecules. Spirulina is also rich in high-quality protein, B vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Not only does this make spirulina an alkaline food, it’s rich nutrient profile also gives this algae numerous health benefits. Research shows that spirulina supports healthy lipid levels, helps maintain blood sugar balance, benefits those with seasonal allergies, and improves muscle strength. A study at the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair has shown  that spirulina can also help shield the brain from the oxidative damage that accumulates as one ages and may help reverse declines in learning and memory. Specifically, spirulina improves neuronal function, lowers inflammation in the brain, and reduces levels of chemicals linked to oxidative damage.

Spirulina also helps pump up the immune system. Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that adding spirulina to cultured immune system cells significantly increases the production of infection-fighting cells called cytokines. Other research shows that this green food balances the immune response.

Kelp: If you’re a fan of sushi, you’re probably familiar with kelp and its culinary uses. But it turns out that this common seaweed is particularly rich in B vitamins, which play a critical role in cellular metabolism. Because it absorbs nutrients from its surrounding environment, kelp contains more than 15 amino acids and is also a great source of calcium, magnesium, copper, boron, zinc, and manganese. As a result, this mineral-rich seaweed helps maintain pH balance and bone density. Perhaps kelp’s biggest claim to fame is its high iodine content, which supports thyroid function. This is critical for an efficient energy-producing metabolism.

Don’t like the taste of sea veggies? Not a problem. There are supplements out there that contain most of the nutritious ingredients mentioned above. Looking to get a little more chlorella in your life? Try Kyo-Green Greens Blend and Kyo-Green Sprouts Blend, which both contain this powerhouse ingredient and provide nutritional benefits for the whole body. For spirulina, we recommend Kyo-Green Harvest Blend, which not only contains spirulina, but also organic fruits, veggies, naturally sourced grasses, and ancient grains, designed to support and protect the immune system.

Sleep Loss and the Circadian Rhythm

Posted on by Janus Baker

But how do these late nights affect our bodies, our sleep, and our circadian rhythm? Let’s find out.

There is a system in place within our body referred to as our circadian rhythm, that measures time, and synchronizes many of our internal processes to daily events within our environment. Some of these internal processes include: sleep, metabolism, body temperature, melatonin levels, and more. The control of these patterns is built into our genetic makeup. The body follows these synchronized patterns or rhythms, which sometimes persist independently of outside influences. Every cell in our body follows a circadian pattern, which is a compilation of biochemical reactions in the body that are perfectly timed based on available resources, and orchestrated by a small group of cells in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus (Brody, 2014).

Light is perceived by the eyes and travels via the retina to the optic nerves. Above the optic nerves sits the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is a mouthful, but it is actually the master clock of the body. It couples the body’s physiological processes described earlier to the timing of light and darkness in your surroundings. In isolation from resetting cues (i.e. light), the timing of these processes may eventually become desynchronized. This explains why, after returning from a trip abroad, it takes your body a little while to adjust back to your old sleep schedule, due to the differences in light. When the internal clock is misaligned to our environment, circadian disorders can develop, like delayed and/or advanced sleep syndrome (Peters, 2019). These conditions are associated with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. Luckily, board certified sleep physicians can provide guidance and resources to help correct these disorders.

Now that we’ve had a crash course in the circadian rhythm, let’s explore the topic of sleep deprivation. As mentioned above, the occasional all-nighter is bound to happen in life, sometimes these nights are out of our control, like when we travel. But how do they affect your health? The good news, is that the occasional all-nighter, does not negatively affect your health, and is relatively easy to bounce back from. If you skip shut-eye regularly though, you are putting your health at risk. It can make you more susceptible to illness, increase your stress levels, and more. The same can be said for excess travel (i.e. jumping time zones). If done regularly, it can lead to a suppressed immune system, chronic fatigue, and even memory issues.

Here are some tips for those jetsetters out there:

  1. Plan ahead: Before your trip, try and slowly alter your sleep and wake schedule to more closely mirror that of your travel destination, so it will not be such a shock to the system when you arrive. If you’re heading east, start getting up and going to bed earlier; if you’re heading west, try and shift your wake and bedtime to be later.
  2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your trip to prevent dehydration. Try to avoid alcohol if possible.
  3. Get on schedule: Try to choose a flight that gets you to your destination in the early evening, and stay up until 10 p.m. local time. If you’re absolutely exhausted upon arrival, it’s okay to take a small nap, but no longer than one hour.
  4. Let there be light: Let yourself experience sunlight, since this light can help your circadian rhythm acclimate to the new time zone.

Along with these helpful tips (also, check this out for small steps to lead toward a healthier life), there are a variety of supplements that can help with sleep and travel. Since your immune system is oftentimes suppressed while travelling, it is important to introduce a probiotic before, during, and after your trip. This can help fortify your gut and strengthen your immune system. Kyo-Dophilus, for example, provides 3 billion cells of L. gasseri, B. bifidum, and B. longum, the Friendly Trio®, for digestion and immune health. B vitamins are also helpful as well. Kyolic Formula 101 contains aged garlic extract, GABA, vitamins B1, B6, and B12, and is designed for stress and fatigue relief.

Try some of these tips on your next trip to get better sleep and avoid jet lag. Safe travels!

 

The Latest News on Heart Health

Posted on by Janus Baker

Chocolate for Heart Health…too good to be true?

Something we keep hearing over and over, is that chocolate is linked to heart health. Past studies have indicated that foods that contain cocoa bean, specifically dark chocolate, are heart healthy, and that people who eat more chocolate have lower rates of heart attack, heart failure, and even death from heart disease. But what do current studies show? In one recent study in Denmark conducted by Harvard University, findings showed that chocolate, predominantly dark chocolate, also protects against another heart condition, called atrial fibrillation (AF), most likely due to the high concentration of flavanols, which may promote healthy blood vessel function. AF affects millions of people in the United States every year, and raises a person’s risk of heart failure, stroke, dementia, and death.

The study included over 55 thousand men and women whose health was monitored over the span of 13 years. Compared with those who ate a one-ounce serving of chocolate less than once per month, men and women who ate one to three servings per month had a 10 percent lower rate of atrial fibrillation; those who ate one serving per week had a 17 percent lower rate. The benefits leveled off with greater amounts of chocolate consumed, with those eating one or more servings per day having a 16 percent lower rate of AF. This suggests that even small amounts of cocoa consumption can have a positive health impact.

But it is also important to note that the heart health benefits of chocolate seemed to lessen in people who ate more than this serving size, due to the saturated fat and sugar content. So the main takeaway is that it’s best to eat in moderation.

Coffee…Good or Bad for the Heart?

Coffee. For some folks, it’s not just a beverage, but a way of life. According to a survey by the National Coffee Association, 83 percent of U.S. adults drink coffee. It helps us start our day, and gives us that afternoon pick-me-up, and sometimes fuels our late nights. What we’ve heard from cardiologists in the past, is that we should limit our coffee intake, because its caffeine could promote the development of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, strokes, and other cardiac events. But, recent studies show something different. Basically, if coffee is consumed in moderation, the high amount of polyphenols, which are antioxidant nutrients that help offset inflammation, can actually help protect us from heart disease.

As it turns out, coffee drinkers are less likely to die from not only heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, but also from cancer and Alzheimer’s too. In the Nurse’s Health Study, a long-term look at more than 80,000 women showed that there was a reduction in stroke risk among women who drank 2-3 cups of coffee per week (Sinatra, 2017). Additional research has found similar results, regardless of gender. So keep drinking your polyphenol-packed morning cup of joe! Just don’t use too many artificial sweeteners, which may offset the health benefits associated with coffee.

Red Wine…a drink to your heart?

Red wine specifically has been touted as having heart health benefits for years now, among them a reduction in coronary artery disease. Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks are still not completely understood. Part of the benefit might be related to the fact that the antioxidants in wine may increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and protect against cholesterol buildup. This might sounds like great news, but doctors are a little wary of encouraging people to start drinking alcohol, especially if there is a family history of alcohol abuse.

Resveratrol may be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol), and prevents blood clots. Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a lower risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which can lead to heart disease. But other studies showed no benefits from resveratrol in preventing heart disease. More research is needed. So if you already drink red wine, continue to do so in moderation. As a refresher, moderation means: up to one drink a day for women of all ages, up to one drink a day for men over the age of 65, up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

As is true with many things in life, moderation is key. So for now, go ahead and enjoy moderate portions of chocolate, red wine, and that morning cup of coffee! But in addition to enjoying moderate amounts of these items, don’t forgot to keep up with that healthy diet and exercise, which truly has the most profound impact on cardiovascular health.

 

Podcast: How to Boost Heart Health using Aged Garlic Extract, with Jim LaValle and Dr. Hoffman

Posted on by Janus Baker

In part one of this podcast, LaValle expands on the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” for optimal Heart Health, including why aged garlic extract is among the most commonly used supplement in people with heart disease. He also mentions that numerous studies suggest that aged garlic extract may help improve risk factors for heart disease, including supporting healthy blood pressure levels, keeping bad cholesterol in check, increasing a hormone that helps protect against inflammation and atherosclerosis as well as helping improve insulin sensitivity and the management of blood sugar, thinning your blood, and staving off plaque in arteries.

In part two of this podcast, LaValle and Dr. Hoffman continue their discussion on heart health, and expand on the benefits of incorporating aged garlic extract into your diet. Click below to take a listen!

“Young at Heart” Podcast Part 1

“Young at Heart” Podcast Part 2

About James LaValle

Jim (James) LaValle, R.Ph., C.C.N, a nationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and founder of Metabolic Code Enterprises, Inc. a web platform and practice solution enterprise, launching AIR Support and the Metabolic Code Assessment.

About Dr. Ronald Hoffman

Dr. Ronald Hoffman is one of New York’s pioneering Integrative Medicine practitioners. He obtained his MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and has been practicing for 34 years. His radio program, Intelligent Medicine, is the longest-running physician-hosted health program on the air.

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Do Social Ties Help or Hurt Your Health?

Posted on by Janus Baker

And they’re not just referring to romantic partners, but to family, friends, neighbors, and others, who can ultimately influence our biology and well-being. Not to be a bummer, but studies show that those with the lowest level of involvement in social relationships have poorer health, higher rates of depression, and even slightly higher mortality rates, compared to those individuals with greater social involvement.

In addition to Heart Health Month, Valentine’s Day also falls in February. For some of us, this holiday means getting together with loved ones, friends, and family. Such occasions give us the chance to check in with each other, exchange pleasantries, or lend a supportive shoulder. Social connections like this not only make us happy, but they also impact our health in ways that are just about as powerful and impactful as getting a full night’s sleep, having a healthy diet, and more (Mayo Clinic, 2016). The bottom line is that people who interact regularly with family, friends, and even their community, are happier and healthier.

So what makes these social relationships so healthy for us? One way, is that these relationships reduce our stress. Stress, when not managed and dealt with in healthy ways, can affect coronary arteries, our gut function, and the immune system. Additionally, research shows that caring behaviors even trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones.

It’s not enough to just have a couple of acquaintances either. Health-inducing relationships have to be meaningful, quality relationships. One study, for example, found that women who were in highly satisfying marriages, or marital-type relationships, have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, compared with those in less satisfying marriages. This study also found signs of reduced immunity in couples during hostile marital spats (Harvard Health Publishing, 2010).

But what about friendships…are those important too? Let’s check the relationship meter.

Friendships are very important to your health. It takes some time and energy to maintain friendships, but they are very worthwhile, and can have a major impact on your health. Friends are there for you in challenging times, when you need support, and they are also there with you to celebrate the good times as well. Friendship prevents loneliness and gives you a source of companionship. Friends can also increase your sense of well-being, boost your happiness and reduce your stress, improve your confidence, help you cope with traumas, and encourage you to change or avoid your unhealthy lifestyle habits. Those with a strong supporting group of friends can enjoy reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure, and even an unhealthy BMI (body mass index).

Interestingly, scientists have also been looking into whether simply believing that you have strong social support may help protect against the harms of stress. For example, long-term conflicts with others are a stressor that can affect health. But research shows that its effects are buffered by perceived social support, which is good news. Also, simply hugging a person can help reduce their stress. People who reported having more frequent hugs were less likely to develop an infection after being exposed to a virus (News in Health, 2017).

Now that you know how important social relationships are to your health, here are some tips you can use to make a few more friends and expand your social circle. You may find it helpful to attend community events. Look for groups or clubs that gather around an interest or hobby you share. These groups are often listed in the newspaper or on community bulletin boards. There are also lot’s of websites out there nowadays that facilitate these kind of group hangouts.

Another helpful tip is to volunteer. Giving your time to a worthy, charitable cause not only makes you feel better, but it’s also a great place to meet people. You’d be surprised at the strong connections that you can forge with people who have mutual interests (like volunteering).

Remember, it’s never too late to build new relationships or reconnect with old friends. Investing in these social ties can pay off in the long term, and make you a healthier and happier person.