Progressive Health Blog

Niacin Helps Treat Stroke

2010-03-10T17:18:57Z

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of functional impairments. High blood cholesterol can build-up cholesterol-filled plaque (atherosclerosis) in blood vessels and cause strokes. Previous studies suggest that niacin or vitamin B3 can increase HDL ("good") cholesterol and reduce plaque in arteries. Now research reports that niacin may help restore neurological function after stroke. These results may have important implications for human brain research.

The study was presented at the International Stroke Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Researchers at the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute administered niacin to laboratory rats with ischemic stroke. The researchers found that niacin helped restore neurological function in the brain. Niacin increased 'good' HDL cholesterol, which increased blood vessel and nerve cell growth in the brain. This resulted in significant improvement in neurological function.

"Niacin essentially re-wires the brain which has very exciting potential for use in humans," says Michael Chopp, Ph.D., scientific director of the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute, in a news release. "The results of this study may also open doors in other areas of neurological medicine, including brain injury."

The researchers will be conducting clinical trials to investigate the effects of extended-release niacin on human stroke patients. "If this proves to also work well in our human trials, we'll then have the benefit of a low-cost, easily-tolerable treatment for one of the most neurologically devastating conditions," says Dr. Chopp.

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Your Thoughts

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Folate Lowers Heart Attack Risk

2010-03-08T17:00:00Z

The study, published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004, vol. 80 no. 2), investigated the association of serum folate and homocysteine (tHcy) levels with acute coronary events risk. Researchers in Finland and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, analyzed data from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, including 2,682 Finnish middle-aged men who did not have a history of coronary artery disease at baseline, from 1984-1989, and 1,027 participants in a follow-up study for an average of 7.7 years, beginning in 1991-1993. During the follow-up period 114 acute coronary events occurred in 61 men. Blood samples obtained from the participants at the beginning of the study were analyzed for serum folate and homocysteine levels.

Researchers reported that participants with folate level values in the highest one-third had a 65 percent lower risk of heart attack than those in the lowest third. Findings also revealed that high homocysteine levels were not associated with an increased risk for heart attack. "Ongoing intervention trials should indicate whether the use of vitamin supplementation to reduce homocysteine concentrations prevents heart disease or whether high circulating tHcy concentrations and low circulating folate concentrations are simply markers of an unhealthy lifestyle or existing atherosclerosis," the study authors conclude.

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Voutilainen S et al. Serum folate and homocysteine and the incidence of acute coronary events: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 Aug;80(2):317-323.

Fish and Soy Oils Improve Heart Health

2010-03-07T17:00:00Z

The randomized study, published in the Chest Journal (2005, vol 127 issue 4), investigated the cardioprotective mechanisms of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) versus plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids (soy oil). Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta, administered a daily 2 gram dose of either fish oil or soy oil to 58 elderly nursing home residents. The researchers measured the participants' heart rate variability (HRV) changes while resting supine every other day for 6 months. An HRV baseline for each participant was established by an initial 2 month period without supplementation.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that all of the participants demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac function. However, those participants taking fish oil supplements experienced positive results more quickly than the participants taking soy oil. "Supplementation with 2g/d of fish oil was well tolerated and was associated with a significant increase in HRV," the study authors conclude. "Supplementation with 2g/d of soy oil was associated with a lesser but significant increase in HRV."

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1. Holguin F et al. Cardiac autonomic changes associated with fish oil vs soy oil supplementation in the elderly. Chest. 2005 Apr;127(4):1102-7.

Chocolate Lowers Diabetes and Blood Pressure Risks

2010-03-06T17:00:00Z

The randomized study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005, vol 81 no 3), investigated the effects of dark chocolate versus white chocolate on blood pressure and glucose and insulin levels. Researchers from the University of L'Aquila, in L'Aquila, Italy, administered a daily dose of 100 grams of dark chocolate, containing 500 milligrams of polyphenols, or 90 grams of white chocolate, containing no polyphenols, to 15 healthy subjects for 15 days. The participants entered a cocoa-free phase of 7 days during the first week of the study and then after the 15 day cocoa phase, and underwent an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) after each phase. In addition, the participants' blood pressure and heart rates were measured daily.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that dark chocolate supplementation was associated with significantly improved insulin resistance and decreased blood pressure, while white chocolate had no effect. Findings revealed that dark chocolate significantly decreased HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance, and increased QUICKI and the ISI, both indexes of insulin sensitivity. "In conclusion, the current study showed that polyphenol-rich dark chocolate but not white chocolate (which contains cocoa butter) decreases blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity in healthy persons," the study authors write. "These findings indicate that dark chocolate may exert a protective action on the vascular endothelium also by improving insulin sensitivity."

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1. Grassi D et al. Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 Mar;81(3):611-614.

Low Carb Diet Reduces Weight and Blood Pressure

2010-02-28T20:19:33Z

Simple (refined) carbs, such as sugars, white flour products (white bread, white pasta, baked goods, junk foods) and white rice are digested and absorbed quickly, causing fat (lipid), blood sugar and insulin levels to rapidly increase. These harmful effects are linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Now research reports that a low carb diet can reduce weight as well as improve blood pressure.

The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, compared the effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) with orlistat drug therapy and a low fat diet (O + LFD). Orlistat, the only nonprescription weight loss drug approved by the FDA, blocks absorption of fat from food. It is associated with side effects such as gas and incontinence.

Researchers at the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, administered the two diets to 146 overweight or obese adults for 48 weeks. About one third of the participants had type 2 diabetes. The participants were randomly assigned to the LCKD group and the O + LFD group. All of the participants received diet instructions at group meetings. Body weight, blood samples and blood pressure readings were obtained from the participants.

The researchers found that the LCKD group and the O + LFD group had similar improvements in body weight reduction and cholesterol levels. However, the LCKD group had greater improvements in blood pressure. The LCKD group had a 6 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure and a 4.5 percent reduction in diastolic pressure, compared with only 1.5 and 0.4 percent reductions in the O + LFD group.

"In a sample of medical outpatients, an LCKD led to similar improvements as O + LFD for weight, serum lipid, and glycemic parameters and was more effective for lowering blood pressure," the study authors conclude.

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Your Thoughts

If you're on a low carb diet, has it helped control your blood pressure? Please comment below.

Hibiscus Tea Improves Blood Pressure

2010-02-22T20:48:57Z

The herb hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is rich in flavonoid antioxidants including proanthocyanidins and flavonols. Previous studies suggest that hibiscus may promote cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) health. Now research reports that hibiscus tea may improve blood pressure and heart health in people at risk for hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and is associated with stroke, heart attack and premature death. This is the first placebo-controlled study to demonstrate that dietary hibiscus tea may help regulate blood pressure.

The placebo-controlled, double-blind study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, investigated the effects of hibiscus tea supplementation on blood pressure. Researchers at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, administered either three 240 mL servings of hibiscus tea or a placebo drink daily to 65 adults (aged 30 to 70) with pre- and mild hypertension for six weeks. Blood pressure measurements were obtained from the participants.

The researchers found that the hibiscus group had a 7.2 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure and 3.1 mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure, compared to 1.3 and 0.55 mm Hg in the placebo group. Furthermore, the hibiscus tea blood pressure benefits appeared greater in participants with higher systolic blood pressure.

"These results suggest daily consumption of hibiscus tea, in an amount readily incorporated into the diet, lowers BP in pre- and mildly hypertensive adults and may prove an effective component of the dietary changes recommended for people with these conditions," the study authors conclude.

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High blood pressure is associated with heart disease, heart attack and strokes. An effective way to support heart health is to take natural nutrients, along with following a healthy diet and exercise plan.

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Your Thoughts

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Vitamin A: A Useful Treatment for Anemia in Children

2010-02-18T17:00:00Z

Malaria is a serious infectious disease that afflicts many children in Africa and, because of complicating nutritional deficiencies, the resulting anemia is often severe. Vitamin A has been shown to increase levels, in vitro, of a hormone released from the kidneys (erythropoietin) that stimulates production of red blood cells. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):406-412) examines the effect of Vitamin A (which is often deficient in young African children) in the treatment of anemia in young children with malaria.

One hundred and forty one Tanzanian children with severe anemia and malaria (80%) were enrolled in this study. They were divided into groups given either vitamin A (6-12 mo: 100 000 IU; >12 mo: 200 000 IU) or the malaria treatment, SP (500 mg sulfadoxine plus 25mg pyramethamine; 6-11 mo: one-half of a tablet; 12 mo: three-fourths of a tablet), for 72 hours.

The results were somewhat contrary to what the researchers expected, but still beneficial. Instead of vitamin A increasing erythropoietin levels, the level was decreased. However, the authors state, "Vitamin A also significantly increased the reticulocyte production index, which indicated the production of new red blood cells in children who received vitamin A." There was a rapid decrease in inflammation and improved iron mobilization with Vitamin A treatment, as well. This finding may actually explain the decrease in erythropoietin level, showing that the human body is much more complex than what we observe in a dish (in vitro). Right now, it appears vitamin A may be a valuable therapy for anemia. More research is required to follow the effects over a longer treatment period and to investigate further the role of vitamin A in anemia.

Folic Acid for Reducing Homocysteine

2010-02-07T17:00:00Z

Folic acid is now widely recognized as a nutrient to reduce levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid that, in higher levels, has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and problems in pregnancy like preeclampsia, neural tube defects (NTDs), and placental abruption. A new clinical study shows that a specific form of folic acid may be superior for widespread supplementation, as it would be less likely to mask a vitamin B12 deficiency that could be present. A clinical study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(3):473-478) demonstrated that the predominately naturally occurring form of folic acid, [6S]-5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6S]-5-MTHF), may be a better alternative to folic acid. The masking of vitamin B12 deficiency is problematic because resulting neurologic disorders can progress unbeknownst to the health care provider.

Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled intervention trial to compare the effectiveness of [6S]-5-MTHF and folic acid in reducing homocysteine levels. They recruited 144 healthy women to participate in the study. They were divided into groups given either 400ug folic acid, 416ug [6S]-5-MTHF, 208ug [6S]-5-MTHF, or placebo fro 24 weeks. Plasma levels of homocysteine were measured at the start of the trial and then every four weeks. The results showed that decreases in total plasma homocysteine did not differ significantly between the 3 supplemented groups, showing the lower level of [6S]-5-MTHF was just as effective.

The authors explain that the reason why [6S]-5-MTHF is less likely to mask vitamin B12 deficiency is due to the fact that the conversion of [6S]-5-MTHF into tetrahydrofolate is vitamin B12 dependent while conversion from folic acid is not dependent. Previous work has demonstrated the safety of [6S]-5-MTHF. Based on the results of this trial, further research will likely be published using patients with higher levels of homocysteine, as well as older men and women. Right now, it seems this form of folate is a promising alternative, especially in older patients who are more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency.

Sex Decreases Men's Heart Disease Risk

2010-01-28T18:27:00Z

Previous studies suggest that regular sexual activity is linked with better psychological and physiological function. Other studies have linked erectile dysfunction (ED) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Now research reports that men who have sex twice a week reduce their risk of heart attack by 45 percent. The researchers recommend that doctors screen men for sexual activity when evaluating heart disease risk.

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, investigated the association between sexual functions and the risk of heart disease in men. Researchers at the New England Research Institutes analyzed data of 1,165 men (average age 50) enrolled in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, for 16 years. The researchers evaluated the participants' sexual functions including ED, libido and frequency of sexual activity. The men did not have heart disease at the beginning of the study, although 213 men had ED.

The researchers found that men with a low frequency of sexual activity have an increased risk of heart disease. Men who report sexual activity once a month or less have a 45 percent increased risk of heart disease, compared to men who have sex 2 to 3 times a week.

"In conclusion, our results suggest that a low frequency of sexual activity predicts CVD independently of ED and that screening for sexual activity might be clinically useful," the study authors write.

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In addition to regular sexual activity, effective ways to promote heart health include exercise, eating healthy and supplementing with natural nutrients.

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Rice Bran Oil Lowers Cholesterol

2010-01-20T17:00:00Z

The animal study, published in the journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2005, vol 43, no 5), investigated the effect of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF), isolated from rice bran oil, on cholesterol levels in rats fed an atherogenic diet (a high cholesterol diet designed to induce atherosclerosis, an arterial plaque build-up that can lead to heart disease and stroke). Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, administered different doses of TRF for one week to rats, following feeding of an atherogenic diet (5% hydrogenated fat, 0.5% cholic acid and 1% cholesterol) for 3 weeks. Atherogenic feeding prior to TRF administration resulted in a significant increase in plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HMG-CoA, and oxidative marker levels.

Researchers found that TRF supplementation lowered cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner, with the greatest effect at a dose of 8 milligrams TRF per kilogram daily. Findings also revealed a decrease in HMG-CoA reductase activity (an enzyme that converts into cholesterol) and oxidative markers, during TRF treatment. "These results suggest that TRF supplementation has significant health benefits through the modulation of physiological functions that include various atherogenic lipid profiles and antioxidants in hypercholesterolemia," the study authors conclude.

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1. Minhajuddin M et al. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of tocotrienol rich fraction isolated from rice bran oil in experimentally induced hyperlipidemic rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology 2004 May;43(5):747-753.

Myrrh May Lower Cholesterol

2009-12-31T18:58:03Z

Myrrh, a resin obtained from the Commiphora tree in India, has been used as an ointment and incense since biblical times. In the Christmas story, myrrh is one of the gifts of the Magi. Gum guggul (guggulipid), an extract of the myrrh tree, has been used to treat various ailments including obesity and infections. Now research reports that myrrh may lower cholesterol levels.

The study, published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, investigated the effects of myrrh, fenugreek seed power and esparto grass leaves on cholesterol levels in laboratory rats. Researchers at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, King Abd Al-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia administered either myrrh, fenugreek seed powder and esparto grass leaves or their blend to albino rats with high cholesterol. The rats' cholesterol levels were tested.

The researchers found that cholesterol levels including LDL (bad) cholesterol levels decreased while HDL (good) cholesterol increased with the myrrh blend diet. The finding suggests that the plants had a synergistic effect. Fenugreek seed powder alone had the least effect.

"More studies are needed to confirm the effect of myrrh as overweight and obesity controller agent," the study authors write.

Resterol Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels

High blood cholesterol can build-up cholesterol-filled plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries and cause heart disease, heart attack and strokes. Supplementing with natural nutrients like gum guggul (myrrh extract) can help promote cholesterol health.

Progressive Health's Resterol is a cholesterol-supporting supplement that features researched nutrients like gum guggul, garlic, turmeric, inositol, policasanol, pantethine (vitamin B5) and vitamin E.

Vitamin E Lowers Plasma Cholesterol Oxidation

2009-12-31T17:00:00Z

Italian researchers from the University La Sapienza in Rome, administered 900 milligrams of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) or a placebo daily to 16 patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy and 32 healthy controls, for six weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the participants at the beginning and end of the study and analyzed for plasma levels of vitamin E and cholesterol oxidation products (7beta-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol). At the end of the treatment period, plaques were obtained during the carotid endarterectomies and analyzed for plasma levels of vitamin E and cholesterol oxidation products.

Researchers found that the vitamin E levels were significantly lower and 7beta-hydroxycholesterol levels were higher in the atherosclerosis patients compared to the healthy participants, before treatment. After treatment, the vitamin E group had significantly increased plasma vitamin E with a concomitant decrease of 7beta-hydroxycholesterol levels, compared with the placebo group. However, the vitamin E group had the same vitamin E and cholesterol oxidation levels in plaques as the placebo group.

"An imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant status is present in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Vitamin E supplementation improves this imbalance in plasma but not in plaques," the study authors conclude.

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Ficheletta F et al. Vitamin E supplementation in patients with carotid atherosclerosis: reversal of altered oxidative stress status in plasma but not in plaque. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2004 Jan;24(1):136-40.

Magnesium, Effective Alternative to Statins

2009-12-23T17:00:00Z

The review, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2004, vol. 23, no. 5), compared the effects of magnesium supplementation and statin drugs on cholesterol biosynthesis. Researchers at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, reviewed the inhibitory effect that magnesium (Mg) and statin drugs have on the cholesterol enzymatic reactions that convert the enzyme 5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) into mevalonate, a cholesterol substrate. Studies have shown that reducing mevalonate formation effectively reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and provides cardiovascular benefits.

In addition to lowering mevalonate, magnesium is involved in the activity of other lipid enzymes including lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), which helps increase high density lipoprotein (HDL, or 'good') cholesterol and decrease LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglycerides; and desaturase, which converts essential fatty acids into prostaglandins and is important for cardiovascular health. Magnesium also acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, which is essential for cardiovascular health.

"Mg has effects that parallel those of statins," write the study authors. Since statin drugs have serious side effects (liver enzyme elevation and myopathy) compared to magnesium's minor side effects (diarrhea and mild gastrointestinal upset), magnesium supplementation may be an effective alternative to statin drugs.

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1. Rosanoff A and Seelig MS. Comparison of mechanism and functional effects of magnesium and statin pharmaceuticals. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Oct;23(5):501S-505S.

Red Wine vs. Gin: Which is Healthier?

2009-12-14T17:00:00Z

Researchers at the University of Barcelona, in Barcelona, Spain, administered 30 grams of either red wine or gin daily to 40 healthy men, with a mean age of 37 years old, for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained from the participants after each wine or gin consumption and analyzed for levels of inflammatory markers including lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), Mac-1, very late activation antigen 4 (VLA-4), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and fibrinogen.

The researchers found that cytokine IL-1alpha (an inflammatory marker) and fibrinogen (a blood clotting marker) were lowered in both the wine and gin groups. Findings also revealed that red wine significantly decreased levels of additional inflammatory markers including LFA-1, Mac-1, VLA-4, MCP-1, CRP, VCAM and ICAM. "Both wine and gin showed anti-inflammatory effects by reducing plasma fibrinogen and IL-1alpha levels," the study authors write. "However, wine had the additional effect of decreasing hs-CRP, as well as monocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules."

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Estruch R et al. Different effects of red wine and gin consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis: a prospective randomized crossover trial. Effects of wine on inflammatory markers. Atherosclerosis. 2004 Jul;175(1):117-23.

Niacin Better than Cholesterol Drug Zetia

2009-12-04T19:32:11Z

Statin drugs (such as Lipitor) lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and reduce plaque build-up in arteries. They can be combined with extended-release niacin (a B vitamin), sold as the drug Niaspan, to raise HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Statins can also be combined with Zetia (ezetimibe) to further lower LDL cholesterol levels. Now research reports that niacin is more effective than Zetia in reducing plaque in arteries. The study was funded by the pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Niaspan.

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, compared the effects of Niaspan and Zetia in patients with heart disease taking statin drugs. Researchers at various medical centers in Washington, DC and Maryland administered either Niaspan or Zetia in combination with statin drugs to 363 patients with heart disease and low HDL levels. The study was stopped four months later when researchers found that Niaspan worked significantly better than Zetia.

The researchers found that participants taking Niaspan had reduced artery plaque, as well as a lower number of heart attacks and deaths. However, participants taking Zetia showed more plaque in their arteries.

"This comparative-effectiveness trial shows thatthe use of extended-release niacin causes a significant regressionof carotid intima-media thickness when combined with astatin and that niacin is superior to ezetimibe," the study authors conclude.

Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels with Resterol

High blood cholesterol can build-up cholesterol-filled plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries and cause heart disease, heart attack and strokes. An effective way to support healthy cholesterol levels and heart health is to take natural nutrients, along with following a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Progressive Health's Resterol is a cholesterol-supporting supplement that features researched nutrients like garlic, turmeric, inositol, gum guggul, policasanol, pantethine (vitamin B5) and vitamin E.