Absorbability

Taking the wrong calcium supplement can do more harm than good. Calcium carbonate taken on its own, for instance, is not only poorly absorbed but also reduces stomach acidity, which is crucial for proper digestion. Calcium carbonate is an inorganic mineral that can cause constipation. The older we get, the more difficult it becomes to absorb calcium carbonate.

Good forms of organic calcium include calcium citrate, chelated calcium, dicalcium malate and calcium glycinate.

Alkalinity

The average South African diet is rich in animal protein and low in alkalising fruit and vegetables. If we regularly drink acidifying soft drinks, we’re heading for trouble. To counteract an acidifying diet, our body sends a message to remove calcium from our bones to try to preserve an alkaline cellular environment. The bones are weakened, resulting in fractures. Soft tissues begin to calcify. This is a sign of ageing. Ensure that you follow an alkalising diet by including more vegetables and fruit. You can also take green Superfoods to alkalise your system.

Co-factors that increase bone mineralization

Calcium is a team player. It needs certain co-factors to facilitate bone building. If a post-menopausal woman takes calcium on its own, she needs to be aware that low oestrogen levels may hamper the absorption of calcium into the bones. Recent research has highlighted vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 as important co-factors for bone mineralization.

Vitamin  K2

Studies have shown that vitamin K2 (specifically MK-7, which is natural) is crucial to bone building and promoting heart health. Vitamin K2 removes calcium deposits from soft tissues and therefore prevents calcification of our blood vessels and other tissues. In fact, vitamin K2 can even reverse calcification of soft tissues! This makes vitamin K2 one of the most promising vitamins of our time. It ensures that the calcium ends up in the bones.

Factors that may inhibit vitamin K2 production in the intestines include the following:

Medication such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories destroy the friendly bacteria that live in the intestines. The result is impaired vitamin K2 production.

Medication such as anticoagulants inhibits the conversion of vitamin K1 into vitamin K2. In fact, in a recent study, mice were given anticoagulants to induce arterial calcification for research purposes.

A diet high in sugar and alcohol disrupts the balance of the intestinal flora, which in turn effects vitamin K2 production.

A weak immune system can cause fungal overgrowth in the intestines, impairing the production of vitamin K2.

Soft tissues that may be affected include the arteries and aorta resulting in heart disease, stroke and other circulatory conditions. Other soft tissues that could calcify include breast tissue, tendon sheaths (causing bone spurs), kidneys and the pancreas. Calcification of arteries to the brain affects the functioning of the brain, causing age-related memory decline and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Research indicates that people who have a genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s also have low vitamin K2 levels. Low levels of vitamin K2 are associated with loss of bone mineral density (resulting in osteoporosis) and the calcification of the aorta. People with high levels of vitamin K2 have more flexible, elastic arterial walls.

Vitamin D3

New scientific evidence shows that we need much more vitamin D than was previously thought. Vitamin D3 is not only crucial to bone building, but also to cardiovascular protection, immunity, and cancer protection. Unfortunately, a large percentage of people are deficient in vitamin D.

Other co-factors

Other important co-factors include boron (a crucial trace mineral for bone building), zinc, silica, copper and manganese.

Don’t become another statistic. Modern calcium supplements based on cutting-edge research have given hope to many people with low bone density. It is, however, also important to address lifestyle factors. Exercise and diet play a crucial role in protecting our bones.

For more information, visit www.vitaminK2.org; www.betterbones.com and download this poster

Anti-aging doctor, Nicholas Perricone considers inflammation the single most powerful cause of the signs of aging. Lifestyle factors such as stress, a high sugar intake, lack of exercise, eating damaged fats, and obesity all contribute towards systemic inflammation.

Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause the release of insulin. According to cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, too much insulin is the number one risk factor for heart disease, because surging insulin causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Inflammation and body fat

There is an interesting link between inflammation and body fat. Inflammation makes our cells resistant to the effects of hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin. This results in increased body fat. A vicious circle is created: an increase in body fat causes leptin resistance, which causes further weight gain!

Let’s see how the drama unfolds:

Insulin resistance causes inflammation

• Inflammation, together with a diet rich in sugar and refined starches, causes raised insulin levels. Over time, the body loses its sensitivity to insulin and insulin resistance develops.
• Insulin resistance prevents body cells from breaking down fat. This makes it difficult for us to lose weight.
• At the same time, high insulin levels make our bodies store even more body fat.
• High insulin levels turn on the genes linked to inflammation, which makes our cells resistant to insulin.

Inflammation and excess body fat cause leptin resistance:

Our body fat produces a hormone called leptin. This hormone gives us the feeling of having eaten enough. It also plays a role in metabolic regulation and helps the body utilise stored fat.

A 2006 study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh shows that inflammation inhibits leptin's role in controlling appetite. Inflammation prevents leptin from reaching the hypothalamus. The body therefore doesn’t get the message to stop eating. This in turn leads to more weight gain, which causes more and more leptin secretion and inflammation. Eventually leptin resistance develops.

Inflammation causes increased cortisol release:

Our brains and adrenal glands are very sensitive to inflammation in our bodies. With increased inflammation, the brain sends a signal to our adrenal glands to produce more of the stress hormone, cortisol, as cortisol naturally fights inflammation. However, continuous cortisol release increases the amount of belly fat in the body, making us less sensitive to leptin. Excessive cortisol also causes an increase in blood sugar, which stimulates more insulin secretion. Eventually, we become insulin resistant.

The good news

Many people will be thrilled to know that it is surprisingly easy to control inflammation. Lifestyle factors such as stress control, exercise, following a healthy low-GL diet, and taking natural anti-inflammatories all contribute significantly to reducing inflammation. Once inflammation is under control, the body will rebalances its insulin, leptin, and cortisol levels to ensure optimal health and weight control.

Dietary recommendations

• Include foods that are rich in omega 3 fats, such as salmon, walnuts, sardines, anchovies, linseeds, and pumpkin seeds.
• Avoid damaged and hydrogenated fats as well as animal fats.
• Cut down on pro-inflammatory proteins such as meat and chicken. Go for lentils, chick peas, and fish.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, sugar, etc.) and only eat low-GL carbohydrates such as brown basmati rice, barley, quinoa, and oats, to name a few
• Eat lots of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices. These foods are rich in protective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Anti-inflammatory supplements

• Turmeric (curcumin) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. Choose turmeric with added black pepper extract (piperine) as this ensures better absorption.
• MSM, a sulphur mineral, can be taken in high doses to effectively combat pain and inflammation.
• Boswellia (frankincense) is widely used as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of colitis, lower back pain, morning stiffness, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as fibrositis.
• Bromelain, a digestive enzyme found in pineapple, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties when taken between meals.
• Omega 3 fats contribute to the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) in the body.
• Ginger contain a number of scientifically proven anti-inflammatory agents, such as the enzyme zingibain, which helps relieve pain and inflammation in arthritis, as well as two powerful anti-inflammatory compounds known as the shaogals and gingerols, which play an important role in disease prevention.
• Cat’s claw, a vine indigenous to the Amazon rain-forest, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Besides being a powerful immune booster, it is commonly used for arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis and gout.

Warning: Many natural anti-inflammatory substances have blood thinning properties and should therefore not be used those on blood thinning medication such as Warfarin. Anti-inflammatory enzymes should be taken between meals. Those with peptic or duodenal ulcers should avoid taking digestive enzymes.

References

• http://inflammationfactor.com/
  
• http://phobos.doctorspreferred.com/emails/jrca/eletter_070310_sugar_DM4116.html
  
• www.ayurvediccure.com/shallaki.htm
• www.all-natural.com/catsclaw.html
  
• www.fatresistancediet.com
  
• www.wholehealth.com
  

The message is clear. We are at a turning point in human history. Fast foods and sugary drinks have taken their toll. What’s frightening is not only the increase of lifestyle conditions, but the fact that our children do not have a healthy foundation to fall back onto. They are the first generation to be exposed to anti-nutrients from an early age.

Before you reach out for that fizzy cold drink or croissant with strawberry jam, consider the following:

Sugar increases inflammation and metabolic syndrome

According to world-renowned cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Sinatra, there are several studies confirming that sugar puts you at greater risk for heart disease than cholesterol. Sugar causes the release of insulin.

Too much insulin is the number one risk factor for heart disease, because surging insulin causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Research shows that high C-reactive protein levels in the blood indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Sugar and refined starches cause fluctuations in our blood sugar levels. According to Dr. Sinatra, surging insulin secretion is highly damaging and can lead to metabolic syndrome. This can cause elevated inflammation levels. Next time you have a medical check-up, please ask your physician to have your CRP-levels checked.

Sugar and refined starches elevate triglyceride levels and lower good cholesterol

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study showing that people whose sugar intake was 20% of their daily calories were twice as likely to have lower levels of good cholesterol and higher levels of triglyceride levels.  This means an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sugar increases high blood pressure

The results of an 18-month study at Louisiana State University, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, found that overweight adults who drank one fewer serving of sugary soda per day had a significant reduction in blood pressure after 18 months.

Sugar and refined starches cause blood sugar dips that aggravate mood fluctuations and reduce energy levels

Have you ever noticed how your mood fluctuates just before lunch-time? Most people who suffer from depression, anxiety, stress and irritability can vouch for that.

One of the first steps in addressing mood and concentration problems as well as lack of energy is to improve one’s diet. Low blood sugar levels can play havoc with the mind. Regular meals consisting of low-GL foods taken with protein can be a real lifesaver.

People who suffer from mood disorders, lack of energy, or low concentration levels should avoid sugar and refined starches at all costs.

Sugar makes you age faster

When sugar binds with certain proteins, glycolated proteins are formed.  Glycolated proteins make you age faster.

Sugar aggravates yeast infections and digestive problems

If you have symptoms of digestive problems and yeast infections in the intestines, the first thing to avoid is sugar. Yeasts and molds feed on sugar and fermented foods such as cheese and beer. If you suffer with gas or bloating, it may be wise to avoid these culprit foods.

One of the most important steps anyone can take to improve their health is to replace refined starches and sugary drinks with low-GL foods. Replace all refined starches with low-GL alternatives such as brown basmati rice. If you eat out and no healthy alternatives are available, there are some great products available that help lower the GL of food. Good examples include Manna

konjac fibre (glucomannan), or mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa).

Read more:
http://phobos.doctorspreferred.com/emails/jrca/eletter_070310_sugar_DM4116.html

Take a low GI approach to eating

If you know that late afternoon crash, or have no energy even after a good night’s sleep, take a look at your diet.  Sweet, sugary, processed foods and “empty carbs” may be the cause.  Control your sugar cravings and balance your blood sugar levels by including low GI foods like sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, apples and pumpkin seeds in your daily diet.  Opt for the new low GI breads instead of standard white loaves and eat apples instead of grapes or litchis.  And make sure you always have protein with your carbs.  A low GI diet is also a healthy way to control your weight.

Improve Your Digestion

Bloating, indigestion and constipation are common complaints.  (Studies indicate that as many as 80% of adults’ digestive systems do not work at an optimum level.) If you follow a healthy diet but still feel uncomfortable, you may have a food intolerance (wheat and milk are the most common culprits).  A digestive enzyme such as Bioharmony Bio-Enzymes for Life will help your system digest food more effectively.

Drink eight glasses of water a day

This is old advice, but it is still true!  Not drinking enough water is a major cause of headaches, migraines and constipation.  And if you drink a lot of coffee, you need to increase your water intake as caffeine dehydrates your body

Eat Essential Fats

We all know that essential fats from salmon and other oily fish help ensure healthy skin, nails and hair but, more importantly, they help reduce the risk of heart disease and are acknowledged by experts as a brain food, helping memory and concentration and even helping to ward of Alzheimer’s Disease in later years.  Eat salmon, pilchards or sardines three times a week or choose a high quality Essential Fatty Acid supplement such as Bioharmony Ultimate Omegas.

Fresh fruit and vegetables will help you look and feel young

Antioxidants help combat the destructive effects of free radicals.  Upping your antioxidant intake can make a huge difference to how you look and feel by helping to counter the anti-aging effects of free radicals. Fruit and vegetables are not only rich in dietary fibre, which is good for digestion; they are also rich in antioxidants.  Or you could take an antioxidant supplement like Bioharmony Age Protect.

Exercise at least 15 minutes a day

Exercise is vital to cardiovascular health and helps to keep you strong and supple.  We all need about 15 minutes exercise a day or 30 minutes every second day.  (Menopausal women should have at least 35 minutes of exercise every single day.)  It also reduces stress and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Choose something that suits your lifestyle – walk the dogs, hit the gym, take a dance class.  If you are having fun, you’ll find it easier to maintain.

Get Rid of Emotional Baggage

Emotional baggage is a drain on your health, energy and spontaneity. Letting go of negative emotions and taking the conscious decision to have a positive attitude to life will improve your relationships and your happiness.  If you need a little more help, consider a supplement like Bioharmony Bio-5HTP, a natural supplement that boosts your serotonin levels.   And if you are happy, you look better!