Why phospholipids get through so much quicker and work more effectively.
The omega-3 found in krill oil is bonded to a Phospholipid rather than a Triglyceride. Phospholipids don’t need bile for digestion. They spontaneously form micelles and are dissolved immediately in water passing easily through the villi of the small intestine. They’re distributed immediately throughout the body by blood plasma and even the lymphatic system.
Once they reach the cells, they are immediately absorbed through the cell wall and the omega-3 is delivered to the mitochondria. When omega-3s are bonded to phospholipids instead of triglycerides, scientists find greater concentrations of omega-3s in the cells of critical organs such as the brain and the liver.
K48-Plus Premium Omega-3 E. Superba Extract—the most pure form of krill oil on the market
K48-PLUS is extracted from fresh, raw krill on floating factories in the pure, pristine waters of the Antarctic. These floating factories brave the harsh conditions of this untouched part of the world to harvest these amazing animals and keep them alive and fresh under water until they are ready for processing on that same vessel.
This means that the bioactive elements in the krill are of the highest possible potency. Our K48-PLUS is the most bio-available and pure form of omega-3s available.
Why our E. Superba extract is significantly better than other krill oil on the market.
K48-PLUS uses only the Euphausia Superba species of krill. Many inferior krill products harvest numerous species and combine them before extracting the oil. These other species don’t contain the same properties and benefits as the E. Superba but are more easily harvested and thus less expensive.
K48-PLUS Premium Omega-3 E. Superba Extract is just that, a pure extract from ONLY the E. Superba species. Not an assortment of species. That’s why we call ours an E. Superba extract and not just krill oil. It is more pure and more potent.
We use a state-of-the-art cold extraction process that preserves the beneficial properties of this amazing oil as opposed to a process that uses heat or steam. These inferior processing methods are less expensive and easier to extract, but they damage the quality of the oil.
K48 PLUS also delivers vitamin E, vitamin A, and a significant amount of a potent anti-oxidant known as astaxanthin. When compared to fish oil, the absorbability and antioxidant potency of K48 PLUS was found to be at least 48 times greater than fish oil on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity) chart.
Recent third-party clinical analysis reveals that many other brands of so called “high quality” krill oil on the market dilute the pure oil with other oils, usually plant oils. This makes it less expensive but also less effective.
Where your health is concerned, it’s important to know that not all krill oils are equal. You must know what they contain. As omega-3 products become more popular—especially krill oil—an increasing number of subpar and mediocre products will continue to be introduced into the market. Many of these products are ineffective, making them a complete waste of money.
The oil used in K48-PLUS is pure E. Superba extract while the oil in others may be mixed with other marine and plant oils with significantly lower omega-3s, antioxidant benefits and bioactivity. Diluting the oil makes it less expensive but also less effective. The E. Superba extract used in K48-PLUS is not heat or steam processed. It is cold processed from freeze-dried krill. The processing of most leading brands involves high temperatures and steam, which further degrades the quality of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients.
Krill oil:
378 times greater in antioxidant value (ORAC) than Vitamins A and E
o 48 times greater antioxidant (ORAC) absorption than fish oil
o 21-64% less PMS symptoms including stress compared with fish oil
o 38.4% less pain from osteoarthritis compared with a placebo
o 39.1% less stiffness from osteoarthritis compared with a placebo
o 30.9% less signs of inflammation (lower CRP)
o 25.4% lower triglycerides
o 44.4% lower LDL cholesterol
o 6.6% lower glucose
Showing posts with label back pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label back pain. Show all posts
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Make Back Pain Disappear Without Drugs or Scalpel
Make Back Pain Disappear Without Drugs or Scalpel
Luckily I've never suffered a serious bout of back pain -- and staying strong in the hope I won't have problems like that is one reason I am so committed to fitness. Even so, though, the truth is that most of us (80% by some estimates) will have back pain at some time or another -- whether from over-exertion, injury or simply a result of the aging process. Chronic back pain is frustrating, not only because of how badly it hurts but also because it can be difficult to cure. It is the fifth most common reason for doctor visits.
A particularly common cause of such pain is a herniated disk, also referred to colloquially as a "slipped disk." For a long time, the usual mainstream medical solutions were surgery, physical therapy and/or pain medication, all of which take a long time and may not work for everyone. So I was very interested to learn about a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for herniated disks called spinal decompression.
Visualize the disks in your back as being like hard donuts filled with a jelly-like material in the center. With age, the strong fibrous cartilage (the donut) can weaken, allowing the jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) to bulge, which in and of itself is not painful. But more seriously, with a herniated disk the hard tissue has actually torn or ruptured, causing this material to ooze and press on spinal nerves. This causes pain that can range from mild to horrible.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION 101: A PRIMER
One of the first devices used for spinal decompression was approved by the FDA in 1995. Because spinal decompression requires special expertise and pricey equipment, few chiropractors have offered this treatment -- but numbers are growing as training and better insurance reimbursement becomes more commonplace, I was told by Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression.
Here's how it works: The patient lies on a comfortable table made specifically for this purpose, comfortably strapped down with a pelvis and torso harness that resembles a girdle. Calling it a "high-tech traction device," Dr. Shoshany explained how it works. "Slowly and comfortably, almost imperceptibly, the machine creates traction by pulling and holding for one minute. Then, intermittently, it releases. It is believed that this creates a negative pressure, or a vacuum within the disk, which then draws back the herniated-disk material which was displaced." With less pressure inside the disk, and thus less on the spinal nerves, pain often decreases or might even disappear -- sometimes instantaneously. To "fix the hold," however, numerous sessions may be required.
This technique also allows nutrient-rich fluid to go to the area where there is less pressure, stimulating the healing process. Most patients either sleep or watch a DVD during the treatment, Dr. Shoshany told me. Each session takes about 30 minutes and a typical treatment program may take between 20 to 30 sessions.
Critics contend that there are no long-range, well-designed studies looking at efficacy over time, but there has been some research on the treatment and the results are promising. In one study published in 2001 in Neurological Research, researchers reported that a spinal decompression therapy called VAX-D produced a success rate of 68.4%, compared with 0% for a placebo therapy in treatment of chronic low back pain. Another study from a team of researchers at the University of Illinois and Rome found a 71% success rate for treatment of herniated disk and other causes of low back pain, with "success" defined as a reduction in pain to 0 or 1 on a scale of 0 to 5.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
Dr. Shoshany noted that some people get much more benefit from spinal decompression than others, and it is not an option for everyone. "It's not a good choice for a person who has metal implants in the spine," he warned. It's better for people with a single-disk herniation than those who have herniation in several or all of them. Also, people who are morbidly obese and/or who smoke likely won't find much relief from spinal decompression either.
The procedure is thought to be safe, though there is no hard science supporting its efficacy. If you do decide to seek out this somewhat unconventional form of treatment, it's safest and best to do so with the oversight of your orthopedic surgeon, who can help you ascertain whether it might work in your case.
For more information on spinal decompression, go to http://www.spinaldiscdecompression.com.
Source(s): Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression. He can be reached through his Web site, www.drshoshany.com.
Luckily I've never suffered a serious bout of back pain -- and staying strong in the hope I won't have problems like that is one reason I am so committed to fitness. Even so, though, the truth is that most of us (80% by some estimates) will have back pain at some time or another -- whether from over-exertion, injury or simply a result of the aging process. Chronic back pain is frustrating, not only because of how badly it hurts but also because it can be difficult to cure. It is the fifth most common reason for doctor visits.
A particularly common cause of such pain is a herniated disk, also referred to colloquially as a "slipped disk." For a long time, the usual mainstream medical solutions were surgery, physical therapy and/or pain medication, all of which take a long time and may not work for everyone. So I was very interested to learn about a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment for herniated disks called spinal decompression.
Visualize the disks in your back as being like hard donuts filled with a jelly-like material in the center. With age, the strong fibrous cartilage (the donut) can weaken, allowing the jelly-like material (nucleus pulposus) to bulge, which in and of itself is not painful. But more seriously, with a herniated disk the hard tissue has actually torn or ruptured, causing this material to ooze and press on spinal nerves. This causes pain that can range from mild to horrible.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION 101: A PRIMER
One of the first devices used for spinal decompression was approved by the FDA in 1995. Because spinal decompression requires special expertise and pricey equipment, few chiropractors have offered this treatment -- but numbers are growing as training and better insurance reimbursement becomes more commonplace, I was told by Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression.
Here's how it works: The patient lies on a comfortable table made specifically for this purpose, comfortably strapped down with a pelvis and torso harness that resembles a girdle. Calling it a "high-tech traction device," Dr. Shoshany explained how it works. "Slowly and comfortably, almost imperceptibly, the machine creates traction by pulling and holding for one minute. Then, intermittently, it releases. It is believed that this creates a negative pressure, or a vacuum within the disk, which then draws back the herniated-disk material which was displaced." With less pressure inside the disk, and thus less on the spinal nerves, pain often decreases or might even disappear -- sometimes instantaneously. To "fix the hold," however, numerous sessions may be required.
This technique also allows nutrient-rich fluid to go to the area where there is less pressure, stimulating the healing process. Most patients either sleep or watch a DVD during the treatment, Dr. Shoshany told me. Each session takes about 30 minutes and a typical treatment program may take between 20 to 30 sessions.
Critics contend that there are no long-range, well-designed studies looking at efficacy over time, but there has been some research on the treatment and the results are promising. In one study published in 2001 in Neurological Research, researchers reported that a spinal decompression therapy called VAX-D produced a success rate of 68.4%, compared with 0% for a placebo therapy in treatment of chronic low back pain. Another study from a team of researchers at the University of Illinois and Rome found a 71% success rate for treatment of herniated disk and other causes of low back pain, with "success" defined as a reduction in pain to 0 or 1 on a scale of 0 to 5.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
Dr. Shoshany noted that some people get much more benefit from spinal decompression than others, and it is not an option for everyone. "It's not a good choice for a person who has metal implants in the spine," he warned. It's better for people with a single-disk herniation than those who have herniation in several or all of them. Also, people who are morbidly obese and/or who smoke likely won't find much relief from spinal decompression either.
The procedure is thought to be safe, though there is no hard science supporting its efficacy. If you do decide to seek out this somewhat unconventional form of treatment, it's safest and best to do so with the oversight of your orthopedic surgeon, who can help you ascertain whether it might work in your case.
For more information on spinal decompression, go to http://www.spinaldiscdecompression.com.
Source(s): Steven Shoshany, DC, a New York City-based chiropractor who specializes in spinal decompression. He can be reached through his Web site, www.drshoshany.com.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Relieving Fibromyalgia Pain with Yoga
By Catherine Tardif, RYT, CPT
As sufferers of the condition we all know, there is no definitive test to diagnose Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). A disorder marked by debilitating pain and exhaustion – its cause is still largely mysterious. Naturally, if you have Fibromyalgia, you want to know why.
Unfortunately, the list of what is known and generally accepted about FMS is small and rapidly changing.At this time it is classified as a neuroendocrine condition. This means that FMS seems to affect the way the body communicates pain to the brain and the systems that govern this communication and additional communication that occurs within your body. A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology in December 2003 found that a chronic viral infection appeared in the muscles of some FMS patients. Even so, some physicians still believe that FMS does not exist; instead they attribute symptoms such as severe pain, muscle tenderness, fatigue, and sleep troubles to a psychiatric problem. This misconception does little to help sufferers and can leave them feeling demoralized and discouraged.
Fortunately, yoga can provide two invaluable things to people with Fibromyalgia: hope and relief from symptoms. Though it is not a cure, yoga can offer better quality of life. A study in 1999 led by Patrick Randolph Ph.D., at Texas Tech University’s Health Sciences Center, found that a program of gentle yoga stretches and mindfulness meditation helped reduce pain and improved patients’ ability to deal with it. From my own experience as a Fibromyalgia sufferer and Yoga Teacher here is what I suggest for a yogic approach to managing FMS.
The Gentle Approach Regarding a Yoga Practice is Best. I recommend regular practice of at least 10 minutes of meditation, breathing and stretching. The beauty of this exercise form is that it is not necessary to be able to do all the postures. You can choose to work within your own limitations. I commonly remind my students “You are never the same person twice. Adapt your yoga routine accordingly.”
Symptoms Vary from Day to Day. On a good day it can be tempting to practice vigorously. While physical activity can be very helpful, it is important to begin slowly and progress gradually to avoid a flare-up of symptoms. On days when you are particularly tired, stick with restorative poses, such as legs up the wall and forward bends with a bolster. On good days practice backbends such as, Cobra or Upward Facing Dog to create more opening to breath and energy. Be sure to have some kind of inversion such as, Downward Facing Dog or Bridge. Inversions help relieve stress and doubles as an energy booster as well as a way to settle down. Always conclude with Corpse. Corpse pose is a conscious relaxation done lying down. It relieves insomnia and over all levels of fatigue. It also helps to rebalance hormones.
Learn When to Work Through PainMuch of the pain caused by Fibromyalgia seems to be due to inappropriate amplified nerve cells, so even though a posture might feel slightly painful, you are not damaging your muscles or connective tissue. It is important however, to differentiate between the dull discomfort that comes from stretching tight muscles, which is safe to work with, and the sharper pain that comes from compressing a joint or straining a ligament.
Reversing Energy Expenditure
Typically, people with Fibromyalgia are go-getters, with high energy levels, who give selflessly of their time and energy to others, more frequently than not putting others’ needs before their own. From an energetic expenditure perspective, the energy people with FMS expend dramatically exceeds the energy returned, leaving their energetic body depleted over time until the physical body finally follows.
Many behavioral shifts must take place to reverse the flow of energy so balance is achieved. Because sufferers do not reverse this energy expenditure on their own the body forces them to take care of themselves. The illness’ debilitating symptoms alone compel such care. But permanent behavior shifts need to occur as well.
The more debilitating the illness, the more sufferers need to help themselves by taking more time for themselves first before servicing others’ needs. This is the first step toward healing - a major and most difficult step. This is where yoga comes in. If you are new to yoga you may want to enroll in a beginner’s class or even private classes. Those of you already taking time out of your schedule to incorporate a yoga class or two see the benefits of treating your body to some revitalizing stretching and strengthening. This time for yourself in a healing and healthy way is a vital step toward reversing energy expenditure.
Try a Diverse Approach. In addition to postures, try breathing and guided imagery. Regular meditation can teach you to modulate pain and quiet internal chatter that can heap mental suffering on top of physical discomfort. As a sufferer of FMS I find western medicine, chiropractic, massage, and other forms of body work to be very helpful. (Choose a practitioner who has experience treating people with FMS).
As sufferers of the condition we all know, there is no definitive test to diagnose Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). A disorder marked by debilitating pain and exhaustion – its cause is still largely mysterious. Naturally, if you have Fibromyalgia, you want to know why.
Unfortunately, the list of what is known and generally accepted about FMS is small and rapidly changing.At this time it is classified as a neuroendocrine condition. This means that FMS seems to affect the way the body communicates pain to the brain and the systems that govern this communication and additional communication that occurs within your body. A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology in December 2003 found that a chronic viral infection appeared in the muscles of some FMS patients. Even so, some physicians still believe that FMS does not exist; instead they attribute symptoms such as severe pain, muscle tenderness, fatigue, and sleep troubles to a psychiatric problem. This misconception does little to help sufferers and can leave them feeling demoralized and discouraged.
Fortunately, yoga can provide two invaluable things to people with Fibromyalgia: hope and relief from symptoms. Though it is not a cure, yoga can offer better quality of life. A study in 1999 led by Patrick Randolph Ph.D., at Texas Tech University’s Health Sciences Center, found that a program of gentle yoga stretches and mindfulness meditation helped reduce pain and improved patients’ ability to deal with it. From my own experience as a Fibromyalgia sufferer and Yoga Teacher here is what I suggest for a yogic approach to managing FMS.
The Gentle Approach Regarding a Yoga Practice is Best. I recommend regular practice of at least 10 minutes of meditation, breathing and stretching. The beauty of this exercise form is that it is not necessary to be able to do all the postures. You can choose to work within your own limitations. I commonly remind my students “You are never the same person twice. Adapt your yoga routine accordingly.”
Symptoms Vary from Day to Day. On a good day it can be tempting to practice vigorously. While physical activity can be very helpful, it is important to begin slowly and progress gradually to avoid a flare-up of symptoms. On days when you are particularly tired, stick with restorative poses, such as legs up the wall and forward bends with a bolster. On good days practice backbends such as, Cobra or Upward Facing Dog to create more opening to breath and energy. Be sure to have some kind of inversion such as, Downward Facing Dog or Bridge. Inversions help relieve stress and doubles as an energy booster as well as a way to settle down. Always conclude with Corpse. Corpse pose is a conscious relaxation done lying down. It relieves insomnia and over all levels of fatigue. It also helps to rebalance hormones.
Learn When to Work Through PainMuch of the pain caused by Fibromyalgia seems to be due to inappropriate amplified nerve cells, so even though a posture might feel slightly painful, you are not damaging your muscles or connective tissue. It is important however, to differentiate between the dull discomfort that comes from stretching tight muscles, which is safe to work with, and the sharper pain that comes from compressing a joint or straining a ligament.
Reversing Energy Expenditure
Typically, people with Fibromyalgia are go-getters, with high energy levels, who give selflessly of their time and energy to others, more frequently than not putting others’ needs before their own. From an energetic expenditure perspective, the energy people with FMS expend dramatically exceeds the energy returned, leaving their energetic body depleted over time until the physical body finally follows.
Many behavioral shifts must take place to reverse the flow of energy so balance is achieved. Because sufferers do not reverse this energy expenditure on their own the body forces them to take care of themselves. The illness’ debilitating symptoms alone compel such care. But permanent behavior shifts need to occur as well.
The more debilitating the illness, the more sufferers need to help themselves by taking more time for themselves first before servicing others’ needs. This is the first step toward healing - a major and most difficult step. This is where yoga comes in. If you are new to yoga you may want to enroll in a beginner’s class or even private classes. Those of you already taking time out of your schedule to incorporate a yoga class or two see the benefits of treating your body to some revitalizing stretching and strengthening. This time for yourself in a healing and healthy way is a vital step toward reversing energy expenditure.
Try a Diverse Approach. In addition to postures, try breathing and guided imagery. Regular meditation can teach you to modulate pain and quiet internal chatter that can heap mental suffering on top of physical discomfort. As a sufferer of FMS I find western medicine, chiropractic, massage, and other forms of body work to be very helpful. (Choose a practitioner who has experience treating people with FMS).
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