High PCB exposure tied to diabetes risk

Last Updated: 2008-08-15 11:43:12 -0400 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who have been exposed to high levels of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may face an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, a new study shows.

The findings, reported in the journal Diabetes Care, come from a long-term study of Taiwanese adults who, in the 1970s, had been poisoned by cooking oil contaminated with PCB pollutants.

Once used in products ranging from fluorescent lights and appliances to insulation and insecticide, PCBs were banned in the late 1970s as carcinogens and general health hazards. They linger in the environment, however.

In the new study, Dr. Yueliang Leon Guo, from the National Taiwan University in Taipei, and colleagues examined the incidence of type 2 diabetes among 378 Taiwanese "oil disease" victims and 370 of their neighbors who had not been poisoned.
They found that women who had been exposed to the PCB-laced oil were twice as likely as other women to develop type 2 diabetes over 24 years. And women who had been most severely affected by the PCB exposure had a more than five-times higher diabetes risk.

There were no similar risks seen in men, however.

Other studies have found that people with diabetes tend to have relatively higher levels of organic pollutants, such as PCBs, in their blood. In comments to Reuters Health, Guo said that since "everyone" has detectable PCB levels in his or her body, it's possible that exposure to such pollutants has helped feed the widespread rise in diabetes in recent decades.

"The public health implication of these findings can be huge," Guo added, "considering the burden of diabetes and its multiple long-term complications."

.SOURCE: Diabetes Care 2008, August 2008.

Fibromyalgia, Pain Relief & Energy with Malic Acid

Malic Acid, Energy, & Fibromyalgia
Improvement in pain observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200-2400 mg. of malic acid per day. Buy Metagenics Fibroplex with magnesium and malic acid at a discount

Combine Bioenergy Corvalen Ribose with Metagenics Fibroplex for muscle pains and energy - Corvalen Lowest Price with Free Shipping

Primary fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition affecting principally middle-aged women, characterized by a syndrome of generalized musculoskeletal pain, aches, stiffness, and tenderness at specific anatomical sites. This condition is considered primary when there are no obvious causes. Since it was first described, FM has become recognized as a fairly common rheumatic complaint with a clinical prevalence of 6 to 20 percent. Additionally, FM has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome, tension headache, mitral valve prolapse, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Numerous treatment modalities have been attempted to treat patients with FM, but unfortunately the results have usually been poor. The primary reason for this lack of success was undoubtedly due to our lack of understanding FMs etiology.

In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest that FM is the result of local hypoxia in the muscles. For instance, patients with FM have low muscle-tissue oxygen pressure in affected muscles, and to a lesser degree the same was found in other tissues. Muscle biopsies from affected areas showed muscle tissue breakdown and mitochondrial damage. Additionally, low levels of the high energy phosphates ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine were found. It has been hypothesized that in hypoxic muscle tissues glycolysis is inhibited, reducing ATP synthesis. This stimulates the process of gluconeogenesis, which results in the breakdown of muscle proteins to amino acids that can be utilized as substrates for ATP synthesis. This muscle tissue breakdown, which has been observed in muscle biopsies taken from FM patients, is hypothesized to result in the muscle pain characteristic of FM.

Malic acid is both derived from food sources and synthesized in the body through the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Its importance to the production of energy in the body during both aerobic and anaerobic conditions is well established. Under aerobic conditions, the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate provides reducing equivalents to the mitochondria through the malate-aspartate redox shuttle. During anaerobic conditions, where a buildup of excess of reducing equivalents inhibits glycolysis, malic acids simultaneous reduction to succinate and oxidation to oxaloacetate is capable of removing the accumulating reducing equivalents. This allows malic acid to reverse hypoxias inhibition of glycolysis and energy production. This may allow malic acid to improve energy production in FM, reversing the negative effect of the relative hypoxia that has been found in these patients.

Because of its obvious relationship to energy depletion during exercise, malic acid may be of benefit to healthy individuals interested in maximizing their energy production, as well as those with FM. In the rat it has been found that only tissue malate is depleted following exhaustive physical activity. Other key metabolites from the citric acid cycle needed for energy production were found to be unchanged. Because of this, a deficiency of malic acid has been hypothesized to be a major cause of physical exhaustion. The administration of malic acid to rats has been shown to elevate mitochondrial malate and increase mitochondrial respiration and energy production. Surprisingly, relatively small amounts of exogenous malic acid were required to increase mitochondrial energy production and ATP formation. Under hypoxic conditions there is an increased demand and utilization of malic acid, and this demand is normally met by increasing the synthesis of malic acid through gluconeogenesis and muscle protein
breakdown. This ultimately results in muscle breakdown and damage.

In a study on the effect of the oral administration of malic acid to rats, a significant increase in anaerobic endurance was found. Interestingly, the improvement in endurance was not accompanied by an increase in carbohydrate and oxygen utilization, suggesting that malic acid has carbohydrate and oxygen-sparing effects. In addition, malic acid is the only metabolite of the citric acid cycle positively correlated with physical activity. It has also been demonstrated that exercise-induced mitochondrial respiration is associated with an accumulation of malic acid. In humans, endurance training is associated with a significant increase in the enzymes involved with malic acid metabolism.

Because of the compelling evidence that malic acid plays a central role in energy production, especially during hypoxic conditions, malic acid supplements have been examined for their effects on FM. Subjective improvement in pain was observed within 48 hours of supplementation with 1200 - 2400 milligrams of malic acid, and this improvement was lost following the discontinuation of malic acid for 48 hours. While these studies also used magnesium supplements, due to the fact that magnesium is often low in FM patients, the rapid improvement following malic acid, as well as the rapid deterioration after discontinuation, suggests that malic acid is the most important component. This interesting theory of localized hypoxia in FM, and the ability of malic acid to overcome the block in energy production that this causes, should provide hope for those afflicted with FM. The potential for malic acid supplements, however, reaches much farther than FM. In light of malic acids ability to improve animal exercise performance, its potential for human athletes is particularly exciting.

Additionally, many hypoxia related conditions, such as respiratory and circulatory insufficiency, are associated with deficient energy production. Therefore, malic acid supplements may be of benefit in these conditions. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has also been found to be associated with FM, and malic acid supplementation may be of use in improving energy production in this condition as well. Lastly, malic acid may be of use as a general supplement aimed at ensuring an optimal level of malic acid within the cells, and thus, maintaining an optimal level of energy production.

Metagenics Fibroplex has: Thiamin (as thiamin mononitrate) 50 mgVitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 50 mgMagnesium (as magnesium bis-glycinate†) 150 mgManganese (as manganese glycinate†) 5 mgMalic Acid 600 mg

Metagenics Fibroplex® Plus - Support for Muscle Tenderness and Discomfort
Fibroplex® Plus provides targeted nutritional support for soft tissues in those with muscle tenderness and discomfort. Featuring a blend of specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in an easy-to-use delivery form, this specialized formula works by supporting cellular energy production and muscular and nervous system function.

• Provides targeted nutrition for soft tissue in those with muscle tenderness and discomfort.
• Provides targeted support for energy metabolism and neuromuscular function.
• Supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function.
• Provides magnesium in the form of an amino acid chelate designed to be easily absorbed.

Ningxia Wolfberry Testomonials

Ningxia Wolfberry Testomonials:

My mother-in-law had been suffering with Fibromyalgia for some time and was slowly getting worse. She is a nurse in an O.R. department and works long hours, up at 4:30a.m. and to bed around 9:30 p.m. For pain she was on Tramadol HCL two to four times per day, she took 600mg of Ibuprophin 4 times a day and was taking a muscle relaxer Orphenadrine Citrate ER twice a day as needed. (In the evening). She was unable to sleep in her bed any more and still couldn't sleep all the night through in her recliner. My wife Sara and I had just joined Young Living and had our new Essential Oils Desk Reference and When my mother-in-law came over she wanted to know what it said about Fibromyalgia.

On page 336 it says 'Fibromyalgia is an acid condition in which the liver is Toxic.' On page 463 in the section on Ningxia Wolfberry research it says it 'protects liver function'. So we thought if she only tries one thing it may be a good choice to try Ningxia Red. So she ordered a bottle 'to help us out'. She started drinking 2 Tbs each morning, for about two weeks then she felt kind of better so she figured she would just quit drinking it. Within a couple days she noticed the pain returning and thought 'maybe it was working' and started her two Tbs per morning again and within one more week of starting back up she was off ALL the meds even Ibuprofen. She sleeps through the night in bed. She tells us she feels energetic and pain free, and will not go with out it again. So by trying one bottle she knows it helps her to get through her day and feels like doing things in the evening, even after a long day at work. I have seen the difference in her, it's almost like two different people. If someone you know suffers from Fibromyalgia it is worth mentioning.

My youngest daughter, 26, has been suffering with severe soreness in her chest, back, hips, knees, shoulders, and neck for several years. Six different doctors have called it six different things. I suggested she not give it any power and not call it anything but symptoms. We have tried oils and supplements with some success but not enough. Then in February, I started her on the Ningxia Wolfberry Juice because by that time, it had progressed to her jaw, head and ears and doctors were going to add more medicines to her regimine. She was taking the juice three times a day at first and could eliminate the first medication after 4 days. She continues on the juice, now using it twice a day and is on only one medication at the lowest dosage. Her plan is to get off of all meds and only take the juice indefinitely. She has no pain, is sleeping so much better and has stopped grinding her teeth which was causing the jaw and ear pain.

Both my parents started drinking 1oz of Ningxia Red daily and taking the Master Formula His/Hers vitamins. My dad says he hadn't slept more than 3-4 hours a night in about 20 years. Now he is sleeping 7-8 hours a night! He says it must be the Ningxia Red. Both of them feel like they have more energy also. Ningxia Red is Great!!

After drinking NingXia Red for about 4 days, I felt like I had more energy and was getting more done. I realized that I had begun to work (and do house chores) after 1:00 AM when I was used to shutting down by 11:00 or 11:30. I also realized that my thinking seemed clearer and that the right words were coming to me easily when talking and writing. Plus, as soon as I would drink NingXia Red, I seemed to crave even more. It was like my body was saying: 'hey, this is really good stuff ... keep it coming.'

I have been drinking about 2 ounces of Ningxia Red for the last two years on a daily basis. I have noticed that my allergies have cleared, my hair has grown and is healthy, no morning aches and pains, improved memory, no menopause symptoms and most notable & verifiable--my eyesight has improved in both eyes and this has been verified by my eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions coming down .25 and .50 points. I am sure there are other benefits that I don't even know are happening to my body. Ningxia Red is my lifetime elixir.

I can't say enough about the new Ningxia Red from Young Living. I feel fantastic everyday! My best success is that just after 1 month on the Ningxia Red, my blood sugars have found balance. I no longer find myself crabbing and feeling sick due to low blood sugar when I do not eat every 2 hours. I have struggled with that most of my life and this is really helping me a lot! I also notice that I am waking up earlier with a lot more energy and mental alertness, my sleeps are deeper and more restful and my general energy is better throughout the day.

I started drinking Berry Young Juice, now NingXia Red, since March of 2004. I had noticed the increased energy immediately and over time I noticed that it made me physically strong although I didn't have a regular exercise program. About six months later I did get a complete physical and the doctor was not only astounded that my HDLs (good cholestorol) was so high, but that my LDLs (bad cholestorol) was very low. In total my level was 127 at the time. Six months earlier it was 165!

Click on: Ningxia Red to order or for more information.

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).

Fatty Acid Tied to Depression and Inflammation

Last Updated: 2007-04-17 11:50:28 -0400 (Reuters Health)
By Anne Harding

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and depression seen over the past century, a new study suggests.

Specifically, the more omega-6 fatty acids people had in their blood compared with omega-3 fatty acid levels, the more likely they were to suffer from symptoms of depression and have higher blood levels of inflammation-promoting compounds, report Dr. Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser and her colleagues from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. These compounds, which include tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, are "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging," and have been tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other ailments, Kiecolt-Glaser told Reuters Health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, flax seed oil and walnuts, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in refined vegetable oils used to make everything from margarine to baked goods and snack foods. The amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet increased sharply once refined vegetable oils became part of the average diet in the early 20th century.
Hunter-gatherers consumed two or three times as much omega-6 as omega-3, Kiecolt-Glaser's team notes in their study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, but today Westerners consume 15- to 17-times more omega-6 than omega-3.

The researchers investigated the relationship among fatty acid consumption, depression and inflammation in 43 older men and women. The 6 individuals diagnosed with major depression had nearly 18 times as much omega-6 as omega-3 in their blood, compared with about 13 times as much for subjects who didn't meet the criteria for major depression. Depressed patients also had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and other inflammatory compounds. And as levels of depressive symptoms rose, so did the omega 6 and omega 3 ratio.

The effects of depression and diet enhanced each other, the researchers found. "It was more than additive," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "People who had few depressive symptoms and/or a good diet were generally fine." However, when depressive symptoms increased and diets become worse, "we really saw big differences."

Depression alone is known to increase inflammation, the researchers note in their report, while a number of studies have found omega-3 supplements prevent depression.

Following recommendations for a healthy diet -- and eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines every now and then -- could go a long way to promote a healthier omega-6/omega 3 balance, Kiecolt-Glaser said. "If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6."
SOURCE: Psychosomatic Medicine, online March 30, 2007.

Benfotiamine for Nerve Pain

"Benfotiamine was developed in Japan in the late 1950s to treat alcoholic neuropathy, sciatica, and other painful nerve conditions. Japanese researchers patented the process in1962. It has been used for over a decade in Germany. And although it has been used successfully for over 12 years in Europe for the prevention and relief of symptoms in people already suffering with various neuropathies, it has only recently been introduced into the United States."

You can find more information about benfotiamine at benfotiamine.org, and HSI members can read Kathryn's full article in the HSI Members Alert archives on our web site at hsibaltimore.com.

Benfotiamine can be ordered through Life Extension