Grape Seed Extract, which has been used as a potent anti-inflammatory for generations of men who suffer from prostate cancer, works in a startling way against the cancer cells by preventing them from reproducing at a genetic level. The effect is epigenetic, meaning it is an outside factor that can influence gene expression. One marker scientists use to identify tumor cells is a change in a process called histone acetylation, and special proteins that assist the process are called histone acetyltransferases (or HATs, for short). Grape Seed Extract was able to interrupt the activity of the HATs in prostate cancer cells by 30-80%, and slowed down the amount of hormone-sensitive growth within the cell by decreasing the number of protein messengers in it. So not only did the Grape Seed Extract slow down the tumor cells, it actually kept them from growing.
Unfortunately, if something like Grape Seed Extract can work on an epigenetic level to shut down cancer cells, that means there are plenty of chemicals out there that can switch them on the same way. But as the editors of Journal of Medicinal Food wrote in response to the findings, this study is a good case in point of the failure to make genotype (the set of genes you’re born with) automatically determine phenotype. Put another way- we’re more than just our genetic code, and we have the ability to alter what gets switched on or off through our interaction with the environment.
S.Y. Park, Y.-H. Lee, K.-C. Choi, A.-R. Seong, H.-K. Choi, O.-H. Lee, H.-J. Hwang, and H.-G. Yoon (2011). “Grape Seed Extract Regulates Androgen Receptor-Mediated Transcription in Prostate Cancer Cells Through Potent Anti–Histone Acetyltransferase Activity.” Journal of Medicinal Food 14 (1/2) 2011, 9–16.
This study is published in the International Dairy Journal. Whey protein as in UltraMeal is low-cost and has not been linked to any adverse effects. I recommend at least 2 scops daily. I order my whey proteain from Metagenics at www.DrJeffreyTucker.meta-ehealth.com
High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” as it typically does not present with any symptoms. However, high blood pressure is strongly correlated with stroke risk, as well as risk of heart disease, the nation’s number-one killer. Risk factors for high blood pressure include: age, black race, family history, obesity or overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, a high sodium diet, inadequate potassium and vitamin D, heavy drinking and emotional stress. High blood pressure can also lead to an aneurysm, heart failure, kidney problems, vision loss, metabolic syndrome (which can lead to type 2 diabetes) and memory problems.
International Dairy Journal 20(11):753-760, 2010
Moreover, a flavonoid-rich diet, including apples and oranges, may cut the chances of developing the disease by up to 40% in men.
The study’s lead author is Dr. Xiang Gao, from the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston. He says flavonoids may have neuroprotective effects.
Parkinson’s affects nerve cells in several parts of the brain and central nervous system, particularly those that use the chemical messenger dopamine to control movement—especially the substantia nigra region of the brain.
Flavonoids are secondary plant metabolites found in many fruits and berries. They are known for their pigments and antioxidants, which have been suggested to have neuroprotective properties. A 2007 study by Tarozzi et al suggested that anthocyanins “may play an important role in brain health promotion, due to their ability to increase cell antioxidant capacity.”
Five major foods rich in flavonoids are: tea, berries, apples, red wine and oranges or orange juice.
Regular consumption of anthocyanins was found to be associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women.
American Academy of Neurology 63rd Annual Meeting Abstract
The gluteus medius is normally associated with movement. Weak glut medius muscles have ‘ruined’ more running seasons than perhaps any other single cause of running-related injury.
Appropriate assessments, exercise and rehabilitation can restore proper glut medius function.
The gluteus medius muscle originates at the top of the ilium (hip bone of the pelvis) below the iliac crest, and runs to the top outside surface of the greater trochanter (outer side of the thigh bone). It is the major abductor of the thigh (lifts it away from the body to the side). The fibres at the front rotate the hip internally and the rear fibres rotate it externally.
During walking or running when the foot is on the ground the gluteus medius is a pelvic stabiliser. It helps to keep the hips parallel to the ground. If the gluteus medius is not functioning well enough to achieve this control, compensation will occur.
Weakness in gluteus medius will have implications all the way down the kinetic chain. For example:
As a result you are at increased risk of any condition relating to excessive and/or prolonged pronation of the foot, such as medial tibial stress syndrome or Achilles tendinitis.
What contributes to gluteus medius weakness:
My favorite exercises for the gluteus medius are side lying hip abduction, single leg squats, and lateral band walks.
Come in and I’ll teach you how to perform these maneuvers with perfection.
Let’s talk about your butt. Why? Because the three gluteal muscles in the buttocks – the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus – are crucial for low back health, as well as strength and power in athletic movement. The butt is part of your core!
Weak glutes not only cause low back pain but are related to other conditions like patellofemoral pain, knee injuries (anterior cruciate ligament injuries), iliotibial band syndrome, ankle injuries and Achilles tendinopathy.
Regarding the glutes, it is less about the maximum weight they can lift, and more about the ability to recruit the glute muscles to perform proper hip extension and gait movements.
I use the squat to assess the glutes, and I use other tests to check stabilty of the hip in an extended position with the pelvis held in neutral.
Depending on position you are moving around in, the gluteals need to be able to act as either a prime mover or a stabiliser, depending on the task.
It is common in athletes for the gluteal muscles to become lengthened (chronically stretched), thus reducing the tension in the range around hip extension. This undermines athletic performance – and makes them more prone to injury as well.
Some of my favorite glute exercises are:
The Bridge
Theraband side walk
Clams
Deadlifts
Side lying hip abduction
Diets high in processed foods, sweets, sugars, baked breads, chips, cookies and pastries all promote inflammation which promotes arthritis. A menu too high in omega-6 fatty acids (soy, safflower, sunflower, corn oils), and trans-fats (hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats) also promote inflammation. Furthermore, diets like the above tend to be too high in calories, upset blood sugar balance and lead to weight gain. Being overweight greatly increases the stress on the low back, hip and knee joints.
Conversely, diets high in relatively unprocessed, low-temperature-cooked (even raw) foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (chia and flaxseed, walnuts, fatty fish, grass fed meats) and high antioxidant foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices and tea) are anti-inflammatory.
There are other nutrients that may promote joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are well-known. Gelatin, MSM (a naturally occurring sulfur compound in our diets), vitamin D, folic acid and B12 may play a role as well.
My favorite medical food shake for joint inflammation is UltraInflamX 360 by Metagenics.
New research completed in Switzerland shows that whey protein supplementation may improve blood lipid profiles and reduce levels of liver fat by 20%.
The study, published in Clinical Nutrition, suggests that four weeks of supplementation with whey protein may significantly reduce the markers of fatty liver disease in obese women by reducing the amount of fat inside liver cells. The research found that whey protein improved key markers of blood lipid profiles—an important risk marker for heart disease.
I recommend UltraMeal Whey by Metagenics. This is a delicious , nutritionally fortified, powered meal replacement with 15 grams of purity certified whey protein.
Order at www.DrJeffreyTucker.meta-ehealth.com
Clinical Nutrition Published online ahead of print.
Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis my mother has recently been given, has alot of my attention. Currently her mind is very alert but occassionally she is repeating the same stories or information that she already told me. I can see her struggle finding the right words for some types of information.
Her gait has declined into a shuffling gait and she uses a walker. Her speaking voice remains strong.
I have encouraged a low gylcemic diet and a paleo approach to her eating. Her blood glucose has remained well controlled and keeping her off desserts has helped tremendously. My mother has been losing weight and although her legs continue to weaken, I am happy she is sharp intellectually.
It is known that creating a state of ketosis protects brain cells from oxidative stress. It provides at least some of this protection through the
antioxidant action of ketone bodies. Some researchers are even asserting
that the ketogenic diet can halt or prevent Alzheimer’s disease and
Parkinson’s disease. Once again it’s not about low fat. I’ll keep you posted.
Magnesium helps maintain normal insulin levels. So, there’s no way you’re going to prevent or successfully manage type 2 diabetes with a low magnesium level.
In a new study from Brazil, researchers evaluated magnesium status in type 2 diabetics. They found that poor kidney function (common in diabetes) increases magnesium elimination in the urine. When too much elimination is combined with low magnesium intake, blood sugar runs high.
Menstruation and high stress also reduce magnesium levels. And a heavy intake of starches, alcohol, diuretics and some prescription drugs (such as antibiotics) can increase urinary elimination of magnesium.
Here is what you need to know: For people who are not very strict about the paleo diet, alcohol contributes to Mg depletion, so those who enjoy a glass of wine on a regular basis may have a higher need for Mg supplementation. Apparently diet sodas, particular colas, also deplete Mg. If depleted Mg increases insulin resistance, this could help to explain why diet sodas seem to cause weight gain, even though studies of their direct action on insulin release have been equivocal. It’s very easy to fall into diet soda addiction. I haven’t generally found that it causes weight gain, but I do notice that clients may have trouble losing weight if they drink too much of the diet soda.
As a general principle, then, since insulin resistance is the engine of Metabolic Syndrome, it’s worth spreading the word that Mg supplementation may help.
Current recommendations are 500 mg of magnesium per day, with the added note that magnesium gluconate and chelated magnesium are the preferred supplement forms. And if you want to try to get the magnesium you need from your diet, some of the best sources are leafy green vegetables, avocados, nuts, and whole grains.
February 15, 2011 (San Diego, California) — A physical therapy program can effectively treat most patients who present with atraumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears and shoulder pain, without the need for surgery, researchers announced at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2011 Annual Meeting.
“Our non-operative program is successful in over 90% of patients and the effect seems to last at least 2 years,” John E. Kuhn, MD, associate professor and chief of shoulder surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and director of the Multicenter Orthopedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder Group, said.
In the United States, at least 10% of persons over age 60 years, or nearly 6 million people, will develop a rotator cuff tear.
Prospective Cohort Study
The study included 396 patients age 18 to 100 years who had atraumatic full-thickness tears documented by magnetic resonance imaging and no other abnormality. The primary symptom was pain in most patients.
Patients were assigned to a physical therapy program that included daily postural exercises, active-assisted motion, active training of scapula muscles, and active range of motion, along with anterior and posterior shoulder stretching. They also performed thrice-weekly rotator cuff and scapula exercises. The program has been shown to be effective in patients with impingement syndrome.
Study participants also did manual mobilization exercises with assistance from a therapist.
Patients returned at 6 and 12 weeks. At this point they could decide that 1) treatment was successful and they needed no formal follow-up, 2) they had improved but would like to continue therapy with scheduled reassessment in 6 weeks, or 3) nonoperative treatment had failed and they would undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
Patients were contacted by telephone at 1 and 2 years to determine whether they had undergone surgery since their last visit.
Improvements on Multiple Outcome Measures
Six-week data indicate that fewer than 10% of patients had decided to undergo surgery.
Of patients in whom follow-up data were available for at least 2 years, only 2% had opted for surgery.
The analysis also revealed that patients who decided to undergo surgery generally made their decision within 6 to 12 weeks of starting physical therapy. In addition, patients did most of their physical therapy at home and usually made only 1 weekly visit to the physical therapist.
Finally, Dr. Kuhn emphasized that the physical therapy program alleviated pain without “doing anything to the tear.” The finding suggests that pain may be a less suitable indication for rotator cuff repair than is weakness or loss of function.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2011 Annual Meeting; Abstract #319. Presented February 15, 2011.
These findings are typical of what I find in my rehab practice. Those clients that do the exercises improve.
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