Type 2 Diabetes & Turmeric – Curcuplex from Xymogen
Posted by DrTucker in Arthritis, Blog, Inflammation, Laser Therapy, Nutrition on 04 13th, 2013 | no responses
When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going to cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations and new cases of blindness among adults in the U.S.
In this study, extracts from turmeric (curcumin) help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Daily supplements of curcuminoids for three months was associated with improved glycemic control in 50 type 2 diabetics, compared to placebo, according to findings published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research 2012.
Ccurcuminoids may have an anti-diabetic effect by decreasing serum fatty acid possibly through the promotion of fatty acid oxidation and utilization. Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color, has become one of my favorite supplements for patients with inflammation, arthritis, and those with stenosis. Curcumin has been linked to a range of health benefits, including potential protection against Alzheimer’s disease and protection against heart failure, diabetes and arthritis.
In this study the recommendation was 300 mg of curcuminoids per day for three months. I use much higher amounts for my stenotic patients in conjunction with laser therapy.
Results showed that the curcuminoids group displayed a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1C (a marker of the long-term presence of excess glucose in the blood), and insulin resistance, compared to placebo. There was also a significant reduction in free fatty acids in the curcuminoids group, the researchers said.
I feel that it is important to take curcuminoids as a supplement and I recommend Xymogens Curcuplex tablets.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
More Benefits of Curcumin
Posted by DrTucker in Arthritis, Blog, Female issues, Healthy Aging, Heart Health, Inflammation, Nutrition on 11 15th, 2012 | no responses
Daily supplements of curcumin may benefit cardiovascular health to the same extent as exercise for postmenopausal women (data from a clinical trial conducted in Japan and published in the journal Nutrition Research Nov 2012).
Vascular health, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), improved equally in groups of women receiving the curcumin supplements and those receiving aerobic exercise training.
Another study, published recently in the British Journal of Nutrition indicated that decreased FMD is reported to be a predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events, with every one percent decrease in FMD associated with a 12% increase in risk.
I recommend regular ingestion of curcumin to my patients with spinal stenosis, numbness and tingling, spinal degeneration, and now with this report I’ll suggest it as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. If a women can’t exercise curcumin is an alternative.
Curcumin has been linked to a range of health benefits, including potential protection against Alzheimer’s and protection against heart failure, diabetes and more.
The new study suggests that endothelial function may also be added to the list of potential benefits from curcumin.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba recruited 32 post-menopausal women and assigned them to one of three groups: The first group acted as the controls, the second group underwent an aerobic exercise training regimen and the third group received a daily dose of 25 mg of curcumin.
The study lasted for eight weeks, after which the results showed that FMD increased significantly and equally by about 1.5% in both the exercise and curcumin groups, compared with no changes in the control group.
“The mechanism responsible for the curcumin-ingestion-induced improvement in endothelial function is unclear,” the researchers said.
“Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), suggesting that its effect on endothelial function may be mediated by the suppression of inflammation and/or oxidative stress via down-regulation of TNF-alpha. However, TNF-alpha levels were not assessed in this study.
Knee Osteoarthritis & BMI: What are the treatment options.
Posted by DrTucker in Inflammation, Knee pain, Laser Therapy, Treatment on 09 2nd, 2011 | no responses
2007-2009. For men and women, the prevalence of age-adjusted arthritis increased significantly with increasing BMI (P <.001 for trend). The age-adjusted prevalence of OA among people who were obese (25.2% for men and 33.8% for women) was nearly double that of people who are underweight/normal weight (13.8% for men and 18.9% for women). Source: CDC. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation— United States, 2007-2009. MMWR. 2010;59(39):1261-1265.
Treatment options for OA
In patients with knee OA, my approach tends include shoe inserts. These are good adjuncts to supplements, laser, Deep Muscle Stimulation (DMS), injectables, taping, and exercise therapy. I recommend swimming, recumbent bicycles, rowing machines and elliptical trainers. I teacgh my clients a lot of low load, easy to do stretches and strenghtening exercises. Weight loss is really important here.
On laser therapy for treating patients with knee OA: It depends on the patient and the severity of his or her OA. For example, if the patient is older and has a severely arthritic knee, a total knee replacement will probably be necessary. If a patient has OA and joint effusion, I might recommend laser, aspiration and corticosteroid injection.
If I have a patient with symptoms of OA who may have incurred an injury such as an ACL tear, I will use warm laser and DMS.
If you have undergone an arthroscopic procedure, but not yet fully out of pain, I will use laser.
I often use glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with high dose omega 3′s.
I like topical menthol products such as BioFreeze. These have evidence of efficacy.
There are dangers of using cortisone, which has been administered for years as an injection in the joints. If any of my patients ask for cortisone because it worked when administered to them 10 years ago, I would educate them on safer long-term options. The most common recommendation I have for most of my patients is to eat less carbs and exercise more. I love the anti-inflammatory diet coupled with UltraInflamX by Metyagenics and high dose omega 3 fish oils. Through weight reduction and a low-impact exercise program, many patients will achieve dramatic improvements in their arthritis pain.
My goal for patients is to decrease pain and inflammation, maintain or improve function and retard disease progression if possible. In this regard, preventing damage to subchondral bone, cartilage, joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation is the goal.
The contraindications for NSAIDs include gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or adverse effects to the kidneys or liver. Some patients worry about taking a glucosamine product because they have diabetes, but I inform them no data support this concern.
I might recommend UltraInflamX by Metagenics alot. I like garlic, ginseng and gingko — but these affect bleeding time. If used in conjunction with NSAIDs, the risk of GI problems increases.
Type 2 Diabetes & Omega 3′s
Posted by DrTucker in Blog, Chronic Pain, Inflammation on 08 4th, 2011 | no responses
Researchers from Harvard took blood samples from about 3,000 subjects and measured omega-3 levels. When the results were compared to diabetic status, they found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids — EPH and DHA — were linked to reduced risk of diabetes.
Rrisk was lowest in those with the highest omega-3 levels. The is because EPA and DHA help your cell membranes manage insulin. Fat tissue contains an abundance of macrophages — a type of white blood cell that fights viruses, bacteria, and other junk that has to be removed from your cells. The macrophages do their work by producing proteins that burn off the junk with inflammation. Too much body fat creates a flood of those proteins, which happen to promote insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation just makes the situation worse.
When excessive inflammation is reduced, insulin sensitivity improves.
EPA and DHA are great natural anti-inflammatories. For the past year or soI have recommended that patient’s take about 400 IU vitamin E with the omega 3′s (mixed tocopherols).
Exercise, Soybeans and Tofu Snacks
Posted by DrTucker in Blog, Inflammation on 07 15th, 2011 | no responses
The branched-chain amino acids in soybeans stop muscle degradation during long bike rides and runs while the antioxidants help alleviate post-exercsie aches and pains. Research published in The Nutrition Journal found that both soy and whey proteins build lean muscle mass, but soy protein also prevents exercise-induced inflammation. Chocolate soy milk makes an excellent recovery drink. Also, keep soy nuts in the car or at the office for a great protein-rich snack.
KAPREX – a natural anti-inflammatory
Posted by DrTucker in Inflammation, Nutrition on 07 8th, 2011 | no responses
Kaprex provides effective joint relief comparable to conventional approaches, only without the potential for serious adverse effects. This proprietary combination of selected plant components influences kinase signaling and the formation of certain substances, such as PGE2, that are associated with minor pain. Clinical testing suggests that Kaprex may offer a high degree of predicted cardiovascular, gastric, renal, and liver safety.*
Patient benefits:
- Features Tetrase™ (tetrahydro-iso-alpha acids, THIAA) from hops that provide joint relief and joint tissue protection*
- Modulates kinase signaling and the formation of certain substances associated with minor pain*
- Provides natural ingredients suggested by research to modulate the cascade response (e.g., COX-2, PGE2, NF-kB, TNF-a)*
- Provides rosemary extract and oleanolic acid—suggested by research to modulate eicosanoid pathways*
To order, click on the Metagenics link on my opening page
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Posted by DrTucker in Allergies, Healthy Aging, Inflammation on 07 3rd, 2011 | no responses
Grass-fed beef and other animal foods. As opposed to traditional, grain-fed livestock, meat that comes from animals fed grass also contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s, but in lower concentrations than coldwater fish. Free-range livestock that graze in pastures build up higher levels of omega-3s. Meat from grain-fed animals has virtually no omega-3s and plenty of saturated fat. Cooking tip: Unless it’s ground, grass-fed beef may be tougher, so slow cook it.
Olive oil. Olive oil is a great source of oleic acid, another anti-inflammatory oil. Researchers wrote in the October 2007 Journal of the American College of Nutrition that those who consume more oleic acid have better insulin function and lower blood sugar. Shopping tip: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil, which is the least processed, and use it instead of other cooking oils.
Spread Olive Oil on dark-green lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and other salad veggies. These are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, nutrients that dampen inflammation.
Cruciferous vegetables. These veggies, which include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, are also loaded with antioxidants. But they provide one other ingredient — sulfur — that the body needs to make its own high-powered antioxidants, such as one called glutathione.
Turmeric. This spice contains a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compound, according to a report in the August 2007 Biochemical Pharmacology. Turmeric has long been part of curry spice blends, used in southern Asian cuisines. To use: Buy powdered curry spice (which contains turmeric and other spices) and use it as a seasoning when pan-frying chicken breasts in olive oil. 
Garlic. The research isn’t consistent, but garlic may have some anti-inflammatory and glucose-regulating benefits and it may also help your body fight infections. At the very least, it won’t hurt and makes for a tasty addition to food. Kitchen tip: Dice garlic and fresh rosemary, and rub them on a whole chicken before roasting.
Green tea. Like fruits and vegetables, green tea contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds. It may even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Suggestion: Drink a cup a day — or brew it like sun tea, refrigerate, and serve.
Anti-Infammatory Diet Updates
Posted by DrTucker in Allergies, Arthritis, Chronic Pain, Inflammation, Nutrition on 05 27th, 2011 | no responses
| Eating right and getting regular exercise is the best way to achieve and/or maintain health. I remember hearing Jack LaLanne say, “Diet is King & exercise is Queen, and when you put them both together you build a Kingdom.”
Inflammation can be low-grade or it can flare up or progress into chronic or acute disease states, including serious autoimmune problems such as arthritis. Although inflammation should lead to tissue repair and remodeling, when it becomes chronic, it prevents healing and should be viewed as a disease process. Nutritional imbalances (deficiencies and excesses of various nutrients) can cause inflammation . The Diet Vegetables are always at the top of the list. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are also anti-inflammatory, including fish and, to a lesser extent, plant foods like flax seeds and walnuts. Because plant-based foods are among the richest sources for powerful antioxidants and phenolics (including flavonoids) that reduce inflammation, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh plant-based foods and phenolic-rich olive oil, has grown in popularity. I recommend not eating grains and enjoy high-fiber foods like beans, peas, lentils, oatmeal, nuts, and avocados. Consume more fish, especially salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish that contain those omega-3 fats. Processed Foods and Meats Avoid anything with more than a very small amount of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, white flour products, sodas and sweet drinks, chips, and fried foods of all types, other than lightly stir-fried vegetables. White flour increases inflammation. Red meat isn’t necessarily bad. It is what we do to red meat that makes it bad for us by feeding cattle grains such as corn, instead of allowing them to eat the field grasses that they were intended to eat. An alternative to beef is buffalo or bison—these animals are grass-fed and, interestingly, will not eat corn. For the carnivores among us, the preferred protein solution is buffalo or bison, grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and wild-caught fish, particularly salmon and tuna. For those with rheumatoid arthritis: Increase EPA intake from marine sources such as oily fish (salmon, sardines, herring, trout, black cod) and oysters, aiming for consuming these foods several times a week, and to reduce dietary sources of arachidonic acid (meat, high-fat milk and cheese products, eggs) as much as possible. Make sure your diet is low in arachidonic acid and supplement with fish oils.
In a recent study at Lund University’s Antidiabetic Food Centre in Sweden, 44 healthy, overweight subjects aged 50 to 75 were fed an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of antioxidants, slow-release carbohydrates, omega fatty acids (oily fish), whole grains, probiotics, and viscous dietary fiber. After only four weeks, the results showed LDL cholesterol had dropped by 33 percent, blood lipids by 14 percent, blood pressure by 8 percent, and a risk marker for blood clots by 26 percent. A marker of inflammation in the body was also greatly reduced.5 A diet free of gluten has positive effects on symptoms and clinical signs of inflammatory diseases. Such a diet would be void of arachidonic acid, free of potentially allergenic wheat, dairy, and egg products, and high in plant-based antioxidants and other potentially anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. What Sodas Bring to the Table Supplement with anti-oxidants – these will stimulate the immune system, decrease platelet aggregation, modify cholesterol metabolism, reduce blood pressure, and possess anti-bacterial and antiviral activity. One of the most effective supplements I use for inflammation is using the UltraInflamX protein powder by Metagenics. This can be taken as 2 scoops with water or fresh juice twice daily. References 1. Seaman DR. Clinical nutrition for pain, inflammation, and tissue healing. Self published. 1998. 2. Seaman DR. The diet-induced pro-inflammatory state: A cause of chronic pain and other degenerative diseases. J Manip Physiol Ther. 2002; 25:168-179. 3. Adam O, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of a low-arachidonic acid diet and fish oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2003 Jan;23(1):27-36. 4. Salas- Salvadó J, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts on metabolic syndrome status: one-year results of the PREDIMED randomized trial. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(22):2449-2458. 5. Hafström I, et al. A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens. Rheumatol 2001;40(10):1175-79. 6.Dhingra R, et al. Soft drink consumption and risk of developing cardiometabolic risk factors and the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults in the community. Circulation 2007;116:480-88. |
Deep breathing does help stress
Posted by DrTucker in Blog, Inflammation on 04 19th, 2011 | no responses
Can a few deep breaths really help calm down your stress level? Absolutely. And scientists have even studied how it works… Deep abdominal breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain stem down through your abdomen. This is the main nerve of the relaxation response. Once stimulated, the vagus activates a chemical compound called acetylcholine–a neurotransmitter that reduces inflammation and sends messages from your brain throughout your body. And the messages all say, “Relax.” As an added bonus, new research shows that the stimulated vagus nerve also activates stem cells that actually repair brain tissue damaged by inflammation. All of that, just from taking deep breaths.
The Benefits of Magnesium.
Posted by DrTucker in Heart Health, Inflammation, Nutrition on 04 18th, 2011 | no responses
A study published in The Journal of Intensive Care Medicine concludes that magnesium is critical to long life and good health.
Magnesium deficiency triggers such conditions as: anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, and migraines.
Some experts say [over] half of Americans are deficient in this nutrient and don’t know it.
Benefits of Magnesium
It is responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is present in all bodily tissues. It’s a critical component in bones, muscle and brain. And your cells need it to make energy, stabilize membranes, and help muscles relax.
It can fight depression, fatigue, and even kidney disease. And it’s critical to many essential bodily functions. It has important relationships to heart health. It helps dilate blood vessels, prevents spasms in the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, fights the action of calcium, which increases spasms, helps dissolve blood clots, acts as an antioxidant against free radical formation.
Sources of Magnesium
Good sources include almonds, cashews, walnuts, shrimp, green drinks, and leafy green vegetables.
I do suggest taking a supplement. While the recommended daily amount is about 300 mg a day, most of us get less than 200 mg. Most people could benefit from as much as 400 to 1,000 mg a day.
Another good option is taking Epsom salts. Taking a hot bath in Espom salts (magnesium sulfate) helps reduce stress and allows easy absorption of magnesium.
Magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, and aspartate are the most easy to absorb. Caution against magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide because they are more difficult to absorb.
I you have diabetes, heart disease, or migraines, I also recommend taking the UltraInflamX 360 shakes. These provide magesium and other natural ingredients to decrease inflammation.
