Congestive Heart Failure | A Metabolic Plan

Resveratrol – A Life-Changing Substance?

Filed under: health and nutrition, Resveratrol; Tagged as: Caloric Restriction, calorie restriction, Cardiovascular Benefits, Cardiovascular Event, Clot Formation, Congestive Heart Failure, Heart Failure, Life Span, Low Density Lipoprotein, metabolic syndrome, Platelets, resveratrol, Stickiness, Vascular Disease

Scientists are discovering significant preventive and therapeutic potential from resveratrol in fighting age-related diseases such as cardio-vascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

It has long been known that caloric restriction slows the pace of aging. Now scientists are finding that resveratrol mimics the life-span-prolonging effects of caloric restriction also. Until recently, however, scientists haven’t known why drastic dieting increased longevity. Now they believe it is a type of protein called sirtuins. Sirtuins stabilize the DNA to prevent damage that can lead to age-related diseases as well as promoting DNA repair.

The benefits of resveratrol seem to be growing as more and more research is done. Here is some of the benefits.

Cardiovascular

Many studies have shown the impact of resveratrol on reducing the risks of heart disease and the damage from strokes. Some of these discoveries include the reduction of atherosclerosis, inflammation, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) oxidation, and a reduced “stickiness” of platelets leading to a reduction in deadly clot formation.

Findings show that resveratrol not only may prevent a cardiovascular event but it may reverse the damage should one occur.
Stroke is another devastating outcome of atherosclerosis. Through its activation of sirtuin molecules, resveratrol can prevent injury to brain cells.
Researchers have also measured how platelet aggregation or “clumping” which is an important factor in clot formation in heart attacks and strokes is affected by resveratrol. They found that there was an increase in nitric oxide which lowers the amount of clumping.
In the studies being conducted, the supplemented animals also had reductions in their blood pressure.

Lower Cholesterol

Scientists have now established a relationship between resveratrol, inflammation, blood lipids, immune cells, and the cells lining arterial walls. In studies with mice, they had consistently

Lower total cholesterol and LDL levels than did control animals as well as consistently higher levels of beneficial HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
Also, the resveratrol-supplemented group saw higher levels of an enzyme called paraoxonase, which is an HDL-associated protein that prevents the LDL oxidation. In addition, the cholesterol-producing enzyme HMG-CoA-reductase (HMGR) was significantly lower. The prescription drugs called statins are used to control HMGR activity.

Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome

Type 2 diabetes is associated with development of the metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies have established beyond doubt that red wine consumption is associated with a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Resveratrol helps regulate glucose levels in the blood of diabetic patients while delivering glucose to skeletal muscles. In fact, resveratrol’s activation of sirtuins is so effective that many researchers are now interested in its use as a potential drug for the treatment of diabetes.

In endless studies, resveratrol continues to mimic many of the metabolic benefits of caloric restriction through its activation of sirtuins, without the deprivation associated with a reduced calorie diet. There will undoubtedly be more results from the myriad of studies being conducted. It seems that resveratrol may be a life-changing substance.

As a side note – resveratrol does quickly dissipate when in contact with oxygen. The level of resveratrol in wine will be drastically reduced in a bottle that is open overnight. Which also means that supplements on the market that do NOT guarantee the potency of resveratrol may have very little. Check the label for guaranteed potency.

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Confused About What Your Blood Chemistry is Telling You – part 4

Filed under: Blood Chemistry; Tagged as: Adrenal Glands, American Thyroid Association, Blood Chemistry, Cold Intolerance, Congestive Heart Failure, Free Testosterone, Heart Palpitations, Heat Intolerance, High Blood Cholesterol, L Tyrosine, Mild Hypothyroidism, Prostate-Specific Antigen, Serum Cholesterol, Testosterone, Thyroid Health, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

8. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) controls thyroid hormone secretion in the thyroid. When blood levels are low, this indicates hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid activity), and when values are high, this suggests hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity). Measuring TSH is the best test for assessing thyroid function. Currently, the American Thyroid Association recommends screening for TSH levels every five years beginning at age 35.

Mild hypothyroidism may be associated with reversible high blood cholesterol and cognitive dysfunction, as well as fatigue, depression, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation and weight gain. Mild hyperthyroidism is often associated with atrial fibrillation, reduced bone mineral density and fatigue, weight loss, heat intolerance, nervousness, insomnia, muscle weakness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

Natural therapies may help to support thyroid health and optimize TSH levels. Discuss with your doctor the use of L-tyrosine, iodine and selenium.

9. Testosterone (Free)

Testosterone is produced in the testes in men, in the ovaries in women and in the adrenal glands of both men and women. Both men and women can be dramatically affected by the decline in testosterone levels that occurs with aging.

In men, free testosterone levels may indicate whether sufficient bioactive testosterone is available to protect against abdominal obesity, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle tone, type II diabetes and atherosclerosis. There are also ongoing studies which link low testosterone levels with a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis in men.

Following menopause, levels of testosterone in women decrease, along with a decline in libido and mood. Although women produce only small quantities of testosterone, evidence indicates that this hormone helps women maintain sexual function, as well as muscle strength and lower body fat. High levels of free testosterone may cause excessive hair growth on the face and may also indicate low estrogen levels.

Discuss with your doctor the use of supplements such as DHEA and pregnenolone.

10. Prostate-Specific Antigen (Male Panel Only)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein manufactured by the cells of the prostate gland in men. Elevated PSA levels can suggest benign prostatic enlargement, prostate inflammation or prostate cancer. Measurement of PSA levels is a screening tool and is also used to monitor progression of prostate disease and response to treatment.

Since the early 1990′s, the PSA test has been widely used and the prostate cancer death rate has dropped. The American Cancer Society recommends annual PSA testing beginning at age 50. Men who are at high risk should begin PSA testing at age 40-45. PSA levels go up with age, even in the absence of prostate abnormalities.

Summary

Yearly blood testing is a simple yet powerful strategy to help you proactively take charge of your current and future health. A series of blood tests can thoroughly assess your overall state of health, as well as detect the silent warning signals that precede the development of serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Being aware of these changes will enable you to implement proper nutrition, weight loss, exercise, supplements and medications in order to prevent progression to full-blown, life-threatening diseases.