Red wine, in moderation, has been found to contain powerful substances that benefit the heart, the nervous system, and even your teeth, and it may even offer some cancer protection.

We're told that, in general, alcohol is not good for us. But then we learn about the amazing health benefits that can come from having a glass or two of red wine every day. What's the real story here?

Well, red wine is good for a man's health in a number of ways, according to many studies. But the alcohol in red wine has little to do with it. Red wine happens to contain powerful antioxidants, substances that protect your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

The health benefits from wine are the same for men and women, but men can drink more given their generally larger body mass — one or two 4-ounce glasses of wine per day — while women should consume only one glass. You still need to practice moderation when you drink, as having more than this amount has been tied to heart disease, liver damage, and other health problems.

Red Wine: Rich in Antioxidants

In general, antioxidants keep free radicals from attacking the body's cells and contributing to destructive processes inside the body. Think of the antioxidant process in terms of what happens when you slice into an apple. Once you cut an apple slice, it begins to brown from damage caused by free radicals, a process called oxidation. But if you dip the slice in lemon juice, which contains the antioxidant vitamin C, the apple flesh will stay white.

Flavonoids and resveratrol are the main types of antioxidants found in red wine:

• Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in plants. In red wine, the main type of flavonoid is anthocyanin, a substance found in the skin of the grape that produces the deep purple-red color of the wine.
• Resveratrol is a compound produced by plants to help them ward off fungal infections and other disease. It belongs to the class of antioxidants known as polyphenols.

Your choice of red wine can make a difference. Cabernet Sauvignon contains the most antioxidants, followed closely by Petite Sirah and Pinot Noir. Merlots and red zinfandels have some antioxidants, but fewer than the other wines.

Red Wine: Rich in Health Benefits

Doctors have linked a number of significant health benefits to drinking red wine:

• Reduction in heart disease. Flavonoids in red wine are believed to decrease the amount of "bad" cholesterol in your bloodstream and increase "good" cholesterol. Flavonoids and resveratrol also seem to prevent platelets from sticking together, which can prevent heart attack or stroke by decreasing the risk of clot formation.
• Protection against cancer. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce tumor incidence and inhibit growth of cancer cells in the laboratory. Studies have begun to directly link red wine consumption to reduction of cancer risk in humans. For example, research has shown that a glass of red wine a day can cut a man's risk of prostate cancer in half, particularly when it comes to the most aggressive types of prostate cancer.
• Protection against neurological disorders. Researchers have found that resveratrol can help block the formation of amyloid plaques which are thought to damage brain cells and contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Another study found that resveratrol actually aided in the formation of new nerve cells, which could help prevent neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
• Other health benefits. Doctors continue to find new ways in which the antioxidant effects of red wine benefit the body. For example, researchers have found that red wine cuts down on the inflammation and tissue damage caused by periodontal, or gum, disease. So drinking red wine actually can help your dental health, they say.

Don’t overdo it, but do enjoy a glass of red wine or two, as an effortless way to get health benefits.

Everyday Health

 Foot orthotics have been used for decades in the treatment of various different foot problems. Conditions such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, knee pain, bunions, corns, calluses and a host of other foot problems, leg, knee and postural complaints have all been known to improve with the use of orthotic appliances.

Functional foot orthotics are primarily used to alter the forces exerted on the foot in an effort to alleviate any pain or overuse injuries. This is very different to a simple arch support.

When damaging forces on the foot and leg begin to cause pain, many overuse problems may start to occur. These symptoms of overuse can include pain or discomfort in the feet or legs. Sometimes symptoms will occur in the hip and the lower back or spine.

Foot orthotics can help to control these damaging forces and prevent many of these symptoms.

How long must you wear orthotics?  If foot orthotics have been prescribed for you then generally they will be needed indefinitely. This is because foot orthotics are similar to eye glasses or false teeth... they only work while you are wearing them.

As you get older foot posture can improve with continual wear of your orthotics. Orthotics should be checked for accuracy and excessive 'wear and tear' every six to twelve months.

There are various different types of materials used to produce different types of orthoses. Softer materials include EVA (Ethylvinylacetate) while firmer more durable materials can include polypropylene among many others.

How long do orthotics last? Orthotics can last anywhere from six months to many years. Once more there are many factors that will affect wear and tear which is why regular reviews for accuracy are so important. Orthotics, just like shoes, do wear out and do need replacing from time to time.

At what age should you commence using foot orthotics? Foot orthotics may be used in children as young as three years of age, however, this is rarely necessary. Most children have relatively "flat feet" as a normal variant and should develop a normal arch by the age of seven. Children should be assessed as early as possible to ensure normal development occurs.

Orthotics are often used as treatment intervention when a child's foot posture is not within its normal range. This intervention frequently helps to eliminate common childhood foot and leg problems including growing pains, aching feet and legs and poor co-ordination.

What is the difference between foot orthotics, insoles and arch supports? Terms such as foot supports, arch supports, insoles and foot beds are all loose terms used to describe various different types of supports used for the feet. True foot orthotics are prescription devices which are prescribed for your particular complaint, foot and body type.   

According to Dr. Jacob Selhub and colleagues in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "the status of these vitamins is frequently inadequate in the elderly and recent studies have shown associations between loss of cognitive function or Alzheimer's disease and inadequate B vitamin status."

Research has shown that an inadequate B vitamin status may result in neurocognitive dysfunction through elevated homocysteine concentrations in the blood, or hyperhomocysteinemia. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the human body. Prevalent in the elderly population, hyperhomocysteinemia is largely attributed to insufficient levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

The association between cognitive dysfunction and hyperhomocysteinemia has been demonstrated in numerous studies. For instance, Dr. Selhub and colleagues reported that "patients with Alzheimer's disease had higher total plasma homocysteine concentrations than did age-matched healthy controls," while "elderly patients with depression who had lower cognitive screening test scores had significantly higher homocysteine concentrations than did patients with normal cognitive screening tests."

Because folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 are often deficient among many elderly patients, the importance of these vitamins in the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia and neurocognitive dysfunction cannot be overlooked.

Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71(2):6145-205.

Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002

 As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, there is one thing nearly all modern Americans have in common: we sit all the time. Though our great shift towards computer-based work has done great things for productivity, it has, unfortunately, done terrible things for our health. From increased risk of heart disease and obesity in the long term, to sharply hampered cholesterol maintenance in the short term, the negative health effects of sitting are starting to weigh heavily against the benefits. Even the medical field – the greatest advocates and reducing sitting time – is plagued by this new health issue. Though doctors and nurses get plenty of walking time, it usually falls to the secretaries, billers, and coders to do all the sitting. And, as we can see, something has to change.

How Toxic Are You? Learn How To Detox

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning.

• Do you want more energy, better sleep, and better  digestion?
• Do you sometimes feel tired, irritable, or moody?
• Do you feel bloated or gain weight easily?
• Do you have trouble concentrating?
• Do you have occasional mild headaches?
• Do you digestive or intestinal discomfort?
• Do you have sore muscles for no apparent reason.

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you don't want to miss this FREE patient webinar.

Sign up now for a free Detox Webinar (https://metagenics.webex.com/metagenics/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=966910828) and learn how to feel better than ever with a simple, doctor-supervised detox.

New research shows that exposure to toxins began while you were a baby in the womb. But, every day you’re exposed to chemicals that can cause a buildup of toxins. In one study, 6 chemicals that were found in virtually every person’s blood and urine were identified as probable health hazards. 

Environmental toxins not only affect the way you feel, but they can also lead to chronic health issues. But, there is a way to help your body get rid of toxins. A doctor-supervised detoxification program can help you feel better in as little as 10 days.

Another way to promote the health of your intestinal tract is to season it with these herbs and spices.  We already mentioned garlic and onions for their role in liver detoxification, but they also promote health in the GI tract. 

• Garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal food.  Garlic has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, and is effective against harmful bacteria, yeasts and parasites.
• Onions, although not as potent as garlic, also has antimicrobial properties and, if consumed regularly, will promote a healthy GI tract.
• Turmeric is also a natural antibiotic and antifungal.  It has been used for centuries to relieve inflammation when used properly.

Ginger, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme all have antifungal and antibiotic properties.  Using these seasonings regularly in cooking can help reduce your risk for intestinal inflammation and leaky gut.  They should be used at the end of cooking, as heating over 200 degrees Farenheit will destroy their antibacterial activity. 

We talked today about the importance of keeping your liver and intestinal tract healthy.  These 2 organs provide defenses against harmful bacteria.  The GI tract itself is subject to damage by eating the wrong foods...or not eating the right foods.  The liver can be overburdened by the substances we expose it to either by choice or by circumstances not in our control.  We can promote the health of these important organs by eating plenty of organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as using fiber supplements when necessary.  

 The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to damage in a variety of ways. 

• Balancing the flora or “good bacteria,”
• limiting the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
• providing nutritional support,
• minimizing the use of alcohol, caffeine, processed foods and food additives,
• as well as managing stress, are all ways to prevent “leaky gut.” 

 We’ll be focusing mainly on balancing the microflora by using probiotics and fiber. There are hundreds of different species of microflora that live in our GI tracts.  Overgrowth of one kind relative to another can lead to a variety health problems.  One way to promote a healthy balance of intestinal tract microflora is to use probiotics and prebiotics. 

Probiotic means “for life” and is used to emphasize the healthy effects of friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilusand bifidobacteria. Taking antibiotic medications (anti-biotics means anti-life) can wipe out the good as well as the bad bacteria.  Taking probiotics after a course of antibiotics can restore the friendly bacteria.  Homemade yogurt, sauerkraut, and acidophilus milk will provide these probiotics.  Or, you might want to take a dietary supplement, as food sources are not reliable sources of lactobacillus.

Prebiotics refer to substances known as fructooligosaccharides, a complex molecule that is healthful to the gastrointestinal tract.  You can get FOS from honey, onions, bananas, and oats – to name a few foods. 

We can’t really talk about intestinal health without including fiber in the discussion.  Low-fiber diets are known causes of constipation.  Laxative sales are well above $500 million in this country, which could be unnecessary by ensuring a higher level of dietary fiber.  Health experts recommend 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, but most people get only around 10 grams or less.

There really are only 2 general types of fiber in foods – soluble and insoluble – and they act in different ways in the body.  Soluble fiber is the kind that dissolves in water and forms a thick viscous gel.  Fruit pectin is a soluble fiber and used to make jellies. 

• Soluble fiber produces substances in the GI tract that feed and nourish the cells, stimulate healing and preventing cancer growth.  Eating more fiber can help reduce the risk of colon cancer. 
• Soluble fiber also decreases the body’s production of cholesterol, thus helping reduce the risk of heart disease. 
• Soluble fiber is also good for blood sugar control because it slows down the rate of glucose absorption. 
• It’s important not to go overboard on fiber supplements, as this can create imbalances of its own.

Foods contain a mixture of both soluble and insoluble fiber.  The best sources of soluble fiber are

• oats,
• beans,
• peas,
• barley, and
• legumes.
• Apples and berries are the best fruit sources of soluble fiber. 

You may recall that these are foods that are low on the glycemic index because soluble fiber can help modulate blood sugars.  Try to get one or two servings per day from these foods.

Insoluble fiber does not form a gel in water, but is does aid elimination.  It helps detoxify the body by preventing toxic substances from remaining in the GI tract and causing damage.  It also helps detoxify intestinal toxins; therefore, insoluble fiber also helps prevent cancerous growths.   Like soluble fiber, it helps control blood sugar by slowing its absorption into the bloodstream.

Again, I want to emphasize that these foods are mixtures of both soluble and insoluble fiber.  However, these foods have more insoluble fiber. 

• Whole wheat and other whole grains,
• cereals and vegetables are good sources.

Can you see why so many nutritionists recommend fruits, vegetables and whole grains?

Incidentally, to avoid exposure to pesticides and herbicides, it’s best to choose organic foods whenever possible.

How can you get up to the 25 or 30 grams per day? 

• One serving of fruit provides about 3 grains of fiber – some more, some less.  If you get 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, that will give you 15. 
• Add 2 servings of whole grains and you’ll get just about 20 or 22 grams.  If you choose a high fiber cereal in the morning – one that has about 6 or 7 grams of fiber, you’ll boost the amount to over 25 grams. 

It’s not that hard if you choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruit and vegetable juices do not contain fiber unless they are supplemented.  It’s also important to drink enough water to help fiber do its job.  You should get at least 6-8 glasses of water every day.  This does not include coffee and tea, as these tend to promote water loss.  

One way we can support the liver is to nourish it with these important vitamins and minerals.  Eating healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality whole grains, legumes, and lowfat meat, poultry and fish provide these nutrients. 

Two very important groups of fruits and vegetables for detoxification are the cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruits that contain limonene. 

• Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, arugula and cauliflower are part of the cruciferous vegetable family.  They contain substances called indoles.  These substances can reduce the toxicity of substances that might otherwise lead to cancer.  Studies are showing that people that eat this group of vegetables regularly have fewer hormone-related cancers. 
• The citrus fruits contain limonene.  Limonene supports the liver’s detoxification process.  Try to get something from the citrus group every day.  NOT GRAPEFRUIT! Grapefruit has a substance called naringenin that reduces the ability of the liver to detoxify certain drugs.  Talk to your healthcare provider if you take medications and like to eat grapefruit. Naringenin may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. 

These nutrients are used by the liver to detoxify and prepare substances for elimination. These foods and nutrients are powerful as they not only provide nutrition for energy and growth, they also help the body rid itself of harmful substances.

The B vitamins – folic acid, B6, B12 and B2 – provide the biochemically necessary methyl groups for detoxification.  Curcumin, found in tumeric-based curry sauces, supports the liver detox enzymes.  And sulfur-containing foods provide substances that prepare detoxified substances for excretion. 

An herb that has extensive research behind it is milk thistle.  An extract from the milk thistle plant, silymarin, has been shown to protect the liver from damage by toxic substances.  It has many times the antioxidant activity of vitamins C and E.  One way thatmilk thistle enhances detoxification is by preventing the depletion of a very important detoxifying substance called glutathione.  The higher the level of glutathione, the better the liver is able to handle toxic substances. Milk thistle increases the liver’s supply of glutathione by up to 35%.  Vitamin C also helps increase glutathione in the liver.

The intestinal tract is another very important organ involved in preventing toxic overload.  It acts as a natural barrier to substances that are not supposed to enter the circulation.  If large particles are allowed to pass or “leak” into the general circulation, they can promote inflammation.  Keeping the intestinal tract healthy is a good strategy to prevent “leaky gut.”

More about that in our next blog.

Information provided in association with Metagenics, Inc. and FirstLine Therapy. 

Detoxing your body can help with the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, causes of mental confusion, headache pain and other symptoms by using herbal body detoxification.  

Every day we are exposed to toxic substances in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the foods we eat.  It is very good medicine to practice detoxification to reduce the toxic burden on the body by removing these substances that can lead to disease.

Toxic substances can be from both external and internal sources.  Food additives, chemical solvents from industrial waste, pesticides and herbicides, drugs, and alcohol are all substances that we ingest that need to be detoxified properly.  These wastes do not only come from large industrial chemical factories.  Many of these are the cleaners, pesticides and herbicides we use in and around our home.  We also produce toxins internally from bacteria and yeasts that inhabit our gastrointestinal tract.  If not handled properly, these can grow and cause imbalances that lead to disease.

Some of the conditions associated with toxic overload are:  headaches, muscle and joint pain, allergy or flu-like symptoms, and chronic fatigue.  Using detoxification strategies can help you avoid these conditions and reduce the body’s toxic burden, as well as help alleviate them.  

Toxic overload and the inability to effectively eliminate toxic substances have also been associated with serious health conditions, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The liver is the primary detoxification organ in the body.  It processes about 2 quarts of blood every minute, removing particles and preparing them for elimination.  This makes the liver one of the hardest working organs in the body.  You can say that the liver protects the rest of the body from harmful substances by reducing their toxicity and making them ready for excretion.  It’s a good idea to treat your liver well in order for it to keep you well.

In our next blog we will tell you the nutrients and foods that will help you detoxify your body.

RELIEVE ARTHRITIS PAIN

Everyday many of us suffer from chronic minor pains to the more extreme pains.  There are choices we can make to assist us in our daily pain.  Our doctors prescribe medications.  How easy it is for us to say, “Okay, I’ll take it.”  We just want the pain to go away, but do we really know the costs.  As I wrote in the last blog, many medications that help us also hinder us in healing.

One of the most common chronic illnesses is arthritis.  Millions of people suffer from some form of arthritis.  Just like other things that ail us, we medicate.  Substantial evidence now shows, however, that pain relief for arthritis and the disability caused by arthritis can be alleviated by dietary modifications, nutritional dietary supplements, stress reduction and other non surgical orthopedics.

As an inflammation of the joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, arthritis is among the oldest of known human afflictions.  It can affect virtually every part of the body.  Arthritis can range from aching joints, stiffness and swelling to crippling disability.   

Natural arthritis relief can begin by cutting the weight and boosting your nutrition.  Normal body weight can help alleviate the stress excess weight puts on your joints.  Boost your nutrition with a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains.  It not only helps to reduce weight, but will maximize nutritional benefits.  Foods rich in essential fatty acids and supplementation from good sources help prevent arthritis and are ways to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.  While a good diet can alleviate arthritis symptoms, some foods can do just the opposite.  Research shows the following 10 menu items are the worst to eat and the best to avoid:  Corn, Wheat, Pork products (including bacon), Oranges, Milk, Coffee, Rye, Oats, Eggs, and Beef.