Curcumin Shown to Reduce Arthritis Symptoms

By Justin Wiggins
New data suggest that supplements of a patented, high bioavailability curcumin may actually match a prescription rheumatoid arthritis drug for joint health benefits, but with fewer side effects; clearly an added benefit in its own right.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Approximately 21 million adults are currently affected by arthritis and that number is predicted to rise to 67 million by the year 2030.
Dr. Ajay Goel from Baylor University Medical Center says, “The drugs used for people with rheumatoid arthritis can have severe adverse effects.”
The study involved 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis who were randomly assigned to receive a curcumin supplement (1,000 mg per day), the prescription drug diclofenac sodium (100 mg per day), or a combination of both for eight weeks.
Researchers wanted to test the comparative effectiveness of curcumin for reducing swelling and pain. Because of their concerns that curcumin on its own wouldn’t be sufficiently absorbed, they chose a specific extract called BCM-95® to use in the study–there is evidence that this potent concentrate absorbs between 7 and 10 times better than ordinary curcumin.
After the eight week trial, all groups displayed improvements in various joint health measures. The BCM-95® group displayed the greatest reductive trend in symptoms, although statistically results were considered equal among all three groups.
However, the same group displayed reduced markers of more general inflammation as well, including C-reactive protein (CRP), which is most commonly used to measure the risk of heart disease. On another interesting side note, over 10 percent of the prescription group dropped out of the study on account of intolerable side effects, while the curcumin group remained 100 percent compliant.
As the researchers wrote, “Our observations that curcumin alone was able to alleviate symptoms of rheumatiod arthritis in this study are quite encouraging, and these results provide an ideal springboard for investigating the potential of curcumin in other chronic diseases arising in the setting of dysregulated chronic inflammation.”
This endorsement speaks plainly. Along with matching a prescription drug in effectiveness within this study, being far more readily available and displaying no apparent side effects, curcumin thus far presents itself as a very viable alternative for joint health benefits.


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The Importance of Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition

by Sean Wells

Nutrition, as a whole, forms the cornerstone of good health and fitness—as the saying goes, it is impossible to out-train a bad diet. The particular nutrients consumed around the time of exercise, however, play such an important role in its productivity and results that they are worthy of as much attention as overall eating pattern.

To demonstrate the value of nutrient timing, a study was conducted in which two groups of regular exercisers were assigned to an identical supplement regimen. The experimental aspect of the study was this: while the first group consumed their supplements at breakfast and dinner, the other consumed theirs immediately prior to and at the conclusion of their exercise session. At the conclusion of the 10-week study, the pre/post-workout supplementation group demonstrated a substantially greater increase in lean body mass, as well as maximal strength, as compared to the other group; a case of identical supplementation, yet different results.

The reasons for these differences are simple enough. So long as it is supplied at the appropriate time, proper pre-workout nutrition supplies the body with energy that fuels productive workouts, post-workout nutrition provides the raw materials required to respond to exercise. This response almost invariably means becoming stronger and leaner, while also promoting optimal metabolic function and improvement in a variety of general health markers, including cardiovascular function, insulin sensitivity and alleviation of both depression and anxiety.

With the benefits of exercise well-established, and the importance of nutrient timing clearly demonstrated, all that remains is to determine which particular nutrients yield the greatest benefits before and after a workout. While it can be very challenging to navigate through the multitude of fitness trends and exaggerated claims, a select group of ingredients have emerged that can give both workouts and results from workouts a legitimate boost.

Proper pre-workout supplementation is based around three factors: providing fuel, providing focus and reducing fatigue (on a side note, in this context, fuel does not necessarily refer to calories from food, but catalysts that promote the release of energy when it is most needed). In this category, some of the most effective nutrients are:

• Creatine – Creatine is by far the most researched sports nutrition supplement of the last 25 years; as such, most readers have probably heard of it, and its benefits in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate—our muscles main fuel source during high-intensity workouts). While multiple varieties of creatine have been subsequently introduced over the years, the original type—creatine monohydrate—has not only stood the test of time, but has continued to display effectiveness equal to (or sometimes exceeding) subsequent reformulations.
• D- Ribose – This lesser-known sports nutrient is in some ways a partner to creatine in that it too assists in the rapid production and replenishment of ATP, thereby both ensuring proper fueling of muscle and helping to delay the onset of fatigue. Its effectiveness is so widely recognized that one of its most common applications is in helping to quickly rejuvenate cardiac muscle in those who have recently experienced heart attacks.
• L-Citrulline – This amino acid is a vasodialator, helping to increase works to help maintain the acid-base balance in the body, providing a major benefit during workouts, when large amounts of lactic acid are produced, promoting fatigue and potentially cutting a workout short.
• Green Tea Extract – This powerful antioxidant offers similar detoxifying benefits to assist in handling waste products generated by exercise, while also containing an appreciable amount of natural caffeine—clinically proven to delay the onset of fatigue, and well-known to promote concentration and focus.

While effective pre-workout nutrition is based upon facilitating the best possible workout and enabling the strongest stimulus for working muscles, proper post-workout nutrition is built around recovering from that stimulus. This enables those muscles to produce the strongest possible response, which translates to increases in strength, endurance and development. For this purpose, the necessary nutrient is protein, both in whole form and in the form of specific amino acids. While certain endurance athletes—especially runners covering distances of 10 or more miles—would be advised to replenish carbohydrates as well, for the typical gym member carbohydrates are not required for protein synthesis or muscle recovery. Instead, look to the following for best results:

• Whey Protein – Derived from dairy, whey protein is the fastest-absorbing form of protein available, making it the ideal choice for post-workout muscle feeding, when time is of the essence.
• BCAAs – Also known as the branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine and valine—these are used both during workouts as a fuel source and in the immediate recovery of muscle tissue afterward. The ideal ratio for delivery and use is 2:1:1 for leucine, isoleucine and valine, respectively. In other words, a product delivering 500 mg of leucine and 250 mg each of isoleucine and valine matches this requirement.
• Glutamine – This amino acid is the most abundant in the human body, but is also among the most commonly used by the body. During periods of stress (such as a vigorous workout), the body’s reserves of this amino acid can become severely depleted, making supplementation a post-workout priority.

The importance of regular exercise for health and fitness is not to be underestimated. Nevertheless, the nutritional practices immediately surrounding workouts can definitely assist in providing extra fuel for workouts, extending energy and work capacity, and in helping the muscular system to recover and replenish itself afterward. In the case of pre and post-workout nutrition, the interconnection between cause and effect is complex; looking to the nutrients mentioned here, however, simplifies things considerably, and will go a long way towards guaranteeing that all exercise efforts are well spent

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Torch sports nutrition line will help you optimize your workout, increase muscle growth and aid in muscle recovery.

Torch Pre-Burn is formulated to increase energy and muscle growth, stimulate ATP production, provide peak performance, and support the body with an antioxidant and cardiovascular defense. Contains creatine for a more efficient regeneration of ATP
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Torch™ After-Burn is formulated to increase muscle cell hydration, stimulate muscle growth, promote muscle comfort after workouts, and provide the body with a cardiovascular defense and energy boost.  Combines both whey and casein in a sensible ratio provides the positive benefits from both of these proteins
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Anti-Aging: The Hormone Influence

By Elizabeth Benton
Staying healthy, active and energetic as you age is possible. While many adults accept changes in body composition, energy, sexual function and mobility as natural parts of aging, there are many factors within our control that help protect against the visible signs of aging. There are countless ways to support a healthy, vibrant aging process including a diet rich in whole foods, limiting processed foods, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, staying active, getting enough sleep and avoiding stress. What many people don’t realize is that all of those factors have something in common: they support the optimal production of hormones that are critical in the aging process.
Hormones are at the center of the aging process. There are two camps of hormones – the hormones that help keep us young and the hormones that age us. Here is a critical fact to understand: we age because hormone production declines – hormone production doesn’t decline because we age. So – if we are able to leverage natural means of supporting crucial hormone levels, we can effectively maintain energy, youthfulness, metabolism, sexual function and much more.
The trend seen in many aging adults is an increase in hormones which can negatively impact our health such as cortisol and insulin, with a simultaneous decrease in hormones that help maintain youthfulness – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone and many others. These changes often result in decreases in muscle mass, aerobic capacity, bone mineral density, quality sleep and sexual desire with concurrent increases in fat mass, stress, blood pressure and inflammation.
Fortunately, employing a few simple strategies, at any age, can help you get on the right track towards staying healthy, active and well as you age. Identifying the factors which support normal hormone production and utilization is the first step in achieving your anti-aging goals.
1. Sleep
Getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night is critical. Sleep is an active process during which your body restores and repairs itself. By skimping on your sleep and not giving body the necessary time to rest and repair, you support your body’s natural ability to product hormones.
2. Stress
Chronic stress accelerates the aging process – there is no way around it. Excess stress increases cortisol levels. By minimizing stress you help moderate your cortisol levels and support a healthy hormonal foundation.
3. Diet
Processed, chemical-laden foods interrupt healthy hormone production. By the same token, organic, whole foods help support optimal hormone production. Make an effort to choose whole foods and reserve processed foods for occasional treats.
4. Supplementation
There are a variety of nutrients that can help support optimal hormone production and support your journey towards healthy aging:
L-Arginine is an amino acid found naturally in dairy, poultry, meat, nuts and fish. L-arginine is an essential component of healthy aging because of its role in supporting the natural production of several hormones, most notably human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is the master hormone which controls the growth of the body from infancy to adulthood. HGH stimulates the synthesis and release of Insulin-Like Growth Factors (IGF-1), which carry out the instructions of HGH, including effects on strength, energy, muscle health and endurance, sexual vitality, metabolic effects and many more.
Glutamine is another amino acid which has been heavily researched and is used widely in supplementation. One of its many roles includes its function to significantly increase plasma human growth hormone levels. One study showed as much as a 70% increase in growth hormone levels compared to placebo after oral supplementation for 3 weeks. These effects were seen when glutamine was combined with glycine and niacin.
Glycine is a lesser-known but very important amino acid; primary sources are protein-rich foods including meat, fish and dairy. In addition to its known benefits for muscular and nervous system health, studies have shown glycine plays a role in increasing the body’s release of HGH as well as controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary function involved in the synthesis of HGH.
Melatonin is a hormone synthesized in the brain and is known for its effects as a sleep aid. Its primary role involves the regulation of the body’s circadian rhythm, endocrine secretions and sleep patterns, but it also plays a role in stimulating the release of human growth hormone. It is important to also note that human growth hormone is released during the first 45-90 minutes of sleep so if sleep patterns are good, this process works more effectively. Melatonin has also been shown to inhibit somatostatin—a hormone that works against the release of human growth hormone—and to compliment the effects of other HGH stimulating nutrients such as arginine, glutamine and glycine.
A popular misconception is that the aging process is simply a fate to accept. The reality is that what we refer to as “aging” is an interrelated series of biological process that, to a considerable extent, can be effectively managed. Most manifestations of aging—compromised mobility, depleted energy, decrease in muscle tone and inhibited libido—all relate back to changes in the production and maintenance of various hormones.
Thanks to extensive research and clinical trials, these hormones, their precursors and the factors that prompt and sustain their release have all been identified, and these nutrients, properly incorporated into regular supplement regimens, can exert a profound effect. As these discoveries progress, the day may well arrive when aging gracefully is not an aspiration for later life, but the natural norm to be comfortably anticipated.

 nutraMetrix® Ultra Prime™ Secretagogue  uses a special blend of nutritional ingredients that will naturally increase the production and release of HGH by the pituitary gland.  Research has proven that HGH-secreting cells of the pituitary gland do not die. They maintain their ability to make significant amounts of natural growth hormone.  http://bit.ly/TKkaHi

Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Heart Disease & Diabetes, Study Shows

By Chake Faye

For years, researchers have studied the effects of supplemental vitamin D within the body. Vitamin D is known to facilitate adequate, strong bone growth and help with proper absorption of calcium within the body, among many other exceptional benefits.

New research has now revealed that older individuals can also reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes with sufficient vitamin D supplementation. In a compilation study, led by Dr. Oscar Franco, over a 19 year period, it was revealed that older men and women can both benefit from the addition. Those with higher levels of vitamin D in the body had a 33% less chance of contracting cardiovascular disease and a 55% reduction in the risk of developing diabetes, overall.

“We found that high levels of vitamin D among middle age and elderly populations are associated with a substantial decrease in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Targeting vitamin D deficiency…could potentially slow the current epidemics of cardiometabolic disorders.

The recommended minimum daily dosage of vitamin D is 600 IU (15mcg) for anyone 1-70 years of age and 800 IU (20mcg) for those 70 and older, according to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.

The Science of Handling Hangovers Healthfully

Author: Sean Wells | 

In the course of social drinking, many of us accidentally overstep our limits at some point, to arrive at a pretty unpleasant morning after. The painful feeling of a hangover, however, is an indicator of something that actually happens every time alcohol is consumed, in excess or not. For those who have ever been curious about what exactly is behind hangovers and how they might be alleviated, here is an explanation of them, along with some suggestions for a solution.

The consumption of alcohol carries with it a negative impact on many organs, including the brain (which contributes to the foggy feeling that comes with a hangover) and the liver. Consuming excess alcohol, however, will also damage virtually all the other systems of the body. Alcohol’s dehydrating effect sometimes takes the blame for this—alcohol can trick the body into expelling up to four times the normal amount of fluids, eliminating vitamins and electrolytes in the process.

There is more to the story, however. As alcohol is metabolized by the liver, it transforms to acetaldehyde—a toxic substance of the same family as formaldehyde. While the liver can normally break down smaller quantities of this substance, more than one alcoholic drink per hour is likely to exceed the livers natural capacity. Additional support for the liver can be provided by milk thistle, a naturally occurring botanical extract which can enhance the body’s ability to purge toxins. It has become popular for this very reason in many detoxing-based wellness programs.

Also produced in mass quantities during alcohol metabolism are the dangerous, highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. Perhaps as much as the alcohol itself, these metabolic byproducts can contribute to hangovers through increased inflammation—something like sunburn, but occurring on the inside. Free radical damage, however, can be countered with antioxidants—among these are the vitamins A, C and E. Some botanicals display these properties as well; perhaps the best known among these is green tea.

On that morning after, therefore, the best way to begin a comeback is with rehydration, replenishment of vitamins (especially those with antioxidant potential) and possibly some green tea, which not only offers antioxidant protection but will deliver a mild dose of caffeine—all the better to get moving with. While the caffeine should help to clear mental fogginess as well, those seeking additional support would also benefit from ginkgo biloba, an extract shown to promote focus and attention with additional blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Although we don’t always see these nights coming, it’s worth mentioning that hangovers can be avoided much easier if these same measures are taken ahead of time, as well as after the fact. Having your nights out surrounded with higher levels of antioxidants in the system and a liver that is primed and ready will likely mean less depletion during drinking, and less suffering afterward. In other words, for best results, plan around your party—your body will definitely thank you for it!


The supplement Oxygen Extreme from nutraMetrix includes the ingredients described in the above article for Healthy Handling of Hangovers

Primary Benefits of nutraMetrix® Timeless Prescription™ Oxygen Extreme*:

• Provides strong antioxidant protection
• Supports healthy immune function
• Helps maintain cardiovascular health
• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Promotes a healthy digestive tract
• Supports a healthy liver
• Promotes skin health
• Promotes eye and vision health
• Promotes cognitive health
• Supports healthy reproductive systems

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Key Ingredients Found in nutraMetrix® Timeless Prescription™ Oxygen Extreme:

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) 5000 IU
Vitamin A is an anti-aging micronutrient of the highest order, standing firmly alongside vitamins C, E and the mineral selenium in its ability to help maintain health. Studies conducted over several years indicate that beta-carotene may play a significant role in helping to maintain overall health. Beta-carotene acts as a precursor of vitamin A and is, therefore, called a pro-vitamin A compound. Foods or supplements containing beta-carotene are converted to vitamin A for the maintenance of healthy skin, good vision and a robust immune system.

Vitamin C 200 mg
Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps to maintain healthy collagen in the skin, promotes normal healing, promotes healthy teeth and bones, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C is one of the more powerful and well-known antioxidants. Just as exposing a cut from an apple to air causes it to quickly turn brown, cells of the body can also suffer when exposed to oxygen, a process known as oxidation. Oxidation causes aging of the skin, as well as all other organs and tissues of the body. Vitamin C, as a free-radical fighter, helps the body maintain its youthful qualities for longer periods of time.

Vitamin E 30 IU
Vitamin E supports the respiratory system. It also promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin E protects the body from oxidation, a normal aging process by which oxygen breaks down the body’s tissues. It works to neutralize free radicals, which are naturally occurring unstable molecules that can damage the body’s healthy molecules by taking electrons to balance themselves. When enough vitamin E is present in the body, unstable free radicals get their electrons from the vitamin E molecules and leave the healthy molecules alone, thus promoting the health of tissues.

Selenium 200 mcg
Selenium is one of the most important micronutrients to include in a longevity-minded health regimen and is frequently cited by anti-aging specialists as an antioxidant that should be included on an anti-aging checklist. Selenium and vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant, are synergists, meaning they each improve the efficiency of the other. Moreover, selenium promotes the body’s production of glutathione peroxidase, the body's master antioxidant. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that works closely with vitamin E to provide the body with powerful antioxidant protection from free radicals. Selenium protects the body from free radicals in two ways: It is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes, and it supports the body’s manufacture of its own natural antioxidant, glutathione.

Bilberry 25 mg
Bilberry’s chief action as an antioxidant is its powerful synergy with vitamin E. On the most basic level, it supports the normal resistance of blood capillaries and promotes their impermeable nature. Bilberry anthocyanosides also supports the operation of crucial enzymes in the enzymes in the retinal cellular metabolism and function. It also supports a healthy heart. Bilberry promotes normal platelet activity.

Green Tea Extract 300 mg
Green tea extract is a health-promoting antioxidant. It is rich in polyphenols that have been shown to promote health.

Ginkgo Biloba 50 mg
Ginkgo biloba helps to support memory, brain function, mood, cerebral and peripheral circulation, and oxygenation and blood flow.

Milk Thistle 50 mg
Milk thistle is used to promote liver health. Contains some of the most potent liver-supporting substances known. Protects against free radicals by acting as an antioxidant, protecting the liver. Supports the normal production of new liver cells.

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Vitamin D deficiency: More Common than you think

With the popularity of using sunscreens with high sun protection factors (SPFs) to prevent sun damage and skin cancer, Americans are unknowingly increasing their risk of becoming vitamin D deficient. The National Center for Health Statistics published in March that 36% percent of American adults surveyed from 2001-2006 were at risk of vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy. Additionally, the Journal of Pediatrics published in 2009 that 70% of children in the US are not getting enough vitamin D.

We all know that unprotected sun exposure can damages our skin and cause skin cancer, but sunlight is also used by our bodies to produce Vitamin D. When using SPF, our bodies have a more difficult time absorbing vitamin D from the sun. Even Using SPF 8 cuts the amount of vitamin D absorbed from sunlight by 95%. Higher SPFs reduce absorption to almost zero. Vitamin D is essential to our bodies because it aids in the absorption of calcium. Too little vitamin D, and the body has a hard time absorbing enough calcium, leading to weak bones, osteoporosis, and rickets. Vitamin D is also important to the immune system. People who are deficient in vitamin D can be more prone to infection.

Are you at an increased risk? Since natural sources of vitamin D come from animal products, strict vegetarians and vegans can be more likely to become vitamin D deficient. Also likely to be at risk are those who suffer from Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease. These diseases affect the intestine’s ability to absorb vitamin D from food.
So how do you know if you are vitamin D deficient? Unfortunately, symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency are subtle, but if you are experiencing bone pain or muscle weakness, you could have cause for worry. The most precise way to measure your vitamin D level is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test, a blood test performed by your doctor. Normal levels of vitamin D range from 30 to 74 nanograms per milliliter. Levels lower than 30 indicate a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D fortified Milk has long been relied upon to provide Americans with the vitamin D that they need. However, in 2001 Cornell University sampled 648 cartons of vitamin D fortified milk in New York state. As a result, researchers at Cornell found that 46.3% of the milk was under fortified and did not contain the 400 international units (IU) per quart as listed on the label. Other sources of vitamin D include dairy products such as yogurt and cheese and fatty fishes like tuna and salmon. Since the natural sources of vitamin D are few, it is unlikely that you can eat enough of these foods on a regular basis to satisfy your body’s vitamin D requirements. The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 600 IU of vitamin D daily for audlts and children. However, many doctors speculate that we actually need closer to 1000 IU in order to prevent brittle bones and osteoporosis. Web MD recommends that both adults and children supplement with 1000 IU daily.
When choosing a vitamin D supplement, there are two important factors to consider.

• Choose D3. Vitamin D supplements that contain the naturally active form of vitamin D, D3, are much more effective than ones that contain vitamin D2.
• Look for a vitamin D supplements that contain vitamin K2, which can help maintain bone density. Taking vitamins D3 and K2 together can help improve the absorption of calcium.

nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains 5000 IU of vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, which supports vascular health and calcium utilization.  The Isotonic delivery allows for up to 98% absorption as compared to 10-50% of tables or pills.

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So remember, while the use of sun protection is rising, so is the risk of vitamin D deficiency. However, rather than exposing ourselves to sun damage, it is safer to take a vitamin D supplement. It is hard to be certain exactly how much vitamin D we get from our diets alone, and supplementation can make sure that we are receiving the nutrients that our bodies need. Remember to consult with your primary care physician before starting a new supplementation plan.


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