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Control These 4 Things and You Could Live Longer

CONTROL THESE 4 THINGS AND WOMEN CAN LIVE 15 YEARS LONGER AND MEN 8.5 YEARS LONGER

The results of a long-term study carried out in the Netherlands and published in the respected American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that if we control 4 specific factors we can live 8.5 years for men and a whopping 15 years for women longer than people who don’t control these factors.

The 4 factors are:

  • Not Smoking
  • Nutritional Pattern: Eating Mediterranean Diet Type Foods
  • Physical Activity for at least 30 minutes a day
  • Body Weight- keeping Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 to 25.

The study started in 1986 and included over 120,000 men and women from ages 55-69.  It studied the risk of premature death in people who both controlled these 4 factors and those who didn’t.

Women who controlled these factors had the same risk of premature death as women who were 15 years younger but didn’t.  To put it another way, a 55 year old women who controlled these 4 factors had the same risk of premature death as a 40 year old woman, who didn’t.

A 65 year old man who controlled them had the same risk of premature death as a 56.5 year old man who didn’t.

The exciting implication of this research is that for those of you who really want to lose weight and want to do it properly, 3 of the 4 life extending factors will automatically be incorporated into your weight loss regimen: Exercise, nutritional pattern and reduction of BMI. (The 4th factor, smoking, though obviously recommended, is a separate personal decision).

To calculate your BMI divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches times itself and multiply that amount by 703.

For example, a woman who weighs 140 lbs and is 5’4” (64 inches) the calculation would be:

140 divided by 4096 (which is 64X64) = .03418 X 703 = 24 which is the BMI and in the acceptable range.

Just because the BMI is in the “healthy, acceptable” range, this doesn’t mean that a lower BMI wouldn’t be aesthetically more pleasing to some women.

If the woman in the above example experienced healthy weight loss and dropped to 120 lbs her BMI would be:

120 divided by 4096= .0293 X 703 = 20.6 the new BMI.

In a subsequent article, that will be released within the next few days, some eating and exercise hints that make losing weight simpler and less of a challenge, will be discussed.

 

Best Health,

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Growing Up On The Farm May Not Be The Healthy Environment It Seems To Be

Researchers from Massey University in Wellington New Zealand studied the death records of thousands of patients and found that those who had parents who were either poultry or cattle farmers died of cancers of the blood like non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma at 3X the rate of people who didn’t grow up on these kinds of farms.

chickens

The researchers think that exposure to multiple kinds of animal viruses early in life weakened the immune systems of the people and made them more susceptible to these kinds of cancers of the blood.
For those of you who did grow up on farms with poultry and or cattle on them, though even at 3X times the risk, the absolute risk of contracting these kinds of cancers is still small…..but, it does make sense now that this information is available, to call it to the attention of your physician, and let him or her know about these findings.

 

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

 

Wine and Sunburn Prevention?

DOES RESVERATROL PREVENT SUNBURN? WAY TOO MUCH HYPE AND WAY TOO LITTLE PROOF!

The compound called “Resveratrol” is found in grape skins, some berries like blueberries and also peanuts. This has been the subject of dozens of animal studies.

 

Some of these studies have shown benefits in animals, (mostly mice) ranging from it being anti-aging, preventing heart disease, reducing risk of diabetes and reducing the risk of certain cancers  (but possibly increasing the risk of estrogen sensitive cancers like breast cancer).

 

The latest sensationalized claim discussed work done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that found that when a liquid solution containing resveratrol was placed on the skin of hairless mice, they were protected when exposed to UV sun rays.

 

Here is yet another animal claim for this compound that has no support that the same thing happens in humans. Research is littered with literally thousands of studies that worked in animals but failed in humans  This doesn’t mean that resveratrol will not eventually show some success in humans for at least some of the health claims that have been established in animals.

 

As a matter of fact, a human study just recently completed in Australia, found that blood flow through the brachial artery in humans increased significantly as doses increased from 30 mg per day to 270 mg per day of trans-resveratrol.  The artery opening increased allowing more blood flow, which is referred to as FMD (flow mediated dilation).

 

This is a good thing, but caution is necessary. This was a very small study and secondly it was sponsored by the manufacturer of the resveratrol.
I applaud manufacturers who sponsor studies on the products they create, but it is necessary to get confirmation of their results from independent researchers, who also study larger groups of people.

 

So I wouldn’t be rushing out to purchase some new resveratrol containing sun products that will inevitably be developed to put on your skin, until the safety and results of doing so in humans is confirmed.

 

Regarding taking trans-resveratrol as a dietary supplement, I find there is very little evidence (except possibly for people who have estrogen sensitive cancers or a familial risk of these cancers) that trans-resveratrol will do any harm.

 

Whether or not it will yield any benefit or be a waste of money, is a question that, at this point, cannot be answered.

 

Curt Hendrix M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

 

Does Your Personality Dictate How Much You Weigh?

This recent study examined what  trait can add or detract to your dress size or the  size of your jeans.

It’s interesting to learn which personality characteristics tend to create weight gain or loss in people.

Read Article:   http://www.consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=654995

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

WHEY PROTEIN – Better For Weight Loss and Appetite Suppression

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Human Nutrition published in the Journal of Nutrition a study demonstrating the superiority of whey protein versus soy protein for weight loss and reducing appetite.

90 overweight men and women were put on the same diets except that one group consumed 50 grams of whey protein in a shake twice a day, another group consumed 50 grams of soy protein twice a day and the third group consumed 50 grams twice a day of a carbohydrate containing shake.

The carbohydrate group gained weight, the soy protein group stayed the same and the whey protein group not only lost weight, but abdominal fat as well.

In addition, the whey protein group had much lower circulating levels of ghrelin, a hormone that makes us feel hunger. It is also known that whey protein supports the immune system. Protein intake is an important part of staying slim and maintaining shapely muscle mass.

Whey protein, not soy protein is the source to use.

 

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

 

RECOMMENDED READING: Calorie Restriction = Weight Loss & Longevity

Health Risk to Adolescents Exposed to 2nd-Hand Smoke

Newly Discovered Health Risk to Adolescents Exposed to 2nd-Hand Smoke

It is estimated that at least 50% of adolescents are exposed to second hand smoke. A recently completed medical study by the New York University School of Medicine found that a significant percentage of adolescents are experiencing hearing loss because of their exposure to the smoke.

smoke dangers to adolescents

 

The extent of their exposure to second hand smoke can be measured by determining the levels of continine, a nicotine derivative in the blood.

Though the hearing loss occurred throughout all frequencies, it was most affected in the mid-range speech frequencies, which can impair learning.

The level of hearing loss increased as the continine blood levels increased. Therefore, it is very important for parents to limit their children’s exposure to second hand smoke, as much as possible.

The authors pointed out that this type of hearing loss is not something the children would notice on their own, without testing.

Curt Hendrix,  M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

Anti-Depressants and Long Term Sexual Dysfunction

 

It is commonly known to healthcare professionals that patients on SSRI antidepressant drugs can develop sexual dysfunction problems, a condition known as Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.

It has always been assumed that this dysfunction would resolve upon discontinuation of the drugs, which is not necessarily the case.

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine was performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. The study describes several cases of previously sexually healthy men, who after taking SSRI drugs for as little as 4 months and in one case, 2 years, developed what seems to be permanent sexual dysfunction involving erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, orgasmic dysfunction and genital anesthesia, after discontinuing the drugs.

Other causes of sexual dysfunction like diabetes, low testosterone and/or increased prolactin were ruled out.

Women are known to experience lubrication difficulties, orgasm difficulties, and painful sex (dyspareunia).

Men and women, with minor depression problems, who are concerned about these sexual dysfunction risks, should discuss with their physician other options for dealing with the issue.

For men and women who would like to try a natural ingredient for depression, I suggest discussing with your physician, taking 15 mg. of saffron petals twice a day. A double blinded, medical study found it to be as effective as Prozac for mild to moderate depression.

 

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

 

Related Article   Antidepressants and Migraine Meds – a Potentially Dangerous Drug Combination

U.K Study Reveals 20% Increase in Cancer Rates

Extra fat on our bodies leads to higher levels of circulating insulin and estrogen, both of which can significantly increase the risk of cancer.

Fat cells known as adipocytes, use insulin to remove sugar from the blood and store it as fat inside of themselves.  When we are overly fat, the receptors on the fat cells can become insensitive to the effects of insulin (they don’t respond well to it and thus require much more of it to work to keep blood sugar at safe levels). This is known as hyperinsulinemia.  In addition, fat cells also produce estrogen, so when we are overly-fat, we are producing too much insulin and estrogen both of which can lead to heart disease, blindness and cancer.

This recent study shows the impact on cancer rates in the UK due to the worldwide epidemic of over-weight and obese people.

For more information click on the link below.

http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/18/cancer-diagnoses-in-middle-age?cat=world&type=article

 

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

FOODS WITH UNHEALTHY AMOUNTS OF SALT

Recently the U.S. Department of Health recommended that total daily sodium consumption be kept to no more than 1500 mg. per day for people over age 50 and 2300 mg. per day if you are 50 or below.

The average person consumes over 3500 mg. of sodium a day.

Too much salt can cause bloating and increase blood pressure both of which can strain our hearts and lead to heart failure.

salty food

Sausages are high in sodium

Top 10 High Salt Foods

  1. Hot Dog – 1300 mg
  2. Sausages 1200 mg
  3. Cheese Nachos – 1250 mg.
  4. Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – 1000 mg.
  5. Canned Soups – 600 – 1000 mg.
  6. Processed Meats;  3 oz Corned Beef – 1700 mg …. 3 oz. Dried Beef 4000 mg.
  7. Wheat Flakes – 800 mg.
  8. Canadian Bacon – 2500 mg.
  9. Bouillon Cubes – 5000 mg.
  10. Processed Cheese 1200 mg.

3 Weeks of Sugary Beverages Can Increase Cardiovascular Risk

Read about how even short-term consumption of sugary beverages cause well-known heart risk factors to head in the wrong direction.
(link below)

And the answer isn’t to drink artificially sweetened beverages because they too have recently been shown to result in larger waistline increases in people who consume them.

The answer is to drink water and get used to drinking healthy unsweetened teas or beverages naturally sweetened with either stevia extract or erythritol.
Nutritionists estimate that 40% of the extra 570 calories a day that we consume vs. people in the 1950’s, come from these sugary beverages.

Do yourself a huge favor, switch over to these healthier drinks and protect yourself from heart disease, diabetes, obesity and possible cancer as well.

(Read article below)

 

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S

 

SUGARY DRINKS INCREASE CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

June 30, 2011 — A small study of men younger than 50 years found that even moderate consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) produces an increase in markers of cardiovascular risk.

After just 3 weeks of sugary drinks, healthy, normal weight (body mass index range, 19 – 25 kg/m) men between the ages of 20 and 50 years saw harmful effects to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, fasting glucose, and C-reactive protein, according to the study published online June 15 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The researchers, led by Isabelle Aeberli, PhD, from the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, and the Human Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, launched the study because it is known that sugary drinks interfere with glucose and lipid metabolism in obese people. However, the effect of lower doses of SSBs in people of normal weight “is less clear.”

One of the goals of the study was to measure the effect of sugar dosages similar to the amount found in commercially available sodas and sweetened drinks, “thereby allowing us to draw clinically relevant conclusions.”

The prospective, randomized controlled trial looked at risk markers in 29 men who consumed drinks with varying amounts of fructose and glucose (which are derived from fruit) and sucrose (which makes up common table sugar). The researchers measured LDL, fasting glucose, and C-reactive protein at baseline and after 3 week-long interventions.

The study involved 6 interventions that ranged from drinks with 40 g of the sweetener fructose or glucose to beverages with 80 g of fructose, glucose, or sucrose. One group was advised to consume low amounts of fructose.

At all of the levels, fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein increased significantly (by 4% – 9% and 60% – 109%, respectively; P < .05). LDL particle size was reduced in the higher-fructose group by .51 nm (95% confidence interval, −.19 to −.82 nm), and in the higher-sucrose group by .43 nm (95% confidence interval, −.12 to −.74; P < .05 for both). “Similarly, a more atherogenic LDL subclass distribution was seen when fructose-containing SSBs were consumed,” the authors write.

The researchers concluded that even with lower doses (40 g sugar/day), which provided just 6.5% of daily energy in the form of SSBs, adverse effects could be observed with regard to LDL particle size and distribution, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose, and inflammatory markers.

Although the study showed the short-term effect of SSB consumption, it was limited, in that 3 weeks “may not have been long enough to observe significant effects in parameters such as lipoprotein concentrations, insulin resistance, adipokines, body weight, and blood pressure.”

The research will not solve the debate over the health effects of high-fructose corn syrup, which is used in everything from soft drinks to cereals in the United States. Despite the name, high-fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to other sweeteners: All contain glucose and fructose in roughly equal amounts.

Am J Clin Nutr. Published online June 15, 2011. Abstract

 

Diet Sodas Make You Fatter and Kill Cells in Your Brain!

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON TO CONSUME ANOTHER DIET SODA AGAIN.

If You Must Have a Soda Once In A While, Make it One Sweetened With Regular Sugar (Sucrose not high fructose corn syrup).  Even Better Yet, Choose Beverages Sweetened with Stevia Extract and/or Erythritol.

Two very recent studies about consuming diet sodas revealed some very alarming results.  One studied that followed people who “did” and “didn’t” drink diet sodas, found that the people who drank diet sodas has much bigger waistlines than the group that didn’t.

The second study found that mice that were given drinks with aspartame (the ingredient in Equal and several other differently name artificial sweeteners) had much higher levels of blood glucose which of course could lead to diabetes.

Add this new information to the existing information showing that artificial sweeteners like Equal contain chemicals that are “excito-toxic” to brain cells and actually cause them to die, and you shouldn’t need any more motivation to completely eliminate these beverages from your and your family’s diet.   For Heaven Sakes, diet sodas don’t even help you to diet………..THEY MAKE YOU FATTER!

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S

An Aspirin a Day to Prevent Heart Attacks?

Is a Baby Aspirin a Day Good For Preventing Heart Attacks? Not If You Have Hypertension And Heart Disease!

A study just recently published in the Journal of Medicine found that people who chronically take aspirin and have hypertension with coronary artery disease, have a greater risk of dying from a coronary event than people who occasionally use aspirin.

The problem is that it’s easy to know if you have hypertension but much more difficult to know, without extensive testing, if you have coronary artery disease.

So, if you know you have hypertension and have been taking a baby aspirin a day (or more), you need to speak to your physician about these new findings, to determine if you should continue to take aspirin on a daily basis.