Statins May Prevent Heart Attacks Even In People With Normal Cholesterols

By Dr. David Lipschitz

We have all heard the frightening stories of healthy people with normal cholesterol levels who die of heart attacks. Conventional wisdom typically states that there is nothing we can do to prevent these fatal events, but a seminal study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests otherwise.

In a study called Jupiter, researchers investigated the effect of giving either the powerful cholesterol-lowering statin Crestor or a sugar pill (placebo) to 17,602 people, a combination of men over age 50 and women over age 60.

All participants had a normal LDL (or bad cholesterol) below 130 and no evidence of coronary artery disease. However, all had a modest elevation of C-reactive protein, a measure of minor inflammation in the body that indicates a higher risk of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.

Prescribing 20 mg of Crestor daily lowered the LDL cholesterol by 50 percent and reduced the level of C-reactive protein by 37 percent. Amazingly, prescribing Crestor also lowered the risk of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac-related death by 44 percent. The effect was so dramatic that the study was discontinued after 19 months. Based on this information, the researchers suggest that people with high C-reactive protein, who are otherwise healthy and have no elevated cholesterol level, benefit substantially by treatment with Crestor.

This could be amazing news for people with elevated C-reactive protein, but is it the magic bullet to prevent heart attacks for all healthy adults? What about other risk factors, such as a strong family history of heart disease at a young age, smoking, having high blood pressure or diabetes, or evidence of vascular disease in the lower limbs or carotid arteries? Will Crestor help everyone reduce the risk of heart attack? In the future the answer could be yes, but for now there are quite a few issues that must be addressed.

First, it is important to take a closer look at the data. Although the risk of heart disease was reduced by 44 percent, the actual number of the 17,000 people who developed a problem was quite small; 140 of the people treated with Crestor had a major cardiovascular event compared to 250 of those on the placebo.

Yes, this number is significant, but we do not know whether the benefit would be just as great if the patients were persuaded to live a heart-healthy lifestyle that included an improved diet and exercise regimen.

Second, using Crestor is not the only way to lower an elevated C-reactive protein. Any minor infection such as gingivitis, skin infections, or arthritis will raise C-reactive protein and localized treatment can readily return the levels to normal. Long-term statin therapy can have serious complications, including muscle and liver damage, insomnia and perhaps even memory loss.

Finally, there is the issue of cost. Annual screening of healthy adults for an elevated C-reactive protein will cost billions of dollars. On top of that, if an elevated level is detected, Crestor is very expensive. Treating a patient with Crestor would cost more than $100 per month.

By contrast, the use of generic simvistatin costs only $4 monthly. However, Crestor is much more powerful than simvistatin and further research will be needed to determine whether the generic is as effective. In addition, more research is needed to find out if at-risk people with normal cholesterols and C-reactive proteins would also have a reduced risk of heart attacks.

Although there are no definitive answers, based on the information we have today, I would readily treat an otherwise normal person at high risk of heart disease with a generic statin. Purely on the basis of cost, I would be much more reluctant to use Crestor. It can be hoped that AstraZeneca, the maker of Crestor, who supported this research, would consider substantially reducing the cost of their drug if we are to use it in healthy people.

Perhaps, in time, we will see over-the-counter statins that are already available, for example, in Great Britain. Until then, talk to your doctor if you are at risk of heart disease. Research shows that the future is bright and more breakthroughs are on the horizon.

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Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.drdavidhealth.com.

Copyright 2008 Creators Syndicate Inc.

Large Amounts of Fruit May Not Be Healthy

The editorial linked below appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It traces the rise in fructose consumption, and the rise in chronic diseases that have come in its wake.

Fructose is a simple sugar found in honey, fruit, table sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Because of the increase in the consumption of these sweeteners, fructose intake worldwide has quadrupled since the early 1900s.

Over the past three decades, there has been an even greater acceleration in consumption, in part because of the introduction of HFCS. The increase in fructose consumption parallels the rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.

Studies in animals have shown that fructose can induce insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, microvascular disease, hyperuricemia, glomerular hypertension and renal injury, and fatty liver. The consumption of large amounts of dietary fructose also can rapidly induce insulin resistance.

Sources:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition November 2008, 88(5): 1189-1190

(and brought to our attention by Dr. Mercola)
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JACQUES' remarks:

Another in many "Experts' Advice, Recommendatiions, die-hard Rules, etc." corrective "Ooooops!"-like retractions, modifications, etc. which deny, contradict, reverse and generally render their previous earth-shattering revelations a hoax, which have even shown to be toxic or lethal ones on occasions! :(

From time to time I feel compelled to bring these to your attention, in keeping with my own raised eyebrow approach to much of what the "All-Knowing (or is it Know-It-All?---LOL) "Experts" like to pontificate to whoever shall listen to and believe in their "carved in stone Truths"---to you and me who, after all, represent a seemingly endless and convenient supply of FREE and willing Lab rats who have usually gone along with, adopted and followed their lead...

...And, when the latter proved erroneous, it was a "no skin off their nose" no-fault goof which a simple retraction would make go away...like sticking their heads in the sands of life - ostrich-like...waiting for the enbarrassing clouds overhead to disappear...

So, today, as usual...I chose to kick the turned up asses of these real "OZ"es.

Have a Great weekend! And my apologies for failing to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving,(I'll tell you why at another time)... I hope was a wonderful one for you and yours!

Your Friend in Welleness,

Jacques

Foods To Boost Your Energy and Mood.

It’s an intriguing possibility. While it’s too soon to say, “an apple a day keeps the doldrums away,” researchers are studying the links between what we eat and how we feel. There is evidence that changing your diet can alter your metabolism and brain chemistry, ultimately affecting your energy level and mood.

Foods can boost energy in three ways: by providing sufficient calories, by delivering stimulants like caffeine, and by pushing the metabolism to burn fuel more efficiently. As for mood, the best foods are those that stabilize blood sugar and trigger feel-good brain chemicals, such as serotonin. Keep clicking to learn which foods and drinks can do the job.

Carbs may be the foe of fad diets, but they’re vital for boosting energy and mood. They are the body’s preferred source of fuel, plus they raise serotonin levels. The key is to avoid sweets, which cause blood sugar to spike and plummet, leading to fatigue and moodiness. Instead, turn to whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and cereal. The body absorbs whole grains more slowly, keeping blood sugar and energy levels stable.

Almonds, Hazelnuts & Cashews

These nuts are not only rich in protein, but they also contain magnesium, a mineral that plays a vital role in converting sugar into energy. Research suggests magnesium deficiency can drain your energy. Magnesium is also found in whole grains, particularly bran cereals, and in some types of fish, including halibut.

Brazil Nuts

Add Brazil nuts to the mix for a helpful dose of selenium, which may be a natural mood booster. Studies have reported a link between low selenium and poorer moods. This mineral also occurs in smaller amounts in meats, seafood, beans, and whole grains.

Lean Meats

Lean pork, lean beef, skinless chicken, and turkey are healthy sources of protein, including the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, brain chemicals that can help you feel more alert and focused. Meats also contain vitamin B12, which may combat insomnia and depression.

Salmon

Fatty fish, such as salmon, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest this substance may protect against depression. While the extent of the link is uncertain, omega-3 fatty acids offer a wide range of other benefits, including heart health. Besides fish, sources of omega-3 include nuts and leafy, dark green vegetables.

Leafy Greens

Another nutrient that may reduce the risk of depression is folate. Like omega-3 fatty acids, folate is found in leafy green vegetables, including spinach and romaine lettuce. Legumes, nuts, and citrus fruits are also good sources of folate.

Fiber

Fiber is an energy stabilizer. It slows digestion, providing a more steady supply of energy throughout the day. Boost your fiber intake by eating beans, whole fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, and whole-grain cereals.

Water

Dehydration and fatigue go hand-in-hand. Some studies suggest even mild dehydration can slow the metabolism and sap your energy. The solution is simple – drink plenty of water or other unsweetened beverages at regular intervals.

Fresh Produce

Another way to stay hydrated and energized is to eat fluid-filled foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Skip dry packaged snacks like pretzels in favor of apple wedges or celery. Other hydrating foods include oatmeal and pasta, which swell up with water when cooked.

Coffee

Coffee may be one of the world’s most popular pick-me-ups, and evidence suggests it works – at least in the short-term. Caffeine steps up the body’s metabolism, temporarily improving mental focus and energy. Frequent mini-servings will keep you alert and focused longer than a single large dose. Just beware of drinking so much coffee that you can’t sleep at night. Lack of sleep is an obvious energy-buster.

Tea

An alternative source of caffeine is, of course, tea. Research suggests that tea’s combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine can improve alertness, reaction time, and memory. Black tea has also been shown to combat the effects of stress.

Dark Chocolate

Chocoholics, you probably knew this already – a few squares of dark chocolate can boost both energy and mood. Caffeine is at work again, along with another stimulant called theobromine.

Breakfast

For anyone hoping to boost energy and mood, skipping breakfast is not an option. Studies show that people who eat breakfast every morning enjoy more energy and a better mood throughout the day. The best breakfasts deliver plenty of fiber and nutrients through whole-grain carbs, good fats, and some type of lean protein.

Frequent Meals

Another strategy for stabilizing blood sugar, energy, and mood: Eat small meals and snacks every three to four hours, rather than a few large meals. Energy-sustaining snacks include peanut butter on whole-grain crackers, half a turkey sandwich with salad, or whole-grain cereal with milk.

Energy Supplements

Energy supplements are often touted as an alternative to coffee or other stimulants. Many of these supplements actually contain caffeine or similar chemical substances. Examples include kola nut, yerba mate, green tea extract, and guarana. These supplements may give you a temporary boost, but experts say the effect is probably not much different than drinking ordinary coffee.

Energy Drinks & Gels

Most energy drinks and gels infuse the body with simple carbohydrates – in other words, sugar, which the body can quickly convert into energy. This is a convenient way for high-intensity athletes to keep going, but the benefits for the rest of us are dubious. Energy drinks are usually high on calories and low on nutrients.

Exercise for Energy

Besides altering your diet, exercise is a tried-and-true way to boost energy and mood. Even a single 15-minute walk can be energizing, and the benefits increase with more frequent physical activity. Studies indicate that regular exercise can relieve depression and trigger physiological changes that make more energy available throughout the day.

Go Bananas for a Healthier Colon

What do bananas have in common with corn, eggs, salmon, and spinach? Hint: a vitamin that’s great for your colon.

We’re talking about B6. And science shows that simply getting your share of this nutrient could cut your risk of colon and rectal cancer. A lot.

Big Time B Benefits

In one of the largest studies to date on B6 and colon health, people with the highest intake of the vitamin -- from food and supplements -- reduced their risk of colorectal cancer by 20 to 30 percent. And this study is just one of many showing a benefit. Researchers suspect that B6’s role in the metabolism of folate -- another colon-friendly B vitamin -- might explain the protective effects. (Do you drink wine? Here’s why extra B6 may be especially important for you.)

From Top to Bottom

A healthy colon is just one reason to load up on B6-rich foods. The mighty vitamin might also help stave off Parkinson’s disease and depression. Find good sources with this online tool.

Recipe Corner

Bananas have close to half a milligram of B6 each (you need less than 4 milligrams). And sure, a plain banana makes a nice quick snack, but these EatingWell recipes can dress up your banana in seconds:
Add some protein to your banana with these: Mini Rice-Cake Stacks.
For a quick and easy dessert that tastes like a sundae but is way better for you, try this: Chocolate and Banana.
Put a delicious twist on burgers or chicken fingers with this: Spicy Banana Ketchup.

Courtesy: RealAge Newsletter

The Dark Side of Chocolate: Healthy or Hype?

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

We all love chocolate, but there is a side of chocolate most people don't see... the dark side. Unlike its lighter-shaded cousins, dark chocolate has spent years as the "other chocolate." But now it's coming out of the shadows and into the forefront of the chocolate revolution -- and, apparently, finding plenty of support from health-conscious consumers.

The reports of dark chocolate being healthy for one's heart has sent demand for this sweet treat soaring. With sales up 40 percent this year and dark chocolate revenue from last year topping $1.62 billion, according to Mintel International, it's time to recognize the chocolate shade shift.

But is dark chocolate really the answer to your cravings? Well, if you believe the research that has recently surfaced about its antioxidant-rich and flavonol-filled nature, then it could be what you need for your chocolate fix.

The new fervor about the health benefits of chocolate come from -- you guessed it -- research done by chocolate companies. Nearly 80 percent of the research that's fueling the frenzy for dark chocolate as a health food comes from the Mars Corporation. The findings help the marketing for their Dove Dark, CocoaVia, M&M's Dark and limited-time Snickers Dark offerings.

It seems most chocolatiers are no longer afraid of the dark. One in three chocolate product launches this year included dark chocolate.

Is it time to go to the dark side?

According to Pamela Ofstein, eDiets director of nutrition services, dark chocolate "contains epicatechin, which is a compound of plant flavonoids. These flavonoids can help keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots."

But before you trade in your granola bar for a chocolate bar, remember that chocolate also contains a high amount of fat and calories per small serving -- 210 calories and 12 grams of fat for a Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate bar.

So adding chocolate to your diet just for the heart-health effects will also add unwanted calories, sugars, saturated fats and pounds. Ofstein recommends one to 1.5 ounces per day of dark chocolate to curb your confection cravings.

The benefits are real, but like most things, dark chocolate works best in moderation.

Americans spend nearly $10 billion a year to buy roughly 1.5 million tons of chocolate. If you need a chocolate fix, go dark because typically the darker the chocolate, the sweeter the health benefits.

Here's how your sweets stack up:

Dark chocolate should be your first choice; with heart-healthy antioxidants called flavonoids and no added milk fat, it's superior to its chocolate cousins.

America's favorite, milk chocolate, has more added sugar and fewer flavonoids than dark chocolate, as well as containing added milk fat, which raises cholesterol levels.


White chocolate contains no flavonoids and has added sugar and milk fat. It's the least healthy of the three.

(Courtesy: GLEE Magazine)

Try My High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes!

Happy Halloween! I’m going to do my due diligence today to help you avoid the candy dish and other Halloween - Thanksgiving temptations by giving you a delicious healthy alternative! Try this treat: High protein pumpkin pancakes(aka “pumpcakes”). Enjoy!

Tom Venuto’s “pumpcakes” (pumpkin pancakes)

7.5 oz (212 g) of canned pumpkin
1/3 cup (27 g) oatmeal dry
1/3 cup (40 g) multigrain or whole wheat pancake mix
1 scoop (26 g) vanilla (or plain) protein powder
4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
Sweetener (brown sugar, stevia or splenda): Optional
Yield: makes 2 large (5 inch wide) pancakes

Nutrition information for 2 pancakes, unsweetened
Calories: 507
Protein: 44.1 g.
Carbs: 69.7 g.
Fat: 5 g.

Bon Appetit!---Courtesy: BurnTheFat Newsletter

The Magic of Solitude

By: Brian Tracy

The greatest men and women of all ages have practiced solitude regularly. They learned how to use silence to still their minds and tap into their superconscious powers for answers to their questions.

In this newsletter, you learn how you can apply this wonderful technique immediately to improve the quality of your inner and outer life.

The Magic of Solitude

Your feelings, your emotions, are the access point to your inner powers of mind. The most important part in the process of getting in touch with your feelings is to begin to practice solitude on a regular basis. Solitude is the most powerful activity in which you can engage. Men and women who practice it correctly and on a regular basis never fail to be amazed at the difference it makes in their lives.

Most people have never practiced solitude. Most people have never sat down quietly by themselves for any period of time in their entire lives. Most people are so busy being busy, doing something-even watching television-that it's highly unusual for them to simply sit, deliberately, and do nothing. But as Catherine Ponder points out, "Men and women begin to become great when they begin to take time quietly by themselves, when they begin to practice solitude." And here's the method you can use.
To get the full benefit of your periods of solitude, you must sit quietly for at least 30 to 60 minutes at a time. If you haven't done it before, it will take the first 25 minutes or so for you to stop fidgeting and moving around. You'll almost have to hold yourself physically in your seat. You'll have an almost irresistible desire to get up and do something. But you must persist.

Solitude requires that you sit quietly, perfectly still, back and head erect, eyes open, without cigarettes, candy, writing materials, music or any interruptions whatsoever for at least 30 minutes. An hour is better.

Become completely relaxed, and breathe deeply. Just let your mind flow. Don't deliberately try to think about anything. The harder you "don't try," the more powerfully it works. After 20 or 25 minutes, you'll begin to feel deeply relaxed. You'll begin to experience a flow of energy coming into your mind and body.

You'll have a tremendous sense of well-being. At this point, you'll be ready to get the full benefit of these moments of contemplation.

The River of Ideas

The incredible thing about solitude is that if it is done correctly, it works just about 100 percent of the time. While you're sitting there, a stream, a river, of ideas will flow through your mind. You'll think about countless subjects in an uncontrolled stream of consciousness. Your job is just to relax and listen to your inner voice.

At a certain stage during your period of solitude, the answers to the most pressing difficulties facing you will emerge quietly and clearly, like a boat putting gently to the side of a lake. The answer that you seek will come to you so clearly and it will feel so perfect that you'll experience a deep sense of gratitude and contentment.

Trusting Yourself

When you emerge from this period of quiet, you must do exactly what has come to you. It may involve dealing with a human situation. It may involve starting something or quitting something. Whatever it is, when you follow the guidance that you received in solitude, it will turn out to be exactly the right thing to do. Everything will be OK. And it will usually work out far better than you could have imagined. Just try it and see.

You must learn to trust yourself. You must develop the habit of listening to yourself and then acting on the guidance you receive.

Action Exercises

Here are three steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, select a specific time and place to sit quietly and practice one full hour of solitude. Don't put it off.

Second, take small periods of silence and solitude during the day, especially when you feel overwhelmed with problems or responsibilities.

Third, take action immediately on the ideas and insights you receive while in solitude. One good idea can save you months and years of hard work. The key is trust.

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Jacques' Comments:

The excellent article and techniques above reflect benefits which are commonly derived during and after deep meditation exercises and self-hypnosis.

You have read a number of my remarks interjected within some of my posts. I am referring to those in which I urge participants of my deep self-hypnotic "Modulations" to practice learning to "Listen to your Inner Voice, or Higher Self"---believe, trust and follow these instinctive silent messages from your powerful, all-knowing subconscious mind and you will invariably be directed in the most accurate, safe and beneficial direction. You shall also receive the most perfect guidance imaginable---especially in the area of weight and eating management.

The 4-Week Plan to Younger Arteries

A healthy post-Elections '08 tip for you, dear friends:

The goal:
You want your blood to flow more freely through your arteries, like it did when you were a kid.

The plan:
Eat 8 nuts a day for 4 weeks.

Yep, it could be that simple. When people in a study replaced some of the monounsaturated fats in their diets with 8 to 13 walnuts a day, their blood vessels expanded after just a few weeks, allowing better blood flow.

The Alpha Factor
Walnuts are rich in cholesterol-lowering alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) as well as antioxidants, a heart-healthy form of vitamin E, and L-arginine -- an amino acid that helps lower blood pressure. So it makes sense that when people with moderately high cholesterol eat a daily helping of the nuts, good things happen. And it did: In one study, not only did their blood vessels open wide, but also their total cholesterol fell and their bad LDL cholesterol dropped 6 percent!

Antioxidants and More
In the study, people ate walnuts for snacks, with meals, and in desserts and salads to replace some monounsaturated fats in their diets. For specific ideas, check out EatingWell’s no-brainer ways to add nutty crunch to just about any food under the sun.

Veggies --
Give them some munch-factor with this Warm Green Bean Salad with Toasted Walnuts.

Pasta --
Toss your noodles with this ready-in-minutes walnut-based sauce: Basic Basil Pesto.

Poultry --
The seasoned walnuts in this dish give chicken an Asian twist: Stir-Fried Chicken with Wilted Spinach & Tamari Walnuts.

Dessert --
A cookie is a cookie is a cookie, but your holiday cookie platter will lean to the healthier side of things with these Lusciously Nutty Holiday Logs.

Courtesy: RealAge Newsletter

Vitamin D is a Key Player in Your Overall Health

Vitamin D, once linked to only bone diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis, is now recognized as a major player in overall human health.

In a paper published in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Anthony Norman, an international expert on vitamin D, identifies vitamin D's potential for contributions to good health in the adaptive and innate immune systems, the secretion and regulation of insulin by the pancreas, the heart and blood pressure regulation, muscle strength and brain activity.

Access to adequate amounts of vitamin D is also believed to be beneficial towards reducing the risk of cancer.

Norman also lists 36 organ tissues in the body whose cells respond biologically to vitamin D, including bone marrow, breast, colon, intestine, kidney, lung, prostate, retina, skin, stomach and uterine tissues.

According to Norman, deficiency of vitamin D can impact all 36 organs. Already, vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle strength decrease, high risk for falls, and increased risk for colorectal, prostate and breast and other major cancers.

An unrelated study also suggests that low vitamin D is associated with Parkinson’s disease. The majority (55 percent) of Parkinson's disease patients in the study had insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its recommendation for a daily dose of vitamin D in children, in the hopes of preventing rickets and promoting other health benefits.

The new guidelines now call for children to receive 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, beginning in the first few days of life.

“ … Evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits," said Dr. Frank Greer of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Sources:
Eurekalert October 9, 2008
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition August 2008, Vol. 88, No. 2, 491S-499S
Archives of Neurology October 2008, Vol. 65, No. 10
Reuters October 13, 2008


Courtesy: Dr. Mercola
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Jacques' P.S.:

After the summer months, and until the start of next summer: the daily recommended dosge of Vitamin D should actually be doubled to compensate for the lessening of exposure to D-producing sun rays. :o)

As I wrote in my other Blog ("SuccessGroup7"): You may wonder why I post so many health-related articles in this, a basically "Business and $ucce$$"-related Blog.

Very simply that, without overall physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health, the sum total of our business dynamics suffer a lot.

And so, I feel morally, ethically and lovingly compelled to contribute my own balance and harmony posts for "A Healthier Mind in a Healthier Body".

Make this post-Halloween and pre-Election Day weekend a Great One!

Your Friend Always,

Jacques