|
|
|
|
|
The information shared on this site is educational and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment. It is always important to work with one's personal health care team. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
We believe that with empowerment comes optimal health. You are personally encouraged to post questions regarding general health topics on our Facebook Page.
Note: Due to regulatory restraint we can't offer specific medical advice.
Heartbeats Blog
Heartbeats blog is updated frequently to help raise your daily awareness and assist you to understand all the factors that positively and negatively influence your health, wellness and vitality - both mentally and physically. It is a good idea to share this information with the people that you wish to be highly active with today, and in the years to come.
Twitter followers will be advised of each new Heartbeats blog entry as they become available, just another way to keep your health priorities, a top priority.
Let's all be able to live life to its fullest.
|
Author: |
Dr. Chris Meletis, ND |
Created: |
8/14/2008 2:27 PM |
|
|
Blog of Dr. Chris Meletis: thoughts and feelings about your health. |
|
Chromium Helps Manage Your Weight and Protects Your Brain |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
7/29/2010 3:35 PM
|
|
|
 Many of you already know that among the 16 books that I have written one of my most popular is on weight loss. In that book called Great Health, I call Chromium "willpower in a bottle". That is because I have discovered that when Chromium levels are insufficient in the body, a person will crave more carbohydrates. Yet when Chromium is supplemented, the majority of my patients find sticking to a diet is so much easier, as carb cravings go down.
Now there is an entire new face to Chromium - a memorable one at that. It may just help us with protecting our memory as well. This is vitally important since the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the lifetime risk of developing dementia by age 65 is approximately 20 percent for women and 17 percent for men.
So here is the good news: a study of 26 older adults gave them either Chromium picolinate supplementation or a placebo (dummy pill) for 12 weeks. The subjects were evaluated for depression and memory at the beginning of the study and again after the 12 weeks of supplementation.
The individuals receiving Chromium picolinate supplementation showed improvement on learning, recall and recognition memory tasks. In addition, the subjects supplemented with Chromium picolinate had increased activation in specific areas of the brain including the right thalamic, right temporal, right posterior parietal and bifrontal regions.
Don't feel bad if that last sentence about the various parts of the brain is alphabet soup for non-medical folks. The researchers explain it below with a few more big words, yet let me translate it into simple English: the initial evidence suggests that daily Chromium can help protect the your brain performance. Or as they state: “These findings suggest that supplementation with Chromium picolinate can enhance cognitive inhibitory control and cerebral function in older adults at risk for neuro-degeneration.”
As I have said, I have found Chromium helpful in supporting healthy diet and lifestyle and now there is an extra big bonus - a potential tool for brain protection too.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pregnancy and Vitamin D - All About Dosing |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
7/26/2010 3:34 PM
|
|
|
 I am a huge proponent in my clinical practice of use of vitamin D in pregnancy, of course checking with your OB/GYN is important. Sufficient vitamin D is good for mom and baby alike. Here is some of the latest research; at the very least I hope that the following discussion will motivate you and anyone you care about to go get tested to make sure vitamin D levels are optimal.
Research presented at the Annual Meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies indicates that vitamin D is crucial during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association reports that of the estimated 6 million pregnancies per year in the United States, 875,000 women experience one or more pregnancy-related complication.
In this new study, a group of pregnant women were evaluated monthly for treatment safety and were given blood tests to measure vitamin D supplementation effectiveness. The women were also followed to determine the rate of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, preterm labor and preterm birth.
As serum vitamin D levels increased, the risk of infection and preterm labor and birth decreased. The group receiving 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily had the lowest rate of infection and preterm labor and birth. In fact, compared to the group receiving 400 IU vitamin D per day, the group receiving 4,000 IU per day had a 50 percent reduction in risk of these complications.
When moms are low in vitamin D, they don't have peak potential to give their developing babies adequate optimal levels of vitamin D. This is also true for lactating moms too.
In the conclusion of the study, the well-respected authors of the study reported “Vitamin D sufficiency was strongly associated with decreased risk for pre-term labor and birth and infection during pregnancy and comorbities of pregnancy, with the greatest effect with 4,000 IU vitamin D/day regimen. Therefore, to attain a minimal 25(OH)D level of 40 ng/mL, we recommend 4,000 IU/day for all pregnant women.” My patients get their blood levels of vitamin D tested and as the report says "attain a minimal level of 40 ng/ml, that is the blood level with a normal blood range being 20-100.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eczema is an Indicator of Other Health Issues |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
7/21/2010 12:03 PM
|
|
|
 We have all heard the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'. Well when it comes to our skin (the proverbial book's cover,) it speaks volumes about what is going on within the 50-100 trillion cells that comprise the body. Eczema is one of the first signs of allergy during the early days of life. This common inflammatory skin disorder often begins in early childhood and may persist into adult life. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, it affects between 10 to 20 percent of all infants, but almost half of these kids will grow out of eczema between the ages of 5 and 15.
In my clinical practice, we routinely perform an IgG food sensitivity test to rule out potential food intolerances that may be triggering the immune response that leads to eczema. In addition, I routinely recommend zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and a good probiotic (friendly bacteria).
When I came across yet another piece of research showing the impact of probiotics on health skin and allergic reactions, I was thrilled. This latest study was conducted by Dr. SV Gerasimov, MD, PhD from the Department of Pediatrics, Lviv National Medical University.
You need friendly bacteria in your GI tract for a healthy assimilation of nutrients. Yet, equally important is the fact that our GI tract is the interface between the outside world and our well-ordered inner world. Thus, it is essential to have adequate "friendly good neighbors" (as I call them for my patients) in your GI tract. It is literally like a neighborhood watch team that helps keep potential unwelcomed visitors from taking over the neighborhood and in the case of Eczema, triggering allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Once again, zinc and EFAs from fish oil are additional considerations that I use in my practice; but checking with your own doctor is always important.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
British Report Highlights Female Nutrient Needs |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
7/8/2010 4:25 PM
|
|
|
 It is absolutely amazing to me that in 2010 we still have people in the developed world who are not getting the nourishment they need to sustain peak levels of performance and health. Recently published in the British Nutrition Foundation’s Bulletin, it was shown that women’s diets are lacking in several health optimizing and high impact wellness promoting foods. What nutrients are British women low in? Here is what the authors report:
“UK dietary surveys show that, while some improvements have occurred, intakes of key micronutrients, particularly iron, vitamin D, calcium and folate remain below recommended levels. Women’s diets are also too low in fiber, oily fish and fruits and vegetables.”
The authors go even further and project that with these ongoing deficiencies these can increase the risk of chronic disease or other conditions. “Inadequate calcium and vitamin D intakes reduce bone density, salt and saturated fat increase cardiovascular disease risk, excessive alcohol intakes increase cancer risk, low intakes of long chain n-3 fatty acids may adversely affect fetal development and mental health, while adequate folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects,” they write.
As a physician in private practice since 1992, this is what I would like to emphasize. Taking a multivitamin along with some extra B vitamins, such as a B Complex and a high quality fish oil on a daily basis can help fend off the risk of falling short when it comes to maintaining your body and wellness. It is time for all of us to invest in our bodies, please join me in starting today.
Like I tell my patients, if you don't take of yourself, no one else can or will.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diabetes is on the Rampage
Is a Diabetes Drug you May be Taking Putting you at Risk..? |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
6/7/2010 8:59 AM
|
|
|
![]() A very commonly prescribed drug known as Metformin or GlucoPhage, has been getting lots of scrutiny recently because it may actually increase the risk of diabetic side-effects. Yet, a drug that helps control blood sugars may indirectly increase the risk of B12 deficiency nerve damage and altered cellular performance. How could this be? Well lets take a look at a 2010 study reported in the British Medical Journal (sometimes the truth can be as shocking as fiction). I am just reporting the finding, I will let you decide for yourself and your loved ones.
Please Note: I am not suggesting discontinuing this medication, but rather strongly encouraging a frank discussion with your prescribing medical provider about taking a good vitamin B Multivitamin Complex, that is rich in B12.
The study was a multi-centered, randomized study that was placebo controlled. Meaning in simple English, the diabetic patients on Metformin were gathered from several locations, were randomly put into two groups, and then some received the drug Metformin, and others simply received a sugar pill.
They tracked the B12 levels and also homocysteine levels (a substance in the body that can damage the heart, brain and bones) that can become elevated if B12 is low. A full 390 patients with type 2 diabetes were either given 850 mg of Metformin or the placebo for 4.3 years.
So What Happened?
Compared with placebo, Metformin treatment was associated with a mean decrease in vitamin B-12 concentration of 19 percent and a increase of the damaging substance called homocysteine of 5%. In short all the numbers went in the wrong direction for those taking Metformin.
The absolute risk of low vitamin B-12 concentration (150-220 pmol/l) at the end of the was 11.2% higher in the Metformin group with a "pre-defined number needed to harm of 8.9 per 4.3 years". This is not good news!
The researchers concluded that long term treatment with Metformin increases the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which results in raised homocysteine concentrations. What do I have to say? It is simple... when taking Metformin, strongly consider taking a high quality B12/B-Complex daily. On a side note, sufficient B vitamins are also needed for optimal blood sugar metabolism as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diabetes--Time to Control the AGE and RAGE Factor |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
5/27/2010 9:35 AM
|
|
|
![]() As described in my blog on diabetes, elevated blood sugars are certainly a potentially life-threatening risk factor to your immediate and long term well being. Yet, the story does not end with blood sugars alone. In fact, there is something called AGE (Advanced Glycation End products) that are generated at a more rapid rate when one's blood sugars are running rich, meaning above the normally accepted lab range.
AGEs occur when there is attachment of sugars onto your body's proteins or fats, a process known as glycation. This is the same process that is in part measured by HA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin), the test your healthcare provider uses to measure your long term blood sugar control.
When a sugar links with a protein molecule in your body, something called cross-linking occurs. This process can be best imagined if you think of toasted bread. When bread is toasted the protein and the carbohydrates in the bread are exposed to heat and turn brown as a result of the chemical reaction that occurs between the proteins and carbohydrates during the toasting process. The same process occurs within your body at 98.6 F over the course of time resulting in AGEs and ultimately RAGE. The accumulation of AGEs damages tissues in your body and perpetuates the ravages of long term diabetes within the 75 trillion cells that make up the human frame.
AGEs also impact other biochemical processes within the body via activation of signal two pathways, one is anti-inflammatory called AGER1 and the other is proinflammatory RAGE. When RAGE is triggered to over express within the body, it fuels inflammation, premature aging and damage to tissues and accelerates cellular destruction.
Ultimately, AGEs and RAGE contribute to heart disease, mental decline, gastrointestinal maladies and joint problems to name a few.
First and foremost, controlling blood sugars as described in my diabetes blog (recently posted) is essential. Also, gaining control of your diet and tracking your blood sugars daily and getting quarterly HA1c (HbA1c) testing is of paramount importance. When it comes to supplements there are many that can be considered, yet a few of my favorite to support a healthy diet include a good multi-vitamin (men's / women's), Lipoic acid, chromium and use of a good daily fiber with each meal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What Everyone Needs to Understand about Diabetes - Part I |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
5/13/2010 4:11 PM
|
|
|
 Without proper care and control, diabetes accelerates premature aging and increases countless health conditions ranging from cardiac, eye related disease, kidney and nerve issues and decreased circulatory health throughout your body.
Simply put, diabetes is a state of drowning under a surge of blood sugar (glucose) and an overt drought at the same time. How can that be, drowning during a drought? To understand this riddle is to be one step closer to victory.
First, it is important to know that Type II Diabetes, also known as adult onset, is the most common type of diabetes. In the United States it affects approximately 30 million individuals both diagnosed and un-diagnosed. With another 60 million individuals walking around with pre-diabetes (metabolic syndrome) according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An important note is that even our youth are now getting this form of diabetes too, due to obesity, diet and genetic susceptibility.
How does 'drowning' during a 'drought' occur? Well, we all know what drowning is. That is when a person takes on too much water and can't sustain sufficient oxygen to live. In the case of diabetes, the drowning is not from water, it is from sugar. I have had dozens of patients that have come to my practice with blood sugar levels well above 400. Remember, a healthy blood sugar is ideally in the neighborhood of 80-95 generally. So 200+ is a drowning state, where there is so much sugar floating around in the blood stream, it is literally dangerous to all cells of your body.
This danger takes on the form of a destructive process called glycation. We will talk more about that in another blog. So, why is there this flood of sugar that slowly but surely chokes out the vitality and well-being of a person? Well, in order for blood sugar to enter the cells and be used or stored, you have to have sufficient insulin. Yet, for the Type II diabetic that has had higher blood sugars for a period of time, the cells of the body eventually become used to (habituated or resistant to) the daily barrage of poisonous sugar.
It is kind of like having a really loud and annoying next door neighbor; eventually (hopefully) you learn to ignore them. That is kind of what happens in the case of excess blood sugar (glucose) that drowns the cells. Yet, ignoring the sugar, merely causes it to build up in the blood stream, ultimately leading to the classic signs of diabetes:
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Polydypsia (increased thirst)
- Polyphagia (increased hunger/cravings)
So, that is the drowning part of the story. Now the rest of the story! What is a drought? Well, when there is insufficient water for a farmer to grow their crop, that is called drought conditions. Likewise, for your body, insufficient "intra-cellular" (in your cells) sugar is a drought. The drought arises from the lack of the ability of sufficient blood sugar to enter the cells to nourish them.
This is kind of like the story of Peter and the Wolf. Just like the loud neighbor, if there is lots of excess blood sugar, then more often than not, you learn to tune out all the background noise. Thus, when the neighbor starts hollering, let me in, let me in, you figure they are just being extra loud again. Same thing happens with excess blood sugar; it is banging on the walls of your cells, saying "let me in". It does this via increased insulin, yet the cell is so use to all the insulin (noise) that is does not respond, thus sugar levels are too low (drought) conditions can eventually occur within the cell.
The Bottom Line: If your cells are under-fueled, then you are too. You are your cells and your cells are you! Starting a mild and health appropriate exercise routine is prudent with your doctors okay, eating more fiber, lowering sugar intake, getting your sleep and lessening your stress and weight will generally pay off with BIG HEALTH DIVIDENDS. Also, some simple supplements like Chromium, B Complex, Vitamin C and Lipoic Acid are considerations to start to discuss with your doctor. When blood sugars are high and have been diagnosed, diabetic medications are routinely prescribed. For individuals on medication, working closely with your doctor to monitor your blood sugars as you introduce natural supplements is important so blood sugar levels do not drop excessively, before your prescription can be lowered, if this indeed happens in your case.
Remember diabetes erodes away your health, so if you know you have high blood sugars, then take charge. If you are not sure, get tested. Also, when there is a family history there is increased risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supporting Your Hormone Levels - Women and Men |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
5/10/2010 10:54 AM
|
|
|
 When it comes to female hormones, for decades Premarin made from "pregnant mare urine" hence the name "Pre-mar-in" was used. Yet, Premarin is just Estradiol, and there are 3 hormones in the human body: Estradiol, Estrone and Estriol. So, why only use one and what does each of these do for the body? And also very importantly, what can you do to optimize your estrogen metabolism?
For the men who have kept reading this far, don't stop. The information that follows applies to you directly, and definitely for the women in your life and circle of influence.
ESTRIOL
Lets review each of these estrogens in a little more detail, ESTRIOL is the most abundant of all the estrogens making up approximately 80 percent of the estrogen present in the female body. Men have estriol as well in their body too. Estriol possesses antioxidant properties. Though it does not have the same powerful impact as estradiol on tissues, it is has been proposed to protect breast tissue, has been used in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and has even been used in Europe with some breast cancer patients.
ESTRADIOL
Upheld as the strongest estrogen, it makes up approximately 10 percent of the body’s total estrogen supply. It has powerful effects on tissues in the body, it also has been shown to be necessary for:
- Health Cholesterol Levels by increasing HDL (good), lowering LDL (bad) and supporting normal total cholesterol.
- Support Bone Strength
- Helps support mood via normal serotonin levels
- Can help mitigate fatigue
- Delivers antioxidant protection
- Supports memory and cognitive performance
- Enhances mineral absorption such as calcium, zinc and magnesium
ESTRONE
In menopause, Estrone levels become predominant. High levels are believed by many researchers and clinicians to be a SIGNIFICANT risk factor for breast cancer. The heavier a person is, the higher the conversion to estrone increasing risk of estrogen driven cancers.
EXCESS TOTAL ESTROGENS - ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
In today's world, far too many women and men are estrogen dominant. This problem arises from our environment, the world's obesity epidemic and also herbicides, pesticides, plastic water bottles, parabens in lotions, cosmetics and contamination of our food supply. Further compounding this issue is that we are all so stressed out, and the stress hormone Cortisol is made from progesterone. Progesterone is a VITAL balancer to estrogen. Thus estrogen dominance can be overt or relative, relative estrogen dominance can exist with normal estrogen or slightly elevated levels even and a deficient level of progesterone.
Some of the RISKS of EXCESS ESTROGEN
- Depression or Irritability
- Higher risk of uterine cancer
- Significantly increased weight gain (abdomen, hips, thighs)
- Fluid Retention
- Decreased Sleep Quality
- Breast Tenderness
- Increased Risk of Auto-immune Disease
Decrease Estrogen Dominance
- Stop taking excess estrogen
- Decrease liver and colon elimination of estrogen
- Get plenty of exercise
- Poor quality diet, increase fiber and reduce animal product intake
- Reduce exposure to environmental estrogens and xenobiotics
- Monitor levels of 16-OH Estrone
NATURAL WAYS TO CONTROL ESTROGEN RATIO and BALANCE
It is absolutely essential to control the production of 16-OH Estrone. If it estrone goes towards 2-OH that is fine, if it goes to 16-OH, this is dangerous. You can enhance the good 2-OH-Estrone and help control the production of the bad 16-OH estrone by eating and supplements:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Kale, Bok Choy, etc.)
- Flaxseed (ground)
- Non-GMO Soy
- Botanical called: Kudzu
- Use of DIM and I-3-C (Indole-3-carbinol)
- Adequate Fish Oil and other Omega 3 Oils
- B vitamin Complex
- Control Obesity
Though this review has huge implications for all women, men also make estrogen and convert it to dangerous forms. The colon and prostate in particular are very susceptible to estrogen impact as well. So women and men alike need to take charge of their hormonal health. I tell my patients, never take estrogen by itself, never take just estradiol with estriol (with rare exception).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resveratrol Antioxidant is Also for Menopausal Symptoms |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
5/4/2010 9:17 AM
|
|
|
 There is new research that the use of resveratrol, commonly found in red wine in small amounts, can help lessen menopausal symptoms. But please note that a dosage of 300 mg of trans-resveratrol supplement, is the equivalent to consuming about 50 bottles of red wine. Clearly supplements are a much better option for anyone. My patients frequently take significant amounts of resveratrol supplement along with additional grape seed extract daily.
Why? Well the fact is that most of us do not have sufficient dietary antioxidant intake on a daily basis.
This is motivation enough, as antioxidant protection is essential to protect the 75 trillion cells that comprise your body. The iron you eat, the healthy oils like fish oil or flaxseed oil you use, and even the air you breath, all burden the body with increased free radical production potential. Yet now, we have a new study suggesting the application of resveratrol to lessen hot flashes, night sweats and other miseries that plague women going through peri-menopause and menopause.
I also make equal recommendations for daily intake of resveratrol for my male patients too due to its antioxidant properties and also ability to induce the Sirt-1 guardian gene.
Resveratrol is a powerful tool to support wellness pursuits. Plus, it also provides an extra bonus for some women that are looking to smooth out the hormonal transition associated with menopause.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dietary Lectins from Common Foods can Weaken Your Health |
|
|
By Dr. Chris Meletis, ND on
4/29/2010 8:31 AM
|
|
|
What I am going to share with is possibly one of the most important and overlooked dietary considerations for anyone that is serious about their health. I just returned from lecturing in Orlando at the A4M world anti-aging conference, the premier longevity conference for medical health care providers that are sick and tired of seeing patients that prematurely aging and suffering the ravages of being mis-informed and mal-informed.
The topic of my lecture was “lectins”, no not “leptin” involved in weight loss, though as I will share with you if you are eating lectins, you will definitely increase the likelihood that you will become fatter, more inflamed and without question, more miserable in your daily existence.
Put simply, lectins are specific dietary proteins that can trigger inflammation that will in turn bind onto Leptins, that will increase weight gaining and impede weight loss, immune hyper-reactivity and contribute to autoimmunity aggravation. Common lectins include the nightshade family that includes tomato, potato, egg plant, bell peppers and tobacco. Also wheat, oat, rye, barley, nuts, seeds, peanuts, eggs and dairy are all BIG lectins.
So what is the big deal? People eat all these foods all the time and they survive, right? Well there is a HUGE difference between surviving and thriving. Lectins bind to sugar receptors in the body and trigger ill health. The key is to find out what lectins, that is what foods are your enemy, to maintain healthy aging and daily exuberance.
Let me share an interesting and compelling story. In Britain, at a hospital back in 1988, the cafeteria decided to offer a healthy lunch option for its workers. The option was a “kidney bean dish” and within a couple of hours, dozens of people got sick with vomiting and/or diarrhea. The food was tested for pathogens and nothing was found. The BIG DISCOVERY was that this particular bean dish was found to be VERY high in lectins. I think most of us know that when cooking beans, we need to soak the beans overnight and rinse them thoroughly and ideally we would repeat this process. The key is that much of the lectin in beans can be lessened with this process.
Now an even more deadly example of lectins and their potential impact on the human body, is the lectin found in castor beans, called Ricin. Those of you that follow the news and bioterrorism, know ricin can cause a terrible death even when exposure is topical, inhaled or ingested.
So what is a person to do? Well first and foremost, listen to your body and see if eliminating nuts or grains (other than rice) or nightshade foods, for a period of 3 to 4 weeks, allows your body’s level of wellness to rise to a whole new level.
In addition to avoidance of foods that you find serve as hurdles to your true wellness, the conclusions that I shared with the room full of doctors is the use of probiotics, betaine HCl and digestive enzymes can help lessen your susceptibility to the full impact of lectins. Yet the most important thing is avoidance when possible. Remember that a healthy Gastrointestinal tract supports a healthy you. There is no greater investment that you can make when it comes to fortifying your body at a foundational level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please note: These statements and information have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. These products and services are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For further information please consult
with your personal health care provider.
|
|
|
|
|
|