Why You Might Be Pre-diabetic

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Aliscia Donahue

By Dr. John R. Manzella Jr., DO, MBA – You just got your blood work back from your doctor and he tells you that your blood sugar is within the normal range. Before you grab for the apple pie à la mode, you might want to read this first.

Many doctors now agree that the “normal” range for fasting blood sugar is set too high. According to current criteria, you aren’t considered diabetic unless your fasting blood sugar exceeds 125 mg/dL. But today’s progressive doctors understand how important it is to get a much lower reading. In fact, if your fasting blood-sugar level is not below 105 mg/lL, you might also be experiencing high after-meal spikes that could be just as damaging as diabetes itself.

The latest scientific research shows that after-meal spikes in blood sugar are potentially more damaging than elevations of fasting blood sugar. They not only lead to diabetes and heart disease, but also to blindness as well as eye, kidney and nerve disease. [1], [2] For example, one study showed that the risk of a heart attack increases by 58% in people with “normal” blood sugars and glucose-tolerance tests, for each 21 mg/dL increase in after-meal blood sugar. Controlling after-meal spikes in blood sugar can help reduce cardiovascular risk and many other health risks. Reducing foods high in fat and sugar is a good way to start. [3] [4] [5]

Res-Q 105MAX can help when you find it hard to keep on a strict diet plan.

The scientifically proven ingredients in Res-Q 105MAX can help you reduce after-meal sugar spikes and maintain healthy blood-sugar levels throughout the day. It will also help curb your cravings for sweets so you can stay on track.

Keep Res-Q 105MAX on your dining table and take one capsule with every meal to help say goodbye to dangerous sugar spikes.

For more information on Res-Q 105MAX, contact a product consultant at 1-800-26-ALIVE (1-800-262-5483) or visit our home page.

References:
[1] http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(98)12131-1/abstract
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14985967
[3] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109798006378
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20494468
[5] http://www.diabetes.org/news-research/research/research-database/exenatide-and-postprandial.html

Supplements

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn

Superfood

To help supplement the diet, try a superfood complex. Also start eating healthy. Nothing is nutritionally as complete or balanced as whole foods. They provide a synergy of nutrition: amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The healthiest, most nutritiously balanced diet comes from whole foods.

Try eating a diet of whole foods like fruits, vegetables and fresh meats. The general store used to be a farmer’s market full of fresh produce but today’s grocery stores are full of aisles displaying processed, prepackaged convenience foods that are only really helpful during food emergencies.

If you eat large portions that are full of extra fat and empty calories such as fast, fried and prepackaged foods because you are hungry and nothing else is available, you may receive some energy but not the healthiest for the body. Foods made with trans-fats and lots of vegetable oils are not healthy; they don’t always contain balanced and complete nutrition.

Vitamins and Minerals

When you don’t have the funds for the best quality whole foods and opt for cheap, fast meals on the go, health is often sacrificed. To ensure that you obtain vitamins and minerals, supplement the diet daily with a complete multivitamin supplement, best to consume with food such as your evening meal.

Omega-3 Supplement

Also, supplement the diet with healthy fats such as essential omega-3 fatty acids, the building blocks of the brain and an important part of cell membranes. Some diets may not provide the proper balance of fats. A good quality fish-oil supplement rich in omega-3s will counterbalance the over-consumption of omega-6s, trans-fats and saturated fats, and restore health and wellness. Res-Q 1250+ is highly recommended; it provides vitamin D plus omega-3, a good type of fat that supports a healthy heart.

Limit consumption of processed foods that are not healthy. For example, canned foods may contain Bisphenol A found inside the metal of the tin can. This toxin can leach into the food. Eating a can of soup daily may increase the risk of liver, diabetes and heart disease. Microwave popcorn contains harmful chemicals that vaporize when the popcorn is cooked.

ProBiotics

Raw milk will always, to some extent, carry some degree of heath risk (especially if the cow is sick) due to its natural bacterial content; however, some of the bacteria is actually beneficial. Since today’s milk is processed to remove bacteria, though, the pasteurization process can remove the beneficial bacteria lactobacilli. To help restore this beneficial probiotic, a dietary supplement may be helpful.

Calcium Supplement

Additionally, many people drink milk for the calcium; supplements may better help increase calcium levels, especially with milk prices rising or for those who do not consume enough dairy to obtain adequate vitamin D and calcium intake.

For more information on Res-Q products, contact a product consultant at 1-800-26-ALIVE or visit our home page.

1. International Health News 20122.
2. Is raw milk more healthful than pasteurized milk?

Why Dream?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn

When we think of sleep, we may often think of rest and repair of the body; however, another reason that we sleep is to dream.

The quiet, still and restful type of sleep that we think of is called non-REM sleep. There are two primary types: REM and non-REM. REM (rapid eye movement) is the sleep cycle when you experience dreams. Although some people may view dreams as a side effect of sleep, one of the reasons that we sleep is to dream.

Once a new day is beginning with a busy routine, the dreams may fade and be forgotten. Dreams are usually only remembered upon waking from a REM cycle. They might seem pointless or strange to you but nothing could be further from the truth; even if you do not recall your dreams, the dreaming that happened during the night still served an important purpose. Some people even keep a dream journal, recording their dreams upon awakening and finding them insightful.

Dreaming improves mental function; it stimulates the brain regions you use to learn and make memories: “The brain may sort out new information from that day and during the nighttime to help process, select and sort that information, revisiting scenes from that day in a random way.” During sleep, the brain forms pathways for “learning, creating memories and new insights.”¹

There is a lot of emphasis on sleep duration (how long you sleep) and sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep). However, sleep quality is also important. Some people may receive eight or nine hours of sleep yet that quality is poor. How well you sleep is just as important as the amount of time spent sleeping.

Alcohol, stress and being disturbed or awakened while sleeping can interfere with the natural sleep cycles that need to take place at night; there may be less of a REM cycle. Not dreaming can affect your health, as both REM and non-REM sleep are important.

There are some all-natural remedies that can help improve sleep quality and increase dreaming. Melatonin, a supplement that helps you to fall asleep at nighttime, has also been shown in a study to increase the amount time spent dreaming. When compared to a placebo, there was an increase in the percentage of time spent in the REM sleep cycle. Scientists now understand that the REM cycle may benefit us more then we ever realized before, impacting brain function, metabolic processes and the immune system.²

Res-Q Supplement

Res-Q Sleep is a dietary supplement containing melatonin and other relaxing herbs that promote rest, relaxation and enhanced sleeping patterns. Res-Q Sleep may also help improve the quality of sleep and realign the body clock for better sleep. Res-Q Sleep is available as a fast-acting liquid spray and in caplet form, and is also available in a grape flavor. For more information about Res-Q Sleep, call customer service: 1-800-262-5483. 215-541-9890

Footnotes:

1. National Institute of Health
2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 89, No. 1 128-134, The Endocrine Society, Melatonin in Patients with Reduced REM Sleep Duration: Two Randomized Controlled Trials

Protect Your Heart

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn

1. Take an Omega-3 Supplement

The immune system attacks viruses, bacteria, invaders and promotes rest, relaxation and healing after injuries by creating pain, swelling and inflammation. Without the immune system, we would be helpless victims to germs. However, over years of time, excess inflammation puts you at a higher risk for having a heart attack. Evidence indicates that LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream becomes harmful to the arteries once inflammation and oxidation occur.

Chronic or silent problems that you may not even be aware of can explain why even those with normal cholesterol levels are at risk for a heart attack. Inflammation is linked to type 2 diabetes, allergies, cancer, arthritis, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Eat for Your Heart

Diets that include lots of fruits and vegetables may help balance cholesterol levels. If cholesterol becomes low enough, it is possible for plaque buildup to be reversed. As arteries become narrowed, heart attack can occur. Diets that include plants (Drs. Esselstyn and Campbell) have been used to reverse coronary heart disease (blocked arteries). The diet’s success is largely attributed to cholesterol reduction.

3. Manage Your Cholesterol

If your LDL cholesterol is extremely high, you may need more than dietary interventions. According to the American Heart Association, “The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL has a greater risk than someone with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, even though everyone with a total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high-risk.”

If you have high blood pressure, add another major risk factor for heart attack. If you smoke tobacco, have diabetes and are overweight, add three more risk factors to the equation.

4. Supplements

Nature’s Shield’s L-D-L less contains red yeast rice, a unique type of natural yeast that helps balance the body’s production of cholesterol.

Res-Q LDL-x2 with niacin helps inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol when consumed with food.

Res-Q 1250 reduces inflammation, improves circulation, supports a healthy heartbeat and promotes overall cholesterol well-being.

Additional Tips:

Get your cholesterol checked and arteries scanned if you are older, have diabetes or are overweight. Quit smoking, manage weight with productive exercise and muscle building, and learn how to manage blood pressure.

Understanding Your Risk of Heart Attack

Omega-3 Supplement Review

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn

Just because a product costs more money doesn’t always mean that it is more expensive. For example, some products cost more but the number of units may be greater: i.e., 500 paper plates for $3 is a better value than 50 paper plates for $1. I reviewed a name-brand omega-3 supplement that I will refer to as Brand X so as not to mention any names.

Brand X Krill Oil

One capsule of Brand X contains:

300 milligrams of krill oil
90 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids
50 milligrams of EPA
24 milligrams of DHA

Res-Q 1250

I also decided to review Res-Q 1250, a popular omega-3 supplement that is marketed for cardiovascular health and cholesterol well-being.

One capsule of Res-Q 1250 provides:

1250 milligrams of omega-3 oil (anchovy, sardine, mackerel)
750-850 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids
390-425 milligrams of EPA
300-325 milligrams of DHA

Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are found predominantly in marine (sea) life: fish, krill, phytoplankton or calamari (squid). I would have to take 12½ capsules of Brand X’s krill oil to equal the amount of DHA in one Res-Q 1250 capsule. DHA benefits the heart, brain and eyes, while EPA reduces inflammation, inhibits cholesterol synthesis and encourages a healthy cardiovascular system.

The bottle of Res-Q 1250 contains 200 capsules whereas Brand X only provides 60. Res-Q 1250 costs $56; Brand X krill oil costs $32.98. In other words, the unit price of a Brand X capsule is 54 cents ($32.98/60).¹ One Res-Q 1250 capsule costs 28 cents ($56/200). Therefore, Res-Q is the least expensive of the two supplements; it’s the best buy.

N3 Oceanic, maker of the Res-Q product line, always offers price discounts or promotional offers. Prior to placing your first order, have a product consultation with one of our Res-Q consultants. Call the customer service department at 1-800-262-5483 (26-ALIVE). Res-Q consultants are not only knowledgeable but can offer you a reduced price, special discounts or free shipping.

1 current retail price as of 01/17/13

Staying Healthy

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Jennifer Lynn

Treating disease is different than preventing disease.

It requires a whole different type of treatment plan. For example, reducing excess inflammation is a very important part of the treatment plan for people who suffer from autoimmune disorders, a condition in which the body attacks its own tissues; chronic and persistent inflammation makes the health condition worse.

Autoimmune disorders involve dysfunction of the immune system. However, it would be interesting to know exactly what triggers such inflammation, a sign or signal that is something is wrong in the body. Can anything prevent it?

New research may shed light on the true cause of disease.

Bacteria may be the true cause of many diseases. Research suggests that a lot of disease begins with bacteria. For example, multiple sclerosis may actually be caused by bad (pathogenic) bacteria that trigger the body to destroy its own tissues! Mice predisposed to develop MS did not experience any symptoms when they were not exposed to bacteria.¹ Additionally, the Mayo Clinic reveals that the cause of ulcerative colitis may be a virus or bacterium: “The digestive tract becomes inflamed when your immune system tries to fight off the invading microorganism (pathogen).”

The health of the digestive system influences the health of the entire body.

Staying healthy starts with the digestive system. The precise balance of gut microflora (bacteria) plays a huge role in health and prevention. Obviously, we want more of the good kind of bacteria and less of the bad. One good health practice involves consuming “fermented foods and cultured milk products”² after meals. This all-natural holistic health remedy was used throughout history to improve digestion and promote longevity. In some areas of the world, it’s a lassi—a healthy yogurt-like drink—or a Greek yogurt for dessert!

News reports have said that probiotics helped some people with inflammatory bowel disease to have less inflammation.³ However, the benefit of this information remains more of a preventative nature: Replenish the digestive tract with more beneficial bacteria–in hopes of warding off the bad bacteria that make you sick—or, at the very least, curb the growth of less desirable microbiota.

Staying healthy starts with good health practices.

An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure. It’s called probiotics: live beneficial bacteria that provide health benefits for those who consume them. It’s not just for those who are sick or have special digestive issues, but should be as mainstream a part of health as eating an apple!

Res-Q supplements:

Supplementing a healthy diet may promote health, wellness and feeling good. While yogurt is limited to only a few species, Res-Q Probiotic provides a wide variety of beneficial probiotics.

Res-Q’s supplements are more pure and potent than the average supplement. Res-Q products are an exceptional value and the high-quality manufacturing ensures potency through the stated expiration dates; you can rest assured that you have a fresh and potent probiotic supplement. Res-Q ProBiotic may be purchased online or by calling toll-free: 1-800-26-ALIVE (or 215-541-9890).

1. Commensal microbiota and myelin autoantigen cooperate to trigger autoimmune demyelination. Nature. 2011 Oct 26;479(7374):538-41. doi: 10.1038/nature10554.
2. Probiotic Article
3. Probiotics do ease gut problems, several studies show (MSN News)

Supplements for the Eyes

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Jennifer Lynn

Taking antioxidants and zinc may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a very specific eye condition that affects the macula of the eye and leads to central vision loss. Research studies confirm that people with macular degeneration may benefit from the following combination:

500 milligrams of vitamin C
400 international units (I.U.) of vitamin E
80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
Two milligrams of copper (added to prevent zinc-related copper deficiency)
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Omega-3s plus DHA

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) revealed that antioxidants and zinc are responsible for macular health. Although beta-carotene is essential for night vision, studies show that it is really lutein and zeaxanthin (powerful eye antioxidants) that decrease the risk of macular degeneration.

The most common form of macular degeneration is the dry type, accounting for 90% of all cases; the eye’s cells break down and yellow deposits (called drusen) form. As the condition gets worse, a blur in the center line of vision may occur that doctors refer to as geographic atrophy.

Study participants who reported the highest omega-3 intake were at least twice as likely to maintain their vision. They were less likely to go on to develop central geographic atrophy, the cause of central vision loss. With macular degeneration, the peripheral (side) vision still works but there is a loss of the vision directly in front of the person.

The omega-3 fatty acid EPA is a known precursor to DHA, the major omega-3 fatty acid of the eye. This means that EPA has to be converted into DHA, “the major dietary and structural long-chain omega-3 fatty acid” of the eye’s retina.

Taking DHA supplements is good for the macula of the eye, an area of the retina that consists of “millions of light-sensing cells that provide sharp, detailed central vision.” DHA is well known for its ability to halt or alter the processes that lead to age-related macular degeneration.

The high doses of vitamins used in the ARED Study require taking vitamin supplements, as this level of intake is not provided in the diet. Since the typical American diet also lacks long-chain omega-3 in the form of EPA and DHA, the same is true of omega-3. You need to supplement.

Res-Q Recommended Supplements for Eye Support:

Res-Q Calamarine is a Res-Q omega-3 supplement that provides a direct source of DHA to boost brain and eye health. For optimal eye health, take two capsules per day. There are 1,000 milligrams of DHA in two capsules; it would take anywhere from four to 12 fish-oil capsules to provide that amount of DHA. Res-Q Calamarine is therefore not only a superior omega-3 supplement, but also an exceptional savings.

Nature’s Shield Advanced Eye Support contains lutein and zeaxanthin for optimal macular health. This dietary supplement also contains the proper amounts of vitamins C, E and B plus the mineral zinc, critical eye support ingredients that were used in the ARED Study. Nature’s Shield Advanced Eye Support is intended to help maintain healthy vision.

References:
National Eye Institute
American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Institute of Health
“The Relationship of Dietary ω-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake With Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration AREDS Report No. 23”

The Perfect Omega Ratio

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Jennifer Lynn

Fats play an important role in our health, especially the good ones! The three basic types of fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. The omega-3 and omega-6 fats are polyunsaturated.

The omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) is plentiful in both nature and diet but this is not the case with omega-3. Walnuts, flaxseed and spinach are a poor source of heart-healthy omega-3 because these foods don’t provide any of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, also known as EPA and DHA.

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a unit of the University of Southern Mississippi‘s College of Science and Technology, refers to this dietary fat balance as having “resulted in an overwhelming surplus of omega-6 fatty acids and a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids.” They estimate the balance of polyunsaturated fats in the Western diet as having at least 20 times more omega-6 then it should. This dietary imbalance is thought to contribute to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases.

Fast food, including such processed foods like cakes, crackers, pies and all deep-fried foods, are one reason why there is too much omega-6 in the diet. Omega-6 oils (vegetable, corn, soybean, sesame, safflower, sunflower and cottonseed oils) provide the texture and taste that Americans enjoy. However, the typical American diet is causing a dietary fat imbalance.

Omega-3 is needed by every cell in the body! As the number of double bonds increases, so does fluidity, so highly unsaturated, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy, flexible cells.

Only certain types of fish provide a significant source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The healthiest fish are extremely expensive, which limits how often they are consumed. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found predominantly in marine life: fish, calamari, seafood and algae. EPA and DHA reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

The Fats Handbook explains it best: “The omega-3-produced eicosanoids elicit anti-inflammatory responses while omega-6 eicosanoids elicit inflammatory responses. When the diet contains high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, cell membranes have high concentrations of omega-6, and the highly potent eicosanoids that are produced by the omega-6 precursor, arachidonic acid, are released.”

You need to supplement the diet with fish oil to help restore the dietary balance of fats to the optimal ratio. Fish oils contain the long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA, but not all fish oils are equal!

Some fish oils are not concentrated. Don’t be fooled by the word concentrate like “fish-oil concentrate.” Look for EPA and DHA on the label. Also, it is important to make sure it is only a pure, omega-3 supplement; we get enough omega-6 in the diet!

Res-Q 1250 is a great brand! It is a highly concentrated EPA/DHA supplement that promotes optimal cardiovascular health and helps to reduce inflammation. It is something that everyone needs. Since Res-Q 1250 is at least twice as potent as most fish oils, it represents an exceptional savings.

To contact us by telephone, call 1-800-262-5483.

References:

Types of Dietary Fats and Oils
Fats HandBook

Blood-Sugar Tests

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Jennifer Lynn

November is American Diabetes Month and now is a great time to start testing blood sugar. It is possible to have prediabetes or diabetes and not even know it. If you never had your blood sugar tested, it is a really good idea to do so. There are many different types of blood-sugar tests; here is some key information from the American Diabetes Association:

Fasting Test:

100-125 – prediabetes
Over 125 – diabetes
Some people are diabetic and do not even know it.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:

140-199 – prediabetes
200 or higher – diabetes

Your doctor may be able to help you with the blood-sugar tests. There is an additional test called the A1c test, which can help measure how well the body metabolizes blood sugar.

If you do not yet have diabetes, but have been told that you are borderline, now is the time—before it is too late—to ask your doctor what type of lifestyle changes will help save your health.

Diet, exercise and supplements can make a difference. The Diabetes Prevention Program proved that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in prediabetics who increased physical activity and made dietary modifications. Supplements like chromium, magnesium and pumpkin extracts have been shown in clinical studies to improve blood-sugar metabolism.

Res-Q Supplement of the Week:

When used as part of a diet plan, Res-Q 105Max may help maintain a healthy blood-sugar level. Res-Q 105Max’s pumpkin pentose complex is able to directly enter cells for use as energy. Less sugar is released into the bloodstream and the conversion of glucose into glycogen is encouraged. This helps maintain a healthy blood-sugar level and supports the natural function of blood-sugar metabolism that is common to everyone.

Purchase Res-Q 105Max or call customer service at 1-800-26-ALIVE to inquire about the most recent promotional offers available from your Res-Q consultant.

More Health Tips for Alzheimers

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Jennifer Lynn

Last week, we reviewed the basics of Alzheimer’s disease prevention: exercise, eating right, staying active and taking supplements. Additionally, managing diabetes can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some more health tips:

Learn Stress Management

It is important to find ways to cope with stress. Take a course on stress management or read a book. Learning deep-breathing exercises can help you relax and fight the damaging effects of stress on the brain. As seen on the Dr. Oz show, one technique called 7-7-7: Breath in for seven seconds, hold for seven seconds and then exhale for seven seconds.

Getting all worked up or experiencing the fight-or-flight reaction to stressful life events can release damaging brain chemicals. According to Alzheimer’s prevention research, “Cortisol, in excess, damages the cells in the memory center of your brain. It stops glucose from entering your brain cells. It blocks your neurotransmitter function and causes brain cells to become injured”

Socialize and Stay Active

Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease involves getting out of the house, socializing or engaging with the community: “Compelling research suggests seniors who spend most of their time in their immediate home environment are almost twice as likely to develop AD compared to those who travel more.”

Get Quality Sleep

Sleep problems are linked with Alzheimer’s disease; those with existing Alzheimer’s disease often have sleep disturbances. It isn’t so much the amount of time spent in bed, but lack of sleep quality such as less dream time. Additionally, a study shows that those who woke up five or more times an hour are more likely to have amyloid plaques, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease.

Take DHA Supplements

DHA supplements help promote brain and eye health. DHA is the major fatty acid of the brain cells and the retina area of the eye. Research links low DHA levels with Alzheimer’s disease. Those with the lower levels of DHA were twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, low levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, may mean that you are 67% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in the next ten years.

Last but not least, don’t forget to challenge your brain. Finding hobbies and activities helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease: “Some examples of fantastic, brain-building mental exercises include reading, writing, playing board games and doing crossword puzzles.”

Res-Q Supplements

Res-Q Calamarine is a high-DHA formula that supports brain function. The Res-Q omega-3 supplement has 60 high-potency capsules per bottle and is intended to supplement the diet. Take one or two capsules everyday to promote good health and wellness.