Your Life-Your Choice February, 1998 issue 5A Question & Answer Supplement Welcome to Your Life-Your Choice's FIRST Question & Answer Supplement. Again, let me extend my thanks to all of you who submitted your questions to Dr. Abrams. The tremendous response has reinforced my belief that this is a much needed and wanted addition to Your Life-Your Choice. I know that through this segment, we will be able to offer you a valuable resource. Size limitations prevent us from publishing all the questions & answers. If your question is time sensitive, Dr. Abrams is extending an offer for you to call him on his 800 number to ensure a timely response. This is a toll free call from anywhere in the U.S.A and Canada; 1-800-777-1328. You may have noticed that I labelled this supplement, issue 5A. I did this to correspond with the February issue of Your Life-Your Choice which was our 5th issue. On a going forward basis I believe this will make more sense. Your Life-Your Choice has gone through a complete face lift. We've changed our look and our address. For those of you who haven't been to the Headquarters lately... check it out! http://www.Life-Choices.com and notice our new address! Please update your bookmarks... we're here to stay! There will be more new resources coming on board in the upcoming months, so check back often. Brigitte Synesael Your Life-Your Choice Editor Traditional Medicine Needs Our Help! Your life is your choice-don't make it the doctor's choice! http://www.Life-Choices.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This newsletter is meant to educate and inform. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. As the editor of Your Life-Your Choice, I encourage you to consult with a reliable professional in your area in regards to any specific health issue. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Unsuscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can unsubscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Copyright 1997 by Brigitte Synesael All rights reserved ****************************************************************** Please take a moment and visit our sponsors: Don't have time to read fitness magazines, newsletters and health and fitness research? Log on to FitnessLink at http://www.fitnesslink.com to find up to the minute articles, health tips, fitness routines and live chat with fitness friends. Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter! For "All the News That's Fit," visit FitnessLink. http://www.fitnesslink.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ If only you had a little more self confidence. If you could just remember people's names. Don't let "if only's" determine your future. Take control of your mind and body with these powerful methods. http://www.icemall.com/picto_super_deal.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Your Life-Your Choice's Questions & Answers Hosted by Dr. Norman R. Abrams (Read his portfolio at http://www.Life-Choice.com/DrAbrams.html) 1. Why do I need a detoxification diet program? Today we are all exposed to toxic or non natural substances from the foods we eat, the air we breathe (clothing, building materials, carpeting, and others) which challenge our bodies or overburden our systems. In addition, we produce toxins within our bodies in digestion and elimination, combating disease and infection, and dealing with stress. Some people produce additional toxins as the result of food allergy or sensitivity reactions. A detoxification dietary program is designed to give your body nutritional support for the detoxification process. The goal is a cleansing, healing process which nutritionally supports your body's detoxification systems (which may have been overburdened and compromised) to recover and begin to function more efficiently. ========== 2. Which is better glucosamine sulfate or chondroitin sulfate? If you are trying to restore cartilage and joint structure it is best to use glucosamine sulfate rather than chondroitin sulfate or shark cartilage. The reason is the glucosamine sulfate absorption rate is 90% to 98% while the absorption of intact chondroitin sulfate is estimated to be about 0% to 13%. The difference in absorption is largely due to the difference in size. Chondroitin sulfate is at least 50 to 300 times larger than glucosamine sulfate. If chondroitin sulfate molecules were absorbed intact or partially digested, they are unlikely to produce any significant benefit in this form. The reason is chondroitin sulfate molecules are simply too large to be delivered to cartilage cells. One of the key reasons glucosamine sulfate is so effective is that its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the joint cartilage and be delivered to the chondrocyte and stimulate glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis. It would be nearly impossible for large chondroitin sulfate molecules to produce this effect. Any clinical benefit from chondroitin sulfate is most likely due to the absorption of smaller molecules broken down by digestion. ========== 3. Are antacid medications safe? All antacids are relatively safe when used on an occasional basis for heartburn or indigestion. Taken regularly, however, they can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients, bowel irregularities, kidney stones, and other side effects. There are several types of antacids, I'll discuss these types briefly. Aluminum containing compounds - This group includes Maalox, Rolaids, Digel, Mylanta, Riopan, Wingel, Amphogel and AlernaGel. All of these antacids are potent and effective in neutralizing acid, there are some significant long-term safety concerns. There is growing evidence to indicate that aluminum may play a role in impaired mental function as well as in diseases of the nervous system including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Although manufacturers and the government tell us that the aluminum in antacids is not absorbed, this appears to be false information as absorption studies prove otherwise even when low-dose therapy is used. Absorption of aluminum is greatly enhanced if the meal contains any citrus fruit, orange juice, soda, or other sources of citric acid. The bottom line for this antacid is, there is no reason to use the aluminum-containing antacids at this time as the risk far outweighs the short-term benefits. Sodium bicarbonate compounds - Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda. Alka Seltzer is ordinary baking soda in an effervescent form. Although sodium bicarbonate can be useful in short-term therapy, it is not indicated for chronic prolonged therapy due to the risk of sodium overload. Long term administration can lead to the formation of kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, headache, an mental confusion. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate compounds - An example of a carbonate containing antacid is Tums. Although fast-acting and potent, calcium carbonate can cause what is known as acid rebound three or four hours after use. This means that the body will try to overcompensate the neutralizing of gastric acid by secreting even more acid. This may not be viewed as being clinically significant in the treatment of indigestion, but it may play a role in delaying ulcer healing. Another thing that should be looked at when using Tums is that it is some times recommended as a calcium supplement. In fact calcium carbonate is the most widely used form of calcium supplement. While calcium carbonate can be an effective antacid, there are much better forms of calcium for supplementation. The reason for this is that for calcium carbonate and other calcium salts to be assimilated they must be solubilized and ionized by stomach acid. It has been shown in studies with post menopausal women, about 40% are severely deficient in stomach acid. Individuals with deficient stomach acid can only absorb about 4% of an oral dose of calcium as calcium carbonate, while a person with normal stomach acid can typically absorb about 22%. Persons with low stomach acid secretion need a form of calcium already in a soluble and ionized state, like calcium citrate, malate, succinate, fumarate or lacate and aspartate. Magnesium compounds - Magnesium salts such as magnesium oxide, hydroxide, and carbonate often appear in aluminum- containing products. Phillip's Milk of Magnesia is the only major brand that features only magnesium; it is a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water. As well as acting as an antacid it also has a laxative effect. It is generally safe as long as your kidney function is normal, but diarrhea is a risk. H2-receptor antagonists - These drugs work to block the action of histamine on the secretion of stomach acid. Histamine normally acts on the acid secreting cells of the stomach in a manner which results in the secretion of stomach acid. By blocking this effect, stomach acid output is greatly reduced. Examples of H2-receptor antagonists include cimitidine (Tagament), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid). Since H2-receptor antagonists block a vital bodily function involved in digestion, digestive disturbances can be quite common with the use of this drug. They can include: nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Nutrient deficiencies can also appear as a result of impaired digestion. ========== 4. What are some of the signs and symptoms of low stomach acidity? Although a great deal has been said about increased stomach acidity, probably a more common cause of indigestion is a lack of stomach or gastric acid secretion. Hypochlorhydria refers to deficient gastric acid secretion while achlorhydria refers to complete absence of gastric acid secretion. Many signs and symptoms may suggest impaired gastric acid secretion, they include: bloating, belching, burning, flatulence immediately after meals, a sense of fullness after eating, indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, multiple food allergies, nausea after taking nutritional supplements, itching around the rectum, weak, peeling and cracked finger nails, dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose, Iron deficiency, and undigested food in the stool. Several studies have shown that the ability to secrete gastric acid decreases with age. These same studies found low stomach acidity in over half of those over age 60. The best method of assessing the lack of gastric acid is a special procedure known as the Heidelberg gastric analysis. This technique utilizes an electronic capsule which measures the acid/alkaline ranges of the stomach an intestine and sends a radio message to a receiver which records and graphs the ranges as the capsule travels through the digestive tract. ========== 5. What are the most common signs of rapid aging? According to studies that were done at Tufts University and outlined in a book titled: Biomarkers - You can control the aging process - the keys to prolonging vitality. There are 12 Biomarkers which include: 1. Biomarker #1 Body Cell Mass (especially Muscle Mass) - Typically lean-body cell mass declines with age. From young adulthood to middle age, the average person loses 6.6 pounds (3 kg.) of lean-body mass per decade. This rate of loss accelerates after age 45. 2. Biomarker #2 Strength-Musculo-Skeletal Fitness - Studies show we lose muscle fibres more rapidly with age and that we typically lose approximately 30% of our muscle cells between age 20 and 70. This gradual muscle loss appears to be the catalyst for a number of other age related changes in our body. These include: decreased blood-sugar tolerance, declining metabolism, increase in body fat, reduced aerobic capacity, and loss of bone mineral density. The remarkably good news is that human studies have proven that with the right exercise program, those in their 6th, 7th, 8th and even 9th decade of life can expect improvements in strength and muscle cell size similar to those of young people doing the same amount of exercise. 3. Biomarker #3 Basal Metabolism Rate (BMR) - Your BMR is directly proportional to your lean-body cell mass. As with your lean-body cell mass, higher is better. The typical person's BMR drops two percent per decade from age 20 onward. 4. Biomarker #4 Body Fat Percentage - Unlike the first 3 biomarkers which typically decline with age, our body fat usually increases with age, even if our weight does not. Here again human studies have demonstrated unfavourable changes in body composition with advancing age. The sedentary man or women at 65 has approximately twice the body fat they had as young people. 5. Biomarker #5 Body Fat Distribution - There is increasing evidence that people who accumulate fat around their waist (apple shape), have a significantly higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke and diabetes, people who store fat around their hips (pear shapes). This is the reason monitoring waist-to-hip ratios can be a valuable indicator of health and aging status. 6. Biomarker #6 Aerobic Capacity - This refers to your body's ability to take in and properly utilize oxygen. It requires healthy lungs, a strong heart and an efficient circulatory system. Aerobic capacity typically declines with age, men peak at approximately 20 years of age and women at around 30 years of age. By age 65 oxygen utilization has typically declined by 30 to 40 %. The key word here is "typically". As with each of the previously discussed biomarkers, proper exercise and nutrition can markedly improve aerobic capacity, commonly referred to as your VO2 max. (the maximum volume of oxygen you can utilize over a given period of time). The older you are however, the longer it takes, exercising regularly, to achieve the VO2 max. of young people. 7. Biomarker #7 Blood-Sugar Tolerance - For most, aging is synonymous with increasing blood-sugar (glucose) levels. This compromised ability to regulate and utilize sugar is quite insidious with the initial sign of trouble for many being a diagnosis of adult onset diabetes. Fortunately, excellent tests are available for monitoring the body's ability to regulate glucose properly. The best news is that proper exercise, improved nutrition and the right supplement program can result in marked improvement, halting the accelerated aging that goes along with glucose dysregulation. 8. Biomarker #8 Cholesterol / HDL Ratio - Studies have shown that when the ratio of total cholesterol over HDL cholesterol is 4.5 or lower, there is a reduced risk to heart and circulatory disease. Unfortunately it is typical for cholesterol / HDL ratios to increase with age, increasing the risk for disability and premature death. Here again, the key to reducing LDL's (the most harmful form of cholesterol) and raising HDL's (the beneficial form), is better dietary management, proper supplementation and a proper exercise program. 9. Biomarker #9 Blood Pressure - Although there are cultures around the world who show no increases in blood pressure with age , the United States and Canada are not among them. Hypertension, often referred to as "the silent killer", affects 65 million North Americans, increasing their risk to heart attacks, stroke and other serious diseases with seldom any warning symptoms. Even though some people are genetically predisposed to hypertension, the proper nutrition and exercise program will restore normal healthy pressures in most cases. 10. Biomarker #10 Bone Mineral Density - There is typically an age related decline in bone mineral density that leaves older people with weakened bones and at risk to disability and life threatening complications. The later stages of this bone mineral loss is called "osteoporosis". Contrary to popular belief, it affects men and women. Although it is accelerated in menopausal women it is not a problem which is exclusive to them. Studies show a typical decline in bone mineral density of one percent per year after peak bone density is reached at between ages 28 to 35 years in men and women. After menopause, typical bone loss increases to three percent per year and for some it can be as high as fifteen percent. What may shock you is that the rate of bone loss increases 50 fold during prolonged bed rest. Research shows that two weeks of berets can cause as much calcium loss as one full year of aging! Needless to say, the very best prescription for the prevention and treatment of bone loss is proper exercise and proper nutrition. The nutrition component must include, adequate levels of calcium and associated bone building nutrients. As with each of the biomarkers, there is a simple test that can be used to assess whether you are losing significant bone density or not. It involves analysis of your urine to assess the levels of several byproducts of bone breakdown, which when elevated signals an accelerated loss of bone. Corrective measures can be initiated and a re-test done several weeks later to ensure resolution of the condition. Biomarker #11 Internal Temperature Regulation - As we age our body's ability to regulate our internal temperature declines. Our thermoregulatory systems begin to struggle with changes in our external environment. Both cold and hot weather become more of a problem and can actually pose danger to the elderly. There is a complex set of factors responsible for these difficulties. One of these factors are proper hydration and electrolyte balance, especially with respect to adapting to hot weather. This can be readily addressed with proper coaching on quality and quantity of beverages consumed and can be monitored using a new technology called whole body plethysmography. Another factor that directly effects thermoregulation is essential micronutrient status, this is especially true with healthy adaptation to cold environment. Insufficiency of iodine or essential fatty acids for example can retard thyroid function and brown fat activity respectively and compromise your body's ability to maintain its internal temperature when exposed to cold. Simple axillary temperature, iodine absorption and essential fatty acid tests, can reveal your status in these areas. Biomarker #12 Resting Heart Rate - Each of us must maintain a minimum level of cardiac output even while at rest in order to ensure adequate oxygenation, nourishment and waste removal for our body's cells and tissues. Your cardiac output is maintained by either a higher heart rate (if you are not fit), or by a greater stroke volume (if you are fit) i.e. a stronger, more efficient heart. Your resting heart rate can thus provide a simple yet valuable measure of fitness. Your resting heart rate is taken immediately upon awakening. Don't confuse your resting heart rate taken upon awakening, with your preexercise heart rate taken before starting to exercise. ========== 6. How do I add more fiber to my diet? Current research indicates that the average North American consumes 10 to 12 grams of fiber per day which, according to the national cancer institute, is not nearly enough. The NCI advises that you increase your daily consumption of fiber to 25 to 30 grams. This increase doesn't have to occur overnight - it can take place gradually. Most experts suggest that you first try to reach 20 grams per day, and then increase to the 25 to 30 gram level. A gradual, but steady increase in the amount of fiber in your diet doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. The best approach is to cut down on all the visible fat from the meat you consume, switch to low-fat products, and increase your intake of whole-grains, fruit and vegetables. Items such as bran, apricots, cabbage, and celery, are all excellent sources of fiber you can add to your daily diet to help you attain the recommended 25 to 30 grams per day. ========== If I didn't answer you question in this months issue of Your Life-Your Choice and you need an immediate answer contact me on my Health Hotline At: 1-800-777-1328 This is a free call in both the U.S.A. AND Canada. Yours for better HEALTH Dr. Norman R. Abrams /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.Life-Choices.com Unsubscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe yourlife-yourchoice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can unsubscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.Life-Choices.com ****************** N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! N E W ! ! ! Find a practitioner near you. Visit Your Life-Your Choice's new Wellness Locator! http://www.Life-Choices.com/directory Visit often, there will be new additions regularly. Help us make this the most comprehensive directory available. Visit http://www.Life-Choices.com/promote.html for listing details. ****************** Ask Dr. Abrams your personal health questions. 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