Spice
now browsing by category
CoQ10 Triumphs Over Ubiquinol in Heart Health Battle
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/12/12/coq10-ubiquinol-heart-health.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola December 12, 2024
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- CoQ10 supplementation shows significant benefits in heart failure patients, leading to lower cardiovascular death rates and improved cardiac function, making it more effective than the reduced form, ubiquinol
- CoQ10 aids in the early recovery of cardiac function post-myocardial infarction by reducing inflammation through the inhibition of CCR2+ macrophage recruitment and suppression of the NLRP3/IL1β inflammatory pathway
- Intravenous administration of CoQ10 demonstrates promise in emergency ischemic conditions by rapidly increasing tissue penetration, reducing infarct size, and enhancing antioxidant capacity, offering protection during acute ischemia and reperfusion
- CoQ10 reduces inflammation via the NLRP3/IL1β pathway, which is crucial for heart health, and its anti-inflammatory properties help improve cardiac function and reduce fibrosis and hypertrophy
- CoQ10’s antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress, providing a promising alternative to conventional heart failure treatments with fewer side effects and long-term benefits
Heart failure is a significant health concern, especially among older adults. The average one-year case fatality rate for heart failure patients is 33%, highlighting the serious nature of this condition.1 Prevalence rates vary widely however, from as low as 0.2% in a Hong Kong hospital study to as high as 17.7% in a U.S. Medicare population aged 65 and older between 2002 and 2013.2
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been extensively researched for its role in heart health, and numerous studies suggest CoQ10 supplementation can significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality and improve cardiac function. These benefits are crucial, given the high prevalence and mortality rates associated with heart failure.
Interestingly, in a surprising reversal of long-held beliefs, recent research suggests that CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is more effective for heart health than its reduced form, ubiquinol.3 For years, health experts and supplement manufacturers have advocated for ubiquinol, claiming its superior bioavailability made it the obvious choice for those seeking cardiovascular benefits.
Their recommendation seemed logical: since ubiquinol is the active form of CoQ10 in the body, taking it directly should provide better results. However, emerging evidence challenges this conventional wisdom, indicating that the body may actually use standard CoQ10 more effectively for cardiac function. As noted by the authors:4
“A slightly better water solubility and a lack of understanding absorption and transfer of CoQ10 and CoQH2 have led to misleading interpretations pushing CoQH2 as more bioactive form.”
This finding not only questions our understanding of CoQ10 supplementation but also highlights how assumptions about bioavailability don’t always translate to real-world therapeutic benefits.
I was absolutely thrilled to come across this new study, which confirms what I concluded after delving into Ray Peat’s work. It has helped me recognize that reductive stress is a significant factor contributing to reverse electron flow in the electron transport chain (ETC). The solution to reductive stress lies in the use of oxidants. Examples of effective oxidants that can help remove excess electrons include quinones such as vitamin K2, methylene blue, and ubiquinone (CoQ10).
When we were selling ubiquinol, the studies seemed to support its use, so I took the initiative to confront the company about it. After three months, their chief scientists produced a 30-page PowerPoint presentation in an attempt to convince me that ubiquinol was superior. However, the scientific evidence I presented indicated that the oxidized form was actually more effective.
Now, with this new study providing objective confirmation of my conclusions from two years ago, I finally have the proof I needed.
CoQ10 Mechanisms of Action
CoQ10 is a vital supplement for cardiovascular health, known for its role in energy production and antioxidant protection. This compound is essential for the production of ATP, the energy currency of cells, and plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, rely on CoQ10 to shuttle electrons during the process of energy generation. This function is particularly important in heart cells, which have high energy demands.
Conventional treatments for heart failure often fall short, leaving patients with limited options and significant side effects. CoQ10 offers a promising alternative, providing cardiovascular benefits with fewer adverse effects. Its ability to reduce heart failure mortality and improve cardiac function makes it a key player in heart health management.
By improving mitochondrial function and energy production, CoQ10 supports the heart’s ability to pump efficiently. Additionally, its antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress, a major contributor to heart disease. This dual action not only aids in the prevention of heart failure but also supports recovery in those already affected.
CoQ10 has also been shown to aid in the early recovery of cardiac function following a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, CoQ10 helps to preserve heart tissue and improve overall cardiac health. This makes it an important supplement for those at risk of or recovering from heart-related events.
CoQ10 Proven Superior in Lowering Heart-Related Deaths
Importantly, a recent scientific review of 28 studies found that CoQ10 is more effective than its reduced form, ubiquinol, in reducing deaths related to heart diseases.5 Participants who took CoQ10 supplements showed significantly lower rates of cardiovascular mortality compared to those who took ubiquinol.
CoQ10 enhances mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in heart cells. By improving how mitochondria operate, CoQ10 ensures that the heart muscle gets the energy it needs to pump blood efficiently. This improvement in energy production directly contributes to better heart health and reduced mortality rates.
Moreover, CoQ10 is more stable and bioavailable than ubiquinol. This means that CoQ10 is easier for the body to absorb and use effectively. Higher bioavailability ensures that more of the supplement reaches the heart cells where it is needed most, providing greater benefits.
Long-term studies have shown that the positive effects of CoQ10 persist over time, offering sustained protection against heart failure. In contrast, ubiquinol does not demonstrate the same level of long-term benefits, making CoQ10 the preferred choice for ongoing heart health management.
CoQ10 supplementation is particularly important if you’re on a statin drug. Statins block HMG coenzyme A reductase in your liver, which is how they reduce cholesterol. But this is also the same enzyme that makes CoQ10, making deficiency highly likely. Statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency is in many cases responsible for the myopathic side effects attributed to these drugs (i.e., side effects involving loss of muscle control).
Save This Article for Later – Get the PDF Now
CoQ10 Aids in Early Recovery of Cardiac Function Post-Myocardial Infarction
Other recent research found that CoQ10 significantly reduces inflammation by inhibiting the recruitment of CCR2+ macrophages. CCR2+ macrophages are a type of immune cell that contribute to inflammation in the heart after a myocardial infarction, making their reduction crucial for recovery.6
Additionally, CoQ10 suppresses the NLRP3/IL1β inflammatory pathway. This pathway plays a key role in the body’s inflammatory response, and its inhibition by CoQ10 helps decrease overall inflammation, promoting better heart function after an infarction.7
The research also demonstrated that CoQ10 improves cardiac function and reduces both fibrosis and hypertrophy. Fibrosis refers to the stiffening of heart tissue, while hypertrophy is the enlargement of heart muscle cells. By mitigating these factors, CoQ10 supports a healthier heart structure and more efficient pumping action.8
Furthermore, CoQ10 enhances survival rates in models of myocardial infarction. This improvement in survival underscores the compound’s potential to not only aid in recovery but also to increase the likelihood of long-term survival following a heart attack.
CoQ10’s anti-inflammatory properties are therefore crucial for heart health. By targeting specific inflammatory pathways and reducing harmful immune cell activity, CoQ10 helps maintain a balanced inflammatory state, which is essential for the heart’s healing process and overall function after ischemic injury.
Intravenous CoQ10 Administration Shows Promise in Emergency Ischemic Conditions
Yet another 2024 study found that administering CoQ10 directly into the bloodstream can quickly boost its levels in vital organs.9 This rapid increase is crucial because it allows CoQ10 to act swiftly during emergencies like heart attacks or strokes.
When CoQ10 is given intravenously, it reaches the affected tissues much faster than when taken orally. This speedy delivery ensures that organs under stress from a lack of blood flow receive the necessary protection immediately. By enhancing the heart’s ability to function during acute ischemia, CoQ10 helps maintain essential energy production and prevents further damage.
In emergency situations, CoQ10 plays a significant role in reducing the size of the damaged area, known as the infarct. Smaller infarct sizes mean that less heart muscle is lost, which directly improves the heart’s overall function and the patient’s chances of recovery.10 This reduction in damage is a key factor in improving long-term outcomes for patients experiencing severe heart conditions.
Additionally, intravenous CoQ10 boosts the body’s antioxidant defenses, which help neutralize harmful free radicals created during ischemic events. By reducing oxidative stress, CoQ10 protects cells from further injury and supports the healing process.11 This enhanced antioxidant capacity is vital for minimizing the overall impact of the ischemic event on the body.
Given these benefits, intravenous CoQ10 stands out as a valuable treatment option in acute medical settings. Its ability to rapidly increase tissue concentrations, protect against immediate damage, and support long-term heart function makes it an essential tool for managing emergency ischemic conditions.12
CoQ10 Counteracts Reductive Stress
As mentioned earlier, reductive stress is a major factor that contributes to reverse electron flow in the electron transport chain, and CoQ10, being a potent oxidant, helps remove excess electrons.
Reductive stress is an important topic because it’s fundamental to optimizing your biology. In a nutshell, reductive stress means you have too many mobile electrons in the cell. Think of your body’s cells as tiny engines that need to process fuel (from the food you eat) efficiently.
Just like a car needs the right mixture of fuel and air to run smoothly, your cells need the right balance of electrons (which come from breaking down food) and carriers (like NAD) to transport these electrons. These carriers work like taxis moving passengers (electrons) around the city (your cell).
Reductive stress happens when there’s too much fuel coming in. When all the electron carriers are full, new electrons have nowhere to go, creating a traffic jam in your cells. This typically occurs when we flood our system with too many calories. Just as a car engine runs poorly with too much fuel and not enough air (called a “rich” mixture), your cells can’t function properly when overwhelmed with too much energy input.
This cellular traffic jam is what scientists call reductive stress, and it’s a key feature of metabolic syndrome and other health issues.
To understand how oxidants like CoQ10 helps in this instance, think of it as a traffic controller for those electrons. When you have reductive stress, oxidants open up new routes to help move the traffic along.
CoQ10 specifically has a unique ability to accept backed-up electrons and safely transport them through the cellular machinery, helping to clear the congestion. By providing these alternative pathways for electron flow, oxidants like CoQ10 help restore balance to the system. They essentially help convert those backed-up electron carriers back into their empty form (NAD+), making them available to transport more electrons again.
Optimizing Your Heart Health with CoQ10
If you’re new to CoQ10 supplementation, an initial dose of 200 to 300 mg per day is recommended. After about three weeks, when plasma levels typically reach their optimal plateau, you can transition to a maintenance dose of 100 mg daily, which is sufficient for most healthy individuals. However, if you maintain an active lifestyle, exercise frequently, or experience high stress levels, you might benefit from continuing with 200 to 300 mg daily.
Special consideration must be given to certain health conditions. Those taking statin medications should supplement with at least 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 daily, and possibly more. Similarly, individuals managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, ALS, chronic fatigue, or autism may require higher doses.
For optimal absorption, split your daily dose into two or three portions rather than taking it all at once, and take it with a healthy source of fat since CoQ10 is fat-soluble. While these guidelines provide a general framework, working with an integrative physician can help determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
Additionally, given the varying quality of supplements available in the market, it’s crucial to select a CoQ10 product specifically formulated for maximum absorption and bioavailability.
CoQ10 Outshines Ubiquinol in Enhancing Heart Health
CoQ10 significantly reduces heart-related deaths more effectively than Ubiquinol. Studies demonstrate that individuals taking CoQ10 supplements experience lower rates of cardiovascular mortality due to improved mitochondrial function and efficient energy production in heart cells.
The stability and bioavailability of CoQ10 ensure it is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This higher bioavailability allows more of the supplement to reach heart cells, providing consistent and long-lasting benefits that surpass those of Ubiquinol.
CoQ10 plays a crucial role in the early recovery of cardiac function after a myocardial infarction. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting specific immune cells and inflammatory pathways, which helps preserve heart tissue and improves overall heart health following a heart attack.
Intravenous administration of CoQ10 offers rapid elevation of its levels in vital organs during emergency ischemic conditions. This swift delivery protects the heart muscle, reduces the size of damaged areas, and supports better long-term recovery, making CoQ10 an essential treatment option in acute medical settings.
Incorporating CoQ10 into your daily routine can optimize heart health. By selecting a high-quality supplement, determining the appropriate dosage based on age, and maintaining consistent supplementation, you can enhance energy production, boost immune responses, and protect your heart from damage.
- 1, 2 Heart 2022;108:1351-1360
- 3, 4, 5 Current Cardiology Reports (2023) 25:1759–1767
- 6, 7, 8 BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (2024) 24:76
- 9, 10, 11, 12 Life 2024, 14(1); 134
Turmeric Heals Spinal Cord Injuries Better Than Drugs/Surgery, Review Suggests
© GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC.
Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here:
www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter
Reproduced from original article:
https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmeric-heals-spinal-cord-injuries-better-drugssurgery-review-suggests
Posted on: Thursday, December 5th 2024 at 1:45 pm
This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2024
Spinal cord injury can have devastating, and often irreversibly debilitating effects. Conventional treatment relies on steroid drugs and surgery with lackluster results. What if an extract of turmeric works better and is safer?
A promising study published in Neurology Research International titled, “The Potential of Curcumin In Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury,” suggests that the ancient Indian spice turmeric, and its primary polyphenol curcumin, may provide victims of spinal cord injury (SCI) a safer and more effective approach than conventional treatment which relies primarily on surgery and corticosteroids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs notorious for adverse health effects.
Curcumin has been validated in hundreds of studies to have immense value in treating a wide range of inflammatory-based diseases. You can use the GreenMedInfo curcumin research portal to view the primary literature on the topic, where you will find over 200 studies demonstrating curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The GreenMedInfo.com Research Dashboard: Curcumin
Despite this wealth of already published research demonstrating curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, the new study was the first to systematically review all the available data on curcumin’s effect’s on spinal cord injury, enabling a clearer picture of its value in relationship to standard therapies. The study quickly points out curcumin’s potential superiority vis-à-vis corticosteroids:
“Because all studies that compare the two show superior results for curcumin over corticosteroids, it could be true that curcumin better acts at the inflammatory source of SCI-mediated neurological injury, although this question remains unanswered in patients.”
Why has curcumin been excluded from clinical research on spinal cord injury, and many other potential disease applications, thus far?
The primary reason is that it is not patentable, and like all other natural substances of medicinal value, the massive capital inputs required to fund clinical trial research required for drug approval will simply not flow into something that has no potential return on investment. You can read more on the topic in two previous articles I wrote on the topic:
The question of whether clinical research will eventually materialize on curcumin and SCI is addressed powerfully in the closing comments of the study:
“Lastly, can clinicians shed the “herbal medicine” stigma and be able to acknowledge that ignoring its beneficial effects is largely due to a lack of clinical data and not necessarily a result of inferior clinical efficacy?”
This is a vitally important point: the absence of clinical proof via randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled human clinical trials does not mean that a substance is not clinically efficacious. The problem with “evidence-based” medicine and its proponents is that they assume an epistemological stance in the tradition of Napoleonic law: What is not explicitly allowed is forbidden; what is not explicitly confirmed as true, is assumed false. This is a type of medical monotheism/scientism that effectively closes the door on a practically infinite number of natural therapies that will never have the support of market forces that thrive on propriety formulas, and merely palliative approaches, which through evading resolving root causes produces an infinite growth model of incurability and expanding iatrogenic symptom generation.
So, how exactly does curcumin provide therapeutic value in spinal cord injury?
The main reason why curcumin has value in spinal cord injury is due to the fact that over-expressed and/or dysregulated inflammation is the primary driver of damage to damaged tissues. In spinal cord injury there are both primary and secondary inflammatory processes that are believed responsible for the often permanent damage caused by such injuries:
“Two phases of SCI exist; primary injury starts after physical impact causing damage to some axons, and the cascade of inflammatory events that follows causes the loss of large numbers of axons resulting in sensorimotor losses, termed secondary injury”
Clearly, then, curcumin may help to mitigate both the primary and secondary dimensions of inflammation-mediated spinal cord injury by acting as a potent, pleotropic anti-inflammatory. But this may only be the tip of the iceberg. There are other ways identified in this research that curcumin may confer a therapeutic role, such as its ability to stimulate the class of regenerative cells within the body known as stem cells. In fact, not until recently was it known that the spinal cord harbors stem cells capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Moreover, it was only recently demonstrated that turmeric possesses the ability (believed primarily mediated through the fraction known as aromatic tumerone) to stimulate regeneration of damaged neurological tissue via neural stem cells. We reported on this in greater depth recently in the article “How WHOLE Turmeric Can Heal The Whole Brain.” Another exciting finding, also reported recently, found that curcumin stimulates the proliferation of neural progenitor cells that can heal the spinal cord. Essentially, therefore, curcumin may be able to address the root cause of disability caused by spinal cord injury.
The study also addresses curcumin’s role as an antioxidant and anti-fibrotic agent in mitigating SCI damage and stimulating accelerated healing. In support of this, you can view over 300 studies on curcumin’s antioxidant properties on our database here, and 14 studies on its anti-fibrotic properties here.
Finally, the study looks at the compelling pre-clinical data showing that curcumin stimulates accelerated functional recovery in animal models of spinal cord industry. This is a very important aspect because even if science is not yet fully capable of understanding the exact mechanisms at play in stimulating spinal cord injury healing, the observation that curcumin does in fact produce functional improvement and/or recovery is the most important and relevant finding.
Clearly, given the compelling research available showing curcumin has at least comparable if not superior effectiveness versus conventional treatment, it should at least be looked at as an adjunct/complementary therapy.
Not surprisingly, our research investigation into natural spinal cord therapies conducted over the past 7 years has found over a dozen additional natural substances with potential value. You can view them here: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/disease/spinal-cord-injuries.
The GreenMedInfo.com Research Dashboard: Spinal Cord Injuries
Lastly, consider that turmeric extract (curcumin) has been studied (pre-clinically) to be superior to over a dozen conventional drugs. You can read more about this here: Science Confirms Turmeric As Effective As 14 Drugs. Clearly, the finding that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in spinal cord injury beyond that of conventional treatment is not novel given what has already proven about it.
Osteoporosis warning: How bone loss signals inflammation and a risk of disease
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/osteoporosis-warning-how-bone-loss-signals-inflammation-and-a-risk-of-disease.html
by: November 23, 2024
(NaturalHealth365) Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become brittle and prone to breakage, is so widespread that 50 percent of all women over age 50 (and 25 percent of all over-50 men) will eventually suffer an osteoporosis-related bone fracture. A new study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals systemic inflammation and frailty as key contributors to osteoporosis and fracture risks.
Unfortunately, the consequences of osteoporosis extend even beyond the pain and disabling effect of broken bones. In fact, recent research highlights a shocking connection between osteoporosis and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
Fortunately, a combination of natural nutrients may help prevent osteoporosis – and offer protection against the devastating diseases that can accompany it.
Pro-inflammatory molecules released by bone loss are linked to increased risk of deadly diseases
The creation of bone is regulated by the actions of the body’s osteoblasts (bone cells that create new bone) and osteoclasts (cells that break down bone).
At about age 35, the “balancing act” begins to shift – and the rate of bone breakdown starts to overtake the rate of bone development, leading to bone loss. Researchers are now learning that aging bones contain more “senescent” cells – meaning they have stopped reproducing themselves and now exclusively promote the breakdown of bone tissue.
These senescent cells release pro-inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream, laying the groundwork for disease. Senescent bone cells have been found in plaque deposits in heavily calcified arteries.
And, having large numbers of senescent cells in the bones is linked in studies with accelerated aging – particularly affecting the brain. Finally, people with osteoporosis have an increased risk of cancer.
Keep in mind, when over-activated, the bone proteins that normally regulate bone maintenance and healing can lead to uncontrollable cell growth and replication.
Discover a natural way to strengthen your bones
The antioxidant vitamin C plays a critical role in preventing bone loss – which it does by preventing the oxidative stress that destroys bone structure. Vitamin C also plays a pivotal role in the formation and structure of bones by forming collagen and developing other bone proteins.
If the body’s need for vitamin C is unmet, insufficient collagen production can result – leading to easily fractured bones. Many natural health experts believe osteoporosis is a vitamin C deficiency or “scurvy of the bones.”
Bone-building vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers. However, supplementation may be necessary – especially if you have osteoporosis. By the way, for superior bioavailability (absorption), natural health experts advise using a liposomal form of vitamin C.
Boron reduces the loss of indispensable calcium from the bones
This little-known trace mineral packs a powerful punch when it comes to supporting bone health.
Simply put, boron helps the body produce and use vitamin D – a mainstay of bone health. The mineral also helps regulate calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels – all “MVPs” of bone maintenance and support.
A study published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal showed that 3 mg of boron daily helped prevent calcium loss and bone demineralization in postmenopausal women.
Natural health experts may advise 3 to 6 mg of boron daily. You can increase your dietary boron intake by eating organic nuts, beans, avocados, and whole grains.
Calcium: The primary structural component of bones
Bones contain 99 percent of the body’s calcium stores – integral to bone building.
But, for your body to use calcium to build bone, you must have sufficient levels and adequate amounts of vitamin D. Deficiency in both minerals can cause bone loss and symptoms of muscle pain, muscle cramps, and weakness.
Calcium exists in sardines, including the bones, dark leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts. Most adults require between 1,000 and 1,200 mg of calcium a day.
Magnesium deficiency is a cause of “incalculable” suffering
Magnesium works in concert with calcium to suppress hormones that break down bones – while activating enzymes needed to produce new bone. Unfortunately, experts estimate that about half of all Americans fail to consume enough of this important mineral.
More than 40 percent of post-menopausal women have low magnesium blood levels, which can trigger excessive bone breakdown.
In one landmark study on magnesium benefits, the researchers lamented that the deficiency of such an “inexpensive, low-toxicity nutrient” is currently causing diseases that are a source of untold “suffering and expense” worldwide.
Eating organic dark leafy greens, potatoes, raisins, chocolate, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and avocados can help ramp up your dietary intake of magnesium. Of course, your holistic healthcare provider may recommend supplementing with magnesium to avoid shortfalls.
Most natural healers recommend 250 to 750 mg a day. Magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium taurate are considered the most bioavailable forms.
Vitamin D helps improve calcium absorption
Vitamin D reduces the activity of the pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that are released from senescent bone cells during bone breakdown. Unsurprisingly, vitamin D shortfalls are bad news for your bones and the rest of your body.
Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a major contributor to osteoporosis – as well as to cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lowered cognitive functioning. This fat-soluble vitamin is found in cold-water fatty fish (like wild-caught salmon), as well as in mushrooms and egg yolks.
Because the body manufactures vitamin D in response to sunlight, many natural health experts advise getting 20 minutes of direct sunlight three or four times a week. However, supplementation may be necessary to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, especially in northern climates.
Just remember to opt for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) over vitamin D2.
Vitamin K2 directs calcium in the body
Vitamin K2’s job is to route calcium where it belongs – in the bones and teeth – while keeping it out of blood vessel walls (thereby helping to prevent heart disease).
Vitamin K2 improves bone mineral density and is particularly beneficial for improving bone mineral content of the femoral bone – which is particularly susceptible to fracture during falls. Researchers have found that vitamin K2 is synergistic with vitamin D3 – meaning that each nutrient enhances the beneficial effect of the other.
In an influential study published in Maturitas, supplementation with a combination of vitamins K2 and D3 protected and increased vertebral bone mass in postmenopausal women.
Food sources of vitamin K2 include liver, egg yolks, and natto, a food made from fermented soybeans.
Your doctor may recommend 100 mcg per day of vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7, a highly available form of the nutrient.
Prescription drugs can jeopardize zinc supply
Zinc is needed for bone cells (osteoblasts) to create bone tissue – and is crucial for the entry of vitamin D into cells. And, yes, patients with osteoporosis have been found to have low levels of zinc.
Ironically, pharmaceutical osteoporosis drugs – such as Boniva and Reclast – actually rob the body of this important trace mineral. The RDA for zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 for men.
You can increase your dietary zinc intake by eating organic pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, nuts, yogurt, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. Grass-fed beef, oysters, and pasture raised poultry are also rich in zinc.
As with the other vitamins and minerals, consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with zinc.
With millions of people either suffering from osteoporosis – or at serious risk – it’s time to fight back. And, your best weapons in the battle to slow and reverse bone loss could be these non-toxic, natural micronutrients.
Sources for this article include:
NIH.gov
LifeExtension.com
SaveOurBones.com
UniversityHealthNews
Why Your Multivitamin May Be Harming Your Health
© GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC.
Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here:
www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter
Reproduced from original article:
https://greenmedinfo.com/content/why-your-multivitamin-may-be-harming-your-health
Posted on: Thursday, November 7th 2024 at 12:15 pm
Written By: Sayer Ji, FounderThis article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2024
What comes to mind when you think of toxic waste disposal? Biohazard suits, lead-lined vaults, and burial deep underground? You might be shocked to learn that a dumping ground for these chemicals is a product that many people consume daily to ensure good health – and it may be in your medicine cabinet.
When it comes to dietary supplements, all products are not created equal. A label can identify the presence of a specific ingredient without indicating if it’s from a natural, bioavailable and biocompatible source, or from a synthetic, inorganic source. This is despite the fact that our bodies may not recognize these synthetic ingredients as food.
When a supplement contains an ingredient that is not bioavailable, the body either will not absorb or utilize it correctly. The best one can hope for is that the substance will pass, inert, through the body. But with certain ingredients, the material from which they are extracted is highly toxic, rendering a substance that can do more bodily harm than good.
Industrial waste products such as fluoride (a byproduct of aluminum manufacturing and known neurotoxin), and cobalt-60, a radioactive waste material culled from nuclear reactors, have been used for decades in broad-reaching applications to make our water “healthier” and our food “safer.”
With FDA-approval and cherry-picked, manufacturer-sponsored studies as “proof”, the unsuspecting public is lulled into a sense of safety regarding these practices. And these aren’t the only such hoaxes being perpetrated on the American people.
Hidden in Plain Sight
As with most things in our modern world, understanding this logic requires you to follow the money trail. The economics are simple: chemical byproducts and industrial waste are environmentally hazardous and in abundant supply. This makes them both difficult and costly to dispose of properly. Selling these waste products as cheap, raw materials is a BIG win for manufacturers. And repackaging them as health supplements can be extremely profitable.
.jpg)
One of the most popular health supplements by category is the multivitamin. Consumed by adults and children alike, multivitamins are sold as veritable health insurance. If you don’t get enough of the recommended daily allowance of essential vitamins and minerals, taking a quality multivitamin can fill this dietary gap.
But not all vitamins on supermarket shelves are actually good for you. Some manufacturers source “healthy nutrients” that are toxic to the body, even in small quantities. This confounding trend is not limited to off-brand manufacturers looking to produce cheap knock-offs of “the good stuff”. Some of the most trusted name brands use ingredients that show up on global watch lists of hazardous substances we’ve been instructed to avoid for health and safety.
Disguised as healthy nutrients, the following toxic imposters are listed on the labels of popular multivitamins Centrum, One-A-Day, and Flintstones for Kids. As you will see, some of the biggest dangers to consumers are hidden in plain sight!
Sodium selenate/Sodium selenite
Sodium selenate, a byproduct of copper metal refining, is four times more toxic than the known killing drug, cyanide. Yet, it is proudly listed as a “nutrient” in many common health products.
Based on animal studies, we know that a mere 100 milligrams of the stuff are a fatal dose to most humans. The amount found in Centrum is 55 micrograms (mcg); that’s 5 mcg more than the EPA allows in a liter of drinking water before declaring it unsafe for human consumption!
Organically-bound selenium is the vital human nutrient that sodium selenate can not replace. Selenium is found in foods like nuts, seeds, and organic produce grown in selenium-rich soil. This naturally-occurring trace mineral is very different than the unbound, synthetic form being put into some multivitamins.
Organic selenium is known for its ability to boost the immune system, improve thyroid function, protect against heart disease, and even prevent cancer. Sodium selenite/selenate, on the other hand, has been shown to cause DNA damage associated with cancer and birth defects.
.jpg)
This mass market vitamin reveals a litany of toxic chemicals sold as “nutrients’
Cupric oxide
Cupric oxide is one of several derivative forms of “dietary copper”, a micronutrient needed to ensure proper growth and development of bones and connective tissues, as well as for maintaining the health of vital organs such as the brain and heart.
Organically, copper is found in a variety of foods, including dark leafy greens, organ meats, beans, nuts, dried fruits, nutritional yeast, as well as oysters and shellfish. The synthetic derivations found in many multivitamins are an entirely different kettle of fish!
For decades, cupric oxide was the principal source of dietary copper in supplements sold for livestock and companion animals. But an array of studies conducted as far back as the 1980’s on the bioavailability of cupric oxide determined it was not fit for animal consumption. This hasn’t stopped it from being fed to humans!
A summary of these studies published by The American Society for Nutritional Sciences ascertained that cupric oxide is not bioavailable due to it’s inability to permeate the gut wall. The fact that this form of copper is still being used in human health supplements and even baby formula, is particularly troubling since an estimated 61% of people in the U.S., U.K., and Canada have dietary deficits of this essential nutrient. Copper deficits are linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, and poor blood sugar metabolism, among other troubling disorders.
The dangers of this supplement go beyond the nutritional deficits caused by this deceptive masquerade. Cupric oxide is listed on the European Union’s Dangerous Substance Directive as a hazardous substance, for humans and the environment. Not surprising, considering its use as a chemical in industrial applications such as the production of rayon fabric and dry cell batteries.
Ferrous fumarate (aka iron)
With a list of side effects a mile long including nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, blackened stools, tooth discoloration, and anorexia, it should come as no surprise that this is the one ingredient in Flintstones vitamins to precipitate the warning on the label:
Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.
However, it might surprise you to learn that the amount of ferrous fumarate in one Centrum vitamin is six times higher than the maximum EPA allowed limit for 1 liter of drinking water!
(1).gif)
Another tip-off that this isn’t the iron Popeye was getting from spinach, is the fact that it is impossible to die from too much iron obtained from food. But ferrous fumarate is so toxic that accidental overdose is “a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.”
Ferrous fumarate is an industrial mineral that is not found in nature as food. A byproduct of iron mining, ferrous fumarate has drawn even more criticism as a supplement due to its interaction with vitamin C leading to ulceration of the GI tract, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Adding to these concerns are the high doses present in many health supplements. Studies found high concentrations of iron to be associated with several pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, liver and heart disease.
Dishonorable Mention
In addition to the offenders already mentioned, the following common multivitamin ingredients have disturbing toxic rap sheets, and are found in dangerously high concentrations in most multivitamins.
Stannous chloride (tin)
In a 1983 study, it was determined that stannous chloride was “readily taken up by white blood cells and can cause damage to DNA.”
In small doses, it’s known to cause side effects such as skin irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In larger doses, severe growth retardation and cancer. While the EPA says a mere 4 mcg is the high-end limit for one liter of water to become undrinkable, you will find 10 mcg in one dose of Centrum.
Manganese sulfate
Manganese sulfate is often promoted as a supplement to prevent bone loss and anemia. The organic form of this essential nutrient helps with blood clotting, the formation of bones and connective tissues, as well as hormone regulation. Found in nuts, beans, seeds, and leafy greens, manganese is considered an essential nutrient. Manganese sulfate’s other claim to fame is its pervasive use as a chemical pesticide.
Even low doses of this chemical present significant neurological risk over time, as evidenced by reports of workplace exposure. Affected field workers showed loss of coordination and balance, along with an increase in reporting mild symptoms such as forgetfulness, anxiety, or insomnia.
In high concentrations, this supplement becomes a neurotoxin, presenting with Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms, including tremors and permanent memory loss. So why is the standard dose in a single Centrum more than four times the EPA safe consumption limit?
It should be noted that even if there aren’t extraordinary large amounts of these metals and toxicants in the vitamins you are taking, the age old justification that small amounts of chemicals or heavy metals won’t hurt you, i.e. “the dose makes the poison,” is now an outdated and disproved toxicological risk model. For instance, recent discoveries indicate that exceedingly small amounts of the following metals: “aluminium, antimony, arsenite, barium, cadmium, chromium (Cr(II)), cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenite, tin and vanadate,” exhibit estrogen receptor binding and stimulating properties, which has lead to them being described as ‘metalloestrogens’ with the capability to induce hormone reponse related carcinogenicity. This concept that, in some cases, the lower the dose concentration, or the lower the energy state, the higher the damage, has also been demonstrated with x-ray mammography, toxicants like glyphosate, and nanoparticles, to name but a few examples.
Who is Minding the Store?
It may seem unfathomable that these harmful, toxic chemicals could be allowed into our food and drug supply. The truth is, no one is minding the store. Loopholes abound, allowable limits are questionable, and even our organic food supply is not safe from subterfuge. Even organic infant formula can skirt regulatory oversight thanks to the numbers game.
.jpg)
According to the USDA’s National Organic Program guidelines, any multi-ingredient product that contains 95% or more organic ingredients may be labeled organic. That means even the copper sulfate in Similac’s Advance Organic formula falls within the “contains less than 2%” ingredient list guideline, giving this noxious chemical a free pass.
The public has a right to expect that any substance that is suspected of being harmful will be held to a high-level of scrutiny before it is approved for mass consumption. This basic, precautionary principle would minimize public risk until all known toxicological data has been thoroughly examined. Only when a determination that no serious health risks are present can be made, should a substance be allowed into mass-market products.
However, it is essentially the reverse of this model that is in effect today. Only when a substance has repeatedly demonstrated harm in already exposed populations, is it subject to the level of scrutiny that can precipitate its removal from FDA-approved products on store shelves. This means lobbying and corporate interests often prevail through the off-loading of harmful substances that are considered “innocent until proven guilty.” Guilt, in this instance, means acute or large-scale sickness suffered by the public.
Currently, no law forbids the use of any of these questionable substances in dietary supplements, despite copious laboratory research demonstrating their toxicity in animals, and significant clinical data demonstrating their actual or potential toxicity in humans. Don’t wait for the fallout to affect you before you act. Look for high-quality, organic supplements with food-grade sources, and a proven supply chain. Also consider using whole food concentrates and focusing on improving the quality of your food instead of focusing on taking supplements to try to counterbalance a deficient diet.
7 Spices That Can Help Reduce Bloating
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2023/12/18/7-spices-reduce-bloating.aspx
The original Mercola article may not remain on the original site, but I will endeavor to keep it on this site as long as I deem it to be appropriate.
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola December 18, 2023
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- A variety of spices helps to relieve bloating by improving gut motility, stimulating digestion and relieving gas
- Fennel seeds are considered a natural remedy for digestive disorders, including heartburn, bloating, gas and even chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Ginger also has a long history of use as a natural digestive aid, useful for relieving nausea, indigestion, bloating and more
- Cumin essential oil has even shown promise for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including stomach pain and bloating
- Pepper is traditionally used as a carminative agent to help relieve gas as well as stimulate gastric secretions
Bloating and a distended abdomen are among the most common gastrointestinal complaints. The symptoms of trapped gas in your stomach along with abdominal pressure and fullness are often accompanied by distension, or an increase in your abdomen’s girth.1 Bloating may occur on its own or alongside other gastrointestinal disorders, such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation.
Its causes are also varied, ranging from food intolerances to problems with intestinal microbiota. Resolving bloating requires addressing its root cause, whether that be dietary changes or constipation relief. However, nature is also full of compounds with anti-bloating properties.2 For the estimated 30% of adults who experience bloating on occasion,3 adding the following spices to your diet may be just what the doctor ordered.
7 Top Spices to Relieve Bloating
Herbs and spices work to relieve bloating via multiple mechanisms. For instance, impaired abdominal emptying is one reason why bloating happens,4 and some spices work by targeting gut motility. Other spices help with digestion and improving gut health. Including a range of spices in your meals may therefore offer both protection against and relief from bloating. Some of the top options to consider follow.
1. Fennel — Chewing fennel seeds after a meal is a common practice in southeast Asia and many other parts of the world, as the licorice-flavored seeds are considered a natural remedy for digestive disorders, including heartburn, bloating, gas and even chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).5
The Northwest School for Botanical Studies also counts fennel as “one of the most effective digestive aids,” calling out its gas-relieving, antispasmodic and stomachic — or beneficial to the stomach — properties.6 In a monograph on fennel, it’s explained how various parts of the plant come together to form a near-perfect herb for digestive health:
“It [fennel] is highly beneficial to reduce digestive cramping, gas, and bloating. The volatile oils contained in the seed stimulate the mucus membranes in the digestive tract, encouraging motility and peristalsis. The aromatic oils also exert smooth muscle antispasmodic and carminative actions.
The seed tincture or tea is effective for treating intestinal spasms that result from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, leaky gut syndrome, Celiac disease, and intestinal candidiasis.
Fennel’s properties pass through breast milk, reducing infant colic. Fennel seed has anti-nauseant properties, aiding recovery from stomach flu, food poisoning, digestive infections, and hangovers.”
You can chew fennel seeds on their own or, for a simple fennel tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly crushed fennel seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for five to 10 minutes. Strain the seeds, then enjoy this natural remedy for digestive support.
2. Ginger — Ginger also has a long history of use as a natural digestive aid, useful for relieving nausea, indigestion, bloating and more. With known anti-inflammatory and antiulcer effects,7 ginger may also help with the impaired gastric emptying that can contribute to feelings of bloating, fullness and belching.
One study involving ginger extract found the supplement improved gastrointestinal motility, while other research showed ginger accelerates gastric emptying and stimulates antral — the lower part of the stomach — contractions.8
Writing in Food Science & Nutrition, researchers explained, “Ginger as an important dietary agent which possesses carminative effect, decreases pressure on lower esophageal sphincter, reduces intestinal cramping, and prevents dyspepsia, flatulence, and bloating.”9 Some of ginger’s benefits for gastrointestinal motility are due to gingerol, a compound that increases the rate that food exits your stomach and continues on with digestion.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Eating ginger can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas.”10
3. Cumin — Cumin’s warm, earthy flavor plays a starring role in many spice blends, including chili powder, garam masala, sofrito and baharat, while medicinally it’s long been used to aid digestion, support breastfeeding and treat health problems including fever, diarrhea and vomiting.11
Cumin essential oil has even shown promise for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including stomach pain and bloating.12 While 54% of patients in one study had severe bloating, 46% had moderate bloating; after four weeks of treatment with cumin extract, no patients had severe bloating and only 8% had moderate bloating.
“Cumin extract can be effective in improving all IBS symptoms,” the team concluded, adding that it’s also low in cost with widespread availability.13 Cumin also stimulates bile production,14 which supports healthy digestion.
4. Black pepper — Pepper is traditionally used as a carminative agent to help relieve gas as well as stimulate gastric secretions.15 This “king of spices” was also historically valued for other gastrointestinal purposes, including to relieve vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
It’s now known that piperine in pepper stimulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas,16 along with offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while altering gastrointestinal disorders.17
There’s also some evidence that suggests black pepper plays a role in gut health by altering the makeup of intestinal microbiota and possibly acting as a prebiotic.18 Black pepper has the unique ability to synergistically interact with nutrients, increasing their absorption.19
For best results, choose whole peppercorns and grind them fresh when you need them. Dried peppercorns can stay fresh for three to four years, especially if stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat.20 However, once ground, pepper will gradually lose some of its flavor and potency.
5. Cinnamon — Cinnamon is another warming spice that was traditionally used for indigestion, gas and bloating. In Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon is considered a digestive remedy,21 and it may support gut health. In one study, consuming capsules of spices — specifically cinnamon, oregano, ginger, black pepper and cayenne pepper — favorably affected gut bacterial composition after two weeks.22
When choosing cinnamon, be aware that there are about 250 species of cinnamon around the world.23 Cinnamomum verum, which is native to Sri Lanka, is known as Ceylon cinnamon, and its name translates to “true cinnamon.” Cassia is darker and has a stronger flavor, while Ceylon is lighter in color with a more delicate flavor.24
While Ceylon is less common than Cassia cinnamon and therefore tends to be more expensive and harder to find, it’s considered to be a “richer spice”25 and, importantly, contains lower levels of a chemical called coumarin, a powerful anticoagulant with potentially carcinogenic and toxic properties.
Cassia cinnamon can contain up to 1% coumarin while Ceylon typically contains only trace amounts (about 0.004%).26 Using cassia as a dietary spice does not pose significant health challenges. However, when considering cinnamon as a dietary supplement in larger doses, it is important to seek out Ceylon cinnamon that has less coumarin than cassia and is therefore less likely to cause liver injury.
To make a simple cinnamon tea to help relieve bloating, place one cinnamon stick in 1.5 cups of hot water in a pot on the stove. Bring the water to a slow boil over medium-low heat, which should take about 15 to 25 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Strain the tea, then sip it at your leisure.
6. Coriander seeds — Coriander seeds are an aromatic spice with a taste similar to caraway that add flavor to dishes while acting as a digestive agent that accelerates the digestion process.27 Coriander may also increase the production of stomach acid, helping to promote healthy digestion while relieving indigestion, constipation and gas.28 For bloating relief, try soaking coriander seeds in a glass of water overnight, then drinking the water in the morning.29
7. Cardamom — Cardamom, a spice with a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg, belongs to the ginger family and is often found in curry dishes. With a range of beneficial properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, cardamom is regarded as a remedy for indigestion.30
Regarded as the “queen of spices,” cardamom is a natural carminative agent, useful for easing gas and bloating. To use it for this purpose, try drinking a cup of cardamom tea 30 minutes before a meal.31
Papaya Also Offers Natural Digestive Support
The seven spices above aren’t an exhaustive list of natural, anti-bloating agents. There are many others to choose from, including papaya, which contains papain, a powerful proteolytic enzyme. While proteolytic enzymes act as natural anticoagulants by breaking down fibrin that forms blood clots, papain is a natural digestive enzyme that’s historically been used not only for improving digestion but also to relieve pain, inflammation and diarrhea.32
As such, papaya — traditionally known as a “fruit of long life”33 — has long been prized as a remedy for abnormal digestion by those living in tropical and industrialized countries alike.34 A randomized controlled trial published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters looked into the use of a papaya preparation in people with ingestion and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
“Former clinical observations had revealed positive effects for patients with constipation, heartburn, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after eating papaya preparations,” the team noted.35
For the study, subjects consumed 20 milliliters of papaya preparation for 40 days, which led to significant improvements in constipation and bloating. “We conclude from these results, that the papaya preparation … contributes to the maintenance of digestive tract physiology. It ameliorates various functional disturbances, like symptoms of IBS [irritable bowel syndrome],” according to the researchers.36
Papain also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which show promise for reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases. In an animal study of rats with intestinal inflammation, papain, as well as bromelain, led to decreased symptoms and reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines.37
Download this Article Before it Disappears
Asafoetida Relieves Bloating, Too
The Indian cooking spice asafoetida, a gum obtained from a type of giant fennel, is also worthy of attention if bloating is a concern for you. With its pungent onion-garlic flavor, you can use it as a substitute for either of those ingredients. Many recommend using it in bean-based dishes, as it helps prevent gassiness.38 Its ability to cut gas is attributed to antibacterial compounds that impede the activity of gut bacteria responsible for flatulence.39
Another study looking at asafoetida’s effects on functional dyspepsia (FD), a chronic disorder of the upper digestive tract, found it to be both safe and effective, including for bloating relief.40 The beauty of using herbs and spices in your meals is that they support health from various angles. They’ll not only support healthy digestion and reduce bloating but will also boost your heart health,41 lower diabetes risk,42 protect your liver43 and more.
- 1 Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 Feb;19(2):219-231.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.03.056. Epub 2020 Apr 1
- 2 Health October 30, 2023
- 3 Adv Ther. 2019; 36(5): 1075–1084
- 4 World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14407-19. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14407
- 5 PeerJ. 2021; 9: e10308., Intro
- 6 The Northwest School for Botanical Studies, Fennel
- 7 Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan; 7(1): 96–108., Intro
- 8, 9 Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Jan; 7(1): 96–108., 2
- 10 Johns Hopkins Medicine, Ginger Benefits
- 11 Gardening Know How, Cumin Plant Care: How Do You Grow Cumin Herbs
- 12, 13 Middle East J Dig Dis. 2013 Oct; 5(4): 217–222
- 14 Food Quality and Safety January 24, 2018
- 15 Britannica, Black pepper
- 16, 17 Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences volume 11, Article number: 16 (2022)
- 18 Journal of Food Science July 5, 2017
- 19 Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(9):875-86. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.571799
- 20 American Institute for Cancer Research November 30, 2015
- 21 Journal of Future Foods June 2022, Volume 2, Issue 2, Pages 125-142
- 22 The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 152, Issue 11, November 2022, Pages 2461–2470
- 23 Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 642942
- 24 Business Insider, March 30, 2021
- 25 A Wandering Botanist April 26, 2020
- 26 ScientificWorldJournal. 2012; 2012: 263851
- 27 Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine June 2015, Volume 5, Issue 6, Pages 421-428
- 28 RxList, Coriander
- 29 Indian Express March 18, 2020
- 30 Anaerobe February 2020, Volume 61, 102089
- 31 The Solidago School of Herbalism, Cardamom, The Queen of Spices, December 15, 2020
- 32 Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep; 22(18): 9885
- 33 Foods. 2022 Feb; 11(4): 563., Intro
- 34, 35, 36 Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2013;34(1):38-46
- 37 Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2023 Sep-Oct;17(5):23-30
- 38 Goodfood.com, Asafoetida
- 39 Chemistry World, Asafoetida
- 40 Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018; 2018: 4813601
- 41 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2021 Dec 1;114(6):1936-1948
- 42 Pharmacological Research September 2002, Volume 46, Issue 3, Pages 251-255
- 43 Research Journal of Science and Technology October-December 2020, Volume 12, Issue 4
Selenium in your cancer prevention program
by: July 20, 2019
(NaturalHealth365) What does selenium have to do with your health? The answer may surprise you (and motivate you – in a whole new way!)
Let’s start with a discussion about cancer – the second leading cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease. Experts predict that cancer will soon surpass heart disease as the leading killer of American adults.
No doubt, we can all agree: the need for a safe (non-toxic) methods of preventing and treating this deadly disease is truly urgent. This brings us to why we – at NaturalHealth365 – are pleased to feature studies like this one – from Nutrition and Cancer highlighting the importance of consuming enough selenium – on a regular basis. (Note: PubMed has over 1,500 studies on “selenium and cancer prevention.”)
An essential trace element found in various foods, soil and water, selenium helps to prevent cancer by enhancing our immune system, increasing protection against stress and disease plus suppressing the growth of cancerous cells.
Selenium enhances the power of a “master antioxidant” to help detoxify the body
One of selenium’s most vital functions is to help create antioxidant enzymes, or selenoproteins, that recycle glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant” and detoxifier. In this way, selenium strikes a blow against the disease-causing oxidative stress – which contributes to chronic degenerative disease.
But selenium also has many more “tricks up its sleeve” when it comes to fighting cancer.
Do NOT ignore the health dangers linked to toxic indoor air. These chemicals – the ‘off-gassing’ of paints, mattresses, carpets and other home/office building materials – increase your risk of headaches, dementia, heart disease and cancer.
Unlike therapies that address only one specific stage or type of cancer, selenium is pleiotropic. This means that it combats cancer through multiple pathways and mechanisms, allowing it to target the disease in various forms and stages.
So important is selenium that low levels are linked with an eight-fold increased risk of cancers of the bladder, lungs, stomach, esophagus and liver.
And, supplementation has been shown to lower cancer risk, particularly cancers of the bladder, lung and colon.
Selenium’s extensive therapeutic “toolkit” allows it to prevent cancerous cells from developing into tumors
In addition to preserving the selenoproteins that recycle antioxidants, selenium regulates inflammatory molecules that contribute to cancer growth.
This versatile nutrient also helps to boost the immune system, detoxify carcinogens and heavy metals, protect DNA from cancer-causing mutations and inactivate molecules crucial to the development of cancer cells.
In addition, selenium induces apoptosis – the programmed death of cancer cells – meaning it may help check the uncontrolled reproduction that can help cancer spread so swiftly.
Finally, selenium regulates sex hormone receptors used by some cancers, thereby helping to suppress tumor invasion and growth. Peer-reviewed research has documented reductions in cancer risk through selenium supplementation.
One recent meta-analysis involving nine randomized controlled clinical trials and over 152,000 participants showed that selenium supplementation can cut cancer risk by 26 percent.
Participants who had low levels of selenium at the beginning of the study experienced an even larger (36 percent) reduction in risk – and those in high-risk populations experienced a sizeable 34 percent decrease as well.
Great NEWS: Three different forms of selenium join forces to fight cancer “across the board”
Selenium exists in three distinct forms, each with its own unique capabilities against cancer. While their names can be tongue-twisters, it’s worth noting their individual benefits.
Inorganic sodium selenite destroys the mitochondria that exist in tumor cells – while leaving the mitochondria of healthy cells unharmed. It also helps repair damaged DNA while boosting the immune response.
While it is not absorbed as well as organic forms of selenium, sodium selenite seems to do the best job of boosting crucial glutathione activity.
The second form, selenium-methyl L-selenocysteine, is an organic complex of selenium that contains the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine.
This form suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis – the creation of new blood vessels that carry nutrients to tumors. It also induces the destruction of cancer cells, and has been shown to boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
The third form, L-selenomethionine, is an organic compound of selenium that contains the amino acid L-methionine. This is the form most frequently used in clinical trials – and it has yielded extremely promising results.
In a landmark 1996 University of Arizona study, participants were given 200 mcg of L-selenomethionine a day in order to discern whether the complex could prevent skin cancer. The study did not yield any evidence at all that L-selenomethione could prevent basal or squamous cell skin cancer, per se.
But what it did do – slash the incidence of death from all cancers, by 50 percent – caused researchers to do a double take.
The results were so impressive that the team did something that is almost unprecedented in medical research: stopped the “blinded” phase of the study cold – so that all participants could immediately begin to take advantage of maximum protection against cancer.
And that’s not all.
A separate study showed that L-selenomethionine could reduce risk of prostate cancer by 63 percent – when a prior history of cancer existed – and by a whopping 74 percent in those with normal levels of PSA (prostate-specific androgen, which researchers use as a marker of prostate cancer).
How to decrease your risk of bladder cancer by nearly 40 percent
Over 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with bladder cancer over this year alone – and 14,000 will lose their lives to the disease.
A recent review shows that selenium can substantially decrease the risk of the disease.
In a meta-analysis involving over 17,000 participants and published in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, the authors noted that selenium supplementation was associated with a 39 percent decrease in the risk of bladder cancer – when averaged out over both sexes.
When the researchers looked at the effects of selenium supplementation on women alone, they found that it reduced bladder cancer risk by a robust 45 percent. The team called for more study to further explore the benefits of selenium supplementation.
Proper nutrition can help raise selenium levels
The USDA advises that the adult daily allowance for selenium is 55 mcg a day.
You can increase your selenium levels by eating organic cage-free eggs, wild-caught salmon, halibut, poultry and grass-fed beef.
Vegans and vegetarians can obtain selenium through sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts. In fact, with a whopping 607 micrograms of selenium per cup, Brazil nuts are the single best source of this essential mineral.
If you think selenium supplementation might be right for you, check with your integrative healthcare provider before adding it to your health routine – to best advise you on the proper forms and dosages to take.
Sources for this article include: