WHOLEHEALTHAMERICA. COM HAPPY NEW YEAR! OS TEOPOROS IS DRUGS 2 EXERCISE AND MENOPAUSE 3 KNEE PAIN AND MENSTRUATION 3 MAGNESIUM 4 PMS AND MAGNESIUM 5 GET A GREAT WEB SITE 5 LUKEMIA AND DIET 6 If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please send your ee-mail to: [email protected] VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 Dr. Paul G. Varnas & WholeHealthAmerica.com present THE BE TTE R HE A LT H NE W S FEBRUARY, 2008 KEEP CALCIUM BUILDUP IN THE BONES, NOT ON THE ARTERIES WITH VITAMIN K Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin usually formed as part of the electron transfer process in photosynthetic chlorophyll found in plants. Electron transfer regulating may be the clue to its multiple roles: blood clotting, bone mineralization and inhibiting soft tissue calcification. Often the calcium issue is not a matter of too much calcium nor too little calcium, but rather inappropriately placed calcium. X-rays will show both soft tissue calcification (atherosclerosis, bone spurs, etc,) as well as calcium loss (osteoporosis). These both are now recognizable signs of vitamin K deficiency. adjacent cartilaginous structures; this impaired undercarboxylated matrix-Gla in the serum shows to increase the risk of atherosclerosis. It is hypothesized that calcification of the artery in aging humans is caused in part by dietary vitamin K deficiency, and that artery calcification contributes to the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. This is supported by the observation that the extent of artery calcification is the best predictor of future myocardial infarction. Mechanism of vitamin K action: action Vitamin K catalyzes the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues on the vitamin K dependent calcium carrying proteins; osteocalcin and matrix-Gla protein. Carboxylation allows specific proteins to bind to appropriate cell surfaces. Vitamin D3 stimulates osteoblasts to produce osteocalcin necessary for bone formation. But this increase allows for bone mineralization only when sufficient K is present to carboxylate the osteocalcin. There is no known toxicity associated with high doses of phylloquinone, the natural vitamin K1 from plants, as doses in intervention trials have ranged between 80 and 1,000 mcg/day. This is not true for vitamin K2 or menadione (not to be confused with menaquinone 7[MK-7]) as it can interfere with the function of glutathione. Vitamin K2 doses have ranged between 45 and 90 mg/day. Revised vitamin K1 dosage: 1-2 mg of oral vitamin K1 is recommended. BioBio-KTM Mulsion has 500 mcg of K1 per drop. Carboxylated matrixmatrix-Gla protein, on the other hand prevents calcium from binding to soft tissue and it prevents calcification in the atherosclerosis process, bone spurs, etc. Thus, here is one vitamin K function (carboxylation) which allows for two protein functions that appear to be antagonistic, one increases mineralization (osteocalcin) and one prevents it (matrix-Gla). In that vitamin D3 is a necessary and synergistic component of the vitamin Kdependent carboxylation process, Biotics products that contain vitamins D3 and K1 include: OsteoOsteo-B PlusR, BioBio-Glycozyme TM Forte , BioBio-Multi PlusTM, EquiEqui-FemTM, TM EquiEqui-Fem Iron Free, Fe & CuCu-Free BioBioMulti PlusTM, FeFe-Free BioBio-Multi PlusTM, PMTTM, and the new VasculoSirt.TM Due to vitamin K deficiency, the impaired residue bone Gla protein expression causes the spread of calcification from bone into By John J. Rosenbaum, MAT THE BETTER HEALTH NEWS Page 2 OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS: NOT WHAT THEY ARE CRACKED UP TO BE According to the January 18, 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal, the benefits of osteoporosis drugs are exaggerated. The drugs are being prescribed to women with osteopenia, which is a less serious situation than osteoporosis and affects about half of all older women. The drug companies are marketing their drugs to women with osteopenia, basing their actions on reanalyzing data from four earlier drug trials. The new analyses were funded by drug companies and tend to overstate the benefits of the drugs. They cite statistics in terms of “relative risk”, which presents a high percentage, making the drug look very effective. Analyzing the absolute risk reduction shows that the reduction in the number of fractures is actually a very low number. The new analyses also tended to downplay the risks and side-effects of these drugs. Raloxifene, for example, increases the risk of blood clots. A Canadian study performed by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute found that a class of osteoporosis drugs can increase the risk of bone necrosis. Necrosis is a situation where there is not adequate blood supply to the bone, causing it to die and collapse. This is extremely painful. The study, published in the online Journal of Rheumatology (January 16, 2008) found that biophosphonates (including drugs like Fosomax) can triple the risk of bone collapse. Biophosphonates can also cause inflammation of the eye (published in a letter in the New England Journal of Medicine [March 20, 2003; 348 (12):1187-8)]) The authors of the British Medical Journal article believe that the osteoporosis d rugs are being prescribed unnecessarily to a relatively healthy population. The calculation of the benefits of the drugs is presented in a way to make them look more effective than they actually are. For example, a 75% relative risk reduction for fracture is cited. In reality, this is actually less than a 1% reduction in absolute risk. This means that 270 women with pre-osteoporosis would have to be treated with drugs for three years to avoid a single fracture. They have such a low risk of fracture to begin with, that the drugs offer them almost no benefit. As usual, natural health care looks better when you start considering risk vs benefit. OsteoOsteo-B PlusR is a source of vitamins, minerals and other factors known to support bone growth and repair. Contains magnesium, calcium, boron, vitamin K, silicon, manganese and B vitamins, in a base of rice bran. OsteoOsteo-B IITM is R similar to OsteoOsteo-B Plus , except it is a smaller tablet that is much easier to swallow. The source of the magnesium is malate/glycinate rather than oxide; the calcium to magnesium ratio is oneto-one rather than 5 parts calcium to 2 parts magnesium; the thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B-6 are in the phosphorylated form; the vitamin D is increased from 200 IU to 400 IU per serving and it does not contain any copper. Use with osteoporosis, bone trauma, menopausal need for increased bone support, periodontal disease and problems involving bone inflammation. Maybe drugs are not such a good BandBand-Aid for some people’s bones BIOTICS RESEARCH Our foundation is innovative ideas and carefully researched concepts. We develop those ideas with advanced analytical and manufacturing techniques. The result is nutritional products with superior quality and effectiveness. Our philosophy has made us an industry leader. We truly do bring you “The Best of Science and Nature”. For more information, call: (800) 231231-5777 or e-mail [email protected] om See us on the Web: www.bioticsresearch.com Nutritional Products for Healthcare Professionals VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 Page 3 MENOPAUSE AND EXERCISE According to Australian researchers published in the Medical Tribune (April 20, 1995;20), exercise can help to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Participants of the study were 220 women, over the age of 40. About 57% of the women (127) were either menopausal or post-menopausal, with 41 of these women taking hormone replacement therapy. Of the 220 subjects, 109 worked out regularly and 111 did not exercise at all. The women who exercised had less depression and a better mood, in general, than those in the group that did not exercise. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disorders were less pronounced in the group that exercised regularly. KNEE INJURIES AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE According to researchers, in female athletes, knee injuries are more likely to occur when estrogen levels are highest. A research project conducted in 1997 by the University of Michigan and the Cincinnati Sports Medicine Clinic studied 40 female athletes with acute anterior cruciate ligament injury (a ligament that supports the knee—these are serious injuries that often require surgery). Injuries to the ACL are becoming increasingly common in women. The researchers found that ACL injuries were more common during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle—this is when the estrogen levels are at their highest. This occurs around the middle of the cycle (between days 10 and 14). The scientists think that estrogen and relaxin may possibly have a pronounced effect on the mechanics of connective tissue like ligaments and tendons, and on neuro-muscular systems in women. The study also found that just under two-thirds of the ACL injuries in the women studied occurred during a game. Almost two -thirds of the injuries happened during the first half-hour of play. The injuries did not seem to be influenced by the type of shoes that were worn. It is possible that women have more knee injuries because of their body mechanics. For example, wider hips place greater pressure on the inside of the knee and less leg-muscle strength and endurance. Some believe that women's Exercise helps reduce menopausal symptoms knees are more susceptible to knee injury because female athletes, in general, rely excessively on their quadricep muscles and too little on their hamstrings. These mechanical considerations do not explain the possible connection between knee injuries and hormone levels. P r a ct i t i o n e r s o f A p p l i e d For more information Kinesiology often check the adrenals about products when the knee is involved. Often knee pain is accompanied by a weak Sartorius mentioned here, muscle. Adrenal support may be in order. contact Possible adrenal support: ADBADB-5 PlusTM – two tablets contain 75 mg of vitamin C, 5 Biotics Research at: mg of B1, B6 and B2 (phosphorylated (800) 231231-5777 forms), 25 mg of niacinamide, 200 mcg of folic acid, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, 75 mg of pantothenic acid, 500 mcg of iron, 35 mg of magnesium malate, 2.5 mg of zinc, 1 mg of manganese and a 635 mg proprietary blend of malic acid, porcine adrenal concentrate, citrus bioflavonoids, choline, SOD and catalase, N-acetylcysteine, ovine pituitary/hypothalamus, bovine parotid and copper (less than 2 percent of the blend). ADHSRcontains vitamins, minerals and herbs (product contains no glandular material), known to support normal adrenal function. Preliminary studies using the salivary adrenal stress test (ASI) indicate that Knee injuries may be ADHSR is often effective as a supplement more prevalent during to increase DHEA and Secretory IgA while ovulation helping to normalize an increased or decreased cortisol level. THE BETTER HEALTH NEWS Page 4 A FEW WORDS ABOUT MAGNESIUM Magnesium can help with depression, bone strength, cardiovascular health, insulin and blood sugar control, and it is nature’s muscle relaxer. An article appearing in Hospital Practice (April 30, 1993;79-92) had a few things to say about magnesium. Magnesium is an important cofactor in over 300 chemical reactions in the body. It is important for ATP synthesis (cellular energy), and is found in tissues with high metabolic activity. The heart, liver, brain and kidney all have the highest intracellular concentrations of magnesium. Magnesium levels are low in diabetics and is associated with insulin resistance. In obese children, the connection between low magnesium and insulin resistance is seen in research appearing in Diabetes Care (May 2005;28 (5):1175-1181). When type-2 diabetics are given magnesium, it helps decrease platelet aggregation. It ultimately may help protect against coronary artery blockage and heart attacks. It is also useful for bringing irregular heart beats under control. It has been postulated that magnesium deficiency may be responsible for heart damage experienced by endurance athletes. An article appearing in Patient Care (January 30, 1984;79-81), states that magnesium is useful for treating heart arrhythmias. Also, patients given magnesium after cardiac surgery have fewer problems with both arrhythmias and with uncontrolled high blood pressure from coronary vasospasm. An article appearing in the Archives of Internal Medicine (November 1992;152:21892196) also states that magnesium is cardioprotective. Magnesium deficiency may play a role in allergies. A study appearing in the Journal of The American College of Nutrition (1990;9(6):616-622) found that rats that were magnesium deficient had higher histamine levels than rats that were not deficient. Asthmatics benefit from magnesium supplementation. Magnesium given in an IV has been used to stop asthma attacks. Also, it can reduce bronchial hyprereactivity, according to research appearing in Clinical Pharmacologic Therapy (2001;69:365-371). Magnesium is valuable for treating preeclampsia. In a double-blind study, magnesium reduced blood pressure, not only during the infusion phase, but afterward. An article appearing in Gynecologica Scandinavica (1994;73:95-96) shows magnesium to have a beneficial effect on the mother’s blood pressure and on the birth weight of the child. Several studies have shown that magnesium may cause vasodilatation, and is probably the reason for magnesium's blood pressure lowering effect in pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. In pregnancy-induced hypertension there is an inverse relationship between serum magnesium concentration and blood pressure. Studies have shown that magnesium infusion reduces blood pressure, increases cardiac output and decreases total peripheral resistance. Magnesium can be depleted with certain medications, like diuretics and is low in people who eat a highly refined diet. Magnesium deficiency is fairly common and should be considered with a variety of health problems. MgMg-ZymeTM is a source of organically combined magnesium (100 mg per tablet). AquaAquaMagMag-ClTM is a liquid magnesium chloride product containing 200 milligrams of magnesium chloride per teaspoon full. Magnesium chloride is probably the best source of magnesium for hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, psychological stress, panic attacks and leg cramps. Magnesium can help protect from preecampsia OsteoOsteo-B IITM,, OsteoOsteo-B PlusR, Mg -ZymeTM , Aqua MagMag-ClT, BioBio-K MulsionTM , ,ADB ADB 55-PlusTM : all useful products for your patients. Call Biotics Research at (800)231-5777 for product information. Among other things, magnesium is good for your heart VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 Page 5 “ W e get a lot of pedestrian traffic and people stop in with questions all of the time. I know that if I can get them to go to the website, they will come in as patients.. ” — J u l i e ( C h i r o p r a c t i c A s s i s t a n t , A r b o r V i t a e Chiropractic ) Fill your office with our new enhanced referral service Lots of content and a great newsletter: Let’s face it, people don’t go to vanity sites; they go online to get information. Does your website provide it? Many of our clients already have web sites, but use us as their “library”. E-mail the newsletter to your patient base with the click of a button. You can create a customizable print version. Every newsletter we have ever produced is available to you and your patients. (same author as this newsletter) Plus we send you patients: Our home site has a lot of content. Patients come there to read about health, then link to your web site to learn more. E-mail us at [email protected], or call 866-525-0007 Coming very soon: Back issues of this newsletter posted on www.thebetterhealthnews.com MAGNESIUM AND PMS A study in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry (1986;23:667-670) found that the level of magnesium in the red blood cells of PMS sufferers was significantly lower than those of healthy controls. Other studies have shown the value of magnesium supplementation for PMS sufferers. Subjects of another study, appearing in Clinical Drug Investigation (2007; 27(1): 51-8), were supplemented with magnesium (250 mg/day) after being observed for three months without supplementation. The women were given the magnesium for only part of their cycle (from 20 days after the start of the last cycle until the beginning of the next cycle). The study lasted for three cycles and found a 33.5% reduction in symptoms according to the Moos’ Modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. An article Whole Health America is about patient education. We have podcasts and scientific articles to teach people about the importance of what you do. Contact us by e-mail at mail@wholehealth america.com for a free report: “3 Things You Can do to Grow Your Practice” appearing in Family Practice News (March 1, 1996;33) cites two small studies that show magnesium supplementation to be useful for patients who have migraine headache associated with their cycles. Magnesium is the cofactor for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Deficiency can cause a variety of health problems. According to an article appearing in Pediatric Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, (1993;7 (4):211-215), symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include PMS and headaches. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, nervous irritability, hives, fibromyalgia and even heart problems. Mood swings and breast tenderness associated with the menstrual cycle are commonly seen in women who are magnesium deficient. learning, to feel better... 180 W. Park Avenue Suite 260 Elmhurst, IL 60126 Phone: 866-525-0007 E-mail: [email protected] For more information about the products mentioned in this newsletter, contact Biotics 800--231 231--5777 or Research at 800 www.bioticsresearch.com H EA LT HY M AT E RNA L D I E T MAY H E LP P R EV ENT LEUKEMIA According to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, women who eat more fruits, vegetables and protein before pregnancy may lower the risk of their children developing leukemia. Researchers had 276 mothers from Northern California answer a questionnaire about their diets in the year prior to their pregnancies. Half of those filling out the questionnaire had a child who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the other half had children who were cancerfree. Researchers found that high consumption of fruits, vegetables and protein-containing foods, proportionally lowered the risk of the women’s children developing leukemia. The study, published in the August 2004 issue of Cancer, Causes and Control, was unusual in that previous studies have focused on specific foods or supplements, not overall diet. According to the study, certain foods like carrots, string beans and cantaloupe seem to be more effective for lowering childhood leukemia risk. These foods contain carotenoids, which are a source of vitamin A and have been shown to function as antioxidants. The findings are consistent with research suggesting a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help prevent adult cancers. Protein, including red meat, poultry and beans, can have a protective role, too, the study shows. A peptide (part of a protein) called glutathione in these foods is an antioxidant and plays a role in the synthesis and repair of DNA, as well as detoxification of certain harmful compounds. "Leukemia is a very complex disease with multiple risk factors," said Patricia Buffler, UC Berkeley professor of epidemiology and head of the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study. "What these findings show is that the nutritional environment in utero could be one of these factors."