Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Plant phytonutrients shown to alter genes that halt cancer metastasis
Plants contain thousands of natural compounds that science has shown
benefit human health and shield us against chronic diseases ranging from
heart disease and stroke to diabetes, dementia and cancer. There are
still thousands of yet unidentified chemical compounds in plants and
vegetables we consume that likely work in synergy with existing
phytonutrients that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
to promote healthy metabolism and cellular homeostasis.
A research team from Washington State University has published the result of a study in the journal, Cancer and Metastasis Reviews to explain how more than 40 plant-based compounds have been identified that can turn on genes known to slow the spread of cancer. This is an especially significant finding because the spread of cancer is most often what makes the disease fatal. The authors note that this study reinforces a rapidly growing body of research showing that diet, nutrients and plant-based chemicals are opening many new avenues of attack against this dreaded killer disease.
The lead study author, Dr. Gary Meadows focused his work on how nutrients can prevent the deadly spread of cancer cells or metastasis, rather than traditional work based on the prevention and treatment of cancerous tumors. He commented "There are lots of magic bullets out there in what we eat and associated with our lifestyle. We just need to take advantage of those... and they can work together." He focused in particular on genes that suppress metastasis, an area considered an afterthought by many of his research peers in other studies.
The study identified more than 40 substances like amino acids, vitamin D, ginseng extract, the tomato carotenoid lycopene, the turmeric component curcumin, pomegranate juice, fish oil and others affecting gene expression in breast, colorectal, prostate, skin, lung and other cancers. Each natural compound was found to act epigenetically, which is to say they turned metastasis suppressor genes on or off.
Dr. Meadows concluded "These epigenetic mechanisms are influenced by what you eat... that may also be related to how the metastasis suppressor genes are being regulated. That's a very new area of research that has largely not been very well explored in terms of diet and nutrition." This research provides yet another vital link between the thousands of natural chemicals and compounds that exist in the foods we eat, and the importance of eating a wide variety of different colored fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds daily to prevent the development and metastasis of cancerous cells.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827152050.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/249570.php
A research team from Washington State University has published the result of a study in the journal, Cancer and Metastasis Reviews to explain how more than 40 plant-based compounds have been identified that can turn on genes known to slow the spread of cancer. This is an especially significant finding because the spread of cancer is most often what makes the disease fatal. The authors note that this study reinforces a rapidly growing body of research showing that diet, nutrients and plant-based chemicals are opening many new avenues of attack against this dreaded killer disease.
The lead study author, Dr. Gary Meadows focused his work on how nutrients can prevent the deadly spread of cancer cells or metastasis, rather than traditional work based on the prevention and treatment of cancerous tumors. He commented "There are lots of magic bullets out there in what we eat and associated with our lifestyle. We just need to take advantage of those... and they can work together." He focused in particular on genes that suppress metastasis, an area considered an afterthought by many of his research peers in other studies.
Thousands of plant-based compounds promote human health and prevent cancer metastasis
Dr. Meadows reviewed prior studies that found a positive correlation between natural nutrient intake and cancer suppression, and looked to see when metastasis suppressor genes were turned on or off, even if the original authors didn't make a direct connection. Ultimately, he documented dozens of substances affecting the metastasis suppressor genes of numerous cancer lines.The study identified more than 40 substances like amino acids, vitamin D, ginseng extract, the tomato carotenoid lycopene, the turmeric component curcumin, pomegranate juice, fish oil and others affecting gene expression in breast, colorectal, prostate, skin, lung and other cancers. Each natural compound was found to act epigenetically, which is to say they turned metastasis suppressor genes on or off.
Dr. Meadows concluded "These epigenetic mechanisms are influenced by what you eat... that may also be related to how the metastasis suppressor genes are being regulated. That's a very new area of research that has largely not been very well explored in terms of diet and nutrition." This research provides yet another vital link between the thousands of natural chemicals and compounds that exist in the foods we eat, and the importance of eating a wide variety of different colored fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds daily to prevent the development and metastasis of cancerous cells.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/4218t406w8708338/http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827152050.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/249570.php
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Watermelon extract lowers blood pressure better than dangerous pharmaceuticals
Heart disease and stroke continue to be the leading cause of death in
the US, as vascular deterioration and dysfunction result in hypertension
and ultimately, an early demise. Elevated blood pressure results in
micro-cracks to the delicate endothelial lining of the blood vessels
that must be patched by plaque (formed largely of circulating oxidized
LDL cholesterol and calcium particles), beginning the process of
atherosclerosis and greatly increased risk of heart attack.
Natural methods of lowering high blood pressure can allow the body to heal damaged vessels and arteries, dramatically lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers from Florida State University have published the result of a study in the American Journal of Hypertension that explains how natural watermelon extract helps reduce moderately elevated blood pressure by providing a rich source of the amino acids, citrulline and arginine, both known to relax vascular pressure.
Natural methods of lowering high blood pressure can allow the body to heal damaged vessels and arteries, dramatically lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers from Florida State University have published the result of a study in the American Journal of Hypertension that explains how natural watermelon extract helps reduce moderately elevated blood pressure by providing a rich source of the amino acids, citrulline and arginine, both known to relax vascular pressure.
Watermelon extract lowers blood pressure to normal range for many suffering from hypertension
In prior studies, citrulline and arginine have been shown as effective agents to reduce blood pressure, but further research was necessary to validate the results. The scientists recruited fourteen volunteers with an average age of 58 to receive either a concentrated watermelon extract (providing six grams of a citrulline/arginine mixture daily) or a placebo for a period of six weeks. They then observed a two week washout period with no supplementation before crossing over to the other group.At the end of the study, researchers found that systolic pressure (upper blood pressure number) in the supplemented group was lowered in the arm and ankle by 15.1 and 11.5mmHg respectively, compared to the placebo participants. Diastolic pressure was lowered by 7.6 and 7.8 mmHg. For many participants, this reduction was enough to lower blood pressure from a pre-hypertension state to a normal reading, significantly lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Of greater importance is the fact that the results observed are similar or better to those found with dangerous prescription ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers so commonly prescribed like candy by allopathic practitioners. The study authors concluded "This study suggests that watermelon extract improves arterial function... cardiovascular events were lower by about two-fold in those with normal ankle systolic blood pressure than in those with high ankle systolic blood pressure during a 15-year follow-up." Researchers found that blood pressure is lowered in a dose-dependent manner with optimal results found with six grams of citrulline/arginine each day.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.nature.com/ajh/journal/v25/n6/full/ajh201220a.html
http://www.nutraingredients.com
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/204527.php
About the author:
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Replace coffee with rooibos tea to naturally boost energy and health
Benjamin Franklin famously said, "In all things, moderation." When it
comes to coffee, there are worse things you could be putting in your
body, (assuming you are using organic, fair trade coffee). Still, it's a
good practice to take a break from anything you consume a lot of, a
couple of times a year for a couple of weeks. So if you're looking to
get off of coffee, or just take a break from it for a while, rooibos tea is a nice alternative with lots of health benefits.
What is it?
An herb from South Africa, rooibos has been made into tea and enjoyed for generations. It is a broom-like legume and comes in both red and green varieties. The most available is the red, which is oxidized, giving it the reddish-brown color of tea and a slightly sweet taste.The green variety is unoxidized and is processed in a manner similar to that of green tea, making the end product a bit more expensive, and subsequently less popular and a bit more difficult to find. It does have twice the flavonoids as the red. The flavor is described as 'malty and slightly grassy' - somewhat different than the red variety.
Like other teas, rooibos has flavonoids that act as antioxidants, making it popular with the health conscious. It is also low in tannins compared to most black teas, and is caffeine-free. Rooibos is rich in many minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, copper, fluoride, manganese, zinc, magnesium and alpha hydroxy. It is purported to provide a whole host of health benefits, including:
• Reduces heart disease by providing protection through ACE inhibition
• Contains quercetin and luteolin, which are known to have cancer fighting qualities
• Is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic and anti-spasmodic
• Eases nervous tension, allergies and digestive problems
• Limits uric acid production, which can help gout sufferers
• Soothes asthma and eczema
• Boosts the immune system
• Cures nagging headaches
• Fights insomnia
• Strengthens bones and teeth
• Relieves severe stomach cramps
• Eases hypertension/lowers blood pressure
• Is considered to have anti-aging properties
• Prevents DNA damage
• Suppresses fasting glucose levels
• Improves glucose uptake and insulin secretions after a meal
• Aids in liver tissue regeneration
• Acts as a bronchodilator
• Has no known side-effects
Variety of uses
In recent years, rooibos has been growing in popularity in Europe and the United States. You may even find it in your local coffee shop. Coffee shops around the world have begun offering rooibos-based variations of coffee drinks, such as "red espresso", "red lattes" and "red cappuccinos".Rooibos tea can be consumed by kidney stone sufferers because it has no oxalic acid. It can be used to ease colic or stomach pains in infants for instant relief. It is a great thirst-quencher for athletes and can calm hyper children. One study found that special extraction of the alkaline extracts present in rooibos tea leaves seem to suppress HIV-induced cytopathicity, leading to the conclusion that daily intake may suppress HIV infection. (The extraction is important because regular rooibos tea doesn't have the anti-HIV activity.) Other studies find that rooibos is effective at preventing brain aging.
If you find rooibos tea at your local coffee shop or health food store, give it a try. Consider requesting it if you don't. It is a great beverage with rare nutrients not readily found in other plants. It's good for you and tasty too. You may like it enough to give it a permanent place in your diet.
Sources for this article:
http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.com
http://www.organicfacts.net
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
DHEA Restoration Therapy - Men & Women
DHEA Restoration Therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy
It's no accident that youth is associated with high levels of
hormones. Produced throughout the body, sex hormones are critical to
maintaining vibrancy and good health. In recent decades, scientists have
begun to understand the powerful benefits of replacing hormones lost to
aging. However, there are serious questions about the safety of
conventional hormone replacement therapy, which relies on hormones that
are synthesized from animals (Premarin ®) or created in a lab (Provera
®). Most recently, the widespread prescribing of these two hormones
among menopausal women has come under scientific scrutiny because of the
increased risk of stroke and heart attack.As an alternative, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be one of the best things aging people can do for themselves because of the wide-ranging benefits of bioidentical hormones on everything from the cardiovascular system to the aging brain and bones. What is required, however, is an approach that harnesses the wisdom of the body and relies on bioidentical hormones to replace those that decline with age.
In 1981, Life Extension introduced dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in an article that described the multiple anti-aging effects of this steroid hormone. At the time, DHEA replacement therapy was almost unheard of. Today, however, DHEA replacement therapy has been studied extensively, and decreased DHEA levels have been implicated in heart disease, high cholesterol, depression, inflammation, immune disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, HIV, and osteoporosis (Hauffa BP et al 1984; Valenti G 2002; Valenti G et al 2004).
But what is DHEA exactly, and how does it work? DHEA is the most common steroid hormone in the body. It is produced mainly by the adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the body (including fat cells). DHEA is metabolized from pregnenolone, the body's “master hormone,” which itself is metabolized from cholesterol. DHEA can be metabolized into other sex hormones, including testosterone and the estrogens, and up to 150 individual metabolites.
Although there are still important research questions to answer, there is no question that youthful DHEA levels are closely associated with good health, and that low levels have been connected to various diseases. Unfortunately, after about age 35, DHEA begins to decline (Pavlov EP et al 1986; Nafziger AN et al 1998). Women, who tend to have lower levels, lose DHEA much more quickly than men as they age. Concentrations remain roughly 30% higher in men (Orentreich N et al. 1984). DHEA levels also vary according to ethnicity (Orentreich N et al. 1984; LaCroix AZ et al. 1992; Hornsby PJ 1995). By age 70, DHEA may be only 20% of young-adult levels (Belanger A et al 1994).
Modern hormone replacement therapy strives to recreate the youthful balance of hormones in the body—and this is where DHEA's value really stands out. Because it is metabolized into other hormones, supplementing with DHEA may allow the body to choose which hormone is needed, then synthesize that hormone from the available DHEA. This may account for the astonishing range of benefits that many researchers attribute to this hormone. DHEA's separate metabolites, including 7-Keto DHEA, have also been shown to have individual benefits, including lowering cholesterol, burning fat, and boosting the immune system.
There are many provocative theories that may one day help explain DHEA's role in certain diseases. For instance, many elderly people suffer from high cholesterol levels, which are a risk factor for heart disease. In this age group, the rate of heart disease rises much more rapidly among women than men, partly because of the loss of hormones during menopause. Clearly, there is a link between heart disease and sex hormones, and this phenomenon raises an intriguing possibility. Because sex hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, perhaps elevated cholesterol levels represent the body's attempt to supply more of the raw materials for hormone production. Indeed, one study showed a drop in cholesterol levels after comprehensive natural hormone therapy (Dzugan SA et al 2002).
As part of a comprehensive approach to fighting the diseases of aging, Life Extension recommends that people monitor their blood levels of DHEA and strive to reproduce hormone levels of a healthy 21-year-old. Fortunately, DHEA is well tolerated as a supplement, with only minimal side effects even at relatively high doses.
What You Have Learned So Far
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DHEA: Fighting Inflammation
Inflammation is an insidious condition, and we are learning more every year about its association with a host of diseases. Inflammation is caused by internal chemicals called inflammatory cytokines that are released as part of the immune system response. These chemicals, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1(beta) [IL-1(β)] and/or leukotriene, are present in greater concentrations as we age. Reducing the concentration of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the risk of serious disease is one goal of nutrient and hormone therapy.DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve several aspects of the immune system―cytokine production and T-cell, B-cell, natural killer cell, and monocyte function―in postmenopausal women and elderly men (Khorram O et al 1997). DHEA appears to be especially valuable against IL-6 and TNF, both of which are elevated in patients with inflammatory arthritis (James K et al 1997; Straub RH et al 1998; Straub RH et al 2002a; Leowattana W 2001). Systemic lupus erythematosus is another chronic inflammatory condition, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 women, usually younger women (Sullivan KE 1999-2000). Treatment of this type of lupus with DHEA (50 to 200 mg daily) caused clinical improvement and decreased lupus flares by 16% (van Vollenhoven RF et al 1998; Chang DM et al 2002).
DHEA in Women
Throughout their reproductive lives, women experience higher levels of estrogen produced by the ovaries. This estrogen has a cardioprotective effect, which accounts for women's lower rates of heart disease. However, around age 50, women undergo menopause, or the failure of the ovaries and the cessation of menstruation. This period is distinguished by a rapid drop in the level of sex hormones, including estrogen, DHEA, testosterone, pregnenolone, and progesterone. Various diseases have been connected to this rapid loss of hormonal protection, including heart disease and osteoporosis (Lock 1994). While many of the symptoms of menopause are caused by the loss of estrogen, there are also side effects associated with the drop in DHEA and testosterone among menopausal women, including:- Decreased libido
- Decreased strength
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Decreased energy (Braunstein G 2002)
One analysis of existing studies found the DHEA had these benefits among postmenopausal women:
- A 30 mg to 50 mg daily dose improved mood, sense of well-being, and sexual appetite and activity among women with adrenal insufficiency (Buvat J 2003).
- A long-term trial of women over 60 reported significant increases in bone mineral density (Buvat J 2003).
- A study among women aged 70 to 79 showed improvements in sexual desire, arousal, and enjoyment (Buvat J 2003).
DHEA in Men
Studies of men have shown that DHEA replacement therapy is an important complement to testosterone therapy. Among aging men, the amount of “free” testosterone, or testosterone that is available to the body, falls more quickly than the level of total testosterone. Thus, it is important to design a hormone replacement program that raises the level of free testosterone. In a 1997 study, DHEA levels were shown to parallel the levels of free testosterone in the blood. The study authors suggested that DHEA might help raise free testosterone. If this conclusion is correct, then DHEA replacement therapy would not only raise the blood level of DHEA, but also the level of free testosterone (Morley JE et al 1997).Still, other studies have shown that DHEA may be an effective therapy for erectile dysfunction. Although there are conflicting studies in this regard, a few have shown that among men without heart or vascular disease, DHEA has been able to improve erectile dysfunction (Belaisch J 2002).
Cancer: Hope and Caution
In any discussion of hormone replacement therapy, the question of cancer will naturally arise. Certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer, may be hormone mediated. In other words, supplementation with hormones may cause cancer cells to proliferate. For this reason, men and women with histories of hormone receptor cancers, or with existing tumors, are warned away from hormone therapy that might aggravate their conditions.The situation, however, is not clear-cut. In numerous lab studies, DHEA has shown anti-cancer properties (Schwartz AG et al 1993; Yang S et al 2002; Yoshida S et al 2003; Jiang Y et al 2005). Similarly, low levels of DHEA are associated with cancer (Gordon GB et al 1988; Leowattana W 2001). According to studies using animal models and cell cultures (both animal and human), DHEA has been shown to inhibit cancer development in a number of tissues, including:
- Mammary gland (Schwartz AG 1993; Lubet RA et al 1998)
- Skin (Schwartz AG et al 1993)
- Colon (Nyce JW et al 1984; Osawa E et al 2002; Pelissier MA et al 2004)
- Liver and thyroid (Moore MA et al 1986)
DHEA and prostate cancer . Men should not begin DHEA therapy before having their prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels tested and undergoing a digital rectal exam, to measure the size and consistency of the prostate. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate disease are advised to avoid DHEA because it can be converted into testosterone, which may promote cell proliferation or cause an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone). However, among healthy men, one study showed that DHEA did not increase PSA levels (Jedrzejuk D et al 2003). To make sure DHEA is tolerated, men should consider having their DHEA bloodlevels tested every 6 or 12 months after beginning therapy, along with testing levels of free testosterone, estrogen, and DHT. The DHT form of testosterone plays an important role in the development of benign prostatic enlargement, and is believed to contribute to the progression of prostate cancer.
What do the Studies Say?
Many of the studies examining DHEA have found an overall benefit among study subjects, especially among the elderly. Nevertheless, it's helpful to understand some of DHEA's chemical interactions to gain insight into its many roles inside the body.DHEA owes many of its beneficial properties to its ability to inhibit an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). DHEA's anti-cancer properties are due at least in part to its ability to inhibit G6PD (Williams JR 2000; Arlt W 2004). DHEA's cardioprotective properties may also be partly due to G6PD inhibition (Tian WN et al 1998; Schwartz AG et al 2004).
Beyond its broad benefits, however, a survey of studies on specific diseases found that DHEA was active in fighting many of the most frightening, including:
Alzheimer's Disease. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have higher levels of cortisol (the “stress” hormone) (Rasmuson S et al 2002) and imbalanced cortisol/DHEA ratios (Murialdo G et al 2000). In a group of severely afflicted Alzheimer's patients , Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were significantly lower (Murialdo G et al 2000). Other studies have examined the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) among Alzheimer's patients. VEGF has been shown to protect the brain, and scientists now believe that low VEGF levels may be connected to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. DHEA-S was shown to significantly increase the bioavailability of VEGF in the brain, leading the study authors to conclude that it could be a valuable treatment for Alzheimer's and aging (Solerte SB et al 2005).
Cardiovascular Disease. There is a clear relationship between DHEA levels and cardiovascular disease: as DHEA decline, the incidence of cardiovascular disease rises in men (Barrett-Connor E et al 1987; Herrington DM et al 1990; Hautanen A et al 1994; Barrett-Connor E et al 1995; Feldman HA et al 1998) and in women (Johannes CB et al 1999). Diabetic men with the lowest DHEA levels have a significantly greater chance of developing coronary heart disease (Fukui M et al 2005). The risk of death is higher among those with the lowest levels of DHEA in men less than age 70 (Mazat L et al 2001).
DHEA play a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (Gordon GB et al 1988; Eich DM et al 1993), especially among men. Several mechanisms are involved: inhibition of G6PD, which can modify the lipid spectrum; suppression of platelet aggregation; and reduced cell proliferation (Porsova-Dutoit I et al 2000). Men with lower DHEA-S are more likely to have atherosclerosis (Herrington DM et al 1990) and calcified deposits in the abdominal aorta (Hak AE et al 2002) . Because cortisol increases the risk of heart attack and the severity of atherosclerosis in men ( Laughlin GA et al 2000), raising DHEA levels to increase the DHEA/cortisol ratio has promise for reducing cardiovascular risk (Barrett-Connor E et al 1995). However, the same associations are lacking in women (Barrett-Connor E et al 1987) .
- Myocardial Infarction. Low DHEA is related to premature heart attack in men (Mitchell LE et al 1994). Severely ill cardiac patients and those with acute heart attack have lower DHEA levels for as long as 3 to 4 months after the event (Slowinska-Srzednicka J et al 1989; Ruiz Salmeron RJ et al 1992).
- Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by several conditions that are all associated with elevated risk for heart disease, including increased insulin resistance, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels. In metabolic syndrome, these individual risk factors act synergistically, raising the risk of heart disease higher than their individual risk levels alone. Although research is still continuing, scientists have linked elevated cholesterol to lower DHEA levels ( Nestler JE et al 1992). Long-term DHEA supplementation improves insulin sensitivity by 30%, raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 12%, and lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 11%, and triglycerides by 20% (Lasco A et al 2001). The lowering of low density lipoproteins (LDL) by DHEA has an antioxidant effect, which could have anti-atherogenic consequences (Nestler JE et al 1988; Nestler JE et al 1991; Kurzman ID et al 1990; Khalil A et al 2000). DHEA also decreases abdominal fat, an important characteristic of metabolic syndrome (Villareal DT et al 2000; Villareal DT et al 2004).
Cognitive Decline. One of the most distressing elements of aging is the loss of mental "sharpness." Once again, DHEA has been shown to improve measures of cognitive function in laboratory studies (Roberts E et al 1987; Flood JF et al 1988). Abnormal balances in the brain between DHEA-S and cortisol have been shown to decrease brain function (Kalmijn S et al 1998; Ferrari E et al 2001).
Depression. DHEA has been extensively studied in depression. DHEA levels are reduced in major depressive disorders in both adolescents and adults, and an elevated cortisol/DHEA ratio predicts a delay in recovery (Herbert J 1998; Ferrari E et al. 2004). Women lacking detectable DHEA have an increased
occurrence of depression (Yaffe K et al. 1998).
DHEA has also been a useful remedy for depression (van Broekhoven F et al 2003). A well-conducted study by the National Institute of Mental Health found DHEA to be quite effective in treating midlife long-lasting, mild depression (dysthymia). The symptoms that improved most significantly were inability to gain pleasure from normally pleasurable experiences (anhedonia), loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional “numbness,” sadness, inability to cope, and worrying (Bloch M et al 1999). In another study, 3 months of DHEA supplementation improved self-reported physical and psychological well-being in age-advanced individuals (Morales AJ et al 1994). These results were supported by a recent study that showed DHEA therapy improved depression among middle-aged people (Schmidt PJ et al 2005).
Diabetes. DHEA appears to increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is an early indicator of type 2 diabetes and is closely associated with obesity, which are both major risk factors for heart disease. A decrease in DHEA-S is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (Kameda W et al 2005). Among women with deficient adrenal glands, DHEA supplementation was shown to significantly increase insulin sensitivity, and the study authors concluded that DHEA might be a valuable treatment for type 2 diabetes (Dhatariya K et al 2005). DHEA has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity among obese women (Villareal DT et al 2004).
HIV/AIDS. HIV-positive men with lower DHEA levels have comparably lower CD4 cell counts (Dyner TS et al 1993) and are 2.3 times more likely to progress to AIDS (Jacobson MA et al 1991; Ferrando SJ et al 1999). HIV-positive men have a dramatically elevated cortisol/DHEA ratio that parallels their nutritional and disease status (Jacobson MA et al 1991; Christeff N et al 1997; Christeff N et al 1999; Chriseff NA et al 2000; Ferrando SJ et al 1999).
Immune system. DHEA has been shown to enhance the immune response against a wide range of viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. In one animal study, DHEA supplementation showed a significant reduction in the level of internal parasites (Dos Santos TD et al 2005).
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis (bone thinning) affects millions of late-middle-aged to elderly individuals of both sexes, but is more common in women than men. In women, a major contributing factor is the loss of estrogen at menopause, which parallels the decline in DHEA. DHEA appears to exert a positive role in bone metabolism by inhibiting bone resorption and stimulating bone formation (Labrie F et al 1997; Haden ST et al 2000). It also seems to aid calcium absorption (Carlstrom K et al 1988; Taelman P et al 1989). DHEA has proved effective in clinical trials treating osteoporosis (Villareal DT et al 2000). However, a correlation between DHEA and bone mineral density appears variably in women and not at all in men (Brody S et al 1982; Nordin BE et al 1985; Deutsch S et al 1987; Wild RA et al 1987; Barrett-Connor E et al 1993).
Stress. DHEA levels are closely tied to stress. Studies have shown that traumatic events such as burns or illnesses significantly decrease DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione levels, while increasing the level of cortisol (Parker LN et al 1985; Lephart ED et al 1987; Wade CE et al 1988). Calmness, such as seen in individuals practicing transcendental meditation, is associated with higher levels of DHEA (Glaser JL et al 1992). In one study, participants in a stress-reduction program increased DHEA by 100% and reduced stress hormone production (cortisol) by 23% (McCraty R et al 1998).
7-Keto DHEA: The Perfect Partner
Among DHEA's many metabolites, one has attracted significant attention for its unique ability to lower cholesterol, burn fat, and improve the immune system. This metabolite, known at 7-Keto DHEA, is not converted into estrogen or testosterone, so it may be safely used among people with hormone-dependent diseases, including cancer.Scientific studies have shown that 7-Keto can help people burn fat through a process known as “thermogenesis.” This means the body's metabolic rate is accelerated, generating heat and energy that consumes calories and burns fat. 7-Keto accomplishes this by boosting the levels of three liver enzymes that stimulate fatty acid oxidation.
In one study of 30 overweight adults, study subjects either received 100 mg of 7-Keto twice daily or placebo. They also participated in a supervised exercise and diet program. At the end of the study, those taking 7-Keto had lost 6.3 pounds on average, versus 2.1 pounds for the control group (Kalman DS et al 2000).
7-Keto has also been studied for its immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering properties. In a study on cholesterol levels, human volunteers applied a gel containing 25 mg of 7-Keto for five consecutive days. At the end of the study, the subjects taking 7-Keto had experienced a rise in good HDL cholesterol and a slight reduction in harmful LDL cholesterol (Sulcova J et al 2001).
Another study looking at immune function found that four weeks of 7-Keto supplementation improved immune function in elderly men and women. In this study, subjects over age 65 took 100 mg of 7-Keto twice daily or placebo. The subjects on 7-Keto experienced a significant decrease in immune suppressor cells and an increase in immune helper cells (Zenk JL et al 2004).
Because 7-Keto is not converted into estrogen or testosterone, it may be the perfect complement to DHEA therapy, as well as providing an option for people who have hormone dependent cancers. In some women, high doses of DHEA may cause the growth of unwanted hair or acne. By adding 7-Keto to a daily program, it may be possible to lower the dosage of DHEA.
DHEA Safety CaveatsAn aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:DHEA (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE)
Source: http://www.lef.org/protocols/metabolic_health/dhea_restoration_01.htm |
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