Lifelong Health Products

Calcium Plus Vitamin D Helps to Manage Diabetes

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:36:46 GMT

Lifelong Supplements^TM health news! In the US, there are over 20 million people with diabetes, equal to seven per cent of the population. The total costs are thought to be as much as $132 billion, with $92 billion being direct costs from medication, according to 2002 American Diabetes Association figures. In Europe, an estimated 19 million people are affected by diabetes in the EU 25, equal to four per cent of the total population. This figure is projected to increase to 26 million by 2030.
Research team, Tianying Wu, Walter C. Willett, and Edward Giovannucci, at Harvard School of Public Health report that women with high intakes of calcium had 20 per cent lower levels of C-peptide, a marker of insulin levels, while men with high vitamin D levels had similarly lower levels of the marker. The research team concludes that "the results suggest that calcium intake or systemic vitamin D status, after adjustment for intake of dairy products, is associated with decreased insulin secretion." Full report is in Journal of Nutrition 2009, volume 139, pages 557-554.
Helpful health tips from: Lifelong Health Products, and Lifelong Health Products-health bulletin.

Cancer linked to other Chronic Illnesses

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:58:21 GMT

Cancer Linked to Other Chronic Illnesses.
People With High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart Attack More Likely to Have Cancer.

April 2, 2010 -- Having a heart attack or chronic illness may raise the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, according to a new survey.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes were about twice as likely to have cancer as healthy people without these chronic illnesses. Read more @ WebMD

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Cholesterol Control: Reduce LDL, Boost HDL, Lifelong Supplements™

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:01:12 GMT

Cholesterol makes vital contributions to health, a major component of all human cell membranes and a building block of steroid hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. However, high levels of cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), have a long association with many diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death in the world. CVD are diseases of the heart and blood vessels that can cause heart attacks and stroke. More than 100 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol.

High levels of LDL cholesterol dramatically increase the risk for heart attacks, angina, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. Excess LDL cholesterol accumulation in artery walls may lead to chemical changes, including oxidation; the body interprets these changes as "danger" and responds by drawing inflammatory compounds into arteries. This process ultimately leads to both the build-up of plaque in the artery walls and chronic inflammation.

Thus lowering LDL cholesterol, boosting HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") and protecting cholesterol from oxidation are effective ways to maintain a healthy heart and reduce risk of heart disease.

According to recent Harvard HealthBeat report, for healthy people, an LDL of 160 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) was once considered acceptable; now 130 mg/dL is okay, and 100 mg/dL, ideal. For people with stable coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, or other major cardiovascular risk factors, the targets are more stringent still: 100 mg/dL is okay, 70 mg/dL or less, ideal. And for patients with unstable coronary heart disease, it's 70 mg/dL or bust.

Diet, weight control, and exercise are essential for lowering blood cholesterol. When diet and exercise alone are not enough to reduce cholesterol to goal levels, doctors often prescribe medication-the most prominent being the statins (FDA Consumer Health Information).

Dietary approaches to lower blood cholesterol and CVD risk include consuming diets low in saturated fats and trans fats and high in heart-healthy ingredients such as fish oil omega-3, soluble dietary fiber (e.g., beta-glucan rich oats and barley), soy protein, plant sterols, dietary antioxidants, etc. Botanical-based products such as cocoa, green tea and fruits contain heart-healthy flavonoids and other polyphenols that minimize oxidative stress. These heart-healthy ingredients are also commercially available in concentrated forms as nutritional supplements (powder, capsules, and tablets).

Give your health a boost with lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Metabolic Syndrome Connection

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:21:00 GMT

Number of people with diabetes in United States increased to 24 million according to 2007 data by U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention. About 57 million people have pre-diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production (i.e., "insulin resistance" syndrome) that causes sugar to build up in the body. "Insulin resistance" leaves excess sugar in the bloodstream, which damages small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and other organs. In addition to hindering the body's ability to convert foods to energy, diabetes is a risk factor for development of related illness and disease, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and amputation.
Metabolic syndrome is a common precondition for both coronary disease and type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Foundation estimates over 50 million people in the U.S. have the syndrome, which is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors including: abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and insulin resistance.
Diabetics and those at risk for diabetes can take control of the disease through lifestyles changes such as diet and exercise. People suffering from the condition generally need to stick to a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and fat, particularly saturated fat. Several natural products, including dietary supplements, are available to help control the disease. Chromium is one of the best studied minerals for diabetic support and shown to control blood glucose levels. Supplemental chromium comes in three forms - chromium picolinate, chromium chloride, and chromium nicotinate.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements^TM! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Fatty Liver Disease is Common in the US

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:31:45 GMT

You have likely been warned about type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease as some of the conditions caused by obesity. Include a fatty liver!

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common severe liver disease from which Americans suffer, and is the most prevalent liver disease among children. An estimated 1.6 million children are affected, according to Children's Memorial Hospital's Web site. But, most of them probably don't realize they are ill.

Fatty liver is "typically associated with abnormal depositing of fat in liver cells," said Dr. Joshua Prozialeck, a fellow in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Children's Memorial Hospital.

The liver serves a number of functions in the body. Its main purpose is to filter nutrients absorbed by the small intestine; making chemicals the body needs and expelling the harmful ones. Additionally, bile secreted by the liver helps the body digest fat.

Left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a fatty liver that is also inflamed and scarred-and at risk for cirrhosis.

There is no drug to treat fatty liver disease. "The most effective, safe way we know to have a positive impact on [fatty liver] is WEIGHT LOSS, according to Dr. Mary Rinella, an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. "The key is prevention."

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health and wellness tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Fish Oil Omega-3: Reduce Triglycerides and Benefit Heart Disease and Diabetes

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:30:52 GMT

High triglyceride level is a threat to heart disease and diabetes. Having triglycerides over 150 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol under 40 mg/dl, have a higher risk for heart disease. High triglycerides are especially associated with insulin resistance -- a pre-diabetic state -- and diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as normalizing your weight, dietary modifications, and exercise can lower triglyceride levels sufficiently. Also, fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA have triglyceride-lowering effects.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com.

Good Nutrition! Good Health!

Thu, 29 May 2008 16:01:00 GMT

Nutrition is coming to the fore as a major modifiable determinant of chronic disease, with scientific evidence increasingly supporting the view that alterations in diet have strong effects, both positive and negative, on health throughout life (World Health Org 2003). Dietary adjustments may not only influence present health, but may determine whether or not an individual will develop such diseases as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes much later in life. Consumers around the globe are becoming more conscious about their health and wellness. Don't let your health lag behind. So substantially, investing in our health and preventive nutrition early leads to better health later in life, a great return-on-investment.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com.

Lifelong Prebiotic Supplements: Good Health Begins in the Gut

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:19:22 GMT

The intestinal bifidobacteria (naturally occurring gut benefical bacteria) decreases in old age. The decrease is often considered as one of the causes of aging, immunity decreases, and adult diseases such as cancer and arthritis. About 70% of our immune system is said to be in our digestive tract. Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and/or lifelong prebiotic supplements help reinforce the natural gut flora thus boosting gut health and immunity.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com.

Low potassium Intake thought to contribute to high blood pressure!

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:29:58 GMT

Boosting levels of potassium in the diet may lower a person's risk of developing high blood pressure and may decrease blood pressure in people who already have "hypertension." The typical American diet contains about double the sodium and half the potassium that is currently recommended in dietary guidelines. Low potassium intake is thought to contribute to the prevalence of high blood pressure in Americans. In 2006, the American Heart Association issued new guidelines calling for Americans to get 4.7 grams per day of potassium.High blood pressure remains the chief reason for visits to doctors' offices and for prescription drug use in the U.S., two researchers note in a special supplement to The Journal of Clinical Hypertension this month. They also noted that “in isolated societies consuming diets low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables, which have and therefore high levels of potassium, hypertension affects only 1 percent of the population. In contrast, in industrialized societies, such in United States, where people consume diets high in processed foods and large amounts of dietary sodium 1 in 3 persons have hypertension. "An increase in potassium with a decrease in sodium is probably the most important dietary choice (after weight loss) that should be implemented to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com

Managing Metabolic Syndrome: Lifestyle therapies, nutritional solutions, and lifelong-supplements™

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:04:34 GMT

Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a combination of obesity, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol, and linked by the underlying resistance to insulin. Some experts refer to it as a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors disease associated with insulin resistance. It is estimated that metabolic syndrome affects about 50 million Americans. Possible outcomes of metabolic syndrome include the development of type-2 diabetes and increased risk of stroke and other heart diseases.

The American Heart association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend metabolic syndrome be identified as the presence of three or more of the following components: elevated waist circumference; elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; elevated blood pressure; and elevated fasting glucose.

What is the best way to deal with the risk factors? Lifestyle therapies are considered first-line interventions for managing both long- and short-term risks, including fat loss, increased physical activity, and adopting a healthy diet, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and lean protein, and low-fat dairy, fiber supplements; reduced intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Whole grains are particularly multi-therapeutic in managing metabolic syndrome because they deliver a wealth of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. Many experts agree that whole grains are notably beneficial for maintaining vital markers of cardiovascular health like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, homocysteine levels and inflammation, in addition to aiding weight management. Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Milk and dairy products may protect against metabolic syndrome

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:02:28 GMT

Recent research findings from Wales indicate that increased intake of milk and other dairy products may reduce metabolic syndrome and should be recommended as part of a healthy eating pattern. Peter Elwood and colleagues from Cardiff University studied the diet and incidence of metabolic syndrome among 2375 men, and found that men who drank milk and ate dairy products regularly were 62 per cent less likely to have the syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism. The syndrome has been linked to increased risks of both type-2 diabetes and CVD. Fifteen per cent of adult Europeans are estimated to be affected by MetS, while about 32 per cent in USA are affected.

The Caerphilly Prospective Study assessed dietary intakes of the men (age range 45-59) using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline, while a sub-sample of 603 men kept a seven-day weighed dietary intake record. The subjects had two or more markers for MetS, from high blood glucose, insulin, blood fats, body fat, and blood pressure.

After 20 years of follow-up the researchers calculated that the 15 per cent of men with MetS at the start of the study were at almost double the risk of coronary artery heart disease and four times the risk of diabetes of those without the syndrome. But those who regularly drank milk and ate dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, were significantly less likely to have the syndrome. Indeed, Elwood and co-workers report that a daily pint of milk was associated with a 62 per cent risk reduction, while regularly intake of other dairy produce reduced the risk by 56 per cent.

Dairy products are part of a healthy diet and their consumption should be promoted, they conclude

Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Vol 61, Pages 695-698 "Milk and dairy consumption, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome: the Caerphilly prospective study" Auhors: P.C. Elwood, J.E. Pickering, A.M. Fehily

Give your health a boost with lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Oats: Cooling Inflammation for Healthier Arteries

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:43:42 GMT

As reported in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Weekly Newsletter of 2/17/2010, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)-funded scientists have reported new reasons for choosing “heart-healthy” oats at the grocery store. Nutritionist Mohsen Meydani, Director of the Vascular Biology Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston, Mass., led the research on the oat compounds, called avenanthramides. Meydani has previously shown that phenolic antioxidants in oats obstruct the ability of blood cells to stick to artery walls.

Chronic inflammation inside the arterial wall is part of the process that eventually leads to a disorder known as atherosclerosis. Meydani and colleagues have reported findings that suggest the avenanthramides of oats decrease the expression of inflammatory molecules. The study showed that forms of avenanthramides possess potential anti-inflammatory properties through inhibiting factors that are linked with activating proinflammatory cytokines (IFT).

Cytokines are small proteins released by cells while seeking to protect and repair tissue. Some trigger inflammation, for example, while responding to infection. Inhibiting inflammation through diet, drugs, or key nutrients is considered to be of great benefit in preventing atherosclerosis (IFT).

Details of this study can be found in Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

The study provides additional indications of the potential health benefit of oat consumption in the prevention of coronary heart disease beyond its known effect through lowering blood cholesterol. Read more @ ARS: Oats: Cooling Inflammation and Unhealthy Cell Proliferation.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! such as oat bran fiber supplement. Helpful health and wellness tips from: lifelonghp.com, blog.lifelong supplements and health bulletin.

Obesity: Part of the Solution is to Consume more Fruits & Fiber

Tue, 26 May 2009 20:16:15 GMT

People who consume more fruit and fiber are more likely to have healthier body weights, according to researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Carrying around extra body fat increases the risk for a host of diseases, and cardiovascular disease is at the very top, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While obesity is a very complex problem and researchers and health professionals continue to seek answers for safe and effective weight-loss options, one simple solution for achieving a healthier body weight is to eat more fruits and fiber. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables and legumes.

Give your health a boost with lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com

Omega-3s, 21st Century Health Supplement: Multifunctional Lifelong Supplements™

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:02:04 GMT

"The most pressing issue for the 21^st Century is nutrition, with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders all linked to diet, and omega-3 will play a major role" (Dr. Dyerberg, Omega-3 pioneer). According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), "in the last few years, experts have looked at omega-3s and asthma, cancer, the aging brain, dementia, neurological diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, lupus, osteoporosis, eye health, mental health, and more". Since the landmark paper by Dr. Dyerberg in 1971, there have been more than 14,000 published papers (on omega-3) and close to 8,000 human studies.

It is important for consumers to differentiate the various types of omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). According to Consumer watchdog (Consumer Lab), "EPA and DHA are the two principal fatty acids found in fish. They belong to a family of essential nutrients known as omega-3 fatty acids. DHA can also be obtained from other marine sources, such as algae (algal oil). EPA and DHA are polyunsaturated fats ("good" fats, as opposed to saturated fats which are thought to increase the risk of heart disease). The body can manufacture both EPA and DHA from another essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, soy oil and walnut oil -- but only to a limited extent".

The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided by omega-3 fatty acids comes from three large controlled trials of 32,000 participants randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing DHA and EPA or to act as controls, according to a meta-analysis published in the March 2008 Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2008; 83(3): 324-332). These trials showed reductions in cardiovascular events of 19- 45%. These findings suggest that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, whether from dietary sources or fish oil supplements, should be increased, especially in those with or at risk for coronary artery disease. According to the findings, while two meals of oily fish per week can provide 400-500 mg/d of DHA and EPA, secondary prevention patients and those with hypertriglyceridemia must use fish oil supplements if they are to reach 1 g/d and 3-4 g/d of DHA and EPA, respectively.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com

Preventable Health Problems

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:49:19 GMT

The United States spent about $2.2 trillion on healthcare in 2007. This accounts for 16 percent of our gross domestic product, and that's projected to rise to 20 percent by 2017. Much of this healthcare spending can be tied to preventable health problems. Here are some examples of preventable health problems: The largest numbers of deaths in the United States are caused by two preventable causes - tobacco smoking and high blood pressure - killing an estimated 467,000 and 395,000 people respectively in 2005.

Currently, one in three American adults (about 73 million people) has high blood pressure; one in every six Americans age 20 or older has high cholesterol. Anyone suffering from high cholesterol or hypertension is at heightened risk for heart disease, according to HealthBeat, a Harvard Publication. Heart disease is projected to cost more than $304.6 billion in 2009, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity (CDC). Case for obesity: Excess weight is a significant factor in four of the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Obesity has fueled a 45 percent rise in diabetes over the past 20 years; someone born in 2000 has a 1 in 3 chance of developing the disease (US News Jan'09). Obesity increases a person's risk of illness and death due to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and kidney and gallbladder disease. Obesity may increase the risk for some types of cancer. It is also a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis and sleep apnea (NY Times June'08)

Case for colon cancer: Statistics show that although the death rate from colon cancer has dropped in recent years - likely mostly because of screening efforts - colorectal cancer still strikes almost 150,000 Americans every year and kills about 50,000. Disease prevention is a key part of health care reform and the U.S. needs to do a better job preventing deaths through improved screening technology and ensuring more people have access to the tests, such as colonoscopies, says gastroenterologist Dr. Jon LaPook. He has his own colonoscopy recorded (see video, courtesy of CBS NEWS) to remind people of the importance of regular screenings.

Here are some simple preventive measures:

Low-risk factors for hypertension include a Body mass Index (BMI) of less than 25; an average of 30 minutes exercise per day; a good diet as measured by the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) or a Mediterranean-style diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish instead of red meat and processed foods. Also beneficial is an anti-inflammatory diet that is focused on reducing saturated fat and trans fats and eating more foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid—like flax seed, walnuts, and canola oil—and omega-3 fats. Lifestyle therapies are considered first-line interventions for managing both long- and short-term risks, including fat loss, increased physical activity, and adopting a healthy diet, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and lean protein, and low-fat dairy, fiber supplements; reduced intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. Many experts agree that whole grains are notably beneficial for maintaining vital markers of cardiovascular health like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, homocysteine levels and inflammation, in addition to aiding weight management.
Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health and wellness tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Lifelong Supplements™: Are you getting enough vitamin D?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:36:22 GMT

Physicians long have known the importance of this vitamin in building strong bones. However, research is emerging that suggests vitamin D plays a much broader role in maintaining optimal health. Vitamin D may help in preventing and treating a growing number of health problems -- including diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression, chronic pain, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and certain types of cancers.
At the same time, more people are at risk of being deficient in this essential nutrient than had previously been thought. We get most of our vitamin D from sun exposure. Additionally, many foods such as milk, orange juice and cereals are fortified with vitamin D.
Deficiencies are treatable with supplemental vitamin D, but it is recommended that you do so under the direction of a qualified physician, since too much vitamin D also can be detrimental.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements^TM! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, and http://www.lifelonghp.com/.

Prevention and Wellness: Sensible Healthcare Reform

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:26:34 GMT

In the United States, only about 4% of total annual health expenditure is directed at preventing chronic diseases. As the national conversation about healthcare reform continues, there should be a paradigm shift in healthcare practice - working to improve health through prevention rather than mainly managing symptoms. The United States spent about $2.2 trillion on healthcare in 2007. This accounts for 16 percent of our gross domestic product, and that's projected to rise to 20 percent by 2017. Much of this healthcare spending can be tied to preventable health problems. For example, obesity-related spending, chiefly to treat high blood pressure and diabetes, accounted for 27 percent of the increase in overall health spending between 1987 and 2001, according to a study by Kenneth Thorpe, a professor of health policy at Emory University. Overall, caring for people with chronic medical conditions, many of them preventable, accounts for about 75 percent of medical spending nationwide (US News Jan’09).

Every year, an estimated 900,000 people die from avoidable causes: because they failed to maintain a healthy weight, eat nutritiously, and exercise, or because they smoked or drank excessively, for example. That's roughly 40 percent of all U.S. deaths (USA News, 2009). In fact, poor or inadequate diets are linked to four of the top 10 causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Let me highlight the impact of obesity on healthcare expenditure. Excess weight is a significant factor in four of the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Obesity has fueled a 45 percent rise in diabetes over the past 20 years; someone born in 2000 has a 1 in 3 chance of developing the disease (US News Jan'09). Obesity is not just dangerous, it is expensive. New research shows medical spending averages $1,400 more a year for an obese person than someone who's normal weight. Overall obesity-related health spending reaches $147 billion, double what it was nearly a decade ago, according to the journal Health Affairs (MSNBC News July'09). Given the heavy human and financial cost of chronic disease, heading off a medical condition, or at least its potential complications, seems like a no-brainer (US News Jan'09). It is sensible to promote "prevention and wellness" through preventive care, behavioral and lifestyle changes—emphasizing routine checkups, physical activity and better nutrition.
Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health and wellness tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, and health bulletin.

Recipe for a Healthy Heart

Mon, 26 May 2008 03:38:09 GMT

A century or so ago, the biggest health threats for Americans were infection, malnutrition, and poor sanitation. But today, more lives are in jeopardy from chronic conditions largely attributable to diet-chief among them, heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Research shows that more than 80% of heart disease can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising daily, not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating a healthy diet. Source: HealthBeat 8/23/2007, Harvard Health Publications. Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Natural nutritional supplements such as antioxidants and omega-3 EPA are linked to heart health and heart disease protection.

Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™! Helpful health tips from: blog.lifelong supplements, health bulletin, http://www.lifelonghp.com

Salt Intake Reduction Saves Lives and Healthcare Cost

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:12:52 GMT

Shaving 3 grams off the daily salt intake of Americans could prevent up to 66,000 strokes, 99,000 heart attacks and 92,000 deaths in the United States, while saving $24 billion in health costs per year, researchers reported (Reuters Life, Jan 2010).

Less salt means lower blood pressure and less disease. According to experts' report from the Institute of Medicine, in 2005, high blood pressure (hypertension) was responsible for one-in-six deaths in the United States. Hypertension harms the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertension is known to boost your risk of dying of a heart attack or stroke more than smoking, high blood cholesterol, obesity, or any other risk factor does (Nutrition Action April 2010, CSPI).

Salt contains sodium, an element that raises blood pressure and can damage the blood vessels. Left untreated, high blood pressure often leads to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and a host of other problems. According to Erin Marcus MD, people often become more sensitive to the effects of sodium as they get older. African Americans are often especially sensitive to sodium’s effects, as are people who are obese, who have kidney disease and who have blood sugar problems.

Dr. Marcus indicated that our bodies only need about 180 milligrams of sodium daily, but the average American consumes nearly 20 times that – about 3,400 milligrams. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that people with high blood pressure, everyone older than 40, and African Americans take in no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily, or no more than 2/3 of a teaspoon of table salt. (For everyone else, they recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams daily).

Other ways to lower blood pressure include the following, as noted in Nutrition Action: Getting more potassium also helps lower blood pressure; Americans average far less than the 4,700 mg daily target. Also, eating a DASH diet - which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods - knocks down blood pressure . So does staying trim, daily exercise, and limiting alcohol to no more than two drinks a day (for men) and one drink a day (for women).

Helpful health and wellness tips from: lifelonghp.com, blog.lifelong supplements and health bulletin. Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™!

Should Healthy People Take Statins?

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:50:01 GMT

Should Healthy People Take Statins?.

April 2, 2010 – Should healthy people take a cholesterol-lowering drug to prevent heart disease even if they don't have high cholesterol? The answer, for some people, is yes. It's a controversial answer that raises a lot of questions. Here are WebMD's answers to those questions. Read more @ WebMD.

Helpful health and wellness tips from: lifelonghp.com, blog.lifelong supplements and health bulletin. Give your health a boost with safe lifelong supplements™!