BestBuyHealth Guide to Healthy Living

Spring cleaning is that renewing time of year when we get rid of what's weighing us down—and that should include cleansing our bodies, especially when it comes to metal toxins that may have accumulated in your bloodstream and vital organs.

When it comes to removing metals like mercury and lead, and detoxing your liver and heart, one of the most effective ways may be through supplements.

by Lorin Shields-Michel

We've all heard the bad news about heavy metals. Mercury can be found in environmental pollutants, dental fillings and fresh seafood, while lead has made an appearance again recently as public enemy number one thanks to recent reports about cosmetics and toys.

Here are the facts: Mercury in the body can cause sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), disturbed sensation and a lack of coordination. Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression.

Mercury Rising

Mercury has been used for thousands of years. It has been found in Egyptian tombs, dated from as early as 1500 BC, and was used in the late eighteenth century in anti-syphilitic agents. In the 1800s, the phrase "mad as a hatter" was coined because of the chronic mercury exposure hat-makers faced: Mercury was prevalent in felt.

For centuries, mercury was included in medicines like diuretics, antibacterial agents, antiseptics, and laxatives. It can still be found in fungicides, batteries, thermometers and barometers.

Today, two areas have caused public concern regarding mercury toxicity: the potential risk associated with eating fish, especially when dealing with pregnancy, and the use of dental amalgams, or fillings, by dentists. According to a Finnish study published in the American Heart Association journal, eating fish high in mercury puts middle-aged men at greater risk for coronary heart disease. The findings were based on a 14-year study by the Research Institute of Public Health at the University of Kuopio of 1,871 men, ages 42 to 60, with no history of heart disease. As for dental fillings, the World Health Organization has determined that mercury absorption is estimated to be approximately four times higher from amalgam fillings than from fish.

According to lead-poisoning statistics, severe cases of lead poisoning are rare today, largely because the amount of lead found in everyday items has been substantially reduced. In fact, the average person has less than 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl), or 100 parts per billion, of lead in their blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that a blood lead level of 10 mcg/dl or above is cause for concern, with many people still being exposed to lead through ordinary household products, the workplace, and lead paint. Studies show that African Americans and even recent immigrants are at a much higher risk for high levels of exposure as are low-income people living in older rental housing with lead paint. This is true even though federal law lowered the amount of lead allowable in paint to one percent in 1971. Today, lead exposure in the general population (including children) occurs primarily through ingestion, although inhalation also contributes to lead body burden and may be the major contributor for workers in lead-related occupations. Inhalation is the second major pathway of exposure.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has also recently released its findings that lipsticks manufactured in the United States and used by millions of women contain surprisingly high levels of lead. In fact, more than half of the 33 brand-name lipsticks tested, or roughly 61 percent, contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm). It should also be noted that none of these lipsticks list lead in their ingredient decks.

One-third of the tested lipsticks exceeded the Food and Drug Administration's limit for lead in candy, a standard established to protect children. Even though lipstick is directly ingested into the body, the FDA has not yet set a limit for lead in lipstick.

Luckily there are natural supplements from Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM) that can help detoxify the body, eliminating metals like mercury and lead. One involves a process of chelation through ethylenediamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to cleanse the blood, while the other involves a bio-enhanced version of silymarin, or milk thistle, to cleanse the liver.

Flush the Body Clean

EDTA, a synthetic amino acid, was first introduced in 1948 as a treatment for lead poisoning. Around that same time, the U.S. Navy advocated the use of chelation therapy for sailors who had absorbed lead while painting ships and military facilities using lead-based paint. The FDA has also approved intravenous EDTA chelation as a treatment for lead poisoning. Physicians administering IV EDTA chelation for lead toxicity observed that patients with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries primarily caused by fatty-plaque) or arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by calcium) experienced reductions in both conditions after chelation.

Chelation comes from the Greek word chele meaning "to claw." Chelating agents are substances that can chemically bond with toxic minerals, metals and chemicals within the body. The chelating agent encircles a mineral or metal ion and excretes it from the body via the urine and feces.

Oral chelation is useful in reducing heavy metal toxicity calcification, blood cholesterol, and lipid peroxidation (the free-radical oxidation of metabolized fats), as well as for thinning the blood and preventing the formation of blood clots (a cause of heart attacks). The theory is that EDTA helps support heart and circulatory health and that the removal of heavy metals like lead helps blood flow and promotes healthy blood pressure levels.

The effects of EDTA and its ability to remove toxic metals from the body can be enhanced by including vitamin C, methylsulfonylmethane and N-acetyl-cysteine, the last being a precursor to glutathione, a powerful free radical scavenger involved in the liver's detoxifying enzyme system. Vitamin C is also a proven antioxidant. You can find all of these ingredients in the MRM supplement Cardio-Chelate™.

Another key element for cleansing the body, and specifically the liver, comes from silymarin, also known as milk thistle or Silybum marianum. While milk thistle is usually very difficult for the body to absorb, MRM has created a highly absorbable form called BioSorb™.

Milk thistle has a remarkable ability to protect the liver against virtually all types of damage, including accidental exposure to chemical pollutants, toxic side effects of medications, hepatitis, and even overindulgence in alcohol. It also acts as an antioxidant to protect the liver from free radicals. BioSorb milk thistle, found in MRM's LiverX™, has been treated to provide greater absorption by the body. In fact, preliminary investigations have indicated that BioSorb concentrations remained elevated by 342 percent for 12 hours, giving this form of milk thistle five-times greater absorption than other products.

To assist the BioSorb, LiverX also includes alpha-lipoic acid, one of the most important antioxidants today that is linked with anti-aging benefits via protection of cellular mitochondria (the cells' energy factories). N-acetyl-cysteine is included to help synthesize glutathione.

The Importance of Detoxing the Body

Detoxing the body is a process that should happen at least twice a year. Due to the abundance of environmental pollutants, toxins found in the air and water, reduction in the nutrients in our soil and therefore in many fresh fruits and vegetables, modern processing of foods, even the heavy metals found in toys and lipstick, we are all at risk. That's why detoxing is ideal for those looking for a healthier lifestyle—one that includes cleansing metals from the bloodstream and the liver with supplements like MRM's Cardio-Chelate and LiverX.

Look outside. It's the perfect time for an internal spring cleaning.

Resources

LiverX and Cardio-Chelate from MRM are available nationwide at health food stores and natural product supermarkets. MRM is one of the top nutrition companies, recognized for combining value and quality. For more information or to find a store near you, call 800-948-6296, or visit at www.mrm-usa.com.

We don't blame you for enjoying culinary delights this holiday season. If you must, you must (sigh). What are the holidays for anyway, if not to enjoy the company of friends and family and with good food?

It's time to live well. After all, living well is the best revenge.

Digestive Enzymes

Alleviate Indigestion

Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages such as red meat, organ meats, red wine, beer and shellfish, can cause indigestion as well as gout attacks this time of year.

Be sure to eat as lightly as possible and enjoy basic good wholesome foods. Watch out for the desserts especially. Try to avoid overindulging.

Look for a variety of supplemental digestive enzymes to take regularly this time of year; each type, from amylase to maltase and lipase, is designed to break down a particular type of nutrient or dietary substance. Regular use before meals and during the day provides support for continuously healthy digestion during the holiday season. There are some good supplements with high-quality ingredients to choose from. One of the best and most powerful is Digest-ALL™, from Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM).

Digest-All is designed to support the digestive process so that you can avoid symptoms of indigestion altogether.

Digest-All works well with holiday meals in particular because that tends to be the time when your own digestive system is fully taxed.

When you consume foods, your body breaks them down by using various enzymes specific to the different macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The more food you consume, the more enzymes are used and your body has only a limited supply; so, during a large holiday meal, you may exhaust your bodies' immediate supply of enzymes, leading to indigestion due to your body's inability to break down already consumed foods.

Unlike other digestive aid products that help with enzymes specific to breaking down fat, cellulose or protein, Digest-All helps you to digest all of the food groups. Digest-All has all the enzymes you need.

Amylase breaks down starches, but that's just where digestion begins. Glucoamylase completes the hydrolysis of starches by turning maltose into glucose.

Lactase digests milk sugars into glucose and galactose. This action is especially important in individuals who consume milk products and have a lactase deficiency (known as lactose intolerance), says an article in the June 2003 issue of Original Internist. This group may include up to 70 percent of the world's population and over one third of the U.S. population.

"Invertase (sucrase) breaks down sucrose (refined table sugar) into glucose and fructose. (It is theorized that undiagnosed sucrose intolerance contributes to many allergies.)

"Alpha-galactosidase hydrolyzes certain types of sugars called oligosaccharides found in certain vegetables, legumes, and grains. These sugars, including raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose, are indigestible because humans do not produce alpha-galactosidase to break them down. Undigested, these sugars remain in the intestine and are fermented by certain bacteria, which may result in gas and bloating.

"Cellulase is a complex of three enzymes that convert the cellulose in plant fibers to glucose. Hemicellulase will hydrolyze hemicellulose, a polysaccharide that binds certain enzymes and decreases the rate of nutrient digestion. Phytase digests phytate, a major component of wheat bran that binds minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium, hindering their absorption. Phytase catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytate (phytic acid) into its component parts, releasing beneficial inositol and ortho-phosphate.

"Proteases are enzymes that digest proteins and polypeptides. Since different proteases function at different pH ranges, several different proteases may be needed to aid in the digestion of protein at a full range of pH conditions that exist in the entire digestive tract, from the stomach to the various segments of the small intestine. Optimal protein digestion begins in the stomach, with its lower pH. To support healthy protein digestion several different proteases are needed to work across the entire range of pH from 2.0 in the stomach to 8.0 in the distal small intestine.

"Peptidase FP selectively hydrolyzes protein molecules at the ends of a peptide chain and liberates amino acids. Bromelain, which has a range of activity, is a mixture of enzymes from ripe and unripe pineapple fruit and plant stem.

"Bromelain breaks down proteins to form peptides and amino acids.

"Papain is derived from the papaya plant (the latex of the unripe fruit), and has been used as an aid to digestion since the 1880s, to relieve dyspepsia and other common digestive disorders.

"Lipase is the enzyme that specifically digests both saturated and unsaturated fats (triglycerides) into free fatty acids and glycerol, enabling absorption of fat soluble nutrients through the intestinal mucosa. Improper fat digestion is a very common ailment in populations, such as in the U.S., where large amounts of fats and oils are consumed. Significant discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and a 'full' feeling, is common in middle-aged and elderly people who lack sufficient lipolytic enzymes. As much as 1,000 LU of lipase may be required to assist in the normal digestion of meals containing large amounts of fat."

Finally, for low-carb lifestyles, Digest-ALL provides enough active amylase to assist in the digestion of 30 potatoes, 9 ounces of protein and 60 grams of fat. In fact, this product is so detailed in its design that MRM has engineered their proprietary blend of enzymes to include a series of proteases, with each being specific to a certain pH range, thus, the formula is effective at each specific stage of digestion—a necessary function that is not standard in most digestive supplements.

A few tips when shopping:

• Be careful of unit measurements that are by weight or other unique abbreviations instead of the standard FCC measurement coding. And we don't recommend single enzyme formulas because they are designed to digest one type of food (like fats or starches), but most of us eat a wide variety of foods at our holiday meals and have overall enzyme deficiencies.
• A well-rounded formula provides enzymes necessary for all types of digestive needs. Plus, a formula has to work at a wide pH range and provide enough enzyme power to truly digest your food well.
• Finally, a proprietary blend of ginger, peppermint and triphala provide a soothing, comfortable and balanced digestion process.

Resources

Digest-ALL is available nationwide at natural health centers and from health professionals. To find a natural health center in your community carrying them, contact MRM toll-free at 800-948-6296.

Alcohol Bad for Digestion and Gout

Alcohol, especially beer, can also increase symptoms of indigestion and gout. Beer, as with any carbonated beverage, causes carbon dioxide build-up, and in some people hydrogen sulfide, which has the potential to be embarrassing.

Gout sufferers should put strict limitations on their alcohol intake. Whether eggnog, wine, beer, or cocktails, alcohol critically hinders the excretion of uric acid, which is the underlying cause of gout symptoms.

Enzymes for the Holidays

These enzymes, contained in Digest-ALL, support your digestion of holiday fare and can help you to avoid irritable bowel, gas, bloating, and other symptoms of overeating. Be sure they're in your formula.

• Amylase (breaks down carbohydrates including starch and glycogen)
• Lactase (breaks down milk sugar)
• Maltase (breaks down carbohydrates, malt and grain sugars)
• Invertase (breaks down carbohydrates, especially sucrose and maltose)
• Hemilase (breaks down carbohydrates)
• Lipase (breaks down lipids and improves fat utilization)
• Cellulase (breaks down cellulose and chitin—cell wall fibers in foods and toxins)
• Protease (breaks down protein)

Digest-All for the Holidays

The last thing one wants is to have the pleasure of a holiday feast turn into something painful and unpleasant due to digestive problems. Perhaps, in the past, eating large meals and tempting snacks may not have been a problem, but now you are experiencing pain associated with overindulgence, or even from combinations of different types of foods. This condition is more common than one might think, and more prevalent as people age. The good news, though, is that there is a real solution that actually addresses the real problem. Using a quality natural supplement with the right combination of digestive enzymes and herbs can actually help your body better digest the many rich foods it faces this time of year. Why not take a few extra steps to ensure you can enjoy those delicious holiday meals?

by Scott Olson, N.D.

If you have heartburn, or you wake up in the morning with a sore throat (another sign of heartburn), or you have stomach pain, gas or bloating, or even diarrhea when you indulge in holiday foods, think twice before you reach for an over-the-counter remedy. The remedies that you can buy in the pharmacy come in two forms. The first are the antiacids, like Tums or Rolaids. These remedies typically contain a mineral like calcium, aluminum, or magnesium. These treatments work because they neutralize the acid in your stomach. This usually takes care of the problem pretty quickly, but it doesn't provide any lasting relief.

The other form of heartburn relief is a group of medications that can be bought over-the-counter at low doses but need a doctor's prescription for higher doses. The two main groups of these types of medications are called histamine-2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors, and both come with a long list of side effects. What these medications do is stop the production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. This may sound like a good idea, but it actually has disastrous consequences on your long-term health because it stops digestion.

Take a moment to think about what you are doing when you take any of these medications to stop the production of stomach acid. Your body needs stomach acid to properly digest food. When you neutralize stomach acid, you actually impede the whole digestive process. Remember that it is through the digestive process that we get all the nutrients and energy our bodies need.

Let's take a trip back to high school biology class and review what we learned about digestion. Stomach acid breaks down a lot of chemical bonds (mostly proteins) in food. Acid in the stomach sends a message to the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. So when you stop the production of acid, or neutralize it, then you are shutting off the entire digestive process. Result? Poor digestion.

Bacteria Love Poor Digestion

There are billions of beneficial bacteria in your gut; you may even take some of these in supplement form. These bacteria are there to help us digest food and provide us with many nutrients. When they are in balance, they are very helpful. However, when you have poor digestion, then there is lots of undigested food around for these bacteria to eat, and they can over-multiply, causing digestive distress.

To understand this, let's visit a common form of poor digestion. Most people have heard of lactose intolerance. Many adults don't have the ability to digest lactase, the sugar found in milk. If your body doesn't digest lactase, then you have sugar left in your gut that is perfect food for bacteria. These bacteria gobble up the sugar you can't digest. These bacteria then multiply because there is so much food around for them. As these bacteria grow, they can produce lots of gas and other toxins. This can make the person with lactose intolerance feel bloated, have stomach aches, be gassy and even have diarrhea. Sound familiar?

The same thing can happen with other carbohydrates, fats and proteins. If you are not digesting these, then they become food for bacteria. If you feel bloated or gassy or have heartburn after a meal, you can bet that your body hasn't digested all the food, and the bacteria are having a meal of their own.

A factor in the real reason why you might have gas, bloating, pain, heartburn or even diarrhea can also have to do with aging. Our digestive systems lose power as we age. It is suggested that by the time we hit our sixtieth birthday, we have lost over half of our digestive ability, making the chance of poor digestion even greater.

The Solution

Don't reach for those over-the-counter medications that stop your digestive system from working. Instead, make your digestive system work even better. The easiest way to do this is to use digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are easily replaced through supplementation, and most people who take them report that they can't believe how well they work.

You really don't have to be overindulging to need digestive enzymes. Since we are all losing the capacity to digest, taking one or two digestive enzymes per meal can be an important part of your daily health routine.

How to Choose a Digestive Enzyme

The best digestive enzymes will cover a wide range of foods. Since foods come in three major types—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—you need a digestive enzyme that will help you with all of these. When you look at the label, you are looking for lipase to digest fats, protease to digest proteins, and the wide variety of enzymes that focus on specific types of carbohydrates, such as amylase, maltase, lactase and cellulase.

If you are looking at the bottle, and it has all these, that's a great start. Next, you want to make sure that you are getting the enzymes in concentrations high enough to make a difference. While you can learn the complicated biochemistry behind the grading and concentrating of different enzymes, it is far easier to just choose what you know to be a quality product from a quality manufacturer.

Digest-All to the Rescue

Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM) is a company known for its high-quality supplements. Digest-All is an all-natural product designed to help you not only through the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.

Digest-All's vegetarian capsules contain a unique, full-spectrum digestive enzyme, and MRM ensures that the digestive enzymes are at the proper strength to do their job. They have ingeniously created a digestive enzyme that is active at a wide range of body pH levels, so it doesn't matter what you are eating—these enzymes will do their job. MRM has also included a special cellulase enzyme that acts as an anti-gas enzyme. Plus, MRM adds ginger, peppermint and triphala to the formula to make it a truly unique digestive ally.

Ginger is one of the best-known and well-researched herbs in the world. It is loved for its wonderful effects on the digestive system, and has been used to combat nausea, and to settle and tonify the digestive system for thousands of years. Peppermint is a well-known gas and stomach cramp reliever. Triphala is a combination herbal formula from the Indian traditional medicine called Ayurveda. It is well known to improve digestion and nutrient assimilation as well as provide a mild internal cleansing.

Get Back to Enjoying the Holidays

There is a lot you can do to overcome the discomforts associated with eating this holiday season. While overeating is not the healthiest way to live year-round, you do want to enjoy your life. It is good to know that when you are tempted, there is a solution as easy and as effective as taking the right digestive enzymes.

Resources

MRM products are available nationwide at natural health centers and from health professionals. Contact MRM directly to find a store near you. The toll-free number is 800-948-6296; online at www.mrm-usa.com.

References

Ghayur, M.N. & Gilani, A.H. "Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of ginger in gastrointestinal disorders." Dis Sci, 2005;50(10):1889-97. Kligler, B. & Chaudhary, S. "Peppermint oil." Am Fam Physician, 2007;75(7):1027-30.

by L. Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D.

If we were going to pick two of the most important scientifically solid anti-aging supplements today, DHEA—whose full name is dehydroepiandrosterone—and acetyl-L-carnitine would be at the top of our list. These two are some of the most powerful anti-aging tools—and when it comes to anti-aging nutrients, no company compares to Metabolic Response Modifiers, also known as MRM, for value and quality.

DHEA is a natural pro-hormone, secreted by the adrenal cortex. Discovered in 1934, DHEA's many benefits—including weight loss and improving lean-muscle mass—weren't realized until the 1980s. Today, DHEA is recognized as a powerful anti-aging nutrient. While our bodies produce DHEA naturally, as we age, the levels decline until we are in our seventies when the body produces less than a tenth of the hormone that it did in youth.

Although scientists still have a very incomplete understanding of how DHEA functions in the human body, clinicians think of it as a buffering master hormone that supports optimal circulating levels of various steroid hormones; because of its ability to convert to androgens, it is also a buffer against the jarring effects of other adrenal hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Lean Muscle Connectio

Most impressive has been a 28-day study in which men using the nutritional supplement lost 31 percent of their mean body fat without changing body weight. DHEA suppresses the appetite, and particularly suppresses hunger for calorie-laden fats. The anti-obesity effect of DHEA may be based on the hormone's inhibitory effect on the fat-producing enzyme glucose-6-dehydrogenase (G6DPH), which is known to produce fat tissue and promote cancer cell growth. Another effect of DHEA seems to be its stimulation of cholecystokinin (CCK), which signals the body to feel satiated as if having completed a full meal, according to an online site.

Helps with Adrenal Dysfunction

Studies suggest that DHEA may improve well-being, quality of life, exercise capacity, sex drive, and hormone levels in patients with insufficient adrenal function, either Addison's disease or with what alternative medicine calls "adrenal burnout."

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Restoring DHEA levels to young adult values in those with partial androgen deficiency seems to benefit the age-related decline in physiological functions, but however promising, placebo-controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary results."

Benefits for Emotional Well-Being

The majority of clinical trials investigating the effect of DHEA on depression support its use for this purpose under the guidance of a specialist. As for mood and well-being, in a 1994 double-blind controlled study conducted by Dr. Arlene Morales, Dr. Samuel Yen, and their associates at the University of California School of Medicine in San Diego, 17 women and 13 men between the ages of 40 and 70 were divided into two groups: one received 50 milligrams of DHEA orally for three months and the other group received placebos. The group receiving the DHEA had significant results in that 82 percent of the women and 67 percent of the men reported an improved sense of well-being, including better quality of sleep, increased energy, more relaxation, and increased capacity for handling stress. In another study, a group of middle-aged and elderly men taking DHEA for one year reportedly experienced a greater sense of well-being, improved ability to cope with stress, increased mobility, reduced pain, and improved sleep. Research by Owen M. Wolkowitz, M.D., and colleagues in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, determined that DHEA was effective in treating depression and that the improvement was dose-related, with greater improvement noted for participants taking larger doses of DHEA.

Approximately 30 to 50 percent of total androgens in adult men are derived from DHEA. In women, an estimated 70 percent of estrogens before menopause and nearly 100 percent after menopause are derived from DHEA.

In addition, high levels of DHEA in men correlate with low incidence of impotence.

For women, DHEA appears to offer many of the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), but without the unwanted side effects. Relevant research in this area was conducted by Dr. Pierre Diamond in a study at Le Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval in Quebec City involving 20 postmenopausal women aged 60 to 70 years who were not receiving estrogen and who instead received DHEA in topical creams daily, with reported positive effects on insulin resistance, improved body mass indices, increased bone density, and reduced cholesterol. In Europe, DHEA has a long history of use as a postmenopausal antidepressant.

There is preliminary evidence that DHEA helps lupus patients and might prevent some forms of heart disease and cancer as well.

In addition, DHEA is reported to rejuvenate virtually every organ system, restore energy, improve mood, increase sex drive, relieve stress, reduce body fat, and make the skin softer and the hair shinier. No wonder so many users report a sense of improved emotional well-being.

ALC for Your Mind

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is formed by acetylation of the amino acid carnitine via an enzyme called carnitine acetyltransferase. ALC can be freely exchanged across membranes and can provide acetyl groups from which to regenerate acetyl-CoA, a vital memory nutrient.

ALC was first considered a vital memory agent because of its structural similarity to acetylcholine, reports the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. The abstract for this report further observed that experimental studies demonstrate that ALC promotes acetylcholine synthesis and release. Moreover, ALC is also able to reverse hippocampal and prefrontal neuronal loss and lipofuscin (cellular debris) accumulation in aged animals, even improving learning and memory.

The studies on this vital nutrient are extremely impressive. Researchers studied the efficacy of long-term (one-year) oral treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine in 130 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. They employed 14 outcome measures to assess functional and cognitive impairment. After one year, both the treated and placebo groups worsened, but the treated group showed a slower rate of deterioration in 13 of 14 outcome measures. The analysis for patients with good treatment compliance showed a greater benefit than for the overall sample. Reported adverse events were relatively mild, and there was no significant difference between the treated and the placebo groups either in incidence or severity.

MRM for Quality DHEA & ALC

MRM's DHEA and ALC products are among the best you'll find on the market. Their ALC product comes in a liquid delivery system that is the most easily absorbed by aging digestive tracts. Two years went into its development and it's the only liquid form of ALC available. Prior to MRM's ALC liquid delivery system consumers would have to digest several capsules for it to be effective. MRM has pioneered alternative delivery methods for a number of supplements. Although DHEA is currently offered by a number of companies, MRM is one of the few manufacturers that has produced a high quality form of DHEA dating back to 1996.

About MRM

MRM sources their raw materials from around the world so that they can deliver consistently high-quality products while staying competitively priced. Skilled researchers coupled with intelligent manufacturing processes help to preserve the product quality and offer the best bioavailability for maximum efficacy. The MRM team of professionals have authored and collaborated on several university funded trials which have been published in international research journals. Hence, you can trust a high level of quality and value in any MRM product.

Resources

Acetyl L-Carnitine and DHEA from MRM are available nationwide at health food stores and natural product supermarkets. For more information or to find a store near you, call 800-948-6296, or visit at www.mrm-usa.com.

Why do CoQ10 and L-carnitine belong together in a single supplement? Is it because of their closely linked roles in the biochemistry of metabolic energy? After all, both are found in almost every cell of the body and they are necessary for our metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. L-carnitine helps transport long chain fatty acids into the cell energy factories known as mitochondria, for which CoQ10 supplies the spark. Together, these two vital nutrients are considered to be important anti-aging nutrients.

A Synergistic Combo for Longevity

CoQ10 & L-CARNITINE ARE

IMPORTANT FOR EVERY DIET

In an article I wrote for this publication last year, I explained that the vitamin known either as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinone is "one of the most powerful cardio-protective nutritional supplements on the market." Furthermore, it has virtually no known toxicity even at the very highest doses. Its safety record is unparalleled at virtually any dose.

CoQ10 is essential for the generation of all of the energy molecules within the trillions of cells in our bodies. It facilitates the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cells' spring-loaded energy-transport molecule located inside the cytoplasm of every cell. This chemical molecule is necessary not only for our muscles but also for nearly all enzymatic reactions and for respiration. Thus, CoQ10 supplementation can contribute to one's health and overall stamina. It serves as a powerful antioxidant and acts as a cell-membrane stabilizer against free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS).

CoQ10 is a member of the quinone family of molecules, with a chain of ten carbon atoms that functions in the electron transport chain along with other cytochromes in the Krebs Cycle of the mitochondria. Recall that our mitochondria are double-walled cytoplasmic organelles—shaped like microscopic kidney beans—that function like little cellular toasters to maintain our body temperature at a constant level no matter what the outside temperature may be. Therefore, vitamin CoQ10 has become established as a product that will increase one's cellular energy.

If you lack CoQ10, your body's most important source of metabolic energy will slowly become depleted, you will start to feel cold when others nearby feel comfortable, and a variety of preexisting medical conditions will become aggravated. Because of the density of mitochondria, CoQ10 is most concentrated in the heart and the liver. The best source for CoQ10 is in a high-quality liquid multivitamin, as absorption is fast and complete (five times more efficient than pills).

The Many Benefits of CoQ10

Numerous studies have shown that CoQ10 helps promote cardiovascular health, and we have now learned that it is also good for promoting gum health. But the most dramatic new studies show that by blocking free radicals and inflammatory cytokines, while simultaneously promoting immune function and energy levels in healthy cells, CoQ10 may help block or slow the growth of breast tumors and protect healthy tissues from the ravages of chemotherapy.

The discovery of CoQ10 dates back to 1957, so this compound has just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last year! It is naturally synthesized as a native molecule in the body, but rarely in sufficient concentrations to confer significant health benefits for patients with cardiomyopathies. Therefore, CoQ10 needs to be taken as a nutritional supplement for those who suffer from heart disease. It is widely recommended to repair heart damage and to boost the contractility of the heart (as measured by ejection fraction). It can be taken as a preventative to safeguard against chest pain on exertion (angina pectoris). It also helps with valvular damage, such as mitral-valve prolapse.

CoQ10 has been found to be effective in cases of congestive heart failure (CHF) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. By taking at a dose of 100 mg a day, CoQ10 increases aerobic activity and protects the cardiomyocytes. It has also been shown to be beneficial in helping to maintain cognitive function due to its antioxidant qualities (in the ubiquinol form), quenching free radicals in the brain before they can exert harmful effects.

Taking CoQ10 compensates for many of the serious side effects of statin drugs (medications used to lower cholesterol, which in turn lower plasma concentrations of CoQ10) as well as other prescription drugs, like beta blockers. Oral anti-diabetic medications can also potentially inhibit the effects of CoQ10. CoQ10 reduces hypertension and blood lipids. It has been shown to ameliorate chronic fatigue syndrome, and when administered at higher doses it helps strengthen the immune system.

While this vitamin does occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables, it is difficult if not impossible to get enough of it on a daily basis from food alone. Men who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease should consider taking 300 mg of CoQ10 a day, as should women with breast cancer. This dose has been shown to increase survival times in women with breast cancer.

CoQ10 has also been found to be useful in Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, affecting approximately 1 percent of the population older than 50 and which rises exponentially with age thereafter, up to age 80. Note that you should consult your doctor before taking CoQ10 if you have liver or kidney disease or if you suffer from diabetes.

It may even be useful in ameliorating other diseases, including muscular dystrophy and AIDS. Recent evidence demonstrates that it may also increase sperm motility in men. In summary, CoQ10 possesses a wide assortment of benefits, especially as we age.

L-Carnitine—Key Energy Factor

L-carnitine is an amino acid responsible for the metabolism of fatty acids in the body. Specifically, it transports fatty acids to the innermost section of the mitochondria where they can be metabolized and converted to ATP. Thus, it operates synergistically with CoQ10 in synthesizing ATP and producing energy. L-carnitine protects against neuro­­­degen­erative diseases and depression, stimulates nerve growth, and improves heart function. It has also been studied for its role in reducing cellular oxidative damage and potentially reducing the risk of cancer.

In terms of longevity, L-carnitine supplementation is excellent for supporting healthy brain metabolism and other cognitive functions, especially memory problems associated with aging. In particular, it has been shown to reduce damage to brain cells in the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.

I have personally taken both of these supplements for the more than 10 years, ever since I saw the results of a controlled laboratory congenic experiment that we performed in the UCLA Pathology Department in the early 1990s.

Best Liquid Supplement

You can receive the benefits of both CoQ10 and L-Carnitine in one supplement with the superior formula, CoQ10 100mg with L-Carnitine 1000mg. Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM) provides this supplement in liquid form because, as previously mentioned, absorption is fast and complete and, it is most easily absorbed by aging digestive tracts. The body of research suggesting the anti-aging effects of CoQ10 and L-carnitine makes it an important supplement to ensuring healthy longevity. MRM is also a company I recommend as it is driven by the solid values to create products that are of the best quality and prices.

Resources

MRM is one of the top nutrition companies today, recognized for combining value and quality. CoQ10 100mg with L-Carnitine 1000mg is available at health food stores and natural product supermarkets. For more information or to find a store near you, call MRM at 800-948-6296 or visit their website at www.mrm-usa.com.

Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D. is a co-founder of the Los Angeles Gerontology Research Group (http://www.grg.org) which maintains a current table of the World's Oldest Living Supercentenarians on its website with the help of 40 international experts and consults for the Guinness Book of World Records in the category of Longevity. The GRG also sponsors an Internet Discussion Group of 192 worldwide participants on Biogerontology. Dr. Coles is a Co-founder and Director of the 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Supercentenarian Research Foundation (SRF) to study the genetic basis for the longevity of the world's oldest old. He has participated in the autopsies of five California centenarians (of eight such autopsies that were done worldwide) to establish their true causes of death, which is not always the same as what gets written on Death Certificates.

Your liver works hard taking care of you. The right formulation of nutrients and herbs can help you to take care of it.

While you have been enjoying the celebrations and indulgences of the season, your liver has been working harder than ever. The holidays are a time of cheer, but can also be a time when we don't get enough sleep, forget to exercise, and are under a tremendous amount of stress. Combine this with rich foods, alcohol, and cold and flu season (and all the medications that go with it), and your liver is working overtime. Our livers can have a hard time keeping up with all of our frolicking. One could say that the liver is the body's underappreciated workhorse.

by Scott Olson, N.D.

Show your liver you care. Taking a supplement specifically designed to support liver function is a great way to start the New Year in good health.

What Does the Liver Do?

There is a joke that medical students have about their exams: If you don't know the answer to a question on any test, just write "the liver," and you will be right most of the time. Saying that the liver does everything is a bit of an overstatement, but it is close to the truth. While medical science can mimic the functioning of the kidneys with dialysis, and even make a passable heart, the many complex functions of the liver simply cannot be copied by a machine.

The liver has over 500 functions; some of the more important are:

• Whenever we eat something and the food is absorbed into our bloodstream, its first stop is the liver. The liver is largely responsible for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
• When your body is done with something, like a hormone, it goes to the liver to be broken down before being reused or eliminated from the body. Stress hormones, estrogen and other sex hormones are all eliminated by the liver. The liver also helps to regulate hormones like insulin.
• It is commonly thought that cholesterol is the result of how much fat you eat, but your liver makes most of the cholesterol in your body as well as other fats like triglycerides.
• The liver produces and regulates clotting factors. These factors are the reason our blood clots whenever we get a cut. It also creates some of the proteins necessary for our immune systems to function.
• The liver stores a large part of our energy reserve as a molecule called glycogen, which is easily turned back to glucose (sugar) for energy; it also stores many important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iron, copper and others.
• Probably the most vital role the liver plays is in detoxification. It is the liver's job to remove harmful substances that we have encountered. This includes toxins in the foods we eat, in the air we breathe, and even those that come into contact with our skin. The liver protects us by first making toxins less harmful, and then removing them from the body.

Modern World Meets Liver

• The liver has amazing powers to handle the large amount of junk that we throw at it—it can really handle a lot of abuse. It is the only organ in the body that regenerates itself; doctors know they can cut away over half of a person's liver, only to have it grow back.
• But saying the liver is tough does not mean that you cannot damage it. The liver is particularly sensitive to things like alcohol and certain chemicals in our environment. Artificial chemicals in foods, like preservatives, coloring, and other additives, all place a load on the liver. Any drug you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, also adds to the work of the liver.
• Likewise, if you haven't been eating as well as you should, your liver pays the price. Maybe you have been tempted by too many seasonal treats and drinks. The more food you are eating, the more the liver has to work. Even being under stress and not getting enough sleep can create problems for the liver.
• The modern world can make your liver work extra hard to keep up, and it needs a helping hand. Thankfully, that can be easy to provide.

Providing High-Octane Fuel for the Liver

• Scientists have uncovered just what nutrients your liver needs to function optimally. Just like your car's engine needs a good-quality gas to run its best, your liver needs these nutrients.
• Key among these nutrients are N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid (ALA). These can be supplemented and are the perfect fuel for the liver.
• NAC is actually used by emergency room physicians when people overdose on certain drugs (like acetaminophen). NAC is a powerful antioxidant, and works to supercharge the liver's abilities.
• ALA is known as the "universal antioxidant" because it can work both inside and outside of cells. It has excelled in studies that focus on the liver, including alcohol-induced liver damage, mushroom poisoning, heavy metal poisoning, and carbon tetrachloride poisoning.

A Step Better

• LiverX™ is a product by the nutritional pioneers at Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM). Not only have the biochemists at MRM created a great product for supporting liver detoxification that includes NAC, ALA, and other necessary nutrients, they have also gone a step further by adding liver-supporting herbs.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the jewel of liver herbs. It has been prized for its beneficial effects on the liver for over 2,000 years. Modern science has backed up the amazing liver-protective abilities of this seemingly humble herb with hundreds of clinical studies. Milk thistle is known to protect the liver from damage, support liver function, act as a powerful antioxidant, and help eliminate toxins from the blood.
• MRM has created a highly absorbable form of milk thistle called BioSorb™ Silymarin. Clinical studies of this form of milk thistle show that its absorption is five times that of normal extracts.
• Also added to the LiverX formula are Picrorhiza kurroa and Andrographis paniculata. These two herbs come from Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Andrographis has strong antioxidant capabilities and liver-protecting abilities. Picrorhiza has likewise excelled in studies on the liver, and it may have even more powerful effects than milk thistle for protecting the liver.

A Helping Hand

• MRM is a company dedicated to bringing the best natural products to the market. Using only the finest ingredients, they strive to create formulas that are not only helpful, but also highly absorbable.
• Modern life alone puts stress on your liver, and if you've spent the holidays enjoying yourself a little too much, making a resolution to support your liver is an especially good idea. Give your hard-working liver a helping hand with LiverX, now and throughout the year

Resources

MRM products are available nationwide at natural health centers and from health professionals. Contact MRM directly to find a store near you. The toll-free number is 800-948-6296; online at www.mrm-usa.com.

Your Guide to Improving Health as You Age

by L. Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D.

In sports, there is a saying that the best defense is a great offense. And that saying is just as true for healthy aging as it is for winning at sports.

As the years go by, our health can stay just as golden as our age if we are careful to watch our diet, exercise, and use the correct anti-aging supplements that will tip the odds for staying healthy and vibrant in our favor. As an anti-aging physician, I have found that by taking care of long-term health with a good proactive plan, you can live a long and healthy life and enjoy your golden years. Of course, eating low on the food chain with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources such as wild salmon, as well as exercise should be part of your daily health program. In addition, I also recommend key dietary supplements to address specific health concerns.

Epilobium for Men's Health

Taking care of the prostate is critical for men. Prostate problems afflict approximately half of all men near age 50, but early signs of prostate problems, such as difficulty urinating, dribbling, frequent trips to the bathroom and pain in the low back region, can plague men even in their 30s or 40s. The problems occur when the prostate enlarges and squeezes on the urethra, blocking the passage of urine from the bladder.

While many men seek help with prescription medications such as finasteride (Flomax), as I've stated in the past, this is a medicine fraught with side effects and complications. I have found an herb—epilobium—that I think works equally well and perhaps even better at supporting men's health.

Epilobium, contained in the supplement ProLobium™, has been celebrated for its health successes throughout Europe for decades, and has just recently been "rediscovered" as a potent support pathway for a variety of male (and female) maladies.

Attention was originally focused on epilobium for its beneficial effects regarding prostate health for men and urinary-tract health for women. The use of epilobium (from the family Onagraceae) was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in certain areas of North America for centuries to treat conditions of the genitourinary system. Furthermore, epilobium has been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies throughout Europe. Further study showed that it is more potent than saw palmetto and has similar, yet more powerful effects for blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most common cause of enlarged prostate and also of male-pattern hair loss.

In traditional herbal medicine, epilobium has been proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It has been used successfully for bladder health maintenance, male health maintenance, hormonal balance, and urinary system health.

Researchers from the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical University of Warsaw studied aqueous extracts of Epilobium angustifolium and its main component Oenothein B, a dimeric macrocyclic ellagitannin. They found that they were specifically able to induce a neutral endopeptidase (NEP), thereby inhibiting the proliferation of human prostate cells. This result may partly explain the effectiveness of epilobium extracts after centuries of empirical folk medicine. Other researchers located in the Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology at the University of Rome have studied epilobium as a treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy and also found that it inhibits proliferation of human prostate cells.

ProLobium from MRM (Metabolic Response Modifiers) is the premier source for epilobium. This is definitely a supplement men will want to take daily.

Bone Health

Bone health is a critical issue not only for women; doctors now recommend bone health screening for aging men as well. The key supplements here are calcium and vitamin D. However, not all supplements are created equal in terms of their bioavailability. You can improve your calcium absorption by using a specific form—which is clinically tested and proven effective—called microcrystalline hydroxyapatite calcium (MCHC). According to a recent medical journal, MCHC outperformed standard calcium carbonate in the management of postmenopausal bone loss.

This all-natural source provides calcium in the form that it occurs in the body and is therefore absorbed quickly. Plus, it provides phosphorus and other bone-building nutrients, which is very important.

Our bone cells use protein and other nutrients to produce collagen. Through a crystallizing process, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and many others attach to the collagen fibers. This hardens and strengthens bones. MCHC provides collagen protein and stimulates crystallization processes. Plus, it's an excellent source of major and trace elements too, like phosphorous, boron, copper, zinc and silica, also crucial to building strong bones. Dietary deficiencies of these trace elements can also lead to increased risk for osteoporosis, and many women's diets are deficient in them as well.

In a study from Current Medical Research and Opinion, mineral retention was measured in patients with nutritional osteomalacia (in which the essential problem is a lack of available calcium or phosphorus [or both] for mineralization of newly formed bones) or late rickets. "Mineral retention was markedly enhanced by supplementation with microcrystalline hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC)," they reported.

According to a report in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, continuous administration of a form of MCHC "prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women," suggesting that this completely drug-free and natural supplement "may be useful in the management of postmenopausal bone loss." This study showed it outperformed calcium carbonate.

The aim of a 1995 study, published in Osteoporosis International, was to evaluate whether MCHC is more effective than calcium carbonate in preventing further bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Forty osteoporotic patients were monitored for 20 months. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups and treated in a double-masked manner with 1,400 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, in the form of either MCHC or calcium carbonate. After 20 months of treatment, the difference between the groups was statistically significant and showed MCHC "is more effective than [calcium carbonate] in slowing peripheral trabecular bone loss in patients with manifest osteoporosis."

So when you think of calcium, think MCHC—specifically Bone Maximizer™ III from MRM, a reliable, quality-driven company.

Bone Maximizer III delivers phenomenal benefits in only three capsules daily versus other bone health supplements.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading killer of older Americans. Women are even less likely than men to survive a heart attack. For this reason, I strongly recommend supplements aimed specifically at heart health. Many doctors continue to recommend drugs such as the statins to lower cholesterol even though these medications have side effects and are burdensome on the liver and kidneys. (In fact, many people with heart disease have underlying liver disease, making statins unwise to take.)

You can take a natural approach to lowering cholesterol levels by eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, getting regular exercise, and taking specific nutrients that help your body maintain healthier cholesterol levels.

Chelation is a natural process by which metals or minerals bond to another substance—in this case ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)—and are transported from the body. When EDTA is infused into a person's bloodstream, it bonds with unwanted metals (iron, lead, mercury, cadmium) and pushes them into the urine and/or feces. Incredibly, for the most part, EDTA leaves intact essential vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. But by flushing out the bad stuff, EDTA gives vulnerable arteries, capillaries, and blood vessels the opportunity to function normally.

Dr. Elmer Cranton, a champion of chelation therapy, reports that on average, 85 percent of chelation patients have improved significantly, and the number grows much higher when therapy is combined with a healthy lifestyle. Chelation is particularly adept at removing iron, which is now linked with a high risk of heart disease.

"EDTA not only binds lead and cadmium, both closely associated with vascular disease, but also picks up free iron," notes Robert J. Rowen, M.D., in the Second Opinion newsletter. "You already know that iron can be as deadly as it is life giving. Iron, when it's bound by enzymes and proteins, is healthy in the right amounts. When the iron isn't bound, it's a powerful generator of highly destructive free radicals, but it's also available for EDTA binding and removal!"

Excess free iron is now widely recognized as an important contributor to heart disease. Thus, we need to be able to remove iron from the body. Meanwhile, lead and cadmium are seriously underrated for their contribution to heart disease. These must also be removed.

Sadly, medical insurance companies continue to let politics get in the way of medicine, denying reimbursements for chelation therapy—which until recently could only be delivered intravenously in a doctor's office. Chelation therapy costs can run past $4,000, deterring many patients from benefiting from it.

Finally, however, EDTA is available in pill form, enabling all of us to enjoy the benefits without the prohibitive costs. Cardio-Chelate™ is a natural formula that can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels without negative side effects.

MRM not only includes 400 mg of EDTA in each Cardio-Chelate pill, but also 100 mg of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), 50 mg of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and 100 mg of vitamin C. The result is a formula that achieves all the benefits of oral chelation, but with a few extra bonuses thrown in for good measure.

MSM is naturally occurring sulfur that makes cell walls more permeable to allow nutrients in—and let toxins out. NAC, like MSM, is an antioxidant sulfur and a chemical precursor to glutathione, a molecule that plays a pivotal role in the body's (and particularly the liver's) detoxification processes. Vitamin C is a proven antioxidant, and also protects the arterial lining from building up plaque.

By removing lead from the body we also help to support healthy blood pressure since high lead levels are strongly linked with hypertension.

For anybody with an underlying cholesterol health challenge, ChoLESStat™ combines several nutrients and phytochemicals that can play an important supplemental role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. These include policosanol, guggulipid, inositol hexaniacinate, olive leaf/citrus flavonoid-rich extract, and beta-sitosterol. In fact, several of these cholesterol-modulating agents actually will outperform medical drugs even though they are classified as dietary supplements, and they should by no means be regarded as drugs intended to cure or treat disease.

The combination of these formulas working at multiple biochemical sites produces synergistic results. So be sure to eat plenty of organic fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats, exercise at least a half-hour to an hour daily, and take your supplements.

With the right lifestyle and supplement plan, the healthiest years of your life may be those yet to come.

Resources

Nutritional supplements from MRM are available at natural health centers and from health professionals. You can contact MRM to find a store near you. Call them toll-free at 800-948-6296 or visit www.mrm-usa.com.

One of the landmarks in women's health history that ought to be celebrated was the unexpected 7 percent decline in breast cancer for the year 2003 announced in 2007.

According to researchers, the decline appears to be closely correlated with a 68 percent decline in use of hormone replacement therapy between 2001 and 2003 as a result of dramatic adverse findings and the early termination of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. The WHI was the largest study ever conducted on HRT and was abruptly terminated in July 2001, due to a finding of significant increases in the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attacks by women using PremPro, manufactured by Wyeth, that had been prescribed for decades since the 1950s. These women were shown to have a 26 percent higher risk of breast cancer than those taking a placebo. While the WHI showed the combination drug PremPro lowered the risk of colon cancer and hip fracture, it raised the number of strokes by 41 percent and the number of heart attacks by 29 percent.

However, the Surgeon General's Report on bone health, issued in 2004, forecasts that by the year 2020 half of all Americans over the age of 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis.

I know how important bone health is for women, and I want to see them using the safest and most effective methods for addressing menopausal symptoms and bone loss. That would mean use of black cohosh, for example, to address menopause symptoms, and time-tested standards like calcium and vitamin D (as well as exercise) to promote bone health.

I have been a big fan of formulas from Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM)—and they indeed provide two formulas that I think women ought to know about.

Special form of Calcium

Not all calcium supplements are created equal in terms of their bioavailability. One specific form—which is clinically tested and proven effective—is microcrystalline hydroxyapatite calcium (MCHC). According to a recent medical journal, MCHC outperformed standard calcium carbonate in the management of postmenopausal bone loss.

This special supplement—found in Bone Maximizer™ III—supplies calcium in the form that it occurs in the body and is therefore absorbed quickly. Plus, it provides phosphorus and other bone-building nutrients, which is very important.

Our bone cells use protein and other nutrients to produce collagen. Through a crystallizing process, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and many others attach to the collagen fibers. This hardens and strengthens bones. MCHC provides collagen protein and stimulates crystallization processes. Plus, it's an excellent source of trace elements too, like boron, copper, zinc and silica, also crucial to building strong bones. Dietary deficiencies of these trace elements can lead to increased risk for osteoporosis, and many women's diets are deficient in them too.

In a study from Current Medical Research and Opinion, mineral retention was measured in patients with nutritional osteomalacia (in which the essential problem is a lack of available calcium or phosphorus [or both] for mineralization of newly formed bones) or late rickets. "Mineral retention was markedly enhanced by supplementation with microcyrstalline hydroxyapatite compound (MCHC)," they reported.

According to a July 1999 report in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, continuous administration of a form of MCHC "prevents bone loss in postmenopausal women, suggesting that this 'drug' may be useful in the management of postmenopausal bone loss." This study showed it outperformed calcium carbonate. (Actually, in the United States, MCHC is not considered to be a drug but rather a nutritional supplement.)

The aim of a 1995 study, published in Osteoporosis International, was to evaluate whether MCHC is more effective than calcium carbonate in preventing further bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Forty osteoporotic patients were monitored for 20 months. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups and treated in a double-blind manner with 1,400 mg calcium per day, in the form of either MCHC or calcium carbonate. After 20 months of treatment, the difference between the groups was statistically significant and showed MCHC "is more effective than [calcium carbonate] in slowing peripheral trabecular bone loss in patients with manifest osteoporosis."

Phosphorus Critical

Beyond calcium, additional nutrients are critical to your bone matrix. I mentioned phosphorus. Most women don't realize when they take calcium, it blocks absorption of phosphorous. According to a report in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2002;21:239-244), individuals taking calcium supplements are at risk of developing phosphorus deficiency.

In this study, researchers studied the effect of different levels of calcium intake on the absorption of phosphorus by healthy men and women between the ages of 19 and 78. They found that for each 500 mg per day increase in calcium intake, the absorption of phosphorus decreased by 166 mg per day. "For an elderly person taking 1,500 mg of supplemental calcium per day, that would translate to approximately a 45 percent reduction in the amount of phosphorus absorbed," comments physician and nutrition expert Alan Gaby, M.D. "Supplementing with large amounts of calcium could lead to a phosphorus deficiency in people who are consuming marginal amounts of the mineral."

To prevent calcium-induced phosphorus deficiency, the authors of this study recommend that at least a portion of an older person's calcium supplementation be taken in the form of a calcium-phosphate preparation, instead of the more commonly used calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

They point out that one of the most successful clinical studies of calcium supplementation in elderly people used such calcium-phosphorous supplements as the calcium source. Fortunately, MCHC contains both calcium and phosphorous in a two-to-one ratio. This makes a supplement like Bone Maximizer III unique, so with this supplement we address these issues, too.

Plus, Bone Maximizer III's dosage is only three capsules daily compared to five or six for other brands.

Soy & Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms

Recently, researchers have revealed that dietary modifications as well as nutritional supplementation may play a key role in easing the natural transitions throughout a women's lifetime—and that these can easily replace needlessly dangerous use of synthetic hormone replacement therapy. This is where MRM's Menopause Rx™ can play a major supportive role.

Phytoestrogens are compounds that are derived from natural sources and are similar in structure to the body's own estrogen. The most recognized phytoestrogens are derived from soy and black cohosh. Soy provides two vital phytoestrogens, genestein and daidzein, with proven anticancer and bone-building benefits, as well as the ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a particularly safe and effective menopause support herb. It "relieves many symptoms, especially cramps, irritability and depression," notes Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S., C.N.S. Many experts believe that the herb is "more effective than Premarin in dealing with anxiety, depression and vaginal dryness," says Gittleman.

Also added to the formula is an herbal blend of chaste tree extract and dong quai. The purple-flowered herb known as chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used as a remedy for thousands of years, mostly by women to ease menstrual problems and to stimulate the production of breast milk. In the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, it is listed as a potentially helpful therapy right alongside conventional medical treatments such as antidepressants, hormones and cognitive therapy.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has a long-standing tradition in Asia as a remedy especially suited to women. Dong quai has been used in conditions such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), metrorrhagia (abnormal menstruation), menopausal symptoms (especially hot flashes) and to assure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. The pharmacology of dong quai is related to its high coumarin content.

In addition, St. John's wort, 5-HTP and l-taurine are added to the formula for mood-enhancing effects. Both St. John's wort and 5-HTP are mild antidepressants. To round out the formula, Panax Ginseng is added to keep energy levels high.

During a time when our budgets are often stretched, it is reassuring to know that MRM formulas deliver proven health benefits along with value. What's more, they are a smart alternative to toxic prescription medications and ought to be a first choice for all women.

—L. Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D.

Resources

Both Bone Maximizer III and Menopause Rx from MRM are available nationwide at natural health centers and from health professionals. Contact MRM directly to find a store near you. The toll-free number is 800-948-6296. You can also visit www.mrm-usa.com.

by L. Stephen Coles, M.D., Ph.D.

While aging may not be technically classified as a disease—at least not by conventional medicine—the process itself is certainly unpleasant; yet, there is a great deal we can do, nutritionally speaking, to stem the tide.

While some people have opted for human growth hormone (hGH) injections à la Barry Bonds and other athletes and anti-aging enthusiasts, a more holistic and better approach, we think, would be to use an integrative or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach. We want to address major organ systems that typically decline with age, such as the brain, kidneys, liver, cardiovascular, and sexual, among others. And we want to do so safely and with good evidence of efficacy.

Protect Mitochondrial Function

One of the key methods to fight aging is to protect mitochondria, the body's cellular energy factories. Anti-aging researchers have identified a group of nutrients that can directly or indirectly protect mitochondria from oxidative damage and improve mitochondrial function, and they named them "mitochondrial nutrients."

The direct protection includes preventing the generation of oxidants, scavenging free radicals or inhibiting reactive oxidant species, and elevating cofactors of defective mitochondrial enzymes (with an increased Michaelis-Menten Constant) to stimulate enzymatic activity, and also protect enzymes from further oxidation; the indirect protection includes repairing oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant defense systems either through activation of Phase-2 enzymes or through increases in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Writing in the January 2008 issue of Neurochemical Research, researcher Jie Liu of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, University of California, notes that the use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) with acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can "...improve the age-associated decline of memory, improve mitochondrial structure and function, inhibit the age-associated increase of oxidative damage, elevate the levels of antioxidants, and restore the activity of key enzymes." In fact, the use of all three "...appears more effective in improving cognitive dysfunction and reducing oxidative mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, administering mitochondrial nutrients, such as ALA and its derivatives in combination with other mitochondrial nutrients to aged people and patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, may be an effective strategy for improving mitochondrial and cognitive dysfunction."

Interestingly, it is probably best to supplement with ALC and the closely related l-carnitine. Both are adept at transporting fatty acids into cellular mitochondria.

Brain Energetics

Dr. Paris Kidd, writing in the December 2005 issue of Alternative Medicine Review, discusses brain energetics, noting, "Degenerative brain disorders (neurodegeneration) can be frustrating for both conventional and alternative practitioners. A more comprehensive, integrative approach is urgently needed. One emerging focus for intervention is brain energetics." He says that electron leakages inherent to mitochondrial energetics generate reactive oxygen free radical species that may place the ultimate limit on lifespan. Exogenous toxins, such as mercury and other environmental contaminants, exacerbate mitochondrial electron leakage, hastening their demise and that of their host cells.

Orthomolecular nutrients involved in mitochondrial metabolism provide clinical benefit. Among these are the essential minerals of the B vitamin group, vitamins E and K, and the antioxidant and energetic cofactors ALA, CoQ10, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced (NADH). He says that ALC provides mitochondrial support, conserves growth-factor receptors and has improved cognition in double-blind trials. The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also beneficial. He recommends "...integrating these safe and well-tolerated orthomolecular nutrients into a comprehensive dietary supplementation program for brain vitality and productive lifespan."

Taking Care of Your Heart

In the January-February 2006 issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, B. S. Kendler says that conditionally essential nutrients (CENs) such as ALA, ALC, and CoQ10 "...have demonstrated favorable clinical effects in…chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and in [cardiovascular disease] risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and Lipoprotein(a) [LP(a)]. Limited research has pointed to possible benefits in CVD therapy accruing from supplementation with several CENs in combination. Additional controlled clinical studies of CENs in CVD are urgently needed. In view of the efficacy and safety of appropriate supplementation with CENs, it is strongly suggested that health care professionals become knowledgeable about these potentially important additions to the CVD therapeutic armamentarium."

Preserve Kidney Health

Although we often think of environmental pollution as a cause of cancer, intake of lead and mercury also affects kidney and cognitive function, as well as being a contributor to high blood pressure. In the December 2007 issue of Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology, researchers from the Division of Nephrology and Poison Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, found that chelation therapy with ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) was extremely helpful. They note that, “Previous research suggests that repeated lead-chelation therapy decelerates progression of renal insufficiency in non-diabetic (non-DM) patients with high-normal Body Lead Burden (BLB).” In their most recent study, a total of 116 non-DM patients with chronic kidney diseases were randomly assigned to a chelation or control group in this four-year clinical trial. During the ensuing 48 months, repeated chelation therapy was administered weekly to chelation group patients. Their conclusion? “Repeated chelation therapies can, over a four-year period, slow progression of renal insufficiency in non-DM patients with high-normal BLB.” Fortunately, for preventive and health-maintenance purposes, we also know that oral EDTA use can reduce mercury and lead body burdens.

The Doctors’ Prescription

Do you want to stay healthy for as long as possible and fight the aging process? If you do, seek out these important nutrients. They’re available to help you maintain great health for as long as possible. Quality and scientific validation are a priority, but if you can combine these with value, then you have a great anti-aging line. That’s what we found with Metabolic Response Modifiers (MRM), one of our favorite companies, which combines quality with value. They also just happen to have one of the most fantastic lines of anti-aging nutrients we have yet discovered.

Let’s start with MRM’s liquid Acetyl L-Carnitine. Not only is ALC one of the most important trophic and anti-aging nutrients, its liquid form is probably the most body-ready and bioavailable.

Combine Liquid ALC with MRM’s Alpha-Lipoic Acid 300 milligram (mg) capsules for superb anti-aging benefits. Similar to ALC, as mentioned, l-carnitine also helps to transport fatty acids into cellular mitochondria for energy production, and works closely with ALC to amplify its benefits. MRM has combined l-carnitine with CoQ10 in another excellent liquid supplement known, not surprisingly, as Co-Q 10 100 mg with L-Carnitine 1000 mg.

For fighting environmental toxicity, Cardio-Chelate™ with EDTA is another excellent supplement. The Food and Drug Administration approved its use 50 years ago for the treatment of lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium toxicity. This is due to its ability to bind to, or “normalize,” the distribution of metallic elements within the body.

Besides these important anti-aging supplements, you should also know about their LiverX™ with highly absorbable silymarin for liver health, Bone Maximizer™ III with microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate and other vital bone and joint nutrients, and Neuro-Max™ II, a “state of the art” brain-enhancing formula with phosphatidylserine and other phospholipids, Ginkgo biloba extract, ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, cytidine diphosphate choline, vinpocetine, and niacin. Each of these will help you to address additional age-related conditions.

It’s true that pharmaceutical companies would benefit financially by developing a whole host of anti-aging drugs for you to spend your money on. But for now, the nutritional approach is smart, economic, safe, and proven to provide real health benefits. As an anti-aging expert, I use these nutrients myself. They’re the best that Nature has to offer.

Resources

MRM’s cutting-edge supplements are available nationwide at health food stores and natural product supermarkets. MRM is one of the top nutrition companies, recognized for combining value and quality. For more information or to find a store near you, call 800-948-6296, or visit at www.mrm-usa.com.