Welcome to the fourteenth edition of Viewpoints, our monthly
e-newsletter.
We at Insulite Laboratories never under-estimate your commitment to changing
your lifestyle to achieve a greater sense of well being through a balanced
regime of nutrition and exercise.
It may sometimes seem like a struggle to stick to the right diet in order to
lose weight and feel healthier. But don’t forget that a lot of food is on your
side. With summer just around the corner, take salads as an example.
Back in the Eighties, the salad bar in restaurants started to flourish in the
new quest for a healthier diet. But the choices were thin on flavor and
nutrition, consisting mainly of iceberg lettuce, cucumber slices, cottage cheese
and pasta salad. All too often, we filled our plates with too much creamy
dressing to add taste and didn’t eat enough fiber-rich greens.
Fortunately, those days have passed and salad bars in most restaurants are now
all about making healthy food choices. On offer is a wide variety of flavors,
colors and textures, ranging from exotic lettuce and nutritious nuts to roasted
vegetables and even sushi.
You can easily have the same eating experiences at home by creating your own
salad bar. For the best results, try to shop at bustling local markets where
there’s more chance of buying fresh produce because turnover is higher. Our
Insulite Lifestyle section this month has a simple but delicious and healthy
salad recipe.
Don’t forget that fruit that can add greatly to a salad. Try slices of pineapple
or melon for extra sparkle. Healthy eating can be fun and full of flavor.
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“The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than
endings.”
Always reach for new goals.
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| INTELLIGENCE REPORT |
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LATEST FOOD PYRAMID DRAWS PRAISE AND CRITICISM
There has been a mixed response to the Government’s Food Guide Pyramid, which
has a new look and a new name.
Many have praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture for moving in the right
direction with the new guide against a backdrop of 65% of the American
population being either overweight or obese. But critics have questioned both
the pyramid’s availability via the Internet and its specific nutritional
guidelines.
The guide is still triangle-shaped but is now called MyPyramid and has six
colored, vertical stripes to denote food categories; orange for grains, green
for vegetables, red for fruits, yellow for oils, blue for dairy products and
purple for meats, beans, fish and nuts. On one side there is a figure climbing
steps to emphasize the need for daily exercise.
The different widths of each color base represent nutritional values, with wider
bases representing foods with little or no fats, added sugars or caloric
sweeteners.
Initially, it is Internet-based at www.MyPyramid.gov. But the U.S.D.A. says
people without computer access will soon be able to get material from doctors,
dieticians and schools.
Consumers are urged to visit the interactive website and “personalize” their
eating plans. After providing their age, gender and activity level, they receive
guidelines on how many calories they should consume and how much they should eat
from each food category. Twelve energy intake patterns range from 1,000 calories
to 3,200 calories. The recommendations are based on the government’s revised
dietary guidelines, which were released in January.
“The concept here is you need to spend your calories wisely,” said the U.S.D.A’s
Eric Hentgers. “You don’t have a lot of extra calories unless you include more
physical activity in your life.”
The pyramid’s symbols drew praise from Stephanie Childs, spokeswoman for the
Grocery Manufacturers of American, who said consumers could use the new
information to build better diets.
But not everyone is happy with the pyramid’s focus on the Internet. “Obesity is
concentrated among the poor – and they’re people who don’t have computers,” said
Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New
York University, who added that the new pyramid’s web site was “extremely
complicated.”
Nutritionist Lynn Smith questioned the proportion of dairy products that the
pyramid endorses. “I’m not a person who’s against dairy. I recommend yogurt and
cheese in moderation. But to see that be a cornerstone of the pyramid is just
disappointing. When you look to find other calcium sources, it’s absolutely
buried,” she said.
Other nutritionists have reservations about the pyramid’s heavy emphasis on
meats and grains. The new guidelines urge Americans to consume whole grains,
low-fat or nonfat dairy products and lean meats that baked, grilled or broiled.
Eating fish, beans, peas, nuts and seeds is also encouraged.
Click here to learn about a system based partly on a balanced diet that helps reverse Insulin Resistance, an underlying cause of weight gain and obesity.
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| NEW RESEARCH |
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WOMEN WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME INCREASE THEIR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
A new study suggests that doctors should pay more
attention to the cluster of disorders known as Metabolic Syndrome rather than
obesity alone when assessing their female patients’ risk of developing
Cardiovascular Disease.
The Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) reports in Circulation Online
that Metabolic Syndrome, also called Syndrome X, is a powerful predictor of
Cardiovascular Disease in women. WISE says the study highlights the urgent need
to raise awareness of Metabolic Syndrome as well as emphasizing the importance
of diagnosing and treating the condition.
The results indicate that the harmful effects of having a high Body Mass Index
(BMI) are less strongly associated with coronary artery disease than the
symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome. BMI measures height and weight to classify how
fat a person is. But the study suggests that visceral fat combined with other
symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome are a more valuable guide to predicting risk.
Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by having at least three of the following
symptoms:
- Insulin Resistance - when the body can’t absorb blood sugar or use insulin
- Abdominal fat – in men this means a 40 inch waist or larger, in women 35
inches or larger
- High blood sugar levels – at least 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) after
fasting
- High triglycerides – at least 150 mg/dL in the blood stream
- Low HDL (the “good” cholesterol) – less than 40 mg/dL
- Prothrombotic state (e.g. high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor
in the blood)
- Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher
The WISE study concludes that doctors should pay more attention to abnormal
metabolism than to obesity alone when assessing a woman’s cardiovascular risk.
The epidemic of obesity sweeping the United States means both sexes are at risk
from Metabolic Syndrome. The American Heart Association estimates that between
20-25% of the population suffer from this disorder. Many are unaware they have
the condition.
Researchers have found that people suffering with the disorder are at
significantly greater risk from dying of a heart attack or stroke. One study,
conducted over a 15-year-period by Louisiana State University, discovered that
men who had Metabolic Syndrome were from 2.9 to 4.2 times more likely to die of
a heart attack.
Another study by Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University found that men with
the disorder had a 78% greater chance of having a stroke. Women had a 50%
greater risk. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
The presence of Metabolic Syndrome is also known to increase significantly the
risk of developing Pre-Diabetes leading to Type 2 Diabetes. Unbalanced glucose
and insulin levels caused by Insulin Resistance can lay the foundation of Type
II Diabetes by raising blood sugar to dangerous levels.
There is some good news, however. Research has shown that people with Metabolic
Syndrome, who made lifestyle modifications by eating a healthier diet and
exercising to lose weight, can have significant reductions in insulin
overproduction, or hyperinsulinemia, which is caused by Insulin Resistance.
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DR. MARY'S VIEW:
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“Early diagnosis can prevent the further complications of this
condition.”
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The research presented from the WISE study confirms that detection of Metabolic
Syndrome is half the battle. With the diagnostic criteria presented, someone who
is concerned about the possibility of having Metabolic Syndrome can bring their
signs and symptoms to the attention of their physician. In fact, we urge you to
do so! One of the important findings of this study is that a early diagnosis can
prevent the future complications of this condition. By preventing the
complications, we can begin to change the incidence and devastation caused by
strokes, Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Changes made in lifestyle and diet
can save lives!
Dr. Mary Shackelton, MPH ND, is the Medical Director of Insulite Laboratories.
Click here to learn about a system that helps reverse the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome.
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| WEIGHT LOSS: MYTH OR FACT? |
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Myth: Overeating is Caused by Hunger.
Fact: Hunger has nothing to do with overeating. The reality is that we
overeat for emotional reasons. If you understand your emotional triggers, you’ll
eat better.
One of the main reasons for overeating is stress, because it makes you eat more
quickly. And the foods you want to eat when stressed are more likely to be
fatty, pleasurable things. The best way to foil a craving is to take your mind
off it, preferably by keeping yourself busy with a task where it’s difficult to
eat, such as taking a long walk. |
| CONSULT DR. MARY |
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Q. Does exercise help prevent Gestational Diabetes?
A. The condition known as Gestational Diabetes develops in the third
trimester of pregnancy and research suggests it affects up to 5% of expectant
women in the U.S.
With this disorder, the pancreas produces insulin but it doesn’t lower the
mother’s blood sugar levels. In these circumstances, the baby is liable to be on
the large side, increasing the likelihood of a cesarean delivery and the risk of
the child becoming overweight and suffering from Diabetes later in life.
The best way to prevent Gestational Diabetes is to exercise to avoid becoming
overweight before you get pregnant. If you previously led a sedentary lifestyle,
pregnancy is a bad time to start a new workout regime. Even if you’ve exercised
regularly before, you will have to curtail your routine as you get further along
in your pregnancy.
Exercises that stimulate your uterus may lead to an early delivery. So it’s best
to review your workouts with your doctor. You can learn to feel your uterus to
verify that it staying relaxed during exercise.
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“Your recent article about using cinnamon as an active agent for reducing
blood problems seemed to be aimed at Type 2 Diabetes. I am recently on insulin
and, with the additional drug coumidin, it has thrown all my medications
off-kilter. I can’t take any satin drugs to improve my blood circulation. But I
was impressed with the idea of adding cinnamon to take over for the satin drugs.
“As a new insulin guy who has gone through the nightmare of adjusting doses and
known Insulin Resistance as a horrible lack of knowledge on the subject, you
gave me some hope for the future. Thanks.”
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- K.A.
North Olmsted, OH
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Insulite Laboratories would like to share
other experiences like this one to inspire our many clients on the same
path. Tell us your story and we will use it in a future issue of this
newsletter, as well as on web sites and affiliate sites.
If you are uncomfortable with us publishing your name, we are quite happy to
use your initials to preserve your anonymity. Please email us at
testimonials@insulitelabs.com
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Insulite Laboratories is pleased to announce the
addition of two new members to its Medical Advisory Board. They are:
 Jeffry
Weiss Ph.D, who has spent more than three decades researching
the scientific and personal reasons why so many people are
overweight. He has corresponded with the health ministries of
Australia, Mexico and the United Kingdom, plus the U.S. Secretary of
Health And Human Services, concerning his work in the field of diet
and nutrition. On an individual basis, he has counseled hundreds of
people – working with ailments as diverse as obesity, Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s, CFS, ADD, Multiple Sclerosis and liver disease, as well
as numerous forms of cancer and Diabetes.
 Kevin Shepard, MS, CSCS, CPT, who was Junior World
Powerlifting Champion and the holder of 3 power-lifting records. He
gained his MS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Colorado
and is currently an Adjunct Faculty Member of Front Range Community
College in Westminster, CO. Kevin is also a personal fitness
trainer. He writes a regular newspaper column on exercise, fitness
and nutrition and is a firm believer that these three elements are
essential for good health and a greater sense of well being. |
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| DID YOU KNOW? |
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JUNK
FOOD CAN AFFECT CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING ABILITY
AS WELL AS WEIGHT
Diets high in processed foods not only result in weight problems for
children. They also cause bad behavior and learning difficulties, a new
study has found. Researchers claim junk food stops the brain working
properly, leading to underachievement and a host of disorders.
Such foods not only lack the vitamins, minerals and essential fatty
acids that boost brain power but actually reduce the body's uptake of
nutrients that improve concentration. Thousands of children given
medication to combat Attention Deficiency Disorder (ADD) might be better
off simply improving their diet, according to research published in the
American journal Pediatrics.
The study, by Britain’s Oxford University, showed that giving children
essential fats found in fish and nuts could improve their brain power.
Their ability to learn was increased and their behavior dramatically
improved by supplementing their diets with such fats.
Startling results in children who were underachieving and, in some
cases, being disruptive were recorded after just three months. The study
involved more than 100 British children battling with physical
co-ordination problems.
They were given daily supplements rich in Omega-3 essential fats that
are vital for brain development but have been reduced in the national
diet over the last couple of decades.
In the study, around 40 per cent of children given the Omega-3
supplements made dramatic improvements in reading and spelling. There
was also a significant improvement in concentration and behavior.
Lead researcher Dr Alexandra Richardson, of Oxford University's
Department of Physiology, said: "What we've shown is that you can
improve behavior and learning with these oils.”
"Food affects behavior. To ignore the role of nutrition is indefensible.
If you paid attention to diet, you could really make a difference."
Patrick Holford, director of the Brain Bio Centre in Britain, which
tackles mental health problems through nutrition, said: "We're seeing
outrageous imbalances in brain chemistry caused by the kinds of foods
that, sadly, millions of kids are eating. And no one's doing anything
about it.
"These kids are digging their own graves with a knife and fork. We know
some fats found in processed and fried foods should be avoided. However,
there are other fats that are essential and a deficiency can negatively
impact on a child's behavior."
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study involved 117 children aged five to 12 in schools in County Durham
in northern England. The children were of normal ability but
underachieving and suspected of having dyspraxia, a condition that
affects co-ordination.
Even greater numbers had learning and behavioral disorders such as
dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Half the children
were given Omega-3 essential fats capsules for three months, while the
remainder were given a "dummy" treatment with capsules of olive oil.
Those on Omega-3s made up to ten months' progress in reading in three
months, compared with those taking olive oil, who made normal progress.
When the children swapped treatments, there was a similar jump forward
for those transferred to Omega-3s for the second three-month period.
After three months on the supplements, half showed such improvement they
were no longer classified as having problems.
In some cases, children improved their reading age by up to four years.
Oxford University's Dr. Richardson, who is also co-director of the Food and Behavior
Research charity, said unhealthy dietary fats can actually displace the
healthy fats in the brain.
Known as trans-fats, they are mostly found in processed foods such as
crisps, biscuits and cakes. Many teenagers get 40 per cent of their
calories from fat and nutritionists worry that such poor diets could
permanently damage brain development.
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“Leave all afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are
as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health
is worth more than learning.”
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- Thomas Jefferson |
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Always try to find time to improve yourself in different ways
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INSULITE LIFESTYLE: TIPS
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One of
the hardest aspects of losing weight is what comes next after you’ve shed
the first pounds. The healthiest and most enduring way is lose weight
slowly. But many people hit a wall when they’ve lost 5-10% of their weight.
Nutritionists and obesity researchers have observed this phenomenon for
years. “The body will allow you to lose about 10% of your weight and sustain
that loss,” says psychologist Thomas Wadden, director of the Weight and
Eating Disorder Program at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
He added that some people get past the 10% barrier relatively easily but
they are in a minority, which is why he advises setting reasonable
weight-loss targets of 10-20 pounds at first. Once you achieve those goals,
try maintaining your new weight levels for a while before attempting to lose
another 10%.
There are several psychological and biological reasons why dieters hit that
frustrating plateau, typically after six to eight months.
One reason is that the body doesn’t realize you’re deliberately trying to
lose weight. So it tries to protect you from starvation. Motivation can be
another problem.
“It takes a lot of concentration to eat a different diet, to say no to all
the offers of food,” said Wadden.
Then there’s the problem of rewards. When dieters drop a few pounds, they
often feel virtuous and in control, especially when their clothes fit better
and friends compliment them. But when weight loss slows, they stop feeling
good about themselves and begin to run out of enthusiasm for their new
lifestyle.
“In short, the thrill is gone, which often leads to quitting,” said Wadden.
Some dieters acknowledge that they are abandoning their efforts. But others
begin to delude themselves by promising that they’ll do better the next week
or week after that, until eventually their plans peter out and they go back
to their old ways.
“People need some social support to bolster them against our fattening
environment,” said Wadden, who suggests chats rooms and Internet can also be
helpful.
After losing the initial amount of weight, you burn fewer calories because
you’ve become a smaller person. So you have to eat less or burn more through
exercise to continue to lose weight. A combination of both might work for
you.
Try drinking water instead of juice, use light salad dressing and cut pasta
and rice back to an occasional Italian or Chinese treat. At the same time,
add an extra day of exercise to your regime, try to work out harder in a way
that still comfortable for you and add other forms of activity like
swimming, cycling or weight training.
Don’t despair! With good motivation and a little imagination, you can leave
that weight loss plateau far behind you.
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 Raw
garlic is one of nature’s most effective health foods, even more so than
when it’s cooked because heat destroys some of its benefits.
For centuries, garlic has been renowned for its medical properties and not
just for warding off vampires. Now science has confirmed how good it can be
for you.
Garlic may help prevent Cardiovascular Disease by lowering blood pressure
and reducing overall cholesterol levels and inhibiting the process of blood
clotting. It may also keep cancer at bay by stimulating the body’s natural
killer cells and helping to neutralize some of the carcinogens that find
their way into our diet.
One tip is to chop or lightly crush garlic and then let it sit for a few
minutes. This actually intensifies its infection-fighting properties. The
distinctly pungent aroma that garlic releases when crushed is a sulphur
compound called allicin, a natural weapon against infection.
A diet rich in garlic, as well as other foods from the allium family such as
onions, leeks, shallots and scallions, may cut the risk of developing
prostate cancer. And, as a natural antioxidant, garlic could also help
protect cells from degenerative changes, especially in the liver and brain.
For a simple and very healthy salad, why not try roma tomatoes with feta
cheese, sliced raw garlic and a sprinkling of walnuts:
- 6 roma (plum) tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
- 1-3 garlic cloves peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
- 6 walnut halves
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 ½ Tbs balsamic vinegar
- 2 oz tomato-basil feta cheese, crumbled
Toss ingredients in a large bowl and chill in a refrigerator for 10 minutes
before serving. Makes 4 servings. |
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You are
well on the way to reversing your Insulin Resistance and preventing its related
conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Metabolic Syndrome
(Syndrome X) and Pre-Diabetes. You are also taking important steps to achieving your desired weight loss goal
and the healthy lifestyle you deserve.
Remember that persistence is crucial.
We at Insulite Laboratories are
committed to your success and your well being. We're here to help you.
Please contact us with any questions or to order the Insulite System or the
Insulite PCOS System at info@insulitelabs.com
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this newsletter is for the sole purpose of being informative.
This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical advice. Always seek the advice
of your physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment, take
any medication, supplements or other nutritional support, or for answers to any questions you may have
regarding a medical condition.
Nothing contained in or provided through this newsletter is intended to be or is to be used or relied
upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Your use of our newsletter opportunity is subject to certain
terms and conditions including, but not limited to, the fact that you have not been seen, evaluated or
diagnosed by a qualified medical/health care provider through the use of our newsletter service.
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