Welcome to the nineteenth edition of Viewpoints, our monthly
e-newsletter.
We at Insulite Laboratories know that losing weight is never easy. But just a
few changes in your daily routine can go a long way towards making a success of
your goal of better health via weight loss. In fact, a good phrase to bear in
mind is "keep things simple" as you combine your new balanced diet with regular
exercise.
Start by finding a low-carbohydrate breakfast and lunch that you really like.
Successful dieters often eat pretty much the same thing for breakfast and lunch
so they can jazz up their dinner with more variety while still shedding the
pounds.
Star Trek's Captain Kirk used to keep a daily log. Do the same, only in your
case make a note of how much you eat each day and when you eat it. Depending on
what you're watching, write down the carbs, fat grams or calories.
Be creative with greens. Keep your refrigerator stocked with a variety of
appealing lettuces like arugula and romaine for salads. Spinach and broccoli are
packed with goodness, so try not to run out of them.
Take the time and trouble to discover which vegetables are in season right now,
so you can derive maximum nutritional value while continuing to lose weight.
Keep washed baby carrots and cut vegetables handy for a quick and healthy snack.
Consider investing in a scale to weigh your food so you can keep track of your
intake. Fish, meat and poultry all lose water after cooking - a 3 oz serving of
each one is about the size of a deck of cards.
Allow yourself a moderate-sized version of one of your favorite treats every now
and again, otherwise you might begin to feel life is just one long series of
sacrifices in the cause of weight loss. If you don't consume certain treats very
often, you can look forward to them tasting even better when you finally do
allow yourself to have one. Regard it as an occasional reward for all your good
work.
If you're dedicated and disciplined, the effort required to lose weight will
soon begin to pay off. We at Insulite Laboratories are sure you'll be excited
when the results start to kick in. We're here to provide support all the way to
the greater sense of well-being that awaits you.
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“Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties.”
You're never too young or too old to maximize your fitness.
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| INTELLIGENCE REPORT |
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MORE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN MAY
BE VICTIMS OF PCOS
The number of Mexican-American women of child-bearing age with Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may be almost double the figure previously thought to be
suffering from the hormonal disorder.
PCOS is a major cause of female infertility as well an increased risk factor for
Pre-Diabetes and the cluster of Cardiovascular Diseases called Metabolic
Syndrome or Syndrome X. Previous research showed PCOS affecting 5-10% of
Mexican-American women of reproductive age. But a new survey indicates that PCOS
may be present in as many as 17% of this ethnic group (1).
Researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Cedars-Sinai
Medical Center in Los Angeles assessed the responses of 108 Mexican-American
women with an average age of 35 to a questionnaire which evaluated PCOS symptoms
such as Insulin Resistance and excess body hair.
The medical team led by Dr. Mark Goodarzi found that 17% of the women who filled
out the questionnaire were classified as having PCOS, based on their symptoms.
"While previous studies have looked at PCOS in African-American and Caucasian
women, this is the first study to evaluate how common PCOS is in
Mexican-American women," explained a spokesman for the study.
"Based on our findings, we believe that the prevalence of PCOS in these women is
much higher than in other populations. As a result, a much higher percentage of
Mexican-American women are at risk for developing Diabetes and Cardiovascular
Disease, which are both associated with PCOS."
Dr. Goodarzi and his colleagues plan to verify the questionnaire findings with
clinical examinations of sample groups of Mexican-American women. They will also
measure levels of the hormone androgen, which can become unbalanced as result of PCOS - also known as polycystic ovaries, Sclerocystic Ovarian Disease,
Stein-Leventhal Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Disease.
An underlying cause of PCOS is often obesity related to Insulin Resistance. This
latter disorder is an imbalance of glucose and insulin in the blood stream.
Insulin receptor sites on the cell wall enable glucose to pass through and be
converted to energy. But Insulin Resistance vastly reduces the number of these
receptor sites, causing most of the glucose to "bounce off" the cell wall and be
sent to the liver. Once there, it is changed into fat and stored via the blood
stream throughout the body, often resulting in obesity.
Excess insulin also gathers in the bloodstream as a result of Insulin Resistance
and may upset the delicate balance of a woman's hormones, which helps to
cause the onset of PCOS.
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely from woman to woman. Not all women have all
the symptoms, which range from irregular or completely absent periods to
hirsuitism (excessive facial or body hair), ovarian cysts and Alopecia (male
pattern hair loss). Other symptoms can include obesity, acne and skin tags,
Acanthosis Nigricans (brown skin patches), high cholesterol levels, exhaustion
or lack of mental alertness and decreased sex drive.
Doctors very often misdiagnose PCOS. This situation became of critical concern
after a University of Pittsburgh study in 2000 found that PCOS sufferers have a
higher risk of coronary heart disease. Researchers discovered an increased
association between PCOS and atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty deposits
called plaque cling to the interior walls of the arteries, leading to blockages
that can cause heart attacks or stroke.
Not only do PCOS sufferers have higher rates of plaque build-up but those over
45 also have thicker deposits. In addition, the imbalance of glucose
and insulin levels caused in women with PCOS leads to a lowering of "good"
cholesterol and an increase in the level of triglycerides, which are fat-storing
substances carried through the bloodstream to the tissues. These factors also
increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
(1) New findings show increased risk of PCOS among Mexican-Americans; The
Endocrine Society www.endo-society.org
Click here to learn about a system that helps reverse Insulin Resistance and PCOS.
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| NEW RESEARCH |
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NIGHT-TIME EATING DISORDER INCREASES
THE RISK OF OBESITY
Nearly 10% of patients being treated in obesity clinics may be suffering from a
disorder called Night Eating Syndrome.
People with the condition can consume a third of their daily calorie intake
AFTER eating dinner, either before going to bed or when they awaken during the
night.
It's not a variation on sleepwalking. Sufferers know what they're doing, though
they often experience a feeling of compulsion or anxiety at the same time.
Even people of normal weight can be victims of the syndrome, which, in many
cases, leads eventually to excess weight gain and obesity. The disorder is
sometimes triggered by an emotional or stressful event.
About 75% of sufferers link the habit to a specific event like a divorce, a
pregnancy or loss of a job, says University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
psychologist Kelly Allison, co-author of a book called Overcoming Night Eating
Syndrome: A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking the Cycle (New Harbinger
Publications, $14.95) and a member of a team which researched a new study of the
disorder (1).
"About 50% of our sample have had a major depressive episode in their lifetime.
The eating helps soothe people and makes them feel better for a short time. But
it also increases their weight, which makes them feel worse," added Dr.
Allison.
Night eaters are different from those who occasionally get out of bed to snack.
"The disorder represents a shift of the biological rhythm of eating to later in
the day," said Pennsylvania University psychiatrist Albert Stunkard, one of two
other authors of the book about night eating and the doctor who discovered the
condition in the early 1950s.
The new research was presented at the annual meeting last November of the North
American Association for the Study of Obesity, held in partnership with the
American Diabetes Association. Researchers examined more than a hundred
patients, as well as analyzing data from over 2,000 others with the syndrome who
visited their web site.
Around 1.5% of the general population may suffer from night eating syndrome,
with the figure rising to 6-8% of obesity clinic patients. Some people in their
60s have been afflicted by the disorder for 30 years.
Dr. Allison reported that one woman got up and ate more more often at night
after her third child was born with a serious brain anomaly. Her resulting
weight gain left the woman feeling depressed and hopeless.
Another patient woke nearly every hour, on the hour, and tried to avoid eating
before succumbing to food. "Then I sleep like a baby" he reported.
Other behavior patterns observed in people with Night Eating Syndrome include:
- Eating sparingly during the day.
- Difficulty falling asleep and needing to eat something just before going to bed
to help them sleep.
- Waking at night at least three times a week and eating. After going back to
sleep, they wake up at least once more in the night and have to eat before
falling asleep again.
- Not feeling hungry in the morning and going without food through to lunchtime or
later in the afternoon.
Scientists and doctors are currently researching possible treatments, including
basic behavioral changes in eating and exercise routines, to enable people to
avoid obesity, which often results from an imbalance in blood glucose and
insulin levels caused by Insulin Resistance. In turn, obesity can be an
underlying cause of a number of serious conditions, including the cluster of
cardiovascular diseases called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), as well as
reversible Pre-Diabetes which, if neglected, can lead to full-blown,
irreversible Type 2 Diabetes.
Obese women are also prone to the hormonal imbalance called Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of female infertility as well as skin
conditions, excessive facial hair and male pattern baldness.
All Insulin Resistance-related disorders are increased risk factors for a heart
attack or stroke.
(1) The Night Eating
Syndrome: Dr. Albert Stunkard and Dr. Kelly Allison, Penn Medicine, Dept of
Psychiatry, Weight and Eating Disorders Program www.med.upenn.edu/weight
Click here to read about how the Insulite System can help reverse
the symptoms of Insulin Resistance
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| WEIGHT LOSS: MYTH OR FACT? |
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Myth: I Can Lose Weight if I Eat Smaller Portions of My
Favorite Food Like Pasta and Rice
Fact: The truth is that, if you eat carbohydrate-rich foods
like bread, cereals, pasta, rice and potatoes, you may have a difficult time
losing weight, no matter how much you reduce your intake of them.
You can still experience blood sugar fluctuations and an increased storage of
fat even if you are eating smaller portions of carbs.
It really is all about your blood sugar and insulin levels. If you are keeping
your insulin low by consuming fewer carbs, you will experience greater weight
control, in addition to looking and feeling better. |
| CONSULT DR. MARY |
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Q. Is Fish Safe to Eat or Should I Rely on Other Sources of Protein?
A.
There seem to be drawbacks with even the simplest things consumed in a diet.
Fruit, for example, is healthy but too much of it can lead to insulin spikes and
contribute to weight gain. Water is a great benefit, though excessive intake
could cause hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) which can be dangerous if it
is prolonged.
The main thing to remember about any type of food is that moderation is the best
approach. This is certainly true of fish. The recent scare about dangerous
mercury levels has slowed even the most enthusiastic fish-eaters and many now
wonder what is a safe quantity to eat.
The Federal Government advises pregnant women, nursing mothers and young
children to avoid fish with high levels of mercury, specifically shark,
swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish. Elevated mercury levels have been linked
to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children, as well as heart,
nervous system and kidney damage in adults.
Traces of mercury are found in nearly all fish and shellfish. Released through
industrial pollution, it accumulates in streams and oceans as methylmercury.
This toxic chemical builds up in fish and shellfish as they feed. Different
levels have been recorded in different species.
However, eating fish also has widely-acknowledged health benefits and the
American Heart Association advises people to eat fish at least twice a week. The
essential fatty acid omega-3, found in cold water fish (e.g. salmon, tuna),
contributes to healthy brain development, for example. It also has an
anti-inflammatory effect, helps alleviate symptoms of depression, improves skin
conditions such as eczema and contributes to a healthier cardiovascular system.
Omega-3 is one of the top nutrients that you should consume on a daily basis.
But you should minimize your intake of the fish known to contain high levels of
mercury. Eat the cold water variety, instead, and take an omega-3 fatty acid
supplement.
When considering where to find fish that contain less mercury, try to avoid
farm-raised fish as these do not have enough omega-3 fatty acids. When fish are
farm-raised, they do not swim in such cold water as those who live in the deep
ocean and therefore do not produce enough of the essential fats that make us
healthy.
Additionally, farm fish are fed fish meal, which does not make them such a good
source of healthy protein. Ask about the origins of the fish you're planning to
buy - if they came from a farm, I suggest you don't buy them. Check the labels
on fish that you buy from any source.
In conclusion, my advice is to eat fish no more than twice a week and always
avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel and tilefish. |
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“I started your product and found it really boosts my system,
helping me get off ground zero and stop the spiral downwards. It gave me the
energy to start exercising and prepare healthy meals.
"It can all become very overwhelming, especially when you just want to be young
(I am only 20) and forget about being sick, as this has all been going on for
about 4 years. I think it is very important for younger people to realize they
can use this product and get help before it becomes a really BIG problem.
"You are all very supportive, even though I am on the other side of the world in
Australia. I am very glad that I am on your product. Your weekly messages are
also very encouraging when I am finding things a bit harder. Thank you for
everything.”
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- Anna
Perth, Australia
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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 full name, we are quite
happy to use your initials or first name to preserve your anonymity. We do
ask that you include the name of your hometown and state or, in the case of
our numerous clients outside the U.S.A., your country. Please email us at
testimonials@insulitelabs.com
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Have You Been Diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome?
If You Have, We’re Glad That You Have Found Us.
We’re Here to Support You.
Insulite Laboratories is committed to reversing Metabolic Syndrome by
giving you a better understanding of your condition and its underlying
cause, Insulin Resistance.
Supporting you in any way we can is central to our philosophy.
So we are pleased to announce the imminent introduction of the Insulite
MetaX System, which has been scientifically-formulated to help reverse
Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. It contains an ingredient called
Meta-OmegaX which is targeted specifically at the symptoms of this dangerous
cluster of cardiovascular diseases.
Our web sites insulitelabs.com and pcos.insulitelabs.com, together with future editions of
“Viewpoints,” will keep you updated.
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| DID YOU KNOW? |
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SALT CAN HEAVILY INFLUENCE
YOUR WEIGHT
Salt is a common cause of fluid retention, which can add an extra
6-8 lbs to a woman's weight. Fluid retention affects many women when
their reproductive hormone levels are fluctuating - just before their
period, if they're on the Pill or when they're going through the
menopause, particularly if they're on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
A diet high in salt is a major culprit because the body holds on to
fluid in order to dilute sodium. So the first step is to reduce your
intake from salty foods.
Table salt, chips and salted peanuts are obvious offenders. But also
watch out for pickled and fast foods, smoked fish and cured meats such
as salt beef and bacon.
Although your taste buds will usually alert you to a really salty food,
many can escape detection, like some breakfast cereals, as well as
cakes, desserts and certain mineral waters.
Always check labels. When you are trying to work out how much salt
something contains, you need to remember that salt is 40% sodium. If a
food label lists sodium rather than salt, multiply the sodium level by
2.5. So 1g (100mg) of sodium equates to 2.5g of salt (250mg of salt).
Nutritionists regard a high-salt product as one with 0.5g or more of
sodium per 100g and a low-salt product as being one with 0.1g of sodium
per 100g. A medium-salt product contains 0.2-0.49g of sodium per 100g.
Strange as it may sound, you need to ensure that you're drinking enough
water to help your body get rid of its water. It's important to make
sure your body doesn't hang on to water because you have too much salt,
which will make you even more puffy.
Try to drink 2.5 liters of water a day. Tap water sometimes gets a
bad rap these days but it's effective for ridding you of salt. So, too,
are herbal teas - dandelion is a fantastic water-releaser, as are lovage,
rosemary, parsley and nettle.
Keep up your intake of fruit and vegetables because their potassium
levels encourage the body to jettison fluid. A high potassium intake is
a natural way to flush out excess salt and water. Bananas and tomatoes
are particularly potassium-rich.
Meanwhile, citrus fruits, melons, cucumbers, watercress, carrots,
salad leaves and celery are also natural diuretics. A fresh juice with
plenty of celery, carrots and either fennel or orange is also very
effective.
It's also worth seeing whether reducing or cutting out starchy foods
works for you. Refined carbohydrates - white bread, pasta, biscuits and
cakes - can aggravate the problem.
Evening primrose oil may have a very beneficial effect on fluid
retention, especially if it is hormone-related. So think about taking
3000mg (3g) a day when you're really suffering and then a daily
maintenance dose of 500-1000mg.
Omega-3 oils have a similar action on the body - try to have 2
portions (a portion is 140g) of oily fish a week, such as salmon
(ideally wild and fresh rather than farmed or smoked. See this edition's
Consult Dr. Mary for more details.)
Linseeds, flax and pumpkin seeds are also a good source of omega
oils.
Excessive amounts of salt in your body can also affect your blood
pressure and increase the risk of Cardiovascular Disease. So next
month's edition of Viewpoints will look at further ways to lower the
level of salt in your diet.
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“It is a mistake to regard age as a downhill grade towards
dissolution. The reverse is true. As one grows older, one climbs with
surprising strides.”
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- George Sand |
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Growing older can increase your sense
of
self-fulfillment. |
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INSULITE LIFESTYLE: TIPS
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 Is
it time to change your oil (for cooking, not running your car)? All oils
are pure fat, so the first rule with cooking oils is to use as little as
possible because excessive amounts can lead to weight gain.
The next
thing to remember is that not all fats are created equal when it comes to
health concerns. The best are those high in monounsaturated fat, such as
olive oil and the mustard relative called rapeseed oil. These fats can be
beneficial for your heart and arteries. Other important nutrients to look
out for on the content label include omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acids,
the latter a key ingredient of Lorenzo's Oil, which treats the degenerative
condition called ALD.
Unfortunately, you can't use the healthiest oils for every purpose because
cooking effectiveness often depends on an oil's smoke point - the stage at
which heated fat begins to give off smoke and acrid, flavor-altering smells.
Generally, the higher an oil's smoke point, the better it is for high-heat
cooking.
Light olive oil is usually a combination of refined virgin olive oils and is
a good choice for baking and high-heat cooking. 'Light' refers to the oil's
color and taste, not its calorie content. It contains the same amount of
beneficial monounsaturated fat as regular olive oil, though its refining
process means it has little of the regular variety's taste and fragrance.
The high oleic version of safflower oil is also excellent for high-heat
cooking. Light and neutral-flavored, it, too, has a high smoke point and
comes with generous levels of monounsaturated as well as polyunsaturated
fats, which, in small doses, are also beneficial.
Canola oil is the next highest in monounsaturated fats and is obtained from
rapeseed. It has a neutral taste and can be used for frying and baking, as
well as for a salad dressing. Remember that fried foods absorb quite a bit
of the oils they are cooked in, so they are much higher in calories and fat.
Because rapeseed is commonly sprayed with pesticide, it's advisable to
search out organic, expeller-pressed brands of canola oil.
Virgin olive oil is best for sautéing. It comes from the first pressing of
olives but is more acidic with a less robust flavor than extra virgin olive
oil. Most mass-produced brands are extracted with chemical solvents, so
always choose the variety that has been cold-pressed. Virgin olive oil is
used for cooking food at low and medium temperatures.
Oils with a stronger burst of flavor like sesame, peanut or walnut burn
easily. So, instead of cooking with them, they should be mixed with balsamic
or other flavored vinegar and used as deliciously nutty-tasting salad
dressings. Walnut is a particularly good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty
acid.
With its very high monounsaturated content, extra virgin olive oil is the
healthiest oil you can buy. But it has a low smoke point and should not be
used for cooking. It comes from the first cold pressing of the olives and,
being the purest, is also the most expensive. Keep it for dressings and
drizzling.
Watch your oil levels carefully to help keep yourself running as healthily
as possible!
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 Appetizers
can be fun and healthy at the same time. Why not try this easy-to-make
salmon vegetable snack for a party?
1 can (7 1/2 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
2 tbsp. minced green onion
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1 dozen each of cherry tomatoes, celery sticks and cucumber slices
Combine salmon, cottage cheese, chopped celery, green onion and dill. Cut a
thin slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out inside. Spoon salmon
mixture into cherry tomatoes, along celery sticks and onto cucumber slices.
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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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