Tag Archives: metabolism

Does this Indian spice combat inflammation?

Why This Spice is Controversial Among Some Researchers

There’s a lot of argument these days about the key ingredient in curry. It’s what gives the dish its yellow colour and many studies have shown its potential to reduce inflammation, help the immune system, fight free radicals and help slow disease.

Uncontrolled Inflammation is a big problem as we get older. Most modern doctors believe that low-level inflammation actually plays a key role in the progression of metabolic, heart (1), Alzheimer’s, and neurological diseases.

Yet not everyone agrees the spice deserves all its praise.

While it’s been in use for thousands of years in India, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, much of the benefits claimed by health experts over the years have been hard to prove. 

Some studies saw incredible results in a short period of time, and others saw fewer results. Curious why some didn’t see a difference right away? There’s a really good reason.

That’s because on its own, it doesn’t absorb well in the body. 

It helps to consume it with black pepper (like BioPerine) a natural substance shown to enhance its absorption by 2,000% (2) and take enough to see a difference.

The other challenge is, while it’s commonly found in many foods, you’d have to eat a lot of them to see benefits (3). Still, a trusted old spice like Tumeric is safe and convenient, when taken as a supplement.

Turmeric is actually part of the ginger root family, and ginger is also known to have long-term anti-inflammatory benefits. 

That’s why when our team of scientists, doctors and care-givers discussed making a better Tumeric based supplement, we included these:

  • Turmeric Root Extract – a highly concentrated version of the active ingredient Curcumin.
  • BioPerine – to help boost the absorption of Tumeric itself
  • Ginger Root Extract – to help protect the brain, gut and support healthy inflammatory levels.

Together they help give the best possible natural anti-inflammatory mix for potency, quality and absorption. 

You can see our unique Tumeric Blend here. 

Modern sports teams, arthritis sufferers and many others take it regularly. They trust that it’ll help provide all natural relief without as many side effects as you might expect from non-natural or chemical alternatives.

References:
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6636482/

2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9619120/

3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26007179/

B12 the Powerhouse Energy Vitamin – Try Simplesa Liposomal

Simplesa B12Even when you eat well and have a healthy diet you may still not be getting enough vitamin B12. When you are deficient there are symptoms, health risks, but you can easily address the deficiency with a quality B12 supplement.[1]

What is B12?
One form of Vitamin B12 is Methylcobalamin. It is one of the many B vitamins. Your body needs B12 to facilitate the healthy function of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. Your metabolism wouldn’t run smoothly without it. But B12 isn’t like other vitamins. It’s only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish and dairy. Up to 15% of people don’t get enough B12, and they’re more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestion problems, or be an adult over 50. The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, and other symptoms, says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles–based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.[2]

Like all B vitamins, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. The human body does not store it. Any excess or unwanted amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally, vitamin B12 is the most complicated vitamin. It is also the largest.[3]

Why is Vitamin B12 so Important to our body?
Our bodies need vitamin B12 but do not make it and have to acquire it via proper nutrition and/or supplementation. Vitamin B12 is critical in the production of DNA, nerves, red blood cells, and to carry out other metabolic functions.  An average healthy adult requires approximately 2.4 micrograms a day, which can be an issue if you’re not consuming enough to meet your bodily needs. Some people may have an adequate intake of the appropriate nutrition, but malabsorption prevents them from utilizing it no matter how much they consume.

As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have a seriously low B12 level, and up to 20% may have a borderline deficiency.[4]

Do I have a B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly. Given the array of symptoms it can cause; the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else. Symptoms may include:

·         strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet

·         difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)

·         anemia

·         a swollen, inflamed tongue

·         yellowed skin (jaundice)

·         difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss

·         paranoia or hallucinations

·         weakness

·         fatigue

While an experienced physician may be able to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency with a good interview and physical exam, a blood test is needed to confirm the condition. Early detection and treatment is important. “If left untreated, the deficiency can cause severe neurologic problems and blood diseases,” says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.[5]

How can I avoid B12 Deficiency?
Simplesa® has just introduced its newest powerhouse supplement and high quality Liposomal Vitamin B12! Not all B12 vitamins are the same, Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 boasts Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12 that supports brain and nerve health. With other forms of B12 your liver has to convert cyanocobalamin, another form of B12, into methylcobalamin.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 is formulated for maximum and rapid absorption.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 supports brain and nerve health with increased energy levels by providing methylcobalamin, the only form of vitamin B12 found in the brain.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12   does NOT contain soy ingredients, and the flavors are completely natural and delicious. The liposomes are gluten-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and tested non-GMO.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 Benefit vs. Injectable B12
While injectable B12 is a commonly prescribed treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, it does have some notable drawbacks. Because vitamin B12 injections are intramuscular, they can be difficult to administer to thin patients. Injections are also known to be painful, which may cause some patients to abandon treatment. Moreover, elderly or disabled patients may have difficulties traveling to a physician’s office for injection administration or affording the treatment if they don’t have insurance to cover it. [6] Additionally, the ease and cost savings is substantial via Simplesa Vitamin B12 as it can be easily self-administered at home and has a pleasant taste. One bottle will provide approximately 60 servings at ½ ml (approx. 3 pumps into the mouth) or 1000 mcg per serving.

Some of the many benefits of Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12:

·         Contributes to normal red blood cell formation

·         Supports the nervous system and mental functions

·         Contributes to a normal, healthy metabolism

·         Is essential for a healthy heart

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 uses natural non-hydrogenated sunflower phosphatidylcholine, derived from non-GMO certified oil.  It undergoes a several-step solvent-free purification and filtration process to ensure the utmost purity. The manufacturing facility is cGMP certified, following the same standards of sanitation and documentation as pharmaceutical companies. Each ingredient has been carefully sourced and tested in-house and by a third-party certified lab. The water is classified as Ultrapure Water, exceeding pharmaceutical grade standards.

For more information or to try our new Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 click here.

[1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
[2] http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20924065,00.html
[3] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822.php
[4]  http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[5] http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[6] http://www.livestrong.com/article/289321-sublingual-vitamin-b12-vs-injectable-b12/

Simplesa Liposomal B12 the Powerhouse Energy Vitamin

Simplesa B12Even when you eat well and have a healthy diet you may still not be getting enough vitamin B12. When you are deficient there are symptoms, health risks, but you can easily address the deficiency with a quality B12 supplement.[1]

What is B12?
One form of Vitamin B12 is Methylcobalamin. It is one of the many B vitamins. Your body needs B12 to facilitate the healthy function of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse. Your metabolism wouldn’t run smoothly without it. But B12 isn’t like other vitamins. It’s only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish and dairy. Up to 15% of people don’t get enough B12, and they’re more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestion problems, or be an adult over 50. The signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, brain fog, and other symptoms, says Maggie Moon, RD, a Los Angeles–based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.[2]

Like all B vitamins, vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. The human body does not store it. Any excess or unwanted amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally, vitamin B12 is the most complicated vitamin. It is also the largest.[3]

Why is Vitamin B12 so Important to our body?
Our bodies need vitamin B12 but do not make it and have to acquire it via proper nutrition and/or supplementation. Vitamin B12 is critical in the production of DNA, nerves, red blood cells, and to carry out other metabolic functions.  An average healthy adult requires approximately 2.4 micrograms a day, which can be an issue if you’re not consuming enough to meet your bodily needs. Some people may have an adequate intake of the appropriate nutrition, but malabsorption prevents them from utilizing it no matter how much they consume.

As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have a seriously low B12 level, and up to 20% may have a borderline deficiency.[4]

Do I have a B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly. Given the array of symptoms it can cause; the condition can be overlooked or confused with something else. Symptoms may include:

·         strange sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands, legs, or feet

·         difficulty walking (staggering, balance problems)

·         anemia

·         a swollen, inflamed tongue

·         yellowed skin (jaundice)

·         difficulty thinking and reasoning (cognitive difficulties), or memory loss

·         paranoia or hallucinations

·         weakness

·         fatigue

While an experienced physician may be able to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency with a good interview and physical exam, a blood test is needed to confirm the condition. Early detection and treatment is important. “If left untreated, the deficiency can cause severe neurologic problems and blood diseases,” says Dr. Bruce Bistrian, chief of clinical nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.[5]

How can I avoid B12 Deficiency?
Simplesa® has just introduced its newest powerhouse supplement and high quality Liposomal Vitamin B12! Not all B12 vitamins are the same, Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 boasts Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12 that supports brain and nerve health. With other forms of B12 your liver has to convert cyanocobalamin, another form of B12, into methylcobalamin.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 is formulated for maximum and rapid absorption.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 supports brain and nerve health with increased energy levels by providing methylcobalamin, the only form of vitamin B12 found in the brain.  Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12   does NOT contain soy ingredients, and the flavors are completely natural and delicious. The liposomes are gluten-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and tested non-GMO.

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 Benefit vs. Injectable B12
While injectable B12 is a commonly prescribed treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency, it does have some notable drawbacks. Because vitamin B12 injections are intramuscular, they can be difficult to administer to thin patients. Injections are also known to be painful, which may cause some patients to abandon treatment. Moreover, elderly or disabled patients may have difficulties traveling to a physician’s office for injection administration or affording the treatment if they don’t have insurance to cover it. [6] Additionally, the ease and cost savings is substantial via Simplesa Vitamin B12 as it can be easily self-administered at home and has a pleasant taste. One bottle will provide approximately 60 servings at ½ ml (approx. 3 pumps into the mouth) or 1000 mcg per serving.

Some of the many benefits of Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12:

·         Contributes to normal red blood cell formation

·         Supports the nervous system and mental functions

·         Contributes to a normal, healthy metabolism

·         Is essential for a healthy heart

Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 uses natural non-hydrogenated sunflower phosphatidylcholine, derived from non-GMO certified oil.  It undergoes a several-step solvent-free purification and filtration process to ensure the utmost purity. The manufacturing facility is cGMP certified, following the same standards of sanitation and documentation as pharmaceutical companies. Each ingredient has been carefully sourced and tested in-house and by a third-party certified lab. The water is classified as Ultrapure Water, exceeding pharmaceutical grade standards.

For more information or to try our new Simplesa Liposomal Vitamin B12 click here.

[1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
[2] http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20924065,00.html
[3] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219822.php
[4]  http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[5] http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780
[6] http://www.livestrong.com/article/289321-sublingual-vitamin-b12-vs-injectable-b12/

Metabolics and ALS

We often hear that we are what we eat.  Most people know how important it is to eat balanced healthy foods to stay healthy, but the importance of diet and nutrients is increased when you are ill. Often the symptoms or side effects of the disease are impaired metabolic function. Even eating a healthy diet won’t completely rectify this concern. Chronically ill patients sometimes can’t obtain the nutrients they require and/or the metabolizing process of nutrients has broken down. This breakdown impacts other critically important bodily functions.

Basics of Nutrition and Metabolism

Figure 1 – https://prezi.com/j5mbaoirevn1/copy-of-nutrition-vs-metabolism/#

In the recent article from National Institute of Health in November 2016 researchers found in the study “Metabolic Biomarkers and Neurodegeneration: A Pathway Enrichment Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”:

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lack robust diagnostics and prognostic biomarkers. Metabolomics is a postgenomics field that offers fresh insights for biomarkers of common complex as well as rare diseases. Using data on metabolite-disease associations published in the previous decade (2006-2016) in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science, we identified 101 metabolites as putative biomarkers for these three neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, uric acid, choline, creatine, L-glutamine, alanine, creatinine, and N-acetyl-L-aspartate were the shared metabolite signatures among the three diseases. The disease-metabolite-pathway associations pointed out the importance of membrane transport (through ATP binding cassette transporters), particularly of arginine and proline amino acids in all three neurodegenerative diseases. When disease-specific and common metabolic pathways were queried by using the pathway enrichment analyses, we found that alanine, aspartate, glutamate, and purine metabolism might act as alternative pathways to overcome inadequate glucose supply and energy crisis in neurodegeneration. These observations underscore the importance of metabolite-based biomarker research in deciphering the elusive pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Future research investments in metabolomics of complex diseases might provide new insights on AD, PD, and ALS that continue to place a significant burden on global health.[1]

A year earlier, another study published in JAMA, October 2015, “Association Between Dietary Intake and Function in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” concluded:

 that Antioxidants, carotenes, fruits, and vegetables were associated with higher ALS function at baseline by regression of nutrient indices and weighted quantile sum regression analysis. We also demonstrated the usefulness of the weighted quantile sum regression method in the evaluation of diet. Those responsible for nutritional care of the patient with ALS should consider promoting fruit and vegetable intake since they are high in antioxidants and carotenes.[2]

Nutrition is especially important for ALS patients, and following the Deanna Protocol™ “supercharges” the right nutrition for patients with ALS (PALS). It also aids as a metabolic therapy and supports energy metabolism. A study published in 2014 by the National Institute of Health investigated and found that the Deanna Protocol® (DP):

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons causing progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual death from respiratory failure. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for ALS. Besides motor neuron degeneration, ALS is associated with impaired energy metabolism, which is pathophysiologically linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and glutamate excitotoxicity. The Deanna Protocol (DP) is a metabolic therapy that has been reported to alleviate symptoms in patients with ALS. In this study we hypothesized that alternative fuels in the form of TCA cycle intermediates, specifically arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), the main ingredient of the DP, and the ketogenic diet (KD), would increase motor function and survival in a mouse model of ALS (SOD1-G93A). ALS mice were fed standard rodent diet (SD), KD, or either diets containing a metabolic therapy of the primary ingredients of the DP consisting of AAKG, gamma-aminobutyric acid, Coenzyme Q10, and medium chain triglyceride high in caprylic triglyceride. Assessment of ALS-like pathology was performed using a pre-defined criteria for neurological score, accelerated rotarod test, paw grip endurance test, and grip strength test. Blood glucose, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, and body weight were also monitored. SD+DP-fed mice exhibited improved neurological score from age 116 to 136 days compared to control mice. KD-fed mice exhibited better motor performance on all motor function tests at 15 and 16 weeks of age compared to controls. SD+DP and KD+DP therapies significantly extended survival time of SOD1-G93A mice by 7.5% (p = 0.001) and 4.2% (p = 0.006), respectively. Sixty-three percent of mice in the KD+DP and 72.7% of the SD+DP group lived past 125 days, while only 9% of the control animals survived past that point. Targeting energy metabolism with metabolic therapy produces a therapeutic effect in ALS mice which may prolong survival and quality of life in ALS patients.[3]

One thing shown over and over via these studies and anecdotal reports from PALS is that the Deanna Protocol® Metabolic Therapy is helping many PALS with quality of Life.

New studies are underway. the scientists at University of South Florida (USF) are moving forward with the experiment to determine the efficacy of the Deanna Protocol® Plan when combined with glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT). [4]

The DP® Plan focuses on cell metabolism. It delivers Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) to the Krebs Cycle in the neurons. The increase in AKG enables their mitochondria to produce enough energy to keep cells alive, despite their exposure to an unhealthy amount of extracellular glutamate.  AKG usually does not pass through the cell membranes in normal healthy cells.  Based on our experience, we found that the permeability of the cell membrane in diseased or damaged cells changes and allows AKG to permeate the cells. Due to the fact that AKG only enters diseased cells, the substance only goes where it is needed.

If you need more information on how Simplesa® Deanna Metabolic Plan can help you, please contact us for assistance.

Footnotes:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27828769

[2] http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2570546

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25061944

[4] https://www.winningthefight.org/latest-developments