TriVita Article: The Dance of Hormones in Men and Women

by Dr Brazos Minshew, Trivita’s Chief Science Officer
Hormones are natural messengers produced by our bodies. They are responsible for successful development, normal behavior, maintenance of normal body processes and reproduction.

As messengers, the hormones affect all parts of your body. They monitor and manage the repair and maintenance of your muscles, bones, blood vessels, skin and every other system. They also aid in recovery from injuries and help you resist diseases.

• Estrogen
  The hormone with which you are probably most familiar is estrogen. Both men and women need estrogen to be healthy. For example, your heart needs estrogen in order for the heart valves to close properly. You may be surprised to learn that estrogen is not a single hormone; rather, it is a group of hormones. Each type of estrogen has a different function in your body.

• Progesterone
  Unlike estrogen, progesterone is a single hormone. It affects fertility and is used to make the anti-stress hormone DHEA in both women and men.

• Testosterone
  You may have associated testosterone with men, but women actually produce testosterone as well (just as men also produce estrogen). Some benefits of testosterone in men and women include maintaining muscle mass, reducing body fat, growing healthier hair and, of course, a healthier libido.

• Cortisol
  Another important steroid hormone at work before, during and after stressful events is cortisol. Made in the adrenal glands, cortisol regulates blood sugar levels, determines immune system response and provides responses to stresses of all sorts. Unfortunately, many people have very stressful lives; this leads to an overproduction of cortisol, which can result in poor immune function, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

• DHEA
  DHEA is also made in the adrenal glands, and along with testosterone, DHEA is responsible for sexual development in men. In women, however, DHEA serves as a precursor to the estrogen, estriol. DHEA imbalance can result in male pattern baldness and increased facial and body hair in women.

• Fat cells
  While they are not endocrine glands, fat cells increase estrogen levels in men and women. Fat cells store fat-soluble toxins. This deadly cargo is released during stress. Releasing stored toxins and producing inflammatory estrogen is why excess fat is associated with certain types of cancer.

Hormone Basics
These hormones are not the whole “hormone picture.” In fact, they represent broad categories of hormones that may encompass hundreds of other hormones. Also, they interact in such a way that a relative excess in one hormone may make another hormone seem deficient even though blood tests say it is “normal.”

Estrogen, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone are examples of trophic hormones. They are made of the same substance: cholesterol. If your body is unable to convert cholesterol into these hormones you may see your blood levels of cholesterol rise. You can bring your cholesterol down and your low hormones up by helping convert cholesterol to trophic hormones.

Balancing hormones is simple, though it is not always easy: We make them, use them and get rid of (detoxify) them. This is the cycle of balanced hormones. The vast majority of people using this procedure achieve balanced hormones in just a few months.

1. Making hormones
   We make good hormones from good fats. Most doctors recommend over 1,200 milligrams of Omega-3 fats for building healthy hormones. TriVita OmegaPrime^® contains Omega-3 fats. OmegaPrime also contains Evening Primrose oil to help convert cholesterol to any of these hormones that may be low. You may find that you need higher levels of OmegaPrime every day to properly convert cholesterol into trophic hormones.

2. Using hormones
   TriVita’s Balanced Woman^® (for women) and Prostate Health Formula (for men) along with Vitamin E help direct the hormones where they need to go. Once there, Balanced Woman, Prostate Health Formula and Vitamin E help the hormones complete their work: building up the body and mind.

3. Detoxifying hormones
   Finally, the hormones must be excreted from your body to prevent them from building up to toxic levels. Balanced Woman and Prostate Health Formula nourish this detoxification process.

Conclusion
One final note: imbalanced hormones can cause uncomfortable symptoms, which creates stress. Stress all by itself creates hormone imbalances. Add the insult of a toxic world to the daily traumas, nutrient deficiencies and stresses from inside and outside our bodies and we have a recipe for disaster. The 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness replenish your reserves through nutrients and nurturing. Embrace the 10 Essentials and practice them daily for a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Take Control of Your Health For signs of hormone imbalance: Increase your rest Increase your exercise (aerobic and resistance) Increase consumption of vegetables and legumes Make hormones from healthy fats Leanology® shakes for Omega-3 OmegaPrime to convert fats to hormones Use and detoxify hormones with targeted nutrition Balanced Woman Prostate Health Formula Vitamin E

Source: TriVita Weekly Wellness Report Jun 06, 2009.

Preventive Measures That Can Improve Your Heart Health

by Dr. Brazos Minshew, TriVita Chief Science Officer

Around 700,000 people in North America die from heart attacks each year. The most common cause of heart attacks is a blood clot caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). Yet, as bad as CAD is, heart attacks from narrow arteries and blood clots are not the only conditions that cause heart disease. Many heart diseases exist and are preventable with just a little care.

Common conditions

High blood pressure
The most common cause of heart disease in North America is high blood pressure; it affects 73 million people in the U.S. alone. High blood pressure may be caused by:

• Disease in the blood vessels that cause them to narrow
• Imbalances in the kidneys, lungs and liver
• Cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle

How to help: Keys to reducing high blood pressure are found in the 10 Essentials. Some people can reduce their high blood pressure simply by practicing deep breathing. Other techniques include increasing fruits and vegetables, and increasing fiber and water while reducing sodium.

Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up inside a blood vessel of the heart. CAD affects over 16 million people in the U.S. It leads to angina pectoris – pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart muscles – and is associated with heart attack.

How to help: Coronary artery disease responds well to a low-fat, high-fiber diet of mainly fruits and vegetables. Stress reduction and daily exercise are also effective therapies in combating CAD. Almost all heart specialists recommend Omega-3 oils such as those in OmegaPrime as effective tools in combating CAD.

Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) and related forms of heart failure may affect over five million people in North America. It is strongly related to diabetes and obesity. Among the most common triggers in CHF is obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea builds up blood pressure in an attempt to get oxygen to critical tissues such as the heart and brain.

How to help: Most people with CHF respond to treatment for sleep apnea, treatment with CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10), and the other suggestions already mentioned.

Common remedies

Body weight and blood sugar control
Achieving and maintaining optimum body weight and blood sugar control are two suggestions that always top the list of remedies for all forms of heart disease. The Leanology program can help you meet those objectives. Leanology is much more than a “diet plan” – it helps you make the necessary lifestyle adjustments through nutrition and activity to help you reach and maintain a healthier weight.

Nutrients

1. OmegaPrime can help reduce the “stickiness” of blood to protect against clots and may slow down the process of plaque formation. One or two grams are enough to help protect against heart disease, but much more is needed if the heart is already diseased.
2. CoQ-10 offers significant benefits to the heart. It should be taken at bedtime to reduce the impact of sleep apnea on the heart and brain.
3. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and resveratrol (found in Super Antioxidant Complex) are also best taken at night, then again in the morning.
4. Special proteins found in garlic and other antioxidants such as bilberry (found in VisionGuard) can help improve lipids such as cholesterol while opening the tiniest blood vessels in the legs, hands, eyes, ears and brain.

In the end, many of the problems with heart disease can be protected against or even solved with the tools we have readily at hand (always follow the advice of your healthcare provider for your personal condition). What about the impact of emotions on heart health? Can the 10 Essentials assist us here as well? Next week our Wellness Report will address the connection between mental/dental health and your heart.

Take Control of Your Health

• Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week
  • More is better!
  • Both aerobic and resistance training
• Eat the appropriate number of fruits and vegetables daily
  • 5 for children
  • 7 for women
  • 9 for men
• Focus on foods that are:
  • Low fat
  • High fiber
  • Low sodium
• Use the Healthy Aging program as a foundation
  • Increase OmegaPrime if recommended
  • Add garlic for cholesterol control
  • Add antioxidants such as resveratrol for heart health
  • Add CoQ-10 with CHF or if you take statin medications
  • Add blood-vessel specific antioxidants such as VisionGuard

To find out where you can get the recommended products, visit TriVita for more information.

Source: TriVita Weekly Wellness Report, February 21, 2009.

Perilla Seed Oil Bursts With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

No wonder it’s such an important part of our OmegaPrime formulation By Brazos Minshew, Chief Science Officer What would you think of a food that could help balance your immune system, help reduce your cholesterol and improve your ability to breathe? Perilla seed oil is just such a food!

Perilla seeds have been used as a source of food and medicine for thousands of years. As interest in traditional remedies has grown in modern medicine, scientific studies have been carried out on perilla seeds as a possible remedy for allergies. This is notable because the number of people diagnosed with allergies (allergic rhinitis) has significantly increased in recent years. A person experiences an allergy attack when the tiny cells that line the sinuses burst. These are called “mast cells” and they are filled with histamines, the substances that cause allergy symptoms. Pollen and other allergens rupture these cells and release the histamines in large amounts. Anything that stabilizes these cells and keeps them from bursting gives welcome relief from allergy misery. What scientists are learning is that the oil from perilla seeds is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It not only reduces inflammation in the sinuses, but in all areas where mast cells release inflammatory histamines: the sinuses, lungs, joints, intestines and skin. So, perilla seed oil acts as an anti-inflammatory to relieve allergies, gastritis and even asthma. That’s why I put perilla seed oil in OmegaPrime: different oils reduce inflammation in different tissues. Fish oil reduces inflammation in the arteries, flax oil in the reproductive tissues, evening primrose oil in the brain and bones and perilla seed oil in the sinuses, lungs and intestines.Is there any solid research on these applications for perilla seed oil? Absolutely! Studies conducted on people with asthma showed that perilla seed reduced the inflammation in the lungs, reduced the hyperactive immune system leukotrienes in the lungs and improved lung volume. At the same time, doctors measured cholesterol levels and found that perilla seed oil reduced total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, perilla seed oil raised the levels of beneficial, protective HDL cholesterol. In the past, medications called bronchodilators were used to open the airways in asthma attacks. These medications worked pretty well in emergency situations; however, they did not stop the inflammation and they did not address the immune system’s role in allergies and asthma. Newer, stronger drugs were developed that both opened the airways and reduced airway inflammation. A milestone in medicine was achieved when a class of drugs was developed called leukotriene inhibitors. Leukotriene inhibitors were “the missing link” in allergy and asthma treatment, as well as with irritable bowel syndrome. They reduced the hyperactivity of the immune system and provided longer relief than anti-inflammatory drugs alone. Soon, however, the dark side of these medications emerged as many patients contracted serious infections from a suppressed immune system. Perilla seed oil was shown to be a remarkable leukotriene inhibitor that did not suppress the immune system! It is also a powerful antiinflammatory. Perilla stabilizes the mast cells so histamines are not released. What is more, perilla seed is showing positive results in studies against human cancer cells, irritable bowel disease and depression. All without any side effects. What a marvelous discovery! When you take TriVita OmegaPrime, you’re getting so many benefits in this physician approved formula – including the remarkable effectiveness of perilla seed oil. Source: VitaJournal December 2008 pg 11.

With Age, Or If You Take Statins, CoQ-10 Supplementation Is Absolutely Crucial

CoQ-10 helps to generate most of your body’s fuel

What exactly is CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) and why is it so important to our continued good health? CoQ-10 is the perfect marriage of vitamins, antioxidants and Omega-3 fats, and is created when all of these important nutrients combine inside every one of your millions of cells. Many experts believe that CoQ-10 is the key spark to ignite the fuel that generates most of the total energy required by your body. And those organs with the highest energy requirements — such as the heart, lungs and liver — have the highest CoQ-10 concentrations. 

Without enough CoQ-10, none of the systems in your body can function because they don’t have enough fuel to do their jot. After age 50, you are basically ‘running on empty” when it comes to your body’s production of CoQ-10. That’s why supplementation is a must for anyone in that age group. 

How can you tell if you’re lacking in CoQ-10?

In the early stages, the deficiency may start showing up as a wide variety of dental problems. If you suffer from sensitive teeth or bleeding, swollen or shrinking gums, your body is telling you that you’ve already exceeded your ability to produce CoQ-10. 

The CoQ-10 and statin connection

Several studies have confirmed that statin drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor interfere with CoQ-1O production, causing blood levels of CoQ-10 to drop. So, if you’re taking statin drugs I for a heart condition, don’t hesitate to discuss the benefits of CoQ-10 supplementation with your health- care provider. 

What’s the best CoQ-10 supplement for you?

There are many supplements on the market, but they are not all made alike, Remember: It’s not how much you ingest, but how much you absorb that counts. TriVita’s CoQ-10 is formulated to be in perfect balance for your body’s nutritional needs. 

In fact, studies show TriVita’s CoQ-l0 has up to 10 times better absorption with soft gel caps than the lower- quality dry form found on many drugstore shelves. This high absorption rate means that TriVita’s CoQ-10 goes directly to the areas where your body needs it most. 

This supplement can help save lives. It nourishes your heart and brain and provides power to your entire body, If you’re over 50, want greater stamina, have gum problems or sensitive teeth, or are taking a statin drug, you owe it to yourself to see how TriVita CoEnzyme Q-10 can make a difference.*

SUCCESS STORIES

“ … the CoEnzyme Q-10 has been a tremendous help for her.”

“My sister and I both love many of TriVita’s products, but the CoEnzyme Q-10 has been a tremendous help for her. She was having trouble with her gums and after taking the CoEnzyme Q-10, they are tighter. This in turn helps to prevent gum disease. We are both so thrilled with all of TriVita’s products. We share our experiences with everyone! Thanks, TriVita!!”

—     Diane H. Harrington, DE

 

*If you take statins, you need CoQ-10. Consult with your healthcare provider to find out whether you’re a good candidate for CoQ-10 supplementation.

 

Source: TriVita Catalog December 2008 pg 35

Maintain Your Weight Loss Goals Through The Holidays

It’s the time of the year when your healthy diet is sabotaged by holiday parties, family get-togethers and church socials – all featuring a tempting cascade of fattening goodies. This year, you don’t have to feel guilty about overindulging – TriVita’s Leanology provides you with the tools to help you control portions or resist temptation altogether.
Leanology nutritional Shakes help you feel full for hours Drink a delicious Leanology Shake for lunch, dinner, or an hour before a holiday gathering to help take the edge off your hunger and limit trips to the buffet table.
The balanced nutrition in Leanology Shakes includes: • Whole Food Complex – supplying important phytonutrients for overall health • Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids – good fats boost metabolism, helping you burn more calories and enjoy more energy • Fiber – helps improve digestion and metabolism, balances blood sugar levels and minimizes cravings
Leanology Weight Loss capsules with converta™ help suppress appetite For added appetite control, take two Leanology capsules with meals. They are the only capsules with Converta™, our proprietary blend of ingredients which actually converts stored fat into energy! Leanology Capsules target these four key areas of weight loss: • Energy and metabolism • Cortisol and anti-stress • Appetite control • Blood sugar balance use Leanology to lose weight the smart and healthy way It’s great for your regular daily weight loss plan… and it also helps keep you on track before special occasion meals. Members are finding a variety of creative ways to make their shakes even more flavorful and nutritional! Blend frozen berries, cubed pineapple or a banana into a Creamy Vanilla flavored shake. Or add a couple of tablespoons of concentrated orange juice to your usual vanilla shake recipe for a yummy creamsicle flavor. Source: VitaJournal, November 2007 pg 13.

The Truth About Alzheimer’s Disease

In recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month the follow article is an excerpt taken from November 2008 VitaJournal Pg 22. Summary Alzheimer’s Disease - Separating Myths from Facts During National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, some strategies that will help you ward off disease by Brazos Minshew, TriVita Chief Science Officer
Myth: Alzheimer’s disease is genetic; there is nothing we can do about it.Truth: AD is the accumulation of many years of damage to your brain, causing plaque to build up and nerves to tangle. There are prevention strategies that work to help reduce the damage to our brain and to reduce the chances of AD. The chances of being diagnosed with AD increase as we age. AD affects about half of people age 85 and older.
A gene defect that predisposes a person to AD is called the MTHFR defect. This gene pumps out HCY in very high amounts. What is the solution for elevated HCY? Foods and food supplements rich in B vitamins. (A published clinical trial of HCY Guard demonstrated that it reduced elevated HCY levels by 35% in just 42 days!) So, while there are definite genetic markers to help us determine our AD risk, there are also proven strategies to help us protect against the damage that may lead to AD. Reduce your risk by reducing toxic, inflammatory, brain-destroying levels of homocysteine. Myth: Only drugs are powerful enough to stop Alzheimer’s disease Truth: AD prevention depends to a large extent on the choices we make every day. According to the National Institutes of Health, the majority of AD prevention strategies rest in our own hands. o Reduce toxins, including toxic levels of HCY o Meticulously manage your blood pressure, blood sugar and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels o Increase antioxidants and nutrient-dense foods o Supplement your diet with proven nutrients for healthy aging o Reduce inflammation with Omega-3 essential fatty acids o Protect your head from injury o Stay socially engaged o Commit yourself to lifelong learning. During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, let’s use this opportunity to learn all we can about AD prevention strategies and implement them daily. To view this article in its entirety click here