Thursday, October 30, 2008

Killer Fat / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

Central weight gain is a hallmark sign of insulin resistance. Even though not everyone who develops insulin resistance will also have central weight gain, approximately 85 to 90% Her will gain a significant amount of weight around their middle. This is why physicians are beginning to take out their tape measure during an annual physical exam, instead of just weighing their patients. Central weight gain is associated with elevated blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, low HDL or good cholesterol, high total and LDL or bad cholesterol, along with an increase risk of developing clots (increased fibrinogen levels).

Another hallmark sign of central weight gain is a tremendous increase in the amount of inflammation you have in your arteries. Central fat releases a tremendous amount of inflammatory products. Your highly sensitive C - reactive protein (hsCRP), which measures inflammation in your arteries and is a very good indicator of having a higher risk of a heart attack, can rise significantly. You can see why I am so concerned when a patient who comes into my office for their annual physical and is showing signs of an expanding waist size. All you have to do is take out a tape measure and measure 1 inch below your belly button and over the top of your hips. This is the best measurement for central abdominal fat. Women should become concerned when this gets above 32 to 33 inches and men should become concerned when it gets above 36 to 37 inches.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Ingredient Glossary - Sensé

Each ingredient in every Sensé™ product has been carefully selected for its ability to nourish, protect, and enhance the health of the skin. The unique blends are designed using only the highest quality, most effective constituents available.

Aleurites moluccana oil (Kukui nut)
This carrier oil, which is readily absorbed by the skin, is extracted from the Hawaiian kukui nut tree. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, it helps to moisturise and revitalise the skin.

Allantoin
This soothing compound can help stimulate healthy, new-tissue growth and is obtained primarily from the leaves and roots of the comfrey plant.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice (Aloe)
This aloe-leaf extract is rich in amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and various mineral salts. Known for its moisture-binding effects, it is an excellent emollient that penetrates deeply to naturally balance the skin's pH.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
In the form of glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and lactic acid, these powerful ingredients are derived from various natural sources and have many benefits. They assist the exfoliation process, firm and moisturise, improve skin density and elasticity, and can help to mask fine to moderate wrinkles. Their small molecular size allows for deep penetration and can increase absorption of other topicals into the skin, including vitamins.

Anthemis nobilis extract (Chamomile)
A member of the daisy family known to have soothing and antioxidant properties, true-chamomile oil contains bisabolol as its principle component, and chamazulene, which produces its blue colour.

Aretostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract (Bearberry)
A leaf extract with cleansing and skin-brightening properties.

Avena sativa kernel flour (Oat)
This fine powder helps exfoliate the skin as it absorbs excess surface oil. Also serves as an emollient and emulsifier.

Avobenzone
An FDA-approved sunscreen. It is the most effective absorber of UVA radiation.

Beeswax
A natural thickening agent and emulsifier with emollient properties.

Bisabolol
This active constituent is found in true (German) chamomile and also in a myrrh-type resin obtained from African trees. Known for its calming properties.

Butylene Glycol
A humectant: substance that promotes the retention of moisture.

Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter)
These cold-pressed lipids, obtained from the fruit of the Karite tree, condition, smooth, and help protect the skin from moisture loss. Has excellent penetrating, re-hydrating, and moisture-binding properties.

Calendula officinalis flower extract (Marigold)
This flavonoid-rich flower extract has natural calming and purifying properties.

Camellia sinensis extract (Green Tea)
This leaf extract contains antioxidants to intercept free radicals and ward off signs of aging. It also has moisturising and soothing properties.
CarbomerPolymeric thickener, emulsifier, and suspending agent.

Centella asiatica extract (Gotu kola)
Contains saponins, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and asiaticosides--beneficial antioxidants that tighten the skin and increase elasticity. It is also a calming agent.

Ceramide 3
Biotechnologically produced, skin-identical ceramides that have been found to reduce roughness, increase water content, and protect healthy skin against irritant-induced dermatitis.

Chondrus crispus (Carrageenan)
Irish moss extract with good emollient and hydrating properties. Serves as a skin softener.

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract (Orange peel)
Obtained from the pressing of orange peels, this aromatic essential oil has cleansing qualities that leave the skin refreshed.

Cyclomethicone
A silicone oil with good emollience. It has strong moisturisation and humectant properties.

Decyl Glucoside
A cleanser made from corn-and vegetable-glycerin sugars that releases skin surface tension so impurities can easily be rinsed away.

Dicaprylyl Maleate
Derived from fatty acids. Contains an emollient agent and moisturiser to provide a smooth feel to the skin.

Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A substantive skin-conditioning agent that is rich in essential fatty acids. Helps to provide long-lasting hydration to the skin.

Echinacea purpurea extract
A popular herb derived from the purple coneflower. Known for its firming and calming properties.

Ginkgo biloba extract
This Chinese herb has been valued for centuries for its restorative qualities. Helps to maintain youthful-looking skin.

Glucosamine HCL
A strong, marine-source derivative that is free of alpha-hydroxy acids. It is both a calming skin exfoliant and skin-renewal booster. It has powerful, clinically proven abilities to improve cell renewal. It also helps firm the skin both immediately and for the long term.

Glycerin
A vegetable-based, natural water-binding humectant that is non-irritating. Used in personal-care products as a softening agent, moisturiser, and emollient.
GlycineThis amino acid is an essential element in the production of DNA and collagen. A strong moisturiser and skin-conditioning agent, it aids synthesis of nucleic and other amino acids in the skin, a quality that helps stabilize vitamin C so it remains available to the epidermis. Helps control the skin's pH balance.

Glycine soja protein (Soybean)
Rich in specific isoflavones--powerful antioxidants and skin brighteners--and saponins, which cleanse and purify the skin. Contains phytosterols that are believed to improve collagen concentration while they counter the negative affects of surfactants.
Glycolic AcidFound naturally in sugar cane and sugar beets, this highly effective AHA helps to slough dead skin cells. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
GlycoproteinsWater-binding moisturisers that improve the skin's texture.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (Licorice)
This herb has been shown to be a soothing yet powerful antioxidant and natural skin brightener.

Kaolin
A pure, delicate, white-powdered clay that absorbs oil and water. Firms the skin by removing excess oil.

Lactic Acid
A naturally occurring AHA, found in milk and honey, that is an effective exfoliant with powerful moisturising properties.

Laureth-7
An emulsifier.

Lavandula angustifolia extract (Lavender)
Contains many effective constituents to soothe and promote healthy skin.

Lotus corniculatus extract (Birdsfoot Treefoil)
The extract of this perennial yellow flower is a natural emollient and moisturiser. Can also soothe the skin.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A highly effective, water-soluble vitamin C derivative that has firming, brightening, and antioxidant properties.

Mangifera indica butter (Mango)
Mango seed butter is cold pressed from the seed of the mango tree. It is an excellent lubricator and skin moisturiser.

Melissa officinalis extract (Balm Mint)
Made from dried leaves and flowers, this extract contains essential oils know for their soothing, calming, and toning properties.

MMP Inhibitors
Reduce the activity of enzymes (MMPs) in the skin that break down the skin's extracellular matrix. They maintain a firm and elastic intercellular matrix to slow the signs of aging.

Morus alba extract (Mulberry bark)
A powerful skin brightener.

Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Used as a lubricating emollient and thickening agent. It soothes and softens the skin.

Octyl Palmitate
An emollient.

Oryzanol
A derivative of rice-bran oil, it is an antioxidant and helps maintain the skin's pH balance.

Panax ginseng extract
A perennial herb containing saponins, polysaccharides, sterols, vitamins, and minerals that have a moisturising and calming effect on the skin.

Panthenol & Pantothenic Acid
Panthenol is a pro-vitamin of the B complex, and is used as a humectant and calming agent. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble form of vitamin B5. Both help eliminate patches of dry skin and help provide fullness to the skin through their water-binding properties. They can also accelerate cell reproduction in the deeper epidermal layers.

Papain
Collected from the green fruit of the papaya tree, this enzyme has the ability to digest dead tissue without affecting the surrounding live tissue. On the skin, it dissolves dead skin cells as it softens and brightens.

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
A self-emulsifying sugar extract that acts as a mild emollient and cleanser that leaves the skin soft.

Phenoxyethanol
A preservative naturally derived from rose oil.

Photosomes
Fast acting, light-activated enzymes that revitalise and rejuvenate the skin.

Plankton extract
Photolyase is an enzyme obtained from sea plankton and is known to protect the skin from the drying effects of exposure to the sun's rays. It also has calming properties and is considered a cell revitaliser that enhances the complexion.

Polyacrylamide
A polymeric thickener.

Polyclyceryl-4 Isostearate
A rich emollient.

Polysorbate 20
An emulsifier.

Proline
An amino acid that is known for its moisturising properties, it also helps provide firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil)
An excellent, naturally derived emollient that contains many essential fatty acids to soften dry skin.

Quillaja saponaria bark extract (Soapwort)
A mild, naturally foaming substance obtained from the dried inner bark of the tree that is rich in saponins, mild cleansing agents.

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
A nourishing, non-irritating version of vitamin A that is shown to increase skin elasticity, thicken the epidermis, and normalize dry, parched skin.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract (Rosemary)

Obtained by steamed distillation of the flowering tops, this extract contains flavonoids, tannins, and other active compounds known for their purifying and toning effects. It is excellent for use in hair care.

Salicylic Acid
A lipid-soluble, beta-hydroxy acid with effective exfoliating properties. Good for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Sodium PCA
A moisture-binding and moisture-balancing element absorbed quickly into the skin.
SqualaneNaturally derived from olive oil, this ingredient provides softness while replacing necessary oils and moisturising the skin.

Stearyl Alcohol
A non-drying emollient and thickener that provides a protective barrier to the skin.

Sucrose Cocoate
A mild, high-foaming cleanser that is very gentle to the skin.

Symphytum officinale extract (Comfrey)
A root extract that is a calming emollient.

Tartaric Acid
Found in grapes and other fruits, this AHA is used as an exfoliating agent.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A highly effective, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C known for its free-radical fighting properties. It helps reverse mild wrinkles and age spots.

Tocopherol & Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
Tocopherol is the scientific name for vitamin E. Tocopherol Acetate is a lipid-soluble version of vitamin E. Natural vitamin E is used as a powerful antioxidant, especially when combined with gamma oryzanol, to soothe and moisturise the skin.

Ultrasomes
Slow acting, non-light-activated enzymes that revitalise and rejuvenate the skin.

Vitis vinifera extract (Whole Grape Extract)
This flavonoid-rich, whole-grape extract contains proanthocyanidins from the grape skin, fruit, and seeds that provide powerful oxidative defence for the skin.

Xanthan Gum
A thickener and emulsifier.

Yeast Extract
Breaks down excessive oils and stimulates the skin's immune system cells to work harder.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Never put harsh chemical preservatives on your skin again

Inspired by Dr. Myron Wentz' dedication to living a toxin-free lifestyle, Sensé scientists worked to find an alternative to parabens and other traditional chemical preservatives used in personal-care products. After nearly ten years of research, they found the answer in a unique, patent-pending formulation that keeps every Sensé product fresh without the need for added harsh chemical preservatives.

How does self-preserving technology work?
Multiple hurdles significantly limit or even eliminate microbial activity and subsequent spoiling. With self-preserving technology, the product is the preservative. The six pillars of self-preserving technology--water and pH control, dual-use of ingredients, patent-pending liquid crystal technology, and scrupulous packaging and manufacturing--are combined to become the preservative system.
  • Water availability. The amount of water in each product is bound tightly in the formula to limit availability to microorganisms.
  • pH control. The pH of each formula has been carefully adjusted to remain effective for the skin, while also prohibiting microorganisms from growing.
  • Dual-purpose use of ingredients. All of the functional ingredients of a formula combine to become part of the preservative system. No ingredients are added exclusively to preserve the product.
  • Liquid crystal technology. Unique blends of botanical extracts, plant-derived lipids, and amino-acid derivatives form "packets" that deliver ingredients to the hair and skin while also preserving the product.
  • Manufacturing. Products are manufactured in a stringently controlled clean room to ensure the safety, integrity, and purity of every Sensé product.
  • Packaging. All packages are sealed to avoid contamination by consumers after purchase.

Many companies claim to have products that are free from parabens. However, many of those products contain other formaldehyde-producing chemicals, such as Quarternium 15; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol; Diazolidinyl urea; DMDM Hydantoin; or Sodium Hydroxyglycinate. These chemicals are effective in killing anything that comes in to contact with them, so imagine what they could be doing to your skin.
Other companies claim they do not have preservatives and use minimally effective natural alternatives or simply leave their products vulnerable to contamination. These products often have a maximum shelf life of only six months and sometimes must even be kept refrigerated.
Each formula of Sensé's patent-pending, self-preserving technology has passed two rounds of vigorous "challenge testing" to ensure purity for a full two years--an unprecedented achievement in the skin-care industry.

To find out more about preservative systems, and for more in-depth information about the elements of self-preserving technology, read this scientific white paper.

Friday, October 24, 2008

USANA has successfully met all listing criteria in NSF/ANSI

USANA has successfully met all listing criteria in NSF/ANSI 173 Dietary Supplements Standard and obtained certification of its ESSENTIALS™ (MEGA ANTIOXIDANT and CHELATED MINERAL), PROFLAVANOL® 90, and HEALTHPAK 100™.

USANA also received Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Registration through NSF International’s Dietary Supplements Certification Program.
USANA has an unwavering commitment to research and development, established by the company’s founder, microbiologist and immunologist Myron Wentz, Ph.D. A world-renowned pioneer in cell-culture technology, Dr. Wentz is committed to applying a high level of scientific expertise, technical brilliance, and dedication to creating breakthrough approaches to nutritional wellness.

Founded in 1992, USANA Health Sciences is a science-based company that develops advanced nutritional, personal care, and weight management products, which are distributed in 13 international markets through network marketing. The name “USANA” derives from Greek and Latin and means “true health.”

USANA’s scientific staff includes experts on human nutrition, cellular biology, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, and clinical research. Scientific results from a variety of sources including distinguished scientific literature and cooperative clinical studies are incorporated into product development and design. Company scientists also are involved in numerous in-house clinical trials to ensure the quality and reliability of USANA products.

Still, poor manufacturing can destroy even the most scientifically advanced formulas. For this reason, USANA continues to be one of a few companies in its industry to manufacture the vast majority of its own products. By voluntarily following current cGMPs, USANA is demonstrating its continued commitment to quality. Every USANA dietary supplement product carries a potency promise that ensures what is on the label is in the product. Also, to ensure that the formulas developed in its laboratories are of the highest quality for customers, USANA has opened its manufacturing facilities to regular third-party audits.

In 2006, USANA successfully met all listing criteria in NSF/ANSI 173 Dietary Supplement Standard and received certification for its ESSENTIALS™ (MEGA ANTIOXIDANT and CHELATED MINERAL), PROFLAVANOL® 90, and HEALTHPAK 100™ product lines.

These criteria include:
Formulation review,
Facility audit,
Product testing, and
Documentation

That same year, USANA also received GMP Registration through NSF International’s Dietary Supplement Certification program after meeting all requirements included in NSF’s GMP Registration Program, which includes demonstrating compliance with current dietary supplement GMPs.

“By obtaining dietary supplement certification and GMP registration, USANA is raising the bar on quality for other manufacturers within the industry to follow,” said Kristen Holt, Senior Vice President, NSF Dietary Supplements Programs.

This product assurance has helped USANA establish partnerships to provide nutritional supplements exclusively to several professional athletic organizations including the Sony-Ericsson WTA Tour, the U.S. and Canadian Speedskating Teams, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. USANA has set the standard for excellence in dietary supplement manufacturing and affirmed its commitment to providing “Nutritionals You Can Trust.”

For more information about USANA, contact Jessica Evans at 734-913-5774 or jevans@nsf.org.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Is there any concerns of melamine contamination with USANA products?

In response to the recent concerns over melamine contamination in dairy-based products, USANA clarifies that none of USANA products contain dairy ingredients sourced from China.

In an additional step to assure our customers, USANA has had all its products that contain dairy ingredients tested by an independent laboratory. The test results confirm that melamine is not detected.

The following USANA products contain dairy-based ingredients:

Nutrimeal (Strawberry and Chocolate flavour) – Whey proteins & sodium caseinate
Nutrimeal (Vanilla flavour) – Sodium caseinate
Almond crème Fibergy – Sodium caseinate
Peach Mango Fibergy – Sodium caseinate
Peanut Butter Crunch Bar – Whey Protein, Nonfat Milk Powder
Oatmeal Raisin Bar – Whey Protein

USANA products are trusted by customers all over the world, and the company will continue to put the quality of its products as a top priority.

"Ask the Scientists" - Usana website

Monday, October 20, 2008

USANA Founder Dr. Myron Wentz Receives Albert Einstein Award

Dr. Myron Wentz, founder, chairman, and CEO of USANA Health Sciences was honored June 25 2007 at a special ceremony in Jerusalem with the Albert Einstein Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Life Sciences.

The Albert Einstein Award, given by Global Capital Associates, salutes leaders whose vision and commitment have contributed to the critical advancement of vital life-saving and life-enhancing technology to benefit mankind. Dr. Wentz received the award in recognition of his many scientific and charitable endeavors.

"I am honored and humbled to receive an award that bears the name of Albert Einstein," Dr. Wentz said. "As both an extraordinary scientist and dedicated humanitarian, he serves as a great inspiration for my life's work, helping people lead healthier lives through nutritional science."

Dr. Wentz is an internationally recognized microbiologist, immunologist and pioneer in the development of human cell culture technology and infectious disease diagnoses. In 1974 he launched Gull Laboratories, which developed groundbreaking viral diagnostic assays, including the first commercially available test for diagnosing infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Dr. Wentz sold his controlling interests in Gull Laboratories in 1992 and founded USANA Health Sciences, a state-of-the-art manufacturer of science-based nutritional supplements and personal-care products. Most recently, he founded Sanoviv Medical Institute, a holistic medical facility with full hospital accreditation located in Baja California. He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Utah.

Today Dr. Wentz is increasingly focused on his humanitarian and charitable endeavors, recently founding the Wentz Medical Centre and Laboratory in Uganda and the Wentz Medical Centre in Cambodia to serve children in those countries orphaned by diseases such as malaria and HIV. Dr. Wentz was a recipient of the Children's Champion Award by Children's Hunger Fund, for which he travels worldwide as a medical missionary.

While Dr. Wentz' primary focus is on health and disease prevention, his love for music and appreciation for his undergraduate alma mater led him to contribute generously to the construction of the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center at North Central College in Naperville, Ill.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Lowering Homocysteine Levels / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

Most people seem to know their cholesterol level; however, they rarely know their homocysteine levels. Physicians just do not order this test routinely. The homocysteine level should be below 7, and higher levels cause greater risks of developing cardiovascular disease. Even though physicians may tell you that a homocysteine level of 12 or lower is fine, I would encourage you to try to get this level below 7. First, I would recommend taking 1,000 mcg of folic acid, 50 to 150 mg of vitamin B12, and 25 to 50 mg of vitamin B6. If you are one of those individuals who does not totally respond to B vitamins, you can consider adding Betaine (Trimethylglycine or TMG) to reduce your homocysteine levels. I recommend starting with 1 gram daily and building up to as much as 5 to 6 grams if necessary to get your homocysteine level down below 7, or at least below 8.

There have now been over 50 clinical trials that have shown that those individuals who have elevated homocysteine levels are not only at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease but also Alzheimer’s dementia and various cancers. Yet, there have not been any good studies showing that lowering your homocysteine levels actually decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke. My personal feeling is that they do not lower the homocysteine level enough and that there is very little difference between the control subjects and the treated group. Since we know that elevated homocysteine levels are definitely a risk factor for patients, wouldn’t it be best to lower their homocysteine levels to the safe range?

If you would like to know your homocysteine level and your doctor will not order it, members of my “Online Medical Practice” located at http://www.drraystrand.com/ can order this blood test in the US through my web site.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Fatty Meals Cause Inflammation of Your Arteries / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

Studies have shown that when you eat a meal including an Egg McMuffin, potato cakes, and a side of sausage, your arteries literally go into spasm for about 4 to 5 hours. A meal that contains a lot of saturated and trans fats causes a significant inflammation of the fine lining of your arteries. This inflammation literally leads to spasm of your arteries. These studies were done with the use of ultrasound checking the radial artery or the artery in the wrist.

How does a fatty meal like this actually cause inflammation of your arteries? When you eat a meal loaded with what I refer to as "bad" fat, the amount of fat in your blood stream goes up significantly and this causes an excessive release of free radicals. The free radicals irritate the fine lining of your arteries and cause an inflammatory response and spasm. Researchers realized this when they would give their participants vitamin C and vitamin E in supplementation and then have them eat a fatty meal. Their arteries would only go into spasm for 4 to 5 minutes. The antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E) were able to quench the free radicals before they could cause any irritation to the lining of your arteries.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Should I be Taking a Statin Drug to Lower my Cholesterol? / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

About 2 years ago, a panel of 11 cardiologists met (as reported in USA Today) to lower the recommended level of LDL cholesterol from 130 to 100. Obviously, the pharmaceutical industry was ecstatic with these new recommendations. However, it should not have come as a surprise to them, since 10 of the 11 cardiologists were on the payroll of one of the pharmaceutical companies. The problem with this recommendation is that nearly 98% of the population in the US and Canada has an LDL cholesterol level greater than 100. These recommendations would mean that nearly the entire population should take statin drugs. The New York Times reported that maybe statin drugs should be placed in our drinking water.

Several clinical trials show that individuals who are at risk of developing heart disease can decrease this risk by taking statin drugs. The problem is that researchers are not really sure if it is the lowering of cholesterol that lowers the risk or if it is the anti-inflammatory properties of the statin drugs. I believe that it is probably a combination of both of these effects. If you lower LDL cholesterol, there is just less that is available to become oxidized. Just like aspirin has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its anti-inflammatory qualities (it all starts to make sense doesn't it), the statin drugs do the same. However, I have always believed that we should use drugs as a last resort and not a first choice. Statin drugs are truly over prescribed.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Oxidized or Modified LDL Cholesterol / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

Native or natural LDL cholesterol is not a concern when it comes to heart disease. It acts as a transport vehicle of cholesterol. However, when this LDL cholesterol becomes modified or oxidized by excessive free radicals, it causes a tremendous amount of inflammation of our arteries. Fat soluble antioxidants like vitamin E, beta carotene, and alpha lipoic acid have the ability to incorporate themselves within the wall of the LDL cholesterol and offer protection against this oxidative process. The medical literature shows that the higher the level of antioxidants within the wall of the LDL cholesterol, the more it is able to resist this damage by excessive free radicals.

Dr. Daniel Steinberg reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1989 that if enough antioxidants were on board, LDL cholesterol levels would not be a concern.

The problem is that physicians are not able to measure "Oxidized" LDL cholesterol levels in the lab. This is primarily research done in clinical trials. Physicians just measure total LDL cholesterol. This is why I believe it is so important to supplement all of these antioxidants and their supporting nutrients at optimal levels (cellular nutrition) to best protect your LDL cholesterol and decrease inflammation of your arteries.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Sunday, October 12, 2008

What Causes Inflammation of Our Arteries? / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

The first question people should ask themselves is "What actually causes inflammation of my arteries?" If heart disease and aging of my arteries are results of low-grade inflammation over a prolonged period of time, then it would make logical sense to try to avoid those things that cause that inflammation.
  • Dr. Ross listed several different causes of inflammation of our arteries in his review article found in the New England Journal of Medicine:
    "Oxidized" or "Modified" LDL cholesterol-NOT native LDL cholesterol
  • Excessive free radicals created by high blood pressure, diabetes, central obesity, elevated or rapidly rising blood sugars, and from a fatty meal.

  • Elevated homocysteine levels (this is a byproduct of protein metabolism that is primarily the result of vitamin B deficiency).

  • Elevated levels of insulin due to insulin resistance.
When I treat a patient who has suffered a heart attack or has had coronary by-pass surgery, my goal is to eliminate all the causes of inflammation. The next several "Health Nuggets" will discuss this health concept.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Friday, October 10, 2008

USANA Sponsored Olympic Gold medallist Steve Hooker, talks about winning gold at Beijing 2008














Hills Shire Times, September 23, 2008.

Readership of 89,000

To view the full article click here:

"Still Falling to Earth".

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Heart Disease-an Inflammatory Disease / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

Dr. R. Ross wrote a review article in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1999 titled "Atherosclerosis: An Inflammatory Disease." Atherosclerosis is simply hardening of the arteries. This leads to heart attacks and strokes. He states in this article that heart disease is not caused by too much cholesterol in your blood stream, but, instead, is the result of a prolonged, low-grade inflammation of your arteries. In fact, over 50% of the patients suffering from a heart attack actually have normal cholesterol levels. We have been told for nearly a generation that the problem is really just cholesterol. Certainly, this is what the pharmaceutical industry hopes you believe. The medical literature clearly indicates that heart disease is NOT a disease of cholesterol.

There are over 1.5 million heart attacks and over 750,000 deaths due to heart attacks in the US each year. Heart disease remains the number one killer in the US and the industrialized world, even though we are spending billions of dollars each year on cholesterol-lowering drugs. While there are several studies that prove taking statin drugs can lower your risk of having a heart attack, researchers are not sure whether this is the result of lower cholesterol levels or the anti-inflammatory properties of the statin

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

Monday, October 6, 2008

Recipe of the Month

Roast sweet potato, green beans and avocado salad - with honey soy dressing & toasted almonds

Ingredients
2 large sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2.5cm cubes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly-ground black pepper
200g green beans, topped
100g baby English spinach leaves
2 avocados, cut into 2.5cm cubes (or replace with roast eggplant for a lower fat alternative)Sprinkle of flaked almonds or chopped macadamias, toasted

Dressing
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup olive oil or OptOmega

Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Place the sweet potato, cumin and olive oil on the tray and toss to coat. Roast sweet potato in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing occasionally, until cooked through and coloured on the edges. Place in a large serving bowl.

Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil over high heat. Blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes or until bright green in colour. Drain and refresh in iced water. Place in the serving bowl. Add the spinach, avocado, almonds or macadamias and dressing to the serving bowl and toss to combine.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

What is GI or the Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index (GI) is a way of measuring the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and appear in the blood as simple sugars. In high GI foods the sugars enter the blood stream very quickly, providing quick energy, but it is short lived. We are now beginning to understand that this blood sugar “spiking” has many detrimental effects on our health over the long term.

Low GI foods provide greater satiety and sustained energy. By virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, low GI foods can help control appetite and delay hunger


Benefits of a low GI diet


• Help to control weight


• Increase the body's sensitivity to insulin


• Reduce blood cholesterol levels


• Reduce cardiovascular disease risk


• Reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer


• Prolong physical endurance


The Glycemic Index concept


Glycemic Index (GI) is used to rank foods based on their immediate effect on blood sugar level on a scale of 0-100


Glycemic Index range:


• Low GI = 55 or less


• Medium GI = 56 – 69


• High GI = 70 or more


Low GI carbohydrates are digested and absorbed more slowly thereby having a lesser impact on blood glucose levels.


Thursday, October 2, 2008

Synergy / Ray D. Strand, M.D.

It has always been amazing to me that the overwhelming majority of studies that just look at one nutrient alone show a definite health benefit. The reason that this is so amazing is that nutrients are not drugs. They really work together in a synergistic fashion. For example, vitamin C can actually regenerate vitamin E so that it can be used over and over again. Alpha lipoic acid, another potent antioxidant, not only regenerates vitamin E, but also glutathione, which is that very potent intracellular antioxidant. As I stated earlier, these antioxidants also need the so-called antioxidant minerals like selenium, magnesium, zinc, and copper to do their jobs. In addition, they also need optimal levels of the B-cofactors in their enzymatic reactions to be effective.

When you provide all of these nutrients at these optimal levels in supplementation, you create synergy. In other words, one plus one is not two, but instead, eight or ten. Remember, it is all about balance. You want to have enough antioxidants on board to handle the number of free radicals produced. The ideal way to best protect your health as you create synergy is to take an antioxidant and mineral tablet which is complete and balanced and also meets the pharmaceutical-grade and USP standards.

RAY D. STRAND, M.D.
Specialist in Nutritional Medicine