All people can benefit from superfoods!   A superfood contains every nutrient the body requires for optimal health and can help support most bodily functions, boost energy levels, increase stamina, endurance, and recovery time from physical activity.  They also provide phytochemicals and antioxidants that science has proven help prevent many degenerative diseases.

Superfoods are found in the first link of the food chain, such as plankton which is made purely from sunlight and water, and grasses which are made from soil and sunlight. Since they are so nutrient dense, very little is required to achieve significant nutritional benefit.

You can read more about these nutrient dense foods in our article The Benefits of Superfoods.

Detoxify with Superfoods       

One of the great benefits we can get from superfoods is detoxification.   Detoxification is a process in which potentially harmful compounds are excreted.  Superfoods help us detox by eliminating toxins, such as heavy metals, which can weaken our tissues and lead to disease over time.  

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and algae that is said to be a good detoxifier.    Historically, chlorophyll has been used to help improve many different conditions and symptoms.  For example, constipation, bad breath, and skin problems, just to name a few.

Dietary sources of chlorophyll include: 

• LifeSource SuperSprouts
• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Wheat grass
• Barley grass
• Spirulina
• Chlorella
• Algae

Those who do not consume a variety of green foods in plentiful quantities may lack chlorophyll in their diets.  Therefore, taking a high quality sprouted grain and green food supplement that contains chlorophyll, can help you get this important nutrient, as well as others, into your diet or cleansing program.

Introducing LifeSource SuperSprouts

LifeSource SuperSprouts is created from 100% organic sprouts and the highest quality SuperFoods. These grains are in a SuperFood base of soft cell Chlorella, Organic Spirulina, Wildcrafted Hydrilla, Organic Barley Juice Concentrate 40:1, Phasophyta green kelp, Rhodophyta Red kelp, Monatomic mineral complex, and Stevia.

The organic sprout complex consists of Amaranth, Spelt, Broccoli, and Millet. Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of sulphoraphane, a natural chemical researched at John Hopkins University for its ability to promote normal cellular functions. “Three day old broccoli sprouts consistently contain 20 to 50 times the protective compounds as found in mature broccoli, and may offer a simple dietary means of reducing health risks.” Paul Talalay, MD., JJ Abel Distinguished Service Professor, John Hopkins University.

LifeSource SuperSprouts can help:

• Increase energy levels
• Improve mental clarity and alertness
• Increase stamina and focus in rugged competition
• Reduce recovery time from physical activity

The sprouts in this formula are freeze dried so that their temperature sensitive constituents are maintained to the highest possible degree. They also provide easily assimilated organic vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

Why Choose LifeSource SuperSprouts Over Other Products?

LifeSource SuperSprouts Dietary Supplement is created from 100% organic sprouts and the highest quality SuperFoods. It is formulated together through a special process that harmonizes the subtle energy fields of each ingredient.

This product is perfect for weight management and whenever extra energy is required. Nourish your body, feed your mind, and evolve your spirit with LifeSource SuperSprouts. 100% Vegetarian. 

Other reasons to choose LifeSource SuperSprouts:

• Quality Ingredients – The world’s finest ingredients are carefully selected and blended with one consideration – to achieve the highest nutritional benefits by maximizing natural life force energy.

• Harmonically Balanced – Ordinary superfood formulas are based on chemical profiles of each individual ingredient. Our special formulation is the result of observing harmonic patterns and frequencies produced as we combine nature’s most nutritionally complete foods. Each ingredient is monitored until it naturally reaches its highest level of synergy and balance within the formula. Each and every batch of LifeSource is manufactured to meet these high quality specifications.

• Great Taste – No other product tastes as great as our naturally energized, highly nutritious superfood complex, LifeSource. It is a delicious, potent blast of nutrition and energy.

• LifeSource is for Everyone – LifeSource is designed for all who desire a healthier life; career professionals, athletes, pregnant and nursing women, students, people recovering from illness or surgery.

Good news chocoholics, it turns out that this tasty little treat is good for your heart.  According to an Italian study, dark chocolate has the potential to significantly reduce the inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease.  

“Studies have shown that heart benefits from dark chocolate include increased blood flow, less platelet stickiness and clotting, and improved LDL (bad) cholesterol,” says Mary Engler, PhD, RN, and chocolate researcher from the University of California, San Francisco. 

Mary claims eating a small 1.6 ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you after the longest clinical trial to date showed improvement in blood vessel function from consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolate daily over an extended period of time.  What chocolate lover would argue with that science?

A Japanese study suggests that dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the heart muscle.  This is a very important finding since improvement in coronary blood flow lessens the risk of angina and heart attack, claims Yumi Shiina, PhD, of Chiba University in Chiba, Japan. 

The researchers measured an indicator that determines the ability of the coronary arteries to dilate and allow more blood flow to the heart muscle tissue.  After two weeks, coronary circulation significantly improved in participants who ate dark chocolate.  There was no change in participants who ate white chocolate. 

Dark chocolate retains a higher flavonoid content than milk chocolate with low flavonoids, or white chocolate, which does not contain flavonoids at all.  Flavonoids are antioxidants, and have been found to be responsible for chocolates heart health benefits.  When the body lacks adequate levels of antioxidants, free radical damage can result and lead to increased LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls. 

Additional antioxidant capabilities from flavonoids also:

• Are believed to help reduce platelet aggregation
• May affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels
• May positively affect the balance of certain compounds that are thought to benefit the heart

There are factors to consider when consuming chocolate to help benefit the heart, as some forms of chocolate are more ideal over others.  For example, most commercial chocolates have been over processed via fermentation, alkalizing, and roasting, which reduces the flavonoid content. Therefore, the higher the cocoa content, the better.  It is also a good idea to skip sugar and fat laden dark chocolate products containing chewy caramel and marshmallows, as they are not considered heart-healthy options.  

John Hopkins Medicine states, “when choosing dark chocolates, opt for the more expensive ones, as they usually have higher levels of flavonoids. Specifically, buy bittersweet chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa content.”

At this point in time there are no prescriptions for chocolate, but there are varying thoughts as to how much dark chocolate one may need to eat in order to gain heart protective benefits.  For example, two studies have shown that a 1.4 to 1.6 ounce dark chocolate bar with a high cocoa content daily has contributed to cardiovascular health. 

“Eating a little bit of chocolate or having a drink of hot cocoa as part of a regular diet is probably good for personal health, so long as people don’t eat too much of it, and too much of the kind with lots of butter and sugar,” says Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D., a professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.  It is important to remember while a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better, as chocolate is still high in calories.  

When choosing a chocolate product find those with:

• Less calories
• Less Sugar
• Less butter fat
• More cocoa content

Chocolate addicts offer sweet heart lesson

Cocoa in Chocolate May Be Good for the Heart

Chocolate “Offenders” Teach Science A Sweet Lesson

Ketsumeisei is a proprietary Chinese herbal formula that affects the entire body.  It has been found to help maintain stabilized blood sugar and improve insulin resistance by helping to lower free fatty acid in the body, according to clinical studies.

Insulin resistance and free fatty acid have been identified as being contributing factors to the onset of diabetes. Our rapidly changing modern lifestyle has also resulted in a sharp increase in the incidence of Type II diabetes mellitus, which is now a major problem for society.

What is Ketsumeisei?

Ketsumeisei contains Sicklepod Senna, Chinese Wild Yam, Safflower, Astragalus Root, Cape Jasmine Fruit, Kudzu Vine Root, Chinese Licorice, Chinese Ginseng.  Clinical studies have shown that this combination of herbs can be taken to help with metabolic and microcirculatory disturbances like those associated with Type II diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.

Ketsumeisei is indicated for the maintenance of normalized blood sugar levels and insulin resistance disorders, such as:

• Obesity
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Hypertension
• Arteriosclerosis
• Arteriosclerotic diseases

Diabetes mellitus has become increasingly prevalent, so much so that it is, in fact, currently referred to as a “national affliction.”  Type II diabetes, which accounts for about 95% of diabetes mellitus, results from insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance (in which insulin cannot be used effectively). 

Additionally, genetic factors are involved in its etiology, but stress, overeating, lack of exercise, and other modern lifestyle habits also play a large role.  These predisposing factors promote the formation of the “diabetic constitution,” which is characterized by metabolic and circulatory disorders.

Results

In one study, 60% of diabetics taking Ketsumeisei experienced decreased glucose within 2 months. Nearly 100% of diabetics experienced improvement of subjective symptoms during the same time period.

Treatments for diabetics has always included lowering and controlling the patient’s blood sugar levels, yet this approach often fails to stop further complications and may cause serious side effects, especially, when the patient is taking several drugs. Ketsumeisei offers a way to improve symptoms to help prevent more damage.

Clinical studies have shown that in Type II diabetic patients, Ketsumeisei can clearly:

• Help improve metabolism
• Help lower blood pressure
• Help increase ATP (energy of the cells)
• Help decrease or maintain glucose levels
• Help decrease free fatty acid, which may contribute to insulin resistance

Read more about Ketsumeisei here

Over the past 2 decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the scientific study and public interest in omega-3 fatty acids and the positive impact they may have on our health. These special omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-thrombotic properties.Omega 3’s can be helpful for conditions such as arthritis by reducing stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain.  They can also help support a healthy cardiovascular system by thinning the blood, dilating blood vessels, and supporting healthy blood pressure.  

Read Our Article

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Balancing the Good Fats

Essential Fatty Acid Basics

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered “essential” because they cannot be manufactured within the body.  Therefore, they must be obtained from food sources, such as fish, plant, and nut oils.  We need them for our bodies to work normally. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from food.

Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency includes:

• Extreme tiredness
• Poor memory
• Dry skin
• Heart problems
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Poor circulation

Omega-3s have a number of reported health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation throughout the body — in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. Omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) also seem to thin the blood and aid cell function.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the two most crucial ones EPA and DHA — are primarily found in certain fish. Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body.  Experts say that DHA and EPA — from fish and fish oil — have better established health benefits than ALA. DHA and EPA are found togetheronly in fatty fish and algae; while flaxseed and plant sources of omega-3s provide ALA — a precursor to EPA and DHA, and a source of energy.

Additionally, EPA and DHA are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting, and cell growth.  Furthermore, extensive research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids help reduce risk factors associated with chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.

Source:  WebMD

Omega 3’s and Cardiovascular Health

Evidence is steadily accumulating indicating that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.  In fact, the Nurses’ health study and the Physician’s health study are two large, long-term observational studies that have been published regarding dietary intake omega-3-fatty acids and the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death:

Nurses’ Health Study -  This study began in 1976.   More than 80,000 female nurses completed life style and diet questionnaires.  Then, they were monitored for 16 years for the development of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acid consumption was calculated from the questionnaires. The results of the study showed that compared to women who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month), women who ate fish once a week had a 29% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Those who ate fish five times a week had a 34% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and a 45% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease (usually sudden cardiac death). 1

Physicians Health Study – The Physician’s health study began in 1982 when more than 20,000 healthy male physicians were followed for 11 years. Life style, coronary risk factors and diet data were collected at entry, and life style and diet data were collected via questionnaires at 12 months and 18 months. The results of the study showed that men who consumed one or more fish meals per week had a 50% lower risk of developing sudden cardiac death than men who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month). 2

According to WebMD, “Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease.  Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take omega-3 supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack.  Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke.”

Omega 3’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmunedisease, characterized by inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other organs of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs and heart.

Omega 3’s have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, thereby, offering relief to those who suffer from inflammatory joint conditions. 

The majority of clinical studies that have investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused primarily on rheumatoid arthritis. These studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements help reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.  Additionally, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis. 3, 4

The Physician’s Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements suggests that a “daily ingestion of at least 3 grams of EPA and DHA mixtures of a period of 12 weeks or longer has been found to reduce the number of tender joints and amount of morning stiffness in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.  Those with rheumatoid arthritis consuming these supplements have been report to lower or discontinue use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.”

Further Reading

Diet, atherosclerosis, and fish oil.

N-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Effects on plasma lipoproteins and hypertriglyceridemic patients.

Low levels of cellular omega-3 increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation during the acute ischaemic phase of a myocardial infarction.

Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis: an overview.

A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain.

Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis.

References

1.  JAMA vol 287. No.14, p 1815. “Fish and omega-3-fatty acid intake and risk of coronary heart disease in women”.

2.  JAMA 1998, vol 279, p23. The title of the article is “Fish consumption and risk of sudden cardiac death”.

3.  MacLean CH, Mojica WA, Morton SC, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and glycemic control in type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2004(89):1-4. 

4. Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007;129(1-2):210-223.

Join us for this FREE Webinar series and take charge of your health
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Energetic Nutrition is pleased to sponsor Webinars and eLectures by Kirk Hamilton PA-C. Kirk is the host of Staying Healthy Today Radio and a practicing physicians assistant in nutrition and integrative medicine for more than 25 years. He is the author of the book “Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane: How To Be and Stay Well In The Busy, Modern World” available in early 2010.

Kirk is the originator of the TRIAD Wellness Program highlighting his “9 Simple Steps To Optimal Health” with diet, exercise and mind-body practices. He has interviewed more than 1,000 expert researchers and physicians from around the world since 1995 and has been educating health professionals with newsletters, interviews and nutrition research databases since 1989. His website is www.Prescription2000.com.

Join us for one or more of these important and informative webinars sponsored by Energetic Nutrition. All webinars include a talk with slideshow, followed by a Question and Answer session, and are approximately 1 hour long. 

Kirk Hamilton, PA-C provides educational handouts he uses daily with patients to make the “9 Simple Steps To Optimal Health” real and practical. This is a “how to” hour of practical habits that lead to wellness. 
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 Kirk Hamilton, PA-C discusses adult onset diabetes, a silent killer leading to heart disease, hypertension, vision loss, and more. An aggressive diet and exercise program, the “carbohydrate myth,” the concept of ‘intramyocellular” lipid accumulation (fat in the cell), and healthy mitochondria are discussed. 
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Kirk Hamilton, PA-C speaks frankly about the U.S. obesity crisis. This talk will emphasize the concepts of low calorically dense and high nutrient dense diets in the context of changing basic individual metabolic energy expenditure through diet and exercise. A review of why healthy aging populations stay lean, and their simple, time-tested secrets are revealed. 
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Kirk Hamilton, PA-C shares how heart disease can be prevented and reversed by the application of strict diet, exercise and stress management practices. Credible and proven physician directed programs will be discussed along with important and simple cardiovascular screening tests that can be done at any physician’s office to show progress and disease risk.  
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Kirk Hamilton, PA-C reveals what healthy centenarians from around the world have to tell us about living long and living well in the 21st century. How do these successful aging populations from around the world live functionally into their 90s and 100’s? What are the common diet, exercise, lifestyle, social and spiritual threads that connect these different populations from around the world and prevent and delay the chronic diseases plaguing modern societies?
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 Kirk Hamilton, PA-C (Physicians Assistant Certified) graduated from the University of California, Davis Physicians Assistant Program through their Department of Family Practice in 1983.

Since 1986 he has been a practicing Physicians Assistant at Health Associates Medical Group in Sacramento, California, a nutrient oriented general practice. Kirk has worked in a variety of practice specialties including: Family Practice, Nutrition, Prevention, Cardiology, Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, Allergy, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.

He speaks on a wide variety of health topics with a focus on disease prevention and treatment. Mr. Hamilton specializes not only in disease prevention but treatment with tailored nutritional therapy. This includes the biochemical assessment and therapeutic use of nutraceuticals including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and compounds innate to normal human biochemistry as less invasive approaches to disease treatment and prevention.

 According to the American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association, “1 in 3 adults in the United States have HBP. HBP itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, it can damage the: 

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Other parts of your body.” ¹

 There are many factors that can have an impact on one’s blood pressure.  For example:                          

• Age
• Genetics
• Being overweight
• General Health
• Emotional State
• Activity Level 

High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since more often than not, there are no associated symptoms.  Therefore, it is essential that you have yours checked periodically before symptoms do arise.  Fortunately, this condition is easy to detect if you are having regular check ups.  If you do not go to the doctor regularly, then you can find blood pressure machines at most pharmacies and drug stores.  

Blood Pressure Readings

It is important to be aware of your blood pressure numbers.  If they are too high for a prolonged period of time you may be headed for further complications, such as a stroke or a variety of other health problems. Low blood pressure may indicate other medical conditions and should be evaluated.  As you may know, there are two sets of numbers that represent your blood pressure.  The systolic pressure is always mentioned first, then the diastolic.  The reading is then expressed as 120 over 80, for example.²

In general, more attention is given to the top number (the systolic blood pressure) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In the majority of people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term build-up of plaque, and along with cardiac and vascular disease.

• Systolic –  The higher (top) number that represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
• Diastolic – The lower (bottom) number representing the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.  

 After your blood pressure has been taken, be sure to get the numbers and if you are not sure what they represent, write them down and have your doctor explain them to you.  You can also ask your doctor what level your blood pressure should be at for you personally.   

Reducing High Blood Pressure Naturally

Depending on the cause, high blood pressure can be reduced in a number of ways.  For example, if it is due to high salt intake, then reducing salt in the diet can be helpful.  Those who are sedentary may benefit from some form of activity.  If being overweight is the cause, then losing some pounds would most likely help to reduce high blood pressure.  Reducing stress can also be beneficial. 

Furthermore, if this condition is caused by excess fibrin (protein buildup) in the kidneys, hardening of the arteries (due to plaque), or vascular inflammation, then systemic enzyme therapy can be used to help remove the excess fibrin, arterial plaque, and inflammation. 

 VitalzymSEB is a natural dietary supplement that contains proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes, such as along with the nattokinase enzyme and other “heart healthy” nutrients to create an enzyme formulation specifically for cardiovascular wellness. 

Further Reading

Inflammation in high blood pressure: a clinician perspective

Related American Heart Association (AHA) publications:

What Is High Blood Pressure?

How Can I Reduce High Blood Pressure?

 Why Should I Limit Sodium?

Heart and Stroke Facts 

References

 1.  The American Heart, Blood, and Lung Association

2.  The American Heart Association