Common Cold and Flu revisited

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

 

Due to the strong and extremely cold winter in WI, I have been questioned almost daily by my patients to differentiate cold from flu. As a specialist in microbiology and virology I am completely sure that there are lots of people who also question themselves on what is common and what is different between Common Cold (CC) and Flu. Finally, they became inseparable like "twins". Thus we need to know their differences, in order to know how to help healing ourselves.   

  
 

Understanding Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD  

Definition: An UTI is a bacterial infection (caused by the bacteria E. coli in 85-90% of the cases that affects the inside lining tissue of the urinary system (or tract). This system includes the kidneys, which form urine from liquid waste in the blood: two narrow ureters, tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the muscular bladder, which stores it; and a single urethra, the final common path from the bladder to the outside world. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the second most common type of infection after the pulmonary infections. It is also one of the most common bacterial diseases in North America.

  
 

Inflammation at the root of the most modern diseases 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

Inflammation is the normal response of the body to injury and infection and a major component of healing. The redness, warmth, swelling, and pain that characterize inflammatory reactions are all evidence that the immune, circulatory, and hormonal systems are actively working to boost the efficiency of the body's defenses and speed the repair of damaged tissue. Inflammation creates illness when it continues beyond its normal limits or serves no purpose. It is often an unwelcome feature of autoimmunity, for example, and a major component of muscle-skeletal disease. Medical doctors treat inflammation with anti-inflammatory drugs, which can injure the stomach, and with corticosteroids, which can suppress the immune system. There are multiple natural alternatives also.

  
 

The bacteria in the intestines operate as little body-friendly ecosystem. Too few or too much of  particular even residential species can produce excessive digestive disturbances, fermentation, bloating, pain, etc, named with the general medical term- "DYSBIOSIS".

  
 

How to keep your memory alert?

Annie Sawyer, PhD 

Many people take extremely deeply the loss of a loved one. Recently I had a question from a patient of mine who lost her mom, what provoke me to write on the type of connection between mental state and physical health. We all know how important the mental state is. People who have a positive outlook on life, who engage in positive thinking, and are always cheerful have higher degrees of different immunoglobulin’s (mainly the Ig A and G). It is a sad fact of life that as we age, our memory and cognitive processes change and slowly but surely deteriorate. Overall cognitive and mental functioning is a very important and vital sign for a graceful ageing.  Perhaps the single and most defining characteristic of us as human beings is the manner in which our brains function. Our memory and the way in which we process information are what differentiate us, from the other living organisms.

  
 

  
 

The Entropy of Aging

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

 

As we live in the 21^st century, aging is likely to emerge as a leading issue for the contemporary generation of modern scientists. With the advance of the medical technology and of the medicine, the group of the very old adults is increasing significantly. According to Walker's proper statement " Aging is associated with a decline in hormones and an increase in free radicals, glycation, and methylation that begins relatively early in life. Perturbations in growth hormone homeostasis occur first and can be detected clinically during the early thirties. This change initiates a progressive cascade of general endocrine decline with each passing decade. Not coincidentally, there is a massive oxidative shift in the human plasma thiol/disulfate Redox state between the 3d and 10th decades of life."

  
 

The Enigma behind the Adolescent Ages

Annie Sawyer, PhD

Adolescence is one of the most dramatic and challenging periods in one’s life span. It represents the stage of rapid growth and gradual transition (biological, cognitive, psychological and behavioral) from a childhood to adulthood. In general that is a period, during which a growth spurt proceeds in distal-proximal direction, weight increases, hormones are secreted and puberty starts, primary and secondary sexual characteristics appear, and fertility is achieved, many mental and psychological changes start to take place. That is the stage of growth and development that occurs from age 11 to 21- a period which is marked by profound changes that take place before the child reaches adulthood.

  
 

Rheumathoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis

Greg Sawyer, D.C.

 

Osteoarthritis appears in 2 main forms: Primary and Secondary one.

                Primary OA:   

·         The most common form                                       

·         A slow and progressive condition

·         Starts after the age of 45

·         Affects the most weight-bearing joints-knees and hips, lower back, neck, large toe and fingers joints

·         The exact cause is not known yet

  
 

Anxiety and Panic disorder

Annie Sawyer, PhD 

 

Most people suffer from anxiety at some stage of their lives. Anxiety is usually a relatively natural response to a situation which appears threatening or one to which we are not accustomed. So, for example, people are sometimes quite naturally anxious about passing tests, going for job interviews, or even speaking in public. They may experience 'butterflies' in their stomachs, sweaty palms, restlessness, insomnia, or even slight dizziness. This usually goes away after the actual event has passed or once they have become used to it. The person who is terrified of their first public speech may become so accustomed to public speaking after awhile that she doesn't give it a second thought.

  
 

Establishing one’s niche in society

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

That is the initial step of the Settling Down period, when we dig, and build a nest in pursuing our dreams and patterns. We all require and crave stability and security in our life that gives us pride in knowing who we really are, while fighting for a place (niche) in the society. It is a period when we fight to establish a new structure, a new niche in the society, in terms of competence. That is a period when we make firm choices, build or rebuild a new structure, while the others become more secondary, the one’s stability and security has the main place and role. We grow from the “junior” to a “senior” membership club, while trying to consolidate our achievements. With other words the age of 30s represents the final entry into full adulthood with all the stability and security, and the advancement of it that produces the final fruits of this era.

  
 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Annie Sawyer, Ph.D.

The most common complaint I encountered in my practice was the so called CFS or patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Half of them were already treated for depression and half of them were told- they were anemic. One of the blood tests your doctor may perform if you have CFS is to measure your hemoglobin and red blood cells by means of a simple blood test. 

  
 

Balancing Pitta Dosha (Ayurvedic Medicine)

Annie Sawyer, PhD

 

In balancing Pitta Dosha I am using the Ayurvedic principle of the opposites for reducing the level of Pitta dosha that can become aggravated. Since the characteristics of Pitta include sharpness, heat, and acidity, qualities that are opposite to these in diet and lifestyle help restore balance to Pitta dosha.

  
 

Understanding the Mind/Body Model

 

Annie Sawyer, PhD

 

According to the Mind/Body model of health/ illness there are multitude of factors as: Psychosocial factors, PsuchoNeuroImmunological factors, Biopsychosocial Factors, Genetics and Inheritance, Health habits and Life style, Emotional state, Amount of social support and Environment. The power of belief- the mind/body model emphasizes that beliefs influence health and well- being. For example our beliefs affect how we do comply with medical treatment- if we do not belief in the treatment, there is a strong possibility that we will not be influenced positively.

  
 

Meditation is one of the techniques for eliciting the relaxation response. It is natural and familiar process of focusing our mind on an object or activity. We turn the attention inward, concentrating on a repetitive focus such as breathing or a word or a prayer. Our mind and body begin to calm down in the state of physiological and mental rest. During the process there are general guidelines that should be known and followed: 2 basic components are involved: 1/ A passive attitude towards distracting thoughts and 2/ A mental focusing device, such as watching once breath, while repeating a word or phrase, using repetitive muscular activity to help shift once mind away of daily thoughts or worries. 

 

  
 

Dietary Guidelines

Greg Sawyer, DC

Dietary Guidelines according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services in 1980. The above guidelines are for healthy people to promote health and to prevent disease.

  
 

11 Wellness Essentials

Greg Sawyer, DC

1. Learn to manage stress and do not let the stress to manage you.

2. Educate yourself to relax and to elicit relaxation response.

3. Develop an active lifestyle that includes a variety of activities.

  
 

During the winter blues we are seriously or midly depressed due to missing daylight stimulation to our pineal gland and to significantly low production of melatonin. However, low vitamin D levels are also another other reason that is affecting our mood causing depression and SAD. The Mayo Clinic says 93% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine says there’s a Vitamin D deficiency pandemic.

  
 

Metabolic Syndrome Healing Approach

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Despite that there is no unified treatment or a disease cure, right diet, nutritional and herbal supplementation, lifestyle changes can help support healthy blood sugar levels and control metabolic syndrome. Several vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants have been studied for their efficacy at promoting healthy blood sugar and protecting cells from the damage of elevated oxidation with favorable results. The high cost of managing metabolic syndrome, together with the recent economical situation have led to a growing interest in potentially gentler modalities and methods presented as a strategy by the alternative medicine.

  
 

Metabolic Syndrome Revisited 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in the today’s Western World, and the number of people who struggle with it or its deadly consequences continues to rise. The reason for the increased incidence of MS in the highly industrialized countries is mainly due to the high level of stress, malnutrition, use of over processed food, and physical inactivity. It includes cardiovascular disease, diabetes 2, abdominal obesity (increased waist circumference), hypertension, high triglycerides, low levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and high levels of low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) combined with high fasting glucose levels( insulin resistance).  

 

  
 

How to Influence Low Testosterone Levels?

Antoaneta Sawyer  PhD

According to a late U.S. study (published May 26, in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine) many men with low testosterone levels do not receive any treatment, due to their low socioeconomic status and missing health care coverage.

a/ low socioeconomic status

b/ missing health care coverage.

  
 

Addressing Obesity in a Different Way

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

 

  
 

Holistic Health & Holistic Healing

 

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

        

The term holistic health or holistic healing comes from the word whole, meaning complete. There is no one standard definition of holistic health, holistic healing, holistic medicine or holistic therapy. To doctors or healers, the term holistic health refers to using some form of natural therapy that does not include conventional medicine. Holistic therapy often includes mind-body medicine, acupuncture and any modality that looks to treat the whole person-mind/body/spirit with non-invasive measures.   

 

  
 

What is an Adaptogen?

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

In 1947, Dr. Nikolai Lazarev defined an adaptogen, “as an agent that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by raising nonspecific resistance toward such stress, thus allowing the organism to ‘adapt’ to the stressful circumstance.” This definition still holds true for today, but now also includes an ability to balance endocrine hormones and the immune system. 

  
 

Most Vital-Nutrients We Must Acknowledge

Gregory Sawyer, DC

Our diet is simply depleted by true nutrition, due to artificial pollution, overload of toxicity, huge amount of antibiotics and corticosteroids, chicken and beef hormones that are simply our foes.  Hence, we must supplement in order to reassure we are not nutritionally deficient. 

  
 

Chiropractic vs. Osteopathic Therapy

Greg Sawyer, DC

Most of our patients have trouble understanding the similarities and the differences between  Chiropractic and Osteopractic practice and therapy.

  
 

Cigarette Smoking Linked to Hot Flashes

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

A recent study executed by Laurie Barclay on “Cigarette smoking is associated with hot flashes, higher androstenedione levels, a higher total androgen-to-total estrogen ratio, and lower progesterone levels in women who are not postmenopausal, according to the results of a cross-sectional study” was reported in the November 17, 2008 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology: 112:1037-1044

  
 

How to Address Arrhythmia the Holistic Way?

Annie Sawyer, PhD 

Arrhythmia is a functional or organic disorder of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. They're million of Americans living nowadays with arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can occur in a completely healthy heart and be of minimal consequence, but they may also indicate a serious problem (heart disease, stroke or sudden death from heart disease). It is already proven that most of the arrhythmias are due or a consequence of a mineral imbalance, anemia, hormonal disbalance or thyroid problems (hyper or hypothyroidism).

 

 

 

  
 

Alzheimer's Disease Update

Alzheimer's is a progressive and unfortunately, yet irreversible degenerative disease which symptoms tend to grow worse over time. It is named on the name of the German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. It is also known under the term Senile Dementia and it is the most common degenerative disease of the advanced age. Of course its symptoms progress at different time and rates and in different patterns as the disease is a variable one (its appearance and progression of symptoms vary from one person to the other). With its progression physical problems may include loss of strength and balance, problems with the speech, breathing and swallowing, diminishing bladder and bowel control resulting eventually in terminal death.

  
 

The "Deadly Quartet"of 21st century

Dr. Annie Sawyer

 

The terms "metabolic syndrome,"  (IRS) "insulin resistance syndrome,” dysmetabolic syndrome”,  “syndrome X", Raven’s syndrome, CHAOS (in Australia) are now used specifically to define a  constellation of conditions or abnormalities that is associated with increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and AVD-atherosclerotic vascular disease (e.g. heart disease, coronary artery disease and stroke).

  
 

Importance of Vit D3 Supplementation

Annie Sawyer, PhD

  
 

AICP's Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

 

  
 

Insomnia due to Sleep Apnea and RLS

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

  
 

Holistic Recommendations for Acid Reflux

  
 

Holistic Recommendations for Varicose Veins

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

Varicose veins are the bluish unsightly, painful bulges that appear on the legs when blood pools in the veins. Diseases of the venous system are widespread disorders sometimes associated with modern civilization. Of all the veins in your body, leg veins have the hardest time carrying blood back to the heart. When the valves weakened, blood can become clogged and cause veins to swell abnormally. Because of their location in your lower extremities, the circulatory tissues in the legs are comprised of perhaps the hardest-working blood vessels in your entire body.

  
 

The Cholesterol Paradigm

Annie Sawyer, PhD

 

When I was student in medical school cholesterol was studied as essential for life and any medical student knew that without it we would face a degenerative disease. Cholesterol levels bellow 150 was known as too low and too dangerous ones. And in fact without cholesterol we cannot produce our hormones, especially the essential ones as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogens.

  
 

Cold and Numb feet

• Cold weather
• Burger disease
• Reynaud Phenomenon
• Hypothyroidism or Low Thyroid disease, Hashimoto disease
• Leg circulation disorders
• Multiple drug use, substances or toxins may possibly cause cold feet as a side effect.

  
 

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome

Annie Sawyer, PhD

 

  
 

Polymyositis

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

Polymyositis is an uncommon disease that causes inflammation in your muscles. Doctors also refer to polymyositis as a type of connective tissue disease. Its most noticeable characteristic is muscle weakness, especially in the muscles closest to your trunk, such as your shoulder and hip muscles. As a result, you may find it difficult to get out of chairs, climb stairs, brush your hair or work with your arms over your head. Polymyositis is rarely fatal, but it can be disabling in its more severe forms.

  
 

Common Rules on How to Lose Extra Pounds

Annie Sawyer, PhD

Losing pounds is a constant battle with those unwanted pounds, especially for people suffering from metabolic syndrome, hormonal disbalance, diabetes 1 and 2 etc. Many people suffer of low self-esteem due to chronic accuses from colleagues and families. They are blamed that they overeat; being lazy or that they eat too much. All of the above is simply wrong and oversimplify the problem. Please remember that is not your fault that you experience the same struggle as many others. It is simply your genetic preprogramming

  
 

Insulin resistance

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Insulin resistance occurs when the normal amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas is not able to unlock the door to cells. To maintain a normal blood glucose, the pancreas secretes additional insulin. In some cases (about 1/3 of the people with insulin resistance), when the body cells resist or do not respond to even high levels of insulin, glucose builds up in the blood resulting in high blood glucose or type 2 diabetes. Even people with diabetes who take oral medication or require insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels can have higher than normal blood insulin levels due to insulin resistance. It is no wondered that physicians consistently advise that the best insulin resistance treatment involves a proper diet.

 

  
 

Holistic Ideas for CFS Improvement

Greg Sawyer, D.C.

Nutritional support. Avoid sugar and increase water because the hormone that holds on to water is low. Most people find a high-protein diet feels better than a high-carb diet, but everybody is different with that. Except for sugar, it is most important that people eat what makes them feel good, because there’s no one diet that’s right for everybody. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants daily.

  
 

Antiaging Update

1. Aspirin

The most common cause of disability and death in the United States is an abnormal clot that develops inside an artery to cause a heart attack (blocked blood vessel in the heart), or a stroke (blocked blood vessel in the brain). Aspirin has an immediate and lasting effect on blood platelets, making them less likely to clump together and making blood flow smoothly. Note* Despite of the benefits and anticoagulant effect of Aspirin please be informed that taking aspirin regularly increases your risk of "microbleeds" in the brain by a staggering 70%, according to a new Dutch study ("Aspirin and Similar Drugs May Be Associated With Brain Microbleeds in Older Adults." Newswise (www.newswise.com), 4/13/09 "Aspirin Linked to Brain Microbleeds" MedLinePlus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus), 4/13/09 2009). There are also chances for gastrointestinal bleeing especially in the oldest group of the population.

 

 

  
 

  
 

Alzheimer's update

Annie Sawyer, Ph.D. 

  
 

Hemorrhoids

There are a number of factors for the appearance of hemorrhoids – genetics, pregnancy, multiple child delivery, advanced age, unbalanced diet, and inactivity - that impact rectal health. At a first place that is genetics and there is also an issue of how we regulate or perform our daily bowel movements and the way how we maintain hygiene, as well. Improper diet, exposure to environmental toxins and sedentary lifestyle may all lead to waste buildup in the body, which can contribute to health complications from lack of energy to poor digestion. 

  
 

Few Important Powerhouses for Prostate Support

African Pygeum (Prunus africana), also known as Pygeum africanum, or just Pygeum, is an evergreen African plum tree native to higher elevations of southern Africa. It has been found statistically beneficial in benign prostate hyperplasia (BHP). BPH implies two major prostate changes: increased size and increase tissue density of the gland, what causes symptoms of frequent urge to urinate with incomplete emptying, reduced prostatic secretions, edema, inflammation, chronic infection of the bladder and even, prostatic cancer. This herb was imported centuries ago from Africa to Europe since the 1700s. Since 1960s, it has been extracted and standardized as herbal extract in Europe. The use of this herb in US is relatively new phenomena. Pygeum is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition which affects men as early as their 40s, but increasingly with age: 30% of fifty year olds; 50% of sixty year olds; and nearly 80% of men 70 and older.

  
 

The Autoimmune Paradigm 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

Autoimmune diseases have something in common with cancer. Both diseases are chronic, progressive degenerative proinflammatory diseases, with not well known etiology and pathogenesis (reason and mechanism of appearance), not well known and proven treatment, and maybe one of their main differences is that cancer is a byproduct of the extremely supressed immunity, while autoimmune diseases are due to the paradoxically or pathologically increased immune system of the human body, that recognizes its proper organs and tissues as unknown and attacks them. In case if you face autoimmune disease you will need a multifaceted comprehensive program that is designed to help you overcome your symptoms and to restore your previous health. Autoimmune disease tends to flare up after short or longer periods of remission as well as in response to emotional ups and downs.Thus, any form of mind/body treatment-hypnosis, meditation, psychotherapy, guided imaginary, personal autosuggestion or biofeedback may be extremely helpful. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are also of an immense help.

  
 

Peripheral Neuropathy

Annie Sawyer, PhD 

 

Lately we had lots of questions on peripheral neuropathy- what it is, how it does appear and why, and how it can  be influenced holistically. Peripheral neuropathy is probably one of the largest and hardest to explain illness to diagnose or to cure. It starts with numbness in one or both toes, and a funny feeling that is slowly spreading to the heels or arches in one or both feet. One of the main symptoms is the general clumsiness. There might be also chills or the feeling of pins and needles combined with complete loss of a balance, loss of a feeling of where the feet are going, and/or feeling of a strong pain. Soon enough the palms of both hands are starting to feel slightly numb and painful also.

  
 

Iridology Consultation 

Annie Sawyer, Ph.D. 

Iridology is our unique body map and it involves the examination of the iris. Each iris is completely unique and it provides the genetic blueprint to our body. People are able to acquire inherited physical weaknesses, which may have affected previous family members that can be detected through Iridology. Iridology can also act as an extremely useful early warning system. It can alert a person who may have predisposition for developing certain diseases and conditions, but doesn't necessarily mean that he will develop them at all. However, Iridology can be used preventatively in the above-cited circumstances.

 

  
 

Cognitive restructuring

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D. 

Cognitive Restructuring is a process of changing your proper subconscious mind or thoughts. The goal is to help people overcome faulty thinking errors by bringing them to a level of conscious awareness of their incorrect mental programming. Focusing on negative thoughts can affect not only your mood, but also your health, leading to multiple diseases (cancer, heart disease, etc) and as a consequence a rate of elevated mortality. 

  
 

10 essential elements of the wellness program 

Annie Sawyer, PhD

1. Learn to manage stress and do not let the stress to manage you.

2. Educate yourself to relax and to elicit relaxation response.

  
 

Important Rules  for an Optimal Nutrition

Annie Sawyer, PhD

After reading so many books, numerous publications and internet articles on nutrition, I am completely sure that there are many people who are still completely confused with the answer on the question what 'optimal nutrition' is. We as human beings have completely different genetic and metabolic make up despite of our similarity in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and biomechanics the answer can be oversimplified easily- what works for you is a good nutrition and what doesn’t it is not.

  
 

How To Address Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS)?

  
 

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate?

To vaccinate .....or not to vaccinate? That is the question. You will read, see and hear allot of pros and cons on the swine flu vaccine in term of advices what I am sure will lead to another elevated degree of anxiety and depression not even counting the fear of the upcoming H1N1. As described in the literature Influenza Virus A (H1N1) virus is a serotype of influenza virus A - the most common cause of influenza virus faced in humans. Some strains of the Influenza A are endemic in humans as they cause the cases of seasonal winter influenza. The flu virus A (H1N1) strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) as well as in birds (avian influenza). In June 2009, WHO declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 will be the serotype that is already blamed for the 2009 flu pandemic.   

 

  
 

Addressing the Hyperventilation Syndrome

Gregory Sawyer, D.C.

Hyperventilation syndrome is not a respiratory disease but a psychological or emotional disorder. The term hyperventilation simply means to breathe more than necessary. It is caused by anxiety or a panic attack due to major traumatic event- catastrophe, loss of a relative, posttraumatic disorder due to operation, war and others. Although is not life-threatening, it can lead to a significant secondary anxiety and fear while decreasing the oxygenation to the brain, heart and other important organs. Despite not frequent, the hyperventilation syndrome is quite scary and staying calm is the most important approach to control it.

 

  
 

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is found to be a serious metabolic disease and is taking on pandemic proportions similarly to the metabolic syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported (June 26, 2008) that the number of Americans with diabetes has grown to 24 million - a surge of more than 3 million people in the past two years. Type-2 diabetes is the one associated with metabolic syndrome and a predictor for CVD mortality (Wang et al 2007). Worldwide, over 250 million people suffer from the disease and the estimations for 2025 are depicted at a total of 380 million patients. Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome can have serious consequences on organ systems containing smooth muscle tissue. Atherosclerosis and bladder dysfunction result from the high lipid levels that occur with obesity and diabetes and can cause cell dysfunction and death, termed lipotoxicity, in various cell types (Stern et al 2004

  
 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained

 

  
 

General Anxiety and/or Panic “Attacks”

Dr. Annie Sawyer

Anxiety can be a response to a known or completely unknown stimulus or threat. The possibility that someone may attack you from behind or the stage fear of a musician can result in a general anxiety and even in anxiety attack. This form of anxiety is completely normal and many individuals experience this. It may be completely common and even beneficial nervous reaction if framed in its normal proportions. While overpowered, it is reaching the point of a panic attack. This is completely different term despite it is reminding in some way to the general anxiety disorder, being even similar to the fear of an animal, flying or driving car (phobias). Fear of a job loss, taking a school exam, fear to marry or to start proper family are completely legit reactions that are quite common. This is the so called ‘Fight or Flight’ reaction directed and monitored by our sympathetic system. Some people react with Flight while others select the Fight response.

  
 

Aging & Hormones

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D. 

There are multiple factors and symptoms or syndromes of aging that negatively affect our quality of life, such as increased body fat, loss of lean muscle tissue, lower energy levels due to low mitochondrial supply, decreased sexual function, common depressive symptoms, and weakened immune function or decreased skin turgor (Scuteri et al. 2005 & Gause-Nilson et al. 2006). The increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults is proved to be a major aging factor as well (Ford et al. 2004). The increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults is proved to be a major aging factor as well (Ford et al. 2004). Not known as metabolic syndrome at first, this constellation of abnormalities is recognized as placing individuals at dramatically increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

  
 

Managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Dr. Annie Sawyer

 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is relatively rare and still not easily recognized and even underdiagnosed autoimmune disease that affects predominantly women. It is also known under the latine name: Sclerosis Disseminata. The main onset of the disease is starting in women younger than 30 years old, but it can appear at any age, even in the advanced aged groups of the population. Half million people in US and three million of people worldwide suffer of this chronic and progressively crippling and autodamaging disease.

  
 

How to Stop Emotional Overeating?

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

Overeating, but not obesity, is the actual cause behind the metabolic syndrome, suggests an in vivo study with mice at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas This study is among the first to propose that weight gain is an early symptom, not a direct cause, of metabolic syndrome. In researchers’ proper words: "Most people today think that obesity itself causes metabolic syndrome" (Unger et al, 2008). "We're ingrained to think obesity is the cause of all health problems, when, in fact, it is the spillover of fat into organs other than fat cells that damages these organs, such as the heart and the liver. Depositing fatty molecules in fat cells where they belong actually delays that harmful spillover."

  
 

How to Manage Low Self Esteem?

Gregory Sawyer, D. C.

Ask yourself the following questions and try to answer them completely honestly:

Do you feel vulnerable and easily exploited by the others?

Do you have the frequent sense that you are inferior with a lack of confidence?

Are you frequently depressed or angry?

Do you face the urge of frequent hesitation in starting of doing something?

Do you have the constant feeling of guilt and unworthiness?

Do you have the tendency to blame or undervalue yourself on a frequent basis?

Do you lack the confidence being hesitant to do something?

  
 

Conventional vs. Unconventional

General medicine is divided into two categories: conventional and alternative (unconventional). Which one shall be appointed as' alternative 'will be shown in the coming years. For real time alternative medicine is regarded as an empirical one (not demonstrated in vivo or in vitro experiments). Can witnesses before ever really just the opposite-conventional medicine be considered as an alternative or a unconventional due to several side effects of chemicals in it. However, empirical considered in comparison with conventional medicine, an increasing number of people in the western world are emerging alternative medicine as part of their health care. In 1997, Americans more than 629 million visitors practicing alternative medicine, which is a 47% increase from 1990. This number significantly exceeds the 386 million visitors, links to all primary care doctors in the same year.

  
 

Bulgaria Cousine (the above page is created in memory of my mother- the most loving, classy and sensitive  human being on this planet, that I am so proud to call my mom. She was also the best cook, that I have ever known who also thought me the art of cooking). Bulgaria, one of the oldest States of the EU with 21-century-old history and traditions is situated in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkan Peninsula – a busy crossroad of many ancient cultures. Bulgaria remembers ancient Thracian, Celtic, Gothic, Slavic and old-Bulgarian ancient civilizations that wrote its tremendous history. The Bulgarian land has rich and most diverse cultural and traditional heritage. Considered "the cradle" of Slav culture, three times European empire, the land of 185 Kings, of Orpheus and Spartacus, Cyril and Methodius, has given the world men of great achievements, mysterious Thracian gold treasures and magnificent frescos and many other brilliant examples of ancient applied arts. One of its miracles is the Bulgarian kitchen. There are few people who visited Bulgaria and left it tasty dishes forgotten.  

 

 

 

  
 

How to Prepare for the Upcoming Winter?

Cooler weather is already at hand, and with it, we must be prepaired for all its negative surprises: fall allergies, colds, flu, weight gain (due to immobilization) and many others. A great way for our bodies to become prepaired is by performing light detoxing. Balance our GI tract, while empowering our immune system to handle all the upcoming fall challenges. Most people will feel a little drained of energy because of the body's getting adapted to the another winter season. You may also review the Dietary Guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services (created in 1980) for people to promote good health and prevent disease.

  
 

Free Testosterone-behind the metabolic syndrome 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Visceral fat (VF), also known as an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), is significantly increasing with the transition to menopause. As it is already known, visceral fat (VF), that is surrounding the internal organs around the waistline, is metabolically different type of fat from the subcutaneous one, located beneath the skin.  Many researchers have shown the well known fact that visceral fat is a source of inflammation that contributes to premature atherosclerosis and risk of acute coronary syndrome.

  
 

A Naturopathic Approach to Cancer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZZrGHSfz8

How to Fight Xenoestrogens Naturally?

  
 

Depression-Obesity Connection

Medical doctors, healthcare professionals and obesity suffers are aware of the devastating impact of obesity on afflicted individuals has on the modern Western society. This complex medical condition can contribute directly to a number of other life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, Alzheimer disease, gout, kidney failure and even cancer. About one-third of U.S. adults and 16% of children and teens are currently obese, according to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and while it’s known that obesity increases risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and even cancer, what is still not entirely known is what the exact metabolic syndrome cause is (CDC, 2008). 

  
 

Did You Know?

• The body's immune system possesses powers far greater than the most potent of pharmaceuticals (drugs)?

• You get a brand new liver once a month?

• Your red blood cells are totally wiped out every four months and you get a new set?

•  Your body is designed to repair and heal itself, and it is a self-healing organism?

• Medicine is essentially "crisis control" science and works on "opposites." For example, if you have high blood pressure, doctors will give you a drug to lower it. If your blood pressure is too low, they will raise it. If your heart is beating too quickly, they'll slow it down with drugs, and on it goes. Meanwhile the bodies own healing mechanisms are being severely suppressed.

  
 

How to Detox Your Liver?

Annie Sawyer, PhD

When transitioning from a season to a season or from a carnivorous style of life to a complete vegetarianism it is beneficial to detoxify your body starting from your liver, blood and kidneys from the fat built up and chemicals or toxins that may have accumulated during this period of time. I’ve long been a strong believer that a light seasonal detoxification is essential for your good health and longevity. Nowadays is even more important than ever due to our less-than-optimal environment and often unhealthy lifestyle choices. Of course people who have serious diseases as cancers, multiple sclerosis, malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies due to bulimia and anorexia, adrenal fatigue, as well as older old aged must be all careful with the above detox program.

  
 

Mediterranean diet & Metabolic syndrome

Mediterranean diet is built on high-quality foods with basic ingredients that include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, sea foods, yogurt, olive oil, and a small amount of wine. This diet has the reputation for being a true model of healthy eating and contributes to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol. While food should be seasonal, fresh, appropriately portioned and organically grown, avoiding processed food is a must. The diet is also abundant in antioxidants and multiple vitamins and a score based on adherence to the Mediterranean diet could be used as an effective preventive tool for reducing the risk of premature death in the general population (Sofi, Cesari, Abbate, Gensini, & Casini, 2008). 

  
 

The Oxidative Theory of Aging Explained

At a symposium that took place at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics 19th World Congress, held in Paris, (July 5-9, 2009), the father of the oxidative theory of aging, Dr. Leonard Hayflick, stated, ”Aging occurs because the complex biological molecules of which we are all composed –mitochondria- become dysfunctional over time as the energy necessary to keep them structurally sound diminishes, thus our molecules must be repaired or replaced frequently by our own extensive repair systems”. The repair body systems, which are also composed of complex molecules, eventually suffer the same molecular dysfunction. The time when the balance shifts in favor of the accumulation of dysfunctional “ WASTE “ molecules is determined by natural selection — and leads to the manifestation of age changes that we recognize are characteristic of an old person or animal. These fundamental molecular dysfunctional events lead to an increase in vulnerability to age-associated chronic degenerative diseases.

 

  
 

Have a Happy & Healthy Halloween!

Dr. Annie Sawyer & Dr. Greg Sawyer

 

As we approach Halloween all emblematic and traditional foods are starting to refill our grocery shelves. For many people, especially children, autumn events like Halloween are fun times to dress up in funny costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend family parties, and consume tasty homemade dishes. For us as holistic experts- these events are also opportunities to provide clients with ideas for nutritious and healthy snacks, while focusing on prevention and light detox.

  
 

Whey Protein Builds Muscles in Elderly

I am sure that there is not a bodybuilder who doesn’t know or take a combination of whey protein and carnitine religiously and in a ratio his private trainer has prescribed for him. But I am also quite sure that there are few older old people who are informed by their GP that this combination is also working for building muscles in case of a progressive muscle loss (sarcopenia) while helping them to boost energy supply, making aging easier option.

  
 

 

Holistic Help for GERD

Greg Sawyer, D. C.

 

 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is one of the most frequent and common esophageal disorders. Conventional medicine accumulated enough evidence in term of clinical trials on the proton pump inhibitors (PPI) safety and efficacy. However a completely new study found an impact on the body weight (BW) and the body mass index (BMI) in reflux patients while on a long term PPI therapy. Another reason we to turn to the help of the holistic medicine and to supplement with dietary formulas in place of conventional drugs is a recent study done by a Japanese team of authors (Yoshikawa et al., 2009). Here is a short overview of the team discovery:

  
 

Holistic Recommendations for Sexual Dysfunction  

Greg Sawyer, DC 

As we approach our 30's and 40's, profound hormonal changes begin to take place in our bodies. Testosterone levels for both- men and women as well as levels of progesterone and estrogens in women tend to begin diminishing with age. We take it as a part of the normal aging process. A clinical study (1986) proved that it's not actually the total testosterone production that decreases but rather, the amount of free circulating testosterone ratio in  blood that decreases. The explanation behind this is the following: as we age more and more of this free testosterone gets linked to albumin and becomes unavailable in the blood circulation for proper body's use. These changes happen in connection with a natural substance called "sex-hormone-binding-globulin" (SHBG). 

 

  
 

Understanding Migraine

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD 

 

As a true and long time migraine sufferer, I have been writing several publications over the years and back in Europe about migraine as a neurological disorder, while focusing on its main symptomatic as well as the role of the preventive healing published throughout the years. Migraine is inherited condition and many families can trace it back for generations. It has enormous economic and social consequences, both to individual sufferers, and to the society as a whole. The cost to the U.S. society alone is in excess of $13 billion per year in lost productivity and in health care. According to latest statistics in the US, eighteen percent of women, six percent of men, and four percent of children suffer from migraine headaches. All races are affected, although, for reasons which are unknown, whites are more likely than African Americans to be afflicted with the condition and Asian Americans are least often migraine sufferers.

  
 

Niacin versus Ezetimibe (Zetia) and Vytorin

Annie Sawyer, Ph.D.

We can see without the help of a magnifying glass or a microscope that conventional medicine is already cracking down quite significantly. In a new study, published on the Internet by the New England Journal of Medicine (2009) Zetia failed to shrink buildups in artery walls while its rival drug-Niaspan (vit B3), simply did it. The study proved that adding extended-release niacin (Niaspan, Abbott) to statin therapy results in a significant regression of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intimae-media thickness (IMT), whereas the addition of Ezetimibe (Zetia, Merck/Schering-Plough) to statin therapy did not do a thing. Vytorin is a pill that combines Zetia with a statin. At the same time the slow-release version of niacin raised also the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) while Zetia, did not.    

 

  
 

What is it that Americans Fear the Most?

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Being ill of a chronic degenerative disease while compared to other hurdles as getting a divorce or losing a job is considered the top fear of the nowadays Americans. Actually chronic illness is taking its toll by impacting the lives of millions of Americans. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, chronic illness afflicts 100 million Americans, causes seven out of 10 deaths and consumes $2 out of every $3 spent on health care.

  
 

“Beyond Holistic”

Questions & Answers Blog

Sharp stabbing pain in the back of the head:

Q: Hi doc Sawyer, I am from WI, and recently have been diagnosed with something called “occipital neuralgia”. My situation is the following: for about a week I have been experiencing a pain in the back of my head. I don't consider it a headache because it comes and goes quickly, but it is sharp and repetitive. And it is in a specific spot, not a general area and the spot is sensitive to the touch. I have had headaches all of my life, including migraines for the past several years, and now I have this neuralgia.........

  
 

The Main Reasons Why People Can’t Lose Weight...

Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

 

Metabolic syndrome, the epidemic of the 21st century, is highly prevalent in today’s Western world and the number of people afflicted by its deadly consequences continues to rise. One of the major clinical features of metabolic syndrome is the so called abdominal (or visceral) obesity. Learning on how to treat the syndrome is like to address obesity in a different way. Obesity sets the stage for the metabolic syndrome which then itself increases one's chances of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other maladies. Therefore, everyone in our society should be concerned about obesity as well as our government must take care on developing preventive programs.

  
 

Holistic Nutrition Seminar: 

“Enhancing health, prevention and vitality with a good nutrition”

Annie Sawyer N.D., Ph.D.

A specialist in the field of holistic nutrition and natural holistic healing, Dr. Antoaneta Sawyer has been instrumental in developing nutritional protocols educating patients and practitioners in holistic medicine based on her multiple years of experience in both-conventional and alternative medicine. She personally developed the use of holistic programs dealing with successful natural treatment protocols for several diseases starting from depression and metabolic syndrome and finishing with urinary tract infections.

  
 

Feel Better in Body and Mind….

Gregory Sawyer, DC

With the economic downturn, the growth of depression and anxiety, as well as the intensity, duration, and frequency of the worry in general are getting disproportionate to the issue, and it is often to a degree that disrupts or impairs normal physical and psychological functioning. Anxiety is often accompanied by mild to moderate depression as well as a number of physical symptoms including muscle tension, increased blood pressure, gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Anxiety is believed to affect about 15% of the adults in the United States (an estimated 19 million adult Americans), thus making it more common than any other category of mental health disorders.

  
 

Wishing You a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Dear Natural Health & Wellness Center “Beyond Holistic” Clients and Readers,

Tomorrow is the Day of our Thanksgiving - the day we all count our blessings, and give thanks for our families and loved ones. We are sure that many of you and your families are experiencing tough times with our economy, war and various domestic and personal issues, but we are here for you and that alone is worthy of thankfulness and gratitude. We must agree that from time to time one of the best ways to get over it is with gratitude and thankfulness. Just shift your focus to what you are grateful for and whom you are thankful to - and you will reset your inner circuits while lowering stress hormones. 

 

 

  
 

Dyslipidemia

Annie Sawyer, PhD

Cholesterol is a lipid produced in the liver, and also obtained from animal products in the diet: red meats, eggs and dairy products (Freeman & Junge, 2005). As a fat-like substance, cholesterol does not dissolve in blood, but instead it connects with proteins to form small particles known as lipoproteins. There are known four types of lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density (LDL) lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The overproduction of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) is described as the hallmark of dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome appearance in a study by Adiels et al. (2008). The emergence of cholesterol reduction as a marker is a major event for the pharmaceutical industry and metabolic syndrome promises to be as “big or bigger" (Breistein, 2004).

  
 

CAM Model Defined

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

CAM refers to a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies that exist largely outside the institutions where conventional healthcare is taught and provided, although some of these are already institutionalized (Pal, 2002). Management of metabolic syndrome increasingly uses complementary and alternative medicine, but considerable confusion remains about what exactly it is and what position the disciplines included under this term should hold in rel?tion to conventional medicine (Pal, 2002). The increasing popularity of CAM reflects the changing needs of modern society and the shifts in social, psychological and other values. This includes a rise in the prevalence of psychosomatic and chronic degenerative diseases, an increase in public access to worldwide health information, reduced tolerance for paternalism, an increased sense of entitlement for high quality of life, declining faith that scientific breakthrough will have relevance for the personal treatment of disease, and an increased interest in spiritualism. In addition, concern about the adverse effects of drugs, radiation and surgery combined with the skyrocketing cost of conventional health care is fuelling the search for alternative approaches to the prevention and management of illness.

  
 

Dear All,

  
 

HGH and Metabolic Syndrome

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. It facilitates the building of bone and muscle as well as the production of cells that help organs and tissues grow and repair themselves. It also provides for the growth and repair of human muscles and tissue in advanced aging and has also show rejuvenating, regenerating effects on the human body that have been documented in multiple of scientific papers. I call HGH-the old age Performance Enhancer. 

  
 

What is your New 2010 Year Resolution Plan? 

 Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

Healthy motivation for a good nutrition is just the first part of a New Year Resolution Healthy Plan. We all know that getting started with a new healthy diet or a new fitness plan is the easiest part of each New Year’s resolution lifestyle. However, many of us hit frequent or occasional weight loss plateaus due to busy schedules, stress of a job loss, depression due to a divorce, bankruptcy or the loss of a loved one. Those weight loss plateaus are the episodes when people feel like they do everything right, but the scale doesn't seem to even move. We as humans are frequently complaining of a loss of motivation due to multiple factors. What I wish to share with you is that choosing a “stubborn persistence approach” (SPA) is the only correct choice.

  
 

Allopathic & Holistic Practices

Conceptual Differences & Commonalities

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

           

Modern health care has expanded and changed remarkably recently. With the increasing data on multiple side effects and general depersonalization in the allopathic practices, CAM therapies are officially recognized by the Western and Eastern medical world. India is known as the first country that officially recognized ayurvedic medicine by governmental statements and for education and research (Pal, 2002). From a 15 years of a literature review it can be concluded that there are several well randomized and recognized surveys on the use of alternative medicine in the United States, the first of which was reported by Eisenberg (1990).

  
 

The Amino Acid Proline-the New Key to Strong Teeth  

Gregory Sawyer, D.C.

Researchers have recently discovered that proline is the amino acid that makes human teeth strong and resilient. A new research, done at University of Illinois at Chicago (College of Dentistry) may offer clues on the ability to engineer new tooth enamel. Tom Diekwisch (the lead author of the study) states: "Proline repeats are amazing. Proline is repeated in the center of proteins found in tooth enamel. 

  
 

NH & WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC

Metabolic Syndrome Program

 

Following our Natural Health & Wellness Center “Beyond Holistic” can differentiate healing metabolic syndrome through holistic modality - approach comparatively to the conventional (allopathic) approach. It is a step-by-step program which may help anyone avert the potentially deadly consequences of metabolic syndrome. It assures:

  
 

Glutathione-the longevity predictor

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

One of the successful markers of anti-aging and longevity together with human telomeres is the amino acid - glutathione. Glutathione is made from the combination of three amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine.It is also a part of the powerful natural antioxidant “glutathione peroxidase” which plays an active role in DNA synthesis and repair, metabolism and detoxification of toxins and carcinogens, immune system maintenance, and fat oxidation prevention. Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe and Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D state: "No other antioxidant is as important to overall health as Glutathione. It is the regulator and regenerator of immune cells and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the human body."

  
 

Metabolic Syndrome- Cancer Link Defined

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

  
 

Green Tea Extract Found Beneficial in Uterine Fibroids

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

Uterine fibroids are believed to affect at least 40% of the American Women in pre or peri menopausal age. They may provoke unexpected heavy bleeding, pressure effects on other organs, fertility concerns, heavy bleeding with huge amount of coagulum, anemia, fatigue due to energy depleting- all of which have large impacts on a woman’s health. The uterine benign fibroids are called leiomyomas and can be on times a difficult condition to treat. Surgical hysterectomy is on times the only radical option to eliminate this problem. Uterine fibroids are more common in women over 40, and this may be related to changes in hormonal mediators and hormonal disbalance during pre or post-menopause, after so many years of constant exposure to estrogen, progesterone and androgens.

  
 

New Group of Proteins Discovered

 

There is an amazing anti-aging novelty published March 5 (2010) in Science, coming from the famous UCSD School of Medicine. Proteins called “sestrins” have been discovered that may serve as natural inhibitors of aging and age-related pathologies in fruit flies. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Superfund Basic Research Program and American Cancer Society.   Sestrins are small proteins produced in high amount by the human cells in time of elevated stress. Stress disrupts normal hormonal levels, influencing immune system strength and eating habits (Innes, Vincent & Taylor, 2007). People who are not able to handle stress show high blood sugar and decreased release of insulin from the pancreas (Viner, Mc Grath & Trudinger, 1996). Extreme emotional stress (grief, anger, worry, fear) can cause the “broken heart syndrome “(BHS), also known as Cardiomyopathy (Kim, 2009; Innes et al., 2007).

  
 

Alternative Help for Depression

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

During my over 25 years of clinical practice as an MD and ND, I have found that long-term depression combined with (or without) anxiety or/and panic disorder, can be influenced by reaching complete remission proportions by simply using the correct amount of amino acid supplementation. As part of a good alternative therapy protocol, one must know that eight of the amino acids are known as essential- so they are indispensable and cannot be synthesized de novo (anew) by the human organism. Therefore they must be added (replaced or supplied) in our diet. These essential amino acids are: Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine. Additionally, Cysteine, Tyrosine, Histidine and Arginine are essentially required by infants and growing children.

  
 

Botanicals for Metabolic Help

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

The human body has a communication system that controls how cells behave between themselves. You remember that when you were young you could eat whatever you wanted and still not gain weight. This was because your body had the right balance of hormones, enzymes and other factors that controlled the size and hormonal production of fat cells. You were then in the so called “homeostatic zone.” As you age this system breaks down, the fat cells are not only getting bigger, but they also increase in numbers. The body chemistry goes step by step out of balance and all of the above chaos interferes with the hormonal production and signaling between these cells. With aging we are facing other age-related problems: obesity with or without elevated bad cholesterol

  
 

Use Food as Your Best Remedy (Part I)

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

The statement that “food is your best remedy” and it can help you fight off any disease is not a big breakthrough discovery but a well known and recognized rule of the tomb by anyone. It is well known that Mother Nature is one of the most natural ways to heal acute and chronic degenerative diseases from centuries ago. Whole life exposures to environmental contaminants may disrupt your health and produce physical and physiologic alterations predisposing to disease and disability later in life.

  
 

Use Food as Your Best Remedy (Part II)

Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

 

As you get older, make sure that the foods you consume are “nutrient-dense”, and eliminate all empty calorie foods like candy and sodas. Nutrient-dense foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and phytochemicals, and are relatively low on calories. As people get older they tend to lose muscle mass, and as consequence they burn off fewer calories each day and gain easily pounds. So it is very important to reassure that the food you eat doesn’t carry empty calories in it. As you get older it is also essential to get extra calcium and vit D3 or foods containing them, as bones are becoming brittle. When we speak about the main bone strengthening nutrients you must consider: Vitamins A, C, D, K, B6, Folic Acid, and few minerals and trace minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Boron, Silica, Zinc and Cooper. Calcium is of course the first.

  
 

The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Metabolic Syndrome

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

The USDA statistics show that since 1970, average daily calorie intake in the U.S. has increased by nearly 25 percent. Researchers at Cornell University examined 52 of the well known painting “The Last Supper” and more than 1,000 years separated the earliest painting from the most modern one. Their report in The International Journal of Obesity (April, 2010), shows that the plate size and entrée size enlarged by about two-thirds over the millennium while bread size increased by nearly 25 percent. At the same time the World Health Organization (WHO) estimations are that by 2015, there will be more than 1.5 billion overweight consumers, with an incurring health cost beyond $117 billion per year in the US alone. Thus, the needs of future research in the science of metabolomics as well as the opportunity for scientifically-substantiated weight management products for food control are strongly increased.

  
 

Why Stress Is Detrimental? 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

We all know that stress is quite detrimental for the human body. One of the main reason behind this statement is that stress promotes lipid peroxidation in the liver. The human body is well-designed to handle temporary spikes of physical and emotional stress, but how much and in what way stress affects human health varies from person to person. At the same time is well recognized fact that chronic stress can be detrimental for the human body. It causes lipid peroxidation (biochemical damage) to the liver cells (hepatocytes) and a key chemical marker known as malondialdehyde, is found to be the byproduct of the above cellular damage.

  
 

CAM Sociocultural and Psychological Issues

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

Everything that exists in this physical universe is comprised of various elements and in multiple combinations. The various combinations of elements determine the nature, character and qualities of these objects. The same goes for human beings and herbs (Hallfrisch 1995; 120-123).If the nature and the constitution of a herb runs contrary to the nature of the human metabolism on whom it is employed, it will have an aggravating influence on the constitution that will override the symptom-specific nature of the herb, contributing to existing imbalances or creating new ones, even to the point of worsening the very symptom for which it is employed.

  
 

The Vicious Circle

Metabolic Syndrome is a metabolic disease characterized by the presence of several of the following risk factors: hyperglycemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (LDL), high low-density lipoprotein (HDL), high triglyceride, and abnormal body mass index (BMI), micro-albuminuria, endothelial dysfunction, pro-thrombotic state, and inflammatory process (Bausell, 2007). Although not all these criteria need to be met before a diagnosis of the disease may be found. In fact, three occurrences of these symptoms may be found indicative of the disease. It is estimated that over 22% of the adult U.S. population have Metabolic Syndrome and the incidence is rapidly increasing each year.

  
 

The Stress-- Obesity Connection

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

The connection between stress and disease is a topic that is researched extensively in the scientific literature. In fact the amount of daily chronic stress can be detrimental. The human body is well--designed to handle temporary spikes of physical and emotional stress. But how much, for what period of time and in what way stress may affect human health varies from one to another. While small amount or a short term stress is rather beneficial, the daily emotional stress can dramatically increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and even cancer.

  
 

Genes-- the missing link behind obesity and heart disease

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

 

Scientists have finally confirmed the long debated causative role of blood triglycerides and their pathways in obesity and heart disease appearance. A new study proved that the inheritance of specific mutated gene (known as ApoA5) proved the major role of elevated triglycerides in blood (hypertriglyceridemia) as main cause and reason behind the heart disease appearance.

  
 

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