General Interest articles are designed to appeal to everyone, whereas our collection of articles from the Scientific Literature will more likely resonate with those who like to get their teeth into much heavier topics.
We hope you enjoy this collection and welcome your feedback and requests for other topics.
You might be dedicated to giving your child a ‘good start in life’ by offering only the healthiest of food but a newly-published study shows that smoking in the child’s presence is itself a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Where we’ve been conditioned to think that Type 2 diabetes is a diet-related disease associated with over-consumption of carbohydrates and fats, this hot-off-the-press systematic review in Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology shows that even passive smoking is a significant risk factor.
You might be dedicated to giving your child a ‘good start in life’ by offering only the healthiest of food but a newly-published study shows that smoking in the child’s presence is itself a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Where we’ve been conditioned to think that Type 2 diabetes is a diet-related disease associated with over-consumption of carbohydrates and fats, this hot-off-the-press systematic review in Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology shows that even passive smoking is a significant risk factor.
The Benefit of Hindsight – If I had known when I was in practice what I know now about ‘antioxidants’, I may have achieved far better clinical outcomes in some of those more difficult-to resolve patient conditions. It was only after I moved out of practice in 2004 following a 30-year career in Nutritional Medicine that I had t he time available to independently research the many technical issues that underpin the products we prescribe. Based completely on findings from the scientific literature, what you will read here runs counter to most of the popular assumptions surrounding this subject. It may well challenge your established views on w hat antioxidants are and what they are not – and on what you can expect them to achieve clinically.
It has also become very clear to me that the term ‘antioxidants’ does not refer to some amorphous group of biochemical substances all doing the same thing. To state that a patient is taking ‘antioxidants’ is just as meaningless as saying that the patient is taking ‘herbs’.
The Benefit of Hindsight – If I had known when I was in practice what I know now about ‘antioxidants’, I may have achieved far better clinical outcomes in some of those more difficult-to resolve patient conditions. It was only after I moved out of practice in 2004 following a 30-year career in Nutritional Medicine that I had t he time available to independently research the many technical issues that underpin the products we prescribe. Based completely on findings from the scientific literature, what you will read here runs counter to most of the popular assumptions surrounding this subject. It may well challenge your established views on w hat antioxidants are and what they are not – and on what you can expect them to achieve clinically.
It has also become very clear to me that the term ‘antioxidants’ does not refer to some amorphous group of biochemical substances all doing the same thing. To state that a patient is taking ‘antioxidants’ is just as meaningless as saying that the patient is taking ‘herbs’.
Once hailed as the wonder drug for eradicating infectious bacterial diseases, the antibiotic has long since lost its shine. There is an increasing awareness that, although millions of lives in the past have been saved, antibiotics have been overused and are now responsible for numerous adverse effects. Such effects include the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the erosion of the protective mucous lining of the intestines and major destruction of the ‘friendly’ microbiota that are essential for human health.
Once hailed as the wonder drug for eradicating infectious bacterial diseases, the antibiotic has long since lost its shine. There is an increasing awareness that, although millions of lives in the past have been saved, antibiotics have been overused and are now responsible for numerous adverse effects. Such effects include the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the erosion of the protective mucous lining of the intestines and major destruction of the ‘friendly’ microbiota that are essential for human health.
For decades, food has been considered the source of nutrients essential to the biochemical processes which sustain life. The concept of recommending minimum levels of each nutrient to prevent deficiency diseases has prevailed.
Whilst this view still holds true, research into other chemical properties of plant foods has revealed that plant foods hold new secrets to health. Such knowledge is providing valuable keys to our understanding of how different cultural dietary practices affects various aspects of health of whole populations.
To pharmacists, the notion of plants having therapeutic effects should not be unfamiliar.  Many of the world’s most valuable drugs have had their origins in plants.
For decades, food has been considered the source of nutrients essential to the biochemical processes which sustain life. The concept of recommending minimum levels of each nutrient to prevent deficiency diseases has prevailed.
Whilst this view still holds true, research into other chemical properties of plant foods has revealed that plant foods hold new secrets to health. Such knowledge is providing valuable keys to our understanding of how different cultural dietary practices affects various aspects of health of whole populations.
To pharmacists, the notion of plants having therapeutic effects should not be unfamiliar.  Many of the world’s most valuable drugs have had their origins in plants.
Bids to ‘stop mandatory vaccination’ will need a better argument than the time-worn mercury scare-mongering, supported by an image of a cute baby! FDA’s 2014 comment follows: “Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for some formulations of influenza vaccine. Sep 9, 2014.  Nor has thimerosal been used in Australia since 2000.
Bids to ‘stop mandatory vaccination’ will need a better argument than the time-worn mercury scare-mongering, supported by an image of a cute baby! FDA’s 2014 comment follows: “Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal-free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for some formulations of influenza vaccine. Sep 9, 2014.  Nor has thimerosal been used in Australia since 2000.
The Benefit of Reviewing Part 1 – One of the most misunderstood topics in Nutritional Medicine is that of so-called ‘Antioxidants’.  In Part 1, we looked at how ‘antioxidants’ are classified as Primary and Secondary and highlighted the differences between the typical ’antioxidant vitamins’ and the endogenous Antioxidant Enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase. Where typical ‘antioxidants’ such as vitamin C, E and beta-carotene are capable of quenching one free radical per antioxidant molecule, the Antioxidant Enzymes can quench several million free radicals per minute1. This little-known fact may help explain why so many clinical trials using ‘antioxidant’ vitamins have failed. What’s most exciting about the new understanding of the power of the Antioxidant Enzymes is that specific phytochemicals can ‘switch on’ that part of the DNA which codes for these and other cell-protective endogenous compounds. We are indeed on the cusp of a new paradigm in Nutritional Medicine as we use Nutrigenomics to optimise cellular function and cellular defences.
The Benefit of Reviewing Part 1 – One of the most misunderstood topics in Nutritional Medicine is that of so-called ‘Antioxidants’.  In Part 1, we looked at how ‘antioxidants’ are classified as Primary and Secondary and highlighted the differences between the typical ’antioxidant vitamins’ and the endogenous Antioxidant Enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase. Where typical ‘antioxidants’ such as vitamin C, E and beta-carotene are capable of quenching one free radical per antioxidant molecule, the Antioxidant Enzymes can quench several million free radicals per minute1. This little-known fact may help explain why so many clinical trials using ‘antioxidant’ vitamins have failed. What’s most exciting about the new understanding of the power of the Antioxidant Enzymes is that specific phytochemicals can ‘switch on’ that part of the DNA which codes for these and other cell-protective endogenous compounds. We are indeed on the cusp of a new paradigm in Nutritional Medicine as we use Nutrigenomics to optimise cellular function and cellular defences.
Although the term, Nutrigenomics was not coined until 2004, the unfolding science of sulforaphane perfectly illustrates the principles of nutrigenomics in favourably influencing the expression of many of our protective genes. Sulforaphane activates around 200 of the genes governing human cellular defence mechanisms.
Although the term, Nutrigenomics was not coined until 2004, the unfolding science of sulforaphane perfectly illustrates the principles of nutrigenomics in favourably influencing the expression of many of our protective genes. Sulforaphane activates around 200 of the genes governing human cellular defence mechanisms.
A recent Nutrition Society of Australia meeting was themed, “A new twist on health foods”. The theme confirmed the widespread and growing interest in the properties of particular foods.  Where nutritionists once viewed foods as providing just macro- and micronutrients, now foods are viewed also as valuable sources of biochemically-active phytochemicals (plant chemicals).
It has been estimated that foods contain around 10,000 such phytochemicals if absorbed, have the potential to modify the function of our cells. This concept is the foundation on which the emerging discipline of Nutrigenomics is based. The word, Nutrigenomics means ‘food influencing our genes’.
Another issue in the HEALTH IS WEALTH series is entitled, “Foods, herbs and medicine – a blurring of the boundaries”. Ongoing research continues to confirm that the boundaries are indeed blurred. Is a soybean a food because it contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates together with a range of micronutrients or is it a medicine because it contains estrogen-like compounds which can bind to the estrogen receptors and exhibit estrogen-like properties? Is ginger a herb because it is used to add flavour to other foods or is it a medicine because it inhibits the enzyme, thromboxane synthetase and thereby interrupts the generation of mediators of inflammation?
A recent Nutrition Society of Australia meeting was themed, “A new twist on health foods”. The theme confirmed the widespread and growing interest in the properties of particular foods.  Where nutritionists once viewed foods as providing just macro- and micronutrients, now foods are viewed also as valuable sources of biochemically-active phytochemicals (plant chemicals).
It has been estimated that foods contain around 10,000 such phytochemicals if absorbed, have the potential to modify the function of our cells. This concept is the foundation on which the emerging discipline of Nutrigenomics is based. The word, Nutrigenomics means ‘food influencing our genes’.
Another issue in the HEALTH IS WEALTH series is entitled, “Foods, herbs and medicine – a blurring of the boundaries”. Ongoing research continues to confirm that the boundaries are indeed blurred. Is a soybean a food because it contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates together with a range of micronutrients or is it a medicine because it contains estrogen-like compounds which can bind to the estrogen receptors and exhibit estrogen-like properties? Is ginger a herb because it is used to add flavour to other foods or is it a medicine because it inhibits the enzyme, thromboxane synthetase and thereby interrupts the generation of mediators of inflammation?
If you’ve ever wondered why some people are better able than others to retain their good health while they age, you probably won’t be surprised to know the answer lies in their genes.
But while our actual DNA is non-negotiable—and determines what genetic issues we’re likely to have to deal with as we grow older—our nutrition can change the way our genes are expressed. In essence, with the right nutritional balance, our pre-programmed physiological challenges don’t necessarily have to manifest during our lifetime.
Supplements developed through evidence-based research in Nutrigenomics provide the key to combating age-related health problems that affect our quality of life in our later years. Using naturally occurring food-derived molecules, Nutrigenomics is using science to validate what nature has already provided, and to help us age healthier and more actively in the future.
If you’ve ever wondered why some people are better able than others to retain their good health while they age, you probably won’t be surprised to know the answer lies in their genes.
But while our actual DNA is non-negotiable—and determines what genetic issues we’re likely to have to deal with as we grow older—our nutrition can change the way our genes are expressed. In essence, with the right nutritional balance, our pre-programmed physiological challenges don’t necessarily have to manifest during our lifetime.
Supplements developed through evidence-based research in Nutrigenomics provide the key to combating age-related health problems that affect our quality of life in our later years. Using naturally occurring food-derived molecules, Nutrigenomics is using science to validate what nature has already provided, and to help us age healthier and more actively in the future.
In this series, we break down all you need to know about antioxidants, with Part 2 last week looking at where the antioxidant story began. This week, in Part 3, Cell-Logic’s Senior Scientist Dr Christine Houghton explores the new ‘Nutrigenomics’ era and the changing trends in nutritional medicine. We now understand that free radicals and ‘antioxidants’, together with a range of other endogenous compounds and food-derived biomolecules, are all actors in a cellular script that is constantly changing to adapt to the environment in which the cell finds itself. What’s so exciting from a clinical standpoint is that many of the intracellular signalling pathways can be influenced by food-derived biomolecules.
In this series, we break down all you need to know about antioxidants, with Part 2 last week looking at where the antioxidant story began. This week, in Part 3, Cell-Logic’s Senior Scientist Dr Christine Houghton explores the new ‘Nutrigenomics’ era and the changing trends in nutritional medicine. We now understand that free radicals and ‘antioxidants’, together with a range of other endogenous compounds and food-derived biomolecules, are all actors in a cellular script that is constantly changing to adapt to the environment in which the cell finds itself. What’s so exciting from a clinical standpoint is that many of the intracellular signalling pathways can be influenced by food-derived biomolecules.
In Part 1, we looked at the Mediterranean diet as a possible prescription for good health and longevity. The Greeks living on Crete and consuming their traditional diet can boast the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.
Not only are the Greeks relatively free of cardiovascular disease but they are also far freer of the other diseases of civilization – cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, menopausal abnormalities, gall bladder disease and diverticulitis to name the most common. What is so curious about this is that the Greeks would appear to break all of the “rules” which we in Australia hold up as  icons for cardiovascular disease prevention.
This anomaly may explain why you may occasionally hear of a person who has been to his doctor and been given a “clean bill of health”.  Secure in this apparent reassurance, there is great surprise and shock when the individual suffers a heart attack soon after. Many modern nutritionists are asking whether we are measuring disease risk in the right way.
In Part 1, we looked at the Mediterranean diet as a possible prescription for good health and longevity. The Greeks living on Crete and consuming their traditional diet can boast the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.
Not only are the Greeks relatively free of cardiovascular disease but they are also far freer of the other diseases of civilization – cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, menopausal abnormalities, gall bladder disease and diverticulitis to name the most common. What is so curious about this is that the Greeks would appear to break all of the “rules” which we in Australia hold up as  icons for cardiovascular disease prevention.
This anomaly may explain why you may occasionally hear of a person who has been to his doctor and been given a “clean bill of health”.  Secure in this apparent reassurance, there is great surprise and shock when the individual suffers a heart attack soon after. Many modern nutritionists are asking whether we are measuring disease risk in the right way.
Independent scientific tests confirm that EnduraCELL yields 3.5 times more Sulforaphane per gram and dose than any other broccoli sprout product on the market.
EnduraCell consistently yields Sulforaphane levels that can readily match the doses used in a range of clinical trials. What this means is that a practical daily dose of EnduraCell can be expected to provide the expected response. It is for this reason that EnduraCell is confidently recommended by the many clinicians who know how to apply it in appropriate clinical situations.
Independent scientific tests confirm that EnduraCELL yields 3.5 times more Sulforaphane per gram and dose than any other broccoli sprout product on the market.
EnduraCell consistently yields Sulforaphane levels that can readily match the doses used in a range of clinical trials. What this means is that a practical daily dose of EnduraCell can be expected to provide the expected response. It is for this reason that EnduraCell is confidently recommended by the many clinicians who know how to apply it in appropriate clinical situations.
Our modern-day epidemic of chronic diseases has taken yet another ugly twist, presented by the dilemma of ‘overabundance’ — too many wrong choices and too few right ones.
Although it’s fair to say that developed countries no longer face the stress of war or starvation, our cells still continue to come under an ever-increasing barrage of oxidative stress, inflammation and toxins.
Our modern-day epidemic of chronic diseases has taken yet another ugly twist, presented by the dilemma of ‘overabundance’ — too many wrong choices and too few right ones.
Although it’s fair to say that developed countries no longer face the stress of war or starvation, our cells still continue to come under an ever-increasing barrage of oxidative stress, inflammation and toxins.
Background
I suspect you are reading this article because you have been exposed to inaccurate circulating information which suggests that magnesium stearate is a harmful compound when used in supplements. In fact, some manufacturers appear to promote this myth as a marketing advantage to encourage sales of their products over those of their competitors.
The Facts about Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a natural lipid (fat) component of animal foods and is also naturally present in human cells. In fact, we are eating it every day in a mixed diet. For every gram of fat naturally present in beef, there are about 15mg of stearic acid 1. A 100-gram serve of lean beef steak contains about 18 grams of total
fat2. This means that for this modest meal portion, one would consume around 270 mg of stearic acid.
Background
I suspect you are reading this article because you have been exposed to inaccurate circulating information which suggests that magnesium stearate is a harmful compound when used in supplements. In fact, some manufacturers appear to promote this myth as a marketing advantage to encourage sales of their products over those of their competitors.
The Facts about Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a natural lipid (fat) component of animal foods and is also naturally present in human cells. In fact, we are eating it every day in a mixed diet. For every gram of fat naturally present in beef, there are about 15mg of stearic acid 1. A 100-gram serve of lean beef steak contains about 18 grams of total
fat2. This means that for this modest meal portion, one would consume around 270 mg of stearic acid.
Findings
Daily intake of 30 grams of fresh broccoli sprouts by 40 overweight adults resulted in 2 key findings:
Background
SECONDARY EFFECTS OF OBESITY  Obesity is linked to inflammation which contributes to Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular as common co-morbities. Il-6 is associated with a broad range of physiological abnormalities underpinned by inflammation and CRP is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
BROCCOLI SPROUTS – CLINICAL TRIAL EVIDENCE  Broccoli sprouts are known to be a very rich source of sulforaphane, the bioactive molecule to which a range of beneficial effects are attributed. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that positive health outcomes occurred with sulforaphane-yielding supplements and fresh sprouts.
Findings
Daily intake of 30 grams of fresh broccoli sprouts by 40 overweight adults resulted in 2 key findings:
Background
SECONDARY EFFECTS OF OBESITY  Obesity is linked to inflammation which contributes to Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular as common co-morbities. Il-6 is associated with a broad range of physiological abnormalities underpinned by inflammation and CRP is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
BROCCOLI SPROUTS – CLINICAL TRIAL EVIDENCE  Broccoli sprouts are known to be a very rich source of sulforaphane, the bioactive molecule to which a range of beneficial effects are attributed. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that positive health outcomes occurred with sulforaphane-yielding supplements and fresh sprouts.
Getting to the cause
Cholesterol is clearly on the radar of GP’s as a primary treatment strategy for CVD with Statins successfully marketed as the number one go to. Yet a growing body of research points in another direction – to redox imbalances and inflammation as primary upstream causes of CVD.
Getting to the cause
Cholesterol is clearly on the radar of GP’s as a primary treatment strategy for CVD with Statins successfully marketed as the number one go to. Yet a growing body of research points in another direction – to redox imbalances and inflammation as primary upstream causes of CVD.
100% whole enzyme-active Broccoli Sprout Powder – Find out why our flagship ingredient is considered the most potent naturally-occurring activator of the cell’s own defence systems. Vegetables are well-known as being exceptionally beneficial for human health. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables in the Brassica family are known to exceed all others for their health-promoting effects. However, most of us don’t eat enough of these protective vegetables; in fact, green leafy vegetables and crucifers make up only 1% of all vegetables consumed!
100% whole enzyme-active Broccoli Sprout Powder – Find out why our flagship ingredient is considered the most potent naturally-occurring activator of the cell’s own defence systems. Vegetables are well-known as being exceptionally beneficial for human health. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables in the Brassica family are known to exceed all others for their health-promoting effects. However, most of us don’t eat enough of these protective vegetables; in fact, green leafy vegetables and crucifers make up only 1% of all vegetables consumed!
Broccoli Sprouts – Top of the Cruciferous Vegetable List Â
In the world of nutrition, people have known for a long time that the sprouts of cruciferous vegetables and legumes are powerhouses of valuable nutrients. But with a growing body of evidence supporting a cluster of impressive health benefits, the humble broccoli sprout has come to the forefront – and clinicians and researchers in nutrition are finding new ways to harness its unique power.
The secret to the health benefits of this remarkable food lies in the bioactive compound sulforaphane, which is generated in high concentrations when broccoli sprouts are consumed. Over a thousand published studies have identified sulforaphane as one of the most potent food-derived molecules of our era, and that some truly remarkable health benefits that can be accessed through its main source, broccoli sprouts.
The bioactives from broccoli sprouts can influence many of the genes that govern cellular function, ‘turning up’ the ones whose expression is beneficial in maintaining health, and ‘turning down’ the ones that result in maladaptive outcomes.
Broccoli Sprouts – Top of the Cruciferous Vegetable List Â
In the world of nutrition, people have known for a long time that the sprouts of cruciferous vegetables and legumes are powerhouses of valuable nutrients. But with a growing body of evidence supporting a cluster of impressive health benefits, the humble broccoli sprout has come to the forefront – and clinicians and researchers in nutrition are finding new ways to harness its unique power.
The secret to the health benefits of this remarkable food lies in the bioactive compound sulforaphane, which is generated in high concentrations when broccoli sprouts are consumed. Over a thousand published studies have identified sulforaphane as one of the most potent food-derived molecules of our era, and that some truly remarkable health benefits that can be accessed through its main source, broccoli sprouts.
The bioactives from broccoli sprouts can influence many of the genes that govern cellular function, ‘turning up’ the ones whose expression is beneficial in maintaining health, and ‘turning down’ the ones that result in maladaptive outcomes.
You might logically ask what masochistic streak in me would make me post such a headline! I’m bound to be shot down in a volley of gluten-free breadcrumbs!
The answer? Real as the phenomena of frank coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) might be, certain factors just don’t add up! A few are listed below.
I cannot simply sit back and watch an industry fuelled by over-processed gluten-free junk foods, over-ride common sense!
FACTOR NUMBER 1. The Mediterranean Diet continues to be acknowledged for its superior effects on human health. For thousands of years, people in this region have consumed diets rich in grains – including a high proportion of gluten-containing grains. And yet, where is the evidence that gluten adversely affects these populations? Proponents of gluten-free diets say that the wheat has been modified over decades and whereas it was once tolerated, now it isn’t. This may or may not be correct; no evidence yet!
You might logically ask what masochistic streak in me would make me post such a headline! I’m bound to be shot down in a volley of gluten-free breadcrumbs!
The answer? Real as the phenomena of frank coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) might be, certain factors just don’t add up! A few are listed below.
I cannot simply sit back and watch an industry fuelled by over-processed gluten-free junk foods, over-ride common sense!
FACTOR NUMBER 1. The Mediterranean Diet continues to be acknowledged for its superior effects on human health. For thousands of years, people in this region have consumed diets rich in grains – including a high proportion of gluten-containing grains. And yet, where is the evidence that gluten adversely affects these populations? Proponents of gluten-free diets say that the wheat has been modified over decades and whereas it was once tolerated, now it isn’t. This may or may not be correct; no evidence yet!
Two important parts of the ageing puzzle have recently been revealed and nutrigenomically-active CardiOS directly addresses these aspects of the ageing process. One of the realities of life is that ageing is inevitable. Clearly, some of us age more ‘gracefully’ than others, with some retaining a keen mind even though the physical form visibly changes. We may blame it on genetics or we may blame it on lifestyle but in truth, we know little about how to modify this process.
Two important parts of the ageing puzzle have recently been revealed and nutrigenomically-active CardiOS directly addresses these aspects of the ageing process. One of the realities of life is that ageing is inevitable. Clearly, some of us age more ‘gracefully’ than others, with some retaining a keen mind even though the physical form visibly changes. We may blame it on genetics or we may blame it on lifestyle but in truth, we know little about how to modify this process.
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