437 Astaxanthin Review [11 Sept 2017]

I first wrote about astaxanthin in May 2011 [#115] and mentioned it again as a supplement for supporting eye health in July 2013 [#224].

Then this morning Donna’s cousin Joe shared the link to a 2014 review of the benefits of astaxanthin in the MDPI journal Marine Drugs. He has been using astaxanthin as part of his recovery protocol from stage 4 prostate cancer. In Joe’s words “without this supplement I could not function…I would literally be bedridden without it.”

I have been taking it myself, along with several other vision support supplements, to prevent macular degeneration.

The review reported that astaxanthin:
• is a carotenoid from marine phytoplankton which gives salmon and flamingos their pink color;
• increases its absorption when taken with fish or krill oil;
• is a strong antioxidant and protects lipids and proteins (including DNA) in our cells from oxidative damage;
• increases the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase;
• reduces inflammation in several systems of the body including stomach, lungs and eyes;
• prevents UV skin damage from sunlight;
• protects the pancreas and kidney cells from oxidative stress and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetics;
• is a “potential therapeutic agent against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” [link];
• through its antioxidant effect, shows promise in prevention and treatment of cancers;
• shows promise in animal studies of increasing antibody production;
• is safe with no side effects reported at up to 20mg per day for adults [I’m taking 8mg].

The authors conclude “Astaxanthin showed potential effects on various diseases including cancers, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, neurodegenerative, and skin diseases.” They call for more research on the metabolic pathways of neutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses. But we don’t have to wait – we can start taking advantage of astaxanthin’s many health benefits today.

Further reading: Life Extension article on astaxanthin immune support

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

432 What Lectins Do [7 August 2017]

Lectins are proteins in plants designed to protect them from being eaten. Gluten is the best known lectin, but there are hundreds of them found in most plants, including many that we humans use for food. Lectins are not broken down in digestion and only partially destroyed by cooking.

In #430 I explained how lectins cause leaky gut syndrome which leads to inflammation and auto-immune diseases. But that’s not all they do. Lectins also:

• bind to the epithelial cells in the lining of the gut and damage the microvilli where nutrient absorption occurs. This significantly interferes with the absorption of nutrients, especially protein, and can lead to loss of muscle mass.
• bind to the surface of beneficial bacteria in our gut, wiping them out while allowing pathogenic bacteria to proliferate
• interfere with the digestive enzymes in the gut preventing proper digestion of food
• bind to glycoproteins on the surface of cells throughout the body including joints, brain, liver, heart, kidneys; the immune system responds by attacking the organs and tissues affected leading to a variety of auto-immune diseases
• create hyper-sensitivity to foods leading to food allergies; people have found that after being on a low-lectin diet for a year or so their food allergies improve or disappear
• stimulate the release of histamine from mast cells causing an inflammatory response
• suppress the production of T and B lymphocytes reducing the immune system’s ability to protect us from foreign invaders
• cause blood cells to stick together destroying the blood cells and causing blood clots
• block the satiety hormone leptin, resulting in food cravings, over-eating, and obesity [see #327 Leptin Resistance]
• interfere with the body’s ability to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
• cause enlargement of the pancreas and atrophy of the thymus
• bind to neurons damaging the nervous system including eyesight
• interfere with the cell nucleus preventing normal reproduction of the cell and accelerating the aging process
• in summary, contribute to most of the chronic conditions that plague mankind!

Sources:
Gregory Barton, Cure Your Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disease, 2010
Evelyn Carmichael, The Essential Handbook to Lectin, 2017

Next week: who would most benefit from a low lectin diet.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

395 Macular Degeneration [14 Nov 2016]

I have written about this topic a few times over the years. In May 2009 [#010] I discussed age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. In July 2013 [#224] I listed 12 nutrients known to protect the eyes and improve vision. Then in May 2015 [#319] I added glutathione to that list. I am reprising this topic because last week I was diagnosed with early macular degeneration.

In the 2009 article I reported that the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) completed in 2001 found that a program of vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400iu), beta-carotene (25,000IU) and zinc (80mg) slowed the progression from intermediate to severe macular degeneration by 25%, but did not help those in the early stage of the disease. A second trial was then underway to test a lower level of zinc, eliminating beta-carotene, and adding lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3s.

The second study, called AREDS-2, came out in May 2013. It found that omega-3, beta-carotene and extra zinc made no difference with macular degeneration (and beta-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers!), but adding lutein and zeaxanthin slowed the progression of AMD by a further 20% beyond that of the original formula. None of the supplements affected the progression rate of cataracts in this study.

The retina specialist that diagnosed my condition recommended two brands of eye supplements that follow the AREDS-2 formula – Vitalux and PreserVision. Two of the eye supplement formulas in my store have most of these ingredients, plus a lot more like blueberry & bilberry extracts, selenium, and certain B vitamins. I also have lutein, beta-carotene and another carotenoid antioxidant astaxanthin as separate supplements (note that beta-carotene should not be taken at the same time as lutein and zeaxanthin as they compete for absorption). A special high-absorption form of thiamin or B1 called Benfotiamine shows promise in protecting eye health and is also available as a separate supplement.

I’m already taking most of the nutrients on the list, but will now add Benfotiamine B1 and more lutein and zeaxanthin to the mix. I also plan to start using the special whey for increasing glutathione again. I’ll let you know the results of my follow-up examination next year.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

319 Increasing Glutathione – Who Can Benefit? [18 May 2015]

Last week (#318) I showed you how to raise your glutathione levels. Which brings up the question of who would benefit from increasing glutathione.

In medicine we think of one drug for one disease, and are taught to be skeptical of “panaceas” that promise everything. But in natural healing many different nutrients must work together to improve one condition; and a single nutrient can improve many different conditions. Glutathione is a perfect example of the latter because its powerful antioxidant properties make it essential for health in every cell of the body.

You could benefit from increasing glutathione levels if you:
• want to look and feel younger – as we age our bodies produce less glutathione
• are an athlete – improves strength, endurance and reduces recovery time
• are a smoker, welder, mechanic, chemical farmer, consume alcohol, or are otherwise exposed to chemical toxins – protects your organs from damage
• use a cell phone or WIFI, are exposed to microwaves or ultraviolet radiation – protects cells from radiation damage
• have a chronic disease like asthma, Alzheimer’s, Lupus, Parkinson’s, arthritis, macular degeneration – all associated with low glutathione
• are fighting a viral infection such as a cold, hepatitis, herpes, bronchitis, pneumonia, even AIDS – strengthens the immune system to fight infections
• have impaired or diseased organs including heart, liver, kidneys, prostate, stomach, intestines, colon – all benefit from increased glutathione
• have atherosclerosis (risk for heart attack & stroke) – prevents lipid peroxidation and plaque formation
• are healing from trauma – promotes growth of healthy new tissue
• want to sleep better – promotes better more restful sleep
• are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired – supports mitochondria to produce more energy
• are healthy and want to stay that way – helps prevent all above conditions

Sources:
Immunotec website
Nutraxis website

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

224 Nutrients for Healthy Eyes [8 July 2013]

Most people would consider vision to be the most precious of their senses, so it makes sense to protect it. Certain nutrients prevent damage to the eyes and improve vision. A few of these nutrients can be obtained sufficiently in food; most only by supplementation.

• Beta-carotene occurs as retinal in the photoreceptor cells; protects the cornea; improves night vision
• Lutein, astaxanthin & zeaxanthin are fat-soluble antioxidants concentrated in the lens and macula; protect delicate photoreceptor cells from UV rays and free radicals; prevent cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Astaxanthin is the most potent antioxidant for protecting the eyes; protects DHA oxidation in the eye; inhibits inflammation; reduces eyestrain fatigue from computer use; protects or treats AMD, Cataracts, Diplopia (double vision), Diabetic Retinopathy, and depth perception problems
• Anthocyanins, water-soluble antioxidants found in dark berry pigments (bilberries, blackberries, blueberries), protect the eyes and improve vision
• Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most important anthocyanin for the eyes; improves night vision, reduces eye fatigue from computers
• Vitamin E: gamma tocopherol (GT) and alpha tocopherol (AT) work more effectively together, with GT the most important; protect eyes from free radicals and inflammation; help prevent cataracts and AMD
• Benfotiamine is a special form of Thiamine (B1) for the eyes; helps prevent glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy and eye inflammation
• Zinc and Selenium are mineral antioxidants; methionine form best for safety and bioavailability for the eyes; selenium reduces risk of AMD, cataracts and glaucoma; zinc is concentrated in choroid layer of the retina which provides oxygen and nutrients to the photoreceptor cells
• L-Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid essential for healthy eyes; improves Diabetic Retinopathy; helps prevent AMD

Source: Vision Health Formulas - powerpoint by RoseMarie Pierce, B.Sc.Pharm. 2013

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

010 Macular Degeneration and Cataracts [4 May 2009]

The macula is the center of the retina where sharp detailed vision occurs. As we age, oxidized fats accumulate in patches called "drusen" behind the retina. Large drusen, easily found in an eye examination, are a warning sign of macular degeneration.

The biggest risk factor for both cataracts and macular degeneration is age (and there is not much we can do about that!). However recent research has found certain foods and supplements which can reduce the risk for both diseases of the eye.

The U.S. National Eye Institute's first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) completed in 2001, found that a program of vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400iu), beta-carotene (25,000IU) and zinc (80mg) slowed the progression from intermediate to severe macular degeneration by 25%, but did not help those in the early stage of the disease. A second trial is underway to test a lower level of zinc, lutein vs beta-carotene, and omega 3s (EPA and DHA).

Other nutrients have shown promise in protecting your eyes from macular degeneration. In a study of 5,200 female healthcare workers, those taking B vitamins were 33% less likely to be diagnosed with MD after 7 years. Omega 3 rich foods like fish have also been found to reduce the risk of MD. Vitamin D is also showing promise in lowering risk of MD. Obesity increased the risk of MD in several studies. Other studies suggest the arachidonic acid found in red meat increases the risk of MD.

Cataracts are opaque areas in the lens of the eye which blur vision. A new test can estimate your risk of developing cataracts, but prevention is less certain. The AREDS supplement program disappointingly made no difference to cataract progression. Obesity (again) and diabetes are known risk factors.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two caretenoids found in the lens, are showing promise in cataract prevention. Foods high in these nutrients are (in order): kale, spinach, swiss chard, peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce and zucchini. Luckily lutein and zeaxanthin are also available in supplement form.

Don't wait for more studies before protecting your eyes. You can lower your risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts by: eating more leafy green vegetables; eating more fatty fish like salmon and taking an Omega 3 supplement; getting (or keeping) your weight down; avoiding simple carbs (white flour and sugar); and taking a multi vitamin & mineral supplement with zinc.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.