From eNewsletter 12/21/2020

DID YOU KNOW that according to a study in Nutrition Reviews, prebiotics (i.e., inulin) may help regulate blood concentrations of ghrelin (controls appetite) and C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) in overweight or obese individuals?

HOLIDAY HOURS Thursday, December 24th - 9AM-2PM

Friday, December 25th - CLOSED

Saturday, December 26th - 9AM-4PM

COVID-19 CONDITION MONOGRAPH UPDATE Steve just updated for the third time the most recent data for treating COVID-19 conventionally and through integrative means. The 253 reference monograph is free at this COVID-19 Condition Monograph link.

OUR COVID-19 VACCINE OPINION

If you missed this in our eNewsletter, we addressed the Pfizer vaccine.

VIRUS PREVENTION Continue with extra immune support until at least summer of 2021. SARS-CoV-2 knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. Besides, SARS-CoV-2 is not the only virus we fight. There is influenza (flu), norovirus (stomach flu), adenovirus (common cold), and four other coronaviruses (common cold), among others. Prevent and Fight Coronavirus 2.0 is our must-read protocol.

ATTENTION PAID NCI WELL CONNECT MEMBERS Today's issue is truncated due to the holiday week.

Have a happy, healthy day! Steve and Bonnie

HEART HEALTH RETROSPECTIVE

Steve and Bonnie: Earlier this year, we highlighted several retrospective articles written years ago to honor Nutritional Concepts' 35th anniversary. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and dominated the conversation. We thought we would share with you a final article Bonnie published February, 2004 in Conscious Choice magazine. Many of these suggestions, especially the cardiac tests, are well before their time and some are still not commonplace to this day. A List for Your Heart Doctor by Bonnie C. Minsky February 2004 Heart Disease is the number one killer of people living in the United States. Nearly 62 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. In 2002, Cardiovascular disease-related costs were about $329.2 billion in the United States. With an aging population and surge in both diabetes and obesity, medical costs for treating heart disease will be insurmountable. Thus, prevention and natural treatments are not a luxury, but a necessity. According to the American Heart Association, at least one-third of deaths from heart disease could be prevented if people followed better diets and exercised more. There are also many tests that can be performed to assess risk and fix the problem before full-blown heart disease attacks.

Dr. Stephen Devries, a preventive cardiologist in the Chicago area, recommends comprehensive testing to determine risk early. Cholesterol is only one measure of heart health. According to Devries, at least one-third of the people who develop heart disease actually have a "healthy" cholesterol level. Low-grade inflammation in the heart area with an irritation of blood vessel walls can show a much greater risk for heart disease. A high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a simple blood test that can identify this risk. Many scientific researchers and cardiologists feel that the CRP should be measured in all adults over the age of 40. Other tests that Devries feels are necessary to look at cardiac risks include Homocysteine, Lp(a), LDL particle size, and even a Hemoglobin A1C (see table for further clarification). If elevated, there are natural methods and medical treatments, such as the ones listed in the tables, to improve heart health. Ten dietary improvement tips for reducing your heart disease risk and living a long, healthy life include:

1. use olive oil (extra virgin, cold-pressed);

2. eat whole grains and whole grain substitutes (especially oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice and wild rice);

3. eat fish (especially sardines and salmon) that are high in Omega-3 oils;

4. eat nuts and seeds (especially raw or dry roasted pecans, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds);

5. drink tea (especially green decaffeinated varieties) and red wine, if tolerated (5 oz. maximum for women/ 10 oz. maximum for men);

6. eat more fruits and vegetables (especially blueberries, dark green vegetables, fermented soy products, sweet potatoes, avocado, and tomatoes);

7. eat more fiber (especially flaxseed, oat bran, dried beans, and other high fiber vegetables);

8. restrict saturated fats (such as bacon, sausage, lard, and high fat cheese);

9. avoid trans fats (labels listing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats should be completely avoided; soon the amount of trans fats will be listed on food labels; they should read "O" or zero); and

10. eat less (cutting portions in half, if over age 40, could drastically reduce obesity and acceleration of aging).

During this heart health month, make a resolution to gradually add the "ten dietary tips" and test for as many heart health risks as possible.

2021 TOP WELLNESS TRENDS

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