The best foods for diabetics on insulin are rich in nutrients that improve insulin sensitivity.  I call them “insulin promoters” because they promote more efficient cellular uptake of glucose from the blood. 

Eating a diet rich in promoters enhances the effects of insulin therapy by targeting insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.  Taking insulin when resistant to its effects simply won’t work. 

You have to re-sensitize your body to insulin with foods rich in promoters in order to gain optimal blood sugar control.  I suggest adding the following foods, rich in insulin promoters, to your diabetic diet today.

The Best Insulin Promoters

The best insulin promoters contain high levels of lipoic acid.  As a powerful antioxidant, lipoic acid positively affects blood sugar control and the development of long-term complications. 

It’s believed that lipoic acid promotes optimal glucose control by protecting insulin receptors located on the surface of muscle cells.  Successful insulin therapy is totally dependent on healthy receptors, making lipoic acid a key component of a diabetic diet. 

It’s effectiveness as an insulin promoter is best supported by the recent approval in Germany for its use in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Foods rich in lipoic acid include:

1. Collard greens
2. Lean red meats (organ meats)
3. Brewer’s yeast
4. Cruciferous Vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)

I also suggest taking a lipoic acid supplement.  Take the “R” form of lipoic acid.  This is the more active form found in nature.  Take between 200 mg and 300 mg/day.

The Second Best Insulin Promoters

The second best insulin promoters are foods rich in chromium.  It’s an essential trace mineral that plays a significant role in sugar metabolism.

Chromium helps control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and improves metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.  A study of type 2 diabetics compared two forms of chromium (brewer’s yeast and chromium chloride). 

Both forms of chromium significantly improved blood sugar control by promoting the uptake of glucose into the tissues after eating a carbohydrate rich meal.  Fasting blood glucose levels were also lowered during a 2 month follow-up period.

Foods rich in chromium include (in order of most to least):

1. Egg yolk
2. Brewer’s yeast
3. Breads (whole grain, wheat, sprouted, rye)
4. Apples
5. Spinach
6. Oranges

Summary

Insulin promoters, rich in lipoic acid and chromium, are the best foods for diabetics on insulin.  If you’re taking insulin, your diet should include foods like collard greens, broccoli, apples, and whole grain. 

If loaded with insulin promoters, the foods you eat could be the difference between disease and health.

The best way to treat varicose veins is to target the underlying problem…chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).  CVI is caused by a deterioration of the one-way flaps in veins designed to keep blood flowing toward the heart. Swollen with blood, the veins dilate and become visible “varicose veins” on the surface of the skin.

Although generally not life-threatening, varicose veins can decrease the quality of life.  They hurt and itch.  If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to serious medical conditions including phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) and blood clots.

Traditional treatments, like sclerotherapy (injections), fail because they don’t improve venous circulation.  But there’s hope.  Here’s how to treat varicose veins…naturally.

Diosmin

Diosmin, a component of orange peels, is a nutraceutical treatment shown to be effective and protective against the progression of chronic venous disease.  Diosmin protects veins and capillaries from inflammation and vascular-destructive compounds.

Likewise, micronized diosmin prevents tissue damage to blood vessel valves, preventing blood backflow. It is the only treatment that is effective in protecting you from the symptoms of chronic venous disease from the earliest stages up to the most severe stages.

Take 600 mg/day of diosmin.

Horse Chestnut Seed

Horse chestnut seed, cultivated in Europe and North America, supports healthy fluid balance and is vaso-protective (protective of vein structure).  The active ingredient is a substance called escin. 

Escin promotes increased blood circulation by increasing the tone in the walls of the veins, whereby enabling blood to flow unrestricted.  More recent studies indicate that aescin (extracted from horse chestnut seeds) may also possess anti-inflammatory effects useful in reducing edema, swelling caused by excess fluid, as result of injuries.

Take 250 mg/day of horse chestnut seed extract.

Combination Therapy

Combining diosmin with horse chestnut seed is the most effective way to treat varicose veins.  The combination has been shown to…

1. Maintain healthy blood flow through your capillaries

2. Maintain tone and elasticity of your veins

3. Ease vascular inflammation

Results can be seen in just 1-2 weeks.  To learn more, read the article published by Life Extension.  Go to www.lef.organd use the search terms “diosmin.”

Hormone replacement therapy with synthetic estrogen and progesterone increases the risk for breast cancer. What’s really scary is that your risk remains high even after you stop treatment. But there’s good news…a common cooking spice may offer some protection against this dreaded disease.

Breast Cancer & Hormone Replacement

Traditional hormone replacement uses synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone that are non-biological, or not identical, to human hormones. The synthetic hormones are chemically different and can disrupt normal breast cell metabolism leading to cancer.

The Women’s Health Initiative study of estrogen and progestin in healthy women was stopped early when researchers found an increased risk of developing cancer from the hormones. But it gets worse.

Stopping therapy may not reduce the risk. If you’re a breast cancer survivor and you took hormones to relieve menopause symptoms you’re three times more likely to develop a recurrence of the cancer.

So how can you protect yourself if you took non-biological hormones? The answer is the turmeric spice.

Protect with Turmeric

Scientists at the University of Missouri concluded that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, could prevent cancer in women who took the synthetic hormones. It slows tumor growth and reduces the overall incidence. Animal studies demonstrated that the spice stops the synthetic hormones from releasing cancer-promoting growth factors into healthy breast tissue.

The researchers concluded that, “…exposure to [synthetic hormones] will predispose a large number of postmenopausal women to future tumor development. The results of our study show that women could potentially take curcumin to protect themselves from developing [breast cancer].”

There are additional health benefits attributed to turmeric spice beyond breast health. It’s a potent antioxidant, it reduces inflammation, it degrades chemical toxins, and it promotes normal cell growth throughout the body.

But there is a problem…turmeric is poorly absorb into the bloodstream. The conventional products don’t work because most of the spice never reaches the blood. You end up taking large doses which can get expensive. However, an advanced formulation with greater absorption was developed by a top biotechnology company.

Advanced Curcumin Formulation

The biotechnology company, Dolcas-Biotech, developed a “super” formula that absorbs up to seven times better than conventional products. Studies show that one 400 mg capsule a day results in blood levels equal to ingesting 2,500mg of conventional turmeric products. Not only does it result in higher blood levels, but the new formula remains active in the bloodstream almost twice as long.

Talk to your doctor about turmeric. If you need it, find a product that uses the advanced formula with the trademark name “BCM-95 Super Bio-Curcumin®” clearly printed on the label. Make sure each capsule provides 400 mg that is standardized to 95%.

If you have ever taken synthetic (non-biological) hormones, protect against breast cancer by supplementing daily with curcumin. The October 2007 Life Extension magazine has a must read article titled, A Novel Turmeric Compound. I strongly suggest that you read it now.

Human cells have biological clocks called telomeres which cap the ends of chromosomes. The telomeres shorten in length everytime a cell divides and replicates. Eventually, the telomeres become too short for cell division and the cell dies. Shorter telomeres accelerate a cell’s biological clock and are considered markers of aging.

Telomeres, Biological Clocks & Heart Disease

The American Heart Association discovered a link between shorter telomeres in white blood cells (immune cells called leukocytes) and the development of heart disease. Researchers sought to determine the relationship between telomere length and the risk of high blood pressure in men and women between the ages of 30 to 80 years.

The telomere length was measured in 388 people with high blood pressure and 379 healthy people. What they found was that older people and people with high blood pressure had the shortest telomeres.

It makes sense. High blood pressure causes physical damage to the white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. Damaged cells need to regenerate by initiating cycles of cellular division. The more a cell divides, the faster the telomeres shorten. The end result is an accelerated biological clock and aged immune cells.

Aged and dysfunctional immune cells can have devastating consequences. For instance, systemic inflammation increases and damages the arteries feeding the heart. Complications include higher blood pressure and an increased risk for stroke and heart disease.

Participants with shorter telomeres were found to be more than three times as likely to develop heart disease compared with those who had longer telomeres. Researches also found that if the healthy subjects developed high blood pressure over the course of follow-up they too had shorter telomeres.

Analysis of the data confirmed that both short telomeres and high blood pressure were independent risk factors for developing heart disease. To prevent heart disease you need to maintain healthy blood pressure and slow-down the biological clock by keeping telomeres long.

Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

The trinity of nutrients can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Supplementing your diet with these three powerful nutrients is simple, safe, and effective. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medications.

1. Grapeseed Extract

Supplementing with 150mg/day of a high quality grapeseed extract was shown in several studies to reduce and stabilize pressure.

2. Milk Peptides

Spliting milk protein in half creates a small protein fragment (peptides) called CVH-15. The protein fragment inhibits certain blood proteins that increase pressure. Take 1500mg/day of milk peptides.

3. Pomegranate Extract

A true superfood, pomegranate has been proven to work without side effects. Eating pomegranate is good, but you still need to supplement with 100mg/day.

Keeping Telomeres Long

HIV researchers from the National Institutes of Health have been exploring methods for lengthening the telomeres in white blood cells. White blood cells with long telomeres live longer and could strengthen the immune system in HIV patients. They successfully identify one herb that significantly lengthens the telomeres in white blood cells.

Astragalus is an herb cultivated in Asia and has been used for centuries to strengthen the immune system and treat winter viruses. The researchers concluded that 500mg/day of Astragalus can significantly lengthen the telomeres in white blood cells.

The Life Extension Foundation has tons of information on how to prevent heart disease. Visit the web site today at www.lef.org and use the search terms “heart disease.”  You will learn about innovative strategies for maintaining a healthy heart.

The top herbal remedies for flu symptoms are surprisingly supported with solid clinical evidence…more than your doctor knows.  Take it from me, a previously skeptical medical doctor, these herbs work!

Herbal Remedy #1: Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis is cultivated in Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries to ease flu symptoms and speed recovery.  It mostly is used by naturopathic doctors in the US and has had mixed results at best.  However, the variable effects and seemingly ineffectiveness has more to do with low quality products, not the herb itself.

After successfully using Andrographis for my flu symptoms, I was compelled to see if there was any clinical evidence published about the herb.  I was amazed at what I found…

A clinical trial involving 540 adults with influenza were given standardized extracts of Andrographis three times daily for 3-5 days, while 469 individuals used conventional antiviral medications and served as the control group.

The doctors measured severity of disease (measured by development of complications) and disease duration (measured by number of days on sick leave).

In the herbal remedy group, 30% progressed to complicated influenza compared to 70% in the control group. Likewise, those in the herbal group experienced a shorter duration of symptoms (approximately 6-7 days) compared to 9-10 days in the control group.

You can’t ask for better results…Andrographis works!  If you take the right product.  Look for a product that is made from the natural shrub and is standardized to 4% andrographolides (check the label carefully).

Herbal Remedy #2: Elderberry

Elderberry has direct-viral killing effects.  It neutralizes the protein spikes found on the surface of the flu virus.  Without these spikes, the virus can’t penetrate cell membranes and replicate.  Elderberry also activates several immune cells, like macrophages and T-cells.

But the proof is in the pudding.  In one small clinical trial, significant improvement in flu symptoms was observed in 14 of 15 subjects two days after initial dosing, with complete symptom resolution in 13 of 15 subjects after three days.

In the placebo group, complete symptom resolution was only achieved by 4 of 12 subjects within three days and 5 of 12 subjects after five days.

Elderberry comes best in a liquid form developed by a certified herbalist.

Additional Herbs, Plants & Spices

I also like the following herbal remedies for fighting flu symptoms.  Although there is less clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness, many people report great results…

1. Astragalus–may work in similar ways to Andrographis.

2. Baptisia–may help to reduce a fever and ease body aches.

3. Olive Leaf–may have direct-viral killing effects.

4. Oil of Oregano–may help to reduce congestion and coughs.

Life Extension has a great influenza protocol providing tons of information and a list of suggested products for beating flu symptoms.  Visit www.lef.org and use the search term “influenza.”

Preventing sugar spikes and restoring insulin sensitivity is the first step in preventing diabetes.  If you’re at risk for diabetes (middle age, family history, overweight, inactive) follow these suggestions:

1. Eat Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber interferes with carbohydrate absorption from the intestines into your bloodstream.  By limiting absorption, less sugar enters the blood and prevents spikes.

I suggest supplementing with psyllium husk or beta-glucan 10 to 20 minutes before each major meal.  Both of these soluble fibers come in powder form and mix well with water.

2. Take Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium polynicotinate is a trace mineral that enhances the effect of insulin.  With chromium, cells don’t needs as much insulin to uptake glucose.  The more sensitive the cells are to insulin, the less is released into the blood.

Take 500 mcg of chromium polynicotinate with each major meal.

3. Try Coffee Berry & Cinnamon

Cinnamon is well known by naturopathic doctors for its positive effects on blood sugar.  The problem is that whole cinnamon contains oils that prevent it from working.  The best suggestion is to take 200 mg with each meal of a water-based cinnamon extract free from the oils.

Cinnamon works better with the herb coffee berry.  Coffee berry inhibits the conversion of glycogen (stored sugar) to blood glucose, thus helping to minimize spikes and the amount of insulin released.  About 50 mg of coffee berry with each meal should do the trick.

4. Take Lipoic Acid

Glucose (blood sugar) destroys the insulin receptors sticking out from the cell’s membrane. Without these receptors, insulin won’t work.  Lipoic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant that protects insulin receptors.  I suggest taking 200 to 300 mg/day of R-lipoic acid (the “R” form is more potent).

5. Eat Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbs have less effect on blood sugar spikes.  Foods like oatmeal, bran, wheatgerm, and whole grain breads take longer to breakdown to glucose.  The long it takes to breakdown carbs to glucose, the less insulin is released.

A word of warning: all carbohydrates, complex or not, eventually become glucose.  I suggest cutting the servings breads and cereals in half.

Summary

Preventing sugar spikes after meals restores insulin sensitivity and is the first step in diabetes prevention. To learn more, read the Life Extension Foundation’s diabetes protocol at www.lef.org and use the search term “diabetes.”

Glutathione

Glutathione is the body’d best antioxidant.  It has been shown to increase the lifespan of immune cells, specifically B-cells and T-cells.  This means extended antibody production and direct viral-killing effects.

Take 500 mg/day of reduced glutathione on an empty stomach.

CoQ10

Ubiquinol CoQ10 is the second most potent natural antioxidant.  Higher blood levels of CoQ10 enhances the immune system’s direct viral-killing effects.

Take 200 mg/day.

Vitamins E & C

Everybody knows about vitamins E and C.  The immune system effects of these two vitamins are well documented and supported by several clinical studies.  They work together with glutathione to activate B-cells and T-cells.

Take 400 IU/day of E and 2000 mg/day of C.

Zinc & Selenium

Zinc and selenium are natural immune boosting minerals that increase antibody production by activating B-cells.  Antibodies bind to the flu virus and kill it. 

Take 50 mg/day of zinc and 250 mcg/day of selenium.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that supports cellular health and function. In human cell culture studies, it has been shown to block the manufacture and release of inflammation-causing substances, which can help support a healthy immune response to seasonal viruses.

Additionally, quercetin helps to reduce sinus congestion, making it tough for viruses to enter your body.  Take 500 mg/day of a quercetin extract.

Grapeseed Extract

The seeds from grapes contain natural immune boosters that enhance the first-line of defense: natural-killer cells (NK cells).  NK-cells are responsible for orchestrating “search & destroy” missions. They circulate throughout the vascular system searching for foreign invaders and killing them upon contact.

Take 500 mg/day of grapeseed extract.

Beta Glucan

A type of fiber, beta glucan can also enhance the function of NK-cells, the first-line of defense.  The carbohydrate part of the fiber attaches to invading flu viruses and acts like a “tracker beam” for immune cells to follow.  Coated in fiber, the flu virus can’t hide and is easily killed.

Take 100 mg/day of beta glucan fibers.

Melatonin

The last natural immune booster is the hormone melatonin.  Not only does melatonin regulate sleep cycles, but it also manages the immune system’s communication mechanisms.  Immune cells need melatonin to coordinate an attack by regulating the release of cytokines (protein molecules).

Take 5 to 10 mg at bedtime.

To learn more about natural immune boosters, read Life Extension’s immune protocol at  www.lef.org and search “immune boosters.”

Swine flu fighters are powerful nutrients known to lessen the severity of symptoms and limit the number of days you’re sick.  The secret to beating any strain of the flu virus is to start treatment fast, within 24 hours of feeling sick. 

If you develop a runny nose, sore throat, or dry cough at anytime during the next few months, begin supplementing with the swine flu fighters immediately. 

Don’t wait for a fever to develop…that’s a big mistake.  By that time it’s too late for any type of remedy to work.

The Swine Flu Fighters

#1: Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Cimetidine is an over-the-counter medication used to treat heart burn.  Amazingly, it also has direct viral-killing effects.  Take 800 mg/day until all symptoms disappear.

#2: Vitamin D

Low blood levels of vitamin D is one of the main reasons we have a flu season.  Taking vitamin D strengthens your immune system while controlling inflammation.  You can safely take up to 5000 IU/day if you feel sick.

#3: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that increases the lifespan of your immune cells.  The longer that each immune cell can live the better the chance for stopping the flu virus from spreading.  Take 2000 mg/day.

#4: Zinc Lozenges

Zinc prevents the flu virus from attaching to the cells lining the respiratory tract.  Unable to “stick”, the virus is prevented from infecting your body. 

Take 24 mg of a zinc lozenge twice a day for 1-2 weeks.

#5: Garlic Extract

Garlic is not only toxic to the flu virus, but also increases the activity of immune cells.  Pungent oils, called allicins, have been shown to lessen flu symptoms by up to 50%. 

Take 9000 mg/day of a garlic extract standardized to 5% of allicins.

#6: DHEA

DHEA is the immune boosting hormone.  Higher blood levels of DHEA can enhance just about every function of the immune system.  Everyday dosing with DHEA is determined by a blood test. 

However, if you feel sick start taking 200 mg/day for 2 weeks.  At that point, you can stop taking it.

#7: Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that enhances the immune system’s production of key chemical messengers, called cytokines.

Cytokines are how immune cells communicate and coordinate the fight against the flu virus.  Take 10 mg at bedtime.

#8: Andrographis Paniculata

Cultivated in Southeast Asia, andrographis paniculata is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to fight infections.  It inhibits viral replication and strengthens several parts of your immune system.  Take up to 1500 mg/day.

Summary

The swine flu fighters are powerful nutrients that when taken with the first signs of infection (runny nose, sore throat, and dry cough) can help you feel better fast.  Don’t wait for the onset of a fever to begin a flu remedy…it’s too late. 

Read Life Extension’s influenza protocol which can be found at the following web address: www.lef.org/protocols/infections/influenza_01.htm.

Painless gingivitis remedies are now available in supplement form. Despite regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, it is challenging to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Most of us just give up.

But don’t neglect your gums. As we have come to learn, plaque-induced gum disease causes more than just bad breath. Chronic gingivitis (inflamed gums) can lead to a host of serious health problems, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and even cancer.

But there’s good news. Researchers have discovered two key nutrients for healthy gums. The two all-natural gingivitis remedies, with daily use, can help to…

1. Sooth inflamed gums.
2. Prevent tooth decay.
3. Stop bad breath.
4. Ease inflammation throughout your body.
5. Support a healthy heart and digestive system.

Remedy #1: Oral Probiotics

After years of study, a new oral probiotic lozenge may change how millions can achieve optimal oral health. A microbiologist from New Zealand, Dr. John R. Tagg, is credited with advancing the science of using probiotics to enhance oral health.

What was remarkable about Tagg’s work was that a species of friendly bacteria, called streptococcus salivarius, occurs naturally in the mouth. Unlike other probiotic species, these strep organisms lived in benign symbiosis with the human oral cavity.

Dr. Tagg found that S. salivarius produces proteins that reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. These “bad” bacteria are responsible for cavities and gingivitis.

Testing Dr. Tagg’s discoveries, Swedish scientists succeeded in reversing symptoms of gingivitis in just two weeks by administering oral probiotics to people with gum disease.

The two beneficial strains of bacteria they used were S. salivarius and B. coagulans. This amazing gingivitis remedy is now available without a prescription. Just one lozenge a day is all you need for healthier gums.

Remedy #2: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is needed by every cell in your body to make energy. Without it, cells stop working and eventually die. Unfortunately, the natural production of CoQ10 declines with advancing age. The loss of CoQ10 within the oral cavity leads to gum disease and tooth decay.

Supplementing with CoQ10 can dramatically reverse the symptoms of gingivitis. I suggest that you take 100 mg/day by mouth and apply CoQ10 directly to the gums (prick a hole in the softgel and squeeze the oil on your finger).

Please note: the best form of CoQ10 is called ubiquinol. Cheaper products use a less potent (and less absorbed) form called ubiquinone. Spend the few extra bucks and get ubiquinol…it’s worth it.

Summary

The amazing all-natural gingivitis remedies really work! At a fraction of the cost for traditional treatments, the natural remedies, oral probiotics and CoQ10, will promote a healthy mouth and body.

Visit the Life Extension web site, at www.lef.org, and search for Advanced Oral Hygiene.

High blood pressure has been nicknamed the silent epidemic because of its far-reaching consequences. Today, nearly one of every three adults has high blood pressure. It is the 13th largest cause of death in the United States.

Amazingly, studies based on the well-known Framingham Heart Study have estimated that a 55-year-old person who has normal blood pressure has a 90-percent lifetime risk of getting high blood pressure.

Sadly, millions of Americans who think their blood pressure is under control may be wrong. Numerous studies have shown that most people treated with antihypertensive drugs (drugs that lower blood pressure) still have higher-than-optimal blood pressure.

What you need is an innovative food-based approach that lowers high blood pressure. And here it is…

Food #1: Red Grapes

The seeds from red grapes can help maintain healthy blood pressure. In one study, researchers concluded that red grape seed extract may be beneficial in lowering the blood pressure of people who are prehypertensive.

Subjects took 300 mg/day of red grape seed extract.

Food #2: Milk Protein

Researchers recently hydrolyzed (or split) the milk protein known as casein and isolated the C12 peptide. Clinical studies now show that the C12 peptide is a natural ACE inhibitor that has specific blood pressure lowering effects.

But don’t drink milk. You won’t get the C12 peptide. Instead, take a C12 peptide supplement that provides 200-400 mg/day.

A Japanese study sought to evaluate the longer-term benefits of supplementing with the C12 peptide. Eighteen mildly hypertensive subjects, with a mean blood pressure of 141/99 mm Hg, received 200 mg/day of the C12 peptide for 4 weeks.

The researchers recorded significant reductions in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure.

Food #3: Pomegranate

Pomegranates are fast becoming known as one of the healthiest foods we can eat, largely because of their beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

The benefit of supplementing with pomegranate extract (rather than drinking the juice or eating the fruit) is that the extract, unlike the juice, contains virtually no sugar or calories, and requires no refrigeration to maintain optimal quality.

Pomegranate extract lowers high blood pressure by preventing blood vessel constriction. Supplementing with 400 mg/day is the right dose to fully benefit from this super fruit.

Summary

Red grapes, milk proteins, and pomegranates are three foods that lower high blood pressure. As always, check with your doctor before starting any diet and exercise program.

For more information, visit the Life Extension web site at www.lef.org and type into the search bar: Hypertension.