Protein, Protein, and More Protein!

Protein

Over the past couple months I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding protein. Why take protein? How much do I need? Do women need protein? Whether you're new to working out or are a seasoned pro, a quality protein powder is a necessity! Simply put, protein is the single most important thing you must consume daily to build new muscle tissue. Muscle wouldn't exist without it! 

While you can get your protein from food sources - and it's recommended that you do - protein powder is a great addition to ensure you get enough on a daily basis. Not to mention protein supplements are convenient and fast absorbing for before and after your workouts, so you can really take your results to the next level.

Getting the right protein is important, and there are a number of different types that you'll need to choose from to accomplish your goals.

Whey protein powder is a top quality and fast acting protein that's perfect immediately after your workout for optimal absorption.

Casein protein powder is a slowly digesting protein that can help provide a steady stream of amino acids to the muscles for longer durations. Casein is perfect to take right before bed, for all night recovery.

Egg and Rice protein powders are a fantastic option for anyone who's a vegetarian or who is lactose intolerant – if either of those are a concern for you it's definitely something you'll want to consider.

Once you know what type of protein you want to use, the next step is to identify the nutritional values within that specific protein.

First, you should always check the calories per serving. Both weight loss and muscle gains boil down to your calorie intake, so you'll want to be sure the protein you choose aligns with your goals. Generally protein powders are divided into lean, meal replacement and weight gainers.

Next, make sure the grams of protein per serving are adequate for your goal. A good general rule of thumb is to consume 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight. Be sure to spread this amount throughout the day as your body can only absorb 35-40 g per sitting. 

Another important thing to look at when picking your protein supplement is the carbohydrate and fat content. In addition to calories and protein, these should also be accounted for in your daily nutrition plan.

Finally, consider taste. Since you should definitely enjoy the healthy foods you eat, make sure to choose a flavor that you think will appeal to your taste buds. My personal favorite is chocolate because it is a health option for my nagging sweet tooth!

If you have any questions regarding your protein intake or any exercise/nutrition needs please feel free to contact me anytime! Looking forward to helping everyone reach their health and fitness goals!

For more health information, please visit us at Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

Supermarket or "Little Shop of Horrors"

Sarah Kavanagh

Last month 15-year-old Sarah Kavanagh from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, gathered more than 200,000 signatures in an on-line petition pressuring Gatorade to remove a controversial flame-retardant chemical from their popular drink.  As a result of all the social media attention Gatorade announced that they would comply within the next couple of months.

Had Sarah not drawn attention to the use of this (BVO) or brominated vegetable oil, who knows how long Gatorade would have continued the use of this harmful chemical hidden in their colorful “healthy sport drinks!”

I have to think forever…

Chemicals that are used as weed killers, flame-retardants, and sunscreens are startlingly common in your supermarkets!

These chemicals won’t be listed on the back panel as “carcinogens,” “paint chemicals,” or “beaver anal-gland juice.”  They will be hidden under names like “Butylated HydroxyAnisole” or believe it or not, “natural flavoring.”

Here are just a few to look out for next time you’re shopping.

Acesulfame Potassium (Acesulfame-K)

What it is:  An artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar often used to mask a bitter aftertaste.

Found in:  More than 5,000 food products, including diet sodas and no-sugar-added ice cream.

What You Need to Know:  Animal studies have linked the chemical to lung and breast tumors and thyroid problems.

Aspartame

What it is:  An artificial sweetener made by combining two amino acids with methynol.

Found in:  More than 6,000 grocery items to include diet sodas, yogurts, and the sweeteners NutraSweet and Equal.

What You Need to Know:  The FDA has received thousands of consumer complaints due mostly to neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory loss and epileptic seizures.

Titanium Dioxide

What it is:  A component of the metallic element titanium commonly used in paints and sunscreens.

Found In:  Processed salad dressing, coffee creamers and icing to make them appear whiter.

What You Need to Know:  Titanium is a mined substance that’s often contaminated with toxic lead.

Glyphosphate

What it is:  The active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup commonly used on corn and soy crops genetically engineered to withstand a heavy dousing of the chemical.

Found in:  Most non-organic packaged foods containing corn and soy derived ingredients.  It’s a systemic herbicide, taken up by the plant which means you eat it.

What You Need to Know:  Exposure to this chemical has been linked to obesity, learning disabilities, and infertility.

Butylated HydroxyAnisole (BHA)

What it is:  A petroleum derived antioxidant used to preserve fats and oils.

Found in:  Beer, crackers, cereals, butter, and foods with added fats.

What You Need to Know:  Studies have shown BHA to cause cancer in the forestomachs of rats, mice, and hamsters.

Castoreum

What it is:  Beaver anal gland juice.  Really.  Beavers combine it with their urine to mark their territory.

Found in:  Vanilla or raspberry flavoring in processed foods, labeled as “natural flavoring.”

What You Need to Know:  It’s beaver anal gland juice.

These are only a small sample of the toxic chemicals hidden in processed foods.  As more and more of these toxins accumulate in our system, they place severe stress on our organs.  We have to improve our health in order to lose weight efficiently and long term success is difficult if you don’t address this hidden culprit behind the excess fat we carry.

For more health information, please visit us at Southwest Age Intervention Institute. 

Vitamin D May Lower the Risk of Diabetes in Obese Adolescents

Vitamin D Supplementation

In April, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a report suggesting that vitamin D3 supplementation could lower the risk of developing diabetes. 

In an article in “Life Extension”, 35 adolescents were randomized to receive a placebo or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day for six months.  Blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study, at 3 and 6 months, and analyzed for Vitamin D, fasting glucose, and insulin as well as other factors.

The study revealed the body mass index (BMI) and glucose levels were similar between the two groups at the end of the trial but those who had received Vitamin D3 had significant increases in serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D as well as a reduction in fasting insulin.  As insulin is a storage hormone, this was a significant find.  By increasing Vitamin D, a significant decline in fasting insulin occurred similar to that of any powerful prescription drug.  Per Dr. Catherine Peterson, an associate professor of nutrition and physical exercise at the University of Missouri, “We saw a decrease in insulin levels, which means better glucose control, despite no changes in body weight, dietary intake, or physical activity”.

The study revealed that obese individuals process Vitamin D half as efficiently as normal-weight people.  It was explained that Vitamin D gets stored in fat tissue which keeps it from being processed normally.  As such, obese patients would consume twice as much Vitamin D as their lean peers just to maintain sufficient levels of Vitamin D, a key vitamin in human function.  

The message for clinicians was to check Vitamin D status in their obese patients as they were likely to have insufficient amounts.  This has proved true even in SAII's aging patient base and adding Vitamin D3 to their diets is seen as an effective addition to treating obesity and its associate insulin resistance which heightens weight gain and stifles weight loss.

For more information about the Risk of Diabetes in Obese Adolescents, or for general health information, please feel free to contact us at Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

Dr. Van Beest Visits the Playmakers Talk Show

Dr. Van Beest shares insights on health, energy and vitality for the busy executive during his March 2013 appearance on the Playmakers Talk Show, heard on 570AM KLIF.

A Low Glycemic Diet - The Only Game in Town When It Comes to Silent Inflammation!

Silent Inflammation

The most powerful “drug” you can take is the food you eat each day, and our toxic diets are killing us through a chronic inflammatory condition called “Silent Inflammation.”

What do I mean?
Toxic diets set the stage for Silent Inflammation, which not only damages the body’s tissues, but also precludes healthy weight loss. 

It is recognized as the underlying cause of most chronic diseases, even aging itself!  Silent Inflammation attacks the single layer of cells that line the more than 50,000 miles of blood vessels within the body.

It’s one of the main reasons more than 80% of us will die of vascular disease. 

Three key hormones contribute to Silent Inflammation:

• Eicosanoids (Immune System)
• Insulin (Storage Hormone)
• Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

Let’s look at each of these and discover how we can reduce Silent Inflammation with a proper diet.

EICOSANOIDS


Eicosanoids are commonly known as “super hormones" because they play a part in the synthesis of basically all other hormones in the human body.  Essentially, eicosanoids are a checks and balances system for the cellular makeup of your body.
There are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types of eicosanoids, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. Maintaining the proper balance of these is crucial to adequate health.

Genetically modified foods, food processing and environmental toxins promote pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, which increase Silent Inflammation and result in rapid aging and chronic health issues by compromising your immune system. 
An imbalance of eicosanoids is at the core of chronic disease.  Therefore, increasing anti-inflammatory eicosanoids is vital. 

Diets rich in heart healthy omega-3-fatty acids found in fish oil and low in omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils including corn, soybean, sunflower and safflower are essential. 

Eighty years ago the U.S. population ate a 2:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats.  At that time refined vegetable oils were a small part of our diet.  Our diet now comprises more of omega-6 fats and fewer omega-3 fats with the ratio now being closer to 20:1.  Too many omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3 fats create a hard membrane around cells much like an eggshell! 
Therefore, the type of fat you eat is one of the key causes of Silent Inflammation.
 
INSULIN

Insulin is a storage hormone that allows cells to either store nutrients or use them for energy.  Today, the typical diet produces too much insulin and excess insulin makes us fat and keeps us fat. 

As we age, our cells are less responsive to insulin.  The pancreas is forced to produce more insulin, and insulin resistance develops.  Excess body fat forces our body to increase insulin to overcome this resistance. 

Unfortunately, excess insulin increases Silent Inflammation by increasing arachidonic acid, a key building block for all pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Controlling insulin can reverse Silent Inflammation and improve health.

Eicosanoids and insulin are inter-related and in appropriate balance reduce Silent Inflammation.  Southwest Age Intervention Institute’s low glycemic approach reduces insulin, which directly affects Silent Inflammation. 
Benefits include decreased body fat, improved cardiovascular function, energy and vitality. 

CORTISOL

Cortisol, our stress hormone, is the primary anti-inflammatory hormone used to decrease excess inflammation. If Silent Inflammation is elevated, our adrenal glands produce high levels of cortisol.

Cortisol is, in reality, an anti-stress hormone.  Cortisol lowers pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, a result that is excellent if stress is temporary.  However, constant high levels of Silent Inflammation produces elevated cortisol on a permanent basis resulting in damage to the body.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we take a low glycemic dietary approach that allows our clients to decrease Silent Inflammation and helps reduce insulin and cortisol levels and rebalance pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids!

We will discuss more details about the low glycemic diet in future posts. For now, tell me what single change you’re going to make to positively affect these three hormones and reduce your risk of Silent Inflammation. Leave your comment below.

Bon appétit!!

Is There A Cure For Aging? Research Into Telomeres May Help Unlock The Secret

By Jacob Rosenstein, M.D.

Imagine what would be possible if medicine found a way to reverse the symptoms of aging – to literally stop the clock.  Instead of an average lifespan of 75 or 80, what would it be like to expect to live to 150 or 200 or longer? 

Baby boomers have definitely changed the dynamics of what to expect as we approach mid-life  -- we joke that 60 is the new 45.  But what if we were able to push the envelope to such a degree that you would continue to feel fit, healthy and mentally sharp well into your 80s or 90s and beyond?

Scientists have theorized that 125 years old may be the maximum possible lifespan for human beings.  Yet who knows?  New compelling research into aging may show us that we really have no idea what is possible for the future as far as lifespan, health, longevity and even disease. 

The Body’s Internal Fountain of Youth

Dr. Bill Andrews, a molecular biologist, CEO of Sierra Sciences and co-author of “Curing Aging” believes the secret to changing our concepts about aging may lie in tiny, invisible-to-the eye biochemical enzymes called telomeres.  

What are telomeres?  They are repeating sequences of DNA located on the end of our chromosomes, acting like caps on the end of a long chain of beads.   Telomeres protect the chromosome tips from unraveling and degrading when the cells divide.

But here is the important thing to know about telomeres:  Each time our cells divide and replicate, the telomeres on the end of the chromosomes lose a little bit of their length.  They get shorter.  Over a lifetime, the telomeres shorten to such a degree that the cells can no longer duplicate themselves.  And at that point, the cells die, a process called senescence.

According to Andrews, a researcher in Philadelphia named Leonard Hayflick discovered that there was a limit to the number of times a cell can duplicate and pass on its DNA.  He suggested that there was a “clock ticking inside every dividing cell in our body – a telomere clock.”

Lifestyle & Anti-Aging Regimens Make a Difference

Scientists now believe that the shorter the telomeres, the shorter the life of the cell. There is a built-in end point or lifespan when the clock will stop ticking. 

But we also know that there is a strong correlation between lifestyle habits and telomere length.  Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, inactivity, stress, hormone loss and other lifestyle habits and environmental toxins can greatly accelerate the rate at which telomeres shorten in the body.

What can you do?  The good news is that it’s possible to take steps now to support healthy changes in your cells – steps that may keep cell division strong for a longer period of time. The fewer cells with short telomeres, the healthier you are and theoretically the longer your lifespan. 

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute we can now give you a fairly accurate prediction of your overall health status through a highly specialized blood test that examines the cells for telomere length. 

How is this helpful?

It provides an important baseline to determine your biological age versus your chronological age and can help guide a treatment plan for improvement. 

Based on my own personal test with Life Length, my biologic age is 39 years old versus a chronologic age of 58.  What do I credit this significant difference to?  A decade or more of regimens available through the programs we offer at Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

Looking Ahead

The future is very exciting for those of us who are passionate about new scientific discoveries into aging.  I believe we are close to finding answers about how we can prolong our lifespans and stay healthy beyond what we would ever consider imaginable.

Companies like Sierra Sciences and TA Sciences are working now on research regarding telomeres, as well as an enzyme called telomerase.  Telomerase is present, but repressed in all of the cells in our body, that is except for our reproductive and stem cells.  We are staying on top of all of this research to bring to our patients. Thus, we are very excited about the recent information coming out about Telomerase.

In the specialized reproductive and stem cells, telomerase is actively expressed where it works to repair and re-lengthen the telomeres every time the cell divides.  In these cells, the telomeres don’t shorten.

Perhaps there is a way for scientists to work with telomerase to actively repair all of the cells in our body – thus postponing aging indefinitely.  In the not-so-distant future, I think we’ll find the answers. 

If you would like to learn more about telomeres and how testing can fit into your overall lifestyle and anti-aging treatment plan, call my office to schedule a consultation at 1-800-Age-Expert (243-3973).