Cutting the Risk of Stroke - Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

June 07, 2004

It is no surprise that fruits and vegetables may cut the risk of developing a stroke. However new research from the ongoing Physicians Health Study indicates that it is particular antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables that may lower the risk of stroke. In particular the carotenoids Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, and Lycopene protected men from ischemic strokes. Men with the lowest levels (the bottom 20%) of these carotenoids had the highest risk of suffering a stroke. Men with higher levels of these carotenoids had a 40% decrease in the risk of developing a stroke. The men were followed for 13 years. The study appears in the June 4th issue of Stroke, Journal of the American Heart Association.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

A stroke is like having a heart attack, but instead of occurring in the heart it occurs in the brain. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and ischemic stroke is the most common form. An ischemic stroke is when there is a blockage of blood flow in a part of the brain. This is usually due to a blood clot and it often happens where there is hardening of the blood vessels in the brain. Any safe nutrient that lowers the risk of developing a stroke is extremely valuable. If you are one of the thousands of clients supplementing with InVite Multiple-Vitamin, Mineral you are deriving benefit from the natural Alpha-Carotene, Lyc-O-Mato natural oleoresin Lycopene, and natural Beta-Carotene content.

Relieving Chronic Achilles Tendon Injury - Brian McNamee, Ph.D.

The Achilles tendon is in the back of the ankle. When it thickens due to aging, it can become tender to touch and the sufferer may experience pain with activity. In a recent study 25 individuals with chronic tendinosis were placed on 12-week eccentric calf-muscle exercise program. And they were rechecked periodically over the years for further evaluation. At the end of 12 weeks 22 out of 25 individuals reported that pain had decreased to the point where it no longer restricted their activities. Ultrasounds showed that the tendon thickness had subsided significantly. Of 26 tendons with the condition, 19 had returned to normal structure at the end of the study.

The exercise in the study consisted of the following regime. Placing the toes of the involved foot on the edge of a step. The heel was slowly dropped below the level of the toes. Then the leg pushed up against the bodies weight - first position with the leg straight, second position with the leg slightly bent at the knee. The exercise was performed in three sets of 15 reps. This was performed twice each day for the 12 weeks.As pain subsided over the course of the study shoulder weights were added (or a weighted knapsack).

Commentary - Brian McNamee, Ph.D.

Other studies have supported this research and I find that the proper course of exercise greatly benefits my clients with Achilles tendon involvement. I also find that applying local ice therapy and relative rest for the tendon is helpful along with proper nutrition. The nutrients I use in my professional athletes include InVite Peak Performance, Collagen Repair Formula, InflamMune, and Joint Balance to help control the inflammation while benefiting the restructuring of the tissue.

Selenium and Chemotherapy - Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

In this study of 62 women with ovarian cancer, standard treatment was administered. The treatment consisted of surgery, plus the chemotherapeutic agents cyclophosphamide and cisplatin. The women were assigned one of two antioxidant formulas. Formula 1 - Antioxidants, Formula 2 - The same Antioxidants plus the mineral Selenium at 200mcg. The formulas were given daily for 3 months. The difference was startling. The women given the antioxidants with selenium had the following improvement in results versus the same formula without selenium:

The addition of selenium to standard therapy for women with ovarian cancer may decrease the side effects of chemotherapy. The study was published in the current issue of Gynecologic Oncology.

Note - consult with your oncologist before adding supplementation to your chemotherapy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Very Common

A study of Alabama job applicants shows that polycystic ovary syndrome may affect 6.6% of American women. It may be the most common hormonal problem affecting women of childbearing age. Women with this syndrome have multiple small cysts around their ovaries. It seems to be excessive amounts of male hormones that cause the syndrome. Other complaints may occur that are connected to excessive male hormone in women including:

Hormone treatment is the usual therapy for this condition. The study appears in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Commentary - Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

If a woman is suffering from acne, hair thinning or increased body hair growth, weight gain, and menstrual cycle irregularities she should visit her gynecologist and have her sex hormone levels checked, including her levels of male hormones. Particular herbs may be very beneficial for women suffering from this syndrome and after checking with your clinician the addition of these herbs in conjunction with hormone therapy may be very helpful.

Here is a list based on my opinion of useful nutrients: