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From eNewsletter 8/30/2023

DID YOU KNOW that in the last month, there have been two studies warning of the dangers of the class of medication known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI), prescribed for acid reflux/GERD? The conclusion of a study from the most recent issue of JAMA Pediatrics: "PPI use was associated with increased risks of serious infections in young children. Proton pump inhibitors should not be used without a clear indication in this population". The second study, appearing in the latest issue of Neurology, concluded that using PPIs for four-and-a-half years or more were linked to a higher risk of dementia compared to people who do not take them.

Announcements

Services Update

Double Sale Week! Running through Friday, September 1st, please take advantage of both August and September sale items. See our website shop for details.

Student Supplement First Aid Kit Whether going away to school or not, students need support for myriad viruses and bacteria, as well as options to minimize the damage if they develop an infection. Bold items taken daily, others as needed (if tolerated), based upon individual needs. Magnesium Glycinate (anxiety and stress) Monolaurin (viral preventive) Vitamin D3 1000-5000 IU (immune system support) Vitamin C 500-1000 mg (immune system support) Probiotic (one day per week to to balance microflora) Andrographis root (fight infection when it first appears) Elderberry Zinc Lozenges (soothe sore throat, respiratory issue) Zinc Sulfate Solution (soothe sore throat, respiratory issue) Melatonin 0.5 - 3 mg. (sleep support) Alka Support (sour, upset stomach) Steve Minsky MS, HWC As a Health and Wellness Counselor, Steve analyzes and offer solutions to optimize human functioning not only with food, but every aspect of your lifestyle, whether for prevention or healing. More info on Steve's services.

Text Us If Convenient at (847) 497-0902 Text is quickest way to get communicate with us. Type (847) 497-0902. Questions for Bonnie do not apply.

Pet Wellness Our dietary supplement line for dogs and cats, ThorneVet, has an impeccable reputation among veterinarians. Carolyn Martinelli "Coach Care" can answer your questions about ThorneVet pet supplements at nutroconpet@gmail.com. Please leave detailed contact information as well as the name, age, sex, breed, and/or health issue(s) and med(s) of your pet so Carolyn can respond accordingly. To order from our wellness shop, please visit here (for prices, enter the Guest Area password: discount2018). Online Gift Cards Giving the gift of wellness has never been easier. Order your gift cards here.

Upcoming Wellness Screenings

Food Intolerance Blood Draw Options to set up a Biotrition food intolerance test blood draw. By appointment only:

  1. One Saturday per month at Biotrition in Glenview - next date September 9th

  2. MON-FRI 9AM-3PM at NICL Labs in Northbrook

Text, email, or call us to set up your appointment.

Infection Support

Prevention or During Infection Year-round infection is the new normal. We are exposed to many endemic viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus (stomach flu), adenovirus (common cold), monkeypox, and four other coronaviruses (common cold), among others. Support your immune system with our Free Prevent and Fight Viruses 2.0 Protocol here.

Have a happy, healthy day! Steve and Bonnie Minsky

In Today's Issue...

  • WC Feature* Late Summer Dinner

  • Behaviors of Those Who Achieve Clinically Significant Weight Loss

  • Sept/August 20% OFF Sale Items

  • Case Report NEW!

  • Chiro Corner NEW!

  • Pure Genomics

  • Blog Briefs NEW!

  • Well Connect Member Benefits

*Paid Member Access Only


Behaviors of Those Who Achieve Clinically Significant Weight Loss

Steve: Recently, I wrote a piece that elucidated the pitfalls of the new class of weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Now, I would like to elucidate the research behind behaviors that allow one to clinically achieve weight loss with less risk. One way that the body naturally produces GLP1, which is what Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro mimics synthetically to reduce appetite, is to eat bittering foods. Think vegetables that have a bitter taste. That is why priming taste buds for bitter taste in your youth is critical for weight maintenance. A study from Journal of the American Heart Association found adults with clinically significant weight loss reported higher diet quality, particularly with higher protein intake, less refined grain and added sugar consumption, as well as more moderate and vigorous physical activity. A greater proportion of people who did not lose at least 5% of their weight reported skipping meals or using prescription diet pills as weight-loss strategies. Additional strategies reported by this group included liquid diets, taking laxatives, and smoking. There are many more positive behaviors and benchmarks we can strive for, some of which are listed below. Forget Body Mass Index (BMI) This summer, the American Medical Association adopted a new policy, calling on doctors to deemphasize the role of body mass index, or BMI. One reason is that BMI does not accurately predict an individual’s body fat percentage. A study just published in Frontiers in Nutrition concluded that body fat percentage is a much more reliable indicator of an individual's overall health and cardiometabolic risk than the BMI index. The researchers found that one third of normal-weight individuals based upon BMI were actually obese. There are also many individuals that based upon BMI would be considered obese, but if they are muscle-bound (muscle weighs more than fat), they are misclassified. Thus, body adiposity index, relative fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference are better methods. Fat-Burning Zone Varies The best heart rate for burning fat differs for each individual and often does not align with the "fat burning zone" on commercial exercise machines, according to new research in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease. The researchers plan to study whether individuals who receive a more personalized exercise prescription demonstrate more weight and fat loss. One rule of thumb: Fat-burning zone for weight loss is most often low intensity exercise, which is about 40-50% max heart rate. Someone walking for 30 minutes at 2 mph will burn almost as much fat as one running 9 mph for the same amount of time, but the running person will also burn much more carbohydrate so total energy expenditure is much more for the runner. Caloric Restriction Good For Some... Studies from Advances in Nutrition and Frontiers in Nutrition found that at least in those ages 55-70, the most effective strategy for weight loss was combining energy restriction (either intermittent fasting or reduced portion sizes) with resistance training or mixed exercise and high protein. But Skipping Meals Is Not Always the Solution Only certain people can thrive from caloric restriction eating styles such as time restricted eating and intermittent fasting. For others, eating three portion-optimal meals is much better for weight loss. This is why individual needs must always be assessed, as recommended in a study in Journal of the American Heart Association. Ameliorate Inflammation Modifying diet, using physical activity intelligently, removing toxic insults, among many others will help ameliorate inflammation, according to one study from Frontiers in Nutrition. Moreover, using targeted supplements can be very helpful. For example, according to another study in Frontiers in Nutrition, supplementation with high-dose omega-3 fatty acids, especially ones rich in specialized pro-resolving mediators, could modulate metabolism and inflammation in patients with obesity, priming them for weight loss. Eschew Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially-Sweetened Soft Drinks In a new study of 107 countries and regions publishing in JAMA Network, the prevalence of daily consumption of soft drinks was associated with overweight and obesity among all age groups. Eliminating all forms of sweetened drinks, including fruit juice, should be a learned behavior for those looking for weight loss. Influence Your Epigenetics For managing POMC, the satiety (feeling full) gene, the very early stage of pregnancy is crucial for "formatting" or epigenetic marking. This is established shortly after the egg and sperm cells merge, before the fertilized egg divides into two twin embryos. Thus, the health status of both the male and female need to be as optimal as possible prior to conception, according to a study in Science Translational Medicine. Where You Live Neighborhoods with a higher number of points of interest, such as schools, parks, and shops, and a friendlier environment for active living were associated with fewer risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Essentially, residing in a neighborhood that offers more destinations, greenness, walkability, and opportunities for physical activity was linked to improved metabolic health, according to a study from Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.

From eNewsletter 8/28/2023

DID YOU KNOW how much we like the flavonoid quercetin?

According to a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, higher intake of dietary flavonoids, specifically quercetin, was associated with significantly lower odds of frailty onset over 12 years of follow-up among adults in the prestigious Framingham Heart Study.

A study from Clinical Nutrition found intake of specific polyphenols, including quercetin, was associated with a 20% lower all-cause mortality risk.

Finally, a study from Frontiers in Nutrition found that natural flavonoids like quercetin ameliorate type 2 diabetes and its complications through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory action, glucose and lipid metabolism regulation, and insulin resistance management.

Yes, we like quercetin a lot, and for good reason.

Announcements


Services Update

Double Sale Week!

Starting today and running through September 1st, please take advantage of both August and September sale items. See details below.

Steve Minsky MS, HWC

As a Health and Wellness Counselor, Steve analyzes and offer solutions to optimize human functioning not only with food, but every aspect of your lifestyle, whether for prevention or healing. More info on Steve's services.

Text Us If It Is Convenient at (847) 497-0902

Text is quickest way to get communicate with us. Type (847) 497-0902. Questions for Bonnie do not apply.


Pet Wellness

Our dietary supplement line for dogs and cats, ThorneVet, has an impeccable reputation among veterinarians. Carolyn Martinelli "Coach Care" can answer your questions about ThorneVet pet supplements at nutroconpet@gmail.com. Please leave detailed contact information as well as the name, age, sex, breed, and/or health issue(s) and med(s) of your pet so Carolyn can respond accordingly. To order from our wellness shop, please visit here (for prices, enter the Guest Area password: discount2018).

Online Gift Cards

Giving the gift of wellness has never been easier. Order your gift cards here.


Upcoming Wellness Screenings

Food Intolerance Blood Draw

Options to set up a Biotrition food intolerance test blood draw. By appointment only:

  1. One Saturday per month at Biotrition in Glenview - next date September 9th

  2. M-FRI 9AM-3PM at NICL Labs in Northbrook

Text, email, or call us to set up your appointment.


Infection Section

Prevention

Year-round infection is the new normal. We are exposed to many endemic viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus (stomach flu), adenovirus (common cold), monkeypox, and four other coronaviruses (common cold), among others. Support your immune system with our Free Prevent and Fight Viruses 2.0 Protocol here.


Have a happy, healthy day! Steve and Bonnie Minsky

In Today's Issue

  • Paid Member Content

  • WC Feature: GI Update

  • Menu Savvy: Time at the Dinner Table

  • Mythbuster: Are Earworms Really a Thing?

  • Brand Buzz: Great Greens

  • Intelligently Active: Rest and Recovery

  • Mental Minute: Depression and the GABA Pathway

  • Wild Card: Nutrition for Endometriosis

  • eInspire: Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

  • Action Plan of the Month: School-Age Child, Optimized

  • Free Member Content

  • Did You Know?

  • Hidden Gut Aggravators

  • Sept/Aug 20% OFF Sale Items

  • Pure Genomics

  • Watch: Intestinal Balance

  • Loyalty Program

  • Well Connect Member Benefits

Buy One Year Paid Membership Here

*To get past the Guest Area paywall use password: discount2018


Hidden Gut Aggravators

Steve: You may be surprised that the following may affect your gastrointestinal tract integrity.

Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome

Could an allergy be the real culprit behind gastrointestinal symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? For at least some patients, the answer is yes, according to findings presented at the annual conference of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A little-known condition called systemic nickel allergy syndrome (SNAS) can mimic some of the symptoms of IBS. When patients have nontraditional IBS food triggers, that’s a clue they might have SNAS. The study authors suggest thinking of nickel allergy and other allergic disorders when, in addition to GI symptoms, the patient reports skin and mucous membrane involvement along with their abdominal reactions.

Chronic Psychological Stress

For the first time, cells involved with the communication between stress responses in the brain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have been identified, according to findings published in Cell. Glial cells, which support neurons, communicate stress signals from the central nervous system to the semi-autonomous nervous system within the GI tract, called the enteric nervous system. Strong, constant psychological stress signals can cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Exercise

For those who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), "vigorous," or mainly sports-related, exercise can have a detrimental effect on GERD, according to research presented at the 2023 Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Conference. This is because of the abdominal contraction that occurs during exercise. Regular exercise does not have this effect. So for those who have GERD, keep physical activity at modest levels of exertion instead of vigorous.

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE...

Fruit and Vegetables

A study of nearly 400,000 patients who were monitored for more than 10 years has shown that eating unprocessed or minimally processed foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, cuts the risk of developing Crohn's disease by half. The findings were presented at this year's 2023 Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Conference.

Vitamin D Levels

Testing vitamin D level is a useful tool in the evaluation of Crohn's disease patients and predicting the disease activity and clinical response. The vitamin D level may relate both to the nutritional status and levels of inflammation, and disease progression, according to a study from Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

From eNewsletter 8/23/2023

DID YOU KNOW that a few weeks ago the media hype for the new Alzheimer's drug Donanemab was at a fever pitch? Of course, the hype does not meet the drug's potential. What should have received huge media hype was results of a study from the latest issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The following is a direct quote from the authors. "A moderate-to-high level of evidence suggested that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids could lower risk of all-cause dementia or cognitive decline by 20%. Each increment of 100 milligrams per day of DHA or EPA intake was associated with an 8% - 9.9% lower risk of cognitive decline. Dietary intake or long-term supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline." Fish oil baby!

Announcements

Services Update

Student Supplement First Aid Kit Whether going away to school or not, students need support for myriad viruses and bacteria, as well as options to minimize the damage if they develop an infection. Bold items taken daily, others as needed (if tolerated), based upon individual needs. Magnesium Glycinate (anxiety and stress) Monolaurin (viral preventive) Vitamin D3 1000-5000 IU (immune system support) Vitamin C 500-1000 mg (immune system support) Probiotic (one day per week to to balance microflora) Andrographis root (fight infection when it first appears) Elderberry Zinc Lozenges (soothe sore throat, respiratory issue) Zinc Sulfate Solution (soothe sore throat, respiratory issue) Melatonin 0.5 - 3 mg. (sleep support) Alka Support (sour, upset stomach) Steve Minsky MS, HWC As a Health and Wellness Counselor, Steve analyzes and offer solutions to optimize human functioning not only with food, but every aspect of your lifestyle, whether for prevention or healing. More info on Steve's services.

Text Us If Convenient at (847) 497-0902 Text is quickest way to get communicate with us. Type (847) 497-0902. Questions for Bonnie do not apply.

Pet Wellness Our dietary supplement line for dogs and cats, ThorneVet, has an impeccable reputation among veterinarians. Carolyn Martinelli "Coach Care" can answer your questions about ThorneVet pet supplements at nutroconpet@gmail.com. Please leave detailed contact information as well as the name, age, sex, breed, and/or health issue(s) and med(s) of your pet so Carolyn can respond accordingly. To order from our wellness shop, please visit here (for prices, enter the Guest Area password: discount2018). Online Gift Cards Giving the gift of wellness has never been easier. Order your gift cards here.

Upcoming Wellness Screenings

Food Intolerance Blood Draw Options to set up a Biotrition food intolerance test blood draw. By appointment only:

  1. One Saturday per month at Biotrition in Glenview - next date September 9th

  2. MON-FRI 9AM-3PM at NICL Labs in Northbrook

Text, email, or call us to set up your appointment.

Infection Support

Prevention or During Infection Year-round infection is the new normal. We are exposed to many endemic viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus (stomach flu), adenovirus (common cold), monkeypox, and four other coronaviruses (common cold), among others. Support your immune system with our Free Prevent and Fight Viruses 2.0 Protocol here.

In Today's Issue...

  • WC Feature* Memory Update

  • Memory Update

  • August 20% OFF Sale Items

  • Case Report

  • Chiro Corner NEW!

  • Pure Genomics

  • Blog Briefs NEW!

  • Well Connect Member Benefits

*Paid Member Access Only

Memory Update

Steve: What an exciting time for nutrition and complementary and alternative therapies for memory and cognition! Flavanols Taking a daily flavanol supplement improves hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults who have a relatively poor diet, results of a large new study from Proceedings of the National Academy of Science suggest. According to the lead author, "With this new study, I think we can begin to say flavanols might be the first one that really is a nutrient for the aging brain." Flavanol supplement source examples are quercetin, green tea, and cocoa. Probiotics A study presented at NUTRITION 2023 found that daily supplementation of a lactobacillus GG probiotic exhibited positive improvement in cognitive performance and memory in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. The study was double-blind and placebo-controlled. Olive Oil Another study presented at NUTRITION 2023 found that individuals who consumed more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day had a 28-percent lower risk of dying from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed it. Furthermore, substituting just one teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise with an equivalent amount of olive oil daily displayed a link to an eight to 14-percent lower risk of dying from dementia. Acid Reflux Drugs For the umpteenth time, a study has revealed the link between memory issues and the class of acid reflux drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This new study from Neurology found that people who took PPIs for four-and-a-half years or more had a higher risk of dementia compared to people who do not take them. Dynamite Supplement Combination Findings in Nutrients study confirmed a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in those who took B-vitamins, vitamin D, and CoQ10 daily. The authors recommend daily supplementation of these vitamins as a potential preventive measure to slow cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in the elderly. Mixed Nuts Longer-term mixed nut consumption as part of a healthy diet beneficially affected brain vascular function, which may relate to the observed beneficial effects on memory in older adults, as reported in Clinical Nutrition.

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