Artificial Sweetener Cronyism

From eNewsletter 9/4/2023

DID YOU KNOW that the World Health Organization's recent backtracking, from first considering artificial sweetener aspartame a "carcinogen," to then a few months later calling it "a possible carcinogen," was due to beverage industry influence?

According to reporting from The Guardian: "In May, the World Health Organization issued an alarming report that declared widely used non-sugar sweeteners like aspartame are likely ineffective for weight loss, and long term consumption may increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality in adults.

A few months later, WHO declared aspartame, a key ingredient in Diet Coke, to be a “possible carcinogen”, then quickly issued a third report that seemed to contradict its previous findings – people could continue consuming the product at levels determined to be safe decades ago, before new science cited by WHO raised health concerns.

That contradiction stems from beverage industry corruption of the review process by consultants tied to an alleged Coca-Cola front group.

It uncovered eight WHO panelists involved with assessing safe levels of aspartame consumption who are beverage industry consultants who currently or previously worked with the alleged Coke front group, International Life Sciences Institute (Ilsi)."

Corruption is alive and well with Big Food, so we won't let our guard down. With regard to aspartame (made famous as the sweetener for Diet Coke), take heed of the WHO's original claim before the beverage industry swooped in: it is a full carcinogen and should be avoided completely.

Our office is closed for Labor Day and will reopen Tuesday.

Today's paid newsletter is truncated for the holiday.

Announcements

Services Update

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

Menopause, Andropause, and More

Steve: Here is the latest on how hormonal changes at different life stages can affect health and what helps or hinders.

Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy

According to a gargantuan population study from The BMJ, synthetic menopausal hormone therapy was positively associated with development of all cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, even in women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger. The increased rate of dementia was similar between continuous and cyclic treatment. Please note this was from synthetic HRT use, not natural.

Progesterone

Oral progesterone at bedtime reduced night sweats and improved sleep in perimenopausal women, according to a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Scientific Reports. The progesterone should be from natural sources, not synthetic.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

The purpose of a Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons study was to evaluate rates of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), repairs (RCRs), and revision RCR in patients who were prescribed testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and compare these patients with a control group. Those in the TRT group all saw increases in RCTs, RCRs, and revision RCR.

Skeletal Muscle

Compared to premenopausal females, postmenopausal females display reduced muscle mass and strength, partially due to the negative effect of estrogen deficiency in aging skeletal muscle, according to the results of a study in Medrxiv.

Nitroglycerin

In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that the use of nitroglycerin patches did not result in lasting improvements in the frequency and severity of hot flashes, but there was a short-term benefit.

Phytoestrogens

A higher intake of total phytoestrogens, including isoflavones, lignans, and coumarins, was associated with lower risk of total and certain cause-specific mortality in generally healthy US men and women, according to a study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Andropause or MANopause

Andropause, often referred to as "male menopause," is a term used to describe aging-related hormone changes in men. It's associated with a gradual drop in testosterone (T) levels, which can impact a man's health and wellbeing.

Andropause is not inevitable. Literature shows a wide range of T as men age with some men not declining at all. Lifestyle interventions are very effective in increasing testosterone levels. Addressing chronic inflammation and disease pathology are also effective in increasing testosterone by improving Leydig cell function. There are numerous alternative approaches for addressing issues with andropause before going to TRT that we can help with.

If you choose TRT, be sure to know what you want to accomplish and the pros and cons of each therapy. We can also help with this.

Weight Loss Behaviors | Sale Ending

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.

Quercetin Reverence | Sale!

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.