From eNewsletter March 20, 2023
DID YOU KNOW that for those who don't know their blood type, there is another way to find out besides donating blood or getting a blood test at a lab?
For those who prefer to type their blood at the comfort of their own home, there are at-home blood type kits. For just $7.50 on amazon.com, if you are willing to use a lancer on your fingertip, you can type your blood at home in about 6 minutes.
Announcements
Services Update
Steve Minsky MS, HWC
As a Health and Wellness Counselor, Steve analyzes and offer solutions to optimize not only the food you eat, but every aspect of your lifestyle, whether for prevention or healing. More info on Steve's services.
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Text Us If It Is Convenient
We accept text messages (all except for Bonnie). Simply type (847) 498-3422!
Pet Wellness
Our dietary supplement line for dogs and cats, ThorneVet, has an impeccable reputation among veterinarians. To order from our wellness shop, please visit here (for prices, enter the Guest Area password: discount2018).
Carolyn Martinelli a.k.a. "Coach Care" will be available to 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.
Upcoming Wellness Screenings
Food Intolerance Blood Draw
Options to set up a Biotrition food intolerance test blood draw. By appointment only:
One Saturday per month at Biotrition in Glenview - next date May 6th
Tu, Wed, TH 9AM-3PM at NICL Labs in Northbrook
Text, email, or call us to set up your appointment.
Thermography Screening Friday, April 14th
For those interested in an upper torso or whole body thermography scan, please book your session by emailing: illinoisthermography@gmail.com (tell Eniko you would like to schedule your thermography scan at Schuster Chiropractic on Friday, January 20th. She will get back to you with times available, type of scan; openings are limited and first come first serve). To find out more about thermography, please read the following.
Infection Section
Prevention
COVID-19 is endemic, meaning it is here to stay. Moreover, we are exposed to many other endemic viruses including 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 year-round with our Free Prevent and Fight Viruses 2.0 Protocol here.
In Today's Issue
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WC Feature: Qigong
Intelligently Active: Astaxanthin
Mythbuster: Is Creatine Safe?
Brand Buzz: Cricket Protein
Understanding Lab Tests: Neutrophils
Green Lifestyle: Phthalates
Wild Card: Restless Leg
eInspire: Shashi Tharoor
Action Plan of the Month: Best of the Mediterranean Diet
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Did You Know?
Matters of the Heart
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Matters of the Heart
Steve: There were three very important studies published in the last two weeks that warrant our undivided attention.
Inflammation
The first study from The Lancet reiterated what we have been saying forever. If you are taking statin medication and think you're out of the woods with regard to cardiac health, think again.
The authors' conclusion from this sweeping study in those currently taking statins:
"Inflammatory risk was significantly associated with incident major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. By contrast, the relationship of cholesterol risk was neutral for major adverse cardiovascular events, and of low magnitude for cardiovascular death and all-cause death. Among patients receiving statins, inflammation assessed by high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein was a stronger predictor for risk of future cardiovascular events and death than cholesterol."
As you have heard from Bonnie and I ad nauseam, inflammation is 50% of your cardiac risk. Cholesterol is only 25% of your risk with triglycerides being the other 25%. When inflammation is addressed first, it usually eliminates the need for statins because cholesterol often goes down as well (except for those with familial hypercholesterolemia).
Ketogenic Diet
The second study, just presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session with the World Congress of Cardiology suggests that the ketogenic or "keto" diet, which involves consuming very low amounts of carbohydrates and high amounts of fats, may be associated with a twofold heightened risk of cardiovascular events such as chest pain (angina), blocked arteries requiring stenting, heart attacks and strokes.
The ketogenic diet has a purpose for those with very select health issues, but the fact that it has become the "fad diet du jour" is dangerous.
Statin Alternative?
Is there another new drug emerging for treating high cholesterol for those who do not tolerate or are unwilling to take statins?
A study from New England Journal of Medicine found the use of bempedoic acid (Nexletol, Esperion) brought about a significant reduction in cardiovascular events in patients intolerant to statins.
The drug lowered LDL cholesterol by 21% in the study and reduced the composite primary endpoint, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or coronary revascularization, by 13%; MI was reduced by 23% and coronary revascularization, by 19%.
Let's slow our roll. The drug affects energy pathways like statins, thus it still has a proclivity for muscle pain issues. A slight increased risk of gout and tendon rupture were indicated as well.
With so many other lifestyle measures that can compare to this drug in risk reduction, I would wait a few years for more post-market safety data.