Do bad bugs cause obesity

Gentle Reader, How are you doing with your resolve to become a healthier you in 2011?

First of all, it is not as easy to keep up the tiny steps one must do consistently every day over a long period of time to get the results we all want out of life. The right choices every time we put something in our mouth. The consistent effort to take a 30 minute walk every single day.

Here's an ordinary person, Aileen, putting it out there for everyone to see on a you tube video made in her living room. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDyIvVFgBwY

We'll cheer her on and get inspiration.

Second, I want to share this interesting article that came across my desk a few days ago about the challenge bad bugs--unhealthy bacteria--in our intestinal track may cause as we are trying so hard to stick to our healthy eating. Read on from Dr. Chaney:

"I came across a very interesting and thought provoking article the other day in a very prestigious scientific journal (Vijay-Kumar et al, Science, 328: 228-231, 2010).

"But first, a bit of background information:

"It has been known for some time that the types of bacteria found in the intestines of obese people are different than those found in the intestines of lean individuals.

"But no one really knew the significance, if any, of that observation.

"The current study compared a strain of mice that are genetically predisposed to obesity with wild type (genetically lean) mice.

"They first looked at the intestinal bacteria. It turned out that the obese mice and lean mice had the same differences in intestinal bacteria that humans have.

"And just like obese humans the obese mice displayed insulin resistance, and elevated levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar (They were pre-diabetic).

"Since the obese mice also ate more than the lean mice many of the observed differences could have been due to the excess calories and resulting weight gain.

"To test that hypothesis, the scientists limited the amount of food that the genetically obese mice (the mice that were genetically predisposed to obesity) ate so that it was identical to what the genetically lean mice ate.

"Even though the genetically obese mice were no longer overweight they still displayed increased insulin resistance compared to the genetically lean mice.

"Based on this and other experiments the scientists eventually concluded that it was the insulin resistance that was causing the mice to overeat and, therefore, become obese.

"The scientists then decided to test the hypothesis that the particular bacterial strains found in the intestines of genetically obese mice might be causing the insulin resistance.

"In the first experiment they killed off the intestinal bacteria in the genetically obese mice by putting high dose antibiotics in their food.

"Depleting the intestinal bacteria created some health problems for the mice, but it completely prevented the insulin resistance, overeating and obesity normally observed with this strain of mice.

"In the second experiment they sterilized the intestines of the genetically lean mice and then colonized their intestines with intestinal bacteria from the genetically obese mice.

"When they did this, the genetically lean mice developed many of the characteristics of the genetically obese mice including insulin resistance, overeating, obesity and hyperglycemia.

"In short, the genetically lean mice became overweight and developed diabetes.

"Based on these experiments and other studies the scientists hypothesized that the wrong kinds of intestinal bacteria can make a significant contribution to insulin resistance, which in turn can lead to overeating and obesity.

"In short, they concluded that bad bugs may make you fat.

"Does this mean that you should rush out and buy some probiotics (friendly bacteria) as part of your weight loss strategy?

"The simple answer is no. That would be premature. These studies were performed in mice and genetics obviously played a role in the results.

"In short, we are a long way from knowing to what extent intestinal bacteria might contribute to obesity in humans.

"However, there are many very good reasons to make sure that you supply friendly bacteria to your intestinal track on a regular basis.

"For example, we know that bad bacteria in your intestine can compromise your immune system, convert foods that you eat to cancer causing chemicals, and cause chronic inflammation - which contributes to a number of major diseases.

"We can't yet say whether good bugs will help keep you slim, but we do know that they can help keep you healthy."

Dr. Stephen G Chaney

My own experience with bad bacteria was extreme. I had to stop eating all fruit, all dairy, all refined carbohydrates and take a twice daily dose of asidophilus/bifidus, plus garlic to get rid of the pesky yeast (unfriendly bugs) in my system. It wasn't easy, but I am not plagued by pre-diabetic conditions any more. They would easily come back and I do have those symptoms around the holidays when I allow an excess of sugary treats and wine.

Consider combating bad bugs even thought the research isn't complete. You'll be glad you did.
For help, use Shaklee's Vitalizer which has Optiflora along with a multi, carotinoids/E/Omega and B/C. Add Garlic and a Soy shake to your daily routine and eat plenty of vegetables, small servings of organic meat, fish and chicken and you'll be surprised at how you can alter your intestinal flora for the better. Cinch is a delicious way to get at least one healthy meal a day. Watch the inches disappear and your tendency to sickness along with them.

In good health,
Betsy
Betsy Bell's Health4U
206 933 1889
http:HiHohealth.com

What's in the soft soap you're using?

As a breast cancer survivor I take particular interest in avoiding all substances that could have cancer causing agents. You might want to know about your soft soap, something you use everyday, in your own home, at work, in the public places where we wash our hands.

This news just came from one of my favorite organizations, the Safe Cosmetics Campaign. I'm on the mailing list because I have worked with The Breast Cancer Fund, a partner and supporter. This blog post is too late for you to take action, but you can learn about the problem and take personal action when you shop.

Remember that Shaklee makes products that contain no triclosan or anything else that could possibly cause cancer.

For over two years the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been warning people about triclosan, an antibacterial chemical (actually a pesticide!) that can disrupt hormones, lower sperm production and harm immune systems. We’ve asked Walmart to get soaps and other products containing triclosan off store shelves, and we asked the FDA, the agency in charge of cosmetics safety, to take action, too. We’ve seen no movement from either one.

Now the effort to ban triclosan for non-medical uses (like in cosmetics, toys and cutting boards) has gone to the Environmental Protection Agency. And that's your chance: The EPA is taking public comments through February 7. Submit your comments in support of a triclosan ban right now!

Researchers have found triclosan in the majority of Americans, including pregnant women. The chemical can have adverse effects on fetal growth and development, may lead to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and harms aquatic life. It's in more than 75 percent of liquid hand soaps in the U.S., yet triclosan is no more effective than regular soap and water.

We're making progress: Europe and Japan have made moves to limit triclosan in cosmetics, and several members of the U.S. Congress are pushing the EPA and FDA to take another look. Meanwhile, several U.S. cosmetics companies are moving away from triclosan.

EPA action to ban triclosan would be a huge victory for our health and environment. Don't miss your chance to voice your support to the EPA before the public comment period ends!

Be well, be safe, be healthy.

Betsy

Betsy Bell's Health4u
206 933 1889
http://HiHoHealth.com

Now you see it. Now you don't.

Thanks to Dr. Stephen Chaney for this important information.

Most supplement companies are reluctant to abandon a well-established brand - even when they have something better to sell.

On a recent visit to our optometrist he alerted us to a perfect example of that in the area of eye health.

But, first a bit of background.

Many of you have probably heard of AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) conducted by the National Eye Institute. That study showed that high doses of the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E and the mineral zinc significantly decreased the risk of macular degeneration in high risk patients.

Very shortly after the study was completed several companies started marketing vitamin supplements based on the amounts of those nutrients used in the AREDS study.

However, by the time that study was published there were already several other published studies showing that lutein and zeaxanthin were a better choice than beta-carotene and that omega-3 fatty acids also significantly reduced the risk of macular degeneration. In addition, many experts felt that the amount of zinc used in the original AREDS formulation was too high.

So the National Eye Institute immediately started an AREDS 2 study with the revised formulation and most of the manufacturers of AREDS supplements started marketing AREDS 2 supplements.

Our optometrist told us people interested in reducing the risk of macular degeneration really should be using the AREDS 2 supplements rather than the AREDS formulations offered by the same companies.

Since he knew that we used Shaklee products he also asked us whether it was possible to get those nutrients in the right amount from Shaklee supplements.

So we did some label reading. Vitalizer, 1 Vita E Complex, 2 CarotoMax, 2 OmegaGuard and 1 Zinc Complex come very close to the AREDS 2 formulation.

So the bottom line is:

If you are interested in reducing the risk of macular degeneration look for an AREDS 2 formulation and Shaklee can fit the bill.


To Your Health!
Dr. Stephen G Chaney