Lack of Iodine Linked to Poor Thyroid Function and Weight Gain

Friday, January 27, 2012  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Many people suffer from sluggish thyroid performance even though lab tests do not show hypothyroid or subclinical hypothyroid.  The failure of doctors to appreciate the importance of optimal thyroid function means that metabolic problems are being ignored even though a constellation of symptoms is obvious.  A new study evaluates thyroid hormone levels within the normal range and finds that iodine is lacking when weight is gained.  It also finds that weight gain itself may actually be inducing the thyroid problems as a form of stress.

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How Thyroid Problems Cause Insulin Resistance

Thursday, January 26, 2012  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

The plot thickens. How simple it once was for endocrinologists to identify a few organs, like the thyroid, measure their hormones, and then prescribe hormone replacement when seemingly lacking in them. While this method may have been easier, it was often not very helpful in solving the obvious thyroid problems that many experience. In 1994 that simplicity changed forever.  With the discovery of the hormone leptin and the fact that the adipocyte, fat cell, was busy not only making leptin but also making many other hormonal signals, this picture takes on even more complexity. It is now clear that your muscle cells, myocytes, are also making hormonal signals that cross-talk with your fat cells and your thyroid.  Anyone for a game of chess?

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Leptin Problems Linked to Thyroid Cancer

Wednesday, January 25, 2012  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Thyroid cancer is one of the few cancer types that are on the rise.  Also swelling are the waistlines of Americans.  A new study connects the emerging science to show that leptin problems are a likely cause of thyroid cancer and many other cancers.

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Calcium Offsets Gene Weaknesses to Improve Metabolism

Monday, January 09, 2012  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

The idea of taking calcium for your bones is fairly straightforward, as your bones are made of calcium.  The new gene science is opening up a different view of nutrition, one in which various nutrients can prevent gene weaknesses from manifesting as disease.  A new study shows that high calcium intake offsets gene weaknesses that not only lead to weight gain but to the full metabolic syndrome.

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Fisetin Restores Malfunctioning Carbohydrate Metabolism

Tuesday, December 13, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Fisetin, a unique polyphenol flavonoid found in strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, is adding to its science showing that it can help regulate blood sugar.  Previously I reported that fisetin can reduce the caramelizing effect of sugar on body structures known as advanced glycation end products – a major issue for type 2 diabetics and general aging for everyone.  A new study shows that fisetin can restore the metabolism of carbohydrates by correcting key metabolic enzymes that are malfunctioning.  This finding could help offer a path to solution for many people who struggle to incorporate carbohydrates in their diet without gaining weight.

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Lipoic Acid Improves Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Tuesday, December 06, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

A randomized, placebo-controlled study for 8 weeks in type 2 diabetic patients has found that taking 300 mg per day of lipoic acid lowered fasting blood sugar levels, reduced insulin resistance, and boosted the function of the all-important glutathione antioxidant enzyme.  It has been previously established that the anti-oxidant properties of lipoic acid at the dose of 600 mg per day helps nerves and neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.  This study adds to the emerging body of science showing that lipoic acid can not only protect the body but can also help improve metabolism in people who have malfunctioning metabolism.  Other recent metabolic research demonstrates that lipoic acid can lower triglycerides, improve insulin signaling, boost muscle metabolism of calories, and activate fat cell metabolism

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Protein Activates Wakefulness and Calorie Burning

Thursday, December 01, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Scientists have discovered that protein turns on specialized brain cells that keep you awake, keep your metabolism humming along, and keep you motivated to accomplish goals. In contrast, carbohydrates without enough protein do not activate these brain cells which may result in a tired head and body and potential weight gain due to sluggish metabolism.

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Low Fiber Sets Teens On the Path of Metabolic Disease

Sunday, November 27, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

A new study analyzing the diets of American teens has shown that low fiber intake is the key factor associated with the development of the metabolic syndrome (expanding waistline, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar), placing them on the path for cardiovascular disease. Not surprisingly to me, but apparently troubling for dieticians, foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat were not linked to developing metabolic disease in this study.

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Green Tea as a Potent Weight Loss Nutrient

Wednesday, November 02, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

The scientific community now widely accepts that green tea is a powerful tool to improve metabolism in a way that is supportive of weight loss. Numerous human studies over the past decade have proved the point. I have reviewed these in two earlier articles, The Effects of Green Tea on Weight Management and Green Tea Extract Supports Weight Loss.  Scientists are continuing to unravel exactly how green tea works its magic and several new studies shows that it activates genes associated with fat burning while also helping to reduce absorption of fat from the digestive tract.

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Overeating Moms Program Their Children for Future Obesity

Tuesday, October 11, 2011  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

A rather sobering animal study drives home the point that mothers eating too much food prior to and during pregnancy program the physiology of the offspring to be obese even before the child has had anything to eat! The study shows that offspring subjected to a mother’s dietary abuse have higher body fat and smaller livers—factors that set the stage for compromised metabolism and an easy path to obesity.

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