The Pear Shape is Not So Safe After All

Saturday, October 31, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Just about everyone knows that fat gained around the midsection is associated with disease risk.  Women have been told that gaining weight on their hips and thighs is not the same risk.  A new study suggests otherwise.

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Aerobic Exercise Improves Stiff Arteries and Fatty Liver

Friday, October 30, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Several new studies are showing that aerobic exercise can have a rather profound effect on promoting health.  One study showed that in older adults with type II diabetes just three months of aerobics produced noticeable improvement in the elasticity of arteries.  Another study showed that one month of aerobic exercise reduced the fatty build up in the liver of overweight individuals.

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Two-Year Antacid Use Results in Weight Gain

Wednesday, October 28, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

A new study shows that 70% of patients taking proton pump inhibitor antacid medication (Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, or Nexium) gained an average 8 pounds over a two year period.

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Quercetin: A Rising Star for Nerves, Immunity, and Metabolism

Sunday, October 25, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Quercetin is a common flavonoid found in many fresh fruits and vegetables.  It has been in widespread use in the dietary supplement industry for the past two decades due to its natural anti-histamine properties.  New research is dramatically expanding our understanding of this nutrient, including its nervous system support, immune support, and weight management properties.

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Leptin Problems Linked to Thyroid Cancer

Thursday, October 15, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

When a person gains weight it is typical that leptin levels rise too high in the blood and do not get into the brain – a problem called leptin resistance that is a key force behind overeating and becoming overweight.  For the first time researchers show that excessive leptin in the blood upregulates leptin receptors on thyroid cancer cells causing them to become aggressive thyroid cancer.

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Beta Glucan’s Versatile Immune Modulating Properties

Monday, October 12, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

The Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is well regarded as a potent immune support compound.  The primary active component is beta glucan, otherwise known as the D fraction.  Beta glucan is also highly concentrated in oat fiber, which is also documented as an immune support compound.  This brief review discusses the value of beta glucan as part of a natural immune support program.

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Which Whey to Go

Friday, October 09, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

In the world of dietary supplements and functional foods there are many choices in terms of product quality, and whey protein is no exception.  This is especially true when a used-car sales pitch is used in an effort to make products look and sound far better than what is actually under the hood.  While consumers should expect this from network marketing companies they are often taken aback when health professionals go out on a limb and push the envelope of truth.

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The Thyroid Jolt Time of Year

Thursday, October 08, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Many of us living in the Northern states have seen a significant drop in temperature over the past few weeks.  Fluctuating fall temperatures are a jolt to your thyroid system.

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Exercise Tips for Fighting the Swine Flu

Sunday, October 04, 2009  -  Byron J Richards, CCN

Exercise is vital to conditioning your body to have an efficient immune response.  Hundreds of studies on exercise and immunity have been conducted.  In general, the more fit you are the better your immune system works.  At the same time, higher amounts of exercise place increased demands on your immune system.  Working out or performing significant exercise at the same time your body is trying to fight off the flu could make you more susceptible to getting sick.  Thus, it is a good idea to understand exercise in the context of your immune system.

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