There are not many of us out there that don't enjoy some fresh blueberries, especially in the form of a muffin, which is probably not the best route of consumption, but still quite tasty! There are several fruits out there that have been given the term "superfood" for their ability to replenish and support health, and blueberries are one of them. Various fruits such as blueberries, bilberries and Noni Fruit contain potent antioxidants, including polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins which give the fruits their vibrant color. All of these chemical constituents helps to protect us against free radical damage in one form or another.
Blueberry extracts have been shown to not only provide protection against free radicals but have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels as well as lipid or triglycerides, not to mention anti-cancer properties. In one study, a blue berry rich diet improved outcome in rats with experimental myocardial infarction by 22% with a noted unchanged size in the myocardial infarct as compared to a control. This improvement in cardiovascular health was likely attributed to an improved function of the mitochondria possibly due to antioxidant effects and free radical reduction (Ahmet, 2009). Blueberry anthocyanin intake was also associated with reduced incidence of Type II diabetes (Wedick, 2012).
Metabolic syndrome is quite common in today's society not only in people but in horses as well. This condition, to the best of my knowledge, has not been diagnosed in companion pets, but is likely present. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and increased fat levels in the blood stream (hyperlipidemia). Blueberry extracts have been sho to reduce triglycerides, fasting insulin and glucose values. A diet high in blueberries have also been shown to reduce abdominal fat mass and improve fat (adipose) tissue metabolism which results in a reduced body weight and overall fat mass.
Another potential 'superfood' is the Noni Fruit, which has been used in various cultures for centuries for its healing properites. Noni has demonstrated marked liver protective abilities as well as the ability to lower blood sugar levels in rats (Nayak, 2011). It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels (Mandukhail, 2010).
When considering the level of free radical damage that we are all incurring on a daily basis as a result of diet, environmental influences, lifestyle factors as well as genetics; protection of the body becomes a necessity. What better way to protect the body than through what nature has provided? The syndromes are all the same, whether if we are talking about you or I, our pets or our equine companions. Research has demonstrated what is occurring at a cellular level, now all we have to do is put the wheels in motion. Become informed and be your own health advocate!
All our best,
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Amino Acids and Health
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and we all need protein to maintain overall health, cellular repair and function as well as strength. Protein is essential for the body in all cases on a daily basis and without it or sufficient levels, we begin to deteriorate quickly. Protein comes in many shapes and sources, but the question is whether or not the source is providing an adequate array of amino acids to cover the body's requirements. The scope of this topic is well beyond this blog, but today, I'd like to discuss three amino acids in particular: L-glutamine, L-carnitine and L-arginine.
L-glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid and is found in heavy concentration in skeletal muscle, liver, lung, stomach and brain tissue. L-Glutamine has been found to positively impact immune function, cellular metabolism, protect agains oxidative stress and improve gastrointestinal permeability. In many cases the body is able to biosynthesize adequate concentrations of L-glutamine and thus not necessarily dependent on dietary sources. However, in cases of stress and recovery, which many include: recovery from illness, trauma, disease and even surgery; there may be an increased need or demand for L-glutamine that biosynthesis and diet cannot provide. L-glutamine is commonly added to 'total parenteral nutrition' for hospitalized patients in order to aid in recovery and support overall health. L-glutamine has also been shown in one research trial to improve muscle strength and contractile force when given as a supplement to mice(Waddel,2005). It is also known that continuous training and exercise may lead to overall low levels of glutamine. L-glutamine has been shown to reduce blood ammonia levels in athletes when supplemented, which may aid in overall recovery(Carvalho-Peixoto 2007). Patients enduring various forms of cancer have also been noted to be glutamine depeleted due to the fact that many tumors are viewed as "glutamine traps". This can lead to an overall depletion of glutamine from the body, which then can impair recovery. The question then comes as to what happens if L-glutamine is routinely supplemented? There does not appear to be a downside with routine L-glutamine supplementation, based on research data and in fact, the improvements in overall health may be positive. Personally, I have seen some pretty promising results when glutamine has been supplemented in patients with a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. I feel that by making Glutamine more readily available, we may improve the outcome.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved with the transportation of various fatty acids across the cellular membrane and into the mitochondria for energy production. Various medical conditions such as chronic fatigue, anorexia, cardiovascular disease as well as various myopathies appear to benefit from L-carnitine supplementation. L-carnitine supplementation was shown to improve peripheral artery disease, enhance exercise time, improve patient survival with dilated cardiomyopathy, reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics, aids in management of chronic fatigue and even can be beneficial in kidney failure patients (Alt Med Rev, 2005).
L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in the production of Nitric Oxide, which has direct impact on vascular and immune function. Arginine is biosynthesized by the body, but can be easily depleted during times of stress or recovery, requiring supplementation. The main areas of interest with L-arginine revolve around the production of Nitric Oxide, which results in the dilation of blood vessels resulting in lowered pressures, but is also tied into overall cardiac health,immune function and protection against oxidative stress (Alt Med Reve, 2005).
So, this is a brief overview of some research regarding these important amino acids. I feel they are important to discuss and be aware of in terms of implications on overall health, whether if you or a pet are dealing with a particular condition or just trying to improve your athletic performance. I believe that their importance is very high and thus have incorporated these amino acids into our Immune Formulas. I see a difference clinically and our patients seem to do better in the long term. Overall body support is crucial to recovery and health.
Here's to your health.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
L-glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid and is found in heavy concentration in skeletal muscle, liver, lung, stomach and brain tissue. L-Glutamine has been found to positively impact immune function, cellular metabolism, protect agains oxidative stress and improve gastrointestinal permeability. In many cases the body is able to biosynthesize adequate concentrations of L-glutamine and thus not necessarily dependent on dietary sources. However, in cases of stress and recovery, which many include: recovery from illness, trauma, disease and even surgery; there may be an increased need or demand for L-glutamine that biosynthesis and diet cannot provide. L-glutamine is commonly added to 'total parenteral nutrition' for hospitalized patients in order to aid in recovery and support overall health. L-glutamine has also been shown in one research trial to improve muscle strength and contractile force when given as a supplement to mice(Waddel,2005). It is also known that continuous training and exercise may lead to overall low levels of glutamine. L-glutamine has been shown to reduce blood ammonia levels in athletes when supplemented, which may aid in overall recovery(Carvalho-Peixoto 2007). Patients enduring various forms of cancer have also been noted to be glutamine depeleted due to the fact that many tumors are viewed as "glutamine traps". This can lead to an overall depletion of glutamine from the body, which then can impair recovery. The question then comes as to what happens if L-glutamine is routinely supplemented? There does not appear to be a downside with routine L-glutamine supplementation, based on research data and in fact, the improvements in overall health may be positive. Personally, I have seen some pretty promising results when glutamine has been supplemented in patients with a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. I feel that by making Glutamine more readily available, we may improve the outcome.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved with the transportation of various fatty acids across the cellular membrane and into the mitochondria for energy production. Various medical conditions such as chronic fatigue, anorexia, cardiovascular disease as well as various myopathies appear to benefit from L-carnitine supplementation. L-carnitine supplementation was shown to improve peripheral artery disease, enhance exercise time, improve patient survival with dilated cardiomyopathy, reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics, aids in management of chronic fatigue and even can be beneficial in kidney failure patients (Alt Med Rev, 2005).
L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in the production of Nitric Oxide, which has direct impact on vascular and immune function. Arginine is biosynthesized by the body, but can be easily depleted during times of stress or recovery, requiring supplementation. The main areas of interest with L-arginine revolve around the production of Nitric Oxide, which results in the dilation of blood vessels resulting in lowered pressures, but is also tied into overall cardiac health,immune function and protection against oxidative stress (Alt Med Reve, 2005).
So, this is a brief overview of some research regarding these important amino acids. I feel they are important to discuss and be aware of in terms of implications on overall health, whether if you or a pet are dealing with a particular condition or just trying to improve your athletic performance. I believe that their importance is very high and thus have incorporated these amino acids into our Immune Formulas. I see a difference clinically and our patients seem to do better in the long term. Overall body support is crucial to recovery and health.
Here's to your health.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Upcoming Products
Hello again to all of our viewers. Thank you for trusting in us at Nouvelle to provide quality products to assist in the health of your pets, horses and even yourself! As you are aware, natural therapies interest me and I believe that the answers to common medical conditions are out there...we just need to find them.
The purpose of this blog is to put out a quick note to let you know that we have new products in the pipeline and being added gradually over the next few weeks to our website. We have put a lot of research into the development of these products and have pulled from years of feedback from our patients. We are working on new formulas for companion pets, horses and people...much of which model after formulas that my family and I are taking on a daily basis to support our overall health.
As these products hit our website, I will take to the blog again to discuss research and reasoning behind their creation and how your health (or the health of your pets/horses) can be enhanced.
As an aside, I have started a personal blog to discuss various other health related issues and research. Just a place for my personal opinions on various issues. Feel free to visit at http://www.tschelldvm.blogspot.com/
To your health.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.
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