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Another study links NSAIDs to increased stroke risk |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 13 June 2008 |
Use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can double stroke risk, according to an early April report from 6minutes.com.au, a Web site for doctors.
A nine-year study found COX-2-selective NSAIDs and naproxen, a non-selective NSAID, caused the greatest increase in stroke risk. Results of the study, which followed more than 7,500 people averaging 70 years old, were published June 9 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Although an increased stroke risk also was linked to the use of ibuprofen, diclofenac and celecoxib, that finding was not statistically significant, the Web site reports.
As an alternative to NSAIDs, there are several anti-inflammatory enzyme supplements that can provide support for pain relief, promote healing and modulate the inflammatory response. |
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Probiotic could ease allergy symptoms |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 06 June 2008 |
Got hay fever? Take a probiotic.
A study from the Institute of Food Researchers recently revealed that probiotics, or friendly bacteria, might balance the immune response to pollen, a cause of allergic rhinitis, according to WebMD. Probiotics could provide support for the nearly 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal hay fever symptoms.
In the study, the institute evaluated the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus casei on randomly assigned volunteers. Participants that drank milk containing the probiotic had “significantly lower levels” of allergy-related immune substances in their blood, the story said.
Scientists have theorized that probiotics such as Lactobacillus casei, which has been the subject of many health-related studies, might affect immunity, WebMD reports. Probiotics can enhance digestive health, as well.
The probiotic in the WellZymes™ line of dietary supplements, Colon Health, contains more than 3 billion viable organisms to restore the colon’s flora balance. Lactobacillus casei is one of five probiotic strains included in WellZymes™ Colon Health. |
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Anti-inflammatory diet might help prevent health problems |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 30 May 2008 |
It’s no big secret that foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats – high in essential nutrients and low in bad fats – are good for our health.
It’s pretty well established, too, that the low-calorie, vitamin-packed properties of these foods can help our bodies stay fit, protected and working properly. And lately, these foods have received quite a boost as positive findings on the health benefits of antioxidants, enzymes and essential fatty acids (omega-3s) continue to emerge.
Now, there’s a new reason to include apples, broccoli, olive oil and lean poultry in our diets. In addition to their nutrient content, foods low in sugar, saturated and trans fats, and those without preservatives, might help protect against systemic inflammation, according to several mid-May reports.
Some foods, including white bread, boiled potatoes and others that cause rapid increases in blood sugar may promote chronic inflammation in the body, according to Canada’s National Post. In addition, markers of inflammation tend to increase as red and processed meats, excluding those that fall into the lean category, are consumed.
Omega-6 fats, in particular, are believed to promote inflammation, while omega-3s and richly colored fruits and vegetables reportedly have the opposite effect, says The Record, another Canadian newspaper.
Systemic inflammation has been connected with a host of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease and diabetes, according to The Record. Even a healthcentral.com Web site, myibdcentral.com, has mentioned anti-inflammatory omega 3s as potentially beneficial for symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
A whole Web site, in fact, is dedicated to how inflammation could be a factor behind several health problems. At inflammationfactor.com, there are links that point to research on the dangers of inflammation and how it can be prevented.
Recently, results of a three-year study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed that inflammation might play a role in osteoporosis. Over the period, it was observed that those with higher levels of inflammation lost more bone mineral density, and researchers concluded that “targeted anti-inflammatory therapy has potential for the prevention of osteoporosis.”
Examples of anti-inflammatory foods include:
- VEGETABLES – broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts
- FRUITS – blueberries, cherries and oranges
- FISH – trout, salmon and cod
- NUTS – almonds, flaxseed and walnuts
- SPICES/HERBS – turmeric, ginger and garlic
Several systemic products in the WellZymes™ line of enzyme supplements work to normalize the inflammatory response. Products that feature pHysioProtease,™ a unique protease blend that provides a boost to the anti-inflammatory process, include WellZymes™ Protease, Infla-Min™ and Joint Health. |
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Magnesium plays important role in gallstone prevention |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 23 May 2008 |
Men with the highest levels of magnesium intake were shown in a recent study to have a 30 percent lower risk of developing gallstones.
The study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, followed more than 42,000 men for 16 years, according to a story in The Times Leader, a Pennsylvania newspaper. Men who had decreased risk of gallstones consumed an average of about 450 mg of magnesium per day.
Many reports say magnesium is lacking in the diet of many Americans. The nutrient can help support heart, bone, blood, nervous system and immune health, according to The Times Leader.
Magnesium is found in several enzyme-based nutritional supplements, including WellZymes™ Fibro Ease,™ which is specially formulated for those who suffer from the pain of fibromyalgia. With a combination of magnesium, malic acid and ginkgo biloba, WellZymes™ Fibro Ease™ helps provide oxygen and energy to weak or sore muscles. |
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