Month: September 2018

2018-09-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s eating too many slices of pizza or constantly getting takeout, most of us have slipped on our good eating habits at one time or another. But is avoiding unhealthy foods enough to keep our bodies in top shape?

While gut health is not something many people consider, Mayo Clinic experts agree that it is important to pay attention to as it can affect your overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know about your gut and how it concerns your health.

Hundreds of different bacteria species live in your gut

The lining of your gut is covered in bacteria, and these organisms create a micro-ecosystem called the microbiome. Before you stare at your stomach in horror, know that many of these bacteria species are good for you and should be nurtured with specialized plant fibers called prebiotics.

Prebiotics encourage healthy bacteria growth and can be easily incorporated into your diet, as they are found in many fruits and vegetables. Look for foods containing complex carbohydrates, which can’t be digested by the body and instead become food for the healthy bacteria living in your gut.

Probiotics offer another way to help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria living in the gut. The difference with probiotics is that they actually contain live organisms. Instead of nurturing healthy bacteria, probiotics add specific strains of healthy bacteria to your microbiome. Probiotics can be found in foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut. Kombucha is also a good source of probiotics.

You can also find prebiotic and probiotic supplements designed to help with specific conditions. Consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

A healthy gut may be connected to weight loss

The benefits of a healthy gut are still being studied, and more research is needed to confirm how a healthy gut contributes to weight loss. In a preliminary study, Mayo Clinic collected and analyzed gut bacteria samples from a group of 26 participants enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Obesity Treatment Research Program. The research team found that those who did not lose weight had different gut bacteria than those who did. Dr. Purna Kashyap, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-author of the study, says that these findings “suggested to us that gut bacteria may possibly be an important determinant of weight loss in response to diet and lifestyle changes.”

Poor gut health can exacerbate certain autoimmune disorders

While there are species of healthy bacteria living in your gut, some species in the microbiome are not helpful. Having an imbalance of the two can lead to poor gut health, which can then exacerbate certain autoimmune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Improving your diet is the best way to foster healthy gut bacteria. Along with eating more fruits and vegetables, eliminate as much processed foods and added sugar as possible. It’s also a good idea to reduce meat consumption and to incorporate alternative proteins such as legumes, tofu and nuts into your diet.

By improving your gut health, you have the potential to boost your overall well-being. Learn more about the benefits of healthy gut bacteria by visiting us at mayoclinic.org.

2018-09-04T08:31:00

(BPT) – With National Cholesterol Education Month upon us this September, it’s a good time to take control of your health inside and out, particularly your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is sneaky – you can’t see it or feel it – but when armed with a little bit of knowledge, you can work with your doctor to make smart decisions about the best way to manage your cholesterol.

What causes high cholesterol? For some, it’s consuming foods that are high in saturated fats (primarily derived from animals) and trans fats (found in some tropical oils). For others, a genetic predisposition may render their bodies unable to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol) from the blood, leading to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Regardless of your diet and family history, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years with a simple blood test. In the case of cholesterol levels, knowledge is power – when left untreated, elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of a hard, thick substance called plaque, which can narrow your arteries, slowing down and even blocking the flow of blood to your heart. If the blood supply to your heart becomes blocked, it can cause a heart attack; similarly, if blood flow to the brain is blocked, it can lead to a stroke.

Fortunately, there are ways to help manage your high cholesterol. Dr. Shawn Dhillon, Medical Director at Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore, first recommends lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and consistent exercise, for patients diagnosed with high cholesterol. If those aren’t enough, Dhillon notes that a prescription medication called a statin may help lower cholesterol levels.

“For my patients with high cholesterol who aren’t able to achieve their cholesterol goals with diet and exercise alone, I typically prescribe a statin medication, which is extremely effective in helping to lower cholesterol in the blood,” says Dhillon.

There are several statins available, but not all statins are the same. LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) is one such nistatin medication that has been proven to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol by up to 45 percent and in clinical trials has low rates of certain side effects. Compared to most other statins, LIVALO also has a reduced potential to interact with other medications you may be taking.

“My goal is not only to help patients manage their high cholesterol, but to make sure they adhere to their treatment plan, as discontinuing medication without speaking to their doctor may have dangerous consequences,” says Dhillon. “Remember, high cholesterol has no signs or symptoms – a patient can quit his or her statin and feel fine, but what’s going on inside the body is another story. That’s why it’s important to take a statin if your doctor recommends one and – here’s the key – stick with it. If you’re having challenges, your doctor has the tools to help you switch to another statin that may work better for you.”

Debbie D. – one of approximately 38.6 million Americans taking a statin for high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – knows the importance of finding the right statin to fit her personal needs. Following her high cholesterol diagnosis nearly two decades ago, Debbie suffered side effects as a result of the other statins she tried before LIVALO. “I was prescribed a variety of statins for cholesterol to see if my leg cramps would cease, but nothing worked,” explained Debbie. “I couldn’t do the things I liked to do because of the leg cramps. But then one day, my cardiologist suggested I try LIVALO.”

Today, Debbie has achieved her cholesterol goals and is back to enjoying all the things that she loves to do without side effects from other statins slowing her down. “I’m enjoying my life. I jump out of bed like it is nothing. I run, I exercise, I take long walks, I have family time and vacations,” Debbie says. “It took finding the right medication, and for me, it was LIVALO. Now I can live the way I want and I don’t have to settle for anything less.”

Visit livalorx.com to learn more.

Important Safety Information for LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) tablets

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO.
• Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.
• Tell your healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Pain in the legs or arms

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, and out of the reach of children.
• LIVALO can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.
• Do not exceed 4 mg once daily dosing of LIVALO.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information, please see the full Prescribing Information or visit www.LivaloRx.com

© Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (3/2018) – LIV-RA-0111 PI of 11/2016

2018-09-04T10:09:00

(BPT) – We’ve all been there. You push yourself a little too hard during your high-intensity workout, spend too many hours hunched over a computer at your desk, or simply don’t allow for much break time between work, pilates, weekend events and running errands. The next morning, you wake up achy and sore, wondering how you’re going to make that spin class you already signed up for. Luckily, there are several ways to properly rejuvenate your body so that you can maintain the active lifestyle you love. After all, exercise, self-care and having some fun are essential to living your best life.

Erin Stokes, ND, Medical Director at MegaFood, identifies five top tips for optimal recovery and keeping yourself active all year long:

1. Reach for magnesium.

Magnesium is important for overall muscle function and adequate amounts are needed for your muscles to relax*. Needless to say, magnesium is a key mineral for sports recovery. And no matter how well we eat, many Americans are falling short of their magnesium requirements.^[1] Taking a magnesium supplement daily, and incorporating magnesium-rich foods like beets and almonds into your diet, is an effective way for many weekend warriors and athletes alike to boost their recovery*.

2. Soak in some self-care.

Now that you’re taking a magnesium supplement, it may be time to soak in a different type of magnesium! A beloved solution for sore and tired muscles is an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are composed of magnesium sulfate, which can help relieve stiff and tense muscles*. In a standard size tub, add 1-2 cups to warm bath water.

3. Blend up a smoothie.

A green smoothie is a great way to consume a punch of phytonutrients in pre-digested forms. It’s best to alternate your greens such as spinach, kale and chard. Some favorite pairings include coconut milk, mango and avocado. Take your smoothie up a notch by incorporating a booster powder like MegaFood^® Daily Energy Nutrient Booster Powder™ for mental and physical stamina*.

4. Take turmeric.

A brilliantly pigmented orange root, Turmeric has been ingested by people in India for thousands of years. It’s a primary ingredient for Indian curry, golden lattes and other trendy recipe options, as well as a popular supplement today. Turmeric maintains a healthy inflammatory response and is a personal favorite for recovering from a workout*. Traditionally black pepper has been found along with turmeric in curry recipes, and is often incorporated in turmeric supplements, as it has been shown to synergistically facilitate absorption*.

5. Pair with ginger.

Turmeric and ginger are cousins, and make a dynamic duo for athletic recovery*. Add ground ginger and turmeric to your morning smoothie for a delicious and highly functional beverage to start your day off feeling fresh.

¹ National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/#h4

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2018-09-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem puts people at a 5X greater risk of stroke? Visit www.TuneintoAFib.com to learn more.