Insulin resistance & blood sugar levels

Use of Dietary Supplements for Blood Sugar Regulation

Prevalence of Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Approximately 17 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, or 5.6% of the population, according to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services. Another 16 million are estimated to be pre-diabetic with impaired glucose tolerance. One of every 3 to 4 individuals (70 million), are likely to be insulin resistant and have increased risk to develop pre-diabetes, Syndrome X, or type 2 diabetes. Genetic predisposition is likely to be 50 percent responsible for insulin resistance, and lifestyle habits are likely to account for the other half.

 

Definition and Diagnosis of Pre-diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has formally defined pre-diabetes as having either impaired fasting glucose (IFG) concentration between 110 and 126 mg/dL, or, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with a fasting glucose less than 126 mg/dL and plasma glucose concentration between 140  and 200 mg/dL120 minutes after intake of 75 grams of oral glucose. The utility of the diagnosis of pre-diabetes is to initiate weight loss programs in overweight individuals, encourage increased physical activity in sedentary individuals, and to identify and treat the other coronary heart disease risk factors of dyslipidemia and hypertension which are increased in prevalence in these individuals. Each year, approximately 5% of all  individuals within the pre-diabetic group progress into developing type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of pre-diabetic individuals, even if they don’t develop type 2 diabetes, have manifestations of Syndrome X and increased risk of heart attack. According to a recent survey of physicians commissioned and reported by the ADA, “…of the more than

17 million people living with diabetes, 65 percent will die from a heart attack or stroke.”

 

Lifestyle Modifications

Many scientists believe that calorie restriction, a healthy diet and weight loss combined with increased physical activity would be an effective means — possibly even more effective than drugs like metformin — to reduce the incidence of diabetes in those that are pre-diabetic, and there is definitive evidence to support that idea. Studies show that dietary changes alone can somewhat reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. Some studies have also shown that moderate alcohol intake among those who drink alcohol may decrease risk. Smoking worsens pre-diabetes, Syndrome X, and type 2 diabetes, as can certain prescription drugs for hypertension, which increase LDL  cholesterol and triglyceride levels while lowering HDL cholesterol.

 

Use of Individual Supplements

CHROMIUM

Description. Chromium is essential for normal binding of insulin to cell receptors and receptor activity. When insulin receptors are activated, a complex signaling system and set of reactions begin that result in the transport of glucose from plasma into cells.

Actions and Pharmacology. Chromium’s mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, chromium may activate insulin receptor kinase activity and inhibit insulin receptor tyrosine phosphatase, leading to increased phosphorylation of the receptor and increased insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies have suggested that chromium improves glucose tolerance. Chromium may also have anti-atherogenic effects through glucose regulatory mechanisms.

Usage and Dosage. From 200–1000 mcg daily. Chromium has been used safely in amounts up to 1000 mcg daily.

Research Summary. Since the mid- 1960’s, more than 30 studies have reported beneficial effects of supplemental chromium in people ingesting normal diets. However, not all studies conducted showed benefit.

The response to chromium supplementation for glucose, insulin, and lipids is related to the amount and form of supplementation, duration, and degree of glucose tolerance in subjects. Recent studies using chromium supplementation ranging from 200-1000  mcg report improved glucose and insulin parameters in type 2 diabetics, and improved insulin sensitivity in healthy obese subjects with a family history of type 2 diabetes and overweight, exercising young women.

Contraindications,  Precautions,  Adverse Reactions. Generally, chromium supplementation is well tolerated. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should limit their intake to the recommended safe dose of 50-200 mcg per day, unless monitored by their physician. Those with type 2 diabetes mellitus should consult their physician so that their blood glucose levels can be appropriately monitored and medications adjusted, should their insulin resistance decrease.

Interactions: Drugs. Beta-blockers taken in conjunction with chromium may increase HDL-cholesterol levels.

 

VANADIUM

Description. Vanadium is a trace mineral that may be life-essential.

Actions and Pharmacology. Research suggests that vanadium is essential to normal insulin function. Evidence is accumulating, showing that vanadium mimics insulin action in isolated cell systems.

Usage and Dosage. Range of 10 mcg to 1800 mcg. is considered safe. However, clinical studies with vanadium compounds have shown benefits in increasing insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics at a dosage of 100 milligrams vanadyl sulfate (31 mg elemental vanadium) daily for up to 4 weeks.

Research Summary. Studies demonstrate that vanadium significantly mimics insulin action and lowers plasma glucose at pharmacological doses in animals and humans with diabetes.

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. No known contraindications at physiologic doses.

Adverse reactions of diarrhea, green tongues, nausea, vomiting, and cramps are reported at dosage levels of 4.5 to 22.5 mg per day.

Ferrous ion, chloride, EDTA, chromium, and aluminum hydroxide may impair absorption of vanadium.

 

MAGNESIUM

Description. Magnesium is an essential mineral affecting more than 300 metabolic functions and every biological process.

Actions and Pharmacology. Magnesium may have profound glucose-regulatory activity. The mechanism is unclear, but may affect insulin receptor binding or signal transduction.

Usage and Dosage. Studies show an inverse relationship between amounts of magnesium ingested and uptake, with lower amounts showing more efficacious absorption. Doses varied between 7 to 1,000 mg.

 

Research Summary. Supplemental magnesium has been shown to improve insulin response and glucose handling in the elderly and in type 2 diabetics. Several large scale, prospective studies have associated low serum magnesium with greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or have found that non-diabetics consuming the highest amount of magnesium can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by about one-third, compared to those consuming the least magnesium.

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. Ensure adequate levels. Contraindicated in people with heart block or renal failure. Amounts over 350 mg. may cause loose stool in some sensitive individuals.

 

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID

Description. Alpha-lipoic acid is a compound involved in energy production, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Actions and Pharmacology. Alpha-lipoic acid is synthesized in the body, where it acts as an antioxidant with free radical scavenging activity, and is involved in the regeneration of antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and glutathione. It may stimulate glucose  transport.

Usage and Dosage. For treating diabetic neuropathy: 600-1200 mg daily. In Europe it  is available for diabetic neuropathy in 300 mg doses, divided into 150 mg doses twice daily.

Research Summary. Experimental studies in cell culture and animal models of diabetes suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may stimulate glucose transport. Safety of large oral and intravenous doses has been demonstrated in clinical trials showing benefit in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. In studies of type 2 diabetics, large oral doses have been shown to improve insulin resistance or glucose effectiveness after 4 weeks of treatment.

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should avoid alpha-lipoic acid supplements at pharmacologic doses. In general, it is well tolerated.

 

TAURINE

Description. Taurine is a non-protein amino acid manufactured in the body. Dietary intake averages 40–300 mg daily.


Actions and Pharmacology. Taurine plays a role in detoxification, platelet function, central nervous system development, and acts as a membrane stabilizing antioxidant.

Usage and Dosage. Normal dosages range from 500 to 1000 mg.

Research Summary. Experiments have shown taurine to improve insulin sensitivity  in animal models of insulin resistance and spontaneous type 2 diabetes. Some researchers have proposed that taurine supports glucose transport by its effects on membranes. Decreased nerve conduction velocity in diabetics is correlated with taurine depletion, and studies have shown that  taurine supplementation prevents diabetic neuropathy and counters oxidative stress in animal models.

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. No adverse reactions. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult their physicians before taking taurine.

 

ZINC

Description. Zinc is a mineral that plays a clear role in normal production, storage and secretion of insulin. It is necessary for the conformational integrity of insulin.

Actions and Pharmacology. Zinc is vital for numerous immune and metabolic functions, but it’s role and influence is not fully understood. It is known to have antioxidant activity.

Usage and Dosage. Deficiencies in zinc can lead to adverse health effects. Typical supplemental dose: 15 mg daily.

Research Summary. Studies have found that increased urinary loss of zinc is common in diabetes. Evidence also suggests that elevated glucose may induce higher intracellular levels of zinc-requiring antioxidant enzymes, and that zinc and chromium supplementation can significantly reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetics

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. Doses up to 30  mg daily are well tolerated. Significantly higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and sleepiness. A typical dose for pregnant women and nursing mothers is 15  mg daily.

 

BANABA/COLOSOLIC ACID

Description. Colosolic acid is a triterpene compound derived from the Lagerstroemia speciosa plant, also known as banaba, from Southeast Asia. Used as a remedy for obesity and diabetes.

Actions and Pharmacology. Banaba extract has been reported to stimulate glucose transport, although how it exerts this action within the cellular insulin-signaling cascade is not known.

Usage and Dosage. Banaba may decrease blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. Studies have not established a recommended dosage.

Take only with meals.

Research Summary. Most evidence of banaba’s efficacy comes from safe, historical use by indigenous populations in Asia.

Experimental studies have shown that colosolic acid and other components of banaba extract stimulate glucose transport activity in cultured cells. Other small placebo controlled studies have shown modest hypoglycemic effects in type 2 diabetics, and improved glucose and insulin response.

Contraindications,Precautions,   Adverse Reactions,Interactions. No adverse reactions reported. Due to potential additive effects when taken in combination with insulin or drugs to manage type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels should be monitored. Fasting or reactive hypoglycemics, type 1 diabetics, children, pregnant women and nursing  mothers should not take banaba.

 

References

  1. Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New Engl J Med; 346(6):393–403, 2002.
  2. Van Dam RM, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, Hu FB. Dietary patterns and risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in U.S. men. Ann Intern Med.136:201–209, 2002.
  3. Hu FB et al. Diet, lifestyle and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women. New Eng J of Med 345:790–7, 2001.
    1. Reaven GM. The role of insulin resistance in human disease. Diabetes 37:1495–607, 1988.
    2. Reaven GM, Strom TK, Fox B, Syndrome X The Silent Killer, Simon & Schuster, 2000
    3. ADA position statement. Evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related complications. Diabetes Care 25:S50–60, 2002
    4. Vincent JB. Quest for the molecular mechanism of chromium action and its relationship to diabetes. Nutr Rev 58:67–72, 2000
    5. Rimm EB et al. Toenail chromium levels and risk of coronary heart disease among normal and overweight men. American Heart Association, 42nd Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease, Epidemiology and Prevention, April, 2002.
    6. Anderson RA. Review: Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 17:548–55, 1998
      1. Anderson RA. Review: Chromium in the prevention and control of diabetes. Diab & Metab 26:22–27, 2000
      2. Ravina Aet al. Clinical use of the trace element chromium (III) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. J Trace Elem Exp Med 8:183–90, 1995.
        1. Anderson RAet al. Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 46:1786–91, 1997
        2. Ravina Aet al. Control of steroid-induced diabetes with supplemental chromium. J Trace Elem Exp Med 12:375–8, 1999.
          1. Jovanovic L. Chromium supplementation for women with gestational diabetes.J Trace Elem Exp Med 12:91–8, 1999.
          2. Cefalu WT et al. Effect of chromium picolinate on insulin sensitivity in vivo. J Trace Elem Exp Med 12:71–84, 1999.
            1. Grant KE et al. Chromium and exercise training: effect on obese women. Med Sci Sports Exerc 29:992–8, 1997.
              1. Balon TW et al. Magnesium supplementation reduces development of diabetes a rat model of spontaneous NIDDM. Am J Physiol 269:E745–52, 1995.
                1. Paolisso G et al. Daily magnesium supplements improve glucose handling in elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 55:1161–7, 1992
            2. Paolisso G et al. Changes in glucose turnover parameters and improvement of glucose oxidation after 4-week magnesium administration in elderly non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. J Clin Endocrin Metab 78:1510–14, 1994.
  1. Nadler JLet al. Intracellular free magnesium deficiency plays a key role in increased platelet reactivity in type II, Diabetes Care 15:835–41, 1992
    1. Kao WH et al, Serum and dietary magnesium and risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Arch Intern Med 159:2151–9, 1999
    2. Meyer KACarbohydrates, dietary fiber, and incident type 2 diabetes in older women. Am J Clin Nutr 71:921–30, 2000
    3. Colditz GAet al. Diet and risk of clinical diabetes in women. Am J Clin Nutr, 55:1018–23, 1992.
      1. Chausmer A. Review: Zinc, insulin and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. 17:109–115, 1998.
        1. Ceriello Aet al. High glucose induces antioxidant enzymes in human endothelial cells in culture. Diabetes 46:47–-7, 1996
        2. Anderson RAet al. Potential antioxidant effects of zinc and chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Am Coll Nutr, 20:212–218, 2001
        3. Verma S et al. Review. Nutritional factors that can favorably influence the glucose/insulin system : Vanadium. J Am Coll Nutr 17:11–18, 1998.
          1. Cohen N et al. Oral vandyl sulfate improves hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus J Clin Invest 95:2502–9, 1995.
            1. Boden G et al. Effects of vandyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with non-insulin-dependent  diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 45:1130–5, 1996.
              1. Halberstam M et al.Vanadyl sulfate improves insulin sensitivity in NIDDM but not in obese non-diabetic subjects. Diabetes 45:659–66, 1996
              2. Quisumbing E. Medicinal plants of the Philippines. Technical Bulletin 16; Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1951.
                1. Kakuda Tet al. Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in genetically diabetic KK-Amice. Biosci Biotech Biochem. 60:204–8, 1996
                2. Murakami C et al. Screening of plant constituents for effect on glucose transport activity in erlich ascites tumor cells. Chem Pharm Bull 41:2129–31, 1993.
                  1. Liu F et al. An extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa has insulin like glucose uptake stimulatory and adipocyte differentiation- inhibitory activities in 3T3-L1 cells. J of Nutr 131:2242–7, 2001
        4. Hiyashi Tet al. Ellagitannins from Lagerstroemia speciosa as activators of glucose transport in fat cells. Planta Med 68:173–5, 2002.
        5. Ikeda Yet al. Effectiveness and safety of Banabamin tablets containing an extract from banaba in patients with mild type 2 diabetes. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 27:67–73, 1999
        6. Ikeda Yet al. Effectiveness and safety in administering banaba extract to those concerned about blood sugar. J of Practical Diabetes 18 (4) 439–445, 2001.
        7. Anuradha CVet al. Taurine attenuates hypertension and improves insulin sensitivity in the fructose fed rat, and animal model of insulin resistance. Can J Physiol Pharm 77:749–54, 1999.
        8. Nakaya Yet al. Taurine improves insulin sensitivity in the Otsuka Long-Evans fatty rat, a model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 71:54–8, 2000.
          1. Kulakowski EC et al. Hypoglycemic properties of taurine: not mediated by enhanced insulin release. Biochem Pharm 33:2835–8, 1994
          2. Elizarova EPet al. First (human) experiments in taurine administration for diabetes mellitus: effects on erythrocyte membranes. Adv in Exp Med & Biol 403:583–8, 1996.
            1. Hayes KC et al. Taurine modulates platelet aggregation in cats and humans. Am J Clin Nutr 49:1211–6, 1989
        9. Pop-Busui R et al. Depletion of taurine in experimental diabetic neuropathy; implications for nerve metabolic, vascular and functional deficits. Exp Neurol 168:259–72, 2001.
        10. Obrosova IG et al. Taurine counteracts oxidative stress and nerve growth factor deficit in early experimental diabetic neuropathy. Exp Neurol 172:211–19, 2001.
          1. Packer et al. Review: alpha lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Biol Med 19:227–50, 1995
        11. Marangon K et al. Comparison of the effect of alpha-lipoic acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on measures of oxidative stress Free Rad Biol Med 27:1114–21, 1999.
        12. Xu DPet al. Alpha lipoic acid dependent regeneration of ascorbic acid from dehydroascrobic acid in rat liver mitrochondria. J Bioenerg & Biomem 28:77–85, 1996.
          1. Yaworsky K et al. Engagement of the insulin- sensitive pathway in the stimulation of glucose transport by alpha-lipoic acid in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Diabetologia 43:294–303, 2000
          2. Estrada DE et al. Stimulation of glucose uptake by the natural coenzyme alpha lipoic acid. Diabetes 45:1798–804, 1996.
          3. Zeigler D et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid: A7 month multicenter randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care 22:1296–1301, 1999.

 

51.  Ziegler D et al. Treatment of symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALADIN Study). Diabetologia 38:1425–33, 1995.

  1. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Rad Biol Med 27:309–14, 1999
  2. Konrad T et al. Alpha-lipoic acid treatment decreases serum lactate and pyruvate concentrations and improves glucose effectiveness in lean and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 22:280–7, 1999.
    1. American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Creates Serious Cardiovascular Risk, In The News, 2002–06–17.

Published by the Shaklee Corporation.

Medicinal herbs and herbal supplements and weight loss

Gentle Reader,

Can an arthritis sufferer who is also over weight benefit from Medicinal Herbs & Herbal Supplements?  Perhaps you are one of those people like a friend of mine.  She’s in her late 40s and has been unable to get to her ideal weight for her entire life.  She was a fat baby.  She has eaten the perfect diet:  low carbs, lean protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables and hardly any snack foods that most of us would consider OK for once-in-a-while treats.  She has developed aches and pains, those joint issues that come when a person exercises a lot (trying to get that weight down) and fears arthritis is creeping in.  She already takes medicinal herbs and herbal supplements made by Shaklee which help with pain relief.  I have described the benefit of Pain Relieve Complex in several previous posts.

In desperation, she consulted a physician who suggested the Atkins diet.  For the beginning months she ate nothing but protein and then slowed added carbohydrates in the form of raw vegetables, 25 grams a day, no more.  (One protein source she loves is Shaklee’s Instant Protein Soy Mix, a pure, non-GMO protein source with no carbohydrates at all.)  She began using the medicinal herbs and herbal supplement Glucose Regulation Complex.

Taken in the middle of a meal, the herbs in this Glucose Regulation Complex unlock the doors of the stubborn cells and allow the sugars to enter!  Voila!  And Halleluiah!  At last her body is using the glucose to energize her and the pounds are coming off.

Medicinal herbs and herbal supplements abound on the market today.  How do you decide where to buy them and from whom?  Let me suggest the following bench marks to consider.  If your product does not meet all these requirements, look further, or shop for the Shaklee product.  (If the Shaklee corporation makes the medicinal herb or herbal supplement you are looking for, you are in luck.  If not, ask these questions of the manufacturer before you buy.)

  • Does the company control the source material from which the medicinal herb or herbal supplement is created?
  • If not, does it inspect with a plant chromatography methods?  In other words, does the batch of raw material pass through a thorough inspection of all the properties to determine if there are contaminants, and if the plant material is what it supposed to be?
  • Has the company conducted double blind scientific testing to see if the medicinal herbs and herbal supplements manufactured by the company itself reached the blood stream in the human body and performed as predicted?  Was the study conducted well enough for a peer-review journal to publish the results?
  • Does the company provide a money back guarantee on the medicinal herb or herbal supplement so that if the customer does not get the results they are looking for, they get their money back?

If all these points cannot be answered in the affirmative, I would not recommend buying that medicinal herb or herbal supplement.

OK, then.  Are you one of those people who are ready to try a medicinal herb or herbal supplement to see if you can get your body to accept glucose into the cells?  If so, please take a look at Glucose Regulation Complex.  The active ingredients include

  • Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate)
  • Taurine
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Banaba Leaf Extract (Lagerstroemia speciosa) Standardized to contain 18% colosolic acid
  • Vanadium (as vanadium amino acid chelate)

Other ingredients include Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) and Zinc (as zinc gluconate)

These ingredients help the sugars you eat get into the cells where they belong.  End of sugar cravings!

With the loss of extra pounds, arthritis pain goes down and maybe even away.  Of course, I can’t predict your individual outcome, but what if Glucose Regulation Complex worked for you the way it has for my friend?  Why not give it a try?

The side benefits of Glucose Regulation Complex include lowering cholesterol.  The scientific information you will want to study is in this pdf.  I have put the document on the resources page of my blog www.grandmabetsybell.com/resources/.

Feel free to pass this post along to friends and family who struggle with weight loss.  This may provide the missing ingredient.

I’d love your comments so others can benefit from your wisdom.

Be well, Do well and keep moving,

Betsy

206 933 1889

 

 

How important is organic?

Gentle Reader,

A new customer is determined to make changes in her habits so she is supporting better health for the future.  She worries about the high cost of eating organic.  Not every fruit and vegetable is equally laden with pesticides and herbicides.  When you are working toward an organic diet, you can expect your food bill to go up.  You expect that.  But is there a way to move gradually to organic.  

Why bother  going organic?  For the arthritis sufferer, the joints are susceptible to toxins that come into our body in processed and fresh non-organic foods.  The joints have poor blood flow so it is harder to flush these toxins.  If your arthritis is crippling, painful and keeps you from exercising, the build up of toxins in the joints can cause inflammation and be difficult to alleviate.  By all means, keep walking, keep moving those joints if at all possible to get a flow into them which will flush toxins out.

For the rest of us, pesticides are not a good thing.  They create stress on the immune system and could even cause cancer.  The toxic chemicals coming along for the ride on our fresh fruits and vegetables are especially harmful to children whose bodies are small and can not handle the stress.

I share this web site which includes two videos for your consideration.

  • Not all fruits and vegetables are bad for us.
  • The harmful effect is greater on children and adults with compromised health.
  • Stick to foods that can be peeled:  watermelon, cantelope, pinapple, corn, and peel the non-organic apples, potatoes, peaches.
  • Avoid the dirty dozen.   You’ll find them on the web site above where you can down load the infomation and carry it in your purse when you shop.  

Here is more good information for you http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/dirty-dozen-foods-list-2013_n_3132788.html

Another way to get past the cost (and check carefully, sometimes the price difference isn’t that great.) is to prepare half an apple for the kids.  Quarter them and that way they will have the great benefit of the organic fruit without the pesticides.  Serve less.  Make the organic item go farther.

Good luck with this change.  You will be amazed at how wonderful the organic produce tastes.  Treat yourself.  Have fruit for dessert and forget the ice cream.  Yummy.

Be well, Do well, and Keep Moving,

Betsy

206 933 1889

How do you find your passion?

Gentle Reader,

I want to share this from Bob Ferguson, one of my mentors in my Shaklee business of the past 27 years.  What he describes has been my experience through each of several career paths.  Only one path was off track, going only for the money.  My action was not lined up with my inner passion.  However, I learned a lot in that career that led to my longest career path: helping others who want it, to have better health through prevention: diet and supplements, and a clean environment inside and out.

The key question is: How do you find your passion? I wish I knew the answer, but here are a few clues based on my own experience.

We are all born with some gifts and the key to unlock passion is to look for those gifts. We have to look inwards.

To explore your passion, you have to let go the fear of failure. That’s because our fear of failure keeps us from trying things. Exploring passion means you have to do stuff. The essence is in the action, in failing often and learning from those failures.

Passion does not hit us like a lightning bolt, it evolves with time. It is entirely possible that our passion may change with our progression in life. What’s important is to remain open to the possibilities our passion brings to us.

Passion shines when it meets the purpose. Some people are too passionate about an activity (e.g. writing) without knowing the purpose (e.g. making a positive difference in a reader’s life). Passion without purpose will not take you very far. When passion meets a purpose, wonders happen.

Exploring a passion requires committed effort, discipline and persistence. When you start acting on things you like, you will fail. You may keep trying for long and improve slowly. Enjoy the process without getting anxious about results. The key is to never give up.

“Work is love made visible”   by Bob Ferguson

This unfolding of passion to purpose has been the story of my life and my various career paths, including my current one.  Good luck with finding your passion and bringing it to fruition.

If helping heal the environment one house-hold at a time is a passion of yours, perhaps selling Shaklee’s Get Clean products is a path for you.  Try the products yourself and see if this brings you to work that is love made visible.

If curbing the obesity epidemic is a passion of yours, perhaps selling the 180 Turnaround program and providing support to those who are desperate to lose weight will bring you to work that is love made visible.  Become a 180 Turnaround Specialist.

Do Well, Be Well and Keep Moving,

Betsy

206 933 1889

 

Moving and Shaking

Gentle Reader,

These beautiful fall days have many of us moving and shaking.  Great time for working in the garden, chasing our soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, football, field hockey playing school children and perhaps you are among the older adults who play geezer basketball and master’s tennis.   My favorite thing to do in the fall is hunt chanterelles.  Eight of us hikers recently had a successful day.  We were lifting legs, stooping, reaching, climbing steeply through giant sword fern, around old stumps, over huge fallen fir and cedar trees.  This is exercise.  Well rewarded.

So many chanterelles!
So many chanterelles!

I am having such a consuming time writing the story of my courtship with my first husband that I haven’t been taking time to workout at home.  Perhaps some of you over 65 have found Silver Sneakers, the Medicare Program that encourages Active Older Adults (AOA) to remain flexible and independent.  I tried my first class this last week. When I saw all the chairs set out, I thought this class would be way too easy.  Not at all.  The chairs were for balance when standing behind them on one foot.  They also gave us a platform for 80 repetitions of getting up and down out, standing—sitting, standing—sitting.  We used weights and bands for increasing upper body strength.  What fun to be in a room full of smiling  gray haired men and women having a great time.

On Friday mornings I go to an AOA salsa dancing class, led by a gorgeous, slim older woman who can lead the rumba, salsa, cha-cha-cha, and mambo to Cuban and Brazilian music.  We trill our tongues, clap the flamenco and sweat.  Fabulous.

I brought 3 new hens home from my grandson’s birthday celebration on his family’s farm an hour north of Seattle and these young ladies are not being welcomed into the established coop of 3 Rhode Island Reds.  They flew over my 6 foot fencing and scattered into the neighborhood.  Picture this old lady trying to corner a frightened chicken and having to climb a rockery with a blanket in my hand.  We did lose one little black hen, which broke my heart.  They are not settled yet.  I’m pleased that I have the energy and stamina and flexibility to chase chickens.  Take those classes.  Life in the suburbs! You may have to use all that strength moving and shaking in some unexpected ways.

A little Araucana is not accepted by the Rhode Island Reds.
A little Araucana is not accepted by the Rhode Island Reds.

How about you?  What classes are you taking to keep fit?  Let us know.  While you are responding, “like” my fan page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/betsybellshealth4u

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving (and Shaking)

Betsy

206 933 1889

www.grandmabetsybell.com/blog/

How to develop Immune system function

Do not spend the winter sick.

             Prepare Now for Cold and Flu Season 
How to Develop and Maintain a Healthy Immune System Function

NutriFeron – One of the most powerful formulas ever developed for strengthening the immune system. Its unique, synergistic blend of plant extracts including pumpkin seeds, plantago seeds, safflower flowers and Japanese honeysuckle flower buds, can be taken daily preventatively. But if you feel you are starting to come down with a virus up to 6 per day has been shown to be very effective at heading off an infection.

• Supports and stimulates the healthy immune system, by increasing the activity
of macrophages and inducing natural interferon production

• Optimizes immune response against environmental irritants and
airborne substances (as with allergies, asthma)
20962 60 caplets Retail $45.90 MP $39.00
59193 Share It Pack (4 bottles) Retail $165.24 MP $140.40 Save 10%

How many do you have to eat to stay healthy?

Sustained Release Vita-C®, 500 mg.– Only all natural sustained release C with no shellac. Antioxidant property protects the body against free radicals. Boosts the healthy immune system, infection fighter, natural antihistamine, increases the resistance to ligament and tendon injury. Vitamin C is depleted by stress such as infections, illness, fatigue, surgery, anxiety, pollution and extremes in temperature. As we age, there is a greater need to regenerate collagen, which requires more vitamin C.

20095 180 tablets Retail $25.50 MP $21.70

Defend & Resist Complex (Echinacea) – Keep in medicine chest and take when you feel you are coming down with something. Has become the most prominent herb used in the United States and Europe. Activates the healthy immune system, promotes production of white blood cells, enhances resistance to infection, viral and bacterial, especially flu and herpes; reduces mucus. Works best when started at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. Can be used effectively for up to 10 days at a time. In addition, larch tree extract and elderberry surround viruses and prevent them from reproducing.
20613 90 tablets Retail $20.35 MP $ 17.30

Garlic Complex- Natural decongestant and natural antibiotic. Shaklee’s Garlic Complex has a two-way odor control with a gentle, temperature-controlled drying process and a pleasant blend of spearmint and rosemary extracts to maintain high potency. Historically, has been used for congestion, asthma, sinusitis and allergies, colds, flu and pneumonia, sore throat and bronchitis. Has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is effective against yeast infections (Candida). Nature’s strongest natural antibiotic.

20084 240 tablets Retail $41.80 MP $35.55

 

Susan Knott and Son Riley Knott Story

Susan Knott and her son, Riley, suffered from allergies for many years. Their symptoms were most severe during spring and fall allergy seasons, but as time went on, they needed to be on the medications all year long.
Riley’s symptoms were the most severe with constant sinus congestion, red itchy swollen eyes and nose, feeling miserable. Even after 2 ½ years of allergy shots, he still required Zyrtec and Nasonex nasal spray. They helped diminish some symptoms so they were manageable, but he never felt allergy-free.
Susan was introduced to the Shaklee products that help strengthen the immune system 3 years ago in late January. She and Riley, 16 years old, began with:

Optiflora Probiotic Capsule (because 70% of the immune system is in the gut)
Vita Lea Multi
Vita C Sustained Release — 2 to 4/ day
Nutriferon (4 herbal extracts that help the body produce a key component of the immune system (interferon) naturally — 2 to 4/ day

Within 6 to 8 weeks, Susan was so much improved that she was able to stop her allergy medication completely…
Riley, whose condition was more severe, took 3 to 4 months before symptoms subsided and he was able to eliminate the medications. Both Susan and Riley were able to reduce the number of supplement tablets as their healthy immune systems got stronger. Today during allergy season, if symptoms return, Susan and Riley simply increase their vitamin levels and add Shaklee Premium Garlic and Alfalfa.

Call today to get started on your anti-cold program or go on line and order.  www.HiHohealth.com

Betsy Bell’s Health4U
4455 51st Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206 933 1889
www.GrandmaBetsyBell.com
Betsy@HiHoHealth.com

Making Hip Pain Go Away

Gentle Reader,

How many of you have suffered from chronic hip pain? You’ve been to the doctor, the chiropractor, the massage therapist – and nothing seems to help for very long.  Julie Donnelly is a Deep Muscle Massage Therapist with 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of chronic joint pain and sports injuries.   Thanks to Dr. Chaney, I received this excellent article written by Julie about a very simple technique you can use at home to experience dramatic pain relief.

If you enjoy today’s post, please forward this email to a friend.

How Can You Relieve Chronic Hip Pain?

Making Hip Pain Go Away

Author: Julie Donnelly

Hip Pain Getting rid of hip pain
the ball releases the tightness in the muscle

Do you have joint pain or stiffness?  Does it hurt when you’ve been sitting and you try to get up and walk? Have you tried to stretch and either it feels good for a few minutes and then you’re back to square one, or maybe even worse, it hurts more than it did before? Do you sometimes feel like your joints are just tied down and you’re no longer flexible? Do you maybe even blame it on “old age?”  The odds are extremely high that all that’s happening is your muscles are in spasm.  

If any of these statements fit you, you’ll really love today’s message.  As a bonus, at the end of this blog you’ll learn a self-treatment technique that you’ll love if you ever have hip pain.

I’ve mentioned many times that a tight muscle pulling on a tendon will cause joint pain, just like pulling on your hair will cause your scalp to hurt.  And, just like the only way to stop the pain in your head is to let go of your hair, the only way to stop the pain in your joint is to release the tight muscle.

Another analogy that I use frequently has to do with stretching and why you may feel worse AFTER you stretch than you did before you stretched. If you took a 12″ line and tied enough knots in it so it is now 11″, and then you try to stretch it back to 12″ without first untying the knots, you can see what would happen.  The knots would become tighter and the fibers on either side of the knot would be overstretched and could possibly even tear.  If the line was attached to a fixed point on either side you can imagine the strain that is happening to the attachment points.  This is exactly what is happening to you when you when you stretch a muscle that is tied up in knots (spasms).  You can see how important it is to first release the spasms before stretching.

Today I’d like to share with you how to do one of the Julstro self-treatments that we teach on the Julstro self-treatment DVD.  So many people have hip pain that I’d like to explain how to treat the tensor fascia lata muscle which is located on the outside of your hip, between your hip bone and the top of your thigh bone:

Using a tennis ball (hollow in the center so it is a bit less intense) or a Perfect Ball (solid in the center so it gets in deeper) place the ball right where the side-seam of your pants is located – between the two bones.  If you are in a lot of pain, start by leaning into a wall. If you want to go deeper into the muscle, lie on the floor on top of the ball.  You may need to move an inch or so to find the “epicenter” of the spasm, but you’ll know immediately when you locate it.  Always make sure you keep your pressure to a “hurts so good” level, you’re in control so don’t over-do.

Once you find the spasm, which is also called a “trigger point,” just stay still on it for 30-60 seconds. Lift your weight off the ball for a few breaths and then press into the ball again. This second time you’ll find that it won’t be as painful as the first time because you have already pressed out some of the H+ ions that are causing the spasm (and the pain).

Keep repeating this for a few minutes and then slightly move your body so you can find other trigger points that are around your hips. You’ll probably find points that are a little bit toward the front of your hip, so make sure you rotate your body so you’re facing more toward the wall or the floor, and then rotate your body so you’re back is more toward the wall or the floor.

This one simple technique has saved several of my clients from thinking they needed hip surgery! It will help you move easier and with less discomfort – and often it will totally eliminate the pain from your hip completely.

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

Thanks to Julie for this advice.  For those of you who have sciatica, try this method to get rid of hip pain.  Let me know how it works for you.

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving

Betsy Bell

206 933 1889

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“Why can’t you fly now, Mother?”

“Why can’t you fly now, mother?”
“Because I am grown up, dearest. When people grow up they forget the way.”
“Why do they forget the way?”
“Because they are no longer gay and innocent and heartless. It is only the gay and innocent and heartless who can fly.”
― J.M. Barrie

Dear One,

Perhaps we were not heartless when we were young.  Perhaps we can’t fly now because we have hearts that have grown pinched and afraid.  Napoleon Hill says fear is the greatest single obstacle to success.

Did you  dream impossible dreams when you were little?

Though I never once thought they were “impossible” way back then because, as a kid, everything seems
possible. Didn’t it?

Then as we grew older and had time to experience a few set backs and a few disappointments… somewhere
along the line we sometimes stopped dreaming and started settling for what we thought we COULD accomplish.

Because we are afraid.

It’s doesn’t have to be like that anymore. What if?

Because if you have ever succeeded at doing anything well… then you have everything you need to succeed
at ANYTHING well… except the belief that you still can make wonderful things happen.

So here’s my humble suggestion. Take a few minutes out of your day to dream an impossible thing. Why not?  At
least it’s a moment of fun and fantasy.  Divide your life up into areas important to you. Things like:
=> Financial Goals
=> Family & Relationships, and
=> Spiritual Development
Have a heart-to-heart conversation with yourself and discover, once again, where you would like to be –
If a lack of money, time, skill, AND belief – if these were not an issue – where would you picture yourself in each of these areas? How would you LIKE your life to look? What would a perfect day consist of? Where would you find yourself?
Who would you be hanging out with? Where would you be hanging out?
Take notes and jot your dreams down. Play with them and flesh them out a little bit each day.  Give yourself PERMISSION to dream fun and magical and design – if only on paper and in your imagination – your perfect life.  Remember what it’s like to dream of flying.  You want a different answer to Peter Pan’s question, Why can’t you fly now, Mother?Because it is only AFTER you know where you are going that you’ll be able to set in motion the things that can
take you there. So begin by dreaming and always remember:”You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you think you are, and smarter than you think.” J.M.Barrie

What if it DOES work?

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving,

Betsy

Join me now and fly.

Still a little nervous, scared?  Call me 206 933 1889.  I’ll show you the plan and how it works.

Just testing?  Watch this.  http://www.createlifetimeincome.info/betsybell

4 ways to get a sore back fuctional

Gentle Reader,

Sore back?  Been traveling, sitting in an airplane for hours?  Did you enjoy a vigorous hiking holiday slogging miles over boulders, roots and bogs for days in a row?  Maybe you had back surgery, successful but still stiff and cranky.  Or perhaps, you joined a new salsa dance class (that would be my recent experience) for the first time and the instructor had you swinging your hips in directions they hadn’t gone in 50 years.

There’s nothing that slows you down more than a sore back, whether it is caused by over-exersion, chronic arthritis, or a sudden move that sets everything zinging.  Here are four tips to get you moving comfortably again.

1. A muscle relaxant for a few days won’t kill you and will give those spasms a chance to quiet down.  There are a lot of over the counter medications to chose from.  My personal favorite is Aleve.  I can usually manage flare ups with frequent doses of Shaklee’s Pain Relief Complex, a herbal COX 2, 5 LOX inhibitor that will not damage your stomach.  99% of the time I can manage a sore back with Pain Relief Complex.  It gives me peace of mind to know I am not hurting my stomach or creating any bad side effects.

2.  To relieve a sore back my friend alternated between hot compresses and ice, getting the blood to move through the low back.  The joints are not easy to flush with blood flow so this is an excellent therapy, especially if you have the leisure to work on the problem.  The hottub is excellent for the heat.  I use mine every night sending the jets on any sore muscles.  In the case of acute sore back, more frequent cold/hot changes will speed the healing along.

3. For immediate relief for a sore back, rub Joint and Muscle Pain Cream or other menthol analgesic into the area.  For years I relied on Arnica Montana or Icy Hot cream, but I have found that the pain-relieving effect seems to penetrate more deeply and last longer.

4.  I use the Back2Life machine daily and when my back is more sore than normal, I will relief the sore back by getting on the floor with my knees over the top of this contraption several times a day.  It’s gentle motion is like a Feldenkrais manipulation.  The small, steady lifting and lowering motion of the Back2Life machine, relaxes and opens up the sacrum, allowing blood to flow into the irritated and inflammed area.  The machine is set to do its work for about 13 minutes which is just about as long as a busy person can stand to be still, lying on the floor.  Past posts about the Back2Life Machine.BAck2Life machine

In addition to these excellent sore back relieveing strategies, I like to put Peggy Cappy‘s soothing voice on before I go to sleep every night.  In fact, her voice usually puts me to sleep.  She takes you through a muscle relaxing meditation for about 20 minutes beginning with the eyes and facial muscles.  By the time she has progressed through the entire body, you are so still and relaxed, you couldn’t move an arm or a leg.  The last part of the CD takes you even deeper and she talks to your “inner mind” about the way sore and damaged joints restore through rebuilding healthy new cells using the nutrients offered by the blood stream.  I am convinced that if I were to get an MRI of my lower back and spine today, the deforming and pain-causing spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis would be less evident, just because of her CD.  Sound to woo-woo for you?  Never mind.  Listen to her relaxing CD anyway for relief from the SORE BACK that has you moaning.  To read a past post about Peggy Cappy, click here.

Probably the most effective strategy of all is moving.  As soon as you can tolerate even a little movement, get up and walk.  It is only by getting blood flow back into the disturbed joint that healing can be accelerated.

I wish you well in your journey to a healthy back, and the end of the sore back experience.

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving,

Betsy

206 933 1889

Optiflora prebiotic and probiotic supplements

Optiflora prebiotic and probiotic supplements

The healthy body contains trillions of “friendly” microorganisms. The vast majority of
them live in the colon, where they perform a multitude of health-supporting tasks. Their
most important role is helping to maintain a healthy balance with other less desirable
organisms. Enhancing the friendly microorganisms can promote long-term colon health.
Optiflora Probiotic promotes colon health by supporting the growth of healthy micro flora
naturally found in the colon.* Optiflora Probiotic delivers guaranteed live probiotics
Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The Optiflora Prebiotic Complex
enriched with Inulin and FOS (fructooligosaccharides), Optiflora Prebiotic Complex
delivers important nutrients that healthy intestinal bacteria need to grow and thrive.
Optiflora also has gamma-tocopherol, a nutrient associated with colon health.*

Who Might Benefit from Optiflora?
Who could benefit from beneficial intestinal microflora?
• People whose dietary choices may affect the balance of gastro intestinal micro flora.
• Individuals who frequently or chronically take antibiotics.
• Children who frequently take antibiotics for ear infections.
• Anyone planning foreign travel.

Optiflora Probiotic Complex features triple layer encapsulation technology, which helps
ensure potency and guarantees live delivery of Bifidobacterium longum and
Lactobacillus acidophilus to the intestine. Without this special protection, probiotics –
live organisms — can be destroyed before they reach the large intestine, where they
provide the greatest benefit.

It has been estimated that we have more bacteria in our intestinal tract than cells in our
body. One of the most important ways that beneficial microflora promote health is by
simply existing in large numbers. Research studies indicate that normal, healthy
colonies of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium can help maintain a healthy balance
between beneficial and undesirable bacteria. Scientists believe this healthful standoff is
achieved in several ways by:
• enhancing immunity
• maintaining the acid pH of the intestinal environment
• competition for nutrients and adhesion sites
• actively support healthy colony cells
• detoxification
• maintain healthy, normal populations of beneficial microflora, even in people
taking antibiotics

Optiflora is a unique, two-product system that supplies both beneficial bacteria
(probiotics) AND the nutrients they need to thrive (prebiotics) to provide complete dietary
support for the healthy balance of intestinal microflora.* Optiflora’s state-of-the-art
seamless capsule is guaranteed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach to
deliver live beneficial bacteria to the intestine.

What are Prebiotics? They are nutrients which selectively feed the friendly bacteria and
Probiotics are supplemental populations of the “friendly bacteria” residing in the colon
which help to maintain healthy intestinal microbial balance. The term Probiotic literally
means “healthful for life.”

Remember only Shaklee Optiflora can guarantee delivery of both prebiotics and
probiotics encouraging growth and multiplication.

**Optiflora rebuilds health possibly quicker than any other product we have to offer! Just
what does this product do?? Basically, it helps maintain one’s health by adding
500,000,000 living flora to the intestinal tract with each serving! Since both advanced
aging and disease are directly tied to the intestinal tract, this product should be one of
the first following the Rx for a Healthier Life™!

At birth each of us are born with a healthy intestine loaded with positive and healthy flora
(bacteria) and we are probably as healthy as we ever will be! As we mature, and we are
exposed to the environment, to stress, to others’ ailments, through the process of aging –
all of these – cause disease-causing bacteria to invade our intestines! Slowly, the bad
bacteria overcomes the good flora! Before this product was introduced, there was NO
WAY to add new and living flora to the intestines! Now, because of Shaklee’s research
team, we can! Yes, Optiflora is the ONLY product on the market that delivers living flora
directly to the intestines! It’s powder and a pearl and it is recommended that it be taken
(together) once a day! Since nearly every illness comes from the colon (intestines),
Optiflora is possibly the ‘most effective’ preventative health product available!
Keep your digestive system on track. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body depends
on healthy digestion and nutrient absorption for well-being. Occasional upsets can be
caused by changes in your routine, diet, stress, travel and other factors. Our natural
solutions support a healthy digestive system, can help to restore a natural balance, and
protect against occasional digestive upsets.

WHAT DESTROYS YOUR GOOD BACTERIA?
1. Antibiotics, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides in our food supply
2. Many prescription and over the counter medications
3. Solar radiation and pollution
4. The aging process, especially menopause, and common infections and viruses.
5. Various laxatives & enemas
6. Bacterially contaminated meats, eggs, dairy & other foods, and a low-fiber diet
7. Birth control pills, alcohol and steroid drugs
8. Mental or physical stressStar Achievers Team, LLC © 2012, Not for sale, can be shared Page 3 of 3

What is the solution?
Take a supply of healthy bacteria (Bifidobacterium & lactobacilli) in a supplement form
and a prebiotic to feed the healthy bacteria “Optiflora” by Shaklee. Will this combination
prevent serious health problems? Yes, yes, yes, yes in many ways!!!!
1. Eliminate most of children’s chronic illnesses
2. Improves mineral absorption (prevent osteoporosis, blood pressure problems,
headaches, allergies, & mood swings)
3. Stop over growth of yeast in body – eliminate candida (cause of many allergies,
chronic infections and serious colon problems)
4. Lower cholesterol by creating an acid environment to convert cholesterol to a
form the body can’t reabsorb
5. Prevent diarrhea or “traveler’s trots”
6. Improve energy by improving absorption of all nutrients, reducing your taste for sweets
7. Rebuild immune system of which 50/60 percent is in the intestinal wall
8. Prevent colon cancer, by keeping bile secretions from being converted to dangerous irritants
9. Protective, if you need chemo or radiation treatment
10. Stop chronic skin, ear & throat infections

Remember a healthy body reflects a healthy intestinal tract. Optiflora is a unique, twoproduct system that supplies both beneficial bacteria (probiotics) AND the nutrients they
need to thrive (prebiotics) to provide complete dietary support for the healthy balance of
intestinal microflora.* Optiflora’s state-of-the-art seamless capsule is guaranteed to
withstand the acidic environment of the stomach to deliver live beneficial bacteria to the
intestine.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.