Health Risks with Metabolic Syndrome

Let’s take a look at specific factors of metabolic syndrome and what they do to your body.  High blood pressure, elevated lipids, especially high LDL (bad cholesterol that you want to be a low number) and low HDL (good cholesterol that you want to be a high number), insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides and hypertension are all health concerns that can cause metabolic syndrome.

If you have three or more of the above factors you have metabolic syndrome.

Your arteries become stiffer (less flexible) over time with high blood pressure and this continues to put your blood flow under more pressure.

Thickened arteries can cause your heart muscle to become thicker over time.  Damage to arteries, plaque buildup and narrow blood vessels make your heart have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body and causes stress to the heart and increased blood pressure.

The build up of materials, plaque and lipids can lead to clots:   heart attack if the clot occurs in the heart or stroke if in the brain.

Your blood pressure and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) need to be kept at healthy levels.

Your cholesterol is necessary for different cellular functions in your body and the majority is made by your own liver.  For many people dietary cholesterol intake can also be a major contributor to cholesterol levels.  Plaque builds up if  you don’t have healthy lipid levels.  And the blood and oxygen flow to your heart and brain can be affected.

What causes high LDL (bad) cholesterol?  It can be hereditary and it does increase with age.  However, the major contributor is a bad diet, specifically one that is high in saturated fat and particularly high in trans fatty acids.  Being overweight or obese greatly contributes to higher LDL and low HDL numbers.

HDL plays a positive role by carrying cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver where it is passed from the body through the GI tract.  Good cholesterol helps lessen the chance for plaque buildup.

Triglycerides are fatty particles found in your blood stream and contain more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates or protein.  When your body requires fatty acids for energy, triglycerides are broken down to release fatty acids.

If you take in more fats than your body immediately needs, triglycerides are stored as fat cells.  It is a pretty efficient system unless the foods you eat have too much fat and your system gets overloaded.  Then triglycerides continue to circulate in the blood stream hooking up with cholesterol and other debris and contributing to the build up of plaque.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, one out of every three Americans have elevated triglyceride levels.  It is important for everyone to know, your diet is by far the major contributor to elevated triglycerides.  Keep LDL low:  if your number is higher than 150 you need to take a serious look at changing your diet.  Keep HDL high:  40 for men and 50 for women.

What you need to know about Insulin

Normally the carbohydrates you ingest from food are digested and broken down into glucose.  That glucose circulates in your blood stream and enters your cells where it is used as fuel.

Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is a hormone that regulates cells, allowing glucose to enter and fuel the cell’s function.  A healthy pancreas adjusts to the amount of insulin based on the amount of circulating glucose in the blood.

When you eat more calories than your body needs, more insulin is produced to help metabolize those higher levels of blood sugar.  Over time, if you continue to feed your body more calories than it needs, your cells gradually become less sensitive to the effects of insulin.  The system becomes overloaded and will, over time, lead to insulin resistance.

And when your cells are insulin resistant, that means they don’t respond and glucose can’t enter the cells efficiently.  Your pancreas reacts to that situation by pouring more and more insulin into your blood stream and trying to lower the blood glucose levels to where they should be.  But the cells are increasingly resistant to the insulin and these high levels of glucose just keep circulating in your blood stream.

When your fasting blood sugar rises above 120, you now have Type 2 Diabetes.  Elevated blood sugar levels are extremely toxic to your tissues which leads to other health conditions associated with Type 2 Diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease and blindness.

According to recent stats from the American Heart Association, diabetes contributes to about 225,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Diabetes and pro-inflammatory response in blood vessels are inter-connected.

Diabetes:

95% of all diabetes is the Type 2 variety – caused by being over-weight and over-eating.  Having diabetes doubles the risk of having cardiovascular disease.  75% of people with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke.  Obesity is -by far -the leading cause of developing diabetes.  The higher your body fat, the higher chance you have of developing insulin resistant and ultimately diabetes.

When you carry excess weight around your abdomen, this is another independent risk factor of heart disease and diabetes.  You can’t control where your body deposits extra fat, you can determine how to lose the extra fat.

Pro-inflammatory Response:

In 2005, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo  found that obese subjects had significantly more fat cells.  Elevated levels of C-reactive proteins are associated with many inflammatory conditions in the body including heart disease.

The higher the CRP level, the higher the risk of heart attack.  Atherosclerosis causes inflammation, and higher levels of inflammation cause further damage to the lining of the arteries and allows high circulating levels of cholesterol to attach.  Plaque continues to build up and can contribute to a heart attack, kidney disease or stroke over time.

Good News:

We do have positives here.  The good news is that we know how to address a lot of these factors that can contribute to metabolic syndrome.  Whether you have one or multiple factors, you have some power!

Consistent attention to changing your diet and lifestyle can have incredibly positive effects on future health.  Top of the list choices to consider are losing weight if you are obese and smoking because both can reduce life expectancy at least six to seven years.  If risk factors are combined there is even more chance of dying early.

Watch your diet because people who have excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, are three times more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes.  The apple shape of the body is the one that you most have to worry about.

It is essential to manage your weight because losing as little as 5 to 10% of your body weight can reduce insulin levels and blood pressure and decrease your risk of diabetes.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Move more!  Get active in some activity that you like or exercise by walking at least 30 minutes per day.  The more the better and you don’t have to do it all at one time, it should just add up to 30 minutes every day.

If you smoke, STOP!  It’s that important that you do.  Smoking increases insulin resistance and risk of metabolic syndrome plus lung and other types of cancer.

Increase food with dietary fiber in your daily diet.  The more whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and other high fiber foods you eat, the lower your blood sugar levels will be, the lower your insulin levels will be and it is less likely that you will develop insulin resistance or diabetes.

Avoid high fat foods, especially saturated fats.  Choose lean cuts of white meat or fish over red meat.  Stay away from processed or deep fried foods completely.

We now know that certain foods can actually cause inflammation while other food help to fight it in the body.  Vegetables are high on the list of anti-inflammatory foods, especially dark green, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts.  Avacados are a great source of anti-inflammatory and omega-3 fatty acids, as is olive oil.  Sweet potatos and orange vegetables contain carotenoids and antioxidants that help fight inflammation.  Most fruits especially berries are anti-inflammatory, as are spices such as oregano, basil and mint.  Green tea is a great beverage source of anti-oxidants and other health benefits.

There are so many wonderful herbs and spices that you can use to flavor food instead of using fats, butter, or sugar.  They will contribute to your health instead of to disease.  You should slow down on your salt intake because salt contributes to high blood pressure.  Read labels and stay away from products that have more than 400-500 mg of sodium per serving.  If you have high blood pressure, don’t add salt to your food.

You have the choice to make a change in your very next meal.  You can start a weight and exercise program TODAY!  You are in control of your future health and will like the results you get if you make the right and healthy choices.

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Testimonies* started to circulate soon after Vivix, the world’s only cellular anti-aging tonic, was introduced on 8-8-08. You have to understand, the very first users of this natural resveratrol supplement were primarily loyal brand users. They know the science, research, and clinical testing behind each and every product. They know of the safety of this brand that conducts thousands of quality tests on individual ingredients. They know of the quality of the ingredients and how that quality is responsible for maintaining products that really do perform. And they know that the company does not introduce a product unless it has been proven in their own scientific studies to work.

And so the testimonies* continue to come.. have a look at just four (more to come).. and be prepared to say, “Wow!”:

*These are personal testimonies and not released or endorsed in any way by the Shaklee Corporation.

Diabetes Testimonial – No More Leg Cramps and I Can Feel My Toes Again!

“.. I am diabetic with all the problems that go along. One of my greatest fears is losing my legs as my grandfather lost his from diabetes. I suffered severe neuropathy in both my legs and feet. In addition to that, I had 3 stints put in my left leg last summer and was diagnosed with PAD. I was experiencing severe leg cramps nightly. Hardly a night went by when I wasn’t awakened by them and had to jump out of bed and walk around. This would happen several times a night. Since taking Vivix, I have not been awakened a single evening with a leg cramp. So wonderful! And I can feel my toes again. They no longer feel like wooden appendages down there. Bless Shaklee and Vivix! I now experience full nights of restful sleep.”
~Cathi

Arthritis Pain – Now Pain Free!

“… I am now 72 and have been experiencing an elevated amount of joint, muscle and back pain.  It has grown over the past several years to aggravating proportions affecting sleep and most movement.  I was using up to 16 pain relief tablets a day to control this growing pain.  It worked to quench the pain but the pain itself showed no signs of letting up.  Then, in early August, Shaklee Corporation introduced Vivix, a fabulous new longevity tonic with resveratrol and super grape extracts.”    ~Martha

Five weeks later and Martha, quoted above, is pain free!  She takes no other pain relief tablets.  She uses the prescription for health plan products recommended by the brand’s director of medical affairs (Vivix, Vitalizer, Cinch & Nutriferon) on a daily basis and is enjoying being able to move again without pain anywhere.

Cancer Story

Let me relate a story I heard today about a woman who had cancer 10 years ago and refused chemo, deciding to go the natural route using Shaklee and other alternative approaches.  She has done extremely well for many years.  When Vivix came out, her friend told her about it.. she sent the information to her doctors and normally they would send her an email response.  But not this time!  They called her and told her to, “not walk, but RUN to get this product and start taking it immediately!”    ~Lorri

Inherent Essential Tremors – Fast Results

“I am 72 years old and have had essential tremors since my early 30′s.  The shaking and tremors became so bad that I had to quit my job as a lab technician in 1989.  When in high school I could type 60 words per minute.  For the past 15 years, in order to type, I had to hold my right index finger with my left hand and type one key at a time.  At times, the tremors were so pronounced that I had difficulty eating and drinking.

I have faithfully used Shaklee supplements since November of 1998 and added the Vitalizer when it was introduced.  I also take CoQHeart twice daily along with B-Complex.  There was very little improvement.  I started taking Vivix on August 23rd.  In a week and a half, I noticed the tremors/shaking had lessened.  Now, at three weeks of Vivix, my tremors/shaking are minimal!  I have to learn to use my hands again – I have to learn to type again with all my fingers!!

I was hoping a change would occur in two to three months on Vivix, but never expected these results in three weeks.”    ~Anne

Age Spots and Pain – and Other ‘Side Benefits’

“Although I’ve been on an excellent anti-inflammatory supplement and diet program for over ten years, I’ve still had some aches and pains that just haven’t gone away.  I’ve been using Vivix for about two weeks now and have had tremendous relief of all of the achy pains that used to plague me!  I’m especially relieved not to have pain around the arthritic bone spurs I have on the joints of my spine and hands.  This is a blessing in and of itself.

However, the other day, I got a phone call from a friend of mine who started using Vivix when I did.  She said her age spots were going away.  ‘What!!! Hold the phone!’ I said.  It looked like mine were lighter too!!  Now, several days later, I can say for certain that some of my spots are gone and the rest are much, much lighter.  I’ll bet they’ll all be gone within a week.  I’m also noticing much more energy and I’ve been sleeping better (less pain).  Better sleep, more energy, no pain and no spots!!!  Hip Hip Hooray for Shaklee!”    ~Dr. Sandy

There are videos and other posts about resveratrol on this website.. click on the Audio and Video tab above, and previous posts that discuss resveratrol. Visit here to learn more about Vivix and Arthritis, Age Spots and more with this brand’s unique cellular anti-aging tonic formulation of resveratrol + polyphenols from a super grape.

*These are personal testimonies and not released or endorsed in any way by the Shaklee Corporation.

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In a perfect world, all people would maintain a healthy weight. This is not a perfect world and the reality is that overweight, obesity and diabetes are all on the rise.

Why?

For many, it is because they have more fat than muscle, and fat doesn’t burn calories nearly as efficiently as muscle.

What if there was a healthy weight loss program that builds muscle while losing fat and inches?

We are all in luck because there is such a program. It is centered around leucine that builds and repairs muscle tissue, but has other beneficial attributes. This is the program that builds good health while we lose fat and inches. It includes ingredients that help improve the body’s ability to burn fat, and improves our metabolic rate.

Let’s have a look at the components:

1- First there is a protein shake powered by leucine. Leucine helps us retain the muscle that burns calories much more efficiently than does fat. Now don’t be turned off by the word shake. This is not a protein shake like any other. First, it has leucine. We can’t say enough about leucine because most diets fail when dieters lose muscle every time they diet. To build fat in the body when trying to lose weight is not acceptable. Then there is the taste. Four flavors are all delicious and filling. The shake that actually holds you, satisfied, until the next meal is a winner!

The shakes are my absolute favorite part of this weight loss program. I am actually using it as a weight management program now since I have attained my desired weight. The shakes are so important to me because of the way they make me feel. Having a balanced blood sugar level to start the day is so beneficial in the form of energy, alertness, and an overall sense of well-being (feeling balanced). Plus I like the taste so much that I tend to crave it, and I can feel a difference if I don’t start my day with a protein shake.

2- Part of this program is a vitamin boost. The name describes the extra ingredient inside this high quality multi-vitamin. It has a glucose regulator inside that helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. This helps energy levels while cutting calories.

3- There are meal bars and snack bars, also containing leucine. Meal bars can be substituted for a shake. It is recommended in the beginning to have 2 meals that are part of the program and then one other healthy meal. This can be accomplished by a shake and a meal bar or two shakes each day. Meal bars have 20 grams of protein, are available in 2 flavors, and the peanut butter chocolate chip is my favorite. The snack bars have 10 grams and come in three yummy flavors that can be used in between meals.

4- Another great addition is the tea that you can sip on throughout the day. There are two kinds: one is a green tea that contains egcg that helps boost metabolism. The other is a pomegranate flavored tea that is made up of three kinds of tea. There is red tea, white tea (like a baby green tea), and a special type of Japanese ceremonial green tea that contains ingredients that help improve our metabolism. I like both flavors and enjoy drinking it over ice.

5- Rounding out the program are some special tools. A pedometer is included so that you can wear it to help track the 10000 steps per day that is recommended as exercise to compliment the program.
A software program that you can personalize helps you plan healthy food choices and includes specific suggestions about what you should eat and helpful meal plans. There is also a website where you can interact with others for support and motivation.

This healthy weight loss program that builds good health is the result of years of scientific research and testing. We benefit from the long legacy of scientific excellence that this brand has enjoyed. But the bottom line is: does the program work? It is for many and it will for you!

If you haven’t already, opt in here and you will get two audio presentations and a power point document about healthy weight loss, including leucine and inch loss.

Healthy Weight Loss

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