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             July 2014 Newsletter                   
In This Issue
Hot Flashes, Mood Swings?
Ouch....Gotta Get......
On Dena's Dime
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To Our Most Valued Customers,
 
The summer season is here and so is our exposure to the sun. For years we have been told by our doctors and media of the major risk of skin cancer. The experts would say "Stay out of the sun, use sunscreen with SPF 50 or more"
Too much of anything can be a bad thing! However, there is a lot of good that we get from the sun that is absorbed by our skin. That one vitamin is Vitamin D! Deficiencies of Vitamin D can have bring about a list of diseases, but can also prevent just as much. 
Natural food sources of vitamin D are scarce. Basically, you are limited to fat-rich fish that thrive in cold water. This problem was recognized years ago, when the main risk from a deficiency was rickets in children, and health officials ordered the fortification of the food supply. The United States chose milk as the vehicle. Each cup should contain 100 IU of vitamin D. 
The authors of the American Journal of Public Health anticancer paper say that from November to March, people living north of 37 degrees (Richmond, Virginia, is at the latitude) in the Northeast don't get enough sun-generated vitamin D, no matter how much they go outside. 
Vitamin D researchers say lack of sunlight, and therefore the vitamin, may explain some north-south variations in disease rates.  In the U. S., for example, the higher latitude, the higher the incidence of breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer. 
Doctors have known for at least 20 years that many body tissues other than bone have receptors for vitamin D, suggesting that the vitamin plays some role in the health of many tissues.  For example, vitamin D seems important in building strength.  This, in turn, protects older people from falling and from bone fractures.  Other small studies hint that extra vitamin D confers cardiovascular benefits.  There are also intriguing reports theorize that vitamin D is crucial to the regulation of Th1 cells, an important group in the complicated menagerie of immune cells.  When the vitamin is in short supply, the Th1 cells may run amok, attacking tissues in the body instead of fighting germs! 

 


 
Hot Flashes? Mood Swings? Menopausal Symptoms? 
Weighing your treatment options?

Amid confusing media reports, our patients turn to us for accurate information about options for hormone replacement therapy. We continually review the medical literature and use that information and our extensive clinical experience when working with our patients and their doctors to customize therapy that meets each individual's specific needs.

The choice of hormones used for symptom control and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as doses and routes of administration, ultimately determine the potential for clinical benefits as well as side effects. Transdermal estrogens and the use of natural progesterone may offer significant advantages. 

Transdermal estrogens minimize the development of clotting factors and potential problems related to first-pass liver metabolism that occurs when medications are taken orally. The risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs with transdermal estrogen therapy is negligible in comparison to that associated with oral estrogens. 

Progestogens are a class of drugs which includes natural progesterone as well as synthetic progestins, and are added to estrogen therapy to protect the lining of the uterus and reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of tissue that may lead to cancer. Micronized natural progesterone is as effective as the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in preventing endometrial hyperplasia, but recent research indicates that the use of natural progesterone does not increase the risk of breast cancer, as opposed to synthetic progestins. Also, studies suggest 
that natural progesterone does not negate estrogen's beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, as synthetics do, and natural progesterone may help to control blood pressure. It is important to realize that there are progesterone receptors throughout the body - including the brain, bone, and heart - and therefore, progesterone is needed by all women, even those who have 
had a hysterectomy.

Metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (stroke, heart attack, and blood vessel problems), especially in people with high blood pressure (hypertension). The incidence of DM increases with age and menopause. Estrogen deficiency during menopause contributes to the development of abdominal obesity and 
insulin resistance, and could represent a major step in the development of diabetes in women. An analysis of 107 studies concluded that appropriate HRT reduces abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, new-onset diabetes, lipid levels, and clotting factors in women without diabetes. Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity can be improved by estrogen replacement therapy but the addition of a synthetic progestin, such as MPA, may reduce the beneficial effect of estrogens. While MPA is known to increase insulin resistance and impair glucose tolerance, natural progesterone does not. 

Neuroprotective effects of natural progesterone include prevention and reversal of age-dependent changes and dysfunction. When administered after an injury, progesterone promotes the formation of new myelin sheaths which protect the healing nerve. Progesterone behaves differently in the brain than synthetic progestins (particularly MPA). This may have important 
implications for the effective use of HRT in the maintenance of neurologic function during menopause and aging and for protection against neurodegenerative diseases. 

The selection of hormone, dose, and route of administration can result in significant benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects. Ask our compounding pharmacist for more information about customized hormones.

  

 

                    OUCH! 
 
  GOTTA GET     THE GOUT           OUT!         
 
Gout is more prevalent among men, who usually have higher uric acid levels in their blood, than women. Women are not exempt from this disease as it can more often affect them after menopause. 
 
By age 60, the number of cases of gout in women and men are nearly equal.
 
The symptoms of gout are most often acute- they can strike without warning, often at night.  The condition usually affects the big toe (podagra), but can occur in any joint in your body.
 
Gout attacks, also called "flare-ups," should not be taken lightly, as they cause excruciating pain. The skin becomes extremely red, inflamed, and pressure on the affected area, such as covering it with a bedsheet, becomes unbearable.
 
Certain risk factors for developing gout can come from 
unhealthy lifestyle habits and medical conditions. The most significant factor is consuming unhealthy foods that wreak havoc on your uric acid levels. Gout attacks happen when you have hyperuricemia, a condition where you have high levels of uric acid in your blood.
 
The good news is that there are natural anti-inflammatory remedies that can help alleviate gout symptoms. 
 
Black cherries and strawberries are a rich source of free radical-fighting antioxidants, but also help your body eliminate uric acid. Unforunately, eating your way to being gout free could affect other health issues like glucose. Taking it from other relief alternatives are:
 
Boswellia contains active anti-inflammatory ingredients that may reduce pain.
 
Cetyl Myristoleate Oil is found in dairy butter and fish and acts as a joint lubricant and anti-inflammatory.  CMO can also be used on ganglion cysts or a mild annoying carpal tunnels syndrome. 
 
Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that is found in fresh pineapples, but can also be taken in a higher strength in supplement form. Bromelain also aids in digestion of foods. 
 
Ginger is a natural immune system booster with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.  You can eat it fresh, take it in a capsule, or steep it to make delicious ginger tea.
 
Evening primrose, black currant and borage oil all contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is very helpful for arthritic pain.
 
The best treatment begins with a healthier diet. The modern American diet, which is loaded with highly processed and nutritionally deficient foods, is why gout is on the rise today. To avoid gout or reverse this condition, you must be extremely cautious of what you eat!
 
High-fructose corn syrup is another dietary culprit that wrecks your uric acid levels. A study conducted by US and Canadian researchers found that consuming HFCS in soda is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing gout. 
 
Apparently, fructose inhibits the excretion of uric acid, causing it to build up inside the bod, which elevates your uric acid blood levels. Fructose has been linked to countless health issues and chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Fructose converts to fat more easily than other types of sugar, making it a major risk factor for both diabetes and obesity. Remember, an average 12-ounce can of soda contains 40 grams of sugar, with at least one-half being fructose. Standard recommended consumption of fructose is no more than 25 grams daily. Now, if you are already at risk of gout or other chronic diseases, limit your fructose consumption to less than 15 grams per day. 
 
Lifestyle changes that can help are; limiting processed foods and replace non-vegetable carbs with healthy fats. Increase animal-based omega-3 fats from krill oil, which have a profound impact on joint health, inflammation and arthritis. 
 
Drink pure, clean water and your organs will thank you for it! The blood, kidneys and liver need water for detox-ification. 
 
Get enough vitamin D from sun exposure. This vitamin is one of the most important nutrients everyone needs and studies have proven its overall role in human health.  It influences over 2,000 genes in your body and affects many
body processes, making it a key player in the prevention of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
 
Sun exposure is by far the best way to obtain vitamin D and allows your body to naturally generate water-soluble vitamin D3 sulfate, which can travel freely in your bloodstream. To optimize you levels, expose large portions of skin to the sun, preferably as close to solar noon as possible, for a few minutes or until your skin turns a light shade of pink.
 
Manage your stress! The conservative Center for Disease Control says that 85 percent of all disease has an emotional element. When you're stressed, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol, which puts your body in a "fight or flight" mode- your heart rate and blood flow increase, your lungs take in more oxygen, and parts of your immune system become temporarily suppressed. 
 
When stress becomes chronic, your immune becomes less sensitive to cortisol.  Since inflammation is partly regulated by cortisol, the decreased sensitivity increases by inflammatory response, allowing inflammation to get out of control and cause chronic diseases. 
 
Get enough high-quality sleep! No amount of healthy food or exercise can counteract the negative effects of poor sleeping habits. High quality sleep is crucial to a healthy lifestyle, and without it, you can be exposed to many health ailments and diseases. Sleep deprivation also interferes with your growth hormone, which leads to premature aging. 
 

 

    

 

  

Macronutrients in Sports Nutrition

 

For athletes engaged in serious physical activity, nutrition is crucial. It can improve endurance, speed recovery from exertion, lower the risk of injury, and assist in rehabilitation. Most of the nutrients required for athletic performance fall into two main categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are required in large quantities (grams/day) and include carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water.

Carbohydrates are the gold standard for athletic performance. They supply the brain and body with power and also produce stored glycogen. Complex carbs are the preferred fuel for muscles and the brain, and they should constitute the largest percentage of calories in the diet. Foods in this category include whole-grain breads, high-fiber cereals, pastas and rice, beans, fruits and vegetables.

Starch and glycogen are the body's two most important carbohydrate energy contributors. Starch is available in plant foods, glycogen in animal foods. When starch is consumed, it digests slowly, releasing glucose steadily into the bloodstream. The glucose is stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen until it is needed by the body. Generally speaking, athletes need 6-10 g of carbohydrates, per kg of body weight, per day.

Examples:

180 pound male = 490-818 g carbohydrates per day

130 pound female = 354-590 g carbohydrates per day

Protein is an essential component of any diet. It builds, maintains and repairs cells, and produces enzymes, hormones and antibodies. One prevailing myth among athletes is that eating a high protein diet can increase muscle size. In fact, muscularity is dictated primarily by training and genetics, not by diet.

High protein intake can compromise carbohydrate intake, which in turn can negatively affect the ability to train or compete at peak levels. Protein intakes above recommended levels can result in diuresis (increased urine formation and release) and dehydration, which may impair performance.

Protein supplies the body with building blocks, called amino acids, which are essential for the growth and repair of lean tissue. Of the 22 amino acids, 8 are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) and must be obtained from food. Athletes should be sure to consume well-rounded, complete protein sources, which can be found in lean meats, skinless chicken, shellfish, soy, eggs, and low-fat milk products. Athletes require 1.2-2g/kg of body weight in protein per day (compared to 0.8g/kg for sedentary individuals).

Fat is vital for the production of key hormones and neurotransmitters in addition to cushioning the organs. However, the type and quantity of fat most consumed in the United States tends to be less than ideal. Diets high in bad fats (trans and saturated) are linked to many diseases, but certain fats-namely linoleic acid (n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (n-3)-are essential for normal growth and health. It's important to emphasize healthy fats (n-6, n-3, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated) while trimming total fat intake.

Unsaturated fats, found in olive oil, nuts, avocados, canola oil and fish oil, are healthy options to include in the daily diet, as well as sources of omega-3, like cod, salmon, trout, mackerel, leafy greens, walnuts, almonds and flaxseeds. Fat intake of 1g/kg of body weight per day is sufficient to meet dietary needs.

The nutrient consistently deficient for athletes is water. Sustaining the optimum level of hydration is vital for maintaining peak performance and achieving adequate recovery. Dehydration (defined as a fluid loss of more than 1 percent of body weight) can occur within 30 minutes of exercising. The American College of Sports Medicine has issued the following guidelines to help athletes stay hydrated:

2 hours before exercise: Drink 2 cups of fluid

During exercise: Drink 1/2-1 cup of fluid every 15 minutes

After exercise: Drink 2 cups of fluid for every pound lost during exercise

Sports drinks can assist in maintaining hydration when engaging in events lasting longer than one hour. A sports drink can keep blood sugar at a high level and spare muscle glycogen. Sports drinks should contain 6 percent carbohydrates, 50-100 kcals and 100 mg of sodium per 8 ounce serving. Remember that thirst is not an accurate indicator of hydration. The thirst mechanism kicks in only after you've lost 6 percent of your water weight, too late to prevent dehydration.

                         

 

Have a problem with your medicine? Side effects? Bad taste? Let us know - we can help!
 
  Sincerely,  
C.F. Sonny Currin, R.Ph (Compounding Pharmacist / Partner)
Chris Currin, R.Ph (Compounding Pharmacist / Partner) 

IACP    PCCA MEMBER