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Heart Healthy Hints

February, Valentines Day, “National Heart Health Month” all here (or coming to a loved one near you soon), all a coincidence… I don’t think so.
First, the good news… seems chocolate just may be good for you! Really! Recent studies show chocolate contains the same ingredients (polyphenols) that are found in red wine and are believed to protect the heart from disease, just like the “French Paradox”. (It is commonly believed, in the US, that the French have very heart unhealthy diets, yet suffer from much less heart disease than we do. One major difference in cultures: red wine.) In that same light, we know that while raisins contain many valuable nutrients, they also stick to the teeth and can promote tooth decay. Chocolate also contains healthy ingredients that inhibit tooth decay – so buy your Sweetie some chocolate covered raisins! ?
What can Symmetry do to help you promote heart health? A lot! One of the first things you should think of is our Cardio-Essentials. This formula was developed by our TRAC team over a 9 – 12 month period. The most important work done on this formula was conducted by our own heart doc; Frederic Vagnini, MD, who has been a cardiologist for 30 years and is author of The Carbohydrate Addicts Healthy Heart Program along with Dr. Heller and Dr. Heller. Dr. Vagnini came up with the nutrients he has found most beneficial for cardiovascular function over his long and celebrated career. I suggested herbs from China’s ancient past, many of which have now been researched by Western medicine and their heat health properties verified by the most stringent scientific trails. Susan Harrison, Symmetry’s “Product Central”, helped tweak the formula with her research into effective or therapeutic levels of nutrients and additional suggestions into manufacturing and packaging. The result is a formula that contains the whole “kitchen sink” for heart health. If it’s good for the heart, your circulation, blood pressure… it’s in there.
We say our Cardio-Essentials has Tri-C Power - as it benefits Cholesterol levels, Circulation, and functions as a Cardio Tonic. It contains essential nutrients for all heart / cardiovascular functions including Co-Enzyme Q-10 and L-Carnitine. There is a fiber blend that not only benefits the heart but also the colon and can help promote healthy cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. There is a probiotics blend (50 million) that can benefit heart health, proper GI health and even bolster immune function. There are Essential Fatty Acids that have been shown to lower your risk for heart disease as well as benefiting a host of other bodily functions, including insulin regulation, nerve functioning, mental abilities, and they are even anti-inflammatory. The Chinese herb, Shan Zha, or Hawthorn Berry (Fructus Crataegi) is now recommended by many Western physicians to help promote healthy heart functioning because of both the research and the clinical evidence.
Symmetry’s Cardio-Essentials should be the first thought when it comes to a healthy heart as there are essential ingredients to address all the major functions of your cardiovascular system. By getting all these nutrients in one convenient, great tasting packet it also saves you a great deal of money. Just try pricing all the vitamins, minerals, herbs and other essential ingredients separately and see what an amazing deal you are getting!
There are a number of other ways we can help your heart health. Maintaining a healthy weight directly affects your heart health and can help you live an additional 6 years! Other studies show if you are carrying this weight around your middle (belly) you may double your risk of diabetes, which often leads to cardiovascular complications. The danger numbers are: 40 for men and 35 for women. That is, if your waist hits 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, you double your risk of diabetes. We have a number of fantastic products to help keep your weight down: Symmetry’s Slym Pack: ThermoBalance, Nite Light, Premium Plus and Lipo-Sorb. Lipo-Sorb is particularly good at not only reducing the absorption of some fat and carbohydrates from your food but also promoting a healthy cholesterol level and even helping to regulate blood sugar levels! Advanced Omega with its Essential Fatty Acids can also promote healthy weight loss by helping to maintain insulin levels, encouraging brown fat adipose tissue to increase metabolism and even in controlling appetite, when taken before meals.
Certainly don’t forget Symmetry’s newest product: CarbLess. This unique product inhibits an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugar. This makes the undigested carbohydrate (and the calories associated with it) pass out of the body with no negative effects at all. By reducing carbohydrate/sugar absorption you benefit insulin levels and fat conversion in the liver. There are also ingredients to help with glucose tolerance factor and glucose transport, great for anyone concerned about blood sugar, weight loss, or even slowing down the aging process.
I might also mention Female Balance. This formula is essentially a blood tonic, suitable for both men and women. There are a number of herbs that benefit the heart. Dong Kwai has been shown to help inhibit the build-up of plaque in the arteries and lower cholesterol levels while also increasing the flow of blood to heart.
Many people have found (and research confirms) the benefits of Vit C, Vit E and Garlic on heart health and overall health, in general! So don’t forget our Botana-C, Botana-E, and Botana-G. One recent study found taking Vit E reduced the risk of heart disease by 77%!
Stress can also be a major factor in heart disease. Studies have shown that stress produces cortisol, a stress hormone. This makes us more sensitive to insulin and that promotes weight gain. More importantly, the presence of this hormone seems to increase the storage of fat around our middle, increasing our risk of diabetes and all the disease symptoms associated with this scourge of America. (Type 2 Diabetes rates are rising at an alarming rate. Often called adult onset diabetes, this disease is now being routinely found in children as young as 8!) Incidentally, while studies have shown the benefits of wine drinking to heart health, it has also been shown that beer drinking seems to raise cortisol levels and promote “beer belly” and increase all the risks associated with this.
Other ways to address the cortisol levels – stress - would include Aloe Plus, Tranquility and of course, Neuro-Calm. Studies have shown controlling stress and your emotions can help you live an additional 16 years!
In this same vein (no pun intended) stress levels and cortisol are kept at bay by healthy long-term relationships. Research has shown couples in successful, loving, relationships live up to 6 and ½ years longer! So buy your Sweetie some Valentine’s chocolates, take them out to dinner and snuggle up after. (A simple hug and quick kiss will burn 4 calories and a more passionate embrace with a more intimate kiss can burn up to 26 calories and release lots of anti-stress brain chemicals!)
Oh, and if you get a touch of “heart burn” from that dinner, Lipo-Sorb is really great for that too!

HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy is in the news… for surprising reasons for many. A major government study on the effects of combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) was stopped 3 years early because of the severely negative effects on participant’s health. For decades women have been told using this therapy would protect them against heart disease, thinning bones and lagging libido – among other things. The study has found that use of these hormones has none of the benefits and seems to even increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally long term use may increase your risk of breast cancer and now it’s been linked to gall bladder cancer – a relatively rare form of cancer. All this was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

In what I consider to be a surprising and shocking move the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has made a statement to all its members that it does not recommend a change in clinical practice based on these new studies. What? That’s right, they are suggesting that its doctors continue prescribing combination hormone therapy while they further study the issue.

What’s a woman to do? First, discuss this with your doctor. If you don’t like the answers you are getting, get a second opinion. If you are currently on hormone therapy and you wish to come off, you need to know that it is best to be weaned off your drugs over a period of time, up to six months. Just stopping can cause severe menopausal symptoms. Make sure to follow you doctor’s plan for weaning you off your medication.

What can you do instead of using hormones? Many studies have shown that using phytoestrogens (from sources such as soy, black cohash, raspberry leaf, red clover, etc.) can have very positive effects against menopausal symptoms while also having a protective effect against hormonally related cancers. The plant or phyto estrogens are taken up by the body’s estrogen receptor sites but are biologically very weak compared to human estrogen. So while they may stave off the side effects of menopause they are not strong enough to trigger the negative side effects associated with hormone therapy. Additionally since they fill up the receptor sites they block the intake of the stronger estrogens made by the body, again protecting against certain cancers.

Women around the world have discovered the benefits of Symmetry’s Female Balance in fighting off hot flashes and night sweats as well as it’s effects on mood and even water retention. While this formula does contain some of the phytoestrogens mentioned above it is based on a mixture of Chinese herbs that help regulate your own hormones to relieve these symptoms. Together, the Chinese herbs and the Western phytoestrogens balance and protect – give you symmetry.

While some women find just one Female Balance a day gives them the desired results others may find more or less are needed. I have met some women that either take 1 pill every other day or just ½ pill each day. I also know of women that take 1 pill a day except when they experience some “problem” days and then they may take 2, 3 or more on just those days.

Other women have found the same benefits from just taking Symmetry’s Bio-Infinity. Once again, some take just the maintenance dose and others may take extra. We also have a large group of users that combine the benefits of these two products taking full advantage of the hormone balancing and age defying aspects they offer.

I also suggest the use of our Advanced Omega. The essential fatty acids are classified as “ecosinoides”. These are substances that regulate hormones, helping to turn them on and/or off. This is why the Omega is beneficial for such a wide range of symptoms from minor aches and pains, inflammation, arthritis, to heart disease, menstrual cramping, even hot flashes and night sweats.

Men actually go through a stage similar to menopause often called andropause because of a drop in androgen and testosterone, male hormones. How would you know if you are suffering from this condition?
• Do you have a decrease in libido?
• Do you have a lack of energy?
• Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
• Have you lost height?
• Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life?"
• Are you sad and/or grumpy?
• Are your erections less strong?
• Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
• Are you falling asleep after dinner?
• Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions you may be suffering from this condition. You may wish to make an appointment with your physician and you may want to supplement with Male Balance, Bio-Infinity and/or Advanced Omega.
One of the major signs in both men and women during this life phase can be the loss of libido. Additionally, in women the dropping hormones thin the vaginal tissue and cause a drop in lubrication that can make sex painful. In men this drop in hormones can lead to impotency. Certainly problems such as this can affect our quality of life, not only in just our personal relationships but coloring everything else.
For this reason Symmetry has introduced our Aphrodesia product; Aphrodesia 136 is for both men and women. It seeks to boost the lagging hormone levels and increase blood flow to the genitals. Use of this product starts with a “load phase”. During this phase you take one pill twice a day for a week to 10 days. After that you use 1 pill about an hour before you want to experience it’s benefits. In more severe cases you may wish to double this; 2 pills twice a day for a week to 10 days, followed by two pills as needed.
I should mention that recent studies have indicated there is a significant side effect when taking the Aphrodesia 136. Because of it’s effect on the smooth muscle tissue and blood flow the ingredients in this formula have been found to be very beneficial for low back pain, muscle cramps, stiff neck and shoulders, cognitive function including some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and even in prolonging life! Not a bad side effect!
Male & Female Balance: Regain Your Balance the Natural Way

Female Balance

With all the recent news about the effectiveness – and even the long-term safety – of hormone replacement therapy, many women who are seeking help in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance are looking to other solutions. If you experience PMS symptoms, or discomfort due to menopause, Symmetry Female Balance can help.

The unique formula found in Female Balance provides nutrients and botanical ingredients that have been recognized as supportive and balancing for women’s hormonal systems.

Dong Quai & Rehmannia – these botanicals have been used for centuries to support healthy circulation and menstruation

Ligusticum – another herb, included because it is believed to encourage a healthy transition through menopause

Vitamin B6 & Magnesium – essential nutrients to support women’s health through all phases of life

Female Balance Blend – a carefully-selected blend of botanicals and other natural ingredients – such as pearl powder royal jelly, fo ti, black cohosh, red clover and white peony – designed to act together to help relieve stress and promote women’s hormonal balance at all times

Try Female Balance…the name says it all!

Male Balance

Although it isn’t talked about very often, men have a hormonal system that needs support and balancing too! Symmetry’s Male Balance is designed to naturally support the health, vitality and proper functioning of men’s system.

This special nutritional and botanical formula features;

Saw Palmetto – recognized for supporting prostate health as well as overall vitality. It is blended with other selected herbal ingredients which also support and strengthen the prostate.

African Pygeum & Chinese Ginseng – to provide natural benefits to the male health and libido

Synergistic Nutrients – Zinc, vitamin E and selected botanicals, which work together to support, nourish and balance the entire male system
Aphrodisia 136 – Intimacy without Worry

Both men and women will enjoy the benefits of Symmetry’s Aphrodisia 136, the natural way to enhance the most natural of pleasures. This unique herbal formula has been developed to support the hormonal systems of both men and women with the goal of improving the quality of our intimate relationships, and satisfactions they bring. And it does it without the potential side effects of well-known prescription medications designed to enhance male potency.

Aphrodisia 136;

• Helps support healthy hormonal balance and function
• Helps promote healthy libido
• Supports circulatory performance
• Intensifies sensitivity, enhances sexual pleasure and improves sexual response

Aphrodisia 136 is the effective, healthy way for both men and women to rediscover the joys of true intimacy…together.

Some Women Are Re-Thinking Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is in the news… for reasons you may not have expected. A major government study on the effects of combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) was stopped 3 years early because the risks outweighed the benefits for the majority of participants. For decades, women have been told that this therapy would protect them against heart disease, thinning bones and lagging libido – among other things. The study has found that use of these hormones does not in fact provide many of these benefits, and even seems to increase the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. All this was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

What’s a woman to do? First, discuss this with your doctor. If you are currently on hormone therapy and you wish to come off, you need to know that it is best to be weaned off your drugs over a period of time – up to six months. Just stopping can cause severe menopausal symptoms. Make sure to follow your doctor’s plan for weaning you off your medication.

Women around the world have discovered the benefits of Symmetry’s Female Balance for relieving hot flashes and night sweats, as well as its effects on mood and even water retention. While this formula does contain some important phytoestrogens, it is based on a mixture of Chinese herbs that help relieve these symptoms. Together, the Chinese herbs and the Western phytoestrogens balance and protect – to give you symmetry! Some women take it every day, others take it just when they feel the need.

Some women have also found the same benefits from taking Symmetry’s Bio-Infinity. Once again, some take just the maintenance dose and others may take extra. We also have a large group of users who combine the benefits of these two products.

I also suggest the use of our Advanced Omega. The essential fatty acids are precursors to the prostaglandins and eicosanoids, substances with many biological activities. This is why essential fatty acids are beneficial for such a wide range health conditions, including hormonal functions.

Here “E” Go Again

You’ve seen the headlines, right? Study: Vitamin E may do more harm than good
Research finds those taking supplement died earlier

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (Reuters) -- Vitamin E supplements, which millions take in the hope of longer, healthier lives, may do more harm than good, researchers reported on Wednesday.

The first thing you should know… there was NO study.

Dr. Edgar Miller of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, who led the so called study and his colleagues re-analyzed 19 previous studies of vitamin E and health that took place between 1993 and 2004. The trials involved more than 136,000 mostly elderly patients in North America, Europe and China.

This was merely an exercise in crunching numbers. Out of hundreds of positive studies done they chose 19 and then re-interpreted the data. (Why these 19 and would the data have been different if they had picked other studies?) It is important to note that the studies looked at did involve elderly patients. They may have been taking vit E because of a pre-existing health problem which would make them much more likely to show negative effects – not from the vitamin but from the disease.

Much of the news I have seen/heard reported that there was a 10% increased risk of death when taking more than 400 IUs of vit E. However, Dr. Miller, the author of “research” said, "It's about a 5 percent increased risk at 45 years in the trials pooled together." Where the media came up with 10% is beyond me.

The New York Times said this:

The adverse effect was tiny, however, and some experts with no connections to the vitamin industry say they are not convinced it was demonstrated. It emerged only when the researchers pooled the results from 19 clinical trials involving 135,967 participants. That led them to conclude that there were 39 additional deaths per 10,000 people who were taking vitamin E doses exceeding 400 international units a day.

It went on to say:

"The a priori hypothesis would be that antioxidants are protective, but there hasn't been any evidence of protection and there has been a hint of harm," he said. But the evidence of harm was weak, so he and his colleagues decided to pool data from 19 studies to get more definitive answers. Their paper, however, failed to convince some statisticians, who noted that it is notoriously difficult to pool data from disparate studies with different populations and weak results.

"They may well be right, but as a statistician I find this paper unpersuasive," said Dr. David Freedman, a statistician at the University of California at Berkeley.

The media is guilty of taking some bad “research” and blowing it out of proportion in both terms of risk and importance. But don’t take it from me. The Council for Responsible Nutrition criticized the report. "This is an unfortunate misdirection of science in an attempt to make something out of nothing for the sake of headlines," said the group's Dr. John Hathcock. For the past 15 years he has taken 400 international units of vitamin E a day, he says, and he does not intend to stop.

In 2003, sales of vit E totaled $710 million and it accounted for 11 percent of all vitamin sales, behind multivitamins, B vitamins and vitamin C. The supplement industry is large and growing quickly. The pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest and most powerful groups in the world, sees this trend as a threat and has been moving to limit consumers’ access to nutritional supplements for some years. One of the ways they do this is to discredit sound science that proves the health benefits of nutrients. They have also been working to show harm from taking supplements. This is done with the hope that all supplements will come under complete government control with access being limited – you will only be able to get supplements via prescription after a visit to your physician. And remember, 90% of all MDs have never had any training in nutrition.