The Secret Killer
Michael Ventresca • October 16, 2016
Today’s column is likely to be one of—if not the—most important I write all year. Today we’ll discuss a common thread that weaves through nearly every disease you can think of. And now, new research shows that we can add bone loss to the list.
In 2004, Time Magazine first called inflammation “the secret killer.” Since then, research has only confirmed this infamous nickname. Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease are all inflammatory-related. For example, we often think of cholesterol when assessing heart health, but did you know that 50% of the people that suffer from heart attacks have normal cholesterol? Most experts now believe inflammation is to blame. In fact, some doctors now consider controlling inflammation (measured as C-Reactive Protein or CRP) to be more important than cholesterol in preventing heart disease.
Inflammation also plays a major role in the aging process. In his book “The Wrinkle Cure,” Dr. Nicholas Pericone outlines the negative impact inflammation plays on our physical appearance and discusses the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet.
How can we combat this secret killer? One answer, which comes from respected author Andrew Weil, M.D., is to eat more anti-inflammatory foods, including ginger, turmeric, green tea and rosemary. Dr. Weil recommends eating these foods as often as possible to reduce inflammation and risk of disease.
If you’re like me, you probably find it difficult to eat these daily. In that case, an ideal supplement to try is Zyflamend® from New Chapter. Zyflamend combines ginger, turmeric and green tea with several other anti-inflammatory spices and herbs in a softgel. It has been clinically studied and proven effective by the Cleveland Clinic, Columbia University and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. I take it daily and am convinced I am healthier as a result.
And now, new research shows there’s yet another reason to take Zyflamend—bone health.
Inflammation has been linked to bone loss in both men and women. In short, we now know inflammation can increase the production of cells that break down bone called osteoclasts. Normally, osteoclasts work in balance with osteoblasts (bone building cells), routinely breaking down and building new bone as needed.
In fact, the body grows the equivalent of an entirely new skeleton every seven years. But when this process begins to favor break down over bone formation, bone strength may be affected. A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrition and Cancer showed Zyflamend actually reduces the production of osteoclasts—thereby reducing the breakdown of bone.
So now we’ve talked about reducing bone loss, but what about building new bone?
Many turn to calcium. That’s a great start, but calcium alone is not enough. Studies show individuals who obtain their calcium from food have healthier bones than those who rely on calcium supplements. Why the difference? Most supplements contain a very ineffective form called calcium carbonate, otherwise known as chalk, and little else.
To be strong, our bones need a host of nutrients beyond calcium. For example, without adequate vitamin K, calcium will not be deposited in the bones, but rather, in the arteries or kidneys potentially causing problems. Other important nutrients include vitamin D and trace minerals like silica, vanadium and strontium.
I know of only one formula that includes all of these in a whole-food complex. It’s called Bone Strength™ Take Care. How well does it work? A recent preliminary analysis found women taking Bone Strength showed an annualized increase in bone density of over 2% per year!
An ideal bone health protocol would then combine a whole-food bone formula like Bone Strength or Vital Choice's Algae Based Calcium
with a formula that promoted a healthy inflammation response like Zyflamend.
For more information on either of these options, please stop in to Vital Choice Health Store.
Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 or www.VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of multivitamin out there: tablets, capsules, raw food blends, fermented formulas, you name it. And while many are a clear step above your big-box brands, it’s rare I come across one that actually makes me want to switch. Recently, I started taking the True Grace 50+ Multi , and I’ve been genuinely impressed. First, it checks all the right boxes for me. It’s made with fermented, whole-food-based nutrients that are easier on the stomach and better absorbed. It’s free of synthetic fillers, artificial colors, GMOs, and gluten. What makes this formula stand out is what it offers beyond the basics. This isn’t just another multivitamin with the usual laundry list of nutrients. True Grace 50+ is designed with targeted support for four key areas of healthy aging. You’ll find Lion’s Mane mushroom for brain health, CoQ10 for heart and cellular energy, and MenaQ7 (a patented form of vitamin K2 ) to guide calcium to the bones instead of the arteries. It also includes antioxidants to support long-term vision, which is a growing concern for many of us over 50. What really caught my attention, though, is ergothioneine , a naturally occurring amino acid often referred to as the “longevity vitamin.” It helps protect cells from oxidative stress and supports brain, heart, and skin health. Most multivitamins leave it out entirely or include only a token amount. This formula delivers a full 5 mg per serving, a dose that actually makes a difference. While the 50+ formula is what I personally use, True Grace offers a full line including Men’s and Women’s core multis , 40+ versions , plus a prenatal for moms-to-be. All with the same focus on clean, effective nutrition. Do I still believe in other whole-food-based multis? Absolutely. But this is the first time in a long while I’ve actually made a switch. And I’m glad I did. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .
Whether it’s separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms or trips to the vet, watching your furry friend feel overwhelmed is never easy. Just like in humans, chronic stress can take a serious toll on a dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Over time, anxiety can negatively impact digestion, heart health, and behavior, affecting your dog’s overall quality of life. The good news is some of the same natural remedies that help humans manage stress can also be incredibly beneficial for dogs. Of course, the dosages and formulations must be carefully tailored to meet a dog’s unique needs. Today, I would like to discuss a few natural remedies that can help support a calmer, more relaxed dog. Research shows that L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, stimulates alpha wave activity in the brain, promoting a relaxed yet alert state. This helps dogs stay calm without feeling sedated, since sedation can sometimes upset and confuse dogs, making their anxiety worse. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is another valuable tool. Often called the “feel-good neurotransmitter,” GABA helps calm nervous system activity and promotes a balanced, stable mood. Calm by Vital Planet combines both L-Theanine and GABA with additional soothing herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm and valerian, along with a unique blend of flower essences, to help anxious dogs feel more secure and relaxed. It is available in both chewable tablets and soft chews. Finally, Calm, along with all Vital Planet’s pet products, is certified by the National Animal Supplement Council, ensuring exceptional quality and safety. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 , or visit VChoice.com .
When it comes to supplements for weight loss, I often tread carefully. The market is flooded with unrealistic claims promising effortless transformations—and let’s be honest, those simply don’t exist. That said, natural products can enhance your weight loss efforts, but they’re tools in the toolbox—not magic solutions. Today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite places to start. First, it’s important to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to find the right option is to identify your greatest obstacle: appetite control, fat burning, or metabolism. While we can’t cover all the options in one column, the key takeaway is that there are options, and we’re happy to help you find one that’s right for you. With that said, I’d like to briefly discuss one of my favorite formulas for increasing metabolism, burning fat, and balancing blood sugar: BerberTrim from Source Naturals. At its core, BerberTrim is powered by berberine, a compound found in plants like barberry. Research shows that berberine regulates blood sugar and insulin levels effectively. In addition, berberine activates AMPK, often called the body’s “metabolic master switch.” AMPK promotes fat breakdown while also inhibiting fat storage. To further support healthy blood sugar levels, BerberTrim includes chromium, cinnamon, and alpha-lipoic acid. To enhance fat burning and metabolism, the formula contains green tea and cayenne. Green tea promotes weight loss through caffeine, which boosts energy and metabolism, and EGCG, a compound that enhances fat burning and thermogenesis—the process by which the body generates heat by burning calories. Like EGCG, cayenne has also been shown to increase thermogenesis. To learn more or to discuss other options to support your weight loss goals, I invite you to stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
