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New Scientific Studies Reveal BergaMet™ Strikingly Effective for Epidemic Fatty Liver Conditions

Posted: January 29, 2014
News ,Medical Health ,Gynecology ,Fat reduction ,General Health
Robert True

New Scientific Studies Reveal BergaMet™ Strikingly Effective for Epidemic Fatty Liver Conditions

There now is new hope for patients suffering from Fatty Liver Disease. A natural product called BergaMet™, an extract from a citrus fruit grown only on the west coast of Italy, has recently been proven effective for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Two separate studies conducted in Italy confirmed these findings. This highly concentrated proprietary extract of the Calabrian bergamot fruit (38% citrus bergamot extract, BergaMet™) powerfully benefits patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We knew from previous research that BergaMet™ was very effective in lowering cholesterol and was a metabolic regulator that routinely improves vascular health.

In one study, Dr. James Ehrlich of the University of Colorado concluded that this “exciting new area of research” suggests an important additional indication for BergaMet™ that could improve the lives of millions. “BergaMet™ may be the most versatile and important natural supplement ever developed. We have been impressed by its safety and its clinical value for individuals with conditions ranging from metabolic syndrome to high cholesterol to statin intolerance and obesity. The present investigations show great promise that hepatic steatosis (NAFLD), a highly prevalent and important condition can finally be effectively addressed by a safe commercially available product.”

The study conducted by Professor G. Rosano, from San Raffaelle Pisana Clinic, Rome, which involved investigators from the US, Australia and the University of Catanzaro led by Professor V. Mollace, 107 patients with metabolic syndrome and NAFLD were treated for 120 days with polyphenol-rich 38% citrus bergamot extract (BergaMet™). They found significant improvements in cholesterol levels, lipid particle characteristics, blood sugar and inflammation. Moreover, there was a strikingly positive effect on both liver function and structure.

Serial ultrasounds of the liver revealed a dramatic 50% reduction in liver fat, while biochemical analysis (“steato test”) demonstrated a 40% improvement in lifer function tests. Bergamot therapy converted the typical patient from severe fatty liver to the moderate category in 12 weeks. Standard liver function blood tests also quickly normalized in the majority of patients.

Professor Vincenzo Mollace of the University of Catanzaro noted “our studies in both rats and humans have consistently demonstrated that therapy with bergamot counters the accumulation of fat in the liver while completely prompting its elimination.”

In a second separate study, a group of investigators led by Professor F. Andreozzi (Polyclinico Umberto I, Rome) gave bergamot extract plus oleo European and ascorbic acid to 40 patients with fatty liver disease for a period of 60 days. As previously shown, the study demonstrated significant improvements in lipid levels, insulin resistance, visceral fat/waist circumference and endothelial health (vascular function). In addition, highly significant improvements in liver function tests were demonstrated in this study.

These new findings are very important for those who suffer from NAFLD. Due to the accelerated incidence of obesity in the United States, and the World, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver abnormality, now exceeding the incidence of cirrhosis from excess alcohol intake. In fact, NAFLD is the number one reason for liver transplants now.

This increased incidence of NAFLD in Western countries (20-30%) parallels the epidemic of metabolic syndrome (a triad of obesity, high blood pressure and high triglycerides), obesity and diabetes. NAFLD frequently is disabling and occasionally can lead to cirrhosis. In the past, fatty liver disease has been difficult to treat. Vitamin E is anti-oxidant that is helpful in a minority of patients, but very few natural and safe supplements are available that might ameliorate the condition, decrease hepatic fat and improve liver function abnormalities.

These finding are exciting and a ray of hope for those suffering from NAFLD. In addition to its effects on lowering and lipid particle size, BergaMet can help reduce many conditions associated with the overweight condition. BergaMet should be taken twice daily, 20 to 30 minutes before the two largest meals of the day for the best effect. It is especially helpful for those patients who do not tolerate statins. It is the “natural” way to combat the cholesterol problems, and now NAFL problems. Call our office for further information on this product, or go to www.bergamet.com.

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Posted: January 26, 2014
News ,Medical Health ,Hair Reduction ,Knowledge Base ,General Health
Robert True

Hirsutism – excess androgenic hair in women

Hirsutism is the excessive male pattern of body hair (androgenic hair) growth in women. Hirsutism is not a disease rather it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

Symptoms :

Generally women have fine and light colored body hair except axillary and pubic hairs but in hirsutism the affected woman develops coarse and dark pigmented hair primarily in the face, chest and back (where women don’t usually have hair).

Hirsutism may result in virilization, the symptoms of virilization are deepening of voice, acne, decreased breast size, trunkal obesity, menstrual disorders, excess perspiration, blisteringly, temporal hair loss.

Ferriman-Gallwey score : Ferriman-Gallwey score is a method of measuring hirsutism in women. This method of measurement is published by D. Ferriman and J.D. Gallwey.

Causes of hirsutism : Hirsutism is caused by either excessively elevated level of androgen or the over sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens. Some conditions may cause elevated level of androgen. The causes are as follows :

Idiopathic hirsutism: This is a very rare type of hirsutism, where the woman with normal level of androgen affected by hirsutism without any known reason. Women affected with this type of hirsutism don’t show any other sign of virilism and often occur within a family.

Drug-induced hirsutism – Some drugs like tetrahydrogestrinone (anabolic steroids), minoxidil, metoclopramide, methyldopa, phenothiazines and progestogens may induce hirsutism.

Ovarian causes:

  1. PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of hirsutism. POCS is characterized by anovulation, which results in irregular menstruation cycle, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), ovulation-related infertility and excess secretion of androgenic hormones.
  2. Androgen-producing ovarian tumors like luteoma of pregnancy, arrhenoblastomas, Leydig cell tumours, hilar cell tumours, thecal cell tumours can cause hirsutism.

Adrenal causes:

  1. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : Several diseases caused by a mutations of genes for the enzymes, that are needed for biochemical steps of production of cortisol from cholesterol by the adrenal glands and disrupting the said process.
  2. Cushing’s syndrome : Cushing’s syndrome is the disorder associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol (a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex) .
  3. Adrenal cancer

Other causes

  1. Severe insulin resistance may also leads to Hirsutism, such as occurs in type 2 diabetes
  2. Anorexia nervosa
  3. Acromegaly or excess production of growth hormone
  4. Hypothyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
  5. Porphyria : Disorders of certain enzymes, that participate in the production of porphyrins.
  6. Obesity may also cause hirsutism

Diagnosis : It is important to diagnose the underlying causes of hirsutism, because there may be some serious medical conditions.

The common diagnosis are :

  1. Ovarian ultrasound : Ovarian ultrasound is done to see the presence ovarian cyst because ovarian cyst is the most common cause of this condition.
  2. Level of androgen : Elevated level of androgen confirm hirsutism.
  3. Level of Thyroid stimulating hormone : Elevated level of TSH may also be a cause behind hirsutism.
  4. If all diagnosis are negetive then the hirsutism is idiopathic.

Treatments :

Lifestyle changes : Losing weight may be beneficial for hirsutism.

Pharmacological treatment :

  1. Spironolactone : It is a synthetic, steroidal antimineralocorticoid agent used primarily as a diuretic, antihypertensive and also used for reducing unwanted androgen activity in the body.
  2. Cyproterone acetate : Synthetic steroid and is used to suppress the activity of the androgens.
  3. Metformin : Metformin is used, if the hirsutism is caused by insulin resistance.
  4. Eflornithine or DFMO : If applied topically eflornithinen act as an irreversible inhibitor of an enzyme named ornithine decarboxylas, that catalyses the conversion of ornithine to putrescine. Putrescine plays an important role in cell division and growth of the hair follicles.
  5. Flutamide: It is an non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonist.

Epilation or hair removing procedures : Selection of epilation or hair removal procedure may be permanent or temporary depending upon the severity of the condition. It is important to consult a medical proffesional before selecting an epilation procedure.

Temporary epilation procedures : Suitable for mild symptoms.

  1. Shaving : Shaving is the easiest and quickest epilation procedure, but is has to be done everyday.
  2. Bleaching : Bleaching may help to make dark hair look lighter for short duration, but may not suitable for all and can produce irritation to sensitive skin.
  3. Waxing, plucking or threading – These procedure can reduce re growth of hair, but sometime may cause folliculitis.

Permanent epilation procedure :

Electrolysis : Electricity is used to destroy the hair follicles and remove the unwanted hair permanently.

Laser hair removal : Lasers is used for hair removal. It can last several months and is more effective on women with pale skin and dark hair.

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Posted: January 21, 2014
Medical Health ,Knowledge Base ,General Health
Robert True

Oral Thrush – Oral Candida infection

Oral thrush or oral candidiasis is the fungal infection or mycosis of Candida species on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Most of the cases the infection is caused by Candida albicans, a diploid fungus belongs to the class Saccharomycetes. C. albicans is a normal component of oral flora, but overgrowth of this fungus leads to oral thrush. Oral thrush is common in children and toddlers, whose immune system is yet to develop fully.

Classifications : Traditionally oral candidiasis may be classified into acute and chronic forms, but this way of classification sometime misleading because some of the subtypes are almost always either acute or chronic. So it is more appropriate to classify oral candidiasis by clinical appearances. According to clinical appearances this condition is classified into three types : pseudomembranous, erythematous or atrophic and hyperplastic.

  1. Pseudomembranous candidiasis : This is the most common type of candidiasis (about 35%). This condition is characterized by a patches of pseudomembranous white slough, that is made up of debris, fibrin, and desquamated epithelium that has been invaded by yeast cells and hyphae to the depth of the stratum spinosum. Pseudomembranous candidiasis is common in infants or people suffering from immunocompromising disease like HIV or taking immunosuppressant medications. Infants suffering from oral candidiasis may have trouble feeding. The infection can be passed to their mothers during breast-feeding.
  2. Erythematous candidiasis : This condition is appeared as a red, raw-looking lesion in the affected area and associated with denture wearing or inhalation steroids or taking long term corticosteroids or antibiotics.
  3. Hyperplastic candidiasis or nodular candidiasis : Hyperplastic candidiasis is a rare type of oral candidiasis and characterized by persistent white nodular plaque.

Other lesions associated with oral candidiasis : Some lesions, that may associated with primary oral candidiasis are as follows :

  1. Angular cheilitis : Angular cheilitis is the inflammation of the corner of mouth and generally caused by candida infection.
  2. Denture-related stomatitis : This condition is characterized by mild inflammation and erythema of the mucous membrane beneath a denture or false teeth. Most of the cases ( about 90% ) this condition is caused by the infection of Candida species.
  3. Median rhomboid glossitis : An area of redness present on the dorsum of the tongue
  4. Linear gingival erythema : Presence of a red line adjacent to the free gingival margin.

Cause of oral candidiasis : 50% of the oral candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans infections. The other infectious species of candida are Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei.

Candida albicans is a diploid fungus and a normal component of the oral microbiota and normally don’t show any kind of pathogenesity, however when it invades the host tissues causing lesions then it is termed as candidiasis. Oral candidiasis (changing of candida species from a normal oral commensal in a pathogenic organism) take place due to some change in the normal oral environment but the exact procedure is not completely understood. It is seen that following factors increase the susceptibility of oral candidiasis :

Immunodeficiency/immunocompromise : Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis is very common among infants because their immune system yet to be developed fully. People suffering from HIV or AIDS or suffering from cancer. Chemotherapy also increase the risk of candidiasis.

Denture wearing : Wearing false teeth and poor oral hygiene increase the risk of having both candidal carriage and oral candidiasis.

Xerostomia or dry mouth : Xerostomia or hyposalivation may leads to oral thrush due to the change in the composition of saliva.

Type 1 or type 2 Diabetes mellitus : People with poorly controlled diabetes are susceptible to oral candidiasis because of the presence of large amount of sugar in saliva.

Malnutrition or malabsorption : Malnutrition and malabsorption such as iron, vitamin B12, folic acid deficiencies often causes oral candida infection.

Smoking : Smoking is also an important predisposing factor for oral candidiasis.

Taking broad spectrum antibiotics

Hormonal changes, like pregnancy or taking birth control pills

Diagnosis : Diagnosis is primarily done by the clinical appearance. If needed oral swabs, oral rinse or oral smears also taken and examine in a pathology laboratory to detect the presence of Candida species.

Treatments :

  1. Application of topical anti-fungal medicines like as nystatin, miconazole, Gentian violet or amphotericin B are helpful in treating oral candidiasis.
  2. Since smoking is an important predisposing factor for oral candidiasis so cessation is beneficial.
  3. Maintaining proper oral hygiene like regular tooth brushing and use of mouthwashes decrease Candida infection.
  4. If the patient is immunocompromised, either suffering from HIV/AIDS or as a result of chemotherapy, may require systemic treatment with anti-fungals.
  5. Good denture hygiene also reduce the risk of having oral candidiasis.
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Posted: January 10, 2014
News ,Medical Health ,Knowledge Base ,General Health
Robert True

Importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and an essential nutrient for humans. Vitamin C is a cofactor of many enzymatic reactions (act as an electron donor ), helps in overall growth and repair of tissues and a good antioxidant. It is also known as antiascorbic factor. Since it is a water soluble vitamin (the unused amounts of the vitamin c is excreted through the urine) and not biosynthesized in human, for this reason it is important to get a continuous supply of vitamin c in diet. Chemically vitamin C is the L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid. The molecular formula is C6H8O6 and the structural formula is Functions :

  1. Vitamin C acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes namely prolyl-3-hydroxylase, prolyl-4-hydroxylase, lysyl hydroxylase (required for collagen synthesis ), ε-N-trimethyl-L-lysine hydroxylase, γ-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (necessary for synthesis of carnitine), dopamine beta hydroxylase ( biosynthesis of norepinephrine), peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (adds amide groups to peptide hormones) and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (modulates tyrosine metabolism).
  2. Vitamin C act as an antioxidant or a reducing agent and helps to reduce oxidative stress, that has an impact on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and diabetes. It is seen that individuals experiencing oxidative stress have ascorbate level in blood lower than 45 µmol/L, whereas the ascorbate level in healthy individuals ranges from 61-80 µmol/L.
  3. Vitamin C behaves not only as an antioxidant but also as a pro-oxidant. Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the cations of the transition metals, such as cupric ions (Cu2+), to cuprous (Cu1+), and ferric ions (Fe3+) to ferrous (Fe2+), thus acting as a pro-oxidant.
  4. Vitamin C is consumed quickly during infections by the immune cells but the specific interaction between vitamin C and immune system still uncertain.
  5. Vitamin C is also act as a natural antihistamine, preventing release of histamine and increases the detoxification of histamine. It is seen that there is a correlation between low concentrations of serum vitamin C and increased serum histamine levels.

Dietary sources : Fruit and vegetables are the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Kakadu plum (1000–5300 mg/100gm)and the camu camu (2800 mg/100gm)fruit contain the highest concentration of the vitamin. Other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are acerola (1677 mg/100gm), seabuckthorn (695 mg/100gm), indian gooseberry (445 mg/100gm), rose hip (426 mg/100gm ), baobab (400 mg/100gm), chili pepper (244 mg/100gm), guava ( 228.3 mg/100gm), blackcurrant ( 200 mg/100gm), red pepper (190 mg/100gm), parsley (130 mg/100gm), kiwifruit (90 mg/100gm), broccoli (90 mg/100gm), loganberry (80 mg/100gm), redcurrant ( 80 mg/100gm), brussels sprouts (80 mg/100gm), wolfberry ( 73 mg/100gm), lychee (70 mg/100gm), persimmon ( 66 mg/100gm), cloudberry (60 mg/100gm) and elderberry (60 mg/100gm). Other fruits and vegetables moderately rich in vitamin C are papaya (60 mg/100gm), strawberry (60 mg/100gm), orange (53 mg/100gm), lemon (53 mg/100gm), pineapple (48 mg/100gm), cauliflower (48 mg/100gm), kale (41 mg/100gm), cantaloupe melon (40 mg/100gm), garlic (31 mg/100gm), grapefruit (30 mg/100gm), raspberry (30 mg/100gm), tangerine (30 mg/100gm), mandarin orange (30 mg/100gm), passion fruit (30 mg/100gm), spinach (30 mg/100gm), cabbage ( 30 mg/100gm), lime (30 mg/100gm), mango (28 mg/100gm), blackberry (21 mg/100gm), potato (20 mg/100gm), honeydew melon (20 mg/100gm), tomato (13.7 mg/100gm), cranberry (13 mg/100gm), tomato (10 mg/100gm) and blueberry (10 mg/100gm). The vitamin C content in vegetables greatly reduced by cooking and cooking for a long time due to increased enzymatic destruction. Vitamin C is also lost if the vegetable or fruit immersed in water for a long time. Majority of animals ( except humans or guinea pigs) synthesise their own vitamin C, so some animal livers like calf liver (36 mg/100gm), beef liver (31 mg/100gm), oysters (30 mg/100gm), cod roe (26 mg/100gm), pork liver (23 mg/100gm), lamb brain (17 mg/100gm), chicken liver (13 mg/100gm) are also a good source of vitamin C. Recommended Dietary allowance :

Recommended Dietary Allowance (adult male)90 – 2000 mg per day
Recommended Dietary Allowance (adult female)75 – 2000 mg per day

Since vitamin C is water soluble, the excesses of the vitamin rapidly excreted in the urine, however high doses ( approx thousands of milligrams) may result in osmotic diarrhea. Deficiency symptoms or Avitaminosis C: Without vitamin C, the synthesised collagen is too unstable to perform its function and that leads to various disorders including scurvy. Scurvy : Scurvy was once very common in sailors and pirates, those who have to stay long without fresh vegetables and fruits. Lack of collagen leads to formation of spots on the skin, gums, and bleeding from the mucous membranes, open wounds with pus formation, loss of teeth, jaundice, fever and death. Scurvy was first described by Hippocrates around 400 BC. In 1747 James Lind, a ship’s surgeon in the British Royal Navy discovered the cause of scurvy. Other deficiency symptoms include anemia, poor immunity, dry and damaged hair, nose bleeding, weight gain due to slowed metabolism, dry skin.

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