Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Greens Hx….for our heart? Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Greens Hx is probably one of the most popular products at Invite! Everyone knows how amazing Greens Hx is for our liver, immune system, detox and even energy! What most people may not know is that …
PROTEIN (POWDER): THE IMPORTANT NUTRIENT WE ALL KNOW By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Protein is that nutrient that everyone knows and everyone loves. But how well do we know all the proteins available? Let’s navigate through one of our favorite foods and discuss …
Nattokinase!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
What the heck is Nattokinase? Where does it come from? What exactly does it do? Is it just for heart health or does it do anything else for us? These are just some of the questions that people have about Nattokinase. I get so many questions about Nattokinase that I wanted to take the time to explore this interesting supplement. Let’s start at the beginning. Nattokinase is an enzyme. It is extracted from a Japanese food called Natto. The way that Natto is produced is by adding a bacteria called Bacillus Subtilis to boiled soybeans. Now I just want to point out that while other soy foods may have enzymes only Natto contains Nattokinase. (1)
Nattokinase has been found in studies to have numerous benefits for our heart health including reducing the risk of heart attack and even improving overall heart health. (2) Studies have found that Nattokinase can help to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (3) In addition to helping lower blood pressure Nattokinase has also been found to help lower LDL, triglycerides and even total cholesterol. (2) Studies have also found that Nattokinase may help with slowing the development of atherosclerosis. This is because Nattokinase has both antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects that may help to clean out the arteries. (4) Nattokinase has been found to be a very potent blood clot dissolving protein. (5) In fact when Nattokinase comes into contact with blood clots it has been found to break them up. (1)
Now I know some people might say but wait does it really work this way in the human body? Doesn’t it get broken down by our digestive juices and not really do anything? Well studies have been conducted and found that Nattokinase is active in the body when used orally. (6)
Due to the fact that Nattokinase helps to break up blood clots it has also been studied in regards to stroke. I know your probably thinking wait stroke? What does that have to do with heart health? Well to be honest the risk factors for many heart conditions and a stroke are very often the same and thus in my clinical experience those who have heart disease are often at risk of a stroke. So I wanted to mention it here. Plus as I hinted in the beginning of this blog Nattokinase isn’t just a “heart supplement”. It is useful for more than just heart health. Now back to Nattokinase and strokes. In one study in those who have had a stroke after 60 days of Nattokinase the patients had better control over their blood pressure and even cholesterol levels. (7) Nattokinase has also been found to help improve the cognitive function in those who have had a stroke. (8)
Nattokinase has also been found to be helpful in protecting our blood vessels after they are injured. In other studies Nattokinase was found to help reduce the amount of aortic plaque that builds up in those who have high cholesterol. Nattokinase has been found to be very good at breaking up blood clots. Research has explored using it to help break up other things in the body. New research has found that Nattokinase may be helpful at degrading amyloid fibrils suggesting it may be helpful for diseases such as Alzheimer disease. (9)
So let’s sum up a few things from all these studies. Overall studies have found that Nattokinase is good for blood clots, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and overall heart health. Other studies have found that Nattokinase can even help our brain and reduce our stroke risk. It has also been found to help with certain diseases where there is a buildup of amyloid fibrils such as Alzheimer disease. That is just amazing! (10)
Now just a PSA I’d like to point out that Nattokinase can and does interact with certain medications. This is why it is so important to talk to an Invite nutritionist to determine if Nattokinase is right for you!
Our next topic will be something that has cropped up quite a bit over these weeks of talking about heart health – Coronary Artery Disease!
Sources:
What is Angina? Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Angina or heart/chest pain is one of the first signs that many experience when they have heart disease. However there are other conditions that mimic angina. One of these is anxiety. Angina and anxiety share many symptoms …
Purples Hx and the Heart! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to take the time to talk about one of the most under rated products at Invite health. What product is this you ask? Why its Purples Hx! Purples Hx is an amazing combination …
ALLIE’S WEIGHT LOSS TIPS AND TRICKS
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
As we get into January, the hot topic always seems to be weight loss, as it’s probably one of the moth popular resolutions made…and also one that always seems to be one of the most difficult to accomplish. To help you accomplish your weight loss goals today, I’ve compiled some of my favorite go-to tips and tricks that work for me….I hope they are helpful for you too.
SET A REALISTIC GOAL
I’ve always found that when I set a goal that’s realistic, it helps me to stay on track and reach goals with ease. For example, let’s say someone wants to lose 50 pounds this year. It sounds like a lot and can be overwhelming. However, if that person breaks it down to 4-5 pounds a month, that is an easier focus, and something to celebrate each month as it’s accomplished.
PLAN AND PREP
Planning out healthy meals for at the start of each week can be a big help. This allows us to make sure we have all the ingredients on hand, as well as knowing what to prepare instead of “winging it” and potentially making unhealthy choices.
Getting into the habit of taking the meal plan and prepping takes this to the next level. Prepping allows you to have meals and snacks prepared and ready for consumption….all you need to do is heat it up. Prepare enough protein, veggies and some whole grains (i.e.: brown rice, quinoa) if you like and portion everything out into meal containers. You can even prep snack like fresh fruit for the week or containers of a cup fresh veggie sticks with two tablespoons of hummus.
WHAT TO CONSUME
Incorporating whole food options can be satisfying, nutritious and filling. These are the basic guidelines I like to recommend and have personally found useful, but keep in mind that this may vary depending on an individual’s health history and goals.
Keep fruit to 1-2 servings per day…i.e.: 1 banana, apple, peach or 3/4 cup of berries, grapes
Aim for 5-9 cups of veggies/leafy greens per day
Lean protein at every meal…i.e.: grilled boneless/skinless chicken breast, grilled/broiled fish, eggs and tofu
Whole grains as tolerated…i.e.: brown rice, quinoa, and oats
Healthy fats…i.e.: extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nut butters
WHAT TO AVOID
This is always a difficult one, as we all know what to avoid, but it’s always a good reminder. Try to avoid such items like processed foods including, but not limited to, frozen and canned foods, white foods (i.e.: white flour, bread and sugar), sugar and high fructose corn syrup and soda.
EXERCISE
Simply put, burning calories=weight loss. So, what’s the best way to burn calories? Well, it’s exercise. The Mayo Clinic recommends a combination of aerobic exercise (cardio) and weight/resistance training as part of complete and healthy workout. In addition to helping with weight loss, exercise can also benefit the bones, muscles and the circulatory system.
PROPER SUPPLEMENTATION
Protein Powder: Protein is essential for our tissues and is often associated with muscles and supplies important amino acids. It is recommended to get 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight. Adding in a protein powder to a smoothie or shake as a meal replacement can offer diet benefits while supplying a fair amount of protein needed for the day. Try the InVite Health Whey Protein Powder or Plant Protein daily.
Green Tea: Green tea is a common drink and a well-known antioxidant. However, a study published through the National Library of Medicine shows that it can also be helpful for weight loss. It can be taken in pill form like the Green Tea Hx or my personal favorite, the Green Tea Tx which is a decaffeinated and concentrated liquid to be added to plain water or a cup of brewed green tea.
Probiotic: Many people are surprised by incorporating a probiotic to support weight loss. Studies have shown that as a probiotic helps to balance gut bacteria, it in turns aids in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Adding in Probiotic Hx along with Probiotic Hx Weight can be helpful in working together to help reach your weight goals.
I hope you find these tips helpful as you work towards your weight loss goals for this year.
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/exercise/art-20050999
www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/#protein-research
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025876/
health.clevelandclinic.org/could-probiotics-help-with-weight-loss
