 | April 10, 2009 | | | | The April issue of the journal Cancer Prevention Research published the results of a trial conducted by scientists at Tokyo University of Science, the University of Tsukuba in Japan, and Johns Hopkins University which determined that the isothiocyanate sulforaphane, a compound that occurs in high amounts in broccoli and its sprouts, helps suppress infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers and many cases of stomach cancer. The trial is the first to demonstrate an effect for broccoli against H. pylori in humans. Akinori Yanaka and colleagues discovered that H. pylori-infected mice given broccoli sprouts experienced a nearly hundredfold reduction in stomach levels of the bacteria as well as 50 percent less inflammation. The researchers then divided 48 Japanese men and women infected with H. pylori to receive 70 grams of 3 day old broccoli sprouts or an equivalent amount of alfalfa sprouts for 2 months. Helicobacter pylori infection levels were assessed via standard breath, serum and stool tests upon enrollment, at 4 weeks, and at the conclusion of the treatment period. While all measures of infection were the same at 8 weeks among participants who consumed alfalfa sprouts, they were significantly reduced among those who received broccoli sprouts. These levels returned to their original concentrations 2 months after treatment discontinuation. In earlier research conducted at Johns Hopkins, it was found that sulforaphane triggers the production of enzymes by body's cells that protect against oxygen radicals and inflammation. "Broccoli sprouts have a much higher concentration of sulforaphane than mature heads," noted coauthor Jed Fahey, ScD, who is a faculty research associate in the Department of Pharmacology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "We know that a dose of a couple ounces a day of broccoli sprouts is enough to elevate the body's protective enzymes. That is the mechanism by which we think a lot of the chemoprotective effects are occurring." "What we don't know is whether it's going to prevent people from getting stomach cancer," he added. "But the fact that the levels of infection and inflammation were reduced suggests the likelihood of getting gastritis and ulcers and cancer is probably reduced." "The highlight of the study is that we identified a food that, if eaten regularly, might potentially have an effect on the cause of a lot of gastric problems and perhaps even ultimately help prevent stomach cancer," he concluded. | |  |
| Bacterial infections can be caused by a wide range of bacteria, resulting in mild to life-threatening illnesses (such as bacterial meningitis) that require immediate intervention. In the United States, bacterial infections are a leading cause of death in children and the elderly (Howard BJ et al 1994). Hospitalized patients and those with chronic diseases are at especially high risk of bacterial infection (Murray et al 1998). H. pylori is the most common chronic infection in humans (Basso D et al 2004; Go MF 2002). Acute infection causes abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. H. pylori is the major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers in adults and children (Zambon CF et al 2002). H. pylori impairs absorption of nutrients, altering the balance of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Crushed garlic has potent antibacterial effects (Ankri S et al 1999; Cutler RR et al 2004; Jonkers D et al 1999; Sovova M et al 2002). It fights infection by enhancing immune cell activity and inhibiting bacteria and other microorganisms (Craig WJ 1997; Harris JC et al 2001). The compound in garlic that produces antibacterial activity is known as allicin (Ankri S et al 1999; Sovova M et al 2002). Allicin is released when intact cells of a garlic clove are cut or crushed. There is evidence that garlic is effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus species, pneumonia-causing bacteria, and antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori (Dikasso D et al 2002; Sivam GP 2001; Tsao SM et al 2003). Probiotics assist immune function by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth, promoting good digestion, maintaining proper pH, and enhancing immune function (Perdigon G et al 1995). Probiotics produce bacteria-inhibiting substances (natural antibiotics) and prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to vaginal, urinary, and intestinal tract mucosal linings (Ochmanski W et al 1999; Vaughan EE et al 1999). Probiotics have demonstrated In vitro ability to suppress H. pylori (Cremonini F et al 2001; Drouin E 1999; Felley C et al 2003; Johnson-Henry KC et al 2004; Wang KY et al 2004). |
|  |  |
| Fiber acts as a bulking agent in the stomach and intestine, which means you feel fuller and eat less when fiber is consumed before a meal. Fiber also helps maintain healthy bowel function. Soluble fiber is derived from the gums, pectins, mucilages, and some hemicellulose of fruits, oats, barley, and legumes. Soluble fiber attracts water and forms a gel-like substance in the process as it passes through the digestive tract. This slows digestion and lowers the rate of nutrient absorption (such as sugars and fats) from the stomach and intestine, resulting in the maintenance of both glucose and cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. Enhanced Fiber Food Powder provides natural, bulk-producing soluble fiber. The unique blend of soluble fiber binds with cholesterol released into the intestines, helping to carry excess cholesterol out of the body. | | | |
| Chromium, the metallic element once believed to be toxic, is now generally recognized to play an important role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in those within normal levels when used as part of your diet. Age-related decreases in chromium levels in 51,665 hair, sweat, and serum samples from 40,872 patients indicate the possible benefits of chromium intake for healthy blood sugar levels. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that has been shown to promote cardiovascular health. Along with regular exercise, 400-600 mcg of chromium polynicotinate has been shown to support healthy weight control in women. Supplement to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary. | | | |  | | Life Extension Update | | What's Hot | | Life Extension magazine | |
