XTEND-15sec-NEWSt
18th February 2004
Please click on the summary link of interest:
Misleading news about the late Dr Atkins...n1
You may have read or seen in the news recently a report claiming that Dr Atkins was obese at the time of his death. This report was initiated by the PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine). This organization is so against the principle of a low carb diet that they have devoted a website specifically attacking Atkins.
They somehow got hold of the autopsy report which indicated at the time of his death that Dr Atkins weighed 258lbs. If this was a true indication of his weight then their claim would have some merit. However, Dr Atkins actual weight when admitted to hospital was only 195lbs which is certainly not obese for a 6 foot man.
The increase in weight came about as a result of fluid retention during the 9 days that he was in a coma. According to friends that visited him he was almost unrecognizable just prior to his death. He had however had some health problems over the preceding two years as a result of a bacterial infection he picked up on one of his overseas trips. This problem was unrelated to his diet .
Warren Matthews comments: It is a shame when people find it necessary to 'twist' the facts to suit their own aims, particularly when it is at the expense of other people, even more so in this case.
Irrespective of what your views are about Dr Atkins method of eating, the reality is that he contributed a great deal in increasing the public awareness to the dangers of conventional medicine. He was not an extremist in that he did not suggest that all conventional medicine was bad. Instead he was a believer in natural complementary medicine as opposed to alternative medicine which shuns mainstream medicine almost entirely. Natural complementary medicine can work alongside conventional medicine to ensure that the patient gets the best of both worlds.
By the way, I saw and spoke to Dr Atkins about a year before his accident and there was no way that he could have been considered to be overweight at that time.
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Red Clover Isoflavones may help your bones...n2
Researchers report in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (vol 79, no 2, 326-333) that the use of Red Clover Isoflavones may be a suitable natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
HRT has been shown to have beneficial effects on bone density but has the downside of potentially dangerous side effects.
In a double blind, placebo UK study involving 205 women between the ages of 49 and 65 researchers found that the loss of lumbar spine bone mineral content and bone mineral density was significantly lower in the women taking the isoflavone supplement than in those taking the placebo.
However no such effects were seen on hip bone mineral content a marker of bone resorption, or body composition. But bone formation markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and N-propeptide of collagen type I) were significantly increased in the intervention group compared with placebo in postmenopausal women.
The researchers could only conclude 'a potentially protective effect' on the lumbar spine in women.
Chinese scientists reported last year that soy isoflavones have a mild, but significant, independent effect on the maintenance of hip bone mineral content in postmenopausal women with low initial bone mass.
Warren Matthews comments: This study supports others which have established the value of red clover isoflavones. This is just one of the reasons why we include it in our Total Balance. However, the efficacy of it can be increased several fold by the correct and synergistic combination with other ingredients which is one of the factors why Total Balance is more helpful in strengthening bones than just a single supplement.
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Want to increase your breast size?n3
Many women do wish to do just this and as a result there is a sub section of the nutritional supplement industry targeting these people. One product that is being extensively at the moment is called 'eXPansive'. Consumers generally become aware of it through spam, often under a Doctors name in the sent field and with a subject line "Increase breast size naturally Guaranteed".
They claim this product can increase the size of the female breast 150%. Absolute nonsense.
The product contains 8 herbs, 1 amino acid and some kelp powder. No quantities are stated. Whereas the ingredients are beneficial for overall health they will do nothing to increase your bust size. This is an example of pure quackery and the claims are ludicrous. The best protocol that you can do for your breasts is to keep them, along with the rest of your body in good health and in the process of doing so help reduce atrophy of the breasts which brings about sagging.
In that regard Xtend-Life Total Balance Women's Plus will achieve much more than the ingredients in this and other breast 'enhancers' on the market today... plus, you will feel much better... and it doesn't cost over $50 per bottle.
Warren Matthews comments: The marketers of these types of products really annoy me. They prey on insecurities of people. By suggesting that it could take up to six months for the product to work, customers keep on using it hoping for a miracle which never comes! The marketers rely on the fact that most people will keep on taking it for the longer period and as such very few people actually will attempt to claim a refund.
For what it is worth, when it comes to breasts, from a male perspective, bigger is not necessarily better. A healthy breast will beat a big one any time…so, concentrate on your health not the size of your breasts!
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Important notice: All material provided within XTEND-15sec-NEWS is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this publication. Consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this newsletter. The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be accurate based on the best judgment of the editor but the reader is responsible for consulting with their own health professional on any matters raised within.
