Because the symptoms of protein deficiency mimic those of aging – including decreased energy, muscle loss, increased susceptibility to disease, mental confusion, digestive disturbances, and weight loss – it remained unreported for some time. Although the lack of sufficient protein poses many health risks to seniors, reversing the condition is relatively straightforward if caught early.

A recent Boston University study showed that elderly individuals who consumed low levels of protein had a significant loss of bone density especially in the hip and spine areas. On the upside, a study published in Osteoporosis International claims that higher levels of protein intake may lower the risk of hip fractures in seniors.

Before exploring the causes of this deficiency, it is worth noting why protein is so important to our health. As many of you know, protein is an important energy source that helps maintain and rebuild our muscles. However, it has many other functions in the body such as assisting in the formation of enzymes and hormones. Protein also influences immunity by initiating the creation of antibodies that help fight infection.

According to findings of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a large percentage of the elderly eat less protein than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) – approximately fifteen grams of protein per day for every thirty pounds of ideal body weight. Complicating the issue, with age our body loses its ability to absorb nutrients effectively. We also have more muscular-skeletal issues due to a reduction in muscle mass. All of these factors indicate that the elderly may actually have a higher protein requirement than other adults.

There are many reasons for protein deficiencies in seniors. For starters, as we age our appetite wanes, leading to fewer meals and reduced caloric intake. With contributing factors such as the high cost of protein and illness – it is understandable why the condition is so widespread. Additionally, seniors frequently live with disabilities and mobility limitations that make food preparation and cooking particularly challenging.

A protein deficiency is more than a medical problem. It is also a quality of life issue. As such, it is important to be able to identify the signs of malnutrition – and not confuse them with aging. Since protein deficiencies do not immediately affect body functions, watch for early signs of protein-calorie malnutrition: structural and muscle weakness, sluggish body reactions, increased infections, excess bleeding, edema and slow healing. If symptoms advance, those with protein-calorie malnutrition may age prematurely.

The good news is that with early detection and adequate protein, seniors can reverse this deficiency, live more energetically and even prevent skeletomuscular-related accidents. In fact, a European study found that older men who consistently consumed whey protein showed greater protein absorption and muscle growth over time.

If you suspect that you or someone you know suffers from a protein deficiency, one of the easiest and most successful ways of reversing the condition is to supplement your diet with physician formulated Gold Standard Protein. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein (derived from New Zealand whey), essential vitamins and minerals – plus only 1 gram or less of sugar. Just mix with water and enjoy a great tasting shake.

All pain is caused by inflammation

If the pain could be controlled by anti-inflammatory agents, less people would become addicted to narcotic pain-killers. The proverbial “fly in the ointment” was that no one was aware of the devastating, life-threatening side effects of anti-inflammatory medications. For the past ten years, I’ve tried to educate physicians, medical personnel and patients about these incredible risks, while stopping the use of those drugs in my practice. Here are a few sobering facts:

• Every single year, 20,000 people die from the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications.
• 140,000 additional people are hospitalized due to the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications each year.
• 80% of all patients taking anti-inflammatory medications longer than two weeks are CONTINUOUSLY BLEEDING from ulcerations somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
• The majority of the 25 anti-inflammatory medications on the market have been found to increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes by up to 300%.

On May 14, 2009, the American Geriatric Society announced that non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 inhibitors should be virtually eliminated as analgesics in older patients.While I applaud their decision, this conclusion leaves much to be desired. They also stated: Persistent pain is common among seniors and if ignored or incorrectly treated, pain may cause falls, functional impairment, disruptions in sleep, depression and anxiety, and increased health care costs.Their recommendations for pain control was Tylenol and, if that failed, narcotics.

The question is – do we have anything better to offer? My answer is a resounding absolutely! The ETArelief Pain Relief System is a proven, safe treatment for both acute and chronic pain from any cause. It includes:

1. ETArelief Relief Capsules that reduce inflammation from the inside out.
2. ETArelief Relief Gel that reduces inflammation from outside in.
3. ETArelief Nerve Support the only product available that heals and regenerates damaged nerve tissue while reducing pain.

These products are not only safe, but also ETArol, the main ingredient in ETArelief Capsules, was proven to protect the stomach and intestines! This is the only pain-relieving program designed to be taken for extended periods of time without significant side effects.

It simply makes good sense to me to relieve your pain, increase your functional abilities, and improve your quality of life and do it all safely.

Recommended by cardiologists for patients taking a statin medication, CoQ10 is gaining popularity as a cardio protective supplement. Statins deplete this vital nutrient and may adversely affect your heart. To complicate matters, aging depletes CoQ10 by up to fifty percent. Increasing evidence indicates that a deficit may be even more harmful to the brain, resulting in many age-related disorders. This makes it one of the most important supplements to take for those over the age of thirty. Moreover, CoQ10 is necessary for energy production in cells, so if you experience fatigue you may want to add this supplement to your daily health routine.

It is interesting to note that a CoQ10 study on heart attack patients revealed that supplementation with CoQ10 (120 mg daily) reduced secondary cardiac events by 45% – significantly reducing the number of cardiac deaths. Additionally, over 40% of heart attack survivors who take statins to lower their cholesterol levels experience low energy. However, only 6.8% of patients taking statins and CoQ10 experience fatigue.

In addition to supplementation, CoQ10 is present in salmon, sardines, mackerel, peanuts, spinach and beef.

CoQ10 has many additional benefits:

• Protects against periodontal and gum issues
• Improves cognitive nerve, cellular and cranial vascular health
• Promotes immune health
• Prevents premature aging of skin

Remember, if you take a statin, make sure you protect your health with CoQ10. It’s good for you!

Be well,

Dr. Janet

The good news is that if you start now, chances are you can slim down in time for swimsuit season. I know you want to have fun this season and feel confident in the way you look. Being comfortable in your skin is possible!

I recommend a walking program. It will not only help you shed those extra pounds, but it also offers many health benefits. Plus walking is safe and it burns as many calories as jogging. In fact, it’s probably the safest exercise on the planet. Moreover, it doesn’t require expensive training, special equipment, instructional videos or how-to manuals.

In addition, studies show that walking is more natural for the body than sitting, standing or running. What’s more, it doesn’t strain the body as other forms of exercise. Instead, it helps ease back pain, slim your waistline, lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Walking also decreases your risk of a heart attack. It is easy on joints, and it boosts stamina and energy. Plus you can walk when you travel or have only a few minutes to spare.

Here are a few more reasons why walking is healthy:

• Improves muscle tone
• Suppresses appetite
• Increases aerobic capacity
• Slows down osteoporosis and bone loss

I believe Hippocrates once said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” He knew what he was talking about! Evidence suggests that walking 30 minutes a day lengthens your lifespan by 1.3 years – most of which can be enjoyed without cardiovascular disease. Talk about an excellent reason to take a stroll! It certainly pays to invest in your health.

If you want to live a healthier, longer and LEANER life, start a daily walking program today. You may even find your stride on the beach. See you there!

Be well,

Dr. Janet