FDA Reviews Possible Warnings For Z-Paks and Sudden Cardiac Death
Z-paks or azithromycin has been a hugely popular antibiotic over the last decade, giving patients an antibiotic that is broad spectrum, dosing of just once per day, and a treatment of only 5 days.
The problem is that too many people take such antibiotics when not needed, and as new research is showing, some are dying due to sudden cardiac death. Is this a risk you want to take?
he US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will review a new study showing that patients taking azithromycin (Zithromax, Pfizer) face a small increased risk for sudden cardiac death compared with patients taking amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or no antibiotic at all, the agency announced today.The observational study, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), looked at Medicaid patients on a 5-day course of azithromycin.
In its announcement, the FDA reminded clinicians that QT interval prolongation, which can trigger an abnormal and sometimes fatal heart arrhythmia called torsades de pointes (TdP), has been linked not only with azithromycin but also with other antibiotic drugs in its class. That class, called macrolides, also includes clarithromycin (Biaxin, Abbott) and erythromycin, neither of which figured into the NEJM study.
Patients taking azithromycin should not stop taking it without consulting a clinician, the FDA added.
The issue of macrolides and the risk for cardiovascular death has been on the FDA’s radar since 2011, when it reviewed the labels for these drugs on this issue. In March, the FDA revised the warnings and precautions section of an extended-release, oral suspension version of azithromycin (Zmax, Pfizer) to mention reports of QT interval prolongation and TdP and advise clinicians to avoid prescribing the antibiotic for patients with known QT interval prolongation, patients with low potassium, or those taking drugs that prolong the QT interval. The labels for clarithromycin and erythromycin also mention QT interval prolongation. The agency will be revising the labels of other macrolides in similar fashion.
The FDA said that it would update the public on any new information on azithromycin or the potential risk for QT interval prolongation after it reviews the NEJM study.
These medications are only to be taken where clearly indicated, and most of the times they are not. Doctors have been too quick to recommend antibiotic therapy just to keep the patients quiet, even if no tests have been done to verify the bacteria strain.
Folks, this goes to show how important it is to act through preventative health and wellness as well as only take powerful chemical medications only when clearly indicated and the choice outweighs a natural supplement.
What You Need To Know About CoQ10
CoQ10 is one of my favorite supplements. I personally feel everyone over 40 should be taking a daily CoQ10 supplement just for good health and good measure. CoQ10 is not only a critical antioxidant, it is a key factor in muscle health and energy production. One of the most commonly prescribed class of drugs, statins, for lowering cholesterol, dramatically reduces the body’s ability to make CoQ10. Add to this the fact that our bodies production decreases on its own as we age…we are setting our selves up for heart disease.
CoQ10 is also an important antioxidant which inhibits both the initiation and the propagation of lipid and protein oxidation. Additionally, it regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E. One recent study demonstrated that low doses of CoQ10 reduced oxidation and DNA double-strand breaks, and that a combination of CoQ10 and a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to a longer lifespan.
Low CoQ10 levels have been observed in cancer patients, while treatment with CoQ10 has been shown to be effective against cancer. CoQ10 has also been found to be beneficial for migraine headaches and some studies have indicated that it may help provide better brain health and function.
Lack of CoQ10 can cause Rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle fibers that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. Myoglobin often causes kidney damage. Notably, rhabdomyolysis has often been observed in patients who take statin drugs.
Inadequate CoQ10 levels have been noted in incidences of chronic heart failure, end stage AIDS and other overwhelming illnesses.
Supplementation and food sources for CoQ10
In addition to the body, CoQ10 is also found in relatively small amounts in a wide variety of foods, with the highest amounts found in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts. Other food items with modest amounts of CoQ10 include grapeseed oil, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, parsley, spinach, sesame seeds, olive oil and avocado.
Food sources alone may not be enough for those deficient in CoQ10. To put dietary CoQ10 intake into perspective, one pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and one half pounds of peanuts, provide only 30 mg of CoQ10.
Fortunately, no known toxicity or side effects have been observed in supplemental CoQ10. CoQ10 shows a moderate variability in its absorption, with some patients attaining good blood levels of CoQ10 on 100 mg per day while others require two or three times this amount to attain the same blood level.
Supplementation with CoQ10 has been studied in amounts as high as 3600 mg per day with largely only gastrointestinal side effects observed. The observed safe level (OSL) risk assessment method indicated evidence of safety is strong at intakes up to 1200 mg/day.
Exercises Linked To Longevity
Have you ever wondered what exercise is best for you? I often recommend people to find things they enjoy, to make sure they stick to a regular exercise routine, instead of falling into yo-yo exercising. It turns out that some exercises might be better than others for a long and healthy life, and others might be counter productive. It seems that more is not necessarily better as research has shown that ultra athlete’s, such as ultra marathon runners have dramatically increased scarring and plaques in their heart when they hit their 60′s compared to those who exercise moderately.
Here are some exercises which we have come across, which seem to benefit longevity, and show how they exactly do that.
a recent study linked jogging to an increased life expectancy. Researchers from the Copenhagen City Heart Study found that jogging one to two-and-a-half hours a week in two or three different sessions was associated with an additional 6.2 years for men and 5.6 years for women.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends healthy adults get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking), plus two or more days of strength-training a week.
Jogging isn’t the only form of exercise that has been found to add years to your life — and in some instances, it only takes a few minutes of physical activity to make a big difference. Here are six other ways fitness has been linked to increased longevity.
Walking 30 minutes – 1.3 to 1.5 additional years. Pick up your pace. A study found that people who walk at 2.25 mph or faster, lived longer than those that walk slower.
Running 30 minutes – 3.5 to 3.7 additional years
Biking (fast) – 5 to 7 additional years
Swimming – 50% less risk of dying
Climbing stairs – 15% less risk of dying
Working out 30 minutes/day – 3 additional years
(Above based on studies from 1995 -2011)
Vitamin D3 and Curcumin Work Together To Clear Alzheimer’s Brain Plaques
Two of the most studied and exciting nutrients today are Vitamin D3 and Curcumin, due to both of their wide range of health benefits. Vitamin D3 has shown tremendous immune support, cardiovascular, anti-cancer, bone, breast, prostate, colon health and more. Curcumin, or turmeric, has shown benefits inclusive of natural inflammatory response, liver health, colon, musculosketal and cell function. Taking together, researchers are finding they have the ability to clear Alzheimers brain plaques.
New diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease cases continue to mount at an unprecedented rate, threatening both the lives of those suffering from this dreaded illness and the health care system itself, as billions are spent to care for the millions suffering from this lifestyle-mediated disease. New hope is now offered by scientists from the University of California publishing in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, as they have identified the specific intracellular mechanism regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta.
There has been scant evidence in the past to show that vitamin D and the curry-derived compound, curcumin help to prevent Alzheimer’s dementia. Researchers now provide solid research-based science to explain the precise pathway used by these two natural substances to help stimulate the immune system to activate key genes involved in clearing the amyloid-beta protein.
Chief study author, Dr. Milan Fiala noted “This new study helped clarify the key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.” Prior research has suggested a synergistic effect between the two compounds and clearance of deadly protein tangles, but no action pathway has ever been postulated until now.
Vitamin D3 and curcumin work together to clear deadly brain plaques
To test their hypothesis, scientists took blood samples from a group of currently diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease patients and a control group of healthy volunteers. They then isolated the immune-stimulating component of the white blood cells called macrophages. These special cells are known to target and eliminate amyloid fibrils and other waste products that accumulate in the brain before they manifest into detectable disease conditions.
Researchers then incubated some of the extracted immune cells for a 24-hour period in a solution containing the active form of vitamin D3 (1a, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). Other cells were exposed to a standardized curcumin extract. Past studies have shown that there are two types of macrophages, Type I and Type II that independently perform different functions, yet must work together to effectively remove amyloid protein in the brain.
The scientists found that Type I macrophage activity is greatly enhanced with optimal saturation of vitamin D3, and Type II immune cells are supported by the presence of curcumin. Researchers found that the action of both Type I and II macrophages are greatly enhanced by the synergistic application of vitamin D3 and curcumin together. Dr. Fiala concluded “Our findings demonstrate that active forms of vitamin D3 (and curcumin) may be an important regulator of immune activities of macrophages in helping to clear amyloid plaques.”
Proof positive now exists to support maintaining optimal blood saturation levels (50 to 70 ng/mL) of vitamin D as measured using the simple and inexpensive 25(OH)D test. Most people will need to supplement with 5,000 to 7,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day or rely on sun exposure to obtain ideal levels. Adding curcumin to your regular diet using natural curry-enriched foods or supplementing (300 to 500 mg per day standardized to 95 percent total curcuminoids) will provide a synergistic effect shown to help clear brain tangles and prevent Alzheimer’s dementia.
Where Vitamin D3 has found its way into foundational nutrition, the benefits that curcumin show in treatment of symptoms and promising disease state support are quickly moving curcumin to the foundational element as well.
The Center For Productive Longevity Offers 3 Important Ways To Diffuse The Ticking Time Bomb
The Center for Productive Longevity is an organization which serves as the bridge between people 55 and older and the activities which allow them to continue in productive activities. At a time when there are 77 million baby boomers possibly exiting the work force, this leads to an unsustainable financial situation as entitlement programs will be stressed too far.
The Center for Productive Longevity has identified 3 important ways to help diffuse this very real problem at hand, while at the same time providing the 55 and older crowd ways to stay creative, active and productive.
Recent surveys by AARP indicate that 80 percent of the Baby Boomers intend to continue working after leaving their regular career jobs, more than half on less than a full-time basis. Many need or want the additional income, particularly because of their wealth reduction from the recession in 2001 and the global economic crisis that began in the U.S. in late 2007. Other reasons to continue working include the desire to maintain cognitive skills, continue adding value, and remain socially connected.
“We have been aware of this ticking time bomb for years without taking effective action. Now it’s really getting louder with the growing retirement of Baby Boomers at the rate of 4.2 million each year from 2011 through 2029, compounded by high unemployment and low economic growth for the foreseeable future,” says William Zinke, 85, founder and president of CPL. “We can defuse this time bomb by creating a wave of entrepreneurship across the country and stimulating employers to take a more flexible approach in providing employment opportunities for older workers.”
According to CPL, we can defuse the ticking time bomb of our aging workforce in three important ways:
1. Baby Boomer Entrepreneurship
Create awareness and understanding among the Baby Boomers about the benefits and opportunities of creating their own businesses. Entrepreneurship remains a critical factor in the country’s economic growth and vitality, with a spirit of pioneering and self-reliance still a part of America’s DNA.2. Flexible Workplace Options
Stimulate employers to develop phased retirement programs and other flexible workplace options that will retain and attract Baby Boomers 55 and older who want to continue working but on a part-time basis. A movement is developing in this direction, but a recent survey by Harris Interactive indicates that only 24 percent of Fortune 1000 companies provide such options.3. Greater Talent Pool Utilization
The reality is that America has a large and growing talent pool of workers 55 and older with experience, expertise, seasoned judgment and proven performance (EESP). Research shows that older workers have a higher level of commitment, reliability and motivation; have better overall skills and abilities than younger workers; and have much lower absenteeism and turnover. This talent pool must be tapped to a substantially greater degree.“Economic growth and our standard of living may be reduced if older workers are not provided with opportunities to continue working, yet there is no real recognition of the need to do so,” adds Zinke. “It is CPL’s purpose to change the national mindset about aging and retirement.”
One way CPL is highlighting the benefits of senior entrepreneurship is by organizing a series of four meetings titled “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers.“ The first meeting was held at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO, the focal point for entrepreneurship in America, on March 27 with almost 100 participants and excellent feedback. The next three meetings will be held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA on September 14, Northwestern University/Kellogg School of Business in Chicago on October 11, and the University of Denver on November 15. To register, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/entrepreneurship-meeting/overview.
Where we focus on longevity from how long, well and healthy we can live, this organization provides a needed focus on an area which has been ignored with former generations. The combination of healthy living with healthy mental outlooks and activities should provide a wonderful balance to how our society deals with one of the most powerful generations ever.
What Is NuVal?
Have you heard about NuVal? Its very interesting. NuVal, from what I can see is a welcomed visitor to the food and nutritional industry. It helps see through some deception and false beliefs of the industrial food complex.
NuVal basically is turning nutrition evaluations of foods upside down. From what I can see, more of a truism of the content of packaged foods, addressing the reality of the preservatives, flavorings, etc.
It seems The National Consumers League does not like NuVal too much. In fact, they are asking the FDA to put a halt to the “misleading” claims by NuVal. Keep in mind, it seems the National Consumers League is backed by the industrial food industry, yes Virginia, there seems to be an unholy alliance.
Here is an example of a NuVal nutritional content evaluation from Huffington Post:
It boggles the mind that so-called canned peaches in “light syrup” report 19 grams of sugar on the nutrition facts panel for an 80-calorie serving! That’s 76 of 80 calories from sugar, most of which is added. So, the package tells you these are peaches in sugar; really, it’s sugar in a can — with a bit of added peach. And, by the way, these peaches have half the fiber of their fresh counterpart — where did the rest go, if not lost to processing? And, they declare 20 mg of sodium, when there is none in fresh peaches. So apparently, these severely sugared peaches are also lightly salted. You probably didn’t know that — but NuVal did.
It seems that the National Consumers League is actually backed by the food giants, probably has strong ties with the FDA, and is not for the consumer, but NuVal seems to be.
I say this in hopes that you will take a look at the NuVal website, see what they do, if it seems like a good organization, support the grocers who invite them in.
TA-65 Supports Telomere’s
Telomoere’s are the foregrounds of anti-aging science. They healthier ones telomeres, the belief, the longer and healthier you can live. Look at telomere’s as those plastic ends to your shoelaces, and consider your shoelaces your DNA. If the plastic ends get frayed and cracked, your DNA is then at risk for damage. If the plastic ends, aka telomere’s stay healthy and long, than the DNA remains more protected and the belief is this can lead to longevity, immune support and more.
We know that quality fish oil can support healthy telomerase activity, and a unique ingredient known as TA-65 is showing some wonderful potential as well.
RevGenetics, the world’s leading online source for TA-65 can’t wait to highlight exciting new research, proving their anti-aging supplement has a clear benefit in human cells. Conducted by Dr. Hector Valenzuela, Ph.D., a visiting scholar at UCLA and Associate Professor at Whittier College, the research will be released for publication at the end of May.”We’re gratified by the scientific support for what we’re seen in people who regularly use TA-65. Scientists are waking up to the terrific anti-aging properties of this product,” said Anthony Loera, RevGenetics president and longevity advocate of RevGenetics. “We are proud to be the world’s top online source of TA-65. I really believe that we really make it easy and convenient for folks to purchase it with a click of the mouse, and immediately have it sent quickly to all points around the world.”
Telomerase activation is said to benefit immune system function, vision, sexual function and skin improvements . And this new research suggests TA-65 is an effective telomerase activator. TA-65 is made from astragalus, small green plant. It takes more than a pound of the raw plant to make up a single TA-65 capsule, and is much safer. Natural astragalus is very high in iron, so high that eating a pound of the plant material could cause iron poisoning.
“The days where you had to fly in to New York or another distant city just to purchase TA-65 directly from a doctor, are over. RevGenetics has finally made it possible to conveniently purchase TA-65 online and have it shipped worldwide,” said Loera.
Danish Research Says Jogging Could Be A Key To Longevity
It seems that some regular moderate jogging through your life can actually help you live longer, according to some Danish research just released.
Research from the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) — begun in 1976 — found that jogging between one and two and a half hours per week helped both men and women live longer. The greatest benefits came from jogging at a slow or average pace.Peter Schnohr, chief cardiologist of the CCHS, said in a statement, “We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don’t actually need to do that much to reap the benefits.”
About 2,000 male and female joggers were questioned about their running habits, such as how much they exercised, and how intensely. During the follow-up period the men who jogged gained an average of 6.2 years of life, while the women joggers gained 5.6 years.
The findings were presented at a European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation meeting in Dublin, Ireland.
The Copenhagen City Heart Study began tracking almost 20,000 men and women between the ages of 20 and 93 back in 1976. Research findings from this prospective study include a 2006 paper on the longevity gains of 5-7 years thanks to moderate and high-intensity physical activity. The longevity boost in that research was strongest against cardiovascular disease and cancers.
It’s important to point out that they found the greatest benefits from low to moderate pace of jogging. Previous research has shown that heavy exercise, such as ultra-marathon’s etc, are actually bad for the heart, exhibit early cardiovascular scarring and plaque build up.
Prescription Drugs Going OTC, Good Idea or Pipeline For Big Pharma? A Pharmacists Point Of View
You might have heard that the FDA is proposing a third class of drugs which would not require a prescription, although most likely with a bit more restrictions on access than current OTC’s. The FDA thinks this could be a solution to get maintenance medications to those who do not have such access.
Is this the answer? I ask this based off of my personal belief that this disease state management prescription system is broken, it works fine in the event of an emergency, although fails in the maintenance phase. Take statins and PPI’s for example- abject failures to long term health. (once again, my opinion only)
And I understand, most of this is the patients responsibility, and many are only looking for a magic bullet, a “pill for an ill”. Where you can argue which came first, a health care system that molded our culture into this disease management belief on healthcare, or a public not willing to take responsibility to stay healthy and prevent disease, thus the legal drug cartel model was molded around it. I think the former, although with a lot of help from the later.
Then my cynical mind asks, “who does this really benefit” and there is only one answer to this- Big Pharma and the insurance companies (you know, those folks currently running the system). It’s not the patients who benefit if they continue to stay on side effect inducing, nutrient depleting medications, it’s not the doctors who will be losing business, and it’s probably not the pharmacists who most likely will not get adequately paid for their time (if at all) and experience margin cuts on sales, further bowing to the commoditization of healthcare- UNLESS…
This might actually open the door for better healthcare…
Here’s an example, Proton Pump Inhibitors such as prilosec. PPI’s have been a tremendous dis-service to our nations health, benefiting one group- Big Pharma. They are the number two sold class of drug in America and have the potential to lead to osteoporosis, increased risk of fractures, as well as food borne pathogenic attack since they alter the gut pH, further leading to digestive problems and attacking ones immune system.
Doc’s prescribe them for the long term for simple acid reflux (where the problem starts while often not correctly addressing the underlying digestive issue), and then the patients keep taking them. When, all along in many cases some probiotics, betaine/HCL or even licorice or zinc carnosine could get to the root of the issue, maybe some stress modifying supplements and recommendations as well.
I don’t see this as ‘the answer’ in a system which is already broken in its current model, but possibly an opportunity to change the path of health care in a way big pharma and the like did not expect. I do encourage people to get to know their pharmacists, who if this goes through will be at the hub of the matter, and get an idea on their expertise and outlook on health.
Is The Mediterranean Diet The Longevity Diet?
Numerous studies have pointed to eating a Mediterranean diet can be a critical factor to better health, mostly supporting the lesser numbers of people with heart disease, and with May being the Mediterranean diet month, is it the diet for you?
It all started circa 1960 in several areas of the Mediterranean region, specifically the Greek island of Crete, other areas of Greece and southern Italy. Researchers were drawn to these areas because the adults living there had very low rates of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as very long life expectancy. For examples, the natives of Greece had a rate of heart disease that was 90 percent lower than that of Americans at the time. (Mind you, heart disease and cancer are still currently two of the top killers of Americans.)
In addition to a physically active lifestyle, these Mediterranean natives consumed a diet that was rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. In fact, more than 60 percent of the calories in their diets in the 1960s were supplied by these high-fiber, nutritionally-dense plant foods. The majority of the fat in the diet was provided by olives and olive oil, and fish and seafood was enjoyed at least twice a week. (Note: the latest recommendation from the USDA is to consume at least two fish meals, especially fatty fish such as salmon, weekly to increase longevity.)
Following this traditional 1960s Mediterranean Diet, foods from animal sources were limited as well as sweets. Water was abundantly consumed throughout the day and low to moderate amounts of wine were enjoyed, typically only with meals. Equally important, meals were enjoyed with friends and family.
Fast forward to the present, ongoing research continues to support the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a study that found that this type of eating style was unhealthy.
With the warmer weather and budding of plants around us, May is the perfect month to start enjoying more of a plant-based, Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Here’s some tips:
- Try nonfat Greek yogurt with berries and some nuts at breakfast.
- Bake, broil or grill extra salmon steaks at dinner and have the leftovers the next day in a lunch salad. Pesto: You just met your minimum “two weekly fish meals.”
- Stoke up the BBQ and grill tons of veggies drizzled with a little olive oil. Leftovers are fabulous as a cold snack.
- Make beans the focus of one meal weekly. Here’s an easy Pasta Bean Toss recipe.
- Try leaving your car parked in the driveway on the weekends and do your errands on foot. You’ll not only step up your physical activity but also save $$ on gasoline.
There are some important takeaways. The quality of food…free of preservatives and made fresh daily. How one eats, many people in the Mediterranean cultures will take the time to enjoy their foods and not gulp it down in a mad rush of stress. Healthy fats and oils are a must as well. Unless your metabolism allows it (not stricken with metabolic syndrome or diabetes) one must be careful with the amount of breads and grains which can break down into sugars and stimulate excessive insulin release.