by admin | Sep 23, 2020 | Health Awareness
Omega-3 supplements are among the most popular supplements taken regularly by Americans, with an estimated 10% of the population taking the vitamin regularly. Yet, research suggests that not everyone will benefit from them. Here’s a closer look at who may benefit from an omega-3 regimen.
In November 2018, researchers presented their findings from the VITAL study at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting. In the trial, more than 25,800 healthy adults were put on a daily Vitamin D and Omega-3 regimen, with a goal of determining whether omega-3 would help to prevent cardiovascular events. Their findings didn’t present one answer across the board, however.
According to the study’s lead author, some groups did benefit from the vitamin, while others didn’t. The supplement didn’t reduce the risk of cardiovascular events overall, but there was a 28% reduction in heart attacks. It didn’t appear to prevent heart issues in healthy people overall, but participants who had less than 1.5 servings of fish per week did experience benefits, including a 40% reduction in heart attacks. African American participants saw the largest benefit, with a 77% reduction in heart attacks, which the study’s lead author says must be investigated further.
A subsequent study, REDUCE-IT, looked at adults who were middle-aged or older and had significant risk factors for cardiovascular events, including elevated triglyceride levels. Participants were given either a high-dose, prescription omega-3 medication, or a placebo. In participants who took the medication versus the placebo, there was a 25% reduction in the risk of dying from heart disease or experiencing a cardiovascular event.
High-dose omega-3 supplements aren’t always recommended, as they do present certain medical risks. Nonetheless, the study author says that for people who are at risk of cardiac events, the benefits of the supplement appear to outweigh its risks.
In general, omega-3 supplements should be reviewed by a medical provider to determine if a patient would benefit and at what dose. Practioner-grade supplements are recommended and if you are interested in learning more, please visit https://stemedix.com/vitamins/ or contact us today.
by Stemedix | Sep 21, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death across the world. This umbrella term, also referred to as heart disease, collectively includes a broad range of cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Ischemic stroke
While these conditions have unique characteristics, they all affect the heart and blood vessels. For instance, in coronary artery disease, the most common cardiovascular disease, the buildup of plaque (known as atherosclerosis) narrows or blocks the arteries. The arteries harden, limiting the amount of oxygen-rich blood that makes its way to the heart. The heart can therefore not pump blood to the rest of the body as needed. In myocardial infarction, or heart attack, blood clots around the plaque. If the blood flow becomes completely restricted, the heart can no longer get necessary oxygen. In ischemic stroke, the clot prevents the blood flow to the brain.
There are several lifestyle treatments which may help to control cardiovascular disease, including:
- Smoking cessation
- Weight regulation
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Routine exercise
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
There are also medications and surgical interventions available for certain types of heart disease. With that being said, experts are also exploring stem cell therapy as an alternative or additional treatment.
Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
Stem cell therapy is the use of the body’s natural, versatile cells to promote healing. Stem cells act as the foundation for other cells and have natural anti-inflammatory properties. As such, they can promote healing in damaged cells and tissues, as well as regeneration. When transplanted into patients with cardiovascular disease, it’s believed that the cells could release healing factors to reduce inflammation, promote new blood vessel development, minimize cell death, and regenerate new, healthy cells.
According to ClinicalTrials.gov, there are more than 1,500 studies that have been or are being conducted regarding the use of stem cells in patients with cardiovascular disease. Scientists have already made strides by discovering several key benefits across a number of cardiovascular conditions. For example, stem cells have been shown to:
- Improve left ventricular function, blood flow, and quality of life following a heart attack.
- Improve the heart’s functional capacity and ventricular remodeling, as well as quality of life, in heart failure.
- Enhance cardiac function in ischemic stroke.
- Improve limb function and decrease muscle atrophy, autoamputation, and connective tissue damage in peripheral artery disease (PAD).
In particular, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are showing remarkable promise for chronic conditions such as heart disease. They have a number of powerful properties, including:
- No exposure to environmental toxins or impact from the aging process
- High rate of regeneration
- High proliferation ability
- Abundant supply of cells compared to those extracted from adipose tissue or bone marrow
These cells are administered intravenously, and because they are not sourced from the patient themselves, minimize discomfort and recovery time. While stem cell therapy may not be for every patient with cardiovascular disease, the right candidates seeking a safe, non-surgical option may wish to explore the treatment. If you’re interested in exploring stem cell therapy, contact a Care Coordinator for a free assessment!
by admin | Sep 16, 2020 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Stem Cell Therapy
Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation of multiple joints throughout the body. This joint inflammation eventually causes the cartilage and bone to break down, and the tendons and ligaments surrounding the joints stretch and become deformed. Consequently, people with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain and loss of function in affected joints.
Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis is not just a disease of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes systemic inflammation. People with rheumatoid arthritis commonly experienced fevers, weight loss, and chronic fatigue. Many patients report being achy or stiff apart from joints directly affected by arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone loss, muscle weakness, skin lesions, and kidney disease. Patients may also experience lung, heart, and vascular diseases.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown; however, since it is an inflammatory disease, the main treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is an anti-inflammatory medication. Some lifestyle changes may help to ease some of the symptoms but most physicians initially recommend using a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug or DMARD soon after rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed. DMARDs can modestly reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and help reduce the risk of patients developing debilitating joint abnormalities. DMARDs include drugs such as methotrexate or biologics such as infliximab or tofacitinib. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis usually also must take glucocorticoids, i.e. steroids to acutely control inflammation. Unfortunately, these agents have considerable side effects, especially when taken for long periods of time. Moreover, the treatments are not curative. As such, researchers are still looking for better treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists recently conducted a prospective Phase 1/2 study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They selected 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis between the ages of 18 and 64. Volunteers received an intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells and were followed for three years. At both the 1 and 3 years follow up appointments, the rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells had substantially lower levels of the blood markers that indicate rheumatoid arthritis (namely C-reactive protein, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-CCP antibody). The test of physical function also significantly improved at 1 and 3 years after stem cell treatment [Health Index (HAQ) and Joint Function Index (DAS28)]. The treatment was also safe, and no serious adverse effects were reported.
The results of this stem cell clinical trial are particularly remarkable because patients received only one intravenous treatment and enjoyed at least three years of improvement in their disease both in the blood markers but also in symptoms and physical functioning. Although not a cure, this study shows the apparent safety of mesenchymal stem cell treatment and the impressive benefits to allow patients to consider researching stem cell therapy as an alternative option for their rheumatoid arthritis symptom management. Indeed, if additional larger studies confirm these impressive results, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell treatment may become a possible standard of care in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the future.
Reference: Wang L, Huang S, Li S, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Prospective Phase I/II Study. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019;13:4331-4340. Published 2019 Dec 19. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S225613
by admin | Sep 10, 2020 | Heart Failure, Health Awareness
Whether you’re living with heart disease, actively trying to prevent it, or just seeking ways to boost your overall wellness, there are many habits you can adopt to improve your cardiovascular health. Oftentimes, however, an extensive lifestyle overhaul can feel daunting. While completely revamping your diet or embarking on a new fitness journey can indeed be overwhelming, there are smaller steps you can take that can still have a big impact on heart health.
By implementing these small changes one by one, you may find that the path to a healthier lifestyle is well within reach.
Get Lifting
Lifting small hand weights can help build muscle, which contributes to overall health. Once your weights get too light, move up to a heavier set.
Choose nuts as a healthy snack.
Nuts are filling but rich in nutrients. Next time you’re hungry between meals, reach for peanuts, almonds, or walnuts for your heart health. You can also incorporate them into salads.
Add one fruit or veggie a day.
Instead of focusing on what you should eliminate from your diet, think instead about the healthy choices you can add-in. Aim for an additional serving of vegetables or fruit each day until you’re having them with most meals. You’ll likely make fewer unhealthy choices as a natural result.
Walk for 10 minutes.
A quick walk is a simple, manageable goal you can get started on right away. As you build up endurance, increase the time by five-minute intervals until you’re walking 30 minutes per day, most days of the week.
Cut out caloric beverages.
Beverages other than water often have extra calories, sugars, and other additives which can impact your health and lead to weight gain. When possible, choose water to keep your diet in check. If you’re craving flavor, add a slice of lemon.
Have a good breakfast.
Start with a nutritional meal and you may find yourself more inclined to make healthy choices for the rest of the day. Aim to include a good source of protein, such as eggs or yogurt, so you’re full and less likely to snack before lunch.
Swap out red meat for seafood.
While you may choose to have red meat in moderation, seafood is a far better nutritional choice. Try to incorporate fish into your meals once per week to boost brain and heart health.
Try deep breathing.
High blood pressure is a major heart health concern. Deep breathing may help to keep you calm in stressful situations, which could contribute to lower blood pressure.
Wash your hands frequently.
Infections such as seasonal flu and other viruses can take their toll on heart health. Minimize your risk of infection by washing your hands frequently, and especially before eating or touching your face.
Practice gratitude.
Positive emotions such as gratitude have been linked to better overall wellness and longevity. To evoke more feelings of appreciation and fulfillment, start and end each day by reflecting on what it is you have to be grateful for.
For more helpful health awareness blogs, please visit stemedix.com/blog.
by Stemedix | Sep 7, 2020 | Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy is a cutting-edge treatment in which naturally occurring ozone gas is mixed with oxygen to potentially help treat chronic conditions and improve overall wellness. It reduces inflammatory markers which contribute to oxidative stress and impact immunity. For this reason, it also serves as a powerful line of defense against infections and can offer a host of other wellness benefits. Of course, just as you’d do before pursuing any treatment, you might first ask: What is the cost of ozone therapy?
How Much Does Ozone Therapy Cost?
First, it’s important to understand that there are several factors which can impact the cost of ozone treatment. For instance:
- condition being treated
- severity of the condition
- location of the clinic
- specific processes used
These may all influence the price of ozone therapy. Prices can vary significantly. For example, ozone injections administered for joint pain may cost $30 to $350 per session, whereas intravenous ozone therapy can range from $100 to $1,200.
Regional differences can also make a tremendous impact on price variations. For instance, while a small clinic in Nebraska might only charge $20 to $30 for a joint injection, an in-demand clinic in a populated city might have more rigorous standards, and could therefore fall on the higher end of the price range.
Does Insurance Cover Ozone Therapy?
Another consideration for the cost of ozone therapy is the fact that U.S. insurers won’t cover the treatment. While other nations may reimburse patients for the therapy, it is still a fairly new treatment and is thus the patient’s responsibility to pay for out-of-pocket in the U.S. With that being said, many patients are drawn to the benefits of the treatment, including the potential to delay or avoid invasive procedures, and the control of unfavorable symptoms for chronic illnesses.
Ultimately, price is an important factor to assess when considering ozone therapy, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To make an informed decision as to whether or not the treatment is right for you, be sure to screen potential providers to ensure they have stringent measures in place that promote optimal clinical outcomes and take into consideration every patient’s unique circumstances. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!
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