Brad McEwen
Nutrition expertise | Products, Trends, and Innovation
Night beach walks and meditation
I like to do night beach walks and meditation for relaxation.
What do you do to relax?
Can NAC improve the cardiometabolic profile of women with PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of reproductive age. PCOS can be described as a complex endocrine condition and is characterised by polycystic ovaries, anovulation, amenorrhoea, hyperandrogenaemia, hirsutism, acne and infertility. All of these characteristics of PCOS affect quality of life and wellbeing.
Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when any three of the following five risk factors are present: elevated fasting plasma glucose level (hyperglycaemia), elevated triglyceride levels, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, elevated blood pressure, and increased waist circumference.
Additionally, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been associated with cardiometabolic syndrome. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, altered cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inflammation, oxidative stress and impaired endothelial dysfunction, which are indicative of cardiometabolic syndrome.
Nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and management of chronic disease, especially cardiometabolic syndrome.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that contains a thiol group. NAC has numerous cardioprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, improving lipid profile, as well as decreasing oxidative stress and reducing paracetamol toxicity, along with mucolytic and detoxification properties. NAC is one of the precursors of glutathione, which is an important antioxidant.
PCOS and cardiometabolic syndrome are complex health conditions. NAC shows promise in the management of cardiometabolic parameters in women with PCOS, via reducing insulin resistance, blood glucose levels and improving lipid profile. The dosages used in these trials were 1800 mg per day for 24 weeks and a step-wise dosage up to 1800 mg per day (study length three months).
Read on for more info:
https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/content/can-nac-improve-cardiometabolic-profile-women-pcos
Herbal Medicine – a snapshot
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 80% of the world’s population use traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. Most of this therapy involves the use of plant extracts or the active components from plants. Plants have been used for their healing purposes throughout human history and forms the origin of modern medicine. Herbal medicine emphasises the effects of herbs on the whole body and individual body systems (McEwen 2015).
Herbal medicines include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products, that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations (WHO 2000). Traditional use of herbal medicines refers to the long historical use of these medicines (WHO 2000).
Speak with a naturopath or herbalist for more information.
References
McEwen BJ 2015, The Influence of Herbal Medicine on Platelet Function and Coagulation: A Narrative Review, Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 41(3); 300-314.
World Health Organization (WHO) 2000, General Guidelines for Methodologies on Research and Evaluation of Traditional Medicine. WHO/EDM/TRM/2000.1
Vitamin K2
Population-based studies have shown an inverse association between dietary menaquinones (MK-n, vitamin K2) intake, coronary calcification and coronary heart disease risk, suggesting a potential role of vitamin K in vascular health.
Vitamin K serves as a cofactor for γ-glutamate carboxylase, promoting the post-translational conversion of glutamate residues into γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) in γ-carboxyglutamate-proteins. The γ-carboxyglutamate-residues confer calcium-binding properties needed for the proper functioning of these proteins. The most studied γ-carboxyglutamate-proteins are osteocalcin (synthesised by osteoblasts) and matrix γ-carboxyglutamate-protein (MGP, synthesised primarily by vascular smooth muscle cells).
When vitamin K levels are insufficient, carboxylation proceeds to a lesser extent, resulting in the release of γ-carboxyglutamate-proteins in the circulation as undercarboxylated species. Circulating uncarboxylated osteocalcin and desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein are recognised markers for bone and vascular vitamin K status, respectively. Remarkably, substantial fractions of osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein circulate as uncarboxylated species in most healthy adults, suggesting that vitamin K insufficiency is widespread in Western society. High levels of uncarboxylated osteocalcin form an independent risk predictor for bone fracture and low bone mineral density. High levels of desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein have been found in people at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and have been associated with arterial calcification and cardiovascular mortality. Osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein carboxylation can be improved by increased vitamin K intake by diet and supplements.
This study found that consuming a yoghurt drink fortified with low doses of vitamin K (menaquinone-7 (MK-7), daily dose of 56 µg), vitamins C and D, and omega-3 PUFA (EPA + DHA, daily dose of 0.2 g) significantly improved vitamin K status.
Knapen MHJ et al., Yogurt drink fortified with menaquinone-7 improves vitamin K status in a healthy population, J Nutr Sci. 2015; 4: e35.
World chocolate day
Today is world chocolate day. Chocolate and cacao have numerous health benefits. Too many to name here 😉I recommend chocolate, especially high cacao, every day! Enjoy life!
The impact of diet on cardiometabolic syndrome
Optimum nutrition plays the major role in optimum health. Cardiometabolic syndrome is a disease of unhealthy diet and lifestyle. It is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, including elevated triglyceride levels, fasting plasma glucose level (hyperglycaemia), elevated blood pressure, increased waist circumference, and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. It is a multifactorial risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Cardiometabolic syndrome is generally regarded as a pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state. Inflammation drives insulin resistance and oxidative stress, further amplifying cardiometabolic syndrome.
There are numerous health consequences related to cardiometabolic syndrome; these include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, overweight, high adiposity, reproductive dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Diet and nutrition play major roles in the prevention and management of chronic disease, especially cardiometabolic syndrome. The Westernised diet (high in sugar, saturated fat, fried foods, refined grains) has numerous negative effects on the parameters of cardiometabolic syndrome.
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A predominantly plant-based, Mediterranean-style, low-glycaemic index diet and diets higher in fruits, vegetables, fibre, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tree nuts, and potassium have been associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic syndrome. Additionally, the Palaeolithic diet has beneficial effects in the management of cardiometabolic syndrome.
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McEwen B. The impact of diet on cardiometabolic syndrome, J ATMS, 2018; 24(2): 72-77.
The importance of minerals for cognitive development in children
Optimum nutrition is fundamental for the development of a child’s full potential and there are studies that link chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency to cognitive deficits.[1]
Undernutrition has been shown to negatively impact various developmental and cognitive areas including motor development, language functioning, intelligent quotient (IQ), as well as memory and executive functions.[2] The brain needs nutrients to build and maintain its structure.[3]
Minerals, particularly iron and selenium, play major roles in cognitive development and maintenance. Further research is suggested to investigate the effects of nutrition, particularly minerals, for cognitive development and maintenance in children.
Click the link below for more information. FX Medicine:
https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/content/importance-minerals-cognitive-development-children
The Palaeolithic diet and cardiometabolic syndrome
The Palaeolithic diet and cardiometabolic syndrome: Can an ancient diet be the way of the future?
Diet and nutrition play major roles in the prevention and management of chronic disease, especially cardiometabolic syndrome.
Cardiometabolic syndrome has numerous risk factors, including increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglyceride level, low HDL cholesterol, elevated fasting plasma glucose, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and a prothrombotic state. There are numerous adverse health conditions related to metabolic syndrome, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Palaeolithic diet may be associated with lower levels of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Palaeolithic nutrition improved risk factors for chronic disease, such as improvements in waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels.
I ask the following question: can an ancient diet be the way of the future? Time will tell…
McEwen BJ. The Palaeolithic diet and cardiometabolic syndrome: Can an ancient diet be the way of the future?, Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2018 Apr, 5(1): 38-40. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958818300144)
Good health starts in the gut
Good health starts in the gut. To quote Hippocrates, “all disease begins in the gut”!
I highly recommend The complete gut health cookbook by @chefpeteevans and @helenpadarin . A highly essential guide to improving the health of the digestive system and beyond. Did you know that there are direct links between the gut, the brain, and the immune system?
This book contains information on:
✅ understanding gut healing
✅ foods to heal the gut
✅ digestion and intestinal permeability
✅ autoimmune paleo protocol
✅ 100+ recipes for gut health
✅ 4 week meal plan
✅ nutritional advice
✅ plus more…
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Açai: the superfood antioxidant power punch
The superfood antioxidant power punch 🥊 any time of the day.
Açai is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Combine Açai with seasonal fruit, kiwi, banana, strawberries, berries, chia seeds, coconut, nuts, seeds, and granola = awesome!
This is my “go to” for breakfast or snack, or any time of the day, actually. Highly nutritious, packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and tastes great.
Optimum nutrition leads to optimum health!
Enjoy your day 😎
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Believe in yourself
If you want it you got it. You just got to believe in yourself. Wise words to follow from the great philosopher Lenny Kravitz.
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Believe in yourself. Any time you feel stressed, sit back, close your eyes, and look within. Know that you can do it.
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Pyrrole Disorder webinar: Part 1. Background, Pathophysiology, Signs and Symptoms
Pyrrole disorder is a complex disorder with numerous signs and symptoms.
Although Pyrrole Disorder is not a new health condition, there has been a large influx of information and misinformation in recent years leading to confusion of the signs, symptoms, and treatment.
This comprehensive webinar will enable practitioners to greatly expand their scope of understanding of the diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical signs of pyrrole disorder.
This webinar will benefit new and established practitioners as well as students to consolidate their learning.
Pyrrole Disorder: Part 1. Details the background, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of Pyrrole Disorder
When: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
What Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm AEST
Where: Online
Webinar through Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS).
Registration:
https://login.redbackconferencing.com.au/landers/page/24b6bb
Nail Diagnosis webinar – 21 May 2018
Nails often reflect the general state of health and wellbeing of a person. It is known that systemic disease/s can produce changes in the nails. Detailed examination of the fingernails can provide indications of nutritional deficiencies and potential underlying systemic diseases.
This comprehensive webinar will enable practitioners to greatly expand their skills and knowledge in the use of nail diagnosis in clinical practice. This webinar also aims to improve the skills of clinical examination in relation to nutritional deficiencies. This informative webinar will also be beneficial to students to consolidate their learning. PDF notes are included with the webinar.
Topics covered:
– Nail anatomy
– Nail signs (causes, nutritional deficiencies, clinical prescribing)
– Conditions and related nail signs
– Tissue salts/Celloids
Learning outcomes:
– Identify and describe nail signs
– Identify potential nutritional deficiencies in relation to nail signs and clinical examination
– Identify health conditions related to nail signs
Link to Nail Diagnosis webinar registration:
https://events.redbackconferencing.com.au/9e9f72
Link to other webinars:
Optimum nutrition is the foundation of all health and wellbeing
Optimum nutrition is the foundation of all health and wellbeing.
Diet and nutrition play major roles in the prevention and management of chronic disease.
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Eat colourful foods daily:
– black: blackberries, grapes, black sesame seeds, nori, kelp
– blue: blueberries, plums, berries
– green: apple, avocado, broccoli, beans, spinach, cucumber, celery, peas, kiwi fruit, capsicum, lime, grapes
– orange: apricot, carrots, oranges, mango, mandarin, sweet potato, pumpkin, papaya, peaches
– purple: acai berries, grapes, red cabbage, eggplant, purple carrot
– red: apple, capsicum, cherries, goji berries, guava, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon
– white: cauliflower, garlic, onions, mushrooms, pears, nuts, sesame seeds
– yellow: banana, capsicum, corn, lemon, pineapple, squash
– chocolate: has its own category if goodness
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Eat a minimum of 5-6 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit per day.
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– Consume nuts (e.g. almonds, cashews, walnuts) daily
– Consume seeds (e.g. chia, flaxseed) daily
– Celery and carrot sticks with hummus makes a great snack
– Consume 1.5-2 L of water daily
– Drink green tea
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Limit or reduce the following:
– saturated fat
– added salt
– refined carbohydrates and sugars
– added sugars
– sugar-sweetened beverages
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Diets higher in fruits, vegetables, fibre, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tree nuts, and potassium have been associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic syndrome. Improving the diet should be the foundation of any management plan of cardiometabolic syndrome and chronic disease.
Mothers are very special
Mothers are very special. There are no words that describe their unconditional love. Today is Mother’s Day, but everyday is their day for you. Spoil her today with her favourite treats…
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Nail Diagnosis webinar
Physical examination plays a fundamental role in determining the treatment and management options of patients in naturopathy and nutritional medicine clinical practice. Nails often reflect the general state of health and wellbeing of a person. It is known that systemic disease/s can produce changes in the nails. Detailed examination of the fingernails can provide indications of nutritional deficiencies and potential underlying systemic diseases.
This comprehensive webinar will enable practitioners to greatly expand their skills and knowledge in the use of nail diagnosis in clinical practice. This webinar also aims to improve the skills of clinical examination in relation to nutritional deficiencies. This informative webinar will also be beneficial to students to consolidate their learning. PDF notes are included with the webinar.
Topics covered:
– Nail anatomy
– Nail signs (causes, nutritional deficiencies, clinical prescribing)
– Conditions and related nail signs
– Tissue salts/Celloids
Learning outcomes:
– Identify and describe nail signs
– Identify potential nutritional deficiencies in relation to nail signs and clinical examination
– Identify health conditions related to nail signs
Link to Nail Diagnosis webinar registration:
https://events.redbackconferencing.com.au/9e9f72
Link to other webinars:
