Gorillas need greens, not processed food
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
The leading cause of death for male gorillas in zoos is heart disease. Sadly, animals that live in close contact with (and fed by) humans end up with human chronic diseases.
Gorillas are the largest of the primates, and they are one of the four species of great apes (great apes make up the Hominidae superfamily, which includes chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas). Following chimpanzees, gorillas are the closest living relatives to humans, differing in only about 3% of our genetic makeup.
Gorillas are herbivores that live in the forests of central Africa, where they can eat up to 50 pounds of vegetation each day, mostly leaves and fruit. Although most gorillas have a preference for fruit, they also eat large amounts of leaves, plus herbs and bamboo, and occasionally insects. In the wild, gorillas spend most of their day foraging and eating.1
In the wild, gorillas eat an extremely high fiber diet, and derive a significant proportion of caloric energy from the fermentation of fiber by bacteria in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids. The approximate proportions of macronutrients in a wild gorilla’s diet is 2.5% of calories from fat, 24.3% from protein, 15.8% (non-fiber) carbohydrate, and up to 57.3% from short chain fatty acids derived from bacterial fermentation of fiber.2
In contrast, the standard diet for gorillas in captivity is usually not made up of natural leaves, herbs, and fruits – it is a diet of nutrient-fortified, high-sugar, high-starch processed food. Read more...
Immunice for Immune Support
Being just overweight, not obese, still shortens lifespan
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Deana Ferreri, Ph.D.
It is becoming more widely known that obesity can lead to a premature death – but what about those who fall in between healthy weight and obese? A new study suggests that even “a few extra pounds” can be dangerous.
This comes just a few months after a large study that concluded that waist circumference was associated with risk of death from all causes. These two studies used different methods of measurement, but they agree on a very important point – even a small amount of excess weight increases the risk of death. In the waist circumference study, even people who had a normal body mass index (BMI; calculated based on height and weight) were at greater risk of death if they had a 4-inch larger waist compared to others in their BMI category – that four extra inches of abdominal fat translated into a 16% (men) and 25% (women) increase in mortality risk over a nine year period. Read more...
Ayurtox for Body Detoxification
Fixodent denture cream can cause nerve damage, says report
By Dr. Matthew Watson
A recent ABC News investigation has identified a connection between the use of the popular denture cream Fixodent and permanent neurological disorders. Some Fixodent users allege that regular use of the cream has caused them to develop serious, debilitating nerve damage, which has sparked a class-action lawsuit against Proctor and Gamble (P&G), the maker of Fixodent.
"I started getting tingling in my fingertips," said Mark Jacoby, a Fixodent victim, to ABC News' 20/20 anchor Chris Cuomo. "I started getting weaker and, you know, I couldn't walk right, off balance and I'm at this point now."
The Fixodent ingredient in question is zinc, which unless taken along with copper, can rob the body of the necessary mineral over time and cause irreversible nerve damage. And since denture users affix zinc-containing creams to their gums every single day, their long-term absorption rates of zinc are much higher than normal than an average person's. Read more...
Spectrum Pharma Shares Hit New High on Q4 Results – International Business Times
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Business Times | Spectrum Pharma Shares Hit New High on Q4 Results International Business Times The Irvine, California-based biotechnology company reported fourth quarter earnings of $4 million or 8 cents a share, down from $10 million or 20 cents a share last year. The quarterly results included, among other things, loss related to change in ... Spectrum Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 23rd Annual ROTH OC Growth Stock ...Business Wire (press release) Spectrum Pharma Q4 Profit Drops - UpdateRTT News |
To Partner, or Not to Partner: Exploring the New Paradigm in Biotechnology … – Minyanville.com
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Minyanville.com | To Partner, or Not to Partner: Exploring the New Paradigm in Biotechnology ... Minyanville.com Traditional wisdom holds that biotechnology companies benefit from collaborations with their larger pharmaceutical peers. But the industry has changed. Editor's note: This article was originally published at ... To Partner or Not to Partner: That is the QuestionSeeking Alpha |
A New Colon Cancer Project Worth €25.8 million – TopNews New Zealand
By Dr. Matthew Watson
TopNews New Zealand | A New Colon Cancer Project Worth €25.8 million TopNews New Zealand A new five-year project to develop and evaluate new biomarkers for colon cancer has been launched by OncoTrack and managed by Bayer and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. The project will aim at developing personalized medicine for the ... OncoTrack Consortium Launches $35.6M Colon Cancer InitiativeGenomeWeb Daily News OncoTrack: A new International consortium launches project in the area of ...The FINANCIAL Bayer leads massive industry/academia consortium for colon cancer researchThe Pharma Letter Zenopa all 7 news articles » |
Call for smokers to be offered cancer risk test – New Zealand Herald
By Dr. Matthew Watson
TopNews New Zealand | Call for smokers to be offered cancer risk test New Zealand Herald Auckland University Associate Professor of Medicine and Molecular Genetics Robert Young has called for a test where smokers can find out if they have a moderate, high or very high risk of cancer to be widely available. He was making a submission on the ... A Test to Detect Cancer Risk in SmokersTopNews New Zealand |
Clinical Research Sites Struggle With Increasing Trial Complexity yet most depend on, Google (or other search sites) as the primary information tool
By Dr. Matthew Watson
A new survey of 500+ clinical research site professionals outlines the impact of complex, clinical trials in clinical trial sites. The survey focused on 3-year trial trends and found key challenges in subject recruitment/retention and tracking and reporting data. Increased complexity also impacted trial financials– especially negotiating contracts and managing profitability.
The December, 2010 survey was conducted among investigators, study coordinators and other clinical site professionals from large organizations, such as Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, hospitals like Rush Presbyterian and the Hospital for Sick Children, as well as multi-specialty and private practices. Clinical Research Site Training (CRST), conducted the survey.
Analysis of the survey findings shows that
- 66% of large organizations report an increase in trials conducted
- 60% of trial sites report increasing difficulty in managing trial profitability
- 40% report increasing difficulty in recruiting and retaining subjects
- Training remains a major issue, even though over 50% report an increase in training
- 80%+ of nurses want more QA training
- 60%+ of all respondents want more FDA Audits training
The survey also explored sites’ Web use for work information. In spite of increased specialized Web content about the clinical research site “world”, awareness and usage were both relatively low.
- Google (or other search sites) was the primary information tool
- Only the NIH and Clinical Trial Network sites have over 50% awareness among all site professionals
- Usage of major specialized sites averaged less than 40% for nurses and less than 20% for doctors
CRST suggest that clinical research sites should:
- Increase training on financial management, site QA, subject recruitment/retention and FDA inspections;
- Manage the convergence of increased and more complex trials by improving both new staff recruitment and experienced staff retention;
- Reach out on the Web for new/improved ways of working from both formal information sites and clinical research site communities.”
Full results of the survey are available on the CRST website http://www.crstnet.com
Contacts
CRST
Lester Levine, 484-798-7503
President
Fax: 215-477-2522
lester.levine@crstnet.com
Medication adherence improves, When Patients Share Their Stories
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Dr. Pauline Chen in the NY Times reports that “When Patients Share Their Stories, Health May Improve”. HC Catalyst uses the same methodology to increase patient adherence to prescription medicines.
hcCatalyst Adherence Driver uses patients to motivate other patients to stay adherent. And, we do this without remunerating, scripting or training. It’s genuine and without the liability issues associated with paid or trained spokespersons.
Details on http://www.hccatalyst.com/solutions.html
Kenneth Aldrich, Executive Chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation, will make a public appearance on March 16th, 2011 on behalf of ISCO
By Dr. Matthew Watson
OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- (March 10, 2011) -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its Executive Chairman, Kenneth C. Aldrich, will present at the ROTH 23rd Annual Orange County Growth Stock Conference at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM PDT (1:30PM EDT). The webcast can be viewed live at: http://www.wsw.com/webcast/roth24/isco/. The presentation will be archived and viewable at the same link for 90 days. After the Roth Conference, a link to the presentation will also be posted to the ISCO website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and has developed cell based skin care products through its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0 .
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
CONTACTS
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Executive Chairman
1-760-940-6383
International Stem Cell Corporation Receives Important Approvals Towards Creating New Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Lines in the United States
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today the achievement of a major milestone in its efforts to establish a bank of immune-matched parthenogenetic stem cells in the United States by receiving the statutory approvals required to move forward with the next phase of its stem cell banking program.
An independent Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) committee approved ISCO's program to obtain human oocytes (eggs) in California. The independent SCRO committee is responsible for reviewing the scientific rationale, ethics and compliance with State and Federal regulations and guidelines for studies involving human stem cells. This approval in combination with the earlier reported Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance with regard to medical safety opens the way for ISCO's stem cell banking program to begin registering clinical investigators. ISCO's study is designed to produce new clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cell lines that can be immune matched to millions of individuals for use in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
ISCO's breakthrough discoveries have resulted in unique stem cells carrying distinct advantages over other human pluripotent stem cells. ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human "parthenogenetic" stem cells (hpSCs). Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent, i.e. they have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike hESCs, hpSCs can be created in a form such that they can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals.
Currently ISCO has a collection of ten hpSC lines that are shared with collaborators and used for research purposes. Although these ten stem cell lines conform to all relevant US standards, they were derived outside the United States. New cell lines created under this study will be ISCO's first hpSC to be produced in the United States. ISCO's scientists, leaders the field of creating therapeutic cells from hpSC, will work with these lines targeting new treatments for human diseases. The company will also share these cells with other scientists to further clinical research. ISCO intends to derive and store these cells at its Oceanside facilities, which are designed to create cells suitable for clinical use.
Simon Craw, PhD, says, "These approvals, combined with our technology, make the establishment of a bank of immune matched stem cells practical and allow for the possibility of cell-based therapy to be economic for millions of people. We believe we are one of the first commercial entities in the United States to have progressed to this point."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical issue of using fertilized eggs. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated technological developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "should," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and therapies, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
Simon Craw, PhD, Vice President
760-940-6383
sc@intlstemcell.com
Exercise Prevents Acidic Prostate Treatment Bone Loss
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Exercise may reduce, and even reverse, bone loss caused by acidic hormone and radiation therapies used in the treatment of localized prostate cancer, thereby decreasing the potential risk of bone fractures and improving quality of life for these men, according to a study presented on October 28, 2007, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 49th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
"Prostate cancer patients are not routinely advised to exercise. Walking is one tool that prostate cancer patients can use to improve their health and minimize the side effects of cancer and cancer treatments," said Paula Chiplis, PhD., RN, the lead author of the study and a clinical instructor and senior research assistant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
"Walking has no harmful side effects, if done moderately, but it can dramatically improve life for men suffering from side effects from some prostate cancer treatments."
Men with localized prostate cancer frequently receive radiation therapy followed by months of acidic hormone therapy to treat their cancerous acidic state. Read more...
Biotechnology Stock in News; Novavax Inc. – Beacon Equity Research
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SunHerald.com | Biotechnology Stock in News; Novavax Inc. Beacon Equity Research Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) announced that it has been awarded a government contract for developing flu vaccines. The contract has been awarded to the company in collaboration with VaxInnate Inc. The contract is likely to be worth $215 million. ... Biotechnology Stock on Watch; Novavax Inc.Tech24 Government Backs Futuristic Flu ShotsForbes (blog) N.J. company gets contract for new flu vaccineNewsworks.org (blog) |
Giving HIV a Poor Reception: New AIDS Treatment Tinkers with Immune Cell Genes
By Dr. Matthew Watson
BOSTON--A novel treatment for HIV could involve changing the genes in a person's immune cells and, ultimately, in his or her stem cells, as well. It might even lead to a cure for that deadly disease. Promising advances in that direction were presented here Monday at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.
The pieces have been coming together for some time. First came the understanding that HIV enters a cell by grabbing on to a CD4 receptor molecule on the surface, and then on to a co-receptor molecule--the one most commonly used is called CCR5.
ACT Awarded Patent for Stem Cell Generation Technique
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Original Article Source - Mass High Tech
Advanced Cell Technology Inc. has been given a patent for its nondestructive technique of obtaining human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. Called “single-blastomere” technology, the technique was referred to in a statement by ACT interim chairman and CEO Gary Rabin as “one of the most significant” among the Marlborough biotech’s more than 150 patents and patent applications.
“It will help us accelerate our progress on a number of fronts, including deriving embryonic stem cells which meet the regulatory standards of the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, using the single-blastomere technology,” Rabin said, in the statement.
ACT (OTCBB: ACTC) said in a news release that its single-blastomere technique avoids embryo destruction by using a one-cell biopsy approach.
In January, the company pulled in a $25 million financing and was cleared by the FDA for its Investigational New Drug application to use hESCs in treating Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Rabin has been serving in his interim roles at ACT since mid-December, when William M. Caldwell IV, then chairman and CEO, died unexpectedly. Caldwell had held the CEO role of ACT since 2005 and the chairman post since 2006.
International Stem Cell Corporation Updates on 2010 Initial Product Launch of its Lifeline Skin Care Products
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care, Inc. ("LSC"), has now completed its evaluation of the highly successful trial launch of its new stem cell skin care product line in November and December 2010, and will move forward with its general marketing program.
Lifeline Skin Care products contain parthenogenetic stem cell extract and were developed by the ISCO research team in collaboration with world recognized cosmetic chemists. The breakthrough products deliver leading advances in skin rejuvenation technology that help to prevent and repair damaged skin. The products are available through our online store at http://www.lifelineskincare.com.
"Sales to date have greatly exceeded our expectations for the trial launch. These initial sales resulted from a very limited product offering made to subscribers of only one of the several newsletters of our marketing partner, John Mauldin, plus a small direct mailing to interested parties and ISCO's shareholders who had signed up for general corporate information through the ISCO website," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care.
Lifeline Skin Care is now ready to move forward to the next phase of distribution, which will commence near the end of March. That phase will consist initially of a customer solicitation conducted by John Mauldin's specialty Internet and direct response marketing organization. "We almost never endorse or sell a retail product," said Mr. Mauldin, "but the results of both our informal testing and the company's formal studies have convinced us that the Lifeline Skin Care products really are a game-changing advance in skin care. I have not seen such a strong response in online marketing in the last ten years. We are all very excited and proud to be involved."
Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of ISCO, issued a cautionary comment to its investors. "We are incredibly excited by the prospects of this new product from our Lifeline Skin Care subsidiary. Selling over 7,000 bottles through a very limited trial launch, as we have done, represents a significant first step, but it would be imprudent for us to base projections of future sales or profits on a sample base of this size."
ISCO investors should note that under ISCO's current revenue recognition policy, a large portion of the Q-4 2010 sales will not be included as revenue in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. Sales of these products meet our revenue recognition criteria after our 30 day product guarantee period has been completed.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and has developed cell based skin care products through its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, product marketing plans, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, President & CEO
Vice President, ISCO
ras@intlstemcell.com
"A Little Egg On the Face" – LifeLine Skin Care Stem Cell Cream Article
By Dr. Matthew Watson
"A Little Egg On the Face" by Rebecca Tolin (read San Diego Magazine article here )
Women have been known to slather their faces with fruit, fish oil, foreskin (uh huh, the target of circumcision) and even the neurotoxin that causes botulism?—?all in the name of looking pretty. Now an Oceanside biotech has another novel ingredient for the aging-averse: stem cells from unfertilized human eggs.
“It’s not like a woman donated eggs in Encinitas and three months later it’s in someone’s skin in L.A.,” explains Brian Lundstrom, president of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISSC) in Oceanside, parent company of Lifeline Skin Care. It’s more like this: Women go to in-vitro fertilization clinics to get pregnant. There are often leftover eggs from that process. Researchers select stem cells, grow billions of them, and extract the bits that skin loves, such as growth factors?—?with permission from the donors, of course. Scientists then whip ’em up with antioxidants and sell the stuff in a slick plastic tube for about the cost of a month’s supply of Frappuccinos.
Is this a noncaffeinated fountain of youth? Ruslan Semechkin, the CEO of Lifeline and a biologist by training, says an eight-week study showed the day-and-night serum combo reduced the number and depth of wrinkles and made skin brighter, tighter and moister?—?though he wouldn’t say by how much. (Semechkin is 25, has the olive-tinged skin of a baby and admits a complexion of his variety doesn’t need this heavy hitter.)
Even in the stem cell world, youth is coveted. Lundstrom says stem cells taken from unfertilized eggs?—?the very seeds of life?—?are the youngest around and can become any cell in the human body. This is the first time such stem cell fragments have found their way into beauty cream, he explains. And because the eggs aren’t fertilized, they bypass the embryo controversy.
Someday, movement in the paralyzed and memory in the aged could be restored by using such cells; ISSC has already grown a human cornea that could cure blindness in people with eye damage. These breakthroughs may be decades away, but ISSC’s “cosmeceuticals” are just the beginning. Profits from pocketbooks of the age-obsessed will fund the biotech’s research for other therapeutic drugs. So if you’re considering spending a small fortune to plump things up, you could call it a contribution to science.
Lifeline Defensive Day Moisture Serum sells for $155 and Lifeline Recovery Night Moisture Serum costs $185. It’s available at lifelineskincare.com.
Liam Neeson with Diane Kruger in the slick thriller Unknown – RTE.ie
By Dr. Matthew Watson
AskMen | Liam Neeson with Diane Kruger in the slick thriller Unknown RTE.ie A respected scientist, he's heading to Berlin with his gorgeous wife (Jones) where he is scheduled to give the keynote address at a biotechnology conference. So far, so good. When he leaves his briefcase behind at the airport, however, ... Keeps you guessing until the endSpencer Daily Reporter (blog) Unknown: Settle back and enjoy the breakneck paceDaily Mail Unknown is a silly Bourne knock-offMetro Lake County News -Solano Tempest -Herald Scotland all 115 news articles » |
Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Excess dietary salt is notorious for increasing blood pressure – blood volume increases, placing more stress on blood vessel walls. This forces the heart to pump harder against the pressure, and also structural changes that harden the vessel wall (this hardening is called stenosis) occur in response to these high pressures.
About one-third of all American adults and over 50% of those over the age of 55 have hypertension, and hypertension carries significant risks. Elevated blood pressure accounts for 62% of strokes and 49% of coronary heart disease. [1] Notably, the risk for heart attack and stroke begins climbing with systolic pressures (first number in the blood pressure reading) above 115 mm Hg – considered “normal” by most standards.[2] Also, dietary salt is not only dangerous to the cardiovascular system, but also contributes to kidney disease, osteoporosis , ulcers, and stomach cancer. [3] Read more...