Flaxseed?

[Jackie]

Anyone got any experience with this? I read it was good for immune syytem.

Jackie

[jjgirl]

Hi Jackie
Read your post and Im not sure of the benefits of flaxseed.  I will ask someone to check it out for you and see what we might find out.  How are you doing?  I hope all is well with you.  You sound great!  Have a great day.
jj

[Jackie]

jj,

Thanks for the reply. And thanks for asking how I am. I would appreciate any info on flaxseed. I thought I read it was good for the immune system but at the same time it fought off damaging toxins and drugs. Don’t think I want it fighting with Peg!  

I am doing very well I think. I go today for my cbc’s to check on white cells. Doc was just gonna cut my Peg dose again Saturday but I don’t want to so I asked for another blood test to see if it was going up. I went 7/11 and the results showed 2.1. Went back 7/18 before the reduced dosage on 7/19. It had gone back up to 2.5. Hopefully today it will be back to normal. I have been pumping the OJ, Bananas etc. that are on the list of “Glow Foods” I posted on the board. I really don’t feel as tired! I seem to have more people stopping in to say hi in my office these days. I really think it’s the bag of pistachios and peanuts I have. HEE HEE

Hope you are well. How are you doing?

Jackie

[Shawn]

Flax seed it the only non-fish source of Omega-3 Fatty acids.  Omega-3's are really good for you - anti-carcinogen (I believe) Go to www.drweil.com, put the word "flaxseed" the search box. He has lots of info on that stuff. He highly recommend it, especially if you don't like fish.

(BTW - Fatty acids don't make you fat, people sometimes get that confused because of the name)

Shawn

[Jackie]

Thanks Shawn !

I will give it a look.

Jackie

[jjgirl]

Jackie
Hello again.  I am doing just great!!  Im enjoying my new grandson RJ.  He is 5 weeks old now and growing by the minute.  What a precious little boy he is.  I just love him with all my heart.  
Take care Jackie and pass the pistachios!!
jj

[Jackie]

jj
Wonderful news on the new grandson. Enjoy! They grow so fast.

Wow. I think I know why i'm not LOSING weight now........NUTS

[Jackie]

Hey Shawn thanks!

I liked that site. I popped him a few questions on flaxseed  while on tx. It also talked about  Schizandra. A Chinese berry. I love berries! Gonna look into that more.

Thanks again

Jackie

[Too_Tall]

Hi Jackie,
Here is a link to an article on the benifits of flaxseed in the diet.

http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/62/71499.htm

Another article I read on flaxseed said something worth mentioning as well...
It recommened that breast cancer patients who are taking the prescription drug "Tamoxifen" should not use flax seed. And pregnant women should not either.

It also mentioned that it's a good idea to add flaxseed to your diet slowly, as it does contain tons of fiber. And to drink plenty of water with it.

All in all, it is very healthy and anyone can benefit from it's use in moderation.

Take Care!

TT

[Jackie]

TT,

Thank you very much for the link. I will most assuredly check it out today.

Jackie

[caharris61]

I ckd out the link and it sounds like it would be good for everyone.  I for one am going to try it.  Thank you Jackie for bringing it up and thanks to TT for the link!!

[Shawn]

Hey Jackie,

I have been taking Schizandra with my Tx for 2 months now. Great stuff - keeps you from feeling fatigued - you can get it at most herbal stores - I use the one made by SolarRay in pill form...Six a day - three morning, three night. It was also recommended by Qungcai Zhang MD Chinese doc who wrote Healing Hepatitis C with Modern Chinese Medicine. Good book!

Good luck
Shawn

[Jackie]

Thanks Shawn,

Appreciate it! My I do feel fatigued! I will look into it.

Jackie

[catsRus]

 A couple of different views!

"In general, fats are neutral lipids (triglycerides), acidic lipids (fatty acids), and sterols (cholesterol, plant sterols). Triglycerides (dairy products, meats, oils, butter, and margarine) are the most common type of dietary fat and represent a major source of energy. The liver is uniquely proficient in regulating and processing triglycerides. Dietary triglyceride is digested in the intestine by lipase, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas in response to meals. Bile, which is a clear yellow to golden-brown substance containing water, electrolytes (salts), cholesterol, bile salts (detergents), phospholipids, and proteins, is secreted by the liver to aid in the digestion of fat as well as promote its absorption. Absorbed fat is then repackaged and transported into the blood, where the liver ultimately removes it from the circulation. Fat that reaches the liver is processed in three ways: (1) stored as fat droplets in liver cells, (2) metabolized as a source of energy, and (3) repackaged, secreted back into blood, and delivered to other cells in the body. Ultimately, all fats and oils find their way to the liver where they are sorted and processed. Because of the alteration in bile production in liver disease and its necessity for the metabolism of fats, patients with chronic hepatitis C should monitor their fat intake. Both the types and quantities of fats in our diets need to be considered when the liver is compromised in any way. The most important issue with regards to type has to do with "trans-fatty acids" which are produced by "hydrogenation" and are found in large amounts in altered vegetable oils; oils like margarine and vegetable shortenings. High levels of trans-fatty acids found in our modern diets are unnatural and very difficult for even a healthy liver to metabolize. Trans-fatty acids suppress a cholesterol regulating enzyme and also lead to raised triglyceride levels. Read the labels and avoid fats that are hydrogenated. A hepatitis-damaged liver uses and metabolizes the essential fatty acids very easily and this places very little strain on the liver, so look for natural fats (flaxseed, canola oils, nuts, fish oils, etc.) and try to reduce your dietary fats to around 15%-20% of your total caloric intake. The liver is also intimately involved with the processing of dietary cholesterol and is the main source of newly synthesized cholesterol in the body. Liver disease may be associated with both high and low blood cholesterol levels. In general, as liver disease progresses in patients with hepatitis C, the blood level of cholesterol drops."

[catsRus]

Diabetes Type II and Liver Disease Risks

by Jori Hickman-Metcalf

After finding out a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Diabetes Type II, I decided to do some research to learn more about this disease.  She also has HCV and I wanted to know if there is any link between HCV and Diabetes and wasn't too surprised to find out, there is.

Not a lot of research has been conducted about this issue; however, there is enough research documented to verify a definite correlation between Diabetes and liver disease.  In the Journal Hepatology, patients with chronic Hepatitis C Virus, HCV, and patients with unrelated viral infections that cause other liver disease, such as Hepatitis B Virus, HBV, were tested for Diabetes and compared.  It was evaluated that about 24% of HCV patients did indeed have Diabetes while only about 9% of HBV patients had it. It isn't a large difference; however, it could mean there are many people with undiagnosed diabetes and it indicates the higher prevalence of Diabetes in the HCV group suggesting that chronic HCV infection is adding an extra level of risk for Diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states there are approximately 5 million cases of chronic HCV in the Unites States alone, and that anywhere from one fifth to one fourth of these patients may also have an underlying diabetic condition.  Up to 16 million people in the United States and Canada have Diabetes Type II or insulin dependent Diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body loses its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.  The foods we eat are broken down and converted into a sugar called glucose.  After eating, glucose is released into the bloodstream and circulated to all the cells in the body.  It is then used to produce energy.  Too much glucose can damage certain organs.  In patients with Type II Diabetes, cells become less efficient in responding to signals that tell them to take glucose from the blood.  This is easily diagnosed by blood tests indicating elevated levels of blood sugar.  This condition is called hyperglycemia.  If hyperglycemia is left untreated, it can have severe damaging effects on the kidneys, nerves, circulation and affect the body's ability to fight off infections.  There is also an increased risk of heart attack and it can lead to blindness.

This information is very important to anyone who has a liver disease.  Although the association is not yet well understood, there does seem to be indication of higher risk to those who have any form liver disease and maybe even greater risk to those who have HCV.  The liver performs many critical functions in regulating blood sugar and much of the extra glucose that is not used to produce energy after a meal is taken up by the liver and converted into storage materials, like fat.  When there is no supply of glucose available, such as no in between meal, the liver produces glucose from these stored supplies in order to maintain blood sugar levels.  In patients with chronic liver disease who have suffered liver damage, the liver may not be able to keep up with normal glucose demands by the body.  This is when the patient of a liver disease is at the highest risk of Diabetes.

Some of the early symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight gain, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, high cholesterol and/or triacylglycerols, carbohydrate cravings yet extreme fatigue after eating them, numbness in extremities, and an inability to tolerate cold.

Obesity and inactivity have always been associated with Diabetes.  This can be managed by maintaining a healthier lifestyle.  Since many diabetics suffer from serious cardiovascular problems, it is important to talk to your health care professional before starting an exercise regimen.  You can learn ways to accomplish your goals that are least stressful to joints and less fatiguing in general.  Modest exercise, like brisk walking, is highly recommended and helps by increasing heart function, lowers blood glucose levels, and improves the body's balance of blood fats.  Moderate activity, enough to make you sweat a little and lasting at least 20-30 minutes four times a week shouldn't be a problem for many patients and as the latest studies show,  it may be lifesaving.  Exercise and a well-balanced diet are essential in maintaining a healthy weight and for the benefit of life expectancy.  

Adding supplements to the diet may also help along with exercise and proper nutrition to reduce the readings.  It is imperative that people with Diabetes monitor their blood sugar and keep thorough records.  

Chromium deficiency is common among diabetes patients.  This essential trace element is required for normal insulin functioning.  Diabetic symptoms result when there is a deficiency of chromium. A diet high in refined grains and sugars exacerbates chromium depletion because metabolizing these foods requires more chromium than they provide.  The recommended intake of Chromium is 50 to 200 mcg daily.  Even up to 400 mcg daily may not be enough to reverse diabetes.  One study I read revealed that 500 mcg of chromium picolinate twice daily did have a significant effect after four months on certain individuals.  Chromium picolinate is the most effective form of this supplement.  

Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oils have shown dramatic reversal of diabetes in rats.  Human studies are not conclusive of this; however, it is shown that insulin resistance correlates with low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids.  Flexible cell membranes have better insulin receptors, which allow for efficient glucose metabolism.  Polyunsaturated fatty acids help make cell membranes flexible, where as saturated fats make them stiffer.  Also important are magnesium, vitamins E, B6, selenium and all antioxidants.

Cont. next post.