- The Shakes are:
~ Gluten free
~ Lactose free
~ Low in Sodium
~ Safe for people with thyroid conditions, IBS, and for women who are pregnant or lactating.
ViSalus & MS
Unfortunately, MS is a disease state, and we can't make claims on diseases as we are a supplement.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune mediated disease of the central nervous system that affects over 350,000 Americans. Special cells that are integral components of the immune system including; T lymphocytes, macrophages and soluble mediators of inflammation cause demyelination (destruction of the covering of the nerve sheath/covering of the nerve) and axonal (a part of the nerve) injury in MS. Experiments in mice models (SLJ Mice) with chronic relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain) (EAE) have been useful for testing potential therapies for MS. Activated macrophages release nitric oxide and oxygen free radicals that cause demyelination and axonal injury in MS and EAE. Natural anti-oxidants potentially could favorably influence the course of MS by decreasing oxidative injury. Investigators in Oregon are assessing the efficacy of several natural anti-oxidants in the management of MS (ginkgo biloba, alpha-lipoic acid/essential fatty acids and vitamin E/selenium).
There is reasonable clinical evidence that dietary manipulation and an increase of antioxidants may offer some benefit, but the details are not known. See Nutritional supplements (below) for more details.
Special Diets - While many different diets have been proposed as a treatment or even a cure for the signs and symptoms of MS, there is no rigorous evidence that they are effective. Having said this there are certainly many reports of improvement using specific diets that generally emphasize the following:
Low saturated fat, increase in essential fatty acids and a high fiber diet similar to the recommendations of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society may be of some benefit in some patients with MS. Increasing fish consumption, fruits and vegetables are to be encouraged. While many of these diets have not been scientifically proven to alter the course of MS, each has its proponents. We encourage you to check with a qualified holistic minded dietitian and conduct your own research on what diet may be most effective for you.
A diet low in fat and cholesterol is still the most highly regarded option by most health care professionals. Also, avoid alcohol, sugary sweets, tobacco and other “vices,” that may feel good, but really aren’t that good for you. Low-Fat Diet - The most popular diet prescribed for those with multiple sclerosis is one low in fat. First proposed by Dr. Roy Swank in 1952, the low-fat diet has come under the closest scrutiny. It is also a well-rounded diet for most people, with or without MS. While most dietitians encourage lowering fat intake, for those with MS, a high fat diet is considered quite harmful by many health care advisers. The reason: high fat encourages the production of Prostaglandin 2 - a chemical response to fat intake, which triggers our immune response. In those with MS, the immune response is faulty - attacking healthy cells. A low-fat diet, it is argued, may help to monitor the production of the chemicals based on fat intake which triggers these responses.
PUFA (Poly unsaturated fatty acids) Supplement Diet – includes supplements of linoleic acid, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil and evening primrose oil. PUFAs are elements of myelin and are being studied for their effect on MS. (Check out Omega Vitals by Visalus, this is an excellent source for these).
Gluten-Free Diet – excludes any wheat and rye products and restricts other carbohydrates, coffee and alcohol.
Allergen-Free - If your immune system is busy fighting allergic reactions, it is reasoned, it is too exhausted to fight true invaders such as those associated with MS. This is the rational behind an allergen-free diet.
Raw Foods – a diet of only natural (unprocessed) foods including a daily intake of germinated wheat. Also recommended: raw root vegetables, whole wheat bread, cheese, butter, honey, and raw milk, eggs and ham. Not included: salt, sugar, candy, condiments and some leafy greens and certain vegetables. For those with a fat intolerance, some foods may not digest well such as butter, eggs, ham and raw milk.
Enzyme Therapy - A therapy that uses various enzymes to aid in digestion and absorption of vital nutrients present in foods and nutritional supplements. I have a difficult time with this therapy as most enzymes are destroyed within seconds of reaching your stomach. Thus, if you decide to embark in enzyme therapy, be sure that the supplement you take “guarantees” that it passes through your stomach and is not made available to your body until the supplement has reached your small intestine where acid levels significantly decline (ie more neutral pH)
Nutritional Supplements:
There is compelling evidence that much of the damage to the myelin sheath (covering of the nerve) is caused by oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is the process whereby free radicals (7 trillion formed/second in our body during normal situations) damage normal structures. This process occurs because we live in an oxygen rich environment (the paradox of oxygen…we need it to live, but it is also causing us to age and get many diseases-including MS. For details please see www.visalus.com and check out the uploaded talks from Dr. Seidman.
Zarling et al found that people with MS attacks had significantly higher pentane levels in their breath-a strong marker of oxidation.
Thus, my primary recommendations for people with MS are the following:
Take a powerful antioxidant: I recommend the following supplements from Visalus Sciences Inc.: The Vi-pak and you could consider doubling the Omega Vitals and the Anti-age formula.
Are you Bloated & Gassy?
In terms of gas, it is common for people to experience gas when they change to a new diet… and that’s any diet. For most people it will take 3-6 days for their body to adjust. The gas is likely being caused from one of two sources:
1. Fiber. The shake has a full serving of fiber (great for colon and heart health). Since only about 13% of us get enough Fiber every day, it is likely the adjustment to more fiber (and more regularity).
2. If the gas is consistent each day, after 3-4 days and not getting better – it could be lactose in milk. Some people do not adjust well to getting the lactose back into their body (we all need calcium..but some people don’t adjust as easily). If after a week they still have gas it is likely they are not tolerating lactose well. If that is true, then they should use lactose-free milk (Lactaid is one brand) or lactose-free soy milk. They can also try rice milk, almond milk. We have them use these milks to get more protein and to get more calcium in their bodies.
3. If after trying lactose-free milk for a week, they still experience gas, then take a look at the Vi-Slim tablets. If they are a smaller person, it could be the chromium is too much. Have them cut to 1 tablet twice a day.
Typically it is just a minor timing adjustment to getting more fiber, more calcium in the body.
For constipation, be sure she drinks at least 2 -3 glasses of water between shakes. With 74% of adults dehydrated, one of the side effects can be constipation.
Also be sure to blend fruit into the shake, as it adds more fiber, but fruit also has fluid in it and that gets the water into the intestinal tract to help ease elimination.
If after a few days, that does not help, switch to using lactose free milk, lactose free soy milk (it will say lactose free on the label) or try rice or almond milk.
Celiacs & ViSalus
Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts ofgluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present
Vi-Pak, Vi-Shape, Vi-Slim, V-Trim are gluten free, as are 4 of the 5 Health Flavors (Orange Health flavor has a little gluten).
Our cookies do have gluten, just a very small amount. Gluten intolerance is a problem in about 0.5% of the population, mostly in white northern Europeans. The content of wheat in the nutracookie is actually pretty low, far below the oats which have NO gluten.
WIthout wheat flour the cookie falls apart. Making one without gluten is tough but doable. Our nutritiionist suggests they can try one and see how you feel (but only one the advice of your doctor). The total amount of wheat flour is about 1-2 grams.
Also note that this cookie has a prebiotic fiber added and many people with intolerance find that the prebiotic inulin actually DECREASES gluten intolerance.
One respected site says:
Prebiotic plant fibers or supplements are the nourishment for the healthy growth of good bacteria. The fibers do not contain gluten and can be recommended for all celiac patients. So, eating generous amounts of gluten-free vegetables and fruits likely will push the bacterial colon balance in a favorable way.
Crohn's & ViSalus
Chron's disease (colitis)is an inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract. It is thought to be an auto immune disease, where the body's immune system attacks the gastro intestinal tract.
Symptoms vary, and no two people are alike, so they should talk to their doctor before taking any of our products. There is some evidence it can be helped with diet.
Here is a good link from Web MD on diets.` I would think that our Vi-Pak, Nutra-Cookie, and shake could be beneficial. They should run it by their doctor, as every case of chron’s is different. Neuro, etc. should be fine too, as it has high b vitamins which they may find helpful.
IBS & ViSalus
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find that eating prompts symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea (or, sometimes, alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea), and bloating. Making adjustments to the diet can provide relief.
· People with IBS are told to limit or eliminate foods that may make diarrhea worse, including caffeine, alcohol, milk products, foods high in sugar, fatty foods, gas-producing foods (such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli), and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol (often used in sugarless gum and sugarless candy). To reduce constipation, add fiber and drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise.
Our shake should be fine, but they will need to use lactose free soy milk, rice milk or almond milk if they find milk products add to their discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis & ViSalus
Eating certain foods or avoiding certain foods may help your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no specific "arthritis diet." On the other hand, if you find certain foods worsen your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and others help your symptoms to improve, it makes sense to make some adjustments in your diet.
A recent study showed that 30% to 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from excluding "suspect" foods that are identified with an elimination diet. An elimination diet guides you in removing suspected "trigger" foods from your daily diet. Then, after a period of time, you slowly add the suspect foods HI into your diet and watch for increased pain and stiffness. For some people, eliminating those foods that seem to trigger pain and stiffness may help decrease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Can Some Fats Increase Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Yes. Studies show that saturated fats may increase inflammation in the body. Foods high in saturated fats, such as animal products like bacon, steak, butter, and cream, may increase inflammatory chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, some findings confirm that meat contains high amounts of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid that's converted to inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find that a vegetarian diet helps relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness. Other people with rheumatoid arthritis, however, get no benefit from eating a diet that eliminates meat.
Is Omega-6 Fatty Acid Linked to Inflammation With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Omega-6 fatty acids are in vegetable oils that contain linoleic acid. This group of vegetable oils includes corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and sesame oil. Studies show that a typical western diet has more omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acid is a polyunsaturated fat found in cold-water fish.
Consuming excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids may promote illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. It may also promote inflammatory and/or autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Ingesting fewer omega-6 fatty acids and more omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, may suppress inflammation and decrease the risk of illness.
Many studies show that lowering the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids contained in the diet can reduce the risk of illness.
Omega-3 fatty acids, the polyunsaturated fats found in cold-water fish, nuts, and other foods, may have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. The marine omega-3 fatty acids contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are substances that may decrease inflammation. Some studies show a positive anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids with rheumatoid arthritis. The same is true for heart disease. This is important because people with rheumatoid arthritis also have a higher risk of heart disease.
Human studies with marine omega-3 fatty acids show a direct relationship between increased DHA consumption and diminished C-reactive protein levels. That means reduced inflammation.
Which Foods Have Omega-3 Fatty Acids That Might Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
For omega-3 fatty acids, select cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout. Some plant foods are also sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They include walnuts, tofu, and soybean products, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, and canola oil.
Can Fish Oil Supplements Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
According to the American College of Rheumatology, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis report an improvement in pain and joint tenderness when taking marine omega-3 fatty acid supplements. You may not notice any benefit at first from taking a fish oil supplement. It may take weeks or even months to see a decrease in symptoms. But studies do show that some people who have a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids benefit from decreased symptoms and less use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
The American College of Rheumatology reminds consumers that fish oil supplements may have high levels of vitamin A or mercury.
Can a Mediterranean-Type Diet Help Rheumatoid Arthritis? Arthritis?
Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin found in food. It can also be obtained by supplementation. It is important to you if you take methotrexate, a commonly prescribed medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Your body uses folic acid to manufacture red blood cells. Supplementing with folic acid may allow people with rheumatoid arthritis to avoid some side effects of methotrexate.
Selenium helps to fight free radicals that cause damage to healthy tissue. Some studies indicate that people with rheumatoid arthritis have reduced selenium levels in their blood. These findings are preliminary and no recommendations have been made for selenium supplementation. One 3.5-ounce serving of tuna gives you a full day's requirement of selenium.
Supplementing your diet with bone-boosting calcium and vitamin D is important, especially if you take corticosteroids (like prednisone) that can cause bone loss. The risk of bone loss is higher in people with rheumatoid arthritis. So check with your doctor to see how much calcium and vitamin D you need to get daily through foods, supplements, and sunlight.
Can Weight Loss Help my Rheumatoid Pain and Stiffness?
Yes. Studies show that dropping extra pounds is important for your joints and overall health. Excess pounds put extra strain on knees, hips, and other weight-bearing joints, not to mention your heart. Being overweight or obese actually worsens the joints -- making them stiffer and more painful -- and can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis flares.
So net net, I would say that our shake (low in fat) may be beneficial, as would our Omega, and the VIpak, along with our Peach Health flavor that has glucosamine.
"Regularity" & The Shakes
The shake has a full serving of fiber, and digestive enzymes and prebiotics. So most people get ‘more’ regular on the program.
A number of factors can cause an intestinal slowdown, including:
· Inadequate fluid intake or dehydration
· Inadequate amounts of fiber in your diet
· Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement or delaying until later
· Lack of physical activity (especially in older adults)
· Irritable bowel syndrome
· Changes in lifestyle or routine, including pregnancy, aging and travel
· Illness
· Frequent use or misuse of laxatives
· Specific diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, thyroid disease and Parkinson's disease
· Problems with the colon and rectum, such as intestinal obstruction or diverticulosis
· Certain medications, including pain medications, diuretics and those used to treat Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure and depression
· Hormonal disturbances, such as an underactive thyroid gland
· Anal fissures and hemorrhoids, which can produce a spasm of the anal sphincter muscle
· Loss of body salts through vomiting or diarrhea
So be sure to drink plenty of fluids. 74% of adults are dehydrated which is a key contributor to constipation.
Also be sure she blends fruit into her shake, as fruit has fluid that helps get into the colon to help ‘ease’ passage.
If you see "Contains Milk" etc on the Label:
Our plant manufactures our Peach Health Flavor, which has some glucosamine in it (highly processed). So we are required by law to have the warning on the label. Same with the whey, which is derived from milk.
The plant makes 2 products with artificial peanut flavor, and 1 with a combination of artificial peanut flavor and natural flavor. Allergies typically are to the protein, not the flavor, but we are required by law to have this on the label.
Our plant is cGMP and FDA inspected. This means we have strict cleaning and sanitization, and storage protocols. In addition, we are kosher which has its own set of cleaning and sanitization protocols.
So the risk of cross contamination is minute, but we are required to have it on the label. They can speak to their doctor, and let them know the above.
If you have any health related questions, feel free to email me at zarngirl@hotmail.com.
