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The Awesome Antioxidant Curcumin

“Getting Back to Awesome”

Dr. Anthony Capasso

If you haven’t heard about or tried the awesome antioxidant curcumin, you may want to give it a try. Curcumin is the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color. It was commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine as far back as 3000 BC. It was first studied in humans in 1937. Studies done in the 1940’s and 1970’s have shown to be beneficial on regulating blood sugar levels. It has recently come under the scientific spotlight with at least 3,000 studies so far investigating the numerous health benefits.  These studies have linked curcumin to the protection against various cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, diabetes, and arthritis.

Curcumin and Muscles

A recent study from the Journal of International Society of Sports completed in Italy found that consuming 1 gram per day of a proprietary curcumin extract called Meriva improved muscle pain and soreness after a strenuous running exercise. The supplement was given 2 days before the run and continued for 1 day after the run. In addition, blood markers for inflammation tended to be lower in the Meriva group versus the non-Meriva group.

I have successfully seen some of my patients improve their joint pains and sore muscles with proper use of curcumin. I have found using 2-3 grams of a highly absorbable curcumin taken at night, along with consumption of healthy fats such as walnuts, has helped many of my patients overcome exercise-induced soreness and pain, ultimately allowing them to be more active.

Curcumin and Cholesterol

Abnormal lipids can be commonly found in obese patients.  Cholesterol or lipid panel is made up of bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (BAD). Triglycerides are the amount of 3-carbon sugar fats in your blood.  They are commonly elevated in patients with diabetes or poor blood sugar control. Elevated levels can be problematic to your health as well as increasing inflammation within the body, which can potentially lead to many illnesses including heart attack and stroke.

According to studies performed in Iran and England, the consumption of 1 gram per day for thirty days of curcumin (Curcuplex Cr) led to significant decreases in triglyceride levels in obese patients. Results showed that curcumin supplementation reduced triglyceride levels by 10-13%. No other changes in lipids or body fat were seen in that study. The researchers think the triglyceride- lowering effect is related to curcumin’s insulin-sensitizing effect and/or its anti-inflammatory effect on adipose cells.

In addition to fish oils, I will often suggest adding 1 gram of curcumin with a meal to help lower my patient’s triglycerides, especially if they are diabetic.

Is all Curcumin the same?

No. Naturally-found curcumin doesn’t get absorbed very well. Studies have shown that doses of curcumin in up to 12 grams per day have shown little  to no curcumin in the bloodstream. It seems to be absorbed better when it’s consumed with a fatty meal. A number of delivery forms have been developed to assist with absorption, including nanocrystals and gels, emulsions, and liposomes.  One method to increase curcumin absorption is to take it with an extract of black pepper called piperine. Another good means in which to improve absorption utilization is phytosome technology. It combines phosphatidylcholine with the curcuminoids in curcumin, resulting in a compound that is very well absorbed (29x better). Therefore, curcumin needs to be in specific forms to achieve optimal absorption and benefit. It is best to use pharmaceutical -grade supplements because of their purity and enhanced abortion formulations that are available. My two favorite are Curcuplex CR (Xymogen) and Meriva (Thorne) because of the aforementioned qualities.

Because of the regulatory environment in which we live, dietary supplements cannot claim to prevent, mitigate cure, or treat any disease. However, in Canada the Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) authorizes Meriva to bear the claim “helps relieve joint inflammation and associated symptoms such as joint pain when used in conjunction with conventional treatment. Provides antioxidants for maintenance of good health.”

I hope you enjoyed this blog.

Call now at 904-694-0992 for more information about Curcuplex CR or Meriva . Any of our supplements can be ordered online. Go to: www.letsgothin.com

Dr. Anthony Capasso

“Getting Back to Awesome”

What Can Facial Rejuvenation Do for Your Skin?

With today’s medical advances and available product lines there is absolutely no reason to look older than you really are or older than you feel. Age is truly just a number when you visit Thin Centers MD. Let Dr. Capasso evaluate your skin and recommend the right course of treatment for achieving your most beautiful skin ever.

Specifically, Thin Centers MD specializes in a number of facial rejuvenation products and procedures perfect for improving your appearance. Reveal your true, vibrant skin today.

• HydraFacial: uses LED light therapy to enhance the benefits of your facial. The red light used during this treatment improves the appearance of your skin’s textures by adding firmness to your skin. A HydraFacial will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face as well as improve hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging. Other lighting options are available during your treatment, making this procedure helpful for patients with sensitive skin as well.

• VenusFreeze: VenusFreeze is an anti-aging treatment that is specially designed to compliment your facial treatment at Thin Centers MD. VenusFreeze works to plump and tighten your skin by using radio-frequency and heat. VenusFreeze also rebuilds collagen below the surface of the skin making your face appear brighter, more supple and youthful.

• Purigenex Collagen Facial: This facial treatment reduces the signs of aging by erasing fine lines and drawing toxins out of your skin with a cold collagen mask.

• Obagi Blue Peel Radiance: Based with salicylic acid, this skin peel provides gentle results. However, rest assured that you will see results after just one visit. This peel exfoliates your damaged skin, revealing the radiant, glowing skin beneath the surface.

No matter what you believe your unique skin needs to be, Thin Centers MD has a facial rejuvenation product that is perfect for creating your most beautiful skin ever. If you’re unsure which product is right for you, contact us today to schedule your first consultation and appointment.

Reduce Inches from Your Waistline with the Zerona Laser

Have you been dieting and exercising but still have stubborn, visible fat deposits? For those patients that have tried and tried to eliminate fat in key areas with limited success, but perhaps are not ready for surgical fat removal, Thin Centers MD has the perfect laser solution for you.

The ZERONA Laser safely and effectively removes fat from stubborn areas of the body – all without surgery. Avoiding surgery also avoids, time, expense, potential complications, and patient downtime. Get back to work quickly – and your co-workers will never know that you’ve had help with your problem areas.

The ZERONA Laser is perfect for those patients who need help tightening a post-pregnancy tummy or reducing the volume of love-handles. ZERONA is proven to eliminate inches from these areas, quickly and safely. Full results should reveal themselves within two weeks of receiving treatment.

ZERONA is approved by the FDA and uses a laser to dissolve your fat cells below the surface of the skin. No needles, no surgery. Most of our patients report that treatment with the ZERONA laser is completely pain free and comfortable, in fact the laser is completely cool on the surface of your skin.

Your session will take less than one hour, however we do recommend multiple sessions for optimal results. Many patients choose 6 treatment sessions spaced out over two weeks.

Stop fighting or covering up your stubborn fat deposits. Show off a beautiful new waistline with the ZERONA laser. Contact Thin Centers MD for your initial consultation today and learn if ZERONA is the solution for you.