The Pain & Stress Center is dedicated to researching and providing information and educational resources. There are links to our web site if you need additional information on our products. Whether or not you use our products, we believe the information we are giving will be helpful to you in making informed decisions about you and your loved ones' health. Click here for past issues >

Are you challenged with high cholesterol? Change the integrity of your blood vessels into a 6-lane super expressway by using policosanol. Policosanol is natural product purified from sugar cane or beeswax and is a phytochemical alternative to the classic lipid-lowering prescription drugs. Since our internal highway is the path to improved oxygen delivery, fluid muscle movement, hormone transport, and improved brain function, keeping that highway free flowing will keep our life active and vital.

Most research using the sugarcane-derived form of policosanol has been conducted in Cuba. The studies showed that policosanol not only reduced cholesterol levels, but also had positive effects on other cardiac risk factors, by reducing platelet "clumping" and inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque, macrophages, cellular debris, and often, calcium deposits on artery walls that causes them to harden and lessen their ability to dilate properly. Policosanol reduces the inflammatory response factors thereby reducing blood pressure.

RED YEAST RICE

Red yeast rice has been used in China for centuries as both a food and as a medicinal substance. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus over red rice. In Chinese medicine, Red Yeast Rice is used to promote blood circulation, soothe upset stomach, and invigorate the function of the spleen (a body organ that destroys old blood cells and filters foreign substances). In addition, this dietary supplement has been used for bruised muscles, hangovers, indigestion, and colic in infants. Recently, it has been discovered that Red Yeast Rice contains substances that are similar to prescription medications (statins) that lower cholesterol.

The following studies suggest that Red Yeast Rice can help control cholesterol levels:

• A recent 12-week study by UCLA School of Medicine showed a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-C (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (fatty substances that can also accumulate in the blood stream and cause damage to blood vessels).

• Two studies involving Red Yeast Rice were presented at the American Heart Association’s 39th Annual conference in 1999. The first study, involving 187 people with mild to moderate elevations in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol revealed that treatment with Red Yeast Rice reduced total cholesterol by 21% and triglycerides by 24%. HDL-C (good cholesterol) also increased by 14%. In the second study, elderly participants who were given Red Yeast Rice experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C (bad cholesterol) compared to those who received placebo. Both studies treated the participants with the supplement or placebo for 8 weeks.

• People with high cholesterol levels were exposed to an 8-week trial of Red Yeast Rice. Of the 446 people in the trial, those who received the Red Yeast Rice showed a large drop in cholesterol as compared to those who received placebo. Total cholesterol fell by 22.7%, LDL-C by 31%, and triglycerides by 34%; HDL-C, in the Red Yeast Rice group, increased by 20%.

VANADYL SULFATE

Originally, this mineral was named after the Scandinavian goddess of beauty. Vanadyl Sulfate is an important trace mineral that is derived from vanadium and is thought to be an ultra-trace mineral, meaning it is required by the human body in tiny amounts for good health.

Recent research suggests that it can improve glucose control in individuals with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It has been shown to enhance many of the same anabolic processes controlled by insulin. Along with testosterone, growth hormone and thyroid hormone, insulin is a major anabolic hormone. Insulin mimicking effects of vanadyl sulfate causes glucose and amino acids to be forced into muscle to a greater degree than would normally be assimilated. It also helps increase glycogen storage in muscle and improves protein synthesis creating improved receptor sensitivity to insulin.

Research studies show that Vanadyl Sulfate lowers both total cholesterol and LDL-C (bad cholesterol).

Vanadium is found in very small amounts in a wide variety of foods, including seafood, cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy, and gelatin.

Vanadyl Sulfate has also been used by bodybuilders to improve the fullness and vascularity of their muscles. It is thought that by mimicking the action of insulin, Vanadyl Sulfate forces more carbohydrates and amino acids directly into muscles.

Over-supplementing with Vanadium may be toxic. Oral Vanadyl Sulfate is thought to be the form of Vanadium least likely to cause toxicity. Dosages for glucose and cholesterol improvement call for a six-week protocol supplementing with 5mg or 25mg of Vanadyl Sulfate.

How to Reach Us

To order products: 1-800-669-2256
Website: www.painstresscenter.com
Email Address: news@painstresscenter.com
For questions about how to use Pain & Stress Center Products: 210-614-7246