Metabolic Syndrome

Somewhere deep in the origins of aging and chronic disease states is a fundamental disturbance in glucose homeostasis. Insulin resistance is believed by many to be the origin of the metabolic syndrome. Following closely on its heels is hyperglycemia and glucose toxicity. Both insulin and glucose in excess amounts are directly toxic to the body, disrupting many metabolic pathways and damaging both cells and biochemicals.

The insulin-glucose relationship has direct effects upon the stress reaction and, consequently, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol resistance, which is a fundamental cause of Inflamed Brain (Sickness Syndrome*). Insulin increases plasma norepinephrine levels and growth hormone activity, which can raise blood pressure.(1) Excess glucose downregulates transmembrane and intracellular glucose transport along with glucose disposal pathways, both oxidative and nonoxidative. (2,3)

High levels of cortisol, which are associated with stress, can also negatively impact glucose levels. Stress triggers the adrenal glands to secrete specific hormones that can lead to a host of physical and mental problems: nervousness, poor memory, cravings for sweets, overeating, weight gain, fatigue, and compromised sleep. Adrenal stress has also been linked to reduced effectiveness of insulin, leading to increased fat stores in the abdominal area and unnecessary weight gain, which can increase the odds of developing diabetes or aggravating an existing diabetic condition.

Since glucose is the cellular energy source, the ramifications of these changes (increased levels of insulin, glucose, and/or cortisol) are far-reaching and ultimately detrimental to the body's well-being. Optimizing insulin-glucose activity is essential to good health, which can be achieved by incorporating the following nutraceuticals into the diet.

Nutraceuticals That Optimize Glucose Homeostasis Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamaldehydes and polyphenols from cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmanii) increase glucose removal from the blood in two ways. They directly activate insulin receptor kinase while inhibiting its dephosphorylation, which serves to increase insulin sensitivity in cells. Additionally, these chemicals increase the activity of hepatic glycogen synthetase, stimulating increased hepatic glucose uptake.(4) Cinnamon extracts also lower lipids and function as antioxidants.(5)

A study reported in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation (6) demonstrated the effect of cinnamon extract on diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. A total of 79 patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2, who were not on insulin therapy but were treated with oral antidiabetics or diet, participated in the four-month, double-blind study. They received either a placebo or a cinnamon extract capsule three times a day, with the amount of aqueous cinnamon extract corresponding to a daily dose of three grams of cinnamon powder. The patients receiving cinnamon capsules showed a 10.3% reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels compared to the placebo group (3.4%), with the decrease in plasma glucose correlating significantly with the baseline concentrations, indicating that subjects with a higher initial plasma glucose level would benefit more from cinnamon intake.(7)

Banaba Leaf Extract (GlucoTrim®)
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.), a remedy used for ages in the Philippines, appears to have several metabolic benefits, foremost among them an ability to increase cellular insulin sensitivity.(8,9) It has also induced a reduction of hepatic lipids and total body adipose deposition in murine laboratory models.(10)

A study was conducted with ten type 2 diabetics using various types of GlucoTrim® (soft gelatin capsules and powdered form in a hard-shell capsule). At the end of the multi-phase study, both groups showed a marked lowering of blood sugar--approximately 30% decrease for the soft gel group and 20% for the hard shell group--and enhanced glucose clearance from the blood. These results hold the promise that GlucoTrim® supplementation may aid in warding off long-term adverse effects of high blood glucose such as neuropathies, retinopathies, hypertension, liver disease, and the risk of kidney and heat failure. (11)

Nutraceuticals That Optimize the Stress Response
When the neurotransmitters (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) produced by the sympathetic half of the autonomic nervous system override the parasympathetic or vegetative neurotransmitters (gamma-amino butyric acid [GABA] and dopamine) that function as natural tranquilizers, the result is stress. And, as noted earlier, increased stress levels adversely affect glucose homeostasis.

L-theanine
Ingesting adequate doses of L-theanine (no less than 200 mg) has proved to be an effective counter-measure to dominant levels of sympathetic (or stimulant) neurotransmitters. An amino acid created by adding an ethyl group to glutamine, L-theanine antagonizes the stimulant effect of caffeine, increases brain dopamine and GABA levels, decreases brain serotonin levels, and has been shown to promote alpha brain waves--that state of cerebral activity that predominates in relaxation and meditative states.(12)

L-theanine is the most prevalent amino acid in green and black tea (Camellia sinensis) and is also present in a mushroom (Xerocomus badius), but is otherwise rare in nature. In supplement form under the name of Suntheanine® (the only patented and researched form of L-theanine), it has been linked to the following actions:(13)

improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, and promoting concentration
diminishing social anxiety
lowering blood pressure
diminishing symptoms of PMS
potentiating certain cancer chemotherapeutic agents

Laboratory studies have also demonstrated that theanine protects neurons from excesses of glutamate that may be released in some disease conditions (e.g., ALS and cerebrovascular dementia) and brain injuries (as occurs with strokes or trauma). As testament to its safety, it is added to more than 50 different food items sold in Japan, including soft drinks and chewing gum, to provide an anti-stress effect. Consistent use of Suntheanine® can not only offset many of the stress-related symptoms and illnesses, but also support the body's ability to achieve optimal glucose levels while reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

The Importance of Adaptogenic Ingredients
Adaptogenic ingredients increase one's ability to withstand stress while increasing mental alertness and metabolic efficiency. Ingredients like Schizandra berries, Camu Camu berries, and vitamin C are adaptogens that work to help the body adapt to stresses of various kinds and maintain homeostasis (a constant state of balance).

Schizandra Berries
Schizandra berries are unique in that they hold a remarkable blend of five distinct flavor properties: bitter, sweet, sour, salty, and hot. They also contain an array of active constituents, including schizandrins, schizandrols, schizandrers, and schizantherins--collectively referred to as lignans--that work together to enhance adrenal gland function and improve one's natural ability to tolerate both physical and emotional stress.(14)

Camu Camu Berries
Wildcrafted Camu Camu Berries (Myrciaria dubia) are believed to have the highest vitamin C content of any fruit in the world, containing about 2800 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit--about 60 times the concentration found in an orange. A well-recognized and potent antioxidant, the berries possess the additional benefits associated with a substantial content of niacin, riboflavin, phosphorous, and potassium (co-factors that enhance vitamin C uptake) and the amino acids valine, leucine, and serine, and bioflavonoids, which assist in the maintenance of mammalian small blood vessel walls. (15,16) Camu Camu plus vitamin C provide adrenal gland support and antioxidant protection and enhance energy levels, coordination, and endurance. It is important to look for a Camu Camu extract that has been hand-harvested or wildcrafted in the Amazon rainforest and has undergone temperature-controlled processing methods to maintain the essential properties of the C complex.

Enzymes
Enzymes are often the missing link that can help one experience the powerful and sometimes miraculous effects of these adaptogenic ingredients. The right blend of enzymes will enhance the nutrient availability, phytochemical availability, and desired actions of the adaptogenic ingredients found in a nutritional supplement formula.

AHP Adaptogenic Complex™
The AHP Adaptogenic Complex™ (patent pending) includes scientifically proven and exacting amounts of nutraceuticals, including NEC® vegetarian enzymes, schizandra berry extract, a complete blend of organic concentrated sea minerals, organic wheatgrass juice crystals, wildcrafted Camu Camu berry extract, and vitamin C. Classified as an adaptogenic blend, this complex is designed to increase the body's ability to handle stresses brought on by lifestyle and exercise, while increasing endurance and metabolic efficiency and maintaining homeostasis--a constant state of balance.

Summary and Conclusion
The increased incidence of diabetes coupled with the inescapable and, at times, overwhelming stresses of modern life make it imperative to seek out natural methods of balancing and strengthening the body's homeostatic mechanisms. Nutraceuticals that optimize glucose levels and the stress response are essential keys to enhancing overall health.