Anti Aging Medicine/ Medical Tourism

June 21, 2010

A-sante / Anti Aging Medical clinic and Spa

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:00 pm

By Tom Gegoire

Dear Friends,

I will share with you my hearts desire. That is to open A-Sante, both here in the states and Southern France.

Here is my Mission Statement.

A- Sante

Mission Statement

A life Changing Experience, Come stay with us a week and leave five years younger.

To transform hopelessness to a state of abundance, to a rich, and rewarding lifestyle.

To make a difference in a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

The Spa Services I will include are:

Therapeutic Massage     Body wraps           Body Scrubs
Liposuction / body contouring techniques,
IPL photo rejuvenation
Tummy Tuck, face lift, fat removal shots
Hair removal , permanent natural make-up
Waxing  pedicure, manicure, facials,   age spot removal
Microderm abrasion , Botox injections to name a few.
For the Anti aging medical side we will have chelation, Hyberbaric Oxygen Chambers, and everyone one will arrive with their In depth blood test panels. Our Physicians will be from the best Medical Schools.
We will also be staffed with the best herbologist and homepaths from around the world.
There will be an on site Western Pharmcy that compounds, as well as an On site Chinese medical Herboligist.
The weeks stay will include all breakfast and a variety of classes for the week that will be life changing.
A sample of those classes will be how to purchase and prepare real food that has been proven to be both great cancer fighters as well as great allies in prolonging ones life. There will be classes on basic nutrition, stress relief, Yoga, Pilates,
and several forms of meditation including Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Also on site will be a corporate Wellness Center and retreat with seating for several hundred and break out rooms to accommodate your corporate needs.
There will be live entertainment every night in our outside amphitheater as well as Golf, Tennis and Swimming.
On Friday evenings the medical staff will join our guest for for a casual complimentary barbecue and Talent night.
There will be locations in Northern California, Palm Springs, Northern Florida and the South of France.
More will be revealed. I need help with seed money of we have any altruistic investors out there.
Abientot,
Tom G

June 5, 2010

The Mightiest of Berries ( The Mighty Acai Berry )

By Tom Gregoire

Medical Jobs at UCSF posted at the bottom of this post. Thanks for coming by

Please feel free to visit the A-Sante Alternative medicine store  featuring

click here  (  http://astore.amazon.com/asan05-20   )

Acupuncture
Ayurveda
Flower Essences
Light Therapy
Magnetic Field Therapy
Manipulation Therapies
Oxygen Therapy
Single Homeopathic Remedies
Sound Therapy

Read Time : 4 minutes

Each day, every cell in the human body must withstand an estimated 10,000 individual assaults from externally introduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals.1

The progressive, system-wide destruction wrought by this continuous biochemical onslaught has been thoroughly documented in the scientific literature. In the older cells of aging animals, to take one example, researchers have found that one out of every three proteins is rendered dysfunctional by unchecked free radical damage.2

In the search for optimal defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on berry extracts. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that berry polyphenols’ antioxidant capacity powerfully targets numerous degenerative diseases, from cancer and atherosclerosis to impaired glucose control and blood lipid abnormalities.3-11

Touted commercially for years as a “superfood,” only recently has the açaí berry gained compelling scientific validation as an antioxidant powerhouse. Among the most recent findings:

  • After consuming a blend of açaí polyphenols, researchers recorded a three-fold increase in antioxidant capacity in the blood of healthy human volunteers.12
  • Antioxidants found specifically in freeze-dried açaí extract have been shown to enter human cells in a fully functional form and effectively neutralize free radicals at very low doses.13
  • Similarly, freeze-dried açaí extract has demonstrated unrivalled scavenging capacity against two of the most damaging reactive oxygen species, the superoxide and peroxyl radicals.14

In this article, you will learn how the antioxidant potency of açaí and other foods is assessed, using a measurement known as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC.15,16 You will find out the most recent research indicating that the full polyphenolic profile of açaí affords optimal antioxidant protection. You will also gain insight into the specific health benefits of açaí and similarly potent fruits and vegetables—and their unrivalled power to combat free radical damage and the killer diseases of aging.

Assessing Antioxidant Potency

The standard index for determining the antioxidant value of various organic compounds is known as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or ORAC.17-19 Developed by scientists at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts, the ORAC test is considered one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals. While other analytic methodologies may be used, ORAC is often considered preferable because of its biological relevance to antioxidant action in vivo (in living organisms).20 It measures both the degree and speed with which a certain food inhibits the action of an oxidizing agent, then integrates these two measurements into a single value, producing an accurate assessment of different types of antioxidants of different strengths.21,22

The ORAC value of a given food is proportional to its polyphenol content. Fruits and vegetables with a higher ORAC value—or richer color—have been shown to suppress free radicals more effectively than lightly pigmented foods.23 Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture advise that we ingest foods equivalent to 3,000-5,000 ORAC units per day in order to maintain optimal antioxidant protection in bodily tissues and plasma 24,25—a number that may be too low.

ORAC: Top-Ranked Antioxidant Foods
Açaí berries 18,400
Pomegranates 10,500
Blackberries 5,100
Bilberry 4,200
Blueberries 3,200
Plums 2,800
Raspberries 2,700
Strawberries 2,600
Oranges 2,400
Elderberry 2,200
Cherries 2,100
Black Currant 1,160
Red grapes 1,100
Broccoli flowers 900
Kiwi fruit 900
Beets 840
Red bell pepper 710
Grapefruit, pink 483
Onion 450
Corn 400
Eggplant 390
The numerical values above indicate ORAC units per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces).26-29

Unrivalled Free Radical Defense

The açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) is a species of palm tree indigenous to the area surrounding the Amazon in South America. Its berries resemble grapes and ripen seasonally in similar fashion, progressing from green to a deep purple color.30 They have long served as a critical nutritional source for the native peoples of Central and South America. Modern scientific analysis revealed that the açaí berry’s complete polyphenolic profile boasts a formidable array of beneficial compounds, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (11.1% and 60.2%, respectively), along with 19 health-promoting amino acids.31

Unrivalled Free Radical Defense
Click here to view

Celebrated in traditional cultures for its life-sustaining power, the magnitude of açaí’s antioxidant capability only recently emerged in scientific studies.32 Açaí powerfully counteracts several of the most destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals. In freeze-dried form, it has been shown to effectively inhibit the ROS superoxide in assays, and excels against the peroxyl radical in particular, with the highest reported total ORAC score of any fruit or vegetable.33 Açaí was also found to be active against the peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals in ORAC assays.34,35 It has also been identified recently as a potent COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor, which may give it the ability to provide relief from pain and inflammation.36

A study designed to evaluate total free radical scavenging capacity among various antioxidant foods revealed that when compared to common European fruit and vegetable juices, all the açaí samples studied ranked in the top class of peroxyl radical scavengers.37 The authors found the samples to be so high in antioxidant capacity that the numbers could only be estimated. Another study found that human plasma antioxidant activity is significantly increased after the consumption of açaí pulp and juice, observing individual increases in plasma antioxidant activity of up to 2.3-3-fold, respectively.38

Its potent antioxidant properties and highly beneficial polyphenolic profile endow açaí with a singular ability to combat cellular aging and oxidative damage. The latest research reveals the potential for significant beneficial effects on longevity and incidence of chronic disease. A study on the life span and survival of Drosophila melanogaster flies found that dietary supplementation of 2% açaí increased the life span of females fed a high-fat diet by approximately 20%, compared to controls fed a high-fat diet without açaí.39 Açaí was noted to promote the activation of important stress-response pathways, alleviate the oxidative stress of aging, and protect against the negative effects of dietary fats.40,41

What You Need to Know: Scientific Validation for Açaí
  • Every cell in the human body withstands an estimated 10,000 individual strikes by free radicals each day, a leading factor in aging and degenerative disease onset.
  • Although promoted commercially for years as a nutritionally dense food, the deep purple açaí berry has only recently gained compelling scientific validation.
  • In a recent clinical study, a blend of complete açaí polyphenols increased antioxidant capacity three-fold in the blood of healthy human volunteers.
  • Antioxidants found specifically in freeze-dried açaí extract have been shown to enter human cells in a fully functional form and effectively neutralize free radicals at very low doses.
  • Freeze-dried açaí extract is also extraordinarily effective against the most damaging reactive oxygen species, the superoxide and peroxyl radicals.
  • Scientific research suggests that together with similarly pigmented foods rich in anthocyanins (blueberries, black currant, and raspberries), açaí may serve as a frontline defense against multiple diseases of aging.

Evidence is also building for açaí as a major cancer fighter. Polyphenolic mixtures of açaí pulp and oil extracts inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cells in the lab by up to 90.7%42 and a study on human leukemia cells found açaí polyphenols reduced cell proliferation from 56-86%.43 Açaí pulp was also found to be protective when administered to mice prior to the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin.44

Açaí is also emerging as a major cardiovascular protector.45 In one study, açaí extract induced long-lasting endothelium-dependent vasodilation (relaxing of the arterial wall) in the abdominal vascular tissue of rats.46 Supplementation with açaí berries has also been shown to reduce total and non-HDL cholesterol in animals with experimentally induced high cholesterol.47

Açaí’s high antioxidant capacity also benefits brain function, with potential implications for the treatment of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that pre-treatment of brain tissue from the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus with açaí decreased ROS-induced damage of lipids and proteins in all brain tissues tested.48

Anthocyanins: Broad-Spectrum Disease Protection

Anthocyanins: Broad-Spectrum Disease Protection

The most powerful antioxidant berries to emerge in recent studies contain a class of polyphenols (plant-based compounds) known as anthocyanins. These nutrients produce the deep red, blue, and purple pigments found throughout the plant kingdom.

Fruits and vegetables bearing these colors—blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, black currants, beets, and açaí—are especially rich in anthocyanins. Although present only in minute quantities, they are readily absorbed into the blood upon ingestion, where they initiate a physiological response in the body that quells free radical activity.

The most up-to-date research indicates that anthocyanins confer a broad array of health benefits, including:

  • inhibiting cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in several cancer cell lines49-52
  • reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease53-55
  • enhancing glucose tolerance and lipid profiles56,57
  • improving eye function58,59
  • limiting cellular oxidative DNA damage.60,61

An 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study published this year confirmed not only that they are highly bioavailable—they can also significantly increase levels of other beneficial polyphenols in the blood.62

In addition to açaí, anthocyanins are distributed widely among nature’s most brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Other Beneficial Pigmented Plants

Blueberry

Blueberries have been shown to enhance cognitive performance, and are abundant in polyphenols that can cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in regions critical to learning and memory.63 Blueberries protect the myocardium from ischemic damage and prevent post-myocardial infarction heart failure.64 They have also been found to improve insulin resistance and thus glucose control in pre-clinical models.65 Taken together with probiotics, they may help counteract colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).66

Bilberry

This relative of the blueberry may provide a frontline defense against cardiovascular disease. Researchers have found that bilberry significantly inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, which contributes to hypertension by promoting dangerous narrowing of the arteries (vasoconstriction).67 Bilberries enhance short-term memory in animal models, suggesting they may have potential to help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.68 Like many anthocyanin-rich foods, bilberries also inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis in animal models.69 They improve insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent diabetes.70 Bilberry extract helps to upregulate enzymes that defend against ocular oxidative stress as well, suggesting it may be beneficial for protecting the eyes against age-related disorders, like macular degeneration.71

Black Currant

Black currant boasts potent anti-viral activity72 and has been shown to relax the aorta by enhancing the synthesis of nitric oxide.73 Black currant also reduced the oxidative stress induced by exercise and may enhance immune responsiveness to pathogens.74 One study found that black currant extract improved volunteers’ ability to adapt to the symptoms of tired eyes.75 Black currant has also been shown to stop the growth of certain harmful bacteria.76

Blueberries have been shown to enhance cognitive performance and are abundant in polyphenols… critical to learning and memory.

Cranberry

Cranberries are probably best known for the support they provide the urinary tract, by inhibiting the adherence of E. coli to the urethra and bladder.77 They’re also proven fighters of oxidative stress. An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 65 healthy women found that 1,200 mg of cranberry extract per day prompted a significant decrease in serum levels of advanced oxidation protein products—a key measure of oxidative stress.78 Cranberries also display anti-proliferative activity against several types of cancer in vitro and in vivo, including gastric cancer79 and esophageal adenocarcinoma.80 They may also help to fend off ulcers by preventing Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium which causes peptic ulcers, from adhering to the stomach lining.81,82

Blueberry, Bilberry, Black Currant , Cranberry, Elderberry, Pomegranate

Elderberry

Like black currant, elderberry is a natural anti-viral that shows promise in protecting against both seasonal and H1N1 swine influenza. Elderberry anthocyanins have been found to bind to H1N1 and block the ability of the virus to infect host cells. Researchers have favorably compared its activity to that of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®).83 A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a standardized elderberry product found that it reduced the duration of the flu symptoms to just 3-4 days.84 The study also showed it to be effective against 10 different strains of influenza. Elderberry also reduces lipid peroxides, neutralizes lipid peroxyl radicals, inhibits LDL oxidation,85 and offers significant protection to endothelial cells against oxidative stress.86

Pomegranate

Pomegranate provides broad-spectrum benefits across many physiological systems. Extracts of pomegranate have shown promise in reducing the potential for metastasis in breast cancer.87 They initiate programmed cell death and inhibit the proliferation of prostate, lung, colon, and other cancers.88-91 The fruit has also been shown to reduce inflammation in colitis92 and suppress inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis,93 not to mention its status as a known cardiovascular tonic.94

Other Beneficial Pigmented Plants

A rich variety of additional brightly pigmented foods afford similar health benefits.

Raspberries protect against DNA damage95 in HT-29 colon cancer cells, and inhibit HT-115 colon cancer invasion, in vitro.96 In combination with other berry extracts, raspberry extracts have shown efficacy against oral, breast, and prostate cancers in the lab.97 The antioxidant capacity of aronia or chokeberries have yielded some of the highest ORAC values recorded;98 drinking the juice of these berries reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage to red blood cells99 and in one study, a cholesterol-lowering effect was observed in animals with experimentally induced high cholesterol.100 Aronia has also been found to decrease lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.101

Grapes and grape seeds have been shown to inhibit colon cancer cell invasion102 and decrease LDL oxidation and platelet aggregation, among other cardioprotective activities.103 Grapes have also been found to extend the life span of fruit flies, and may help combat Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.104

Strawberry extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral, colon, and prostate cancer cells,105 improve lipid profiles and peroxidation106 and lower the risk of coronary artery disease.107

Other Beneficial Pigmented Plants
Click here to view

Blackberries have shown themselves to be extremely beneficial in the management of inflammation, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models. Blackberry extracts also show potential in inhibiting the growth of human colon cancer cells in the laboratory, suggesting a potential role in cancer prevention.108

Cherries have been found to reduce blood lipid abnormalities109 and glucose intolerance and abdominal obesity in mice.110,111 Tart cherries have been found effective in suppressing inflammation-induced pain.112

The benefits of anthocyanins are not limited to fruits: studies have shown that the black soybean shows promise in fighting colon cancer113 and insulin resistance,114 and promotes wound healing in skin cells and reduces inflammation in endothelial cells.115

Purple corn possesses anti-mutagenic effects, reducing expression of genes involved in proliferation of tumor cells.116,117

Summary

Each day, every cell in the human body withstands 10,000 individual strikes by free radicals, a leading factor in aging and degenerative disease onset. In the search for optimal defense against free radicals, scientists have focused intensely on berry extracts for their potent antioxidant capacity. Although promoted commercially for years as a nutritionally dense food, the deep purple açaí berry has only recently gained compelling scientific validation. In a recent clinical study, a blend of complete açaí polyphenols increased antioxidant capacity three-fold in the blood of healthy human volunteers. Antioxidants found specifically in freeze-dried açaí extract have been shown to enter human cells in a fully functional form and effectively neutralize free radicals at very low doses. Freeze-dried açaí extract is also extraordinarily effective against the most damaging reactive oxygen species, the superoxide and peroxyl radicals. Scientific research suggests that together with similarly pigmented foods rich in anthocyanins (blueberries, black currant, and raspberries), açaí may serve as a frontline defense against multiple diseases of aging.

Here are the Medical jobs at UCSF as of 6/9/10

Campus
SCIENTIST, CLINICAL LAB
32924BR SFGH Clinical Laboratory
The University of California Regents has implemented pay reductions and furloughs due to the State of
California budget crisis. This position may be subject to the pay reductions through August 31, 2010.
Performs all routine and special hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and blood gas testing; responsible for
the proper operation of instruments, including maintenance, troubleshooting and quality control; must be
able to work independently, recognize problems, identify cause and determine solutions; must be able to
work under pressure and maintain a high level of organization, accuracy and efficiency; incumbent will also
perform other duties as assigned. Note: $5,000 sign-on bonus.
Graduation from college with a major in an appropriate scientific field, possession of a clinical laboratory
scientist license or a similar license of equal or higher level issued by the State Department of Health; and
knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of duties assigned to the position; able to
work independently, under pressure; recognize and resolve problems while maintaining a high level of
organization; excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Note: Start date is contingent upon
proof of TB testing within the past year. Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Administrative Support
_____ASSISTANT III
32995BR Surgery
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. Given the significant increase in funding and projects in the Breast Care Center
(BCC) and the BCC Research Program, an administrative analyst is required to support the financial and
administrative work in the BCC; the incumbent will primarily serve to provide analytical and administrative
management support to the Research Programs Director and overflow support for the BCC Executive
Director; the position will contribute substantively to the development and implementation of the overall
administrative organization, procedures, and special projects – especially related to the new I-SPY Program;
the incumbent will provide analytical and administrative support for a variety of activities throughout the
BCC, and perform other duties as assigned.
High school graduation and four years of related administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; knowledge of or experience with basic techniques or methods required by the
position; excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interface with all
levels of staff and leadership; ability to work in fast paced, team based, dynamic environment; ability to
meet deadlines, multi-task, and work under pressure; high degree of commitment, flexibility, selfmotivation,
self-confidence, assertiveness, and high tolerance of ambiguity; excellent problem solving
ability; self-starter with the ability to work both independently and with teams; ability to interpret and apply
policies and regulations; demonstrated ability to be self directed with excellent organizational, analytical,
and detail; Orientation inter-personal and project related skills; demonstrated reliability and attendance;
knowledge of breast cancer terminology in order to assist with grant review documentation and submission;
experience working in an academic and research unit in order to provide academic support to researchers
and Administrative Directors; experience coordinating meetings and events with academic or research
institutions; experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), survey/meeting
planning tools (e.g., Survey Monkey), and research publication tools (PubMed and Endnote).
Requirements
Job Summary
33024BR S/D PRDS
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 3 of 13

Medical Center
Administrative Support
_____ASSISTANT II
33030BR Pediatric BMT
Under the general direction of the BMT Clinical Office Analyst, incumbent will provide comprehensive
administrative support to the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant service: schedule clinic appointments for
new and follow-up patients using IDX, schedule/arrange all post-transplant patient evaluations, compile all
necessary lab work and evaluations for clinic using STOR and schedule interpreters as needed; handle
phones including triaging of many messages; interact with patients, families, referring physicians, and billing
office; work with financial counselor to obtain insurance authorizations; maintain patient records and charts;
perform data entry in Peds BMT specialized database; transcribe and edit medical documents including
weekly conference agendas, letters and memos; and perform other duties as assigned.
· High School graduate or equivalent with three years related experience; · Ability to use good
judgment and work independently, at times under the pressure of deadlines · Ability to asses situations,
prioritize workload, develop solutions and make recommendations. · Excellent customer service and
communication/interpersonal skills, both over the telephone and directly. · Basic math skills
required. · Strong computer skills, including basic keyboarding skills, and experience with at least
two Office-type software programs (i.e., Word or Excel). · Proven ability to deal with a wide variety
of individuals; · Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. · Excellent
organizational and problem-solving skills. · Demonstrated administrative/office coordination skills;
Requirements
Job Summary
Nursing – Advanced Practice|Nursing – Perioperativ
NURSE, ANESTHETIST, SR
33015BR SOM Anesthesia
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is responsible to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing
surgical and obstetrical procedures at the Mount Zion and/or Parnassus site operating rooms, or to patients
undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures outside the OR, under the supervision of a faculty member
of the Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Care at the UCSF Medical Center. Duties Include: 1.
Determines the condition of patients prior to a procedure by reviewing medical records, assessing patient’s
status, conducting a thorough preoperative evaluation, and physical exam of the patient. 2. Plans for and
administers anesthetics, including inhalation, intravenous, and regional techniques. 3. Observes, monitors,
and records vital signs and other parameters. 4. Inserts invasive monitoring lines for an anesthetic, and for
interpretation of physiologic data. 5. Maintains patients in a surgical anesthetic state. 6. Determines the need
for, and administers fluids, blood products, and adjunct drugs. 7. Keeps the surgeon and responsible
anesthesiologist informed of the patient’s condition. 8. Takes necessary remedial action to correct
unacceptable changes in vital signs. 9. Documents anesthetic in accordance with legal requirements; records
type of anesthetic used. 10. Performs post-operative follow-up in the recovery room. 11. Communicates with
the assigned anesthesia faculty member, as needed, before, during, and after surgery. 12. When not assigned
to a case, is available for work as needed, determined by the responsible anesthesia faculty physician. 13.
Provides anesthesia care to patients at all the UCSF locations where anesthesia services are currently used,
and where anesthesia services will be required in the future. Prior to the date of hire, the incumbent will be
required to complete a credentialing process which may take up to 60 days.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and possession of the legal requirements to practice as a
Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing • Graduation from a school
of anesthesia accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Schools of Anesthesia • Certification by the
Council for Certification of Nurse Anesthetists • Knowledge and activities essential to the successful
Requirements
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities Bulletin Page 12 of 13

Allied Health
____ASSISTANT, HOSPITAL I
33002BR SFGH Clinical Laboratory – Specimen Collection and
The University of California Regents will implement pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position will be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The incumbent will answer multi line phone system and transfer calls as required;
accurately and clearly communicate information obtained from the laboratory manual and the laboratory
computer system to hospital staff, patients and telephone healthcare providers to report specimen problems
and critical patient results; provide specimen containers and gives collection instructions as necessary;
receive, timestamp, and document specimens into the laboratory for testing; prioritize blood, urine, stool,
and body fluid specimens for routine or priority handling; determine suitability of specimens; centrifuge
specific blood and non-blood; specimens; use pneumatic tube for sending and receiving specimens; and
perform other duties as assigned. For questions, please send email to sallie.holloway@ucsf.edu.
High school graduation or GED, and one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of
education/experience; knowledge of medical/clinical laboratory terminology; ability to communicate clearly
in the English language both verbally and written; strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate willingness to
be a team player; knowledge of computers; start date is contingent upon proof of TB testing within the past
year. Note: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment Opportunities B

Other Nursing
NURSE, CLINICAL II
33000BR Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other
types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) is an
interdisciplinary Center with the goal to shepherd new approaches to cancer prevention, detection, and
treatment into clinical and population settings. A Research Program Nurse is needed to provide clinical
resources for a team of 8-10 Analyst I-II, Clinical Research Coordinators; liaise with inpatient hospital units
(including the ICU); establish procedures for studies conducted in the inpatient environment; translate
protocols to medical orders, conduct in-service education meetings ensuring that training competencies have
been accomplished; coordinate training with the HDFCCC CRC training program, led by the Nurse
Educator; work closely with Lead CRC to monitor; collaborate with the HDFCCC clinical research unit in
the day-to-day training, assure that CRC’s utilize the system consistently, manage time appropriately and
collect data according to GCP’s. The incumbent will assist with projects, patient coverage, and other RN
duties as needed and whenever necessary. One of the goals for this position is the accomplishment of data
management issues by facilitating effective, timely reporting either at weekly scheduled protocol review
meetings or one-on-one meetings with CRC staff; and will perform other duties as assigned.
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board
of Registered Nursing and six months of clinical experience; previous experience in the recruitment of
potential clinical study participants in a busy multi-practice university setting; a minimum of two years of
experience in research or oncology nursing; a minimum of two years Clinical Research experience with
experience in recruitment of subjects; demonstrated knowledge of the ICH guidelines for Good Clinical
Practice; Institutional Review process; Federal Code of Regulation that pertain to human clinical research
and JACHO policies for in-patient and out-patient hospital areas; team player.
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial
ANALYST I
32999BR Medicine – Hematology/Oncology
The University of California Regents has implemented pay reductions and furloughs due to the State of
California budget crisis. This position may be subject to the pay reductions through August 31, 2010. The
GI Oncology Program is a dynamic and growing multidisciplinary team focused on cancer research;
program members are involved in conducting translational research including studies authored by Program
Investigators and collaborative research projects with multiple cancer centers, private companies in biotech,
philanthropies and pharmaceutical industries. Under the general direction of the Program Leaders, the
Program Analyst will provide regulatory administration, data and project management, development and
administrative support for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Neuroendocrine Outcomes
Database; the incumbent’s responsibilities will include: responsible for the collection, management, and
review of patient clinical data and interfacing with Program Investigators, and study sponsors; clinical data
and database project management activities will include careful and timely maintenance of accurate database
files; interpreting; abstracting data from various medical record sources and report generation; and
performing other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in Biology or health care or a related field and one year of experience in administrative
analysis or operations research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; demonstrated
proficiency in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology; proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and
other Microsoft Office applications; ability to think independently and work within a team-based and
dynamic environment; excellent organizational skills; excellent verbal/written communication and analytical
skills; ability to relate effectively in person and on the telephone with physicians, nurses, data managers, as
well as medical records and information science departments required; requires bending, climbing stairs;

ANALYST III
33021BR Human Research Protection Program
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. Under the supervision of the Associate Director, the Cancer Center
Assistant Coordinator will work within the HRPP and in close liaison with UCSF’s Helen Diller Family
Comprehensive Cancer Center and especially the Cancer Center’s Investigational Therapeutics Initiative
(ITI) to facilitate the review and approval of human research applications submitted by Cancer Center
faculty. As guided by broad priorities established by HRPP and the Cancer Center, incumbent will analyze
and evaluate proposed projects and programs involving human research subjects as well as specific
applications to the Committee on Human Research; determine which projects and applications need
incumbent’s attention; and provide advice to faculty and staff on how the projects, programs, and
applications can best comply with ethical, regulatory, and procedural requirements for human research
approval. As needed, incumbent may provide training to individuals or groups of staff in the preparation of
applications; attend Cancer Center meetings as needed to remain familiar with Cancer Center concerns and
provide advice related to human subjects protections; screen and edit applications for CHR approval and
return them to researchers for changes; prepare template forms that can serve as models for numerous
applications; attend CHR meetings where high priority studies are reviewed; consult with CHR chairs and
vice chairs regarding concerns and priorities; draft correspondence conveying CHR concerns to
investigators; screen researchers’ responses to CHR correspondence; advise researchers on steps needed to
obtain final approval; and ensure rapid handling by HRPP of high priority Cancer Center applications.
Incumbent will maintain and apply broad knowledge of Cancer Center research activities and priorities and
IRB standards, policies, and procedures. Incumbent will also coordinate UCSF correspondence and IRB
Facilitated Reviews with the National Cancer Institute’s Central IRBs to ensure UCSF Cancer Center faculty
can fully participate in national cooperative group studies; and will perform other duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in life, physical, social sciences or related field and three years of experience in
administrative analysis or operations research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
minimum 3 years work experience in the human subject protection program or in clinical research; sufficient
professional experience, adequate education, and sound judgment to comprehend, interpret and analyze
publications and reports concerning applicable policies, procedures, and regulations and California laws; a
proven working knowledge of a significant body of scientific and medical concepts and terminology; ability
to work both independently and cooperatively in a high-pressure environment; demonstrated ability to retain
confidentiality, exercise judgment and make sound decisions; demonstrated ability to communicate clearly
and effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to write general committee correspondence and summary
analysis; ability to investigate and analyze scientific topics on the internet and in biomedical journals; strong
organization skills; must multi-task, be organized, able to re-prioritize tasks as needed, and be flexible;
ability to work well with a wide variety of customers, including faculty members, committee members and
chair persons, committee staff, senior academic administrators, federal regulatory officials and funding
agency auditors in a thoroughly and consistently professional manner; flexibility and willingness to provide
backup as needed, for assigned projects; proficiency with MS operations, including advanced skills in Word
and Excel. Note: This is a critical position; fingerprinting and a background check required.
Requirements
Job Summary
33029BR Research
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Contracts and Grants Division is the office of record for all contracts
and grants for research, training, and public service proposed and received by UCSF; it is responsible for
contract and grant analysis and implementation, review and submission of all contract and grant proposals,
negotiation of award terms and conditions, and certain post-award activities including close-out; Contracts
and Grants is directly responsible for the accurate review and processing of all extramural funds received at
UCSF including federal and private non-profit grants, federal, state, and municipal contracts and fellowship
awards; additionally, the Division works with UCSF faculty and staff as well as funding agency officials to ensure compliance with University and external regulations. This Pre-Award Analyst reviews federal and
non-profit grant and fellowship proposals as well as federal, state and city contracts for compliance with
University and awarding agency requirements, proper facilities and administrative cost application, budget
analysis, CAS/A21 review, and inclusions of compliance certifications as needed, etc.; serves as point of
contact with campus research administrators and advises departmental staff/faculty on proposal preparation
and proper interpretation of federal and non-profit award terms; post-award administration activities include
review/processing of re-budgeting actions, review of federal agency terms and conditions for University
acceptance, and reviewing/correcting proposal information entered into electronic Research Administration
system for federal proposals and awards; the Pre-Award Analyst is expected to develop the requisite
knowledge and expertise to be granted signature authority for sponsored agreements and perform other
duties as assigned.
BA/BS with a major in a related field and three years of experience in administrative analysis or operations
research, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to obtain assigned levels of
signature authority on behalf of the University; able to comprehend and interpret complex language related
to federal, non-profit and University regulations in order to ensure that research practices are in accordance
with regulatory requirements and ethical standards; knowledge of grant submission process including
preparing, completing, and collecting required information for federal and non-federal grant applications;
ability to work independently and cooperatively in a high-pressure environment, with time sensitive
deadlines; ability to manage several projects simultaneously; ability to work independently and
cooperatively in a high-pressure environment, with time sensitive deadlines; ability to manage several
projects simultaneously; excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential to interact
effectively with diverse internal and external professional groups and sponsors; word processing experience
and the ability to learn database systems and use electronic portals for proposal submissions; previous
administrative experience working with grants/contracts required or similar complex administrative
experience. Background Check and Fingerprinting Required for this critical position.

FUNDRAISER II
32972BR University Development and Alumni Relations
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The UCSF Foundation and the Office of University Development and
Alumni Relations (UDAR) are responsible for fostering and strengthening the campus outreach efforts to
UCSF constituents and for garnering private support for the campus. In raising private support, UDAR
identifies, qualifies, solicits and stewards donors for the schools, medical centers, departments and programs
on campus; for formal acceptance and administration of all private gifts to the university through The
Regents or the UCSF Foundation; and for managing all alumni relations activities, campus support group
activities and campus events. The office is also responsible for the design and implementation of
fundraising campaigns for UCSF. The Director, Annual and Special Giving is a key member of UCSF’s
Children’s Hospital and Health program; will help managing the strategic planning process for the central
Annual Giving campaigns for the Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital. Clients/stakeholders
therefore include the Chancellor, dean of the School of Medicine, and the Medical Center CEO. The
incumbent will work with the CEO of the Medical Center, Dean of the School of Medicine, Chair of
Pediatrics, the Executive Director of Development, Children’s Hospital, the Senior Director, Annual and
Special Giving, and the Director of Development Marketing to create annual strategic and operating plans
for integrated direct mail and telemarketing campaigns; set annual fundraising goals, identify key casebuilding
messages, and develop segmentation strategies and work closely with all clients/stakeholders,
Senior Director, Annual and Special Giving, and the Director of Development Marketing, manage the
creative development process; will also work to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects in the
range of $100,000.
Bachelor’s degree and experience in non-profit institutional development or an equivalent combination of
education and experience; considerable experience in Annual Giving and/or direct response marketing is
required; superb writing skills and excellent creative judgment; well-developed interpersonal skills,
including a strong service orientation and the ability to supervise staff; ability to work independently with
minimal supervision in a complex and challenging environment. Note: Fingerprinting and background
check required for this critical position.
Requirements
PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE III
32997BR Microbiology and Immunology
NOTE:The University of California Regents are considering implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or
other types of measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting
measures implemented at UCSF. The Department of Microbiology & Immunology is a basic science
department within the School of Medicine. We perform scientific research and training. The Department is
home to two Graduate Programs, the Immunology Program and the Microbial Pathogenesis Program, and
has a central mission to teach Microbiology and Immunology to professional students in the Schools of
Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry and to graduate students pursuing their Ph.D. degree. This position is
being created to independently coordinate all of the Department’s Teaching and Graduate Program
activities. The job duties will include producing course syllabi, maintaining program websites, overseeing
classroom assignments, coordinating two seminar series, coordinating two journal clubs, coordinating two
program retreats per year, preparing course materials and coordinating all classroom data collection (i.e.
absences, evaluations, exams). A major responsibility for this position will be to revamp the current
administrative processes for the Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis programs. The current
administrative structure is not working and this position will be responsible for evaluating the current
systems, as well as designing and implementing new systems and procedure; perform other duties as
assigned. The success of the administration of these programs will rest with this position.
Graduation from college and three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education
and experience; demonstrated course organization and administration experience; excellent analytical,
interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to complete all tasks with detail and
precision; demonstrated organizational, analytical and coordinating skills; ability to longitudinal plans for
parallel completion of multiple tasks; ability to anticipate needs and problems; proven ability to work
effectively with a wide variety of individuals and perform as part of a team; excellent demonstrated record
of attendance and reliability; excellent computer skills including use of Internet and e-mail, Microsoft Excel,
Word, PowerPoint, PhotoShop and Illustrator; strong writing skills that include the ability to compose, edit,
and proof a wide variety of documents, including confidential documents such as faculty evaluations and
student grades, with attention to detail; ability to use good judgment and discretion, and work independently
under the pressure of deadlines; ability to adapt with the evolving needs and responsibilities of faculty
supervisors and the courses and programs they direct.
Requirements
Job Summary
Professional and Managerial|Research and Scientifi
ANALYST IV
33003BR Family and Community Medicine
The University of California Regents are implementing pay reductions, furloughs and/or other types of
measures due to the state budget crisis. This position would be subject to any cost cutting measures
implemented at UCSF. The mission of the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) is to
educate students and residents in family practice with an emphasis on meeting the needs of the economically
disadvantaged and the medically underserved; to advance knowledge in family and community medicine;
and to develop methods of primary care that are effective, efficient, and accessible to all people; the
Department of Family and Community Medicine is internationally recognized for our pioneering research
programs in primary care and community health. The Center on Social Disparities in Health (the Center),
which is housed in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, has funding from the William K.
Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) for a nine-month planning phase of a proposed major project designed to
improve African-American birth outcomes and infant survival in California by directly and intensively
targeting social determinants of infant and maternal health; the funds requested will support the development
of the specific intervention protocols, project implementation strategies, and overall evaluation plans for that
larger project, which is currently under review at WKKF. The purpose of this position will be to act as
Project Coordinator of the planning phase, and ultimately of the larger project should it be funded; the
Project Coordinator will play a lead role during the initial 9-month planning period in developing protocol
and training materials for the two interventions featured in the full project: a group-based curriculum that
focuses on promoting financial management capacity among California Black Infant Health (BIH) program
Job Summary
Tuesday, JuneJob Summary
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 UCSF Employment
Job Summary
Tuesday, June

February 18, 2010

Killer Carbs- Fight it with Seaweed

Sea weed, Mans best friend
Killer carbs, marching into your mouth without your knowledge

FYI

I apologize for the misspelling in the heading. I am still trying to find out out to get back in and edit it.

By Tom Gregoire

Read Time: 7 Minutes

With today’s sophisticated culinary marketplace. Food producers are looking for ways to reduce their cost while attempting to remain competitive. One way Food Companies increase their profit is to place chemicals and carbohydrates as fillers.

Unless your reading every label, you are participating albeit un-willingly.

If you’re an American over 20 years old, you may already suffer from some form of impaired glucose control.

According to 2007 data from the National Institutes of Health, 25% of Americans 20 years and older had abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood—a pre-diabetic state. That number leapt to 35% in individuals 60 and older. Extrapolating from the total US population, nearly 60 million American adults may now be pre-diabetic.1

These statistics make it clear that the glut of excess carbohydrate calories lurking in the Western diet undermines our best efforts to maintain healthy metabolic function and body weight.

Far too many people have lost their metabolic capacity to properly process carbohydrates. The result is a looming public health disaster, as impaired glucose control initiates a series of metabolic disorders that sharply increases disease risk.

To reverse this lethal epidemic of impaired glucose control, aging individuals often require more aggressive measures than merely limiting carbohydrate intake.

Fortunately, researchers have discovered proven methods to limit one’s exposure to carbohydrate calories without dramatic changes in diet. It centers on a group of natural compounds called enzyme inhibitors.

These interventions block the action of sucrase, amylase, and glucosidase, digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown of various forms of carbohydrate. Instead of absorbing and converting these sugars into higher than desired blood glucose levels, you may be able to safely eliminate many of these excess carbohydrate calories.

These natural “carb-blockers” provide a practical approach to help lower glucose levels, improve age-related markers of health, and regain glycemic control.2

Combating the Scourge of Sucrose

Starting in early childhood, most Americans are exposed to far too much refined carbohydrates in the form of sucrose (table sugar). It is virtually omni-present in processed foods. It also happens to be an enemy to human health and an age-accelerator.

Many individuals do not even knowingly ingest it. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Nutrition, only 3% of dietary sucrose is deliberately added by consumers; 82% is added by manufacturers.3 And while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that sucrose comprise only 10% of total energy intake, many people substantially exceed this level from the earliest years of life—usually at the expense of key nutrients.3,4

Manufacturers know that most people will consistently choose sweetened over unsweetened foods and beverages.5 People will often continue to do so at the expense of their own health. After years of chronic exposure to sucrose, physiological processes not unlike addiction take hold. Rapid absorption of sugars from a high-sucrose meal triggers a dangerous sequence of unfavorable hormonal and metabolic alterations that promote still greater consumption, especially in overweight individuals.6,7 The result is the dangerously high incidence of metabolic disease we see today—obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.8-10

This alarming trend has led to a set of novel, evidence-based solutions. Aging individuals now have practical means at their disposal to slow or reverse the long-term consequences of chronic sucrose overexposure.

Sucrose is composed of two simple sugar molecules, glucose and fructose. It is poorly absorbed in the intestine in this form. In order to be utilized, it must first be broken down by the digestive enzyme sucrase. Blocking the enzymatic action of sucrase therefore limits uptake of sucrose.

L-arabinose

Researchers have identified a potent sucrase inhibitor called L-arabinose. Although it is a simple plant sugar, L-arabinose is indigestible and cannot be absorbed into the blood. Instead it remains in the digestive tract and is eventually excreted.11,12 By blocking metabolism of sucrose, L-arabinose inhibits the spike in blood sugar and fat synthesis that would otherwise follow a sugar-rich meal.12 In animal models, L-arabinose virtually eliminates the rise in blood sugar following administration of sucrose, with blood glucose levels rising only 2% higher than in control animals that did not receive sucrose. L-arabinose did not exert any effect on serum glucose levels in control animals that did not receive sucrose.13

L-arabinose has been proven safe in both short- and long-term studies, and may contribute to lowered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C),14 a measure of chronic exposure to sugar in the blood. A study combining L-arabinose and white bean extract (see next page) not only smoothed out postprandial glucose spikes and reduced insulin levels—it lowered systolic blood pressure.14

Chromium

The trace element chromium is another potent aid in the management of healthy blood sugar levels. Scientists have known for years that chromium aids in the management of type 2 diabetes, where it not only helps control blood glucose but also reduces total cholesterol levels.15-17 The combination of chromium with L-arabinose attacks multiple targets to prevent sucrose-induced blood sugar elevation and reduce sugar calorie exposure.

Complex Carbohydrate Enzyme Inhibitors

White Bean Extract

Extracts from the common white kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, are powerful blockers of the enzyme alpha-amylase, which is secreted by the pancreas.18,19 Alpha-amylase breaks down long-chain, complex starch molecules into simple sugars and short-chain oligosaccharides for absorption in the small intestine. Blocking alpha-amylase inhibits the metabolism of starches and slows the rate at which free sugars are absorbed.

White bean extract shows enormous potential for preventing the blood sugar and insulin spikes that are associated with many chronic health disorders.13 Slowing starch digestion also prolongs the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty its contents, further reducing the amount of carbohydrate calories released at any one time into the intestine.20

White bean extracts operate along numerous overlapping pathways in multiple, related physiological systems. Laboratory research shows that supplementation with white bean extract promotes weight loss in obese animals, with dramatic reduction in fat accumulation without loss of muscle mass.21,22 Plasma insulin levels also dropped substantially following a high-carbohydrate meal including white bean extract in pre-clinical studies, reflecting a much more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.22

Amylase inhibition with white bean extract has proven particularly effective in reducing glycemia (sugar load in the blood) in studies on diabetic animals. Supplementation in diabetic rats not only substantially lowered mean blood sugar levels; it also reduced the animals’ total food and water intake (water intake is increased in untreated diabetes because of the amount lost in sugar-laden urine).23 White bean extract has also been shown to boost levels of an intestinal hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK), which produces the sensation of satiety following a meal and reduces the urge to continue eating.24 Research further indicates it can restore overactive intestinal sugar-digesting enzymes to nearly normal levels, further reducing the sugar load.23

What You Need to Know: Irvingia
  • Roughly 1 in 5 Americans are pre-diabetic, a result of excess carbohydrate consumption.
  • The digestive enzymes sucrase, amylase, and glucosidase are primarily responsible for enabling carbohydrate absorption into the blood.
  • L-arabinose—a natural but largely indigestible sugar—blocks sucrase activity, preventing the sugar sucrose from entering the bloodstream.
  • Extracts of white bean, seaweed, and Irvingia block the breakdown of starch in the intestine, preventing their calories from being absorbed.
  • Green tea extract helps your body burn additional calories at rest.
  • Collectively, these natural compounds may dramatically inhibit total carbohydrate intake, limit postprandial blood sugar and insulin spikes, and generate weight loss.

White bean extract has yielded equally compelling results in human studies. It has been shown to diminish the effects of high-glycemic index foods (like white bread) that are notorious for producing sharp, potentially dangerous postprandial blood sugar spikes, helping to alleviate metabolic burden throughout the body.25 In obese but otherwise healthy patients, supplementation with white bean extract produces weight loss more than twice as fast as in controls.26 Even in people who are only slightly overweight, white bean extract reduces body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat tissue thickness, and waist circumference, while maintaining lean body mass27—key elements that are linked with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk.

White bean extract is highly effective even in aging individuals whose diets contain the highest amounts of carbohydrates.28 By blocking amylase and slowing starch digestion, it increases the amount of intact carbohydrates reaching the lower bowel, where they are consumed by beneficial intestinal bacteria.19 It has also been shown to induce a three-fold reduction in serum triglycerides compared to controls.26

White bean extract has an excellent safety profile, even at high doses.29 As with all the carbohydrate inhibitors reviewed here, it does not reduce blood sugar to below normal levels—an important feature for diabetics in whom large swings in glucose levels are especially dangerous.13

It should be noted that ingestion of white bean extract may result in minor intestinal protein losses, requiring additional protein intake.30

Irvingia

Extract of the wild African mango Irvingia gabonensis can produce weight loss by inhibiting calorie absorption and storage through multiple mechanisms. It also exerts potent anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects.31 Studies from Africa in the mid-1980’s showed that Irvingia extract normalized blood sugar in diabetic patients while increasing the activity of enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism.32 Irvingia extract also lowers blood levels of dangerous LDL and VLDL in diabetics, while increasing beneficial HDL levels.33 It mobilizes liver enzyme activity in favor of glucose storage and away from its release into the bloodstream, thereby improving glucose control.31

Irvingia works in part by inhibiting the amylase enzyme, and thus provides support for those attempting to restrict their total carbohydrate exposure and lose weight.31 In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study of obese but otherwise healthy adults, one month of supplementation produced a 5.3% body weight loss in supplemented patients, compared with only a 1.3% loss in the control group.34 These individuals also saw significant improvement in their lipid profiles. Additional studies confirm these findings, demonstrating significant reductions in body fat content, waist circumference, blood sugar levels, and markers of fat tissue regulation.35,36

White bean extract… has been shown to diminish the effects of high-glycemic index foods that produce sharp, potentially dangerous postprandial blood sugar spikes.

In addition to blocking amylase activity, Irvingia extract acts directly on fat cells to reduce lipid formation and storage.31,37 Its operation is multi-modal—downregulating genes that promote fat production—while upregulating factors that suppress it, including adiponectin,36,37 a glucose-regulating hormone that lowers fat-mediated inflammation and enhances insulin sensitivity.38 Adiponectin levels correlate with a reduction in risk for metabolic syndrome.39,40

Seaweed Extracts


Extracts from several seaweed species (actually the complex algae known as kelp) are potent inhibitors of amylase and another digestive enzyme called alpha-glucosidase. They have proven to be cost-effective means of preventing the progression of diabetes in pre-clinical models.41 In particular, extracts of Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum are known to help lower blood glucose in normal and diabetic animals.42,43

A recent detailed study of a seaweed compound containing extracts from both Fucus and Ascophyllum offers insights into their mechanisms and benefits. The combination was given to laboratory rats prior to a meal with a high glycemic index.44 Such meals typically produce a rapid rise in both glucose and insulin levels in the blood, with an equally rapid drop within 60 minutes. The glucose spike contributes to excessive formation of dangerous advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The insulin spike contributes to paradoxically low blood sugar at about 90 minutes, which can create a sensation of hunger, prompting excess food consumption.

The seaweed combination cut postprandial sugar spikes by 90% compared with untreated animals.44 That in turn reduced the insulin spike by 40%, which completely eliminated the period of low blood sugar that followed the meal in untreated rats.

In response to this seaweed combination, postprandial glucose and insulin profiles were modified to levels resembling meals with a much lower glycemic load. Blood sugar rose more slowly, achieved a shorter and more modest peak level, and then declined more gradually without ever “bottoming out” at an abnormally low level.

A recently completed human clinical trial produced similarly promising results. In this randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted at Laval University, 23 healthy volunteers consumed 500 mg of a Fucus-Ascophyllum combination along with a high-glycemic index meal of white bread. The seaweed combination produced a 44% reduction in the glycemic response that normally follows ingestion of such a meal. The seaweed combination also produced a 22% reduction in the initial insulin production following the meal, and an overall 5.9% reduction in the area under the curve of the insulin response. The study results will be presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in Anaheim in April, 2010.45

The findings suggest that in humans, the Fucus-Ascophyllum compound may lead to earlier satiety, longer intervals between meals, fewer urges to snack, and lower total calorie intake.

Green Tea Extract

Raising basal metabolic rate is another effective mechanism for offsetting excess carbohydrate intake. Green tea extract boosts the “resting” metabolism by inhibiting an enzyme called catechol-O-methyl transferase or COMT that breaks down noradrenaline, an adrenaline-like hormone that sustains energy production.55 The resulting higher levels of metabolic activity help to burn off excess calories.56

In a large clinical trial, a patented green tea phytosome extract produced exceptional weight loss in obese individuals. Supplemented subjects lost almost 31 lbs over 3 months, while controls lost just 11 pounds!57 Both groups followed a low calorie diet. Multiple studies of overweight and obese adults indicate that green tea extracts can reduce abdominal fat as well as total cholesterol, LDL, and fasting triglyceride levels.58,59

Green tea provides another benefit in helping to alleviate the metabolic burden imposed by excess calorie ingestion. It has been shown to inhibit the lipase digestive enzyme that breaks down dietary fats for absorption into the blood.60

Summary

Roughly 1 in 5 Americans are pre-diabetic, a result of excess calorie consumption and normal aging. Sucrase, amylase, and glucosidase are digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, and lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat, facilitating absorption of excess calories into the blood.

As humans age, the impact of chronic caloric overload enabled by these digestive enzymes can lead to an array of life-threatening conditions ranging from high blood sugar and insulin to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Natural compounds have been shown to effectively inhibit these digestive enzymes and impede the absorption of excess carbohydrate. L-arabinose neutralizes sucrase, reducing uptake of sugar (as sucrose) into the blood. Extracts of white bean, Irvingia gabonensis, and certain seaweeds block amylase and glucosidase activity, further reducing the number of ingested carbohydrate calories that are absorbed. Green or black tea extract can help reduce the activity of lipase, a digestive enzyme that helps break down fat in the gastrointestinal tract.

These natural compounds have been shown to effectively lower excess calorie absorption while reducing postprandial (post-meal) blood sugar and blood fat (triglyceride) spikes.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension® Health Advisor at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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2. Bischoff H. Pharmacology of alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Eur J Clin Invest. 1994 Aug;24 Suppl 3:3-10.

3. Erkkola M, Kronberg-Kippila C, Kyttala P, et al. Sucrose in the diet of 3-year-old Finnish children: sources, determinants and impact on food and nutrient intake. Br J Nutr. 2009 Apr;101(8):1209-17.

4. Ruottinen S, Niinikoski H, Lagstrom H, et al. High sucrose intake is associated with poor quality of diet and growth between 13 months and 9 years of age: the special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. Pediatrics.2008 Jun;121(6):e1676-85.

5. Vorster HH, van Tonder E, Kotze JP, Walker AR. Effects of graded sucrose additions on taste preference, acceptability, glycemic index, and insulin response to butter beans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1987 Mar;45(3):575-9.

6. Ludwig DS, Majzoub JA, Al-Zahrani A, Dallal GE, Blanco I, Roberts SB. High glycemic index foods, overeating, and obesity. Pediatrics.1999 Mar;103(3):E26.

7. Van Wymelbeke V, Beridot-Therond ME, de La Gueronniere V, Fantino M. Influence of repeated consumption of beverages containing sucrose or intense sweeteners on food intake. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jan;58(1):154-61.

8. Striegel-Moore RH, Thompson D, Affenito SG, et al. Correlates of beverage intake in adolescent girls: the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study. J Pediatr. 2006 Feb;148(2):183-7.

9. Palmer JR, Boggs DA, Krishnan S, Hu FB, Singer M, Rosenberg L. Sugar-sweetened beverages and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in African American women. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Jul 28;168(14):1487-92.

10. Culling KS, Neil HA, Gilbert M, Frayn KN. Effects of short-term low- and high-carbohydrate diets on postprandial metabolism in non-diabetic and diabetic subjects. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Jun;19(5):345-51.

11. Seri K, Sanai K, Matsuo N, Kawakubo K, Xue C, Inoue S. L-arabinose selectively inhibits intestinal sucrase in an uncompetitive manner and suppresses glycemic response after sucrose ingestion in animals. Metabolism. 1996 Nov;45(11):1368-74.

12. Osaki S, Kimura T, Sugimoto T, Hizukuri S, Iritani N. L-arabinose feeding prevents increases due to dietary sucrose in lipogenic enzymes and triacylglycerol levels in rats. J Nutr. 2001 Mar;131(3):796-9.

13. Preuss HG, Echard B, Bagchi D, Stohs S. Inhibition by natural dietary substances of gastrointestinal absorption of starch and sucrose in rats and pigs: 1. Acute studies. Int J Med Sci. 2007;4(4):196-202.

14. Preuss HG, Echard B, Bagchi D, Stohs S. Inhibition by natural dietary substances of gastrointestinal absorption of starch and sucrose in rats 2. Subchronic studies. Int J Med Sci. 2007;4(4):209-15.

15. Terpilowska S, Zaporowska H. The role of chromium in cell biology and medicine. Przegl Lek. 2004;61 Suppl 3:51-4.

16. Broadhurst CL, Domenico P. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus—a review. Diabetes Technol Ther. Dec 2006 Dec;8(6):677-87.

17. Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care. 2007 Aug;30(8):2154-63.

18. Mosca M, Boniglia C, Carratu B, Giammarioli S, Nera V, Sanzini E. Determination of alpha-amylase inhibitor activity of phaseolamin from kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in dietary supplements by HPAEC-PAD. Anal Chim Acta. 2008 Jun 9;617(1-2):192-5.

19. Obiro WC, Zhang T, Jiang B. The nutraceutical role of the Phaseolus vulgaris alpha-amylase inhibitor. Br J Nutr. 2008 Jul;100(1):1-12.

20. Layer P, Zinsmeister AR, DiMagno EP. Effects of decreasing intraluminal amylase activity on starch digestion and postprandial gastrointestinal function in humans. Gastroenterology.1986 Jul;91(1):41-8.

21. Santoro LG, Grant G, Pusztai A. Effects of short-term feeding of rats with a highly purified phaseolin preparation. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1997;51(1):61-70.

22. Pusztai A, Grant G, Buchan WC, Bardocz S, de Carvalho AF, Ewen SW. Lipid accumulation in obese Zucker rats is reduced by inclusion of raw kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the diet.

Br J Nutr. 1998 Feb;79(2):213-21.

23. Tormo MA, Gil-Exojo I, Romero de Tejada A, Campillo JE. White bean amylase inhibitor administered orally reduces glycaemia in type 2 diabetic rats. Br J Nutr. 2006 Sep;96(3):539-44.

24. Fantini N, Cabras C, Lobina C, et al. Reducing effect of a Phaseolus vulgaris dry extract on food intake, body weight, and glycemia in rats. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Oct 14;57(19):9316-23.

25. Udani JK, Singh BB, Barrett ML, Preuss HG. Lowering the glycemic index of white bread using a white bean extract. Nutr J. 2009;8:52.

26. Udani J, Hardy M, Madsen DC. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using Phase 2 brand proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Altern Med Rev. 2004 Mar;9(1):63-9.

27. Celleno L, Tolaini MV, D’Amore A, Perricone NV, Preuss HG. A Dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition of overweight men and women. Int J Med Sci. 2007;4(1):45-52.

28. Udani J, Singh BB. Blocking carbohydrate absorption and weight loss: a clinical trial using a proprietary fractionated white bean extract. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(4):32-7.

29. Chokshi D. Toxicity studies of Blockal, a dietary supplement containing Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer (Phase 2), a standardized extract of the common white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Int J Toxicol. 2006 Sep-Oct;25(5):361-71.

30. Deglaire A, Moughan PJ, Bos C, Tome D. Commercial Phaseolus vulgaris extract (starch stopper) increases ileal endogenous amino acid and crude protein losses in the growing rat. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jul 12;54(14):5197-202.

31. Omoruyi F, Adamson I. Digestive and hepatic enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed supplements of dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis) and cellulose. Ann Nutr Metab. 1993;37(1):14-23.

32. Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A. Erythrocyte membrane ATPases in diabetes: effect of dikanut (Irvingia gabonensis). Enzyme. 1986;36(3):212-5.

33. Adamson I, Okafor C, Abu-Bakare A. A supplement of Dikanut (Irvingia gabonesis) improves treatment of type II diabetics. West Afr J Med. 1990 Apr-Jun;9(2):108-15.

34. Ngondi JL, Oben JE, Minka SR. The effect of Irvingia gabonensis seeds on body weight and blood lipids of obese subjects in Cameroon. Lipids Health Dis. 2005;4:12.

35. Oben JE, Ngondi JL, Momo CN, Agbor GA, Sobgui CS. The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Lipids Health Dis. 2008;7:12.

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The above article was taken from Life extension magazine, February, 2009 author Dr. Julius Goepp

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