Metabolic Frolic
Other than the wisdom we acquire with age, many of us would just as soon do without the many symptoms that crop up as we get older — such as weight gain, fatigue, and decline in sex drive, to name just a few of the most common complaints. Not to mention our increased risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Doctors have clumped many of these problems together into one name — metabolic syndrome. And they are starting to believe that DHEA could be the key to solving many of these problems.
Metabolic syndrome isn’t a disease, but is more a cluster of disorders of the body’s metabolism that often occur together, such as high blood pressure, high insulin levels, excess body weight, and abnormal cholesterol levels that combine to make you more prone to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Doctors believe that as many as one in four American adults, and 40 percent of adults age 40 or older have metabolic syndrome — which is an increase of 61 percent over the last decade.
The loss of hormones is one of the primary causes of these symptoms, and researchers are trying to assess whether we can safely replace some of those hormones, without increasing our risk of cancer. The hormone DHEA has been one of the more controversial hormones up for replacement consideration. Now, a recent study shows that it might be particularly helpful for certain metabolic conditions, particularly those that cause abdominal obesity.
The study took place over the course of two and a half years, and was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial — the kind that make it hard for even skeptics to argue with the results. All 56 of the participants were known in advance to have low levels of DHEA. The study concluded that raising the levels of DHEA in these individuals reduced their levels of abdominal fat, and helped to protect them against insulin resistance.
Given the prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, the results of this study could qualify as something of a breakthrough.
Dr. Wright has often, cautiously, recommended supplementing with DHEA. This study now adds to the case. The thing to remember, though, is that the best approach is to see if your DHEA levels really are low before you start supplementing, and to work closely with your physician, since there are risks associated with raising DHEA levels too high. However, when used properly, it can be a powerful anti-aging tool, helping you not only feel better, but avoid some of the more common and dangerous health complications associated with aging.
What’s in a name?
Q: In your report, New Secrets Every Woman Needs To Know you mention Panax ginseng, but I have not been able to find that particular kind in my local health food store. I have been able to find Korean and Siberian. Is it all the same?
JVW: Not exactly. In Chinese medicine, different ginsengs are used for different things. For example, Asian, or Panax ginseng is considered a heating herb, while American ginseng — otherwise known as Panax Quinquefolium — is considered a cooling herb. They each have a different set of qualities and conditions they are able to address. Also, there is a wide range in quality and price among ginsengs.
If you are new to the use of herbs, it might be a good idea to find an herbalist in your area to consult with. He or she will be able to help you locate the herbs you are considering, and also can make sure you are considering the right use of these herbs. Also, as herbs can be as potent as any patent medication if not more so (though generally not nearly as dangerous), you should keep your physician in the loop, especially if you are taking any other medications.
If you arent sure how to locate an herbalist, you might try searching the website of the American Herbalists Guild at www.americanherbalistsguild.com to find someone in your area.
What is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which peaks at age 20 and gradually declines with age. In fact, by the time you hit 70, you have only about 20 percent of the peak amount still circulating throughout your body.
Because DHEA is one of the many hormones that combine to give you your energy, vitality, sexual drive, and other elements of health, it is a good idea to regularly have your hormone levels checked to ensure that you are striking a healthy balance. In fact, this goes for when you supplement with any hormone. Liver function should be monitored when taking DHEA, and taking additional antioxidants is also advised. If you have existing prostate or breast cancer, you should only consider DHEA if advised by your physician for a specific reason.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004; 292(18): 2,243-2,248.
Morales AJ, et al. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age, J Clin Endrocrinol Metab, 1994; 78(6): 1,360-1,367
