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Volume 5 Issue 6

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Page 8| Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysMag.com ASK Abby ASK Abby Abby offers Free Consultations - Please call (813) 996-6999 Monday - Friday from 10 am - Noon to make your appointment Do you have a question for Abby? Send your inquires to: AbbysHealthAndNutrition@yahoo.com Dear Abby, I have heard a lot about magnesium stearate lately. Do I need to be concerned about magnesium stearate and why exactly it is used? -Paul Dear Paul, Magnesium Stearate is a compound of stearic acid (a naturally occurring fatty acid) chemically bound to the element magnesium. It is used in small amounts as a lubricating agent in the manufacture of supplements. Without such lubrication many ingredients would stick to the processing equipment building up and interfering with filling process. Stearic acid is common in the human diet, comprising as much as 25% total fatty acid intake. It occurs naturally in chocolate, Brazil and Macadamia nuts, coconut, dairy products and a variety of meats such as beef, lamb and pork. Stearic acid is very digestible and after it is taken up into the liver it rapidly converts to oleic acid, the highly desired mono-unsaturated fatty acid found abundantly in olive oil. This is most likely why studies have repeatedly shown that stearic acid does not elevate LDL, total cholesterol or triglycerides. One study that many people have used as evidence against magnesium stearate is a 1990 experiment. This study used stearic acid that you find in your food and studied T cells in mice and in this case the results cannot be applied to humans. This study has no relevance to human consumption of magnesium stearate. You shouldn't be concerned about magnesium stearate unless you get an allergic response which is a very rare occurrence Dear Abby, My mom (75 years old) had angioplasty and 2 stents put in four years ago. She has always been active and has eaten very well, emphasizing fruits and vegetables. After the stents were implanted her diet has consisted of 25 grams of fat per day. Her last blood work is within range: total cholesterol 178, LDL=87. HDL=70, Triglycerides=104. Despite this, she is experiencing shortness of breath on the smallest hills on her walking route. This is quite depressing and frustrating for my active mom. Her latest angiogram passed muster. I suggested nattokinase but would really appreciate your suggestions. Thanks so much for your help. -Beatrice Dear Beatrice, First, what medication is she taking? I'll bet that your mom's pristine lipid levels were obtained by her taking a statin drug. Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects of these drugs is fatigue and muscle damage. This may be the cause of her becoming fatigued easily. I agree with you about Nattokinase and I'd also suggest Oxypower by Dr. Chi to improve her lung power. You may have to ask her physician to check her fibrinogen level. Let me know how she does. Dear Abby, I have suffered from restless leg syndrome (RLS) for as long as I can remember. I have taken various dopamine products, iron and most recently I am taking Requip but do not feel like any of these address the problem consistently. -Tom Dear Tom, Be cautious with iron supplements. Know your blood iron level, as taking iron may make your RLS worse. I recommend magnesium taken in directed doses throughout the day and at bedtime. Keep the dosage below that which causes loose stools. Also taurine may help by improving your nerve membrane stabilization nerve fiber integrity, and electrolyte balance. Start with 1000 MG on an empty stomach when you wake and 1000 MG with magnesium before bed. You may also benefit from R-Lipoic acid, Ubiquinol and folate. Dear Abby, How healthy is a vegetarian diet? What supplements do vegetarians need? How do I improve my appetite for healthy foods. -Betty Dear Betty, The most common challenge with a vegetarian diet especially in blood type 0 ( meat eaters) individuals in the risk of falling short in vitamins B 12, iron and protein. A protein shake can offer a foundation of protein to help ensure that sufficient quality and quantity is consumed. Eating a wide variety of organic vegetables, beans, nuts, and fruit that correspond with your blood type as well as healthy fats and fiber ( such as chia seeds) with each meal will regulate your blood sugar and appetite. Take a food-sourced multi-vitamin and continue to eat organic healthy foods. Your body may feel so much better that eventually you will gravitate to these foods.

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