The Wobenzym Story
The Wobenzym Story - by Aftab Ahmed, Ph.D.
The story of enzymes is as fascinating in its details as it is amazing in its applications in promoting human health and wellbeing. Enzymes are proteins that are an integral part of Nature. In fact, life without enzymes would not be possible. Enzymes are needed for each and every chemical reaction that make life possible. No vitamin, mineral or hormone can exert its beneficial effects in the human body without the involvement of enzymes. Despite their central role in all bodily functions, it is only now that the full import of enzymes in human health and disease has begun to be fully appreciated. MUCOS Pharma, the pioneer in systemic enzyme therapy, has been the standard bearer for the last fifty years in having paved the way to elucidate the function of enzymes, and their use as an oral systemic therapy.
The history of enzyme research reads quite like a detective story, as diligence of dedicated scientists tested the secrets of enzyme function and developed preparations to alleviate human pain and suffering. It all started with a simple question: What are the enzymes? Years, even decades, of work finally yielded insights into the architecture of enzymes, which is beguiling in its simplicity and elegance, yet embodies the intricacies of their function.
What Are Enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins composed of amino acids, the basic building blocks of life, arranged in chains that spontaneously fold into three-dimensional structures. These three-dimensional structures confer specificity of function. Whereas all enzymes are proteins, not all proteins are enzymes. Enzymes are involved in nearly all metabolic and physiological processes in the body. Thus, they are a key in the maintenance of a strong immune system, a robust cardiovascular tree,a healthy and intact central nervous system, and optimal hormonal balance in the body.
The body produces its own supply of enzymes in requisite amounts, as and when they are needed. The enzymes, however, do get “used up” at rates faster than the body can replenish its supplies under a variety of conditions, such as consumption of “junk” foods or intake of medicines. In fact, with advancing years, the body loses its ability to produce sufficient amounts of enzymes to keep up the demands of the body imposed by metabolic attrition. This insufficiency is the root cause of susceptibility to chronic and age-related diseases.
Given that enzymes are required in all cells of the body to assist in chemical reactions, they participate in a myriad of reactions that allow organs, tissues and glands to function optimally and thrive. If the body is imagined as an efficient chemical factory, it is the enzymes that fuel each and every reaction in that factory. As such, enzymes function as catalysts. That is, they make things work at a faster rate. The reason enzymes are needed for bodily functions is that, in their absence, most of the physiological processes would either not take place, or would proceed at an excruciatingly slow speed. In other words, at normal body temperatures, it will be virtually impossible for the cells to perform their tasks speedily and efficiently. That means that enzymes initiate, maintain, accelerate, and terminate biochemical processes in the body to foster health and vitality.
Functions of Enzymes
Since they have unique structure, each enzyme is meant to carry out a specific task. Any given enzyme is evolved to fulfill a definite function, and this specificity allows the body to strictly control the use of enzymes. Once activated, an enzyme will perform its specific function until it is “exhausted,” or it is inhibited by another enzyme, in which case its activity is curtailed and/or stopped. As researchers have found out after years of painstaking and laborious work, there is a good reason for this control: It prevents bodily processes from spinning out of control, which may be deleterious to health and wellbeing.
Even casually, the specificity of enzymes suggests that there will be particular types. In fact, Nature has “engineered” families of enzymes for specific tasks. One of the most beneficial and abundant classes of enzymes is referred to as proteolytic enzymes. Enzymes in this category have the ability to “nibble” at other proteins, and break them down into smaller chains of amino acids. Hence the name, proteolytic enzymes, which literally means “chewing up proteins.”
On the surface, it might appear counterintuitive to degrade proteins in the body. Are proteins not required for optimal cellular function, and do they not afford good health and vibrancy well into the golden years? Indeed, they do! In disease, however, the human body produces proteins that could potentially have injurious effects, and further compromise health if left unattended. It was precisely this goal that Drs. Max Wolf and Helen Benitez set themselves roughly one-half a century ago when they started their quest to find a wholesome, effective and safe alternative for human health and wellbeing. Of course, their objective was to understand how cancer comes about and whether natural alternatives could be designed that will not wreak havoc on the human body as radiation and chemotherapy do. Despite their scientific astuteness, little did Drs. Wolf and Benitez anticipate that their systemic enzymes will afford man immense health benefits, irrespective of whether or not systemic enzymes “cured” cancer.
Drs. Wolf and Benitez, along with Dr. Karl Ransberger, a young biomedical researcher from Germany, tested a large number of enzymes from animal and plant sources. The work was slow, and it progressed in fits and starts, since the researchers had to optimize the conditions to isolate and purify the enzymes. Not only that, they had to struggle to maintain the activity of the enzymes, because the enzymes are notorious for being finicky and unstable. That is, if the enzymes are not handled properly under precisely defined condition, they become inactive. After all, the researchers were working in the 1950s, a time when the basic enzyme technology was still in its infancy, and individual scientists had to rely more on their wits than technology to tweak answers from Nature.
Once Drs. Wolf and Benitez had optimized the conditions necessary to maintain the enzyme activity, they started the next part of their work to combine and evaluate various enzyme formulations in assessing their beneficial effects. These must have been trying times for Drs. Wolf and Benitez. By its very nature, the work was slow, and required almost superhuman patience. After years of dedicated work, they finally experienced the Eureka effect! Their systemic enzymes worked! Perhaps, better than they thought, since beneficial effects of their enzymes were far more varied than they had expected in their wildest expectations.
Benefits of Wobenzym
Why did Wobenzym work so well? To a large extent, the answer rests with the type of enzymes contained in Wobenzym. These are proteolytic enzymes, which cleave other proteins. While under normal physiological condition, proteolytic enzymes maintain homeostasis in the healthy body, they also break down aberrant proteins that may arise during various diseases. Thus, in basic research and several tens of clinical studies carried out over the years under the auspices of MUCOS Pharma, Wobenzym has been found to degrade, for example, harmful and abnormal immune complexes that precipitate autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, immune complexes also thicken the blood, which potentially could trigger an array of diseases. These studies are a matter of public domain, and may be readily retrieved.
In fact, after some 50 years of Dr. Wolf’s work, we have come full circle. Dr. Wolf started his research to find a cure for cancer. After decades of diligent work, almost remarkable determination and scientific insights, proteolytic enzymes have been shown to help cancer patients. Thus, Wobe-Mugos, a sister product to MUCOS’ flagship product Wobenzym, is under consideration by the United States FDA for Orphan Drug status as adjuvant therapy for multiple myeloma, which is the cancer of B cells in the blood. In addition, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, affiliated with Cornell University Medical School in New York, has worked tirelessly to show that proteolytic enzymes are effective in the clinical management of pancreatic cancer. In recognition of his painstaking work, Dr. Gonzalez has been awarded a research grant by the National Cancer Institute to carry out a clinical trial. Undoubtedly, the work of scores of scientists and physicians over the decades deserves recognition, which has made this sea change possible. By the same token, however, it is also a testament to the insights, vision, and belief that Dr. Wolf had in his work.
Technology and Entrepreneurism
The story of science is replete with coincidences, which make things turn for the better. Dr. Karl Ransberger’s association with Drs. Wolf and Benitez was one such event that ushered in the era of systemic enzyme therapy. In addition to being an accomplished researcher, Dr. Ransberger also had an entrepreneurial streak, which he used to make systemic enzyme the world’s premier preparation, and maintains even today to chart new trails in enzyme therapy. Professional association between Dr. Ransberger and his mentor Dr. Wolf soon develop into business partnership and life-long friendship. When Drs. Ransberger and Wolf decided to move back to Germany with this truly innovative enzyme preparation for its time, in recognition of the work by Drs. Wolf and Benitez, it was given the name WoBeEnzym.. Over the past 45 years, Wobenzym has become a household name in Germany in particular but also in other European countries as well. Furthermore, Wobenzym is recognized all over the world with MUCOS Pharma’s subsidiaries in countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Czech Republic, India, Pakistan, Korea, New Zealand and, of course, the United States.
Technology Development
Before this success became possible, numerous scientific and technical challenges had to be met and overcome. One of the major challenges was to preserve the integrity of the enzymes during the manufacturing process. Enzymes are notoriously fragile: Exposure to heat deactivates them. In addition, even the slightest exposure to moisture prods them to chewing themselves up. That is the nature of the beasts. Enzymes contained in Wobenzym are proteins, and proteolytic enzymes do break themselves down (auto-proteolysis) — quite like the snake that cannibalizes itself by chewing on its own tail.
That was the challenge that faced Dr. Ransberger in the early 1960s: Namely, how to stabilize the enzymes while purifying them in large quantities with the highest potency. Purity and potency of enzymes is absolutely necessary to be effective. Dr. Ransberger was at the forefront of the efforts to develop the technology to achieve these goals. Under his leadership, scientists and researchers developed techniques that ensured that the enzymes are purified to the highest possible degree and are stabilized such that their biological activity is retained.
The next challenge, of course, was to the manufacturing of enzymes in the tablet form. Making tablets during the manufacturing process generates considerable heat. Being heat-sensitive as the enzymes are, it was absolutely necessary to keep the temperature down in order for enzymes to remain active. With remarkable ingenuity, Dr. Ransberger and his team optimized manufacturing conditions to cool down the tableting machinery and equipment to maintain exactly the correct temperatures throughout the manufacturing process for enzymes to remain “alive” and biologically active.
Like his mentor Dr. Wolf, the driving force for Dr. Ransberger’s hard work, dedication and commitment was to help people. That is the reason, the innovations at MUCOS did not stop in the 1960s. For example, today, MUCOS Pharma isolates chymotrypsin, one of the enzymes in Wobenzym, by state-of-the-art column chromatography. Over the years, breakthrough thinking combined with a burning desire to find safe and wholesome healthcare solutions has been the hallmark of MUCOS’ mission. It is the result of Dr. Ransberger’s lifelong focus, scientific and technological expertise and a businessman’s acumen that today Wobenzym is world’s most-renowned enzyme preparation.
By persistent efforts, extensive research and development, and innovative technology, Dr. Ransberger found a way to stabilize enzymes to withstand the harsh processing during manufacturing. It is this patented technology that MUCOS Pharma uses to not only extract enzymes from their sources but also to stabilize them such that enzymes retain their full biological activity. Without maximal activity, an enzyme preparation is not what it is cut out to be. That is the reason, MUCOS Pharma, and its North American corporate partner, Marlyn Nutraceuticals, stands foursquare behind Wobenzym.
Enzymes facilitate the smooth commerce of the bodily functions. They are an indispensable part of human health and disease. For good reason, then, in 1966, the editor of the Scottish Medical Journal editorialized thus in 1966: “Probably nearly half of our daily production of protein in the body consists of enzymes. Indeed, each of us, as with all living organisms, could be regarded as an orderly succession of enzymatic reactions.”
Wobenzym Quick Facts
1. What is a Wobenzym®N?
Wobenzym®N is a clinically proven combination of specific enzymes and the leading natural solution in systemic enzyme therapy.
Dr. Max Wolf’s designed Wobenzym®N using a sophisticated combination of the plant based enzymes bromelain (pineapple extract) and papain (papaya extract), natural pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, and the antioxidant flavonoid rutin.
Each Wobenzym®N tablet is protected by an enteric coated shell. This ensures that enzymes can bypass the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the small intestine where they can be absorbed and utilized.
Wobenzym®N’s precise enzyme formulation assists the body’s maintenance and support of a healthy immune system.*
2. What is systemic enzyme support?
“Systemic enzyme support” describes a therapy whereby enzymes are utilized to assist the body’s various regulatory and communication systems, specifically the immune system. A balanced immune system is a prerequisite for the condition we all want: good health. In order to make sure that the systemic effect of the enzyme support succeeds, active enzyme molecules must be available in the small intestine for absorption.
3. Why should I take Wobenzym®N?
Taking Wobenzym®N as directed will assist your body’s natural function in the:
- Promotion of healthy joints and muscles*
- Stimulation of healthy circulation*
- Strengthening of the immune system*
- Improvement of health and aging process*
4. Is Wobenzym®N safe to use?
Wobenzym®N is extremely safe and has been used by over 100 million people for over 60 years all around the world without a single instance or documented case of significant harm. Over 70 million USD has been spent on 160 clinical studies assessing the benefits of Wobenzym®N with results indicating the product to be very safe.
5. Are there any special precautions?
- Wobenzym®N should not be taken by individuals who are pregnant or breast feeding
- Wobenzym®N should not be taken by individuals suffering from bleeding disorders or liver damage
- Wobenzym®N should not be taken by individuals who are on anticoagulant drugs (such as Warfarin)
- Wobenzym®N should not be taken in combination with Aspirin
- Wobenzym®N can be taken with antibiotics
6. Does Wobenzym®N have any side effects?
Some people have experienced small digestive disruptions such as diarrhea and excess gas. This can be minimized by taking smaller serving sizes more frequently throughout the day. If these symptoms persist, consult with your healthcare practitioner.
7. Are there ingredients in Wobenzym®N that may affect my food allergies?
All of the ingredients used in the formulation of Wobenzym®N are listed on the bottle label. If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients listed on the label, specifically pineapple, papaya, rutin, trypsin or chemotrypsin, please contact you healthcare practitioner for further direction. Wobenzym®N is manufactured under the strictest cGMP conditions and is free of contaminants.
8. What are the potential uses of Wobenzym®N?
| Potential Uses | Wobenzym®N Benefit |
|---|---|
| Joint Health | Wobenzym®N supports joint health and mobility.* |
| Healthy Circulation Support | Wobenzym®N promotes healthy blood flow.* |
| Immune System Support | Wobenzym®N is used by many people in the maintenance and support of a balanced immune system.* |
| Sports Injury Recovery | Wobenzym®N has been used for many years in the relief of muscle pain following exercise and other repetitive motion.* |
| Healthy Aging | As we age, the body’s homeostasis begins to shift. Wobenzym®N assists in healthy immune function at any age.* |
9. How should I take Wobenzym®N?
| Direction of Use | Explanation |
|---|---|
| When should I take Wobenzym®N? | We recommend that you take Wobenzym®N on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to your next meal or at least 2 hours after your last meal. |
| How should I take Wobenzym®N? | The Wobenzym®N tablets need to be swallowed with a glass of water making sure not to chew the tablets. This will prevent damage to the enteric coated protective layer of the tablet. This coating allows the tablets to arrive at the small intestine where they can be effectively absorbed. |
| Can I take Wobenzym®N with any liquid? | No, in order for Wobenzym®N to function properly it should be taken with a glass of water at room temperature or below. If Wobenzym®N is taken with a warm to hot liquid such as coffee or tea the enteric coating on the tablets may be compromised. Taking the tablets with milk may disturb the absorption of enzymes within the small intestine. |
| What is the appropriate serving size of Wobenzym®N? | The recommended serving size for the maintenance of good immune and circulatory function is three (3) tablets. However, this can be increased as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. |
| How many servings should I take per day? | The recommended number of servings per day for the maintenance of good immune and circulatory function is twice (2) per day. However, this can be increased as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. |
| Can I accidentally take too many? | The 160 clinical studies assessing the benefits of Wobenzym®N suggest that if the amount of enzymes ingested exceeds the body’s need it is simply excreted through regular bowel movement. Over 100 million people have taken Wobenzym®N with no indication of toxicity. |
| When should I stop taking Wobenzym®N? | Wobenzym®N should be taken as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. It should be noted that Wobenzym®N can and has been used by people for over 60 years for continual immune support. |
| Why do I have to take so many tablets? | Enzymes are rather large protein molecules. As such only small percentages are absorbed and pass through the intestinal wall and reach the bloodstream. Therefore, the quantity of tablets consumed is crucial to ensure adequate absorption. |
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer
Give Your Workout a Lift
“You’re doing the same exercise over and over,” says Grieger, who jumpstarted her routine last month by hiring a trainer. “You get lazy when you’re not held accountable.”
At some point, everyone who exercises regularly falls into a fitness rut. Exercise becomes one more task on the list, somewhere behind washing the dishes and above taking out the trash. Despite their best efforts, even fitness experts suffer from bouts of boredom. Here’s what they do to take their workouts to the next level, or at least keep them interesting.
• Partner up: Make your workout a social event rather than a task. Meet a friend for a hike or a game of tennis. Even if you don’t leave the gym, going with a friend helps to pass the time. Not only are you more likely to show up if your friend is waiting, you’re also more likely to spur each other on, says Kendell Hogan, regional group fitness director for Crunch in Los Angeles.
• Hire a trainer: Yes, it costs money. But so does that gym membership when you don’t use it. A trainer will push you to run a little faster, do a few more crunches, lift a little more weight. Good trainers also teach proper technique and introduce new activities into your routine.
“You’re hiring someone to push you,” says Janice Roberts of Personal Trainers Los Angeles. “Now you’ve got a responsibility to someone and that helps a lot.”
• Embrace change: Trainers say variety is essential to maintaining a fitness routine. Try water aerobics instead of land aerobics. If you always train in a gym, go outside. Learn how to surf. Go for a hike.
Roberts suggests adding a new element every four to six weeks, to keep from falling into a rut in the first place. “You want to add something that your body is not used to,” she says. “It shocks the body and forces the body to readjust.”
• Set goals: Create a specific goal to be reached within a set period of time. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of being able to complete a boot camp course. Or maybe you’d like to participate in a triathlon or a 5K. Having a deadline can serve as a motivating force.
You don’t have to be a serious athlete to participate in many events, says Dr. Tim Church, medical director of the Cooper Institute, a Dallas research center on exercise and health funded by the National Institutes of Health. “They are so participation-friendly these days,” he says. “That’s why you see a boom in marathons and triathlons. The average person is doing them.”
• Adjust your attitude: Exercise can make you look and feel better, but it won’t necessarily transform you into that sculpted actor or actress from the latest action film. People with unrealistic expectations soon become discouraged. Accepting that your body has both potential and limits is part of developing a healthy attitude toward exercise, Church says.
“No matter how many crunches you do, you may never develop six-pack abs,” he says.
If the goal is weight loss, set a manageable target. Someone with a serious weight problem shouldn’t strive for, say, their weight as a teen, before lack of exercise and too much fast food took their toll. Reducing their weight by 10 percent is a more realistic goal, Church says.
• Don’t over-train: This one’s a concern for serious fitness enthusiasts. Over-training can lead to physical and mental burnout.
These people may need more rest between workouts in order to improve performance, Crunch’s Hogan says. “It sounds crazy, but sometimes backing off can help,” he says. “It’s about giving the body a rest. If you’re working out seven days a week, sometimes you’ll get better results by pulling back.”
Find FREE diet and fitness tips, plus get a personalized meal plan from eDiets.com by visiting www.ediets.com or by calling 1-877-EDIETS5 (334-3875) to sign up today!
Copyright © 2008 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
Stay Active to Beat Menopause Blues
The new study, published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, looked at 401 women, all of whom were premenopausal at the beginning of the trial, over a period of eight years. The women reported the average amount of time spent exercising each week and any symptoms related to menopause.
Menopausal symptoms tracked in the study included anxiety, sadness, mood swings, depression, stress, irritability, poor concentration/memory, trouble sleeping, headaches, hot flashes, body aches, urine leaks, vaginal dryness, or decreased interest in sex. Based on hormone levels and menstrual cycle length, the women were grouped by menopausal stage, ranging from premenopausal (still having regular periods) to postmenopausal (not having had a period for at least 12 months).
As a whole, women who exercised more (equivalent to walking at a moderate pace for about 40 to 90 minutes per day, five days per week) reported significantly less stress than women who exercised less than the equivalent of walking for 16 minutes per day. Among postmenopausal women, higher levels of physical activity also translated to lower levels of anxiety and depression; this effect wasn’t seen in women in other stages of menopause. Exercise didn’t seem to have an effect on hot flashes, urine leaks, vaginal dryness, or interest in sex in women at any menopausal stage.
Tori Hudson, a naturopathic doctor based in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in women’s health, recommends an exercise program that includes strength, cardio, and flexibility training to help ease menopause symptoms and to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis. Hudson suggests that women who have been inactive should begin slowly and progress gradually, and practice strength exercises under supervision of a qualified exercise consultant.
The researchers concluded that, among menopausal women, “high levels of physical activity are related to lower levels of stress.”
Tips for incorporating exercise into your life
• Make exercise a priority: Just as you make time to eat and brush your teeth every day, make exercise a routine part of life.
• Start small: Some exercise is better than none, so do what you can. Take a walk around the block after lunch, take the stairs when you have a choice, and park farther from your destination to add extra steps to your day.
• Buddy up: Taking a class, making dates to walk or work out with a friend will help motivate you to stick with it.
(Med Sci Sports Exerc 2008;40:50–8)
Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She cofounded South County Naturopaths in Wakefield, RI. Dr. Beauchamp practices as a birth doula and lectures on topics including whole-foods nutrition, detoxification, and women’s health.
Copyright © 2008 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
Cranberry: Natural Protection for Urinary Health
A new review looked at studies evaluating the effects of cranberry juice or tablets in preventing UTIs, and compared them with the effects of water or a placebo. Both the juice and tablets were most effective in preventing infections in younger women with recurrent infections. They had less effect in other groups of people who experience frequent urinary tract infections, such as the elderly and people whose urinary tracts are catheterized for chronic medical conditions.
“There is some evidence that cranberry juice may decrease the number of symptomatic UTIs over a 12-month period, particularly for women with recurrent UTIs,” said Ruth Jepson and colleagues from the University of Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom.
The authors noted that there were a large number of people who withdrew from the reviewed studies, which indicates that cranberry juice may not be acceptable to some people over long periods of time. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and increased frequency of bowel movements caused some participants to stop using cranberry products and some children withdrew because of dislike for the taste.
The optimum amount or form to take (juice, tablets, or capsules) to prevent UTIs is not clear, and the authors recommend further randomized controlled studies that last longer than six months.
Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and other healthy nutrients. Cranberries may also contain unique substances that keep bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and bladder, thereby helping to prevent infection.
Staying UTI-free
Women suffer from urinary tract infections more frequently than men because they have a shorter urethra which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. UTIs can be very painful so it is not surprising that people with recurrent infections are often looking for ways to stop them before they start. Here are some more tips to avoid UTIs:
• Always drink plenty of water.
• Urinate when you feel that you need to rather than waiting or “holding it.”
• Try to urinate before and after sex to help clear the urinary tract of bacteria.
• Wash the area around the genitals before and after sex to help decrease the bacteria that can lead to infections.
Anyone with recurrent urinary tract infections should see a doctor to determine if there is something more serious going on that may be contributing to the infections.
(Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008 doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub4)
Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognized organizations, Web sites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.
Copyright © 2008 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
Salt and Sugar—Ingredients for Childhood Obesity
Children, like adults, are eating more and more highly processed high-salt foods, and because their drinks are often sugary sodas, the consequences could be compounded. A new study has found a direct link between the amount of salt kids eat and the amount of sugary beverages (including soda and sports drinks) they drink, suggesting that eating less salt might be one way to counter the rising rate of childhood obesity.
The study, published in Hypertension, used data from 1,688 children and adolescents between 4 and 18 years old who completed the National Diet and Nutrition Survey for young people in Great Britain. The children kept a seven-day record of their food and drink intake, with those seven and older also recording their activity level.
Only 9% of the fluid consumed by the kids was water. Soft drinks represented 56% of total fluid intake, and more than half of the soft drinks were sugar-sweetened. Salt intake was closely linked to total fluid and sugary soft drink intake in all age groups and at all levels of physical activity. The researchers calculated that for every gram of salt in the diet, children would drink 27 grams (about one ounce) of sugary soft drink.
“Children aged 4 to 18 years in the United Kingdom consumed on average about 6 grams [1 tsp] of salt per day at the time of the survey [1997],” commented study author Dr. Feng J. He at the Blood Pressure Unit, St George’s University of London. “That is a lot of salt. We estimate that reducing this by half could reduce sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption by an average of more than two soft drinks per week per child. This would be equivalent to taking 244 calories out of each child’s diet every week. Over time, this could have a significant impact on reducing overweight and obesity in childhood.”
Concerned by the rapidly rising rates of childhood overweight, obesity, and diabetes, many parents are searching for ways to help their kids develop healthy eating habits. Cutting down on sugary foods is one important way, but the sugar in soft drinks—which in the average kid represents a significant portion of their calorie intake—is often overlooked. The evidence from this study suggests that cutting down on salt is another way to reduce kids’ sugar intake and contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits.
Help your kids sidestep salt & sugar
In addition to obesity, too much sugar has been associated with diabetes, hyperactivity, and other problems in children, and salt may contribute to kids developing high blood pressure. To offset unhealthful snacking, parents may experiment with other choices:
• Savory snacks: Baby carrots (or any other finger-sized veggies), popcorn (lightly salted or with brewer’s yeast), bite-sized hunks of cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and edamame (cooked soybeans).
• Sweet snacks: Dried fruits or fresh are both good choices: try grapes and harder varieties, such as pears, apples, and mangos cut up into fun sizes and shapes. Homemade juice popsicles are also a fun (and easy) treat.
• Thirst quenchers: Spritzers (bubbly water mixed with unsweetened juice), warm or cold herbal teas—or even water! Try to limit diet drinks, as the safety of artificial sweeteners has not been evaluated in long-term studies.
Whenever possible, look for low-salt, low-sugar, less-refined versions of the snacks your kids love.
(Hypertension 2008;51:629–34)
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, VT, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
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