Ultrameal (Chocolate Mint) - 63g - Metagenics

What you can expect from UltraMeal by Metagenics:

A delicious and satisfying high protein/low-glycemic index formula that ensures sound nutrition in the form of a convenient and delicious shake. (Glycemic index of 31 when referenced against glucose.)

Delivers 17 mg of isoflavones per serving to nutritionally support estrogen balance.

Provides a heart-healthy source of optimal foundation nutrition with all essential vitamins and minerals.

A non-dairy source of calcium for bone health.

Features PharmaSoya technologically advanced nutritional blend of superior soy protein, isoflavones, and dairy-free calcium.

Comes with a Quick-Start Guide or a more comprehensive Patient Guide for complete program guidelines.

Available in a variety of natural and delicious, dairy-free flavors!

*Non-Genetically Engineered, Identity-Preserved Soy Protein**As Metafolin U.S. Patent Nos. 5,997,915; 6,254,904.
Metabolic Syndrome
What is the most important thing to understand about Metabolic Syndrome? It is preventable and reversible! Read on to find out how...

It used to be referred to as syndrome X, and although not often diagnosed, it is a major risk for cardiovascular disease and the development of Type II diabetes, two of the most common and chronic diseases in the world today. It is a cluster of conditions that occur simultaneously and if you are over 60 years of age in North America, there's a good chance you have it.

A diagnosis of Metabolic syndrome can be made when an individual meets at least 3 of the following criteria:

1) High fasting plasma glucose (>6.1 mmol/l)
2) Hypertriglyceridemia (>1.7 mmol/l)
3) Low HDL cholesterol (<1.0 mmol/l males, <1.3 mmol/l females)
4) Hypertension (blood pressure >130/85)
5) Central Obesity (waist circumference of >102 cm males, 88 cm females)

If you have Metabolic syndrome you are 3 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in both Canada and the United States. You are also 3 times more likely to have a stroke and 5 times more likely to develop Type II Diabetes. In all of these cases, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol lead to the development of plaque/clots or build-up along the walls of the arterial blood vessels. The vessels slowly narrow over time until eventually there is a severe reduction in blood flow (ischemia or MI), or no blood flow at all (stroke). Once the disease progresses to this state, the consequences have literally become deadly.

There are a number of risk factors associated with the development of Metabolic syndrome; obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, age (over 60, post-menopausal women), genetic factors such as a history of high blood pressure or diabetes all put an individual at risk.

Research suggests that Metabolic syndrome is an inflammatory response perpetuated by insulin resistance. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are messengers within the body that coordinate immune system response, are produced in high levels by adipose tissue (fat!). Specific pro-inflammatory cytokines interfere with insulin sensitivity causing high levels of insulin and glucose in the blood as well as an increase in circulating lipid levels within the blood, causing hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia and high cholesterol. Due to this link with inflammatory states, conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Asthma, Allergy and many more can also be linked to an increased risk of Metabolic syndrome.

A low glycemic, high fibre, high nutrient diet and regular exercise can literally make all the difference in the case of metabolic syndrome. Cinnamon and chromium (used as a supplement or in the diet found in such foods as brewer's yeast, wheat germ, onions and garlic) can both serve to regulate blood sugar. Lean animal protein and healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, slow the rate of digestion and therefore cause less of a sugar "high" after meals, as do high fibre carbohydrates such as oats, quinoa and brown rice. Incorporating an abundance of vegetables and fruits, as well and lentils and beans also help to better regulate blood sugar, as well as decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined carbohydrates such as white bread and baked goods, refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup, as well as processed foods high unsaturated fat and salt.

30 minutes of moderate to high intensity daily activity can help with weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity and decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. Also incorporate resistance or weight bearing exercises into your weekly routine to maximize this effect. Quit smoking. Smoking promotes inflammation, decreases insulin sensitivity and increases risk of heart disease. Similarly stress can have a proinflammatory effect, as well as interfere with hormone regulation which can have a detrimental effect on blood sugar. Use stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises to keep stress at a minimum.

There are also a number of supplements which help at various levels of disease progression and can have significant preventative effects for those at risk. The regular use of fish oils cannot be overemphasized. Fish oils not only improve glucose tolerance and help to reduce both triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but they are also a powerful anti-inflammatory, which attacks Metabolic syndrome at its very root.

Protein
Protein is second most abundant substance in our body, only water is more plentiful. Protein makes up our muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and body fluids. Bone growth is dependent on protein. The chemical messengers that coordinate our body's activities, hormones, and the chemicals that speed up physiological reactions, enzymes, are made of protein. Our genetic material is the blueprint that instructs the cell how to produce the proteins that make life possible. Proteins are composed of amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds. When we eat protein the body must break these bonds in the digestive tract. Then single amino acids, or amino acids in short chains, are absorbed into the body, where they are reassembled into whatever substance the body needs.

Protein powders can be used for many different health and performance enhancing purposes. Recently high protein diets have made protein a popular supplement for weight loss. Protein slows the rate at which sugar enters the body. By avoiding spikes in blood sugar protein minimizes the storage of sugar as fat. Individuals with blood sugar imbalances, like diabetes and hypoglycemia, will benefit from protein's regulation of blood sugar. Protein also builds muscle tissue, which burns more energy than other body tissue and can lead to weight loss. Athletes, people who perform physical labour and anyone who is physically active requires protein to repair their tissue and build more lean tissue. People who are recovering from illness or long periods of inactivity require protein to rebuild their body tissue. The immune system is dependent on protein to make cells that protect our body. Frequent colds and flus and chronic infections are signs that the body may need more protein.

Protein powders offer a quick and easy way to ensure we are getting enough of this vital substance.

Benefits of Soy

A healthy alternative to animal protein.

Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Contains important phytoestrogens that help to regulate hormones.

Cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats.

Complete protein, containing 8 essential amino acids.

Contains potent phytochemicals that help protect the body from disease.

What are Isoflavones?
Isoflavones are phytoestrogenic agents. This means that they contains plant estrogens, compounds that look similar to human estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the human body. The important thing to remember is that these plant estrogens only stimulate the receptors a fraction of the amount that the hormone estrogen would. Therefore isoflavones can be used to treat conditions of high estrogen activity, by blocking the activity of the hormone estrogen. They can also treat conditions of low estrogen activity by binding to vacant receptor sites and causing a bit of hormonal stimulation. Isoflavones are used to treat menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, anxiety and depression, and PMS.