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Relacore to reduce Abdominal Fat/Increase Energy/Boost Immune System by Controlling Cortisol ?- INA

Saw a TV ad for "Relacore" and visited a few web sites.

In short, apparently some recent university studies show a relationship between the stress hormone, Cortisol, and abdominal fat -- the kind of fat that increases the risks of heart attacks.

Relacore and similiar acting products like Cortidrene, Therastress, Cortislim, etc. claim to reduce abdominal fat by controlling the stress hormone cortisone partly through a mild sedative effect of one of its active ingredients, Magnolia Bark.

Since treatment I've noticed a worsening lipid profile as well as more of a propensity for fat to accumulate on my abdomen than pre-treatment. My liver specialist recently admitted that interferon is know to accelerate the metabolic syndrome which is responsible for higher triglicerides, type II diabetes, abdominal fat and a host of other not so good stuff. Therefore my interest in Relacore or similar supplements. I flagged "Ina" (moniker Eisbein) because I believe she recently mentioned doing some research on stress hormones.

Here are some sites from a quick "Google". I know most of them are selling something but would like to get anyone's experience and/or comments. Or at least your take on the list of ingredients, whether anything is good, harmful, etc.

http://www.relacore.tv/ingredients.html
http://www.carter-reedcompany.com/relacore/
http://stress-related-weight-gain.equalitynutrition.com/?source=google/relacore

Any input appreciated.

-- Jim

28 Responses
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Avatar universal
Jim--

Personally, I wouldn't consider taking Relacore. After looking over the ingredients, I find nothing listed that would help with the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. ALL of the herbs are used in TCM, and all these herbs lay claim to have a "calming" effect, along with puria being a diuretic and perilla relaxing the bowels. The slew of B vitamins and magnesium help with stress and lack of energy, and phosphatidylserine(PS) supposedly aids brain and cognitive function--as well as reduce cortisol levels--yet I challenge you to find definitive studies as to the validity of these claims. In essence, given the ingredients in Relacore, you will be extremely relaxed (no stress, therefore no cortisol!) lose weight by going to the bathrooom numerous times (and have the energy to do so!) and remember it all. No thank you.

I have been on corticosteroids (a synthetic form of cortisol) off and on for years. I believe I know a little about the side-effects of too much cortisol coursing through one's body.

Just a thought: Sometimes an abnormal(low)level of a specific hormone (namely, testosterone for men, estrogen for women)may cause an accumulation of belly fat,lack of energy, etc.

Two supplements I would recommend looking into are chromium picolinate (a mineral that helps control blood sugar levels by helping insulin work more effeciently) and tonalin CLA(conjugated linoleic acid may help reduce body fat.) As always, before taking any supplement, check with your doctor first.

Hope this helps. Sincerest wishes for all your post tx side-effects to quickly resolve.



      
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Avatar universal
i tried the relacore right about 3 months prior tx. then quit. The best thing I did to lose the weight initially before txing was nutrisystem. It was based on the glycemic index and I lost 20 lbs in 3 months and felt good. I think while I am txing not trying anything to lose weight. I have maintained for months but not were I want to be. I have the apple syndrome fat accumulation around middle upper abdomen. I hope as soon as weather breaks to resume more strenuous exercise! Everyones body is different so you might be okay with the relacore. best of luck:)shelly
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your input. Did you take the Relacore during treatment or before you started treating? How long did you try it for and did you lose any abdominal fat? I'd think checking both lipids and liver enzymes frequently when adding any supplement is a wise idea. Sorry it didn't work out for you.

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
some input on the relacore...i tried it and got severely sick , i also noticed increase in lipids etc. I thought perhaps the relacore would help. I was literally sick in my stomach from it. My experience was not good. best always :)shelly
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Avatar universal
Is it more abdominal weight than before or just evenly distributed? Have you checked your lipids -- Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglicerides and compared pre-treatment to post treatment results? BTW good luck with the viral load test, which I assume you're taking like very soon? Just make sure you get a very sensitive one like Heptimax.

Be well,

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
LOL It may be nothing...Are you gaining weight back that you lost on your tx?  Because I lost quite a bit but then immediately after the last shot,,,seems like weight came back very quickly and I was at original weight that I was before starting my tx.  However,,,I know my dr said on finishig to be careful because people on tx get used to eating whatever they want and then after tx continue and put on weight.  He said many came back to his office first year with an extra 50 lbs! Wow,,something to think about huh? lol
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179856 tn?1333547362
Oh Lord.  No wonder I'm gainning weight since I've stopped treatment. I'm not eating any more than I ever had and I'm working out at the gym 3 days a week and at home the other 4 without the machines...........yet...........although it's never happened in all my life..I'm gainning weight.

I never really thought that it could be some after treatment effect - I was really wondering if it was my thyroid (which should be fine because I've been taking the synthroid all along).

Man oh man.
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Avatar universal
I find this subject - - metabolic issues/interferon extremely interesting (not too mention unsettling/disturbing).  Present treatment is powerful treatment!  Of course it must be, if our own immune system is unable to fight off this fiesty virus - it has to be something powerful.  

This information (post treatment difficulties) continues to confirm my desire to 'hold off' treatment.  I'll be back later this evening , Jim, to find the 'supplement thread' and looking forward to reading "HR".   I believe I've schemed over the supplement thread but will read it again before talking with the hepatologist.  Thank you very much for directing me to both.   This is still new, so if I appear to be obsessing, it is only temporary and do not plan to be a permanent fixture!. LOL! Reading that some have been here for years frightens me a bit :(  and hopefully in speaking with the hepatologists later this week, he can put my mind at ease and advise, I can safely put this behind me for a good time period and continue to live a content happy life until something comes along that is a shorter treatment.  I fear all of it will be STRONG treatment, and will come at a price to our overall health .. the virus is mighty.

Breeze ;)
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Avatar universal
Sandy,

I just became aware of the product last night and trying to get the collective wisdom of the group both as to how the product might work as well as the benefit/toxicity profile of the individual components you mention.  As you may have noticed in the thread "Supplements" on "3/2" , we have several members somewhat knowledgeable about vitamins/supplements. Certainly more knowledgeable than I. We also have an occasional visitor here, an MD/researcher who believes in supplements. His moniker is "Hepatitisresearcher" (we call him "HR" for short).

Researching out individual components is always wise, however in many cases, controlled double-blind studies simply do not exist and therefor one has to rely more on less complete studies and anecdotal accounts than would be ideal.

In regard to your comment about "exercise" and "good food" before supplements, etc. I laughed a bit, because it sounds like something I said very early on in treatment in one of these threads. Not that I still don't agree with the statment, but it's not an either-or with me and others (not that I'm suggesting that was your message), but an addition. I try and carefully watch my diet and am now doing an hour of aerobic exercise daily plus weight and flexibility training. I still have metabolic issues, some no doubt made worse from the interferon, and therefore the quest to learn a little more about vitamins, supplements, etc.

Unfortunatly, some try and turn these threads into soap boxes regarding supplements in general without, adding any additional useful information like you did. Hopefully this thread will not head in that direction. Personally, I am very careful and skeptical about the whole vitamin/supplement thing, but at the same time have come to believe that somewhere in there are some very helpful substances that we can benefit from. A lot to learn.

Tall,

Thanks for the information. Glad you're taking good care of your husband! High cholesterol is def one of my problems and the interferon has made it worse. There happens to be a thread on this at the Janis site.

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
I've noticed niacinamid in a chemical profile of your supplement / medicine.  I know with any sort of liver damage you have to limit this vitamin (B3).

Another suggestion ... I "prescribed" to my husband lecithin granules... couple times per day / 1 tsp of granules.  I'm not sure if it is helping or anything else ... but with 1/2 of Vytorin dose he is able to keep his cholesterol under control (believe me, his diet is cholesterol unfriendly!)

All the best!!
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Avatar universal
Hi Jim,

Have you actually taken each individual substance and researched each separately in the mean time?  Of course, understanding the impact may be differently alone, opposed to a combination state...   I haven't googled the product or any of its individual components but that's a beginning that you've most likely taken.  Anything worth sharing?

As you, I would be  hesitant in using a product making such claims and containing so many different substances, especially with any history of liver disease.  - No matter what their 'claims' might be.  It is good to see your being cautious (skeptical - it iis ONLY our bodies!)

Breeze
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Avatar universal
Enjoyed both of your comments.

I am relatively new  to all of this.  Diagnosed, genotyped, biopsied, &  viral loaded ;)  - - the whole nine yards in a little over a month.  AND HAVEN'T EVEN CONSULTED WITH THE HEPATOLOGIST... only his STAFF!!  Yes, an appointment is scheduled later this week.  Perhaps, my knowledge is too limited to be adding here.. something keeps ringing out so LOUD to me upon reading comments at MedHelp...... ahh...

Must say I'm healthy as a  mikesimon horse and/or a wyntre9 parrot!  Being one with a very healthy appetitie for good food (and NO, I'm NOT vegetarian!) a 'few' supplement (not a cabinet-ful as DoubleDose <:0)), doing fun activities, and an 'enjoyable' workout plan  - my point?  In my humble opinion without a lot of study on my part, but what works for me, is PHYSICAL EXERCISE!!!!!  It needs/must be on the top of the list BEFORE supplements. (As many here say >>>IMHO<<<)   If one is lacking in discipline in that area, NOTHING will work (as well) - that is my very humble opinion.  We can talk until we're blue about supplements (Not to mention the biz and who is benefiting... I suspect it is usually someone's pocket and not the other's health!)  There are beneficial products and it does appear most of you are doing your homework.  Consumer beware.  You'd be better dusting and reuniting with the old rusty bike! (The kind you pedal)
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Avatar universal
Regarding the interferon and diabetes connection, you might want to check this out. Just one of many similar articles:

http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/22/1/43

"...Stimulation of immune responses may have deleterious consequences. Cytokine-induced exacerbation of underlying diseases or immune dysregulation are examples. {alpha}-IFN may enhance an ongoing autoimmune process directed against pancreatic {alpha}-cells and be involved in the development of type 1 diabetes in predisposed patients..."

Or, from here: http://www.hepnet.com/nih/dusheiko.html

Hormonal and Metabolic Side Effects

A sustained increase in serum triglyceride levels has been reported. Diabetes mellitus may worsen or develop.

-------------------------
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Avatar universal
And from the FDA's side effect profile on Pegasys under "common but less serious side effects" -- maybe "less serious" to them, not someone like me who is pre-disposed to the metabolic syndrome anyway with major cardiac problems in my family.

"Blood sugar problems:  Some patients may develop a problem with the way their body controls their blood sugar and may develop diabetes."

http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2002/pegihof101602MG.htm
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Avatar universal
Really, it never ceases to amaze me how the nutraceutical/herbalists always manage to target a new group of suckers every day.

And even more so,
The suckers suck it all up.

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Avatar universal
I posted this thread to hopefully get some information on Relacore and not to start another debate on post treatment side effects, we've certainly have had plenty of those threads. I suppose I'm partly at fault in that I explained my interested on Relacore in terms of what's been happening to me post treatment. So, this will be my last post in this thread on post treatment side effects, but hopefully those with vitamin/nutrional knowledge will not be turned off by another debate and jump in and give us the benefit of their knowledge on the ingredients in Relacore and how they might help the metabolic syndrome, fat accumulation, etc.
Thanks.

-- Jim  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Did not mean to imply at all that my doctor was hiding something. Probably a wrong choice of words reflecting my frustration that most of what I've found about regarding interferon's effects came after I treated and not during or before. But this is not specific to my doctor who I respect, it is fairly common and has been discussed here ad naseum. We just aren't told a lot going into treatment. Would it have made any difference to me if I had been told? No, because as a stage 3, I would have weighed the risks and rewards and treated anyway. But yes, I'll repeat the statment again without the misleading use of the word admitted: My hepatologist recently told me that interferon treatment can accelerate the metabolic syndrome. I'm surprised you're suprised with this statement. It's been discussed here for some time by Double Dose and others. I don't know if HR is on board or not on this, but I wouldn't be surprised by some of his comments on things we should do after treatment. I doubt if all his comments were directed solely at the residual affects of the virus. But regardless, I know what my doctor said and I know what I'm experiencing. You might also want to go over to the Janis Board. There is an interesting thread now going on about treatment and blood lipids.

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
These are some pretty big blanket statements I copied from your post below, do you have any evidence of this or is it just your doctor's claim? I've never heard of this nor seen anything substantiating it. The HCV virus is known to be causal to diabetes II and affects your lipid profile I thought, never heard of some connection to Interferon.

from your post
"My liver specialist recently admitted that interferon is know to accelerate the metabolic syndrome which is responsible for higher triglicerides, type II diabetes, abdominal fat and a host of other not so good stuff."



the way you say "recently admitted" sounds like he was hiding something which seems very odd.
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Avatar universal
LOL. I'll see if my hepatologist will write me an rx.

-- J
Helpful - 0
92903 tn?1309904711
Don't know about cortisol, but I did try a courtesan to relive stress. Worked pretty well 'til I got caught, whence there was a significant rebound. The old ying and yang thang....  
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Avatar universal
As a follow up comment, I have grown leery of the supplement market, and now have come to believe that much of the stuff out there does not do anything close to what it is intended or supposed to do.  I think the idea is right with Cortisol type products, but does all this new age herbal, combination stuff really have any specific medicinal effect on our production of Cortisol, or cause us to metabolize any differently?  I think the real issue is that real scientific double blind testing is rarely done,(for supplements) if ever, and when they are done, are they really rigorous and controlled as in a true research laboratory???

Of course, if you check my kitchen pantry you will find about twenty odd bottles of herbals, aminos, vitamins, Sam-E, antioxidants, and everything possible that is supposed to cure our ills.  I was spending about $150/month on all of the pills....and I seem to feel about the same.....crappy!!!  I have lost interest in the supplementation avenue, although I will most likely continue to take some of them.  Do they have ANY effect on us????  Recent studies keep pointing to NO, more than yes.  My intuition tends to tell me there are some extremely rich supplement producers out there...and it has become sort of a big business 'religion'. Another path to natural health.  The other rich guys are their friends running the pharmaceutical companies.  Now that is REALLY rich!

Not trying to be cynical, just being honest with myself...out loud.  I wonder how much I have spent on supplements over the past ten to fifteen years?   Someone has a few Rolls Royces courtesy of me.

Best wishes to you.  I guess we have to pick our poisons...and hope for the best.  I often wonder if it is even possible to ever undo the effects of a chronic virus....or the effects of a long term powerful immune system treatment regimen.  In some respects, I fear our bodies change in response to both, in immutable ways....for a lifetime.  I sure hope not...but....

DoubleDose  
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Avatar universal
hey jim good stuff and hope you are well. i would be very interested in any more info on this. I believe HCV alone can cause the metabolic syndrome even without ever treating. i have many of the same problems you mention, abdom fat,lipid disorders, boarderline high BP, glucose between 103-115 fasting (i think this is pre-diabetic?) and as you know i have not tx'd yet. this just re-inforces the fact that if you can wait to tx then you should. perhaps the chance of doing tx for a shorter duration with the new drugs will not allow these harsh drugs to do so much damage. anyway i have tried several different supplement regimens. my latest which is alot less complicated then others i tried has made me feel really good, morning: i take a multi without iron, complete mineral without iron, CoQ-10 60mg,  liver detoxifier & regenerator by Now. afternoon: i juice "organic" carrots,beets,spinich,apples,pears,etc  and konsyl fiber in water at night. the liver detox/regen product sold under the brand name NOW was developed by a doctor that i know here in NJ. after years of travel in asia and plant study in different countries he put this formula together. after clinical trials he gave the formula to the NOW company for FREE to help people with liver problems, especially hepatitis. out of all the sups so far this has made me feel the best. and not sure but i think the CoQ-10 has helped lower my BP, for the last month my BP has dropped to 110/75. before taking it, it was always around 135-140 over 80-90, and these higher #'s were with taking a BP med, 40mg micardis. of course the better BP could be from me exercising more and watching diet. or a combo of everything. the bottom line is i feel ok now and do not want to ruin that by starting tx at this time. i'm awaiting the results of the CRS (cirrhosis risk score) test and will be seeing dr "A" in boston for a fibroscan in the future then i will make a decision.
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Avatar universal
I heard it about the metabolic syndrome from my big shot hepatologist, and he's not one of those who blames everything on treatment, quite the contrary. While on treatment we rightly complain about the ribavirin but as far as I'm concerned it's the interferon that has the potential for causing the longer term and potentially permanent side effects by altering our metabolism and immune system. Don't know if Relacore, or something similar will help, but now that Western Medicine is pretty much through with me as an SVR, time to start researching elsewhere. That is not to say I'm discounting more conventional approaches and probably will end up on a statin pretty soon. Hopefully some of those more knowledgeable in vitamins, supplements, etc, will chime in on Relacore. BTW in case you missed it, scroll down to the thread titled "supplements". A lot of good stuff there.

Be well,

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
Yes,,,I would be interested in anyone that has tried this.  My cholesterol has always been fine and last year went up and this year even more and got put on some medicine.
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