History of Nascent Iodine

Since 1926, this form of iodine has been used as an antiseptic and germicide. Prior to antibiotics and pharmaceuticals, nascent iodine was revered for its tissue-building properties and potent antimicrobial, antiseptic and germicidal capacities. It was commonly used for a broad range of ailments, including stomach and urinary tract imbalances, fevers, general infections, high blood pressure, venereal diseases, infections, bronchitis and even topically as a remedy for burns, cuts, and boils.

Nascent iodine was used in dentistry during the early 20th century to stop bleeding and prevent infections. It was frequently applied after tooth extractions to boost the growth of new tissue and speed up the healing process.

How Nascent Iodine Works

Unlike most forms of consumable iodine, nascent iodine works to naturally balance the thyroid to a state of homeostasis. Studies are examining its potential to positively regulate thyroid hormone production. If there is a clear connection, taking nascent iodine may lead to increased energy levels and a streamlining of the body’s natural detoxification processes. Biochemically, nascent iodine is the most readily absorbed and usable form of iodine supplementation for the human body.

Nascent Iodine Uses

Nascent Iodine has multiple benefits and uses. Perhaps most important is its ability to stimulate thyroid production of T3 and T4 hormones. Nascent iodine may help stop bromine, chlorine, and fluoride storage in the body, and slow the production of goitrogens. In this way, nascent iodine aids the body in removing harmful substances that can be stored. Goitrogens are found in sports drinks, sodas and processed vegetable oils. Bromines are present in toxic, chemically-laden household products, pool water and flame retardant fabrics.

Nascent iodine is the best form of iodine to protect yourself from harmful radiation exposure in the event of nuclear fallout.

In his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without it (Rev. 2008), Dr. David Brownstein states that supplementing with iodine can help detoxify us of the toxic halides found in processed foods, water, and toothpaste. According to Dr. Brownstein, these halides have been correlated to multiple forms of cancer, including breast and prostate.

Other Health Benefits of Nascent Iodine May Include:

• Healthy thyroid and endocrine function
• Aids in regulating blood sugar
• Reduced body odors
• Improving thinking
• Helps support iodine deficiency in children and expectant mothers
• Helps balance iodine levels in autistic children
• Aids in assisting normal immune function

I highly recommend supplementing with nascent iodine on a regular basis. We are all deficient of this crucial element and should further be aware of an increase in potential nuclear fallout from damaged reactors. Detoxadine is manufactured with a unique transformative bio-elemental matrix using a revolutionary process and contains nano-colloidal nascent atomic iodine.

-Dr. G.

Sources:

1. Dr. David Brownstein, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It. 3rd Edition. Medical Alternatives Press, 2008.
2. Christiane Northrup, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Revised Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. Bantam, 2010.
3. Mark Sircus, Transdermal Magnesium Therapy: A new Modality for the Maintenance of Health. Phaelos Books, 2007.
4. Gastroenterology, 2010; 139: 163-70.

Recommended Reading:

• 12 Uses For Iodine (And Other Useful Tips, Research & Resources)
• Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use
• Monatomic Oxygen
• Can Iodine Help With Hair Loss?

The human body is its own ecosystem, millions of bacteria and organisms call it home. Usually the body exists in symbiosis with these organisms, some of them provide benefit. Other organisms, parasites, provide no benefit and are usually harmful. Parasites are similar to fleas or ticks on a dog, but inside your body. They live in and attach to our intestines, they absorb nutrients, lay eggs, and excrete toxic waste (formalin, isopropal alcohol and formaldehyde) inside us.

The risk of infection is widespread. It is estimated that more than 90% of all Americans are infected with some type of harmful organism. Infection can come from “benign” activities like eating at a restaurant, owning a pet, or having a child in school or daycare. Food handlers can spread parasites through unsafe or unclean practices. Pets can pick up parasites from insect bites and introduce them into the home. The undeveloped hand washing skills and curiosity of children usually leads to lots of indirect contact with every type of infectious agent. Soldiers, travelers and workers returning from overseas often bring internal parasites with them as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food in other countries. Plumbers, sanitation engineers, and outdoor workers are also more likely to come into contact with harmful organisms.

Common Harmful Organisms:

• Pinworms are very common in the United States. Adult pinworms live in the colon and can remain there for months. Female pinworms leave the host through the anus and lay eggs on the skin. Pinworms cause itchiness and irritation around the anal area, and they are often spread because the infected person (usually children) scratches the area and touches another surface. Eggs left on clothing or bedding can be ingested through direct contact with the mouth or while breathing. Eggs can survive up to three weeks outside the human body.
• Hookworms occur in soil or water and can be ingested by eating unwashed produce or drinking contaminated water. Infection may also happen through open wounds, especially in areas where there is animal feces. Hookworms use their teeth to attach themselves to the intestinal wall and siphon blood. They can cause anemia, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Source
• Roundworms are the most common harmful organism in the world. Female roundworms enter the small intestine as larvae and can grow to over a foot long. Infection is spread through ingestion of fecal matter, not person-to person contact. Infection may be asymptomatic, although heavy infestations could cause intestinal blockage.
• Tapeworm infection happens by swallowing an infected flea and, though rare in humans, can be serious. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and fatigue.

Source
• Liver Flukes are a worm that cause inflammation and holes in the liver. Liver fluke infections are caused by eating undercooked fish or swimming in contaminated water. Symptoms include fatigue and/or pain on the right side of the body, below the ribs.

Source
• Giardia is a widespread protozoa that causes diarrhea. Giardia lives in the intestines and is passed in the feces. It can be spread months after it is out of the body. Infection may occur by ingesting contaminated water. Hygienic food handling practices can reduce the risk of infection.
• Entamoeba is a single cell parasite. Its infection, called amebiasis, often causes mild, or no, symptoms but in rare cases can cause liver abscesses.
• Cryptosporidium infection occurs by swallowing water that has been contaminated. The infection is called “crypto” and causes diarrhea.
• Toxoplasmosis is caused by handling cat litter or undercooked meat (this is why pregnant women are warned against cleaning cat litter boxes). Toxoplasmosis is third among deaths attributable to food borne illness. Infection is often asymptomatic, but can cause severe reactions in pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Infection can cause seizures, confusion, loss of coordination, and death.

While prevention is always recommended, living in a bubble is not realistic. Almost all of us will come into contact with these harmful invaders over the course of our lives, if we’re not infected already. Since these infections often have no outward symptoms, it is not always obvious that something is living inside you, feeding off of your tissues. Symptoms may be as vague as fatigue or gas.

Cleansing your body of harmful organisms at least 2x per year is the solution to this disgusting problem. There are many effective harmful organism cleanse programs available online. Paratrex is my favorite because its unique formula creates an environment inside your body that is not welcoming to harmful organisms. Paratrex is made with organic and wildcrafted natural ingredients and formulated with health in mind. Paratrex safely attacks harmful organisms and encourages a healthy digestive system and body.

-Dr. G.

Recommended Reading:

• Health Effects of Harmful Organisms
• Eating Safely in a Polluted World
• Effects of Diarrhea
• Dr. Group’s Harmful Organism Cleansing Diet

Discovered in the early 1970’s, this proteolytic enzyme was isolated from the Serratia species of bacteria located in the intestines of silkworms. Serrapeptase, also called serratiopeptidase, is truly a superior enzyme that provides strong anti-inflammatory properties. Today Serrapeptase is used all over Europe and Asia in clinical settings and is used as a viable alternative to ibuprofen and NSAIDs. It has the ability to break down non-living tissue in the body.

Serrapeptase is perhaps one of the world’s most exciting enzymes being studied in regard to its wide variety of clinical applications. Currently, especially in Europe and Asia, it is clinically used for anti-inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease and carpal tunnel syndrome. One of the most well-known proponents for this enzyme was the German physician, Dr. Hans Nieper. He had great success supplementing with serrapeptase for the reduction of heart disease and arterial blockage in his patients. He also believed that it may prevent stroke and was even more effective than EDTA chelation for removing arterial plaque.

How Does Serrapeptase Work?

Serrapeptase is an immunologically active enzyme. It can bind itself to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in our plasma where it is shielded from the immune system while retaining its enzymatic activity, and in this way it is transferred to the sites where it is needed in the body. It is this same type of powerful yet specific action that allows silkworms to eat its own protective cocoon, digest it without any side effects and fly away. Amazingly, serrapeptase has the distinct ability to digest only non-living tissue allowing the old toxic layers that clog the digestive system and the lining of our arteries to dissolve. This is one reason why its so good at keeping arterial deposits from building up after heart surgery. [2]

Health Benefits of Serrapeptase

Some of the reported health benefits of the serrapeptase enzyme include:

• Atherosclerosis: Dr. Nieper found that Serrapeptase could dissolve blood clots and reduce varicose veins. Other studies from Germany have found that serrapeptase could effectively remove atherosclerotic plaque without hurting any of the healthy cells along the arterial wall.
• Chronic Inflammation: Multiple studies confirm its anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used for this reason in the reduction of chronic sinusitis and other chronic or acute inflammatory conditions.
• Helps with Traumatic Injuries: Serrapeptase is widely used in Europe as a supplement for traumatic injury (such as sprains and torn ligaments), as well as the inflammation associated with post-surgical patients.
• Pain, Edema and Swelling: Serrapeptase has been approved as a standard remedy in many European countries for inflammation and swelling. A double-blind German study on the enzyme found that it could reduce swelling by up 50% in post-operative patients. Patients taking serrapeptase experienced statistically significant less pain than the control groups and, by the 10th day of the study, all patients taking the serrapeptase were completely pain free. [3,5,6,7]
• Helps with Cystic Breast Disease: In a double-blind study, Serrapeptase was found to reduce breast pain, breast swelling and induration in 85.7% of the patients taking the supplement. This is related to the fact that the enzyme possesses fibrinolytic, proteolytic and anti-edemic properties. [2]
• Helps Infections in the Ear, Nose and Throat: In one double-blind study, patients with acute or chronic ear, nose or throat diseases found significant symptom regression with Serrapeptase. The enzyme is able to reduce the viscosity of mucous, thus facilitating drainage. [4]
• Helps with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Recent studies confirm the use of this anti-inflammatory enzyme for the reduction of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. [2]


• Other Potential Benefits: Serrapeptase is currently being studied and used for a vast array of applications for human health and disease prevention. This includes therapeutic use for nerve damage, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic ear infections, hayfever, lung congestion, swollen glands, laryngitis, rhinitis, chronic pain, arthritis, back and neck pain, diabetes, ulcers, osteoporosis, prostate problems, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries (both prevention and recovery), post operative scars and lesions, varicose veins, arterial diseases, angina, blood clots, anti-aging, restoration of healthy fibrin metabolism and reduction in C-Reactive Protein.

How to Read the Units of Measurement for Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is measured in SUs (Serrapeptase Units). This comes from the Japanese and Korean Pharmacopeias, whereby one unit of Serrapeptase is the activity yielding a product equivalent of 1.0 μg of Tyrosine per minute at pH 9.0 and 37 degrees Celcius on a casein substrate.

Where Can I Find The Best Source of Serrapeptase?

The product VeganZyme™ contains a 100% vegan form of Serrapeptase cultured from Serratia marcescens. It comes from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten free, contains no animal product and is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans. VeganZyme™ is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world and is free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy and all other food sources. VeganZyme™ may also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, as well as excess clotting factors throughout your body.

Sources:

1. http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/serrapeptase_proteolitic_enzyme.html
2. http://www.serrapeptase.info/
3. Kee WH. Tan SL, Lee V. Salmon YM. The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase (Danzen): a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J. 1989:30(1):48-54.
4. Mizukoshi, D. et al. A double-blind clinical study of serrapeptase in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Igaku Ayrni 109:50-62.1979.
5. Mazzonie, A. et al. Evaluation of serrapeptase in acute or chronic inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double-blind randomized trial versus placebo. J. int. Med. Res. 18(5):379-388,1990.
6. Kakinumu, A. et al. Regression of fibrinolysis in scalded rats by administration of serrapeptase. Biochem. Pharmacol. 31:2861-2866,1982.
7. Odagiri, J. et al. Clinical applications of serrapeptase in sinusitis. Med. Consult. New Remedy 6:201-209, 1979.
8. Esch PM, Gemgross H. Fabian A. Reduction of postoperative swelling. Objective measurement of swelling of the upper ankle joint in treatment with serrapeptase-a prospective study (German). FortschrMed. 1989; 107(4):67-8, 71-2.
9. http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ijb/article/download/11170/7883

Recommended Reading:

• The Health Benefits of Catalase
• The Health Benefits of Maltase
• The Health Benefits Of Glucose Oxidase
• The Health Benefits of Beta-Glucanase

The hemicellulase enzyme has the ability to take non-cellulose polysaccharides (long chains of sugars) we eat and convert them into usable constituents. Hemicellulase, which is crucial for the breaking down of fruits, vegetables and many grains is required to break down the “hard” hemicellulose carbohydrates, which are known to slow digestion and the absorption of various nutrients. If we eat large amounts of plant material, but do not have enough hemicellulase, we get a very limited prebiotic intake. These prebiotics are composed of smaller indigestible saccharide units that serve as fuel for various types of probiotics (good bacteria) resident in the digestive tract.

Hemicellulase possesses the distinct ability to boost this prebiotic activity. Specifically, common hemicellulose carbohydrates found in the food we eat every day, (hydrocolloid gums, galactomannoglucans, pentosans, betaglucans) are actually added to things like ice cream and dairy products. For this reason, it is important to provide your body with a prebiotic boost by taking a supplement containing hemicellulase.

Hemicellulase is a fairly complex enzyme, and there are different permutations of hemicellulase. Different types of this enzyme have been used for different purposes in food technologies, particularly for its ability to enhance the quality of dough, as well as produce fruit juices and alcoholic beverages. In fact, it is a commonly-added enzyme in the production of wines, as the enzyme helps strip away the unwanted compounds from the skins of the grapes that might change the taste of the wine. Although plants make hemicellulases for growth and development, most of the commercial interest is in the enzymes produced by microorganisms.

The Health Benefits of Hemicellulase

Some of the amazing health benefits of hemicellulase include:

May Reduce Candida- Some research suggests that an increase in this enzyme can help prevent and reduce yeast infestations such as Candida. This is perhaps related to the fact that the cell wall of candida is composed of hemicellulose. Again, as hemicellulase digests hemicellulose, it may help in reducing Candida.

Better digestive capacity with aging- Taking digestive enzymes such as hemicellulase can counteract the net loss of enzymes that occurs with aging, whether due to a loss in pancreatic production of enzymes or a change in beneficial bacteria in the gut. Research supports this. In Japan, scientists have confirmed that intestinal enzyme output showed a gradual decrease with age. Individuals 65 years and older were tested, and women, in particular, were found to have the sharpest declines in enzyme health. [1]

Improves Overall Health- Animals studies suggest that supplementing with hemicellulase in feedings helps not only increase nutrient digestibility but also betters performance and boosts food conversion ratio. [2] One 2005 study published in the Animal Science Journal found that bacterial hemicellulase could boost overall health. Hemicellulase enzyme supplements were given to chickens, and their subsequent nutrient utilization, performance and digestion capacities were analyzed. It was found that the animals given enzymes grew faster, had decreased abdominal fat and energy content of the diet was improved by the mixed enzyme. Ash-retention (related to the processing of free radicals and the alkalinity in the body) was increased by adding hemicellulase to the diet. This offers proof that hemicellulase has a synergistic effect on the performance and health in animals. More research on humans is needed within the scientific realm.

How to Read the Units of Measurement for Hemicellulase

This enzyme is measured in HCU (Hemicellulase Unit). The FCC has determined that one Hemicellulase Unit (HCU) can be defined as activity that will produce a relative fluidity change of 1 over 5 min in a locust bean gum substrate at 40oC and pH 4.5. The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex, and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI.

Where Can I Find The Best Source of Hemicellulase?

The product VeganZyme™ contains a 100% vegan form of hemicellulase produced by the natural fermentation process of Trichoderma reesei. It comes from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten free, made in the USA, contains no animal product and is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

VeganZyme™ is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world and is free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy and all other food sources.

VeganZyme™ may also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, as well as excess clotting factors throughout your body.

Sources

1. Ishibashi T, Matsumoto S, Harada H, et al. Aging and exocrine pancreatic function evaluated by the recently standardized secretin test. Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. 1991 Sep;28(5):599-605.
2. http://www.ibna.ro/arhiva/AZ%204/AZ%204_05%20Monica%20Parvu.pdf
3. Animal Science Journal. Volume 76, Issue 6, pages 559–565, December 2005. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/asj.2005.76.issue-6/issuetoc and
   http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1740-0929.2005.00304.x/abstract

Recommended Reading:

• The Health Benefits of Beta-Glucanase
• The Health Benefits of Cellulase
• The Health Benefits of Glucoamylase
• The Health Benefits of Protease

There are plenty of good reasons to make sure your body gets enough vitamin D. Most people associate it with calcium absorption for maintaining strong bones and healthy, better-looking hair. Others think of it as a way to protect their cardiovascular health and prevent neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

But, if the findings of a recently published study by researchers at John Hopkins University in Baltimore is correct, it could give vitamin D a whole new level of importance for people suffering from certain types of inflammatory spinal cord disease.

Previous investigations had already drawn a possible connection between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune triggered conditions of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis (MS).

With this in mind, the research team at John Hopkins decided to take a closer look at the vitamin D levels of patients suffering from similar forms of inflammatory spinal cord disease, such as transverse myelitis (TM), and neuromyelitis optica (NMO), which affect the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers in the spine and the optic nerves, respectively.

Unlike MS, TM and NMO are generally monophasic — meaning that they typically have only one active stage — and their symptoms do not generally change or progress over time. These conditions, by their very nature, are either active or in remission. They also tend to have much more severe and less predictable flare-ups than MS and other multi-stage spinal conditions.

After reviewing vitamin D blood serum levels in a total of 77 patients of varying age, sex, and racial background, they found a strong correlation between vitamin D deficiency and recurrent forms of inflammatory spinal cord disease.

While further investigation is still needed before any conclusive connection can be established, these initial findings suggest that, at the very least, vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining the health of protective tissues inside the spinal cord.


Despite being naturally produced by our skin in response to sunlight, and being readily available in both organic and fortified foods, a staggering number of people remain vitamin D deficient simply because it is so difficult for our bodies to absorb and utilize.

Choosing a high-quality dietary supplement, such as Vitamin D3 Serum, can be a great way to make sure your body has access to enough Vitamin D. Not only is it incredibly convenient and easy to use, it’s also completely natural and more bioavailable than any other product on the market.

What methods do you use to get enough vitamin D? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic, let me know in the comments.

-Dr. G.

Recommended Reading:

• Vitamin D: The Benefits & Side Effects of the Sunshine Vitamin
• New Study Suggests Vitamin D is Better than Vaccines at Preventing Flu
• Research: Children Born with Low Vitamin D Levels May Develop More Respiratory Infections
• Expert: 50% of the World’s Population Deficient in Vitamin D

Even though it’s an easy way to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases, like influenza and the common cold, some of us probably wash our hands less often than we should. Toxic alcohol-based sanitizing foams and wipes that can be used quickly and without water have made made it easy to keep our hands clean yet some people wait until after they use the bathroom or become visibly soiled before cleaning up.

If it’s any consolation, doctors in-training apparently aren’t much better.

Data collected by German researchers at the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology at Hannover Medical School indicates fewer than one-third of medical students actually know when they’re supposed to wash their hands.

A total of 85 third-year medical students at Hannover Medical School were given a list of seven common hospital scenarios and asked to identify which situations merited hand sanitation, and which did not. Of the seven scenarios presented, five called for washing up afterwards.

These included “before contact to a patient,” “before preparation of intravenous fluids,” “after contact to vomit,” “after removal of gloves,” and “after contact to the patient’s bed.” Roughly 80 percent of students surveyed failed to answer all seven questions correctly. Only one in three managed to at least identify those situations in which hand hygiene should be practiced.

The research team behind the investigation suspects that this tendency among medical students to clean their hands less often than they ought to stems from a generally poor attitude towards the importance of hand hygiene on the part of their professors, and perhaps among medical doctors in general.

While doctors and medical students might not wash up quite as often as they should, nursing students, on average, scored significantly higher when presented with the same set of scenarios. You can rest easy knowing at least some of the people you come in contact with at the hospital will have clean hands.

In all seriousness though, this incredibly straightforward study highlights how easy it is for even trained experts to overlook simple and obvious precautions like basic hand hygiene, increasing the risk of harmful organism intake.

In addition to being a proven and well documented means of preventing the spread of common disease, it only takes a few moments and is something everyone can and should do. I recommend using organic or all natural cleansers and soaps to avoid the absorption of toxic chemicals commonly used in cleansing foams and gels.

-Dr. G.

Recommended Reading:

• Probiotic Bacteria and Your Health
• 10 Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
• Health Effects of Harmful Organisms
• Dr. Group’s Harmful Organism Cleanse

Any pet owner can tell you that animals have an amazing sense of smell. Dogs, cats or even hamsters— watch one for a few minutes and you’re likely to see some serious sniffing in action. That’s because most animals rely on their sense of smell for gathering important information about their surroundings.

This natural ability becomes even more apparent when watching two or more animals socialize. One of the first things most dogs will do when they meet another dog is sniff them. It seems the majority like to concentrate their attention toward the most embarrassing areas within nose reach.

While this frequently makes for great icebreakers at the dog park and awkward laughs when guests drop by, there is a practical reason why they do it. Based on odor alone, dogs and other animals are able to glean insight into personality and general state of health.

As amazing as this is, some are still easy to quickly dismiss it as simply an interesting, but trivial bit of information regarding how “less intelligent” animals communicate in lieu of speech and other more abstract methods of exchanging information.

A recent Polish study suggests we humans might still depend on our noses for a lot more than we realize. In fact, according to findings, our sense of smell could play an essential role in helping us quickly identify key personality traits.

Researchers from the University of Wroclaw, in Poland, asked a group of 60 participants (30 males, 30 females) to wear the same unmarked white t-shirt while they slept, for three consecutive nights. They were instructed not to wash the shirt and to avoid anything that might contaminate the scent of the garment. This included things such as smoking, eating pungent foods like garlic, and using hygiene products such as perfumes and deodorant.

After the third evening, participants were asked to seal the shirts in unlabeled plastic bags. A second group of volunteers (200 in total, again half male and half female) were then asked to smell a number of bags and make guesses at the owner’s personality, and whether they were anxious, outgoing, or dominant, based solely on their body odor.

Each member of this second group of volunteers was asked to sniff and judge only six bags to avoid desensitization. Each bag was reviewed by a total of 20 volunteers. When the results were compared to those of a similar study, in which participants had been asked to classify individuals based of short video clips instead of body odor, they were found comparable in overall accuracy.

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts, lets discuss in the comments below!

-Dr. G.

Recommended Reading:

• Products for Pet Care
• Body Odor
• Benefits of Organic Wood Vinegar
• Top 10 Hazardous Household Chemicals

Amylase is one of the primary starch-digesting enzymes secreted in the body. It is somewhat unusual in that it is produced not only by the pancreas but also in the mouth as a component of saliva. This form is known as ptyalin (ti´ah-lin), and it begins the enzymatic digestion of starches in the oral cavity as food is chewed and mixed with saliva. This begins the reduction of larger, more complex starches into simpler sugars; however the process is largely arrested as the food enters the more acidic environment of the stomach.

Pancreatic amylase goes into action after the partially-digested food is emptied into the small intestine and the pH returns to the neutral range. Starches continue to be broken into smaller trisaccharides and disaccharides and possibly even into glucose for energy. The primary type of amylase is known as alpha amylase, which hydrolyses (breaks down) the bonds in long starch or glycogen molecules into smaller chains of glucose called dextrins, which are easier to digest. Amylase is also produced by various bacteria and fungal organisms like Aspergillus oryzae from which it can be isolated for effective, vegan-safe dietary supplements.

One of the most important parts of our digestive process occurs in the mouth and the saliva. The enzyme amylase helps to relieve the burden of digestion on the small intestine by breaking down food particles while still in the mouth. If this important enzyme were not excreted in the saliva, the small intestine would have a much harder time breaking down sugars and starches. In this way, amylase helps the entire functioning of the digestive system.

Due to poor dietary habits and age most people become deficient in amylase production and may show some signs of deficiency which may include skin rash, allergies, gas, constipation, mood imbalances and general digestive upset. What is more, having sufficient amylase activity reduces inflammation (one of the primary causes for so many degenerative diseases), as it helps the body digest and excrete inflammation-response dead white blood cells. Without proper amylase activity, inflammation can be excessive. Low amylase is also thought to be a factor in a variety of diseases including type II diabetes, blood sugar imbalances, hypoglycemia, carbohydrate and sugar cravings, and many forms of food sensitivities.

The Health Benefits of Amylase

1. Amylase may play a role in lowering autoimmunity and inflammation response, as well as speed up healing processes. One study on digestive enzymes and autoimmune diseases, found that these enzymes could help slow the aggregations of antigens (molecules that trigger immune responses), as well as the resulting tissue damage from the heightened conglomeration of antibodies (immune system proteins that neutralize foreign cells). Some scientists are looking into the strong possibility that enzymes such as amylase can play a role in boosting immunomodulatory activity halting these strong immune states. [2-5]

2. Many European research groups are actively studying enzymes such as amylase. Oral enzymes are even being used in European countries in place of anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies show that oral enzymes can be as effective in reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other inflammation-based imbalances. Several placebo-controlled comparison studies found that patients with rheumatic diseases taking enzymes experienced some analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. These studies confirm that enzyme preparations can be just as effective as non-steroidal, commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, without many of the harmful side effects. [6-9]

3. Enzyme therapy is even being studied in Switzerland for its uses as a supportive treatment of cancer. The amylase enzyme in particular was found to show amazing abilities in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells with metastatic capacities. [10-11] The Swiss research team concluded these astounding results of the study: “Enzyme therapy can reduce the adverse effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There is also evidence that, in some types of tumors, survival may be prolonged. The beneficial effect of systemic enzyme therapy seems to be based on its anti-inflammatory potential.”

4. While many scientists disagree on the question of whether or not enzyme production decreases as we age, one laboratory study found that pancreatic amylase decreased by 41% in aging rats. Similarly, a human study done in Argentina found that amylase and lipase secretion decreased in women over 45 years of age, but they actually increased in men of the same age. [13]

Source

How to Read the Units of Measurement for Amylase

Alpha amylase is measured by the FCC in DU (Dextrinizing Unit). This is a measure of the hydrolysis of gelatinized starches to dextrins and sugars. One DU is defined as the number of grams of soluble starch dextrinized per hour at 30 degrees Celcius and pH 4.6. The FCC notation stands for Foods Chemical Codex, and is a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia). It sets standards for ingredients. In the case of enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine the activity of enzymes. The current compendium is FCC VI.

Where Can I Find The Best Source of Amylase?

The product VeganZyme™ contains a 100% vegan form of Amylase produced by the natural fermentation process of Aspergillus oryzae. It comes from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten free, made in the USA, contains no animal product and is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans. VeganZyme™ is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world and is free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes which help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy and all other food sources. VeganZyme™ may also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, as well as excess clotting factors throughout your body.

Sources

1. Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS. Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal. Dig Dis Sci. 1999 Jul;44(7):1317-21.
2. Stauder G, Ransberger K, Streichhan P, Van SW, Pollinger W. The use of hydrolytic enzymes as adjuvant therapy in AIDS/ARC/LAS patients. Biomed Pharmacother. 1988;42(1):31-4.
3. Stauder G. Pharmacological effects of oral enzyme combinations. Cas Lek Cesk. 1995 Oct 4;134(19):620-4.
4. Nouza K. Systemic enzyme therapy in diseases of the vascular system. Bratisl Lek Listy. 1995 Oct;96(10):566-9.
5. Heyll U, Munnich U, Senger V. Proteolytic enzymes as an alternative in comparison with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic disease: systematic review. Med Klin(Munich). 2003 Nov 15;98(11):609-15.
6. Klein G, Kullich W, Schnitker J, Schwann H. Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 Jan;24(1):25-30.
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Recommended Reading:

• The Health Benefits of Glucoamylase
• The Health Benefits of Protease
• The Health Benefits of Cellulase
• The Health Benefits of Beta-Glucanase

As most of us know, a new world of commerce and technology has been born with the advent of Google and Facebook, the iPhone and Android. In this context, I would like to introduce you to www.nutraspace.com, a new social network/search engine/real-time-news platform that caters exclusively to the health, wellness, nutrition and complementary-and-alternative medicine market.

You might say that what Google, Facebook and WebMD provide for their users, NutraSpace customizes and tailors to the needs and requirements of the natural health and wellness space. Over two-thirds of Americans use some form of nutritional supplementation. 83% of Internet users, according to CNN, have used the Web to search for health information. There is a real need for a site like NutraSpace that provides valuable and timely health data while forming a community with a common interest in health. The company is also launching Android, Kindle iPhone and iPad versions of its flagship applications. Their goal is to be the leader in mobile and desktop online health.

One of my friends is an investor in NutraSpace and I have myself been invited to serve on their Advisory Board. For the present, I have informed them that I will provide a company overview on my blog. NutraSpace is based in Dallas but has an office in the Woodlands. They are looking for assistance in meeting their growth objectives. If you have an interest in helping to build NutraSpace, please contact Larry Deckerhoff at their Woodlands office at 713-492-9267 or email the company at info@nutraspace.com.

Recommended Reading:

• Global Healing Center’s Facebook Page
• Global Healing Center’s Youtube Channel
• Global Healing Center’s Twitter Feed
• Global Healing Center’s Google+ Profile

The findings of a 2006 study carried out by medical researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in Richmond are being noticed within the scientific community. The study results strongly suggest that if taken regularly, cannabis oil may be able to induce remission in leukemia patients without the horrendous side effects typically associated with standard radio-chemical treatment options. Although this is only one such study, other similar studies have shown equally impressive results.

A few years ago, a team of experts convened in Germany to assess the total sum of information currently available regarding medical marijuana. According to their records, at least 37 separate controlled studies were carried out, internationally, between 2005-2009. Altogether, more than 2,500 documented test subjects have participated in these various studies with few to no negative side effects reported. Not only are these findings unusual for drug studies for their overall lack of adverse patient reaction, but also the sheer number of individual participants involved. While 2,500 people may not sound like an especially large sample population, it’s actually much larger than the number typically required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine whether or not most synthetic pharmacological drug compounds are safe for use in humans.

Many of the active ingredients found in cannabis-derived drugs show exceptional promise in treating some of the greatest hurdles facing modern medical science. In addition to their aforementioned capacity for safely treating certain forms of deadly cancer, they also show great promise in alleviating autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even inflammatory bowel disease. A growing number of experts also note their possible viability treating a range of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Perhaps most indicative of the diminishing stigma surrounding medical marijuana research in the United States was a 2009 decision by the American Medical Association to finally, for the first time in the organization’s history, review marijuana’s classification as a schedule I controlled substance – meaning it has no medical value whatsoever, and is addictively on par with heroine – in an effort to hopefully remove one of the greatest impediments to its widespread medical use.

Check out the videos on Rick Simpsons Cancer Cure here.

What are your thoughts on the medical use of cannabis in conjunction with therapies for cancer and other diseases? Lets discuss in the comments below!

~Dr. G.

Sources:

• Active Ingredient in Marijuana Kills Brain Cancer Cells
• Cannabinoids Kill Cancer And Our
  ‘Government’ Has Known for 36 Years
• Government Study: THC From Cannabis Kills Cancer Cells