Natural Nutrition, Health Tips, Energy Balancing and Wellness Coaching

10 Health Fitness Tips

2022-09-12T06:46:00.001-07:00

More than any other time in history, people are all trying to have the best, healthiest body possible. The health and fitness industries are making billions of dollars every year on herbal supplements, fitness equipment, gyms, and special diets. If you watch TV or read magazines, there is always some intriguing commercial asking for money to help you get into shape.

Now that you have made a commitment to take care of your body, both internal and external, it is critical to your overall health that you do it the right way. Here are some tips for both health and fitness that will help you lose weight, discover ways to maintain a better healthy lifestyle, and be in the best shape of your life – all the smart way!

1. Bicycling

When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.

2. Jogging or Walking

Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness.

3. Swimming

Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.

4. Tennis Anyone

Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a Venice Williams to play; in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.

5. Dancing

Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.

6. DVD

If you have a DVD, rather than just using it for your favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to workout will get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference, you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.

7. Abdominal Crunches

While you may not end up with a washboard stomach, you can do some things to get your abdomen in better shape. Crunches have long been a favorite for many athletes for the very reason that they work. Lying on your back with knees bent, keeping feet flat on the floor, cross your hands across your chest and then curl your torso, rolling from your sternum toward your hips. Do this slowly and start out with a set of ten crunches in three reps. In other words, do ten crunches, wait a minute, do ten more, wait a minute, and then do the final ten. As you get accustomed to these, you can increase both the number of sets and reps.

8. Squats

Squats are excellent for glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. With your feet standing firm and spread apart about two feet, bend your knees slightly. Then, very smoothly, you will squat toward the floor without going all the way down. This usually takes some practice but within a short period, you will enjoy the benefits.

9. Tricep Press

Having firm arms is something that many people focus on when exercising. For an Overhead Tricep Press, standing on the floor with your feet about two feet apart, knees slightly bent, you will extend your arms over your head. Keep your elbows locked and then very slowly lower your hands behind your head. You want to do this with some type of weight, but small weights like one to five pounds. If you do not have weights of your own, you can hold a one-pound of vegetables, which will work perfectly.

10. Get to the Gym

Working out at home is a good option and for some people, they are committed enough to actually make it work. However, for the majority of people wanting to get into shape, the inspiration, competitiveness, and encouragement received from working out in a gym is the way to go. Although it will require a small investment, make the decision to find a gym that offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified staff, and fun classes where you can enjoy working out.

By taking care of your body through good health habits and fitness, you will live a happier, better, and longer life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Glutathione on the Market.

Liposomal Glutathione Explained: Benefits, Side Effects & More

2022-09-10T03:46:00.005-07:00

When it comes to finding the most suitable delivery method for any given supplemental ingredient, even some of the biggest health buffs can get intimidated.

Thankfully, when it comes to glutathione supplementation, liposomes are steadily becoming the easy choice.

Table of Contents

Reviewing Glutathione Supplement Options

In recent years, the supplement market has become filled to the brim with alternative delivery methods that are leaving traditional capsules and tablets in the dust.

Powdered and liquid supplements have become commonplace forms of glutathione. Other more exotic forms, such as patches and suppositories, are steadily gaining in popularity as well. While these may yield some benefits for absorption and retention in certain individuals, one form has become increasingly renowned for its all-around bioavailability and convenience: liposomal glutathione.

Some of you must now be wondering “what is liposomal glutathione?”

In a nutshell, liposomes are a type of spherical fat, or lipid bi-layer, which can encapsulate ingredients like glutathione (GSH) to help deliver them to the bloodstream more efficiently. However, to truly understand the benefits of liposomal glutathione, lets first discuss the oral bioavailability of glutathione.

Can the Body Process Glutathione Orally?

Glutatione (GSH) molecular Model.

The short answer is yes, but the better question is just how efficiently the body can achieve this process. Of particular interest is how GSH fares in comparison to other common ingredients, and what unique challenges it might pose to the body in terms of absorption and utilization.

Thankfully there is a decent body of research on this topic. This is primarily due to the importance of glutathione for facilitating antioxidant activity throughout the body, in conjunction with the fact that GSH plasma concentrations tend to be low in individuals with certain severe health conditions.

As far back as the early 1990s, researchers have been inquiring as to the availability of orally administered dietary glutathione.

The results of a particular ’92 study conducted at the University of Bern in Switzerland indicate that digestive processes will render a single 3 g dose of glutathione almost entirely useless within a 270-minute period following administration. The study indicates that plasma GSH levels of its participants did increase, but only to a negligible degree. (1)

While the study in question was run with a limited pool of participants (7 healthy volunteers), its results have been echoed and validated in other reviews and studies which are being published to this day. (2,3)

Therefore, oral glutathione may provide a marginal increase to circulating GSH levels in some healthy individuals. However, the change is so minor and inefficient that most people consider it null-and-void in terms of its impact on human health.

Liposomes: Nutrient Reinforcement

This diagram depicts exactly how liposomes are able to encapsulate and protect nutrients.

One of the primary reasons for the low oral bioavailability of glutathione is its fragility in standing up to standard digestive processes. The molecules are simply too weak in isolation to withstand the heavy exposure to digestive peptidases (enzymes) and hydrolysis (a reaction where water breaks chemical bonds) which inevitably occurs in the very earliest stages of digestive tract. (1,4)

But what if you could reinforce these molecules?

You can think of liposomes similarly to a coat of weather protective paint around your house. It’s not going to save your home from an earthquake, but it certainly will keep things dry during rainstorms.

Similarly, nutrients which are encased in liposomes are not guaranteed a magic carpet ride to your bloodstream, but they will certainly be more resistant to stomach acid and other sources of degradation.

The end result? More molecules may survive the initial stages of digestion and become more readily available for proper absorption into the bloodstream. (5)

In addition, there are no known added side effects to taking glutathione liposomally. Some of the known glutathione side effects include cramping, bloating, and some difficulties with breathing, particularly in those who struggle with asthma. (6) Some of these side effects may still occur with liposomal glutathione, but it’s unlikely that they will be exacerbated in any way. (5)

Choosing a Liposomal Glutathione Product

The concept of liposomal delivery has rapidly gained popularity in recent years. Accordingly, there’s a wide array of liposomal glutathione products to choose from, all of which might appear to be the same as the last. So, how to sort through it all and find a liposomal glutathione of the highest quality?

First and foremost, you should always look for products which contain reduced glutathione, sometimes known as L-glutathione. This form is widely considered to be the most active and bioavailable on the market. The next factor to consider is the quality of the liposomes themselves. Most liposomes are derived from phospholipids like raw lecithin. While this ingredient is decent enough, it does leave a lot of room for improvement.

For all of these reasons, Liposomal Glutathione is our first recommendation for GSH supplementation.

Conclusion

While some of the above explanation got pretty technical, the concept of liposomal glutathione is surprisingly simplistic: Encapsulate glutathione molecules in layers of fat which protect them from digestive processes and assist their absorption into the bloodstream. Easy as pie, right?

Regardless, the importance of glutathione and the usefulness of liposomes makes it entirely likely that liposomal glutathione will only continue to grow in popularity. So, the next time you hear someone in the supplement aisle asking “what is liposomal glutathione?” you’ll be ready to give them an earful!

Thank you for taking the time to read Liposomal Glutathione Explained: Benefits, Side Effects & More

Please note: All information presented to you in this website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot, and will not give you medical advice. We strongly recommend you consult your physician for any and all specific health issues. If you have any questions or contributions, please contact us via email or phone-call. We are constantly looking for new information to promote wellness – and hearing from you would make our day.

Live Vibrantly!

References

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Glutathione on the Market.

Make School Lunches Fun and Nutritious

2022-09-05T05:52:00.001-07:00

As the beginning of the school year nears, parents once again face the challenge of preparing healthy lunches and snacks that their kids will actually eat. After all, you can send your child to school with a well-balanced lunch a home-ec teacher would be proud of, but if he trades his carrot sticks for a cupcake, all your efforts go down the drain.

What parents need are ways to make healthy food fun for kids to eat. And since September is not only back-to-school month, but also “5 a Day” month (in honor of the FDA recommendation that everyone eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day), what better time to incorporate these foods into your family’s diet.

Every parent knows that some foods are more popular with kids than others. For example, most kids like bananas, but may not be so sure about papaya. While you want your child to try new tastes, their lunch box probably isn’t the place for that. Keeping kids’ taste buds in mind, here are some tips from the Produce Marketing Association for fun, healthy ways to help your kids get their 5 a Day.

For the lunch box:

* Instead of PB&J for lunch, how about PB&B -- peanut butter and banana. This
delicious combination is sure to be a hit with kids.

* Peanut butter can also be used to stuff celery, or try celery stuffed with low fat cheese.

* Apples are easy to pack and eat -- simply toss one in the lunch box. Alternatively, pack a container of applesauce.

* Capture your kids’ imagination (and their appetites) with unique and interesting fruits. For example, star fruit, with its astral shape, is fascinating to kids.

* Kids might turn up their noses at raw carrot sticks served on their own, but a
little ranch-flavored dip can make all the difference. The dip is available in easy-to-pack single serving containers. Encourage your child to try dipping other vegetables such as celery, broccoli and cauliflower for variety.

Any of the ideas above can also work as a healthy after school snack, but you have a lot of other options as well. Kids love smoothies, especially when they get to pick the ingredients. All you need is some yogurt, your favorite fruit, some ice and a blender for a tasty snack that packs a nutritional punch.

Here’s another recipe the kids will go for: Fruiteroni Pizza. They’ll get a kick out of the unconventional ingredients. It’s so easy, the kids can practically put it together themselves.


Fruiteroni Pizza
 
1 12-inch pre-baked thin pizza crust or 12-inch regular pizza crust 

1/2 cup pasta sauce or pizza sauce

1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or jack cheese 

1 large (or 2 small) fresh California peaches, thinly sliced 

2 ounces sliced pepperoni 

diced green peppers (options) 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spread pizza base with sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.  Top with fruit slices and pepperoni, then sprinkle with green pepper. Bake on cookie sheet at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and crust is browned. Cut into wedges.


And remember, it’s not just kids who need their 5 a Day. Mom and Dad should be setting a good example by eating their fruits and vegetables. A survey conducted by the American Dietetic Association found that parents have more potential to influence their children’s eating habits than anyone else. These findings underscore the importance of a parent’s involvement in helping their children make good dietary choices, because children’s eating behaviors are influenced by family-related factors such as the number of meals eaten together. 

To help consumers make the most of fruits and vegetables, the Produce Marketing Association Web site offers tips on how to buy and store fruits and vegetables, as well as tempting recipes and serving ideas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating Even for kids.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Glutathione on the Market.

Beauty Basics At Face Value

2022-08-28T04:46:00.005-07:00

Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn’t. But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive procedures too quickly.

Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.

Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin.” 

Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel – traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers. 

Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.

If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light, oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Another tip—make sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and
easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.

How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:

Dr. Franks says, “Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.” Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut. And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.

So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!

   ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling natural face lift Spray on the Market.

Vibrational Medicine

2022-08-26T03:05:00.019-07:00

Vibrational medicine attempts to treat people with various forms of pure energy. The influence of alternative medical systems such as Chinese, Ayervedic or Tibetan medicine have led in part to the development of machines that can 'image energy'. Heat energy imagers are an accepted part of our technology. We readily accept imaging heat, even though we can't see it, because heat is something we can sense through touch. With the 'energy body' it is not so straightforward. Very few of us have experienced this for ourselves and there is apparently no sensory backup to tell us it is there.

Experiments in 'electro-acupuncture' and Kirlian photography have led to an energy map of the body identical to that shown in traditional Chinese medicine. The meridian system is seen as an interface between the physical body and the energy body. Applications of resonant energy to the meridian system promote healing in a number of dis-eases, by altering the energy of the 'root system' concerned in the dis-ease. Much of this work seems to be 'undercover' and information and the manufacture of equipment for treatments of this nature is actually suppressed through legislation.

The etheric body, acupuncture meridians, chakras and nadis and other multi-dimensional aspects of the human are described by ancient schools of healing throughout the world. Western medicine in its reductionist stance, ignores these aspects because they can't be studied under a microscope. Only now, at the beginning of the 21st century are some doctors starting to catch on.

Vibrational medicine interfaces with subtle energy fields that underlay the functions of a physical body. It is based on the idea of resonant frequencies, similar to a tuned string on a musical instrument resonating with anything tuned to the same frequency, or an opera singer smashing a glass by singing at a certain pitch. Some sciences and philosophies have recognized vibrational elements as an important part of the universe. It is proving difficult to link these new sciences with the dogma of Western medicine. Even as long ago as 1928 Thomas Sugrue recognized vibrational elements at work in the human body:

"The human body is made up of electronic vibrations, with each atom and elements of the body, each organ and organism, having its electronic unit of vibration necessary for the sustenance of, and equilibrium in that particular organism. Each unit, then, being a cell or a unit of life in itself has the capacity of reproducing itself by the first the law as is known as reproduction-division. When a force in any organ or element of the body becomes deficient in its ability to reproduce that equilibrium necessary for the sustenance of physical existence and its reproduction, that portion becomes deficient in electronic energy. This may come by injury or disease, received by external forces. It may come from internal forces through lack of eliminations produced in the system or by other agencies to meet its requirements in the body."

Edgar Cayce (1928) from There is a River by Thomas Sugrue.

Experiments in high-energy particle physics and the new field of quantum physics show us that nearly all matter is energy. In some sense we are made from 'frozen light'. As beings of energy we are influenced by and can be treated by energy and modern medicine is all too slowly realizing this.

Medical science, alternative medicine and quantum science are merging in a few specific places. For example M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) as mentioned previously, places the patient in a strong magnetic field that passes waves through the body. The computer creates an image by analyzing changes in the magnetic alignment of the hydrogen protons in our cells. This is essentially an 'energy imager' but is used only for physical diagnosis.

A key principle behind M.R.I. is that the atoms under study (hydrogen) are being stimulated by the transfer of energy of a specific frequency. The energy is only absorbed by the atom if it is of a particular resonant frequency. Systems which produce frequencies that resonate with the biological phenomena being studied have the greatest chance of successfully imaging indicators of disease. M.R.I. promises much new diagnostic information about the body, showing even more detailed cellular pictures of structure and function. It is still looking at only physical molecular imaging - a sophisticated application of a Newtonian philosophy.

Cancer is already treated by radiation therapy, the application of gamma rays which can be focused at certain depths within a patient. This is used in a 'Newtonian science' way - primarily to destroy the lump. Any notions of vibrational levels that resonate with the patient are unresearched, because this aspect of us doesn't exist to Western scientific medicine.




What is needed now are imaging systems that allow healers to look to the level of energetic causes of illness and not just the biochemical abnormalities accompanying established disease. Truly preventative medicine awaits an imaging system that will prove to doctors that there is more to human beings than mere flesh and blood. 

Devices capable of sensing vibrations in a person are appearing, one such uses voice analysis to identify missing frequencies. Practitioners are astounded at the accuracy of their findings and the speed of results in supplying that frequency to a patient. This tool is allowing switched-on energy workers to heal without having to diagnose, because the treatment gets to the energy root problem directly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Aromatherapy website to find out what types of Vibrations you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Alternative Medicine Glutathione Spray on the Market.

The Latest in Erectile Dysfunction Medicine

2022-08-24T02:59:00.018-07:00

Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects an estimated 189 million men worldwide. Experts believe that 80 percent to 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate cancer treatment, while 10 percent to 20 percent are due to psychological causes. In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, developed Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company headquartered in Bothell, Washington, is dedicated to bringing innovative therapeutics to patients. ICOS is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

When an erection goes limp, you have PDE5 to thank . Specialized penis tissue produces a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in response to sexual stimulation. The more cGMP available, the more durable the erection. Cialis inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, preserving cGMP levels, therefore aiding erection viability and durability. Cialis (tadalafil), an oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Tadalafil has the empirical formula C 22 H 19 N 3 O 4 representing a molecular weight of 389.41.

We all know that Cialis isn't the first oral treatment medicine for erectile dysfunction. It came after Viagra and Levitra. However both Viagra and Levitra works for up to 5-6 hours, while Cialis gives you 36 hours to enjoy sex. All three drugs should take about 30-40 minutes to take action. No longer does an erection or sexual activity have to be rushed. If you Expect to go to a Bar and meet a girl, you probably wouldn't want to take Viagra or Levitra and get a really hard erection after 40 minutes, because you don't know how things would go, Instead you can take Cialis before you go out, and you should be on the safe side of the erection, even if you decide to spend the night.

To conclude, Viagra and Levitra would probably be better to one certain sexual encounter with your wife, while Cialis is a better choice for a whole weekend of sex, or for a night at some pick-up bars, seeking random sex partners, without the certainty of Sex.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his ED medicine website to find out what herbs you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Erectile Dysfunction Glutathione Spray on the Market.

Supplements and Practical Suggestions for Improving your Cell Health

2022-08-23T02:58:00.001-07:00

We have lots of cells (trillions) in our body and they all contain valuable genetic information that we need. Cell health is fundamental and if we are going to function at optimal health then we need healthy cells

Energized or Fatigued?

All of us have times where we are tired and feel worn out, but that should not be the daily norm in our life. Each cell has what is called mitochondria which is like a car battery is to a car that gives you your energy. When your cells get run down it also makes a person more fatigued and more susceptible to chronic illnesses. We need to take practical steps to improve our cell health.

Exercise Helps

Do strength training and high-intensity interval training. Both can increase the number, and improve the function, of your mitochondria. The better your muscle mass and cardiovascular conditioning, the better your mitochondria will be, and the more powerfully they will perform.

Detoxification

This is very important to get the toxins out of your system. When the colon is clogged it can cause one to be sluggish and have low energy. I suggest doing a colon cleanse at least once a year and I personally do it twice a year myself and I use pro detox colon cleanse which is a very inexpensive and effective supplement. There are some things that are underlying issues that may need to be addressed that can affect energy levels and detoxifying is usually a big one.

Practical Suggestions

It is important to address inflammation, balance your hormones and increase your omega-3 fats to help build your mitochondrial membranes. You also want to deal with stress as that will wear one down as well.

Supplements for Improving your Cell Health

CoQ10: Helpful for cell and cardiovascular health.
Ascorbate C: Helps nourishes cells, strengthen immune system and glutathione stay in your body longer at the cellular level.
Glutathione: Very important supplement. Helps with detoxification, cell health and strengthening your immune system.

Conclusion

Eat 6 to 9 cups of fresh vegetables and fruits each day. Eating sulfur rich foods and cruciferous vegetables are rich in glutathione. I also suggest drinking filtered water from the reverse osmosis process or distilled water.

The Aromatherapy Home Medicine Chest – Part I: The Essential

2022-08-22T02:26:00.002-07:00

Essential oils provide a wonderful natural-medicine alternative to common ailments we see at home. Their actions are broad and diverse, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies.

Here we will have a brief look at ten essential oils considered by some to comprise the ‘basic home care kit’. While by no means exhaustive, this list will go a long way to providing effective (and often pleasant!) treatments for you and your family for things like cuts and scrapes, sunburn, digestive troubles, stress related conditions and more. In the second article, we will cover specific applications and uses of each oil.

Oil #1: Lavender
Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. It’s anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.

Oil #2: Tea Tree
When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.

Oil #3: Peppermint
An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, it’s effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).

Oil #4: Chamomile
Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including teething and general ‘crankiness’). Rubbing into the solar plexus is a commonly used application if that is where one tends to ‘hold tension’. Chamomile essential oil is available in to varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.

Oil #5: Eucalyptus
Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, it’s effects are certainly not limited to the airways – because of it’s broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapists ‘designer oil’. Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in Summer (or due to fever – use in a compress), and support the immune system in Winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Oil #6: Geranium
Geranium (sometimes known as ‘Geranium Rose’) works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. It’s floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative. Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil: "Geranium’s vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct &amp; unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. (Geranium Essential Oil) inspires natural beauty &amp; enjoyment, uplifts instantly &amp; "tonifies" the mind &amp; intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative &amp; emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly &amp; spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds." Particularly noted for it’s effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine and breast complaints.

Oil #7: Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. It’s slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu – Rosemary was a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar’, which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the middle ages. Also, Rosemary is the essential oil most often associated with improving hair growth in cases of Alopecia.

Oil #8: Thyme
Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application. Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu, being used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and it’s warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. It’s application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.

Oil #9: Lemon
A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other oil. In addition to it’s mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note, and can create a synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Oil #10: Clove
The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma – it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil except perhaps Oregano – Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments. Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Huda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil which should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.

So, there we have a possible ‘top ten’ essential oils for the home medicine chest, a selection with an extremely broad range of uses for common ailments seen in a family setting. It is important to note that all essential oils are powerful, and they should be treated with caution and respect. Always refer to a trusted source before making specific applications of any oil, as many can be irritating or possibly toxic if used incorrectly.

To help employ these oils in your home, however, we will examine more specific uses of each essential oil in part II of this article. This will assist you in using these wonderful medicines of nature in your daily routine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Aromatherapy website to find out what Aromas you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Alternative Medicine Glutathione Spray on the Market.

Healing Teas Are Strong Medicine

2022-08-22T02:10:00.001-07:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 80% of the world's population satisfy their primary health care needs with traditional herbal medicines. These medicinal plant preparations, passed on and proven through generations of healers, are the oldest known form of health care.

Herbal medicines, although not common for primary health care in North America, are growing in acceptance both as preventative and supplemental alternatives. Often these medicinal plant preparations are most effectively delivered as "medicinal teas". With consistently good results dating back hundreds of years these healing teas are best described as strong medicine.

Several medicinal tea preparations can be found under the BIJA name that can be enjoyed daily as immune boosting preventatives or, if caught with our guard down, effective treatments for cold and flu symptoms.

BIJA's Lemon, Ginger and Echinacea preparation works to strengthen the immune system and helps to fight colds in a number of ways. Echinacea has the ability to increase white blood cell counts. Ginger moves congestion, brings relief to achy muscles and boosts the effectiveness of the whole preparation. Lemon helps to alkalinize the acidic environment that could encourage germs to multiply. Another BIJA tea is COLD STOP. This combination of eight traditional cold and flu remedies leaves no stone unturned in its approach, with warming and delicious herbs like Licorice, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Yarrow, Thyme, Ginger and Peppermint. Antibiotic in action this combination works to kill invading organisms, while helping the body recover by supporting the active tissue sites. BIJA Echinacea Elderberry with Cranberry and Rooibos is a combo that aims to prevent trouble before it starts. An increase in immune function can ward off invaders before they can take hold, and that makes staying healthy easy to do. Bursting with activity and flavor this tea is perfect for daily use.

For authentic herbal solutions to cold and flu, and to boost immune function, use BIJA tea. Available in natural food outlets or for more information call Flora at 1- 888-436-6697.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Alternative medicine website to find out what herbs you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Alternative Medicine Glutathione Spray on the Market.

Alternative medicine in food - Shallots

2022-08-19T23:28:00.003-07:00

Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae) where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.

There has been lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds - sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.

Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of common onions and established that shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to inhibit and kill cancer cells.

Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus protects against Alzheimer’s disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Alternative medicine website to find out what herbs you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Alternative Medicine Glutathione Spray on the Market.

Benefits of Alternative Medicine

2022-08-18T02:09:00.050-07:00

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, Are you worried or wondering....

Is it possible to maintain good health?

What your body needs to function properly?

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

Do you have unanswered questions on....

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago.

It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet.

Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure--they can all be treated to some degree with foods.

Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years.

Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances.

But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have become almost--the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health--maybe even our lives--without a doctor?

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine.

Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person--body, mind and spirit. Most importantly some physicians use intensive counseling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms.

In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

One of the principal goals of natural healing is to break the cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Alternative medicine website to find out what herbs you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Acne and blemish Spray on the Market.

How glutathione recycling helps support a strong immune system!

2022-08-12T03:34:00.011-07:00

Health threats including environmental toxins, heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, bacteria and viruses seem to be everywhere, underscoring the need for a strong and efficient immune system. And since 80% of the immune system is located in the gut, it's easy to see that immune health and gut health are closely linked.

In fact, scientific research has shown the ability of a natural molecule, glutathione, to promote immune healing. But this wonderful substance must be effectively regenerated and recycled by the body before it can perform its vital function. Let's take a closer look at this important topic.

Glutathione recycling is critical in combating oxidative stress and inflammation

Often referred to as the body's master antioxidant, glutathione is the "workhorse" when it comes to fighting oxidative stress. In particular, glutathione works together with other important natural antioxidants in the body to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals, which would otherwise damage cells and tissues and cause disease.

The process involves sending free radicals up the chain, moving from vitamin C to vitamin E to lipoic acid and finally to glutathione. In other words, when it comes to fighting oxidation and inflammation, the "buck" really stops with glutathione.

Glutathione then neutralizes free radicals and largely restores and recycles other antioxidants. However, in the process, glutathione is "sacrificed", requiring the formation of another protective glutathione molecule in its place.

In the event of an illness or injury, glutathione can be depleted more quickly than it is produced, causing a catastrophic effect. In fact, most integrative medicine experts warn that glutathione is related to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.

Glutathione helps treat leaky gut and general gut health issues.

Chronic intestinal permeability, also known as "leaky gut," occurs when the connective tissue between the cells lining the intestines becomes loose, which can be caused by poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, infections, food allergies, antibiotics, NSAID medications, and aging.

This allows harmful foreign substances such as undigested food particles, pathogens and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an inappropriate immune response and causing various diseases including systemic inflammation, cognitive decline, rashes, joint pain, irritable bowel. and celiac disease.

In addition, leaky gut disturbs the balance of intestinal microbiota (beneficial bacteria). An imbalance of gut bacteria is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. According to natural health experts, glutathione helps prevent and treat leaky gut by protecting the intestinal epithelial cells and strengthening the tight junctions between them.

And the three "building blocks" of glutathione - the amino acids glutamine, cysteine and glycine - enable not only the protection of cells, but also their direct nutrition. Several studies show that glutamine and glycine are the preferred "fuel" for intestinal wall cells. Research has confirmed the amazing ability of glutathione and its components in the fight against leaky gut.

In an influential 2011 review of studies published in the Journal of Epithelial and Biological Pharmacology, the authors credited glutamine and glutathione with "an important role in maintaining mucosal integrity."

Research shows that Glutathione caused natural killer cells to double in size and fights bacterial and viral infections by activating white blood cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants were divided into three groups and received a low dose of glutathione (250 mg per day), a higher dose (1000 mg per day) or placebo.

The results are conclusive - and encouraging!

After 6 months, the team found that high levels of glutathione increased the effect of natural killer cells in fighting disease by 100%! Scientists attribute it to glutathione’s capacity to strengthen innate and adaptive immunity.

Remember: innate immunity deals with non-specific threats and involves a general physical and cellular response – while adaptive immunity recognizes different microbial threats and develops a unique immune system response for each. Obviously, both forms of immunity are important.

In an article published in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, the authors warned that glutathione is good for the immune system and that the immune system works better than before.

In the article published in the journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, the authors warned that glutathione is good for the immune system and that the immune system works better than before.

Promote the regeneration of glutathione through natural techniques

One of the best ways to increase glutathione production and regeneration is to increase your intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and foods high in cysteine, such as free-range eggs, organic beef, and whole grains.

Other dietary supplements that can help recycle glutathione include N-acetylcysteine, alfa-lipoic acid, vitamin B complex, as well as folate, B6 and B12. In addition to being recycled by glutathione, they can “return the favor” and recycle glutathione themselves.

Natural health experts generally recommend glutathione supplements in doses of 250 to 600 mg per day. Glutathione is immune to general detox effects, so it's clearly "good" - especially in physically (and emotionally) demanding times.

Pick up organic broccoli, beef and egg glutathione and glutathione processing supplements on your next visit to the natural market!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Acne and blemish Spray on the Market.

3 Easy Ways to Treat Body Acne!

2022-08-11T05:00:00.004-07:00

Are you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline? Don't worry. You are not alone! Lot's of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.



Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing (It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.

- To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.

- Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.

- At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.


- If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist. 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his https://rebrand.ly/acnegone website to find out what herbs you can use to Keep Acne away.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Acne and blemish Spray on the Market.

Benefits of Hydrogen Infused Water

2022-08-09T02:27:00.001-07:00

What is Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found naturally in low concentrations in the earth’s atmosphere. It doesn’t react with most compounds, but is found in one very common and life sustaining substance: water.

The Power of Science

Naturally occurring water is composed of 2 parts oxygen and 1 part hydrogen (abbreviated chemically as H2O), and while water in itself is good for you it doesn’t contain enough hydrogen to have major effects. Luckily, scientific advancements have made it possible to greatly increase this amount by infusing water with molecular hydrogen (H2). This is done by dissolving hydrogen gas into water under high atmospheric pressure at room temperature, creating water with no noticeable change in taste, color, or smell that contains levels of H2 which can improve one’s overall health in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

Antioxidant Properties
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Allergic
Slows Aging
Cancer Prevention
Healthy Metabolism

Hydrogen: The Superior Antioxidant

Unlike most antioxidants, H2 rapidly dissolves into tissues and cells, penetrating biomembranes, and effectively reaching cellular organs such as the nucleus and mitochondria. Amazingly, H2 can do this without disturbing healthy cell processes or eliminating the proper functions of free radicals. Free radicals, also called reactive oxygen species or ROS, are needed in healthy cell functions but can cause ill effects when they are produced excessively through what is called oxidative stress.

What Is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress is a disruption of the proper balance of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defenses. It occurs in two forms, acute and persistive. Acute oxidative stress is short term but more severe while persistive occurs regularly over long periods of time and is less severe. The acute form of this stress is experienced the most in patients undergoing surgery while persistive oxidative stress is experienced by many frequently if not daily through common means such as:

Intense Exercises
Smoking
Regular UV and Air Pollution Exposure
Everyday Physical and Psychological Stress
Cellular Aging Processes

Negative Effects of Persistive Oxidative Stress

Persistive oxidative stress also effects the metabolism, which can cause obesity and other weight related diseases.

There are many different ways of consuming hydrogen, such as directly inhaling the gas, drinking hydrogen infused water using (Deuterium Depleted Water), taking a hydrogen bath, or receiving hydrogen saline intravenously. Out of all of these methods, drinking hydrogen infused water has been shown to be the most potent and effective over long periods of time in protecting cells against persistive oxidative stress.

Long term use of hydrogen infused water allows the body to protect itself, as the hydrogen protects cells from environmental stressors and slows the aging process without harming any of the positive cell functions. This can lead to a longer and healthier life, almost like a real version of the fabled fountain of youth!

Thank you for taking the time to read Benefits of Hydrogen Infused Water.

Is there a role for nutrition in treating hair loss?

2022-07-21T04:31:00.001-07:00

Could something as basic as inadequate nutrition really contribute to excessive shedding of hair?


Does sensible nutrition have a role to play in helping hair to regrow?

The answer to both questions is yes! There is no doubt that poor nutrition and hectic lifestyles can contribute to hair loss. Modern diets can be associated with a number of nutritional deficiencies that are thought to contribute to hair loss:

1.  The refining of whole grains reduces the B vitamin content.

2.  Over cooking of vegetables destroys B vitamins.

3.  Raw leafy greens are absent in most diets.

4.  The vitamins that have been ingested are often re-directed to facilitate the digestion of nutritionally sterile carbohydrates like sugar and white flour.

5.  Stimulants like caffeine, nicotene and alcohol rob the body of vital nutrients.

6.  Excessive salt intake can encourage hair loss because of its tendency to accumulate in tissue.

7.  Low fiber intake inhibits digestion thus reducing the body's ability to deliver nutrients to the blood stream.

Clearly poor nutrition can cause hair loss because the body will ration nutrients in a hierarchy of vital organs first and hair last. It is unlikely that improved nutrition alone will result in new hair growth but it will minimize shedding and support other treatments that encourage regrowth.

You can learn more about the importance of sound nutrition in maintaining healthy hair at the site listed below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to regrow you hair naturally with the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Glutathione on the Market.

Focus on These Four Pillars of Optimal Health and Well-Being

2022-07-20T02:42:00.001-07:00

The goal for each person, I believe, should be to function at optimal health. This includes aspects of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. To function at optimal health does not just mean the absence of symptoms, but it means that the body is functioning at a high level internally as well. We need to focus on a number of pillars that help us to function at optimal health.

Pillar One – Eat Healthy

Step one: Buy quality food that include fruits, vegetables and meats. This would include organic, non-GMO products. If you buy a high quality healthy chicken and beef it can be a good source of nutrition. I would suggest buying off a local farmer that raises their animals properly or buying them in a store that offers those kind of quality choices.
Step two: Read labels and do no buy foods with toxic ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, trans-fat or other harmful ingredients.
Step three: Prepare food in a healthy way. I would suggest using your oven and not frying foods. I eat 75% of vegetables raw and that greatly increases the nutrient value of them.
Step four: Focus on nutrient dense foods and add portion control in your menu planning. Focusing on healthy eating is much more important than fad diets.

Pillar Two – Exercise

Step one: Set aside time to exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week. This should include cardiovascular exercise as well as strength training exercises. Make sure you warm up and stretch your muscles before each session.
Step two: Be consistent as this will be one of your biggest challenges. This is essential if your exercise program is going to be successful. I live in the Northeast so I have a plan I follow for the winter months and I do my exercise program in my basement. It is important to exercise throughout the year and not just in the nice weather.

Pillar Three – Make Wise Lifestyle Choices

Step one: Abstinence – We must make a conscious choice to refrain from things that will hurt our health such as Tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and other unwise choices.
Step two: Put the proper emphasis on the spiritual aspect of our life. I personally read my bible and pray daily and go to church every week. The spiritual aspect of our life should be our foundation and helps give our life the proper balance and focus.
Step three: Understand the importance of emotional health and managing stress properly.
Step four: Develop intellectual health by keeping yourself sharp and do things that you enjoy that help in this area.
Step five: Having good relationships with people, enhancing our social and communication skills. At home, work, with family and friends we want our relationships to be healthy. We should never allow bitterness or anger to become anchored in our heart. This will hurt us spiritually, physically, emotionally and it may be devastating to our relationships.

Pillar Four – Take Quality Supplements

Step one: It is important to have good cell health. The three best supplements for this are glutathione, ascorbate (buffered) C, and CoQ10.
Step two: Build your immune system and I suggest vitamin D and ascorbate C.
Step three: Keep your system free of toxins. To help maintain good health in this area I suggest glutathione and ascorbate C. If you are high in toxic metals there are some other things I would suggest in addition to that. I suggest doing a colon cleanse at least once a year and preferably two times a year as you do not want your colon to be clogged.

What You Need to Know About Cell Health and Your Eyes

2022-06-15T03:02:00.001-07:00

Introduction

Cell health is essential if we are going to have good health overall as well as for our eyes. We need to make sure we are properly addressing this important area of our life. Cell health should be something every health-conscious person is aware of.

The Importance of your Foundation

It is important that you have a good foundation and strengthen your underlying support systems. It is important that we have good cell health, build up our immune system and get poisonous toxins out of our body. Cell health is vital to good eye health so we must take positive steps to enhance it. Three supplements to help with cell health are glutathione, ascorbate C and CoQ10. Building a strong immune system and detoxifying are essential to overall good health. We not only want to deal with the symptoms, but ultimately, we want everyone to function at optimal health.

The Importance of your Future

If our cell health is weak then we are very susceptible to chronic illness and are setting ourselves up for poor health in the future. If we want to be healthy in our future than we must make the right lifestyle choices today. Eat glutathione rich foods (ginger, garlic, eggs, onions, and brassica sprouts) as well as cruciferous vegetables. Eating nutrient dense foods and taking quality supplements are important steps to good cell health.

Can Western Medicine Accept Chinese Medicine?

2022-06-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

Chinese Medicine, over 2000 years old, is an ancient form of medicine. Consisting of acupuncture, moxibustion (moxibustion - using material made up of "moxa-wool," in a form of a cone or stick; moxibustion is used to treat and prevent disease by applying heat to pints or certain locations of the human body), herbal medicine, acupressure, cupping, therapeutic exercise and nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine is notated by its principle of internal balance and harmony, or "chi," (life force) regulation through energy channels.

In essence, Chinese medicine is widely known for its acupuncture techniques and herbology. Founded on the Yin and Yang principle, the five elements and Zang Fu, Chinese medicine is an evolutional treatment in modern Western civilization. Chinese medicine also uses Qi Gong and Tai Qi Chuan in its methodology. Incorporating supplemental elements in a nutritious diet such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and other supplements are fundamental treatments in Chinese medicine as well.


Overall, Chinese medicine can be utilized to treat allergies, arthritis pain, weight control, quitting smoking, back injury pain, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, stress, TMJ and PMS. Other illnesses and conditions that can be helped with Chinese medicine are digestive problems, menstrual problems, and urinary problems. If you are interested in obtaining more information about Chinese medicine and its benefits, feel free to peruse our business member directory for accredited, Chinese medicine practitioners or schools today!

Q: My doctor is skeptical of Chinese medicine. Is there a way to make it acceptable to the western medicine way of thinking?

A: This is a complicated issue. Ideally, we could use scientific research to make this possible. This has been done to some extent. However, there are still problems with research and its acceptance.

Not Testing Authentic Chinese Medicine

Studies often diverge from authentic Chinese medicine methodology. Investigators rarely make use of pattern discrimination, which is fundamental to Chinese medicine. Also, studies have yet to acknowledge another reality of CM - its plurality. There are many ways to practice it, and many many herb formulas, herb combinations, acupuncture point combinations, and needling techniques.


See What You Want To See

Plus, studies of people reading and using studies have proven that when we disagree with a study's conclusions, we are much more critical of its methodology and validity than when the results agree with our beliefs. That is a breakdown in the scientific method. In the scientific method, we let study outcomes revise our beliefs - not the other way around.


The Good Research That's Out There

If you want to see good acupuncture research, and great commentary by an MD who devotes his medical practice fully to acupuncture, and who studies authentic CM, go to Acubriefs.com.

I did a short review of the best acupuncture studies since the 1997 National Institutes of Health statement.

Effectiveness and Proof are Secondary

An interesting twist: Historian and anthropologist Paul Unschuld's suggests that the acceptance of any medicine has more to do with how it fits or doesn't fit with the social zeitgeist (spirit of the times). People must understand a medicine in a way that fits with their beliefs and values first. Scientific evidence, and personal experience of effectiveness are secondary.

Acceptance by Western Medicine

But as for acceptance by western docs- it depends on the doc. I doubt the AMA is going to be accepting Chinese medicine as a separate and equally valid medical system. But some individual docs might.

Who Speaks For Western Medicine?

According to Modern Healthcare Magazine, "Not counting medical students and residents, who are lured by deep discounts in annual dues, AMA members account for only about 29 per cent of 726,000 practicing doctors in America."

This raises the question- who represents most doctors? How do we know what they think or want?

I did an internet search, both on Google and Yahoo, for other medical organizations... most of them were state, or country-oriented.

I did find a few others, but their membership numbers may overlap:

The Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) - 17,000 members American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) - 2,000 members American Holistic Medicine Association (AHMA) - membership not listed

So even though the AMA represents less than one-third of physicians, it doesn't appear that any other organization has nearly as many members. Perhaps no one speaks for Western medicine.

Pattern Discrimination Isn't So Strange

Besides all the distinct ontology (the study of what exists) like meridians and organ-systems, a fundamentally unique feature of CM (used in China to differentiate CM from WM) is pattern discrimination.

Different treatment for different symptom/sign patterns is not really that strange. Western docs don't give all patients the same antihypertensive drugs, for example. It depends on the patient, and there are specific groupings according to symptoms, signs, and other diagnoses. We do the same thing - just different groupings.

Regardless, many Western docs look down their nose at pattern discrimination. Perhaps they don't think it's scientific enough? They don't see the benefit. It's outside their paradigm.

Inequality in Credibility and Authority

Chinese medicine's biggest obstacle to making progress politically and in the media is that MD's are seen as the one true medical authority. They are the
experts on everything. Pure scientists don't get as much attention, nor do scholars, or Master's degree people. Politicians and journalists both have this perspective. Because of this, our objections (to the actions of AMA, FDA, and drug companies against Chinese herbal medicine) go unheard. We are not seen as being as competent to assess dangers. Nor do they take Chinese docs very seriously. You have to either be an MD or affiliated with a big institution.

So, to summarize, you can't convince some people no matter what. Others will get behind Chinese medicine regardless. Those in the middle will be swayed by the media and their friends.

It's going to take some time for enough of us to have the degrees, affiliations, and willingness to make statements loud enough to be heard above the din of the prevailing winds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Chinese medicine website to find out what herbs you can use to have a happier healthier life.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Bioavailable Glutathione Spray on the Market.

Glutathione vs NAC

2022-05-24T03:12:00.001-07:00

To begin, let’s state the obvious — nobody wants to age faster than we are “supposed” to.

Most of us want to keep our bodies in tip-top shape for as long as possible but aging, and the decline that is basically guaranteed to accompany it, is an inescapable part of living — or is it?

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant which presents a unique opportunity to combat the dreaded effects of aging at their source. However, delivering an adequate supply of glutathione to the cells of the body which need it most is no simple task.

This article will weigh the advantages of the two best methods for supporting antioxidant activity in the human body: Glutathione vs NAC.

Free Radicals Play a Part in Aging Our Cells

Free radicals are found everywhere (unfortunately for our bodies) in ozone, smoke, various chemicals, and even occur naturally as our cells process energy. Due to a complex process, free radicals cause oxidative stress to our cells and this stress has been linked to a host of diseases, and even ’normal’ signs of aging like wrinkles and gray hair.

In fact, “oxidative stress is now thought to make a significant contribution to all inflammatory diseases” (including arthritis) as well as neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In addition, numerous researchers have proposed oxidative stress plays a role in mutating cells, which could lead to cancer. (1)

Enter Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation, and therefore reduce cellular exposure to oxidative stress. In addition to well known antioxidant vitamins like C and E, there are two very important antioxidants, or rather, an antioxidant and its precursor — glutathione (GSH) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).

More promising than other antioxidants, both glutathione and N-acetylcysteine have researchers abuzz about their potential to minimize signs of aging at the cellular level. One scientist noted that “glutathione is one of the most important cellular antioxidants” (1) and, in a different paper, the author noted NAC “acts directly as a scavenger of free radicals, especially oxygen radicals.”(2) It is possible that by consuming one of these antioxidants, you can help improve your body’s response to oxidative stress, and its associated diseases.

Free radicals cause a chain reaction of damage and imbalance to cells by robbing them of a paired electron. Antioxidants put an end to this chain reaction by serving as a sort of electron donor.

The Importance of Glutathione and its Bioavailability

Glutathione, also known as GSH, or even “the master antioxidant“, is perhaps the most important component of the human body for regulating oxidative stress. Among other processes, it is crucial for brain health as a reduction in GSH has been directly linked with Alzheimer’s disease (3) as well as Parkinson’s disease (4).

Glutathione is made by the body during normal cellular processes and although traditional oral supplements are available, there are concerns that they tend to have a low bioavailability.

Bioavailability is simply the amount of a given substance that is actually available for the body to use and studies have found that traditional GSH supplements may not deliver enough of this vital ingredient to be useful in combating oxidative stress. Stomach acids often break down GSH before it has a chance to be absorbed by the body.

The N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) Advantage

In addition to its own antioxidant properties, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to GSH, meaning that is necessary for the body’s production of GSH. Studies in animals have shown NAC to have a “neuroprotective role”, slowing age-related memory decline as well as helping to improve age-related heart malfunction. (8)

NAC is thought to have a higher bioavailability than standard oral GSH formulas. This is primarily due to the fact that it bypasses the liver and therefore isn’t subjected to the same degradation that traditional oral formulations of GSH are.

The Glutathione Advantage.

While glutathione may be challenging for the body to process orally, there are ways circumvent this difficulty.

Taking glutathione in nano-size allows more of the active ingredient past the acidic environment of the stomach and into the intestines intact, where they can be fully absorbed into the body. Liposomal delivery systems have been improving the bioavailability of supplements, and even pharmaceuticals, for the last couple of decades. (5)

In a 2018 study, liposomal Glutathione was found to increase the body’s stores of GSH, increasing markers of immune system function as well as reducing markers of oxidative stress. (6) This could be significant for those who desire a healthier immune system in addition to the potential anti-aging benefit of GSH.

In addition to incorporating nano-technology, Glutathione it further enhances its ability to be used by the body better. A 2017 study found glutathione to be a valid use in reducing signs of cardiovascular damage in men (7).

Conclusion

So, what is the superior choice of glutathione vs NAC? The answer will vary from person to person, but it is our belief that liposomal glutathione provides a more potent and direct method of antioxidant relief.

Whichever antioxidant compound you choose, you just may be able to help your body keep aging, and its insidious effects, at bay.

Thank you for taking the time to read Liposomal Glutathione vs NAC

References:

7 Steps Promoting Mental Breakthrough

2022-05-09T01:56:00.001-07:00

“Our bodies are our gardens- our wills are our gardeners.” William Shakespeare

Do you feel in control of your mental health? Sometimes when people are having various anxiety symptoms such as panic attacks or intense fear they assume that it is literally all in their head. It is important to remember that what happens in the rest of the body does affect mental health.

Discipline is the key that unlocks mental health breakthrough. When we discipline our will to be the gardener of our bodies, what follows is optimized mental health. Too often when people or family members are having these types of mental health issues they are not getting any real answers and do not have the core underlying issues of their problems addressed. In this blog I want to focus on defining anxiety and focus on seven steps that will help us have a healthy mind that functions at optimal levels.

Cultivate a natural lifestyle.

Anxiety is Natural.

Did you know anxiety is natural? The surprising answer is yes. Not only does every human currently on Planet Earth have a measure of anxiety; it is completely natural to feel anxious!

Anxiety is a natural response to life experiences and risk factors. Life is stressful, and it is perfectly natural to react with feelings of intense fear. There are times when stress gives us the edge we need to succeed, and there are times when stress gets the better of us. This is the rhythm of life, stress is a note we are all expected to hold. Anxiety is a big deal. We believe it is important for you to have the facts.

Don’t stress, Anxiety is natural.

The Anatomy of Anxiety: Disorder Characterized

An anxiety disorder is a cyclical cycle composed of Three Components:

Feeling- Anxiety triggers our “flight-or-fight” response. The fight-or-flight response is our body’s natural way to protect us from danger by priming us for action. When our fight-or-flight response is activated, enhanced alertness causes heavy breathing and an overall feeling of intense fear.
Doing- People with anxious behaviors try their best to avoid their specific trigger. Avoidance defines the escape mechanism anxiety recipients use to escape their trigger. If crowded movie theaters cause anxiety, the individual will use an escape mechanism (like feeling ill) to get out of going. These escape mechanisms evolve into behaviors used to prevent the trigger. Exposure therapy can greatly help in this area.
Thinking- Anxiety is deeply personal. Clinical trials show people with anxiety often having unrealistic and extreme thoughts triggered by their specific phobia. When a person thinks, “I will get fired if my presentation is not absolutely perfect,” they are demonstrating disproportionate worry. There is clear overestimation of the unrealistic consequences accompanied with an underestimation in their ability.

Anxiety feels like a million thoughts are competing for your attention.

Understanding Anxiety in Adults (18 and Older)

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, yet many do not receive treatment or exposure therapy. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADA) published a study reporting, “18% of adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. Only 37% of those adults are actively receiving treatment.” The facts from clinical trials on Adults suffering with an Anxiety disorder are disclosed below.

“Percentage of U.S. Adults 18 and Older with Mental or Addictive Disorder”

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)	3.1% (6.8 million adults)
Panic Disorder (PD)	2.7% (6 million adults)
Social Anxiety Disorder	6.8% (15 million adults)
Specific Phobias	8.7% (19 million adults)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)	1% (2.2 million adults)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)	3.5% (7.7 million adults)
Major Depressive Disorder	6.7% (16.1 million adults)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)	1.5% (3.3 million adults)

Disturbing Trends in Children: Following the Anxiety Trail

Evidence suggests anxiety is trending in children, per this study from the National Institute of Mental Health reporting, “7% of children ages 4-17 have an Anxiety disorder, making anxiety the most prevalent mental health disorder among children in clinical trials.” The breakdown is included below:

“Prevalence Rates of Mental or Addictive Disorders in Children Ages 4-17”

Anxiety	7%
ADHD	5%
Conduct Disorder	4%
Mood Disorder	4%
Substance Use Disorder	1 %

Even in children, anxiety promotes feelings of isolation.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is caused by a stress source. Whether the stress source is real or imagined, internal or external; individualized stress sources materialize into intense fear. From late bills to personal feelings of inadequacy, practically anything can cause us to feel anxious. Anxiety disorders have a complicated causal network, per a recent study; anxiety has causal roots in the following networks:

Genetics- Research per the National Institute of Mental Health shows that anxiety runs in the family
Brain Chemistry- The same research shows that worry is not a tendency, rather it is a personality type predisposing the person to be naturally anxious
Environmental Factors- Personal relationships, overloads of work from school and/or work, and unstable finances are environmental factors contributing to developing anxiety.
Parental Modeling- This study shows that parents who avoid “fearful situations” will increase anxious tendencies in their children’s behavioral complex. Additional Parental Modeling behaviors shown to trigger anxiety include over-protectiveness and excessive reassurance.
Traumatic Life Events- The death of a loved one, being bitten by a dog, academic shortcomings, and being bullied are traumatizing events which can create anxiety.

Anxiety can cause you to feel like everyone around you knows that you are battling your own thoughts.

Understanding the Symptoms (And Not-Needed Gestures)

Many people suffering from an anxiety disorder describe their condition like quicksand; the harder they struggle to escape, the deeper they sink. People with no experience of anxiety can say insensitive things, we have included our Top 5 Insensitive Things to Make an Anxious Person Feel Worse.

“Just have confidence”
“It’s all in your head”
“Why can’t you cheer up?”
“Get some guts”
“Life is too short to be sad”

Anxiety is difficult, and often scary. People lacking experience do not understand it is not easy to find the courage to face life when it feels like you are buried alive by your thoughts and self-doubt. When you find yourself in that quicksand moment, remember; worried thoughts are “notoriously inaccurate.”

The Mayo Clinic covers the 10 dominant symptoms of Anxiety. These symptoms include:

Extreme nervousness
Intense Fear
Exaggerated reflex reaction
A sense of impending danger or panic
Increased heart rate
Poor Concentration
Hyperventilation (Breathing rapidly)
Insomnia
Increased Panic Attack
Having the urge to avoid anxiety triggers (includes social settings and specific phobias)

The 8 Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Arguably the most well-known disorder of the list, PTSD is the reaction to a traumatic event. People with PTSD report “reexperiencing” the traumatic event through dreams and situations like the initial event. Behaviors includes numbness, avoidance of social settings and increased aggression.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- Recipient behavior is categorized by obsessive/repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)- Behaviors manifest in a concern that “bad things” will happen to the recipient. This disorder can be caused by separation from a care provider.
Social Phobia- Defined by a fear of poor social performance in medium to large group settings.
Panic Disorder- Behaviors include a fear of losing control
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- Recipients experience uncontrollable worry covering multiple areas of life. GAD recipients will worry about the quality of their education, where they will work, how their health will last in the future, and if they will stay in touch with their families.
Selective Mutism- Encompasses both a fear and failure to speak in medium to large social settings. Recipients worry whether their opinions will contribute to the collective conversation.
Specific Phobia- Fear of specific social situations and objects.

It feels like a new world when unhealthy anxiety levels are reduced.

“Good Anxiety?” The Answer Below…

What is your first thought when you think about anxiety? We commonly (and wrongly) attach negative connotations to anxiety. Contrary to popular opinion, anxiety is completely natural. Every human on Planet Earth experiences some degree of worry, uneasiness or fear when feeling threatened. Anxiety gives us the tools to both identify a possibly dangerous situation and the tools to escape should that situation materialize as life-threatening. We need anxiety to survive. The next time you avoid disease-carrying rats or proclaiming your unwavering love for a careless lover, you can thank your anxiety. Anxiety only becomes problematic only when it becomes severe. Per this study, children and adults use anxiety to improve performance throughout different tasks based upon arousal. The Yerkes-Dodson curve (below) helps illustrate this concept.

Anxiety and Physical Performance: A Strange Relationship

The Yerkes-Dodson curve, developed by psychologists RM Yerkes and JD Dodson, suggests physical performance increases with arousal. Think of it like this. If you have three cups of coffee, you will hit your peak performance. If you have too much coffee, your performance will suffer.

The Yerkes-Dodson Curve.

The strange relationship between anxiety and physical performance, proven by the Yerkes-Dodson chart, is that performance does not gradually increase in response to anxiety. Rather, there is a certain point where performance will spike then decline.

When Anxiety Becomes Problematic: The Six Signs to Watch For

As we learned from the Yerkes-Dodson curve, there is a point where a high level of anxiety lends to psychological impairments. These impairments manifest in two general forms: misinterpreting threats and extreme responses. Problematic anxiety can manifest in the following:

Failure in School
Difficulty relating to peers
Contributing to family dysfunction
Limited career opportunities
Substance misuse
Acute depression

7 Steps to Mental Breakthrough

Step One: Optimize Nutrition

The first thing that needs to happen is a change in one’s diet. This needs to be a lifestyle change that is long term and not a brief “fad diet.” There is nothing wrong with the Atkins Diet or a Juice Cleanse, however, these diets are not designed to be long term solutions. You need a diet you can trust for longevity. You want to create time in your year for one or two Colon Cleanses to purge your system of heavy metals, but you need a diet you can trust for the remainder of your year.

Health food for fitness concept with fresh fruit, vegetables, pulses, herbs, spices, nuts, grains and pulses. High in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates, omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins.

A good place to start is to increase whole foods and healthy fats in your diet. It is very important to get rid of processed foods as well. Read every label to make sure you are avoiding things like trans-fats, high fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy additives that are in many things today in the average supermarket. It is common for supermarkets today to have organic sections in their stores. Know the foods you need and do not need so you can be efficient at grocery shopping.

Building your own healthy diet is not an easy task. You should start by deciding which foods you will not allow in your diet. Introducing bread or dairy is your decision; you should begin by eliminating the foods you believe do not work with your system.

Here is an example of a long-term diet plan for mental breakthrough:

Breakfast

Egg Toast (275 Calories)

2 Slices Whole Wheat (Toasted)
1 Large Egg
2 Egg Whites
¼ Low Fat Cottage Cheese
½ Medium Sized Avocado
Salt and Pepper
Side Note: Can be Served with Strawberries (3-5 in season strawberries)

Instructions

Toast your toast to your preference
Mash Avocado in a medium size bowl
Coat a small pan with non-stick cooking spray
Once pan is medium-hot, combine the egg and egg whites with cottage cheese
Cook until eggs are scrambled
Season with salt & pepper and let cool
If you want more flavor, drizzle a little siracha or rooster sauce

Recipe Credit: https://bit.ly/2NTVEIs

Breakfasts high in fat are crucial for battling anxiety.

Mid-Morning Snack (63 Calories)

¾ Cup of Blueberries

Lunch

Chickpea & Veggie Salad (319 Calories)

2 Cups Mixed Greens
3/4 cup veggies of your choice (try cucumbers and tomatoes)
2/3 Cup Chickpeas rinsed
1 Tbsp. Almonds Chopped
Optional Dressing: Use 1 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar, 2 tbsp. olive oil, and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Mix Together. Do not store in plastic container, glass is preferable if you are packing to go.
Add optional dressing if desired.

Recipe Credit: https://bit.ly/2wkqL7Y

Mediterranean salads are perfect for mental health breakthrough as they are high in protein.

Late Afternoon Snack (62 calories)

1 Large Orange

Dinner

Chicken, Avocado & Red Pepper Pizza (399 Calories)

1 Large Flatbread or Naan
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
½ Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Pounded to ½ Inch Thickness + Salt and Pepper to taste)
2-3 Slices Cooked Bacon Chopped
½ Avocado (Sliced or Diced)
½ Red Pepper, Diced
1 Tablespoon Packed Cilantro Leaves (Roughly Chopped)
½ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
¼ Cup Ranch Dressing
1 Teaspoon Chipotle Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Season chicken with salt and pepper
Cook the chicken in pan with medium heat. Allow chicken is cook all the way through. Dice chicken to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
Brush the flatbread with olive oil
Sprinkle flatbread with shredded cheese
Top flatbread with diced chicken. Add red peppers and chopped bacon.
Place flatbread on a lightly oiled sheet of foil.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted
While flatbread is baking, whisk together ranch dressing and chipotle seasoning with the red pepper flakes
When flatbread is finished, drizzle the homemade chipotle dressing and serve hot.
If you do not have the time to make the chipotle dressing, any brand of store-bought chipotle sauce will work.

Recipe Credit: https://bit.ly/2NoTAev

Eating healthy to reduce anxiety has never looked tastier!

Dessert (Every Healthy Diet Needs Dessert)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge (83 calories)

½ cup softened virgin coconut oil
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
½ cup salted creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 drops liquid Stevia

Instructions

Fill muffin pan with 24 liners; put to the side
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor, blend until smooth
Pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each muffin liner
Refrigerate muffin pan for 1 hour or until fudge firms
When firm, serve

Recipe Credit: https://bit.ly/2Np4sZU

Every diet should leave room for dessert.

Total Calorie Count- 1,201

Omega-3 and Your Brain

Our cell membranes, and much of our brain, are made up of fatty acids. It is important that we get omegas and other fatty acids in our diet. Omega 3’s provide nutrition to the brain which can be helpful for mood and bipolar issues.

Choline is important for normal brain development as well as liver function, nerve function, muscle movement and a healthy metabolism. “Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient and a methyl donor involved in many physiological processes, including normal metabolism and transport of lipids, methylation reactions, and neurotransmitter synthesis.”(1)

Cholesterol is important for brain health and it is the glue between molecules. Though it has been demonized in some circles it has a vital role in health. “Cholesterol, a substance required for the normal function of cells, is present in every cell of the human body. It is also found in the bloodstream. The soft waxy substance is produced in the body and is essential to produce vitamin D, bile salts and hormones.”(2)

Here are some example of whole foods loaded with Omega-3

A person needs 30 to 40 grams of protein per meal which triggers protein synthesis. If you don’t do that you will destroy your metabolism eventually. Fiber is needed because it helps balance microbiome. Whole food carbohydrates are best. Vitamins and minerals include Folate, B6, B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium.

Step Two: Balance Hormones

PNEI, which stands for Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology, is very important. Three main communication systems exist in your body. Neurotransmitters are messengers of the nervous system, hormones are messengers of the endocrine system and cytokines are messengers of the immune system. Health involves good communication as your cells talk to each other all the time. If you have issues with your hormones it will affect your brain. If someone has too much insulin from sugar and/or starch, too much cortisol and adrenaline from stress and not enough thyroid hormone function then the insulin resistance has a huge effect on the brain. You can get an insulin response test to make sure there are no issues in that area. We need 30 to 50 grams of soluble fiber. Reducing and managing stress are very important. You need the thyroid to function normally. Important nutrients for the thyroid are selenium 200 to 400 mcg and thiamine. If you have thyroid issues you should go on a whole food diet as well as getting off dairy and soy. High sugar, high refined diet, caffeine, stress, dairy and hormones in dairy and meats will hurt your hormone balance. Alcohol damages the liver which will cause imbalance in your hormones.

Eat clean and reap the benefits!

Step Three: Cool Off Inflammation

Anxiety, depression as well as other mental disorders involve an inflamed brain. The brain is made of mostly immune cells and high inflammation is not good. When cytokines run out of control it will cause issues. A C-reactive protein test for inflammation and gluten sensitivity can be helpful to assess your situation. Causes of inflammation include our diet, food allergens, digestive function and immune system, toxins, low grade infections, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, and vitamin deficiency. An anti-inflammatory diet and anti-inflammatory supplements are very important.

Step Four: Fixing Your Gut

It is important to resolve leaky gut issues. We need to get rid of the things that grow bad bacteria in our GI tract. We need things that will help us grow good bacteria. We need Prebiotics and Probiotics. Nutri-Spec Immune X-Flam is a good supplement to start with as it contains both Prebiotics and Probiotics. It is important that people take Probiotic supplements or eat foods that are rich in probiotics. Herbs that are anti-microbial include oregano, rosemary and garlic. We need diverse bacteria in our gut so we should eat variety of vegetables, stalks and stems.

Strengthen your gut with Probiotics and you will be rewarded with good health.

Step Five: Enhance Detoxification

Much of our food grown today that is treated with pesticides is causing many health issues for people. It is important that we drink healthy water that is filtered. I would suggest distilled water or reverse osmosis system for getting your water. Dr. Joe Pizzorno believes that the primary driver of chronic disease in the industrialized world is environmental toxins. It is not that nutritional deficiencies and poor choices are no longer a problem, but that we have added a toxin problem to the list and it has become a huge health risk. Never cook anything in plastic. You want fresh food and not processed. Buy organic and non-GMO food. You want to avoid farmed fish, GMO soy, and dark leafy greens which are commercially grown and have lots of pesticides. Environmental Work Group puts out a ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen’ list that is very helpful. Mercury toxicity manifests with anxiety, sleep disturbances, insomnia, neuroendocrine toxin (hurt hormones) and immunosuppressant (get sick and contract serious illnesses like cancer). Mercury’s biggest sources are fish and fillings. When it comes to fish avoid the biggest ones that live a long-time such as tuna, swordfish and shark. Glutathione (GSH) is critical and it does three things: it is the most important antioxidant in our cells and mitochondria. Low levels GSH will cause cells, DNA, and mitochondria to degenerate more quickly.

Secondly, it plays a critical role in the liver for getting toxins out of the body. GSH binds to toxins to easily escort them out of liver through the kidneys. Adding Glutathione to your supplemental regimen should be considered because it is a powerful remover of toxins and carcinogens. You can use a handful of products to raise your Glutathione levels, but we suggest considering a suppository as it allows Glutathione to be immediately absorbed into the blood stream. We suggest the Most Bioavailable Glutathione as an ideal supplement to raise your Glutathione levels.

Thirdly, GSH is responsible for pumping mercury out of the brain through the blood brain barrier where it then can be extracted from body and the cells. Broccoli sprouts are the biggest source of GSH, but collards, kale, avocado, cabbage, turnips, mustard greens, arugula, rutabaga and watercress all contain it in high quantities as well.

Avocado is an excellent source for glutathione.

Step 6: Boost Mitochondria

Mitochondria are essential energy sources that we need to function properly. We need energy and without it our bodies will experience negative side effects that can lead to slow mental function, mood disorders, and other types of dementia. Toxins, nutritional deficiencies and inflammation can all hinder the function of the mitochondria. If they wind down, many diseases can occurs. Important nutrients for our mitochondria include CoQ10, ribose, lipoic acid, NAC and carnitine. They may help with various issues like autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as well. The brain uses the most energy and the mitochondria produces the greatest amount that is in your brain. Brain disorders are not fatal in most cases and often can be fixed. Poor cells can be replaced with healthy ones. We need to stop poisoning our cells by not doing the things that make you weak like frying foods, using toxic oils, and mercury. Inflammation comes from the mitochondria. Your body needs to convert food to energy (B2 & B3 help this process) and the mitochondria needs to function properly. Breakdowns in mitochondrial function are caused by two things which are a poor diet of too many calories and not enough nutrients and antioxidants, plus a reduced nutrient intake. Enzymes need zinc and selenium and we need omega 3 fats which make up the membrane of the mitochondria. Top mitochondrial nutrients include Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, NADH, D-Ribose, Magnesium, B2 – Riboflavin, B3 – Niacin and NAC.

Step 7: Treatments for Anxiety to Calm the Mind

Your mind governs your stress through your autonomic nervous system. It controls all the automatic functions in your body. It is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Chronic stress increases inflammation, anxiety, depression and damages the hippo-campus leading to memory loss, mood disorders and reduces serotonin levels. It also interferes with thyroid function and causes loss of muscle.

When nerve cells in the brain are overactive, it contributes to feelings of chronic stress and anxiety disorders. Supplementing with the amino acid GABA is a natural and safe alternative to replace positive thoughts with negative ones. The brain naturally produces GABA to stimulate communication between nerve cells. When our GABA levels are low, feelings of anxiety are amplified. We recommend raising your GABA levels with Life Vitality Ultra Bliss because it contains high quality Phenyl-Gaba which has no problem crossing the blood brain barrier. It is vital that we manage stress because we all have it. There are several practical things we can do in addition to supplementing with high quality products. When you lower inflammation, you turn off fight or flight stress. Focus on things that are going well. Keep things in perspective. Take a walk in a park (without your cell phone) and enjoy nature and some outdoor weather can be a big stress relief.

A diet rich in good fats will promote strong mental health.

Recap

On a personal level, there is nothing more important than your mental health.

Eat right and reduce processed carbohydrates. Get plenty of exercise – which is important to help with our health – lower stress and improve our outlook on life. Nutrients we should focus on are a good multivitamin, Folate, B6, B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium help methylation and probiotics. You should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Do things that mentally stimulate you like playing chess, learning something new and meeting new people. Mental fitness is important as you want neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. There is always hope and never give up.

Thank you for taking the time to read Anxiety Guide: 7 Steps Promoting Mental Breakthrough

18 Best Ways How to Detox Your Body

2022-03-01T01:21:00.002-08:00

“Health is a relationship between you and your body.” ~Terri Guillemets

Introduction to Detoxification of the Body

People want to know how to detoxify the body, what detox does and how to cleanse the body naturally. These are good questions with no easy answers. We are going to cover these topics as we believe detoxification is foundational for a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.

There are a range of different detoxes with different health goals. Some people do weight loss detoxes while some are seeking to do a full body detox and need to know how to detox the liver. These questions need to be answered from a natural perspective so you know how to detox your body for your particular goal.

Let’s examine some practical steps we can take to help in the detoxification process which is essential if we are to function at optimal health.

What is Detoxification of the Body?
How do you know if you need to detoxify?
How To Cleanse Your Body?
Step One: Prevention Before
Step Two: Pipeline for Healthy Liquids
Step Three: Priority of the Plate or foods that detox your body
Step Four: Get good sleep
Step Five: Start exercising
Step Six: Treat your skin right
Step Seven: Detoxification and Gut Health
Step Eight: Promote Liver Health
Step Nine: Promote Kidney Health
Step Ten: Prohibit Toxins from Recirculating
Step Eleven: Purging the Colon
Step Twelve: Plan to Replenish Nutrients
Step Thirteen: A Purifying Bath
Step Fourteen: Detoxification Pathways Need to be Clear
Step Twelve: Procedures that may be Necessary
Step Fifteen: Preliminaries
Step Sixteen: The Right Supplements for Detoxification
Step Seventeen: Protocols
Step Eighteen: Pressing Forward

What is Detoxification of the Body?

Body detoxification is very important as we live in a very toxic world. We should always be listening to our bodies. Detoxification might be the trend for 2018, but you should only detox when you feel your body is calling for toxin removal. Detoxifying your body has many long term benefits including:

Weight Loss Detox
Body Cleansing including the skin, stomach, liver and colon
Toxin removal
Drug detox
Strengthening the immune system
Detox heavy metals from your body including mercury and lead
Increasing overall health care.

The goal of every detox diet should be detox for toxin removal. Removing toxins from the body can result in losing weight and an overall feeling of superior health. A toxin is a pro-oxidant which causes electrons to be taken away from the biomolecules which produces oxidation.

Antioxidants like vitamin C restore electrons back to oxidized biomolecules. “Increased oxidative stress causes 100% of all disease.” (1) Essentially all disease then results from the relative presence of and the interactions among and between, pro-Oxidants (toxins), pathogens (pro-oxidant providers), and antioxidant (nutrients).

A nutrient is only a nutrient if after it is metabolized it is broken down and gets to the basic molecular level. It is only nutritious to the degree that it is antioxidant. It must produce molecules at the cellular level that have an antioxidant effect. If it is bad for you it is because when it gets to this level it has a pro-oxidant/toxic effect.

How do you know if you need to Detoxify?

When you are paying attention to the signs your body is giving you, you will know when to detox. Professional detox enthusiasts will schedule four detoxes in their year over a seven to fourteen day program, we recommend you schedule one to two detoxes in your first year then progressively increase if you feel your body asking to be purged of more toxins. These detoxes do not account for the “one day mini detoxes.” Feel free to engage those programs without hesitation.

If you are not tuned to the needs of your body, there are twelve general symptoms, according to Sara Gottried M.D., indicating your body is demanding a detox. These twelve signs include:

White or yellow coated tongue (and/or bad breathe)
Congested Sinuses
Increased Belly Fat
Sugar Cravings
Gallbladder issues
Abdominal Bloating
Overheating
Weight Loss Resistance
Acne and/or itching skin
Fatigue unrelieved by sleep
Moodiness
Insomnia

Tally the symptoms you see over the next three or four months. If you have more than three symptoms, you should seriously consider detoxification of your body. There is an incorrect idea that detox is a luxury reserved for fancy spas. This is not the truth.

When our body is inundated with toxins and heavy metals, we function poorly. Detox is an absolute necessity as it alone has the ability to remove road blocks to health and wellness. Knowing how to detox naturally can be the key to unlock a level of wellness unbeknownst to you.

How to Cleanse Your Body

Going on a detox? Let us help you prepare for detoxification! We commonly get question from customers asking us for the best body detox cleanse. We have developed an eighteen-step detoxification program to show you how to prepare for an all natural body detox diet.

You can use these steps as a checklist to get your body optimized for detoxification. Our goal is for you to have healthy and natural detox cleanses so you can eliminate toxins from your body. After all, the best toxin detoxes leave you feeling healthier than ever.

Step One: Prevention Before Detoxification

How to cleanse your body of toxins? It is important that we know where the toxins are coming from and then stop that source (or sources) so you no longer have them entering your body. This is essential if we are to make progress because we need to stop the endless Merry-go-round and start making real progress in this area.

If we are going to remove toxins from the body, we must be diligent and look at all areas of our life. This way we can create the best body detox cleanse for our personal lifestyle. I would use products that are chemical and toxin free. I suggest using a fluoride free natural toothpaste, natural soaps, natural toilet paper and natural shampoos.

Glutathione should be included in all healthy detox cleanses as it is the “master antioxidant.” All the types of products you use in your house need to be evaluated and only use that which will not put toxins in your body. It may cost a little more to do this, but think of it as investment in your health and it is a lot less expensive than getting sick.

If you see positive results with Glutathione, you can even incorporate Liquid Gluthione as part of your long term diet regimen. All the types of products you use in your house need to be evaluated and only use that which will not put toxins in your body. It may cost a little more to do this, but think of it as investment in your health and it is a lot less expensive than getting sick. The long term benefits of Detoxification justify the short term inconveniences.

Step Two: Pipeline for Healthy Liquids

Water is one of the best detox drinks as part of a full body detox. You can add Tumeric and Lemon for added health benefits, but having distilled or filtered water is foundation to create the best detox drink. We should drink at least a half-gallon of water each day. During every stage of detoxification, distilled water should be considered to prevent introducing an outside source of toxins. Plastics should be the first thing to go.

We would recommend disregarding plastic altogether as it has been shown to have negative long term effects on your health. “Distillation is effective because it removes the water from the contaminants, rather than trying to remove the contaminants from the water.”

Some have raised the concern about the acidic nature of distilled water but Dr. David Williams explains this subject very well. “It’s true that distilled water is acidic, whether it comes from a store-bought jug or a distiller at home. The acidity occurs because carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in the water, creating a very dilute solution of Carbonic acid. Distilled water in a container that’s been sitting open for a while could have a pH in the range of 6 (For comparison, vinegar has a pH of about 4, or 100 times as acidic).”

Your body responds to this trivial amount of acidity by producing more stomach acid. So long as your digestive system is in good shape, and you’re not taking any medication to block the production of stomach acid, then the amount of acidity from distilled water won’t affect the body detox process.

If you have one of those issues simply used water from a reverse osmosis system. Do not drink fluoridated water and I suggest you use a filter for your drinking water and your shower if you have regular city water. Your skin will absorb those chemicals. Any filter is better than no filter and if you have no filter you are the filter.

Water flushes the liver tissues, aiding in removing toxins, and assists the kidneys during a liver detox, so the liver can focus on its own cleansing. The fact is, you need high quality clean water if you are ever going to become healthy or stay healthy. Drinking more distilled water is how to clean toxins from your body. You create a powerful and natural detox cleanse when you combine an increase of distilled water with glutathione.

Step Three: Foods that Detoxify the Body

Does your diet consist of foods that detox your body? You should begin selecting foods that detox your body by first screening of your food. Read labels because it is important to know what you put in your body. You do not want to buy anything with high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats and other harmful substances that are in some food products.

The source of your food. You want to source food that detoxes your body. Get your meat from a quality source without all the chemicals in them. I only get my beef and chicken from a trusted source. There are more good options out there and you can find them if you look. Beef and chicken are rich in protein and does not have the harmful additives when gotten from the right source.

You should get organic fruits and vegetables and each most of them raw for maximum nutrient value. If you can tolerate raw fruits and vegetables, we highly recommend incorporating them into your natural detox cleanse.

Do not fry or overcook foods at home and avoid using a microwave. A diet low in sulfur foods and high in acid makes you more susceptible to toxic metals. The best detox food is organic food because it does not have the harmful chemicals and will be richer in antioxidants. Organic fruits and vegetables are pillars of effective detoxes. According to the featured findings, organic fruits and vegetables can contain anywhere from 18-69 percent more antioxidants than conventionally-grown varieties.

I would make sure that you have at least one raw vegetable at your family meal time. It is best to not fry or overcook any food when cooking, just make it an occasional treat if you eat out. Avoid trans-fats, hydrogenated oils and other harmful food additives. Cooking fries in an oven that you cut from fresh potatoes is better than deep frying them.

The strength of your food: The right diet will help protect you. Likewise, it is important to know the foods that detox your body. A high acid diet of processed foods hurts our health and runs down metallothioneins. Metallothioneins are like a sponge and wherever they find toxic metals they will remove them. “Among the heavy metal-binding ligands in plant cells the phytochelatins (PCs) and metallothioneins (MTs) are the best characterized.” (3) Ascorbate C helps build this important substance. Metallothionein is a protein made up of two amino acids glycine and sulfur containing amino acid of cysteine.

The poly peptide binds magnesium/zinc and will bind to any of the toxic metals which are then excreted through sweat, urine and stools. When the body is low in Metallothioneins and Selenomethionine, an accelerated accumulation of toxic metals take place. Selenomethionine is a toxic metal trap and is the only form of selenium that works for this purpose.

Step Four: Maximize Sleep for Greater Results

According to Andy R. Eugene and Jolanta Masiak, insufficient sleep impairs your glymphatic system, causing toxin build up. Sleep is an nonnegotiable essential for a full body detox. Without eight to ten hours of sleep on a consistent basis, your body cannot optimize the full body cleanse process.

Maximized sleeps allows for maximized waste removal. During the sleep process, brain cells are shrunk by 60% in order for the glymphatic system to flush waste from the brain into the blood stream. Once the waste is transferred to the blood stream, it can be completely eliminated from the body. The glymphatic system, however, is only activated during sleep. Normal sleep cycles range between eight to ten hours, we recommend aiming for ten to twelve hours to optimize the glymphatic system.

Step Five: Start Exercising

Exercising is a proactive way of partnering with your body to do a healthy full body detox. Some people have the idea that detoxification of the body does not allow for physical exercise. This is another myth surrounding how to approach a full body detox. During a full body detox, high-intensity interval training (HIIV) is beneficial for pumping toxins out of your system.

If you decide to engage in HIIT or a similar form of exercise during a full body detox, remember to slightly increase your caloric intake to ensure your body is being fueled for workouts and replenished after workouts. Natural detoxification is not a starvation diet. If you do not wish to engage in high interval training, there are low impact options such as the treadmill, dancing, bicycling or swimming that serve as beneficial disciplines to burn fat and increase the elimination of toxins.

Step Six: Treat Your Skin Right

We discussed using a natural shampoo as a method of smart skincare. In addition to using a natural shampoo, exfoliating the skin by dry-brushing before showing improves circulation and promotes new cell growth.

We recommend introducing Epsom salt as an essential part of your full body detox. Epsom salt allows for maximum magnesium absorption, promoting heart health and normal sleep cycles. If you are able, soak in an Epsom salt bath after exercise for at least thirty minutes. Epsom salt will reduce swelling and promote maximum recovery.

Step Seven: Detoxification and Gut Health

It is very important to have optimal gut function: Take probiotics and enzymes before you start detoxification. Probiotics help bind and clean toxins from the body and can be used as part of your long term regimen. “Binding isotherms for cadmium and lead were characterized for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC-705.”

Probiotics and good gut health are important before we start our detoxification protocol. “Arguably the largest detoxification component of the body, the endogenous enteric bacteria are an enormous reservoir, which can be constantly and safely replenished.” We recommend an Immune Booster from as it uses four varieties of Lactobacilli probiotic strains which may provide extra strength immune and detoxification support.

Step Eight: Promote Liver Health

The liver is an important organ and plays a key role in the detoxification process. “It also takes up toxic substances and converts them into harmless substances or makes sure they are released from the body.”

We need good nutritional support for the liver, so we should use healthy fats such as omega-3 fats, olive oil, and flax oil, amino acids which boost your liver’s detoxification capacity, and minerals, particularly zinc and selenium which help your body detoxify metals. Probiotics are important in liver health. “In liver health, the main benefits of probiotics might occur through preventing the production and/or uptake of lipopolysaccharides in the gut, and therefore reducing levels of low-grade inflammation.”

Wondering how to clean your liver? Eating an anti-inflammatory diet is very good for the liver. You want to avoid toxic substances and foods for the liver like alcohol, caffeine, refined vegetable oils, chemicals, sugary drinks and snacks. It is best to eat quality meats, fruits and vegetables. Don’t overcook your meat or store in chemically laden containers. It is good to cook it slow on a low temperature such as braising or pan-roasting meat.

You want to refrain from charring, high-heat grilling and using chemically sprayed coated pans can all create toxic byproducts that wind up in your food supply. Cans made with BPA or plastic Tupperware and bottles might also potentially leach chemicals into food.

Step Nine: Promote Kidney Health

The kidneys are very important in the detoxification process. “Every day, the two kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid.” It is important that we properly nourish with the right foods with dark foods such as black walnuts and black beans.

Other helpful foods include asparagus, pineapple, kale, grapefruit, apples, lemons, ginger, garlic, and onions are all very good to incorporate into your diet because they help flush your kidneys of toxins. Exercise and reducing stress are also important. An herb cleanse can be helpful as well. “Parsley is known as one of the very best treatments to help cleanse the kidneys.

It is recommended to thoroughly clean a large bunch of parsley, soak in a equal mixture of water and vinegar and then rinse clean. Then boil 8 cups water and add the parsley for ten minutes, then filter the parsley off and save the water in a pitcher and place in the fridge. Drink one cup daily to cleanse your kidney.”

Step Ten: Prohibit Toxins from Recirculating

When you are doing a natural detoxification program, you want to give the toxins a one-way ticket out of your body. The last thing you want to do is to have them recirculate in your body. To do that we need to dramatically increase our fiber intake because fiber prevents it from recirculating in the body.

Fiber should be a staple of your detox and your long term diet regimen. When toxins go from liver to gut need fiber there. “If we don’t eat or supplement with enough soluble fiber, our bile, instead of being ushered out of the body and then replaced with fresh bile produced by the liver, is repeatedly recirculated in our system. In the process, it becomes more concentrated with toxins, which, in turn, can lead to all sorts of inflammatory diseases such as gallbladder disease, intestinal inflammation, and even skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.”

When people eat a fiber-poor diet the bile can become increasingly concentrated with toxins and fats as it recycles back to the liver. “Another problem with inadequate fiber intake, Hurd says, is that it results in a change of consistency in our bile.

As bile becomes more polluted, she explains, “the physical state of bile is not as liquid as before,” she says. “It becomes sludgy, like mud. Eventually, it can turn into a solid substance we call gallstones.” Moreover, Hurd explains, the trashier your bile becomes, the more acidic and irritating it becomes to your tissues. This can lead to a host of problems, including swelling and inflammation in your colon, duodenum and all the way up in your esophagus.”

Step Eleven: Purging the Colon

Colon cleanse: I suggest doing a colon cleanse once or twice a year. When the colon gets clogged our elimination is not functioning properly. When younger, our bowel movements were long and wide which is normal and quick without straining. When the bowels are short, narrow and broken up our colon is clogged.

Step Twelve: Plan to Replenish Nutrients

You are going to lose nutrients when you do detoxification. It is important that these are replaced because the goal is to do detoxification safely, slowly and sensibly. This must be done on a daily basis and you use quality supplements to help the nutrients that you need during this detoxification period.

Step Thirteen: A Purifying Bath

For this you would use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) and baking soda which should be aluminum free. Add three cups of Epsom salt and a half cup of baking soda in warm water in your bathtub. Put the salt in under the spout in the tub so it dissolves better. If you use a thermometer to check the temperature make sure it is a non-mercury one. You are doing this for detoxification, but it will have other benefits as well. 12 minutes of soaking will reduce inflammation, muscle aches, tension and muscle cramps. 20 minutes of soaking “may soften skin, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier to keep skin hydrated.” (11) It also can have a relaxing effect reducing stress as well.

Step Fourteen: Detoxification Pathways Need to be Clear

The crucial pathway: The liver is an essential pathway that needs to function properly. “The liver plays an important role in protecting the organism from potentially toxic chemical insults through its capacity to convert lipophiles into more water-soluble metabolites which can be efficiently eliminated from the body via the urine.

This protective ability of the liver stems from the expression of a wide variety of xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes whose common underlying feature is their ability to catalyze the oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis (Phase I) and/or conjugation (Phase II) of functional groups on drug and chemical molecules.” To help improve your liver detox pathways you will want to take Folate, B12 and B6. Eat sulfur rich foods like broccoli, collards, kale, daikon radish, garlic, onions, and omega-3 eggs.

The common pathways: The routes of elimination for urine, stool and sweat need to function properly. Take Vital Tox EDTA Suppositories to help bind metals in the gut. Other items that can help pathways are selenium, zinc, n-acetylcysteine, lipoic acid, and garlic. It is important to keep all your pathways clear to accomplish the best body detox cleanse.

Pee: The kidneys are responsible for flushing waste from the blood. Make sure you give them what they need by drinking filtered water at least a half-gallon a day along with supplementing high-quality Glutathione and EDTA. One of the first signs of dehydration is the color of your urine. Your urine should be mostly clear (clear enough to read a newspaper through) or with only a slight tinge of yellow. (If you take vitamins, keep in mind that some nutrients, especially riboflavin, causes your urine to turn bright yellow.) But, if your urine is dark yellow or has a strong odor, chances are you aren’t drinking enough.

Poop: This section concerns how to detoxify your colon. Two well-formed bowel movements every day is an excellent way to give toxins a one-way ticket out of your body. Use these two rules during your full body detox.

High quality Fiber Supplements clean the colon by making our stool bulkier and much easier to expel. Water is a great stool softener. If you are not having two bowel movements a day you will reabsorb mercury from the gut. Add fiber to the diet or take one to two 160-mg magnesium citrate capsules twice a day. We get rid of many toxins through our bowel movements. You should have as many bowel movements as meals you eat in a day. Bowels movements should come without strain and they should come quickly. You should not need reading material it could be a sign of a clogged colon.
Drink plenty of filtered water as stated above and eat foods that are high in fiber. A clean colon is very important for all-natural body detox diets. “It’s well-known that a variety of health problems stem from poor digestive health for example, stomach pains, abdominal cramps, chronic fatigue, constipation, low energy, headaches and allergic reactions can all be traced back partially to problems with waste elimination.”

Step Fifteen: Procedures that may be Necessary

If you have mercury fillings and you want to detoxify from mercury you need to address that issue. Find a biological dentist to evaluate the extent of your mercury fillings and options for replacing them. This can be done slowly over time but must be done carefully and only under a trained biological dentist’s supervision to avoid burdening yourself with more mercury during the removal process. Until you find a qualified dentist to do this then wait until you can find one. N-acetyl-cysteine is good for binding mercury and it increases glutathione which gets it out of the liver.

Step Sixteen: Preliminaries

You should get tested for what heavy metals you have before you start an all-natural body detox diet. If you don’t get tested, you are only guessing at your problem and that is not the best way to approach detoxification. I believe the blood test is more accurate than the hair analysis and you should also use a provocative agent for the test.

Step Seventeen: The Right Supplements for Detoxification

It is important that you use the right supplements to optimize your health for detoxification. You only want to use high quality supplements from reputable manufacturers for this process.

Step Eighteen: Protocols

Please contact us so we can specifically discuss your situation with you and give you the attention you deserve. We offer free Vitamin and Supplement consultations by our Certified Health Consultant.

Pressing Forward

Stay on course: When you are detoxifying stay on your scheduled protocol. Do not overdo it and think more is better especially with EDTA. There is no virtue in being foolish about this.
Strive for consistency: Once the detox is over it is important that you seek to live a more toxic free lifestyle. In your diet, exercise and taking your supplements. Discipline yourself to do the things you know you need to.

Supplements: Buffered Vitamin C Powder and N acetyl cysteine should be a part of your daily routine once you are done with the detoxification. I would do at least 6,000 mg of Buffered Vitamin C Powder daily.

Biopure Chlorenergy acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins and then carrying them out of your system. The chlorophyll in chlorella helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues. Must be broken cell wall of chlorella to digest.

Introduce, build and maintain your glutathione levels using high quality Glutathione. In regard to your diet you need to eat sulfur rich foods like garlic, onions, brassica sprouts, ginger and eggs. Cruciferous vegetables are also high in glutathione. Glutamine and cysteine are needed to make glutathione. Buffered Vitamin C Powder will help you retain glutathione longer at the cellular level.

Conclusion

The question of how to detoxify the body has been answered. It is important that we do not allow toxins to build up in our system, that we detoxify from the ones we have and seek a to live a healthy toxic free lifestyle. We live in a toxic world, but we can reduce our toxin levels greatly. If we are going to function at optimal health we need to deal with this issue.

Thank you for taking the time to read The Case for Detoxification: How to Detox and Cleanse Your Body. Your success is our passion. If you have any questions or contributions, please contact us via email or phone-call. We are constantly looking for new information to promote wellness – and hearing from you would make our day! Feel free to reach out to our free Health and Wellness Consultation headed by our Certified Health Consultant, Kurt LaCapruccia, D.S.S. (Diploma in Dietary Supplement Science).

Live Vibrantly!

The Common Cold

2022-01-17T03:26:00.001-08:00

The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. People afflicted with a cold often cough and sneeze, are fatigued, and have runny noses, sore throats, congestion, and a low-grade fever.

Although there is no specific drug that treats the common cold, there are steps that can be taken at the very first signs of symptoms that may help ward off infection. The key is to be aggressive: treat a potential infection as a full-blown illness, taking every precaution possible, including nutrients, hormones, and sometimes drugs, along with getting as much sleep as possible.

In the United States, it is estimated that people have 500 million colds in the course of a year (Fendrick AM et al 2003), averaging three to six colds per person (Rajnik M et al 2005). Although symptoms are generally mild, colds are a major source of lost productivity and income, as well as general misery for their victims.

The virus most often responsible for the common cold is the rhinovirus. There are more than 110 different types of rhinovirus, making it impractical to figure out which one is causing any given infection (Makela MJ et al 1998). Colds can also be caused by coronaviruses, adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, enteroviruses, paramyxoviruses (including several parainfluenza viruses), orthomyxoviridae (including influenza A and B), and respiratory syncytial virus (Kasper DL et al 2004).

The Immune System: Anatomy of a Cold

A healthy immune system is the body’s main defense against viral infection. The Life Extension Foundation’s approach to the common cold is based on taking drugs, nutrients, and hormones that boost the immune response as well as directly attack viruses.

During infection with a cold, the virus comes into contact with mucous membranes in the nose or eyes. There, the virus attaches to receptors on epithelial cells. In response to infection, the immune system triggers a cascade of events, including release of inflammatory cytokines, fluid exudation, local swelling, increased mucous production, and stimulation of sneeze and cough reflexes (Pitkaranta A et al 1998). One study demonstrated that nasal symptoms began 2 hours after exposure, while cough and sore throat symptoms began 10 to 12 hours after inoculation. In the early stages, the viral count is still low and, by taking rapid action, it may be possible to help your body mount an effective immune response that prevents the cold from worsening.

Many of the symptoms of the common cold are caused by the production of cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messengers that allow cells to communicate with one another. Rhinovirus infection can increase interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Subauste MC et al 1995). Elevated levels of these stimulatory cytokines attract white blood cells to the infected area and have direct effects on the underlying tissues, producing the commonly experienced symptoms such as mucosal swelling, irritation, and increased mucous production. Circulating cytokines also produce systemic signs and symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, diminished appetite, and fatigue.

Levels of IL-8 directly correlate with the severity of cold symptoms (Turner RB et al 1998). IL-6 is also increased in nasal fluids in individuals infected with human rhinovirus and may affect the severity of symptoms of the cold (Zhu Z et al 1996).

How to Catch a Cold

The common cold is spread by tiny particles that remain in the air until they are inhaled, by direct contact with an infected person, or by larger airborne droplets that are launched a few feet by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Exposure to a virus does not mean the exposed person will definitely fall sick. Several other factors are involved, such as host susceptibility, immune function, and virulence of the organism. The greatest incidence of the common cold is in the fall and spring.

Risk factors that predispose exposed individuals to infection include:

Lack of exercise
Lack of sleep, or poor quality sleep
Low vitamin C intake
Stress
Social outlook and mood

Studies have demonstrated that increased stress greatly increases the risk of developing the common cold (Cohen S et al 1998), as well as an increase in severity of symptoms, increased mucous production, and higher concentrations of the cytokine IL-6 (Cohen S et al 1999).

People with increased social ties are less susceptible than isolated people to acquiring a cold upon exposure to a cold virus. They also have decreased mucous production, shed less virus, and have improved clearance of mucous in the nasal passages (Cohen S et al 1997). In addition, people who have a positive outlook and generally tend to be happy and relaxed have a lower risk of developing a cold (Cohen S et al 2003a).

Diagnosis of the common cold is usually based on symptoms, which will likely include headache, runny or congested nose, watery eyes, body ache, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and possibly low-grade fever. With the exception of disease caused by the influenza viruses, viral detection is rarely necessary in otherwise healthy individuals because of the lack of organism-specific treatment. Therefore, the diagnosis of the common cold is typically based entirely on symptoms.

Conventional Treatment of the Common Cold

A typical pharmacy is stocked with dozens of medications aimed at treating symptoms associated with the common cold. In the vast majority of cases, most people with colds rely on over-the-counter remedies that may include decongestants, antihistamines, fever and pain reducers, and cough suppressants. However, many cold medications provide far more ingredients than are needed to ease symptoms, may or may not be effective, and can have a host of undesirable side effects (Smith MB et al 1993). A simple cough suppressant or oral decongestant may be all that is needed for satisfactory relief. If a cold formula is necessary, read packaging information carefully to avoid drug interactions. Over-the-counter formulations often have other ingredients in common as well, and taking more than one product at a time increases the chances not only of drug interactions but of overdoses. In particular, many (or perhaps most) over-the-counter cold formulations contain acetaminophen as a pain reliever and fever reducer. This has led to inadvertent acetaminophen overdoses, including fatalities (Gunn VL et al 2001).

A few studies have investigated the use of antiviral medications to treat rhinovirus. Interferon alfa-2a (Gwaltney JM Jr et al 2002), interferon gamma (Sethi SK et al 1997), and ribavirin (Bernstein JM et al 1989) are among the medications that may offer a reduction in symptoms. However, these are not typically used in clinical practice.

Nonpharmacologic therapies for the common cold include:

Steam and humidifiers. Application of a warm, moist towel to the face may help loosen mucus in the nasal passages.
Nasal saline wash. If symptoms are mild to moderate, a nasal saline solution may help clear nasal passages.
Oral fluids. It is very important to stay fully hydrated.
Plenty of rest. Allow for plenty of rest to recover more quickly.

What You Have Learned So Far…

The common cold is caused by infection with a virus, usually a rhinovirus, although there are many other strains of virus that can also cause colds.
The immune system response is activated for common colds and actually produces most of the symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.
The common cold is diagnosed by its symptoms. If symptoms linger for more than 2 weeks, the underlying condition may be a more serious one, such as pneumonia.
The common cold is best treated with non-medicinal interventions such as rest, fluids, and humidification. Over-the-counter remedies such as cough medicines or decongestants may reduce the severity of symptoms but have adverse effects and are of questionable effectiveness. Many nutrients and supplements have been shown to also reduce symptoms, bolster the immune system, and reduce the risk of infection

Taking Aggressive Action to Defeat the Common Cold

After infection, viruses causing the common cold multiply rapidly. While most people wait until their symptoms become unbearable, then use an over-the-counter medication, the Life Extension Foundation believes that you should take aggressive action when the viral count is still relatively low and symptoms are mild. Numerous supplements have been shown to boost the immune system or have direct antiviral activity. Some supplements may offer additional help by interfering with the inflammatory cascade.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Multiple studies have found that high doses of vitamin C alleviate common cold and flu symptoms, indicating that the vitamin does indeed have physiologic effects on colds (Hemila H 1997; Gorton HC et al 1999; Hemila H 2004). In a 5-year clinical trial using 50 milligrams (mg) or 500 mg of vitamin C daily, the high-dose group reported fewer colds than the low-dose group (Sasazuki S et al 2005). From a meta-analysis of four double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, Dr Linus Pauling found a 45 percent decrease in the incidence of colds when 1000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was used daily (Pauling L 1971).

Zinc. A number of published studies show that if zinc lozenges are taken within 24 hours of the onset of common cold symptoms, the severity and duration of cold miseries are significantly diminished (Hulisz D 2004; Prasad AS et al 2000; Marshall S 1998; Mossad SB et al 1996).

Rhinoviruses attach to specific cell receptor sites in sinus and throat tissues, become lodged in the nose and throat, and then replicate out of control (Gwaltney JM 2002). By binding to the same cell receptor sites as do cold viruses, zinc inhibits the ability of rhinoviruses to take hold in the body.

A meta-analysis of all the published literature on zinc lozenges was conducted last year. The following was the conclusion of the report: “Clinical trial data support the value of zinc in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold when administered within 24 hours of the onset of common cold symptoms. Additional clinical and laboratory evaluations are warranted to further define the role of ionic zinc for the prevention and treatment of the common cold and to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms through which zinc exerts its symptom-relieving effects” (Hulisz D 2004).

The key here is to suck on two 24-mg zinc lozenges at the very first symptom of a cold and continue doing this every 2 hours (while awake). Once rhinoviruses bind to their receptor sites in the nasal tissues and begin replicating, zinc lozenges lose their efficacy. Considering how inexpensive zinc lozenges are, it makes sense to keep them on hand so that they are immediately available if cold symptoms manifest.

One caveat to remember is that chronic use of zinc in doses over 100 mg/day may suppress immune function (Chandra RK 1984). Sucking on two zinc lozenges every 2 hours over the course of a day, the amount of total zinc intake could easily exceed 300 mg/day. This does not appear to be a problem in the short-term. If your cold symptoms do not subside after a few days of taking zinc lozenges, it would be best to stop taking them. Remember that less than 100 mg/day of zinc can improve immune function but taking more than 100 mg/day concerns some doctors.

N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an acetylated ester of the amino acid L-cysteine. NAC raises glutathione levels, a potent internal antioxidant (Roes EM et al 2002). For many years, NAC has been used to treat bronchitis and other lung conditions as an expectorant or mucous thinner as well as an anti-inflammatory.

Cimetidine. Cimetidine is usually used to treat heartburn. A little-known side effect of cimetidine is that it inhibits the production of T-suppressor cells (Mitsuishi T et al 2003). In doing so, it boosts immune function by preventing the immune system from turning itself down.

Cimetidine has shown other immune-modulating effects such as increasing natural killer cell activity and boosting levels of the natural immune stimulants interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (Bourinbaiar AS et al 1996; Kabuta H et al 1989; Kapinska-Mrowiecka M et al 1996). Human studies demonstrate cimetidine’s efficacy against herpes and viral warts (Glass AT et al 1996; Gooptu C et al 2000; Mitsuishi T et al 2003; Ronna T et al 1995; Shields CL et al 1999).

Since cimetidine is safe for most people, taking 800 to 1000 mg at night (or 200 mg three times a day and then 400 mg at night) seems like an effective therapy to temporarily turn up the immune system. Cimetidine in 200-mg tablets can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies. The directions in the over-the-counter package insert say that up to 800 mg/day is safe, but some published studies in which cimetidine was used as an antiviral agent have used up to 1000 mg/day (Choi YS et al 1993).

The Immune-Boosting Hormones DHEA and Melatonin

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolites have demonstrated powerful immune-enhancing and antiviral effects (Ben-Yehuda A et al 1998; Corsini E et al 2002; Danenberg HD et al 1995; Danenberg HD et al 1997; Degelau J et al 1997; Padgett DA et al 1997; Padgett DA et al 2000). The administration of 50 mg a day of DHEA to elderly men resulted in the following immune enhancements compared to placebo:

Increase of 35 percent in the number of monocyte immune cells
Increase of 29 percent in the number of B immune cells
Increase of 62 percent in B-cell activity
Increase of 40 percent in T-cell activity
Increase of 50 percent in IL-2
Increase of 22 to 37 percent in natural killer cell number
Increase of 45 percent in natural killer cell activity

One reason influenza can be so lethal to older people is that their immune systems are weak. A deficiency in DHEA appears to be partially responsible for the age-related decline in immune function (Fulop T Jr et al 1999; Khorram O et al 1997). One study showed that a metabolite of DHEA augmented activation of T-helper cells and protected mice from a lethal influenza virus infection (Padgett DA et al 1997).

Melatonin has broad-spectrum immune-enhancing effects and has been specifically shown to decrease viral load and prevent death in mice infected with certain viruses. The following was the conclusion of one melatonin study: “The immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of melatonin suggest that this indole must be considered as an additional therapeutic alternative to fight viral diseases” (Maestroni GJ 1999).

Another study examined the immune function benefits of melatonin and found that melatonin activated IL-2 and gamma interferon, the body’s natural hormonelike agents that facilitate T-helper cell production (Bonilla E et al 2004).

Taking higher doses (200 to 400 mg) of DHEA in the morning and higher doses of melatonin before bedtime (10 to 50 mg) would appear to be a logical approach to battling a viral infection.

The Best Possible Protection

The following supplements, at the suggested dosages, represent a very aggressive approach to the common cold. Nevertheless, if taken at the first sign of symptoms, they may be able to ward off the viral infection and stop the cold before it can develop.

Cimetidine—800 mg/day
Pure Gar garlic—9000 mg once or twice a day (don’t eat immediately after ingesting the garlic, and expect a strong sulfurous odor)
Kyolic aged garlic extract—3600 mg/day
DHEA—200 to 400 mg in the morning
Lactoferrin—1200 mg/day
Zinc—Two 24-mg lozenges every 2 hours (when awake) within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms (take only a few days to avoid toxic side effects)
Melatonin—10 to 50 mg at bedtime

Botanical and Other Natural Therapies

Astragalus membranaceus. This root extract has been shown to have beneficial antioxidant, immune-modulating, and cardiovascular effects. It may improve lymphocyte function and increase IL-2 activity (Liu ZG et al 2003; Peng T et al 1995; Sun Y et al 1983; Wang DC 1989; Zhao XZ 1992). A preparation using A. membranaceus has been used to treat pneumonia in children. The authors believe it is beneficial because of its free radical-scavenging ability (Zong PP et al 1993).

Sambucus nigra. Also called black elderberry, S. nigra has been shown to have antiviral properties and is commonly used to treat colds or flu. Studies have shown that elderberry can increase production of inflammatory cytokines, which may stimulate the immune response and enable the immune system to work faster at destroying the viral load (Barak V et al 2001) . A component of S. nigra has also been shown to bind to sialic acid receptors in the nasal mucosa, which is the same site used by the influenza virus for attachment (Ueno K et al 1997). Multiple studies have shown that people with influenza who supplemented with S. nigra experienced improvement in symptoms in 2 days, whereas recovery took at least 6 days in the control group (Zakay-Rones Z et al 1995; Zakay-Rones Z et al 2004). No adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials.

Garlic. With all the high-tech advances occurring in medicine, garlic would appear to be a relic of the past. Yet the scientific literature documents that garlic has powerful effects against certain viruses.

For instance, one recent study tested one capsule daily of an allicin-containing garlic supplement (like Pure Gar) from November through February on a group of 146 volunteers (Josling P 2001). Half the group received the garlic while the unfortunate other half got a placebo. The placebo group had 63 percent more common cold infections compared to the garlic group. Even more significant, those in the garlic group who did catch a cold had symptoms for an average of only 1.52 days compared to 5.01 days for the placebo group.

The doctors who conducted this garlic study concluded the following: “An allicin-containing supplement can prevent attack by the common cold virus.” Considering the number of people afflicted with a cold each year, this should have been the lead news story of the day. The study was buried in a scientific journal while the medical establishment still states that there is no cure for the common cold.

Ribavirin is a prescription drug that has potent antiviral effects (Cattral MS et al 1996; Christie JM et al 1999; da Silva LC et al 2002; de Ledinghen V et al 2002; Di Bisceglie AM et al 1995; Fried MW et al 2002; Galban GE et al 2000; Kumada H 2002; Murphy ME et al 2000; Reichard O et al 1998; Schalm SW et al 1997a; Schalm SW et al 1997b; Schalm SW et al 1999; Schvarcz R et al 1995). Yet a Chinese study showed that (at least in the test tube), garlic is more effective than ribavirin in inhibiting viruses that attack the intestinal tract (Luo R et al 2001). The Life Extension Foundation has recommended ribavirin to treat various viral infections since 1983 but, in this particular study, garlic was shown to be superior.

A number of published studies indicate that both high-allicin garlic (such as Pure Gar) and aged garlic (such as Kyolic aged garlic) support healthy immune function while exerting antiviral effects (Guo NL et al 1993; Josling P 2001; Kyo E et al 2001; Liu ZF et al 2004; Moon DG et al 2000; Tsai Y et al 1985; Weber ND et al 1992). Garlic, a low-cost alternative, may be nature’s most powerful weapon against certain viruses.

Andrographis paniculata. This herb is a traditional remedy used in India and Asia as a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic and immune system stimulator to treat bacterial, viral, and parasitic conditions. Multiple studies have shown the efficacy of A. paniculata against the common cold (Coon JT et al 2004; Poolsup N et al 2004). This herb has been shown to stimulate phagocytosis (antigen cell destruction) and increase proliferation of white blood cells (Puri A et al 1993). Studies indicate that A. paniculata decreases the duration and severity of cold symptoms, such as fatigue, sore throat, and nasal secretions (Caceres DD et al 1999).

Lactoferrin. It is well-known that infants obtain protection against certain infections from components contained in mother’s milk. One such component is lactoferrin, which has well-documented immune-potentiating effects (Shin K et al 2005; Swart PJ et al 1998; Waarts BL et al 2005). Lactoferrin may boost natural killer cell activity and can kill certain viruses (Swart PJ et al 1998; Waarts BL et al 2005). Lactoferrin may stimulate macrophages, which in turn may help to induce cell-mediated immunity. Although many of the studies are on animals, lactoferrin is naturally present in many mucous membrane secretions in people, suggesting an innate human antimicrobial function (Nishiya K et al 1982; Zimecki M et al 2002).

A recent study showed that lactoferrin inhibits viral infection by interfering with the ability of certain viruses to bind to cell receptor sites (Waarts BL et al 2005).

Propolis. Before the discovery of antibiotics, honey was used in the fight against bacteria. The antibacterial effects of this folk remedy have since been confirmed by studies ( Lusby PE et al 2005). In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bee propolis has an inhibitory effect on the growth and adherence of streptococci bacteria, and that propolis has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties (Cohen HA et al 2004; Duarte S et al 2003; Mirzoeva OK et al 1996; Serkedjieva J et al 1992; Szmeja Z et al 1989). One study demonstrated that propolis decreased the duration of the common cold to just a few days. This study showed that the symptoms in the propolis treatment group improved 2.5 times faster than in the placebo group (Szmeja Z et al 1989). Warning: Honey should NEVER be given to a child under 1 year of age; there is a significant risk of potentially fatal botulism. This risk vanishes in older children and adults.

Recommendations

Although there is no cure for the common cold, patients should be proactive even before symptoms first appear to prevent infection, recover more quickly, reduce the severity of symptoms, and prevent the spread of the contagion. Frequent hand-washing and use of facial tissues with antiviral agents will help prevent the spread of the infection. In addition, take the following steps (especially during cold season):

Eat properly.
Get plenty of rest.
Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day to avoid dehydration, keep mucous membranes moist, and loosen phlegm.
Abstain from alcohol because it reduces the body’s ability to fight infection.
Avoid smoking and smoky places.
Use mild pain relievers with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ibuprofen, to reduce aches and pains.
Use saline-based, over-the-counter nose drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep nasal passages moist. Change the water daily to avoid buildup of molds.

A number of nutrients should also be considered, beginning when symptoms first appear, or when exposure to cold viruses is elevated (for example, when a member of the household is sick). These nutrients include:

Vitamin C—1 to 10 grams (g) daily, in divided doses, up to bowel tolerance
Zinc gluconate—one lozenge (5 to 15 mg) every 2 hours (while awake)
Astragalus membranaceus—300 mg a day or 4 to 7 g in powder form
N-acetyl cysteine—600 mg two times daily with vitamin C
S. nigra (black elderberry)—15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of elderberry juice–containing syrup four times a day for 3 to 5 days (adults only)
Melatonin—10 mg/day 30 to 60 minutes before bed
Garlic extract—600 to 1200 mg/day
Andrographis paniculata—400 mg three times daily; for prevention, 200 mg/day 5 days a week
Lactoferrin—300 to 900 mg/day
Propolis—500 to 1500 mg/day
DHEA—15 to 75 mg every morning (get blood tested after 3 to 6 weeks to ensure healthy maintenance levels)

For an alternative program, based on higher doses, please see the sidebar, The Best Possible Protection.

Common Cold Safety Caveats

An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

DHEA

Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.

Garlic

Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.

Melatonin

Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

NAC

NAC clearance is reduced in people who have chronic liver disease.
Do not take NAC if you have a history of kidney stones (particularly cystine stones).
NAC can produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used to detect diabetes.
Consult your doctor before taking NAC if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease. Mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier.
NAC can cause headache (especially when used along with nitrates) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.

Zinc

High doses of zinc (above 30 milligrams daily) can cause adverse reactions.
Zinc can cause a metallic taste, headache, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
High doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency and hypochromic microcytic anemia secondary to zinc-induced copper deficiency.
High doses of zinc may suppress the immune system

These are the Best Brain Supplements Available Today

2021-12-07T03:23:00.001-08:00

It’s no wonder that many people look for ways to boost their brain function—the thought of popping a pill and finding yourself smarter, with better memory, sharper focus, and slower cognitive decline with age is an appealing one. While the following brain supplements are not magic genius pills, they are the building blocks of a healthy brain. There are even a few compounds that may protect brain cells from the worst of oxidative stress, often associated with lower mental acuity as we age.

First, a note on how and if brain supplements cross the blood-brain barrier.

Blood-brain Barrier and Brain Supplements

The blood-brain barrier is a semi permeable layer of cells. It is meant to keep large molecules that circulate in the blood out of the brain as well as provide a constant, homeostatic environment for the brain, without disruptions from various hormones that circulate in the blood. Lipid soluble molecules easily cross the barrier, as do certain molecules that mimic naturally made molecules. For example, caffeine is structurally similar to adenosine and is fat soluble so it easily crosses the blood brain barrier.

In general, most of the nutrients we consume are synthesised by the body so they can be used by the brain but fat soluble nutrients will cross the blood brain barrier while water soluble ones will not.

Supplements for Overall Brain Health

B vitamins

While B vitamins are water soluble, meaning they don’t cross the blood brain barrier, that doesn’t mean they aren’t essential brain supplements. Folate in particular is necessary for brain and central nervous system health, with deficiencies causing an array of problems, especially during fetal development.

Vitamins B6 and B12 may reduce cognitive decline in the elderly. A small, peer-reviewed study found that in people with vitamin B6 and B12 deficiencies, supplementation “reduced brain atrophy” by at least fifty percent over a two year period in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. (1) It’s important to note that while elderly people are commonly deficient in these two vitamins, supplementation in people with adequate levels did not show any significant benefit.

Omega-3’s

The brain uses Omega-3 fatty acids to build brain and nerve cells. The body cannot make Omega-3’s, so it is essential to get them through diet or as a brain supplement. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be powerful anti-inflammatories and an article published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that there is an increased amount of blood flow in specific regions of the brain when high concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids are present.

While there has not been a definitive link established between Omega-3 supplements and the prevention of debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, in cognitively healthy patients, Omega 3’s may have a neuroprotective effect. In a 2 year long study investigating the link between heart disease risk and Omega-3 supplements, researchers noticed that the participants receiving Omega-3 supplements also fared better on cognition tests than those receiving a placebo. (2)

DHA (one of the long chain fatty acids in Omega-3) may improve working memory as well as specific event recall in older people. A review of the evidence for linking DHA supplements with better memory concluded “DHA, alone or combined with EPA, contributes to improved memory function in older adults with mild memory complaints.” (3)

Antioxidants as Brain Supplements

Vitamin E

An important antioxidant, especially in the brain, vitamin E has been studied for its role in aging and ageing related cognitive decline with varying results. A review of four studies related to vitamin E and cognitive decline found “favorable effects that were not statistically significant” with α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) supplementation. The same review concluded “Most of the epidemiological studies analyzed in this work clearly associate high levels of vitamin E with improved cognitive performance” and “the relative safety of vitamin E combined with the low cost and the absence of valid alternative treatments for AD (Alzheimer’s disease), suggest vitamin E as a nutritional compound to promote healthy brain ageing and to delay AD-related functional decline.” (4)

Fruits with red and orange pigmentation are often rich sources of carotenoids.

Carotenoids

Lutein, a carotenoid commonly associated with eye health, is the dominant carotenoid in the brain and is commonly called “the workhorse molecule”. It is a known antioxidant and potent anti-inflammatory agent. Zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, is thought to work in conjunction with lutein in the brain. (5)

Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful brain antioxidant—so much so that a reduction in glutathione levels have been correlated with mild cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are able to determine mild cognitive impairment looking for glutathione markers in testing. (6)

Gaba Supplements for the Brain

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. While there is conflicting evidence that GABA crosses the blood brain barrier, researchers have noted that it is possible it crosses through the enteric nervous system (in the stomach) and works through the gut-brain connection. (7)

With considerable anecdotal evidence that GABA reduces anxiety and stress, a Japanese study team set out to find scientific proof. The researchers found that in a 50mg dose, GABA reduced mental and physical fatigue and improved problem solving ability when given tasks. (8) Another study found chocolate containing GABA did have a physiological stress reducing effect, as measured from salivary markers of stress. (9)

Best Brain Supplement for Sleep

Melatonin is continually ranked among the best brain supplements for better sleep. Your body naturally produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep wake cycle and some people with occasional sleeplessness or insomnia use it for better sleep. There isn’t significant clinical evidence for its use, although anecdotal reports abound. (10)

A Note on Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

While millions of people use ginseng and ginkgo biloba as brain supplements to improve memory and focus, there are few high quality studies providing any evidence that they do.

Even though there is no magic pill for a better brain, nutrients are vital to the function of all bodily systems. Also, as with many things related to best health practices, getting enough sleep and moving your body are two of the easiest ways to boost your brain power and create a healthy environment for your brain to function at its best.

Thank you for taking the time to read These are the Best Brain Supplements Available Today

References

1) Homocysteine-Lowering by B Vitamins Slows the Rate of Accelerated Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2) https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/11/12/omega-3-may-boost-brain-health-in-people-with-a-common-heart-disease

3) Docosahexaenoic acid and adult memory: a systematic review and meta-analysis

4) Effects of Vitamin E on Cognitive Performance during Ageing and in Alzheimer’s Disease

5) Dietary Carotenoids and the Nervous System

6) Brain glutathione levels—a novel biomarker for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

7) Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior

8) https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/57/1/57_1_9/_article

9)(Psychological stress-reducing effect of chocolate enriched with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in humans: assessment of stress using heart rate variability and salivary chromogranin

10) Melatonin: What You Need To Know

Parkinson’s disease - a devastating brain disorder

2021-08-02T03:41:00.001-07:00

Parkinson’s disease is a devastating brain disorder that gradually robs people of the ability to control their own movements. While the causes and cure of this affliction remain elusive, progressive scientists are continuing to unravel this disease.

During Parkinson’s, cells in the parts of the brain that control movement and regulate mood are gradually destroyed. The primary defect in Parkinson’s is a loss of dopaminergic neurons (such as dopamine-producing neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that modulates movement (Purves D et al 2001). In Parkinson’s disease, the dopamine-producing nerve cells are destroyed by high levels of oxidative damage (Atasoy HT et al 2004; Ross GW et al 2004). There is evidence that this oxidative damage is, in turn, caused by defects in the cells’ mitochondria, or power-generating centers.

The ideal treatment for Parkinson’s disease would be a neuroprotective agent— a treatment that protects the brain. While no neuroprotective prescription agent has been found, studies suggest that high-dose coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a natural agent, may have neuroprotective properties. CoQ10 is known to support mitochondria by enhancing energy levels in the brain, as well as by acting as a powerful antioxidant. In one phase 2 clinical trial, CoQ10 significantly slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease (Beal MF 2003).

Conventional therapy for Parkinson’s disease focuses on increasing the production and utilization of dopamine. Levodopa, which is the precursor to dopamine, has been the mainstay of Parkinson’s disease therapy since its discovery in the early 1960s. Today, levodopa remains the foundation of Parkinson’s therapy. However, after 5 years, levodopa begins to lose its effectiveness in patients with Parkinson’s disease. If used as the sole treatment, levodopa must then be prescribed in higher and higher doses, leading to more adverse effects and more intense symptoms. Other drugs that target other parts of dopamine production and the utilization cascade are now increasingly prescribed. When used early enough, these drugs can help postpone levodopa therapy.

By supporting the mitochondria with CoQ10, reducing oxidant stress, and enhancing production of dopamine with supplements and alternative prescription agents, the Life Extension Foundation program for Parkinson’s described here may help slow the progression of the disease. Later on in this chapter, the Life Extension Foundation presents a unique program that will enhance the effectiveness of levodopa therapy.

Problems with Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is not uncommon. It is estimated that Parkinson’s disease affects about 1 out of 250 people older than 40 years of age and 1 out of 100 people older than 65. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Men are affected slightly more often than women. However, after menopause or after having a hysterectomy, the risk increases in women. Parkinson’s disease is rarely diagnosed before age 40 (Fishman PS et al 2002).

Unfortunately, it is difficult to diagnose Parkinson’s disease in its early stages. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on the presence of symptoms, some of which occur in elderly people who do not have Parkinson’s. There is no lab test or imaging study that can accurately diagnose Parkinson’s.

In general, you have to exhibit two of the three following symptoms to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease:

Tremor at rest (including nodding or shaking of the head)—the classic symptom of Parkinson’s, present in about 85 percent of cases (Kasper DL et al 2004)
Rigidity
Abnormally slow movements and reflexes (bradykinesia)

Although a number of tests may be conducted (such as magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and positron emission tomography [PET]) to rule out other diseases, most diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease aren’t made until the disease has fairly well progressed. This is a problem, because many studies have shown that early intervention is especially valuable to postpone levodopa therapy. The recommended supplements have minimal adverse effects and are beneficial for even a healthy person. (However, the suggested prescription drugs discussed in these pages should not be taken unless you are under the supervision of a physician.)

Risk Factors for Parkinson’s Disease

A number of risk factors have been identified that increase the odds of contracting Parkinson’s. While the disease’s underlying causes have not been discovered, most researchers believe Parkinson’s is caused by overlapping environmental and genetic factors (Kasper DL et al 2004). Interestingly, both smoking and drinking coffee have been associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease (Deleu D 2001; Benedetti MD et al 2000; Smargiassi A et al 1998; Zuber M et al 1991).

Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:

Exposure to toxic metals. Parkinson’s disease is somewhat more common in rural areas and among people who work in agriculture and landscaping, suggesting that exposure to pollutants and toxic metals may be involved in the disease. A few heavy metals are known to be neurotoxic, including mercury, aluminum, copper, and iron (American Parkinson Disease Association 2006; Bardin JA 2000; Brown DJ 1998; Adams CR et al 1983). Metals (iron in particular) may cause some destructive effect through the production of reactive oxygen species (Zecca L et al 2004; Linert W et al 2000). Of course, iron is a necessary nutrient. Also, an iron deficiency can lead to increased absorption of more toxic metals including lead, cadmium, and aluminum (Goyer RA 1997).

Bacterial toxins. Another risk factor for Parkinson’s disease may be chronic exposure to toxins produced by intestinal bacteria (Clayman CB 1989). People with “leaky gut” syndrome may absorb excessive amounts of these toxins as the result of damage to the intestinal lining caused by other toxins and oxidants. Liver damage from alcohol and other toxins may further increase exposure to bacterial toxins (Philpott DJ et al 2001; Sullivan A et al 2001; Tancrede C 1992; Gentry LO 1991).

Poor diet. Poor nutrition in general, especially a low dietary intake of B vitamins and a high intake of simple sugars, has been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and with more rapid progression of the disease in patients who already have it (Yapa SC 1992; Golbe LI et al 1988). High dietary intake of meat increases absorption of iron and animal fats, both of which are associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s (Powers KM et al 2003; Logroscino G et al 1996).

Genetics. Although the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown in about 90 percent of cases, increasing numbers of genes have been identified that may increase the risk of Parkinson’s. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, people who have a first-degree relative (such as a parent, sibling, or child) with Parkinson’s disease are about 50 percent more likely to develop the disease.

The Value of Early Intervention

The leading cause of dopamine-producing nigral cell death in the brain appears to be mitochondrial energy depletion, which contributes to the oxidative stress that hastens the disease (Beal MF 2003). Other causes of nerve cell death include inflammation and excitotoxicity (Koller WC et al 2004).

Energy Enhancers: CoQ10 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Mitochondria are known as the energy powerhouses of cells. They use glucose and fats, combined with oxygen, to produce energy. This process generates a steady stream of oxidative molecules that are normally neutralized by internal antioxidants. In Parkinson’s disease, however, the electron chain in the mitochondria is deficient, causing them to produce much higher levels of oxidative molecules. This steady oxidant stress damages mitochondria and eventually kills the host cells (Abraham S et al 2005; Mazzio E et al 2001; Linert W et al 2000). The holy grail of Parkinson’s disease research is a neuroprotective agent (one that reduces damage to mitochondria and cells). According to encouraging study results, CoQ10 may be this promising neuroprotective agent.

CoQ10. CoQ10 levels are about 35 percent lower in the mitochondria of Parkinson’s disease patients than in the mitochondria of control subjects of similar age and sex (Shults CW et al 1997), both in blood platelets and in the substantia nigra (Gotz ME et al 2000). CoQ10 supplementation seems to protect substantia nigra neurons against impaired mitochondrial energy production (Shults CW et al 1997) and against glutamate-related excitotoxicity (Mazzio E et al 2001).

In one small placebo-controlled, double-blind study of patients with Parkinson’s disease, 360 milligrams (mg) daily of CoQ10 for 4 weeks provided a significant (if somewhat mild) reduction in symptoms and a significant improvement in measures of disease progression (Muller T et al 2003). In a larger trial, CoQ10 was associated with a 44 percent reduction in the decline of motor function and activities of daily living, in comparison with a placebo (Shults CW et al 2002). Doses as high as 3000 mg/day have been well tolerated. Investigators have concluded that 2400 mg/day is the highest appropriate dosage (Shults CW et al 2004).

When Parkinson’s disease has been chemically induced in animals, CoQ10 seems to be protective in the disease’s early stages; however, CoQ10 may be less effective once dopamine depletion is severe. This suggests that supplements should be started as early as possible (Schulz JB et al 1995).

Based on these studies, patients with Parkinson’s disease might consider supplementation with 1200 mg (or possibly more) of CoQ10 daily. Laboratory monitoring of CoQ10 blood levels (Jimenez-Jimenez FJ et al 2000) may help determine optimal dose and response to treatment (Steele PE et al 2004).

Acetyl-L-Carnitine. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) increases energy production by channeling fatty acids into mitochondria. It may also limit brain cell injury, thereby improving memory, motor skills, and possibly other brain functions. ALC also stimulates nerve cells to release dopamine, and it protects dopamine-containing neurons from destruction in animal models with Parkinson’s disease (Pettegrew JW et al 2000; Castorina M et al 1994).

Even at high dosages, toxicity with ALC has not been reported. Nausea and headache are infrequent and usually resolve with continued use or with dose reduction. Because ALC is a natural stimulant that typically increases energy levels and decreases fatigue, it is best taken in the morning. If taken before bedtime, it may interfere with sleep by suppressing serotonin and melatonin activity.

When ALC was regularly injected into the brains of infant rats, receptors for nerve growth factor increased in the striatum, where some dopamine-producing neurons reside (De Simone R et al 1991). ALC also increased nerve growth factor levels and utilization in the brains of older rats (Foreman PJ et al 1995; Taglialatela G et al 1994).

Antioxidant Therapy to Protect Neurons

While the underlying defect involves a defective mitochondrial electron transport chain, experts agree that most of the actual damage that occurs during Parkinson’s disease is caused by extremely high levels of oxidative stress. Not surprisingly, high levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, have been shown to relieve symptoms by protecting brain cells.

Experimental evidence showed that enrichment with vitamin E protected against oxidative stress in the substantia nigra (Roghani M et al 2001). Some scientists suggest that “chronic, high dose vitamin E dietary supplementation . . . may serve as a successful therapeutic strategy for the prevention or treatment of Parkinson’s disease” (Fariss MW et al 2003). Treatment with levodopa may be delayed for 2 years (or more) in newly diagnosed patients who receive large amounts of vitamins C and E (Fahn S 1992; Fahn S 1991).

Vitamin C may relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by neutralizing dopamine free radicals (Sakagami H et al 1998) and toxic quinones released from dopamine metabolism (Pardo B et al 1995), thereby protecting brain cells from levodopa-induced damage (Mytilineou C et al 1993). In the laboratory, bathing nerve cells in vitamin C enhanced dopamine synthesis (Seitz G et al 1998).

Bioflavonoids, which provide the red, pink, and purple colors in fruits and vegetables, are even stronger antioxidants than vitamin C. Most are water soluble and easily penetrate the brain. Suggested antioxidant supplements include grape seed extract. The herbal compound Ginkgo biloba contains numerous antioxidants, including proanthocyanins and flavonoids, which help maintain healthy brain function, circulation, and metabolism.

Polyphenols are antioxidants found in green tea, which are being investigated for their potential to protect against Parkinson’s disease (Weinreb O et al 2004). Polyphenols are also found in extracts of grape seeds and other plants. Like the bioflavonoids, they are powerful antioxidants. They may also inhibit the nerve cell damage in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

It’s also important to support healthy levels of glutathione, the main mitochondrial antioxidant. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a substantial depletion of mitochondrial glutathione, which further increases oxidative stress, decreases the electron chain transport activity and adenosine triphosphate production, and contributes to cell death (Khaldy H et al 2003). Supplements that can increase levels of glutathione include cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, selenium, lipoic acid, and garlic (Abdel-Wahab MH 2005; Abraham S et al 2005; Hsu M et al 2005; Soto-Otero R et al 2000). When taking L-cysteine, N-acetyl-cysteine, or glutathione, three times as much vitamin C should be taken at the same time to prevent these amino acid supplements from being oxidized in the body.

Although melatonin, a hormone produced in the pineal gland, reduces dopamine activity and release in the striatum, its potent antioxidant and mitochondrial-stimulating effects may protect against loss of dopamine-containing neurons (Zisapel N 2001). In rodents with chemically induced symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, melatonin prevented cell death and preserved enzyme activity in the substantia nigra (Antolin I et al 2002). Melatonin given orally easily reaches the brain and is well tolerated. Melatonin has been proposed as a potential therapy to prevent development or progression of Parkinson’s disease (Chen ST et al 2002) and to regulate disturbed sleep-wake cycles (Sandyk R 1992).

Melatonin has also been shown to work synergistically with deprenyl, a prescription drug that is frequently prescribed in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease (see below). In one animal study, a combination of melatonin and deprenyl was shown to protect mitochondria and simultaneously reduce the turnover in dopamine (Khaldy H et al 2003).

Amino Acids to Support Dopamine Production

The dietary amino acid tyrosine is converted in the brain to levodopa and then to dopamine. Phenylalanine, another dietary amino acid, can also be converted to tyrosine. Tyrosine and phenylalanine supplements therefore provide the brain with raw material to synthesize dopamine, and have been shown to increase dopamine formation in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients (Growdon JH et al 1982). These supplements should not be taken in conjunction with deprenyl because of the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

B Vitamins

Dopamine synthesis requires vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and its cofactor zinc, which should be provided in high amounts to overcome long-term deficiency symptoms and to stimulate dopamine production. Vitamin B6 (10 to 100 mg/day) decreased cramps, rigidity, and tremors, and also improved walking skills and bladder control (Sandyk R et al 1990).

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) enhances mitochondrial energy production and may help protect mitochondria from damage by toxins. A substance derived from nicotinamide, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), is essential for cell development and energy production (Bender DA et al 1979). Animal studies suggest that protective effects from oral nicotinamide supplements are greatest when given early in the course of Parkinson’s disease, before dopamine is severely depleted. The benefits of NADH in Parkinson’s disease may result from its ability to reduce inflammation within the brain and from its effect on the immune system (Nadlinger K et al 2001).

Deficiency of the B vitamin folate may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by elevating levels of homocysteine, which makes dopamine-containing neurons more vulnerable to environmental toxins (Duan W et al 2002).

Abnormalities in riboflavin (vitamin B2) in Parkinson’s disease may be associated with glutathione depletion, mitochondrial DNA mutations, disturbed mitochondrial protein complexes, and abnormal iron metabolism. In one small study of patients with Parkinson’s disease, all of whom had abnormally low riboflavin levels, daily supplements of 90 mg of riboflavin and elimination of red meat from the diet led to improvement in motor function with minimal adverse effects (Coimbra CG et al 2003).

Early Intervention with Prescription Drugs

The ideal goal of early therapy is to slow disease progression and postpone levodopa therapy. A number of promising drugs have been identified that can be used alone (monotherapy) or in conjunction with the supplements mentioned here to control symptoms and enhance dopamine production.

In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called rasagiline for early intervention of Alzheimer’s disease. In clinical trials, rasagiline was shown to block the breakdown of dopamine. Rasagiline belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. MAO acts in the brain to degrade dopamine. MAO inhibitors are especially helpful in younger patients, who are better able to tolerate their adverse effects (including high blood pressure, insomnia, and hallucinations). MAO inhibitors work by inhibiting dopamine breakdown in the brain. Another promising MAO inhibitor is selegiline. Some evidence derived from testing in animals suggests that selegiline and rasagiline have neuroprotective benefits, although this has not been demonstrated in clinical trials (Koller WC et al 2004).

Finally, some physicians recommend the use of dopamine agonists, which directly stimulate dopamine receptors. These drugs can be used as monotherapy early in the disease. Some of the more common dopamine agonists include ropinirole, pramipexole, and bromocriptine. Clinical trials have shown that these drugs can delay motor complications when used early in the disease, although they aren’t effective at long-term control (American Parkinson Disease Association 2006).

An interesting study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine involved 268 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Of these, 179 were randomly assigned to receive ropinirole; 89 received levodopa. Eighty-five patients in the ropinirole group and 45 patients in the levodopa group completed the 5-year study. After 5 years of treatment, patients taking ropinirole were significantly less likely to develop involuntary movements (dyskinesia). Only 20 percent in the ropinirole group developed dyskinesia, compared to 45 percent in the levodopa group. In addition, only 8 percent of patients taking ropinirole had severe dyskinesia, compared to 23 percent of those taking levodopa. Besides preventing dyskinesia, ropinirole helped control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease about as well as levodopa. On a scale that measured how well participants were able to perform daily living tasks, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The adverse effects in both groups were also similar. Researchers concluded that “early Parkinson’s disease can be managed successfully for up to five years with a reduced risk of dyskinesia by initiating treatment with ropinirole alone and supplementing it with levodopa if necessary” (Rascol O et al 2000).

Amantadine is also sometimes prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s disease, both early in the disease and in combination with levodopa. Amantadine does not slow disease progression, but has been shown to reduce dyskinesia by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which are responsible for the excitotoxicity associated with Parkinson’s.

Studies have also been conducted on drugs that reduce the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that is known to inhibit the release of dopamine. One nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist is theophylline, which was studied in a small trial of 15 patients who had Parkinson’s disease. These patients were already taking levodopa, but couldn’t tolerate higher doses because of adverse effects. Shortly after beginning theophylline therapy, 11 patients reported moderate or marked improvement in their conditions, which lasted for 3 months (Mally J et al 1994).

Nondrug Treatment

Because drug treatment cannot cure Parkinson’s disease and can only partially ameliorate symptoms, nondrug approaches are of great interest. A number of problems common to Parkinson’s may respond to nondrug treatments, including constipation, speech, poor nutrition, poor sleep, depression, and motor problems. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise, and speech therapy.

One modality that is attracting attention is known as deep brain stimulation. During this treatment, a part of the brain known as the subthalamic nucleus is stimulated; this results in long-term benefits for patients with Parkinson’s disease. In one recent study, 71 patients were given deep brain stimulation. The patients were observed for up to 2 years. Researchers found that the patients’ quality of life was improved after the therapy, and that these improvements were maintained over the long-term (Lyons KE et al 2005).

Enhancing Levodopa Therapy

Eventually, all patients who have Parkinson’s will need to take levodopa, which is converted into dopamine in the brain. As mentioned previously, while levodopa therapy is effective, after about 5 years, the drug begins to lose effectiveness. Eventually, higher doses are needed. The most commonly used levodopa drug is a drug that combines levodopa with carbidopa.

Dosage of the levodopa/carbidopa drug must be individualized based on previous drug treatments, making adjustments by adding or omitting ½ tablet to 1 tablet daily (Silverman HM 2000). Levodopa/carbidopa is also available in a controlled-release, slow-acting form, which is designed to give a smoother release of the drug. Often, somewhat more of the controlled-release form of the drug is required to obtain the same degree of relief obtained from the standard form. The controlled-release form of levodopa/carbidopa is started at a dosage equal to 10 percent more levodopa daily than the standard form of levodopa/carbidopa. The standard form should be taken with food, but the controlled-release form should be taken on an empty stomach (Silverman HM 2000). Food interactions, particularly protein, may impair the effectiveness of the controlled-release form because less of the drug may be absorbed and absorption may be more erratic (PDR 2002).

Another levodopa drug prescribed is a combination of levodopa and the decarboxylase inhibitor benserazide. Further improvement in availability of levodopa to the brain can be made by adding the generic drug entacapone. Entacapone is prescribed when the levodopa/carbidopa combo begins to wear off too soon. Entacapone extends the effect of each dose of levodopa/carbidopa, freeing the patient from stiffness and tremors for a longer period (PDR 2002).

Levodopa is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with a class of drugs called catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors. These drugs prevent conversion of levodopa to 3-O-methyldopa, thereby increasing the available pool of dopamine. Two COMT inhibitors approved in the United States are entacapone and tolcapone. Both drugs are rarely used as monotherapy but instead enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by increasing the length of time between doses of levodopa (off-periods). A combination of levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone is also available. Rasagiline can also be used in conjunction with levodopa.

After 5 years of continual use of levodopa, motor fluctuations and abnormal involuntary movements commonly begin to develop. If these involuntary movements are severe and difficult to control by other means, oral levodopa/carbidopa solutions may be beneficial (Kurth MC et al 1993). One study found an 80 percent improvement in severe dyskinesia in patients taking a solution of levodopa/carbidopa tablets combined with ascorbic acid. Ten tablets and 2 g of vitamin C were dissolved in 1 liter (L) of water. Each standard 5 milliliter (mL) teaspoon contained 5 mg of levodopa. An amount proportional to the usual daily intake was taken every hour and adjusted for optimal response. If one were to use this approach, it would be best to have the formulation prepared by a compounding pharmacist to avoid accidental levodopa overdose.

Long-term treatment with levodopa may also result in neurotic or psychotic symptoms (Chacon JR et al 2002; Garcia-Escrig M et al 1999). These symptoms are likely due to accumulation of the oxidation products of levodopa and dopamine in the brain. Similarly, the conditions of schizophrenics deteriorate when given levodopa. In schizophrenia, high doses of niacin/niacinamide and ascorbic acid can minimize or prevent hallucinogenic symptoms.

Levodopa competes with and ultimately reduces brain uptake of tyrosine and tryptophan, which may explain some of its adverse effects (Riederer P 1980), including depression, psychosis, and paranoid hallucinations. L-tryptophan supplementation (150 to 450 mg/day) may reduce visual hallucinations induced by levodopa (Rabey JM et al 1977; Gehlen WMJ 1974).

After about 10 years, another vicious cycle begins in which the drug becomes less effective, causing either spastic, uncontrolled movements or long periods of rigidity. Administering levodopa in different ways has the potential to avoid or reverse this negative spiral.

The consistent use of sufficient levodopa to prevent off-periods appears to overload the brain with potentially toxic or obstructive breakdown products. Because both the eventual loss of effectiveness and increased adverse effects seem to mainly result from the oxidation of dopamine and storage of the resulting toxic products in the brain cells, it is important to take regular “rest periods” from levodopa. Rest periods may be accomplished by withholding levodopa each day at bedtime and then reintroducing it the following morning when the body requires it. If you have low to moderate requirements for levodopa, this method works well (and many patients follow it).

If you take high levels of levodopa and use frequent on-periods/off-periods, you have more difficulty than patients who have low to moderate requirements. You may find it helpful to take the final levodopa dose of the day so that withdrawal symptoms (or an off-period) are expected to start at about bedtime. To ease your symptoms, take the following relaxation supplements shortly before dinner and about 2 hours before withdrawal time. If the starting doses are not fully effective, try different timing, dosages, and combinations:
- Magnesium citrate—320 milligrams (mg)
- L-tryptophan—1000 mg
- Melatonin—300 micrograms (mcg) to 10 mg
- Vitamin C—1 to 3 grams (g)
- Natural vitamin E—400 International Units (IU)
- Gamma tocopherol—200 mg
- Grape seed extract—200 mg
- Any other desired antioxidant
- Phosphatidylserine—100 mg
- A good multivitamin mix

If you have advanced Parkinson’s disease, you may initially experience a period of uncontrolled movements followed by a period of rigidity. After an hour or two, you should be able to relax, making sleep possible. During the night and in the morning, full mobility without any disabling adverse effects may be possible. However, your energy level will be lower than when you are taking levodopa. Your energy level will progressively become lower during the morning. At this time, your body is operating on dopamine that is stored in the brain from excess levels of levodopa.

As an alternative method, try taking sufficient levodopa before bedtime so that withdrawal occurs while you are asleep. If you can fall asleep using this technique and not wake up during the night with withdrawal symptoms, this might be the preferred method.

Upon rising, the following supplements may help to stimulate natural dopamine production, allowing you to delay the start of daily levodopa therapy. As soon as possible after rising, drink strong coffee and take the following nutrients:

L-tyrosine—1 g (take well before the protein drink described below)
ALC—2 g
NADH—5 to 10 mg
A good antioxidant multi-nutrient mix

After taking these supplements, prepare a protein drink with a spoonful each of wheat or barley grass powder, spirulina, chlorella, and several spoonfuls of bee pollen. Stir or blend in a liquid (such as grape juice, black currant juice, or fresh vegetable juice) and drink before or with breakfast, 20 to 30 minutes after drinking coffee. Optionally, drink additional coffee. Take additional stimulating supplements, starting with small amounts and increasing them gradually. Try different combinations of the following:

An antioxidant multi-nutrient mix
Niacinamide—500 mg
Vitamin C— 2 to 3 grams
Vitamin E—400 IU
CoQ10—1200 to 2400 mg/day
Different stimulating herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, or licorice root (avoid licorice root if you have elevated blood pressure)

The goal is to delay taking your first levodopa dose for as long as possible. Once daily levodopa therapy has started, however, take levodopa at sufficiently close intervals to prevent any unexpected off-periods before beginning the scheduled nightly withdrawal. If you start taking levodopa much later in the day, repeat most of the supplements listed above every 2 hours until about 2 hours before your first dose of levodopa.

With continued therapy, withdrawal symptoms will hopefully ease. Ideally, you will fall asleep without noticing distressing symptoms. Tremors that occur during the day and psychiatric or behavioral problems should also gradually ease or disappear. Taking sufficient amounts of magnesium and tryptophan helps overcome rigidity, tremors, constipation, and insomnia, while taking sufficient amounts of antioxidants (combined with nightly withdrawal of levodopa) helps overcome hallucinations and other psychiatric symptoms.

To keep the nightly withdrawal period as short as possible, let your levodopa level drop steeply after the last tablet. It appears there is a range of brain levodopa levels within which uncontrolled movements are most likely (not only when overdosing, but also when withdrawing). To move quickly through this range, do not take the last tablet after a longer time interval than previous tablets or at a lower dose or after a long-acting tablet in the late afternoon.

However, because experiences are different for everyone, experiment with the various techniques suggested. Increase the amount and variety of supplements gradually. After you notice improvement, stay with a comfortable maintenance dose, which may result in a reduction of some supplements. Also, remember that any emotional, nutritional, or chemical stress can increase your symptoms.

Taking Drug Holidays

The best way to improve the symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease, especially if levodopa therapy is no longer effective, is to take a “drug holiday” (in which you stop taking levodopa for a short time). A drug holiday should improve the response to levodopa and reduce adverse effects. Drug holidays, if they are attempted, should be done only under the direct supervision of a physician in a hospital setting. Withdrawal may lead to severe depression, immobility, and aspiration pneumonia.

Before taking a supervised drug holiday, it is best to wait until you have augmented levodopa therapy with the supplements recommended in this chapter and until you have been on an effective dietary program for several weeks or months. While under your physician’s guidance, try stopping all levodopa therapy for up to 1 week, while still continuing to take the recommended amounts of supplements.

Hope on the Horizon

Researchers are pursuing a number of experimental therapies that offer hope for a lasting cure for Parkinson’s. Perhaps the most high profile of these is cell transplant therapy, which involves transplantation of fetal substantia nigra cells into the brains of people who have Parkinson’s disease. In laboratory studies, these fetal cells have regenerated the portions of the brain affected by Parkinson’s. However, there are significant ethical concerns about using fetal cells that have to be resolved before research can continue.

The Importance of Diet

Levodopa intake must be adjusted based on diet. With a high-protein diet, levodopa absorption is delayed and less levodopa reaches the brain, which may worsen symptoms. High intake of amino acids significantly reduces the motor response to levodopa (Mizuta E et al 1993), and levodopa competes with and reduces brain uptake of tyrosine and tryptophan, which may contribute to some of its adverse effects (Riederer P 1980). With a high-carbohydrate diet, more levodopa reaches the brain, and dyskinesia may develop. It is best to eat only one protein meal daily, preferably in the evening after taking the final levodopa dose for the day.

Patients with Parkinson’s disease may not tolerate sharp cheeses, red wine, dark chocolate, nutmeg, smoked fish, or other foods containing tyramine, because they are more likely than the general population to have a genetic abnormality in the biochemical detoxification process by which sulfur reacts with cysteine to form sulfate (McFadden SA 1996). Patients with Parkinson’s should avoid these foods because tyramine can stimulate MAO-A, an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. Both epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced from dopamine, so stimulation of MAO-A by tyramine may further deplete dopamine levels.

It is best to choose organic chicken or low-mercury fish (both of which are good sources of protein) for your one protein meal a day. Red meat is rich in iron and should be avoided (Powers KM et al 2003). High intakes of sugar and animal fat, especially from junk food, increase body fat, reduce lean muscle mass, decrease delivery of brain fuel, and make brain cells more susceptible to toxins. Inactivity and inadequate exposure to sunlight may further exacerbate abnormalities in body composition (Petroni ML et al 2003). A high-fat diet may also predispose a person to coronary artery disease, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.

The benefits of coffee and tea may include the brain-stimulating effect of caffeine, the niacin found in coffee, and the polyphenols or other nutrients in both beverages (Checkoway H et al 2002).

For a person in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, regular exercise, assistive devices in the home, and participation in support groups and organizations may improve morale and mobility. Physical therapy or muscle strengthening may improve function in daily activities. Depending on individual limitations, therapy may focus on mobility, range of motion, muscle tone, gait, or balance (Hirsch MA et al 2003; Van Vaerenbergh J et al 2003). Speech therapy may reduce difficulties in both speaking and swallowing.

Even without formal therapy, regular weight-bearing exercise (such as walking, jogging, or dancing), swimming, or gardening may be helpful. Stretching before and after exercise improves blood flow to the muscles, reduces stiffness, and improves flexibility and balance. Energy level should determine exercise intensity and duration (Sutoo D et al 2003).

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, the affected person tends to walk with a stooped, shuffling gait. If you have Parkinson’s, try to stand as upright as possible, with your head straight up and aligned over your hips. Your feet should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart. A good exercise is to take long strides, lifting the legs and swinging the arms. Supportive walking shoes may improve stability. In the event of becoming stuck in place (“freezing”), rocking gently from side to side or pretending to step over an object on the floor may overcome immobility.

Practicing tai chi or performing other exercises that improve balance may help prevent falls. Remove area rugs, secure loose carpeting, install handrails and grab bars, stow electrical and telephone cords, and place the telephone within easy reach (or carry a cordless phone). For easier dressing, allow plenty of time, lay out your clothes nearby, and choose garments that slip on or fasten easily.

Other Supplements

Many additional supplements may enhance energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and/or improve cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. These supplements showed benefit in animal models, are generally well tolerated by patients, and show promise for further testing in Parkinson’s disease (Beal MF 2003).

Phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring component found in every cell membrane of the body, appears to reduce oxidative stress (Chong ZZ et al 2004). Brain levels of PS typically decline with age, suggesting that supplementation might improve neural function, help maintain cell membrane integrity, and protect brain cells. Lecithin, which contains all the phosphatides found naturally in cell membranes, helps to increase the cell membrane ratio of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine to cholesterol. This maintains cell membrane structure while increasing cell membrane fluidity.

Essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to increase dopamine production in cultured brain cells of mice (Heller A et al 2005). This is an intriguing finding because fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation in many tissues, and inflammation has been implicated in the causation of Parkinson’s disease. DHA, in particular, is essential to brain health because it constitutes between 30 percent and 50 percent of the total fatty acid content of the human brain (Young G et al 2005). DHA has also been shown to increase PS (Akbar M et al 2005).

Scientists have recently developed a compound that takes DHA and binds it to a lecithin extract that has itself been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Laboratory studies have documented that this patented compound delivers higher DHA concentrations to brain cells.

Combining DHA with PS. Scientists have discovered that DHA attaches itself to PS molecules and acts as an important ally in the promotion of brain cell energy production. A number of brain researchers, including Dr. Norman Salem, head of the Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics at the National Institutes of Health, are convinced that PS with attached DHA is among the most critically important molecules for healthy brain function. Scientists believe that PS supplementation works optimally if DHA levels are kept commensurately high (Kidd PM 2005).

In response to an increasing body of research showing the intricate relationship between DHA and PS, scientists have developed a PS-DHA compound that can be incorporated directly into the membranes of brain cells.

To evaluate the effects of PS-DHA on memory loss, a study was done on middle-aged rats that had laboratory-induced accelerated brain aging. Administering traditional sources of DHA did not have an effect on this experimental model, but the group receiving the PS-DHA compound was able to attain a great deal of protection against this neurological challenge. When the brains of these animals were analyzed, there was more DHA incorporated in the cells of the group receiving the PS-DHA than in those receiving other omega-3 agents.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) improves neurological function and protects against age-related diseases (Cyr M et al 2000; Goncharova ND et al 2000; Azuma T et al 1999). The positive effects of DHEA on oxidative stress and on NMDA receptors suggest theoretical benefit in patients with Parkinson’s disease (Genedani S et al 2004).

Parkinsonism vs. Parkinson’s Disease

A multitude of disorders and conditions, from drug use to stroke to head injuries, may result in symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease. People with these conditions have parkinsonism, or Parkinson’s disease–like symptoms. It is estimated that idiopathic Parkinson’s disease accounts for about 75 percent of cases of parkinsonism. The rest are associated with a multitude of risk factors, including head injury, exposure to pesticides, consumption of well water, and living in rural areas (Kasper DL et al 2004). Although these cases of parkinsonism have not been studied to the same extent as Parkinson’s disease, the condition is marked by the same underlying movement disorders and symptoms. Thus, it makes sense for people who have mild parkinsonism to follow the same approach as people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. The antioxidants (especially CoQ10) and other nutrients improve symptoms.

Recommendations

Parkinson’s disease (and parkinsonism) presents a challenge for both the conventional physician and the alternative medicine physician. You should not try to manage Parkinson’s disease on your own; always consult a physician if you have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. For patients who are in the disease’s early stages:

CoQ10—1200 to 2400 milligrams (mg)/day
ALC—1000 to 2000 mg/day
Vitamin E—400 to 800 international units (IU)/day of alpha-tocopherol with at least 200 mg/day of gamma-tocopherol
Vitamin C—1000 to 5000 mg/day
Grape seed extract—100 to 300 mg/day
Ginkgo biloba—120 mg/day
Green tea extract—at least 725 mg/day (93 percent or higher in polyphenols)
Glutathione—250 to 500 mg/day
Cysteine—500 to 1200 mg/day
Selenium—200 micrograms (mcg)/day
Lipoic acid—150 to 600 mg/day
Aged garlic extract—600 to 1200 mg/day
Melatonin—3 mcg/day to 10 mg/day (taken at night)
Tyrosine—500 to 1000 mg/day
Phenylalanine—500 to 1000 mg/day
NADH—5 to 10 mg/day
B complex—at least 50 mg/day of riboflavin, 75 mg/day of vitamin B6, and 8700 mcg/day of folic acid
DHEA—25 to 50 mg/day (increase dose according to blood test results)
PS—100 to 300 mg/day
Fish oil—at least 700 to 1400 mg/day of EPA and 500 to 1000 mg/day of DHA

In addition, strong coffee upon waking has been shown to reduce symptoms. A number of prescription drugs, including MAO inhibitors and dopamine agonists, may also be used as monotherapy early in the disease to postpone levodopa therapy. Because of the risk of adverse effects, patients who have Parkinson’s disease, or people who suspect that they may have Parkinson’s disease, should work closely with a physician to determine their optimal dosages of these supplements. Finally, it’s important to maintain a “clean” diet and get regular, moderate exercise.

Once levodopa therapy has begun, the goal is to preserve the drug’s effectiveness for as long as possible. For specific strategies, please refer to the section “Enhancing Levodopa Therapy” in this chapter.

Parkinson’s Disease Safety Caveats

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Choline

Do not take choline if you have primary genetic trimethylaminuria.
Choline can cause fishy body odor, excessive perspiration, hypotension (low blood pressure), depression, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Coenzyme Q10

See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.

DHEA

Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
DHEA can cause androgenic effects in woman such as acne, deepening of the voice, facial hair growth and hair loss.

D,L-Phenylalanine

Do not take D,L-phenylalanine if you have phenylketonuria.
Do not take D,L-phenylalanine if you are taking nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Do not take D,L-phenylalanine if you have schizophrenia. D,L-phenylalanine can exacerbate tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements) in people who have schizophrenia.
Consult your doctor before taking D,L-phenylalanine if you have high blood pressure. D,L-phenylalanine can exacerbate high blood pressure. D,L-phenylalanine can also cause high blood pressure.

EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.

Folic acid

Consult your doctor before taking folic acid if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Daily doses of more than 1 milligram of folic acid can precipitate or exacerbate the neurological damage caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Garlic

Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.

Ginkgo biloba

Do not take ginkgo biloba if you have a known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage such as systematic arterial hypertension, diabetes, or amyloid senile plaque.
Ginkgo biloba can cause allergic skin reactions, elevated blood pressure, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

Ginseng

Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Overuse of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking NSAIDs or warfarin with ginseng can increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have diabetes. Taking ginseng can cause an extreme drop in your blood glucose level.
Ginseng can cause breast pain, vaginal bleeding after menopause, insomnia, headaches, and nosebleeds.

Green Tea

Consult your doctor before taking green tea extract if you take aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking green tea extract and aspirin or warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using green tea extract 2 weeks before any surgical procedure. Green tea extract may decrease platelet aggregation.
Green tea extract contains caffeine, which may produce a variety of symptoms including restlessness, nausea, headache, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and rapid heartbeat.

L-Tryptophan

Do not take L-tryptophan if you have carcinoid tumors.
Do not take L-tryptophan while taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (type A) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs.
Do not take L-tryptophan with any antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs.
Do not take L-tryptophan with serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists, including naratriptan, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan.
Do not take L-tryptophan if you have ischemic heart disease (e.g., a history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or documented silent ischemia), coronary artery spasm (e.g., Prinzmetal sangina), uncontrolled hypertension or any other significant cardiovascular disease.
L-tryptophan can trigger excess serotonin formation in tissues other than the target organ and cause significant adverse reactions.?
L-tryptophan can cause nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, pupil dilation, abnormally sensitive reflexes, loss of muscle coordination, blurry vision and cardiac dysrhythmia.

L-Tyrosine

Do not take L-tyrosine if you have inborn errors of metabolism alkaptonuria and tyrosinemia type I and type II.
Do not take L-tyrosine if you are taking non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Do not take L-tyrosine if you have hypertension.
Do not take L-tyrosine if you have melanoma

Licorice

Do not take licorice extract if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart irregularities, abnormal muscle tension, poor kidney function, low blood potassium levels, or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, or any disease that impedes the flow of bile from the liver.
Do not take licorice for more than 6 weeks in a row. High doses of licorice (more than 20 grams of licorice extract daily or 50 grams of licorice root daily) taken for extended periods may lead to excessive loss of sodium from the blood, water retention, high blood pressure, heart irregularities, fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.

Lipoic Acid

Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently. Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.

Magnesium

Do not take magnesium if you have kidney failure or myasthenia gravis.

Melatonin

Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.

NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NADH can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite.

Niacin (nicotinic acid)

Do not take high doses of nicotinic acid (1.5 to 5 grams daily or more) if you have liver dysfunction, an unexplained elevation in your serum aminotransferase (transaminase) level, active peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have a history of jaundice, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, disease of the liver or bile ducts, gout, kidney dysfunction, or cardiovascular disease (especially acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have diabetes. High doses of nicotinic acid can negatively affect glucose tolerance. Monitor your serum glucose level frequently if you take nicotinic acid and have diabetes.
Have your doctor monitor your serum aminotransferase level if you take high-doses of nicotinic acid.
Nicotinic acid may cause flushing, principally of the face, neck, and chest. This flushing is thought to be prostaglandin-prostacyclin mediated. Histamine may also play a role in the flushing.
Nicotinic acid can cause dizziness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.
High doses of nicotinic acid can cause blurred vision, macular edema, toxic amblyopia, and cystic maculopathy.

PABA (Para-aminobenzoic Acid)

Do not take PABA if you are taking sulfonamides or have a kidney disease.
PABA can cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rash.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and indigestion
Consult your doctor before taking phosphatidylserine if you have antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome. See your doctor frequently if you take phosphatidylserine and have antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome.

Selenium

High doses of selenium (1000 micrograms or more daily) for prolonged periods may cause adverse reactions.
High doses of selenium taken for prolonged periods may cause chronic selenium poisoning. Symptoms include loss of hair and nails or brittle hair and nails.
Selenium can cause rash, breath that smells like garlic, fatigue, irritability, and nausea and vomiting.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin B1 for a thiamin deficiency, lactic acidosis secondary to thiamin deficiency, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, or Korsakoff’s psychosis.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

High doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may interfere with the Abbott TDx drugs-of-abuse assay.
Riboflavin absorption is increased in hypothyroidism and decreased in hyperthyroidism.
If you are taking nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, even a mild riboflavin deficiency can increase your risk of lactic acidosis.

Vitamin B6

Individuals who are being treated with levodopa without taking carbidopa at the same time should avoid doses of 5 milligrams or greater daily of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Do not take cyanocobalamin if you have Leber’s optic atrophy.

Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.

Advantages Of A Gym Membership

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Now is a good season for the health conscious to check up on the latest in gym exercise equipment. A wide variety of gym exercise equipment is available in the market each designed to tone the specific part of the body. So for that lasting impression as you stride down the beach and flaunt it, here are some of the important aspects in choosing the right gym exercise equipment for you.

Know your body: whether you want to sport the firm and fit type or something as insanely huge as the Hulk, gamma radiation included, everyone has their own preference. For a first-timer, choosing the right gym exercise equipment can be attained in two ways: purchasing it from a sports store or to sign up in one of hundreds of gym establishments in the city.

One advantage in using the gym exercise equipment in a gym is the selection of commercial models that will help you get in shape, if not faster then better. Commercial gym exercise equipment are a little more complicated to use, often with digital readouts and other computerized systems attached, but the outcome after using the machine does show fantastic results after a few weeks. In addition to commercial gym exercise equipment, trainers are available to help you draw up a program to achieve that attention-grabbing body you always wanted. Be it in a posh place like Gold's Gym, or a neighborhood one that offers fifty bucks per session, these establishments hold the upper hand when it comes to quality gym exercise equipment.

Home gym exercise equipment is something a little more easy to use and compact enough that you can stow it away in your closet after two hours of working out. Convenience is all about the home gym exercise equipment, especially if they are the shy type who could not stand to flaunt themselves in public, even in a gym. They can be as attractive to look at like their commercial counterparts, but with a price tag that is a bit easy on the pocket. They require little effort when adjusting the setting to get out its maximum exercise performance.

A first-timer can acquire and use the home exercise equipment without too much flub. But as he or she gains experience, and not to mention a greater body, they go for more body specific machines that will bring out the best in (and out of) them. All they have to do is to draw a layout of his or her personalized body building program from books and go from there.

Know your self, as well as your body. Whether you purchased it in a store, or holding a gleaming member's card, gym exercise equipment is the next best thing since the home-made dumbbells and barbells out of cement on a pair of large milk cans and a metal water pipe.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Robert Swayze is a Nutrition Enthusiast and a Professional Speaker and Influencer. Visit his Glutathione website to find out what your body needs to utilize the vitamins you get from healthy eating.  You can also visit www.SwishingForLife.com and learn the #1 Best Selling Acne and blemish Spray on the Market.